🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 12
This was not something she could answer lightly, without even a moment’s hesitation.
“It means I won’t live the way I used to—constantly watching Uncle and Aunt’s moods and holding my breath.”
That was how Yoon Seol had described the old Geum Seolha. Though it wasn’t detailed in The Heavenly Martial Emperor, the Geum Seolha in the novel had probably lived much the same way.
“There will be conflict. There will be threats. And if something goes wrong, it won’t just be me in danger—you could end up in even greater danger…!”
“Yes, I know.”
Ha Dowoon answered calmly.
“I understand that if things go badly, it may be difficult for them to lay a hand on you directly, Young Miss, but the same would not apply to us.”
“And you know all that…?”
This was something that could cost someone their life.
Yet he was willing to follow her so readily? Even knowing exactly what kind of risks it might involve?
The question was written plainly across her face.
Ha Dowoon smiled faintly.
“But, Young Miss, if anyone intends to harm you, they will have to get through me first.”
“…”
“I have always stood behind you with that resolve.”
Taking a measured breath, Ha Dowoon met Geum Seolha’s gaze.
“Whether you leave Geumrin or involve yourself in the succession struggle, nothing about that will change.”
Geum Seolha’s eyes widened.
According to the novel, the future was destined to become a complete disaster. She had fully intended to slip away and save herself.
And yet he had noticed?
“Even if the place where you stand changes, I will always remain by your side.”
It was a declaration that no matter what intentions she held, his decision would remain the same.
Staring blankly at him, Geum Seolha let out a quiet groan.
“You knew I was thinking of leaving Geumrin?”
“A little.”
“And you still stayed by my side.”
It was a life far removed from wealth and glory.
Even knowing that future might await him, he had remained beside her.
A faint laugh escaped Geum Seolha.
“Eunseol knew as well.”
“…”
“If she heard what you’ve just said, she would have given you the same answer I did.”
At Dowoon’s words, Geum Seolha gripped the edge of Yoon Seol’s blanket tightly.
The numbness clouding her thoughts vanished as though cold water had been poured over her head.
Now was not the time to drown in sentiment.
Geum Seolha sharpened her focus.
“I need people. People who know the family’s movements and can keep their mouths shut.”
After a brief moment of thought, Ha Dowoon spoke.
“I know a few guards, some members of the Hwangryong Unit, and several maids from Moran Pavilion.”
The number was greater than she had expected.
It surprised her that Ha Dowoon, who rarely spoke and almost never left his post, had such a wide network.
“If word gets out that they met me, it’ll be troublesome.”
“That won’t happen. If you tell me what exactly you have in mind, I can narrow the list further.”
His answer was firm, which somehow made it even more trustworthy.
“I want to investigate Lady Hong’s reputation and the rumors surrounding her.”
“In that case, the maids of Moran Pavilion would be best. No one knows that sort of thing better than they do.”
“Good. It would also be helpful if we could learn something about Lady Baek.”
“Then it would be best for you to meet a few maids from Moran Pavilion, as well as a member of the Hwangryong Unit.”
The answers came out so smoothly that Geum Seolha tilted her head.
Meeting the maids made sense.
But…
“Why someone from the Hwangryong Unit?”
“The Hwangryong Unit represents Geumrin and serves directly under the Family Head. Also… Lady Baek’s nephew belongs to it.”
After a moment of hesitation, Ha Dowoon lowered his voice as he spoke.
Geum Seolha blinked.
“A nephew? Lady Baek has a nephew?”
“Very few people know about it.”
Geum Seolha stared at him.
Very few people knew?
Then how did you find out?
The question was obvious on her face.
Ha Dowoon gave a wry smile.
“I once helped him out of a difficult situation and learned about it then. If you meet him, he may be able to answer the questions you have.”
“Do you know why I’m trying to learn about Lady Baek, Dowoon?”
“To remove Lady Hong from power, you’ll need her.”
The accurate observation drew another bitter smile from Geum Seolha.
She possessed neither influence within the family nor a powerful backer.
Even if she managed to remove Lady Hong, it would mean nothing if someone else simply took her place.
I can’t put one of my own people in that position right now.
She lacked both the power and the people.
At the very least, she needed someone who would not harm her.
Lady Baek was the ideal choice.
Judging by his response, Ha Dowoon had reached the same conclusion immediately.
“You knew all this and still managed to keep quiet until now.”
His advice could only come from someone who understood the family’s power structure and political struggles in detail.
“Did you know, Dowoon?”
“Know what?”
“What choice I would make?”
The impulsive question left Geum Seolha regretting her words.
Ha Dowoon answered calmly.
“I merely considered several possible paths and left them all open.”
It was an unfamiliar side of the man who usually seemed like nothing more than a steadfast warrior.
“It was something your mother always said.”
“…My mother?”
“She told me to think with many roads open before me. She also said never to confine myself to limited choices.”
Geum Seolha listened intently.
“She was always the type to come up with the most unexpected answers.”
As she watched the gentle expression on Ha Dowoon’s face—one reserved for cherished memories—she repeated the words silently.
Leave many paths open.
At that moment, the rough outlines of her plans began to take on clearer shape.
That night, the two of them stayed awake together beside Yoon Seol, whose fever rose and fell repeatedly.
Early the next morning, the physician carrying a bowl of medicinal decoction entered the room and stopped in surprise.
“You spent the night here?”
At the old physician’s question, Ha Dowoon answered awkwardly.
“Yes, Physician Yoo.”
The elderly physician, Yoo Wongang, turned his gaze toward Geum Seolha.
Though stained and worn, her bright yellow robes remained unmistakable.
Only blood relatives of Geumrin wore such clothing.
“I greet the Young Miss.”
Geum Seolha nodded, somewhat uncomfortable with his formality.
“Don’t mind me. Just do what you need to do.”
Setting down the medicine, Yoo Wongang checked Yoon Seol’s pulse and replaced the bandages covering her wounds.
After finishing the treatment and handing the medicine to Ha Dowoon, he looked at Geum Seolha.
“She has passed the critical stage, but her condition is far from good.”
“…I understand.”
“Once she regains consciousness, her recovery should proceed quickly. However, it may still take some time before she wakes.”
Unlike the previous night, when her temperature fluctuated wildly between fever and normality, Yoon Seol’s fever remained constant now.
“We must continue monitoring her condition.”
The words carried the implication that this was the best he could do.
Geum Seolha stared silently at Yoon Seol before slowly nodding.
“Thank you.”
Yoo Wongang regarded her with mild surprise as she thanked him so readily, then took his leave.
Geum Seolha rose as well.
“Dowoon, do you happen to know anyone trustworthy in the Medicine Hall?”
“A maid and a servant.”
“Send one of them to me.”
Ha Dowoon paused.
“You intend to leave me here.”
“I told you. Other than you and Eunseol, there isn’t anyone I trust.”
“…”
“One foolish mistake is enough.”
If something was precious, it had to be protected accordingly.
One accident beyond her reach was already more than enough.
Realizing she would not change her mind, Ha Dowoon let out a quiet sigh and stood.
“I’ll bring someone.”
“Please do.”
Once he left, Geum Seolha reached out and gently brushed Yoon Seol’s forehead.
“I’ll be back, Eunseol.”
Not long afterward, Ha Dowoon returned with a maid who looked bright and capable.
“This is the one, Young Miss.”
“My name is So Yeongyeong, Young Miss.”
The maid bowed deeply.
Geum Seolha nodded.
“I’m Geum Seolha.”
“Y-Yes, Young Miss!”
Watching the visibly nervous maid, Geum Seolha turned toward Ha Dowoon.
He subtly avoided her gaze.
“I’ve already explained in detail about the people you wish to meet. Just follow this child, and she’ll guide you.”
“Thank you. And… please take care of Eunseol.”
Only after repeating her request did Geum Seolha finally leave the Medicine Hall.
Returning to her residence with the unfamiliar maid, So Yeongyeong, she lightly tapped the girl’s shoulder.
“For now, could you take off your clothes?”
“…Pardon?”
So Yeongyeong stared at her in disbelief, wondering if she had heard correctly.
