Chapter 32
“I apologize.”
Go Yunseo, who had stopped walking, began following again as the distance grew. He was like a leech. He was probably secretly eavesdropping on conversations from somewhere and would run away when he sensed any sign.
The place they arrived at in an unpleasant mood was the quarters where Han Yuseol had stayed. Upon entering, there was a strong incense smell that hadn’t been there before. On an elegant table were Buddha statues and incense that he hadn’t seen before. In the center of the room sat a shaman in white ceremonial robes with her eyes covered. Meisa, who had been standing beside her, saw Kim Seon and smiled brightly.
“Have you arrived?”
“I was a bit late because I had many matters to handle.”
At his words, Meisa nodded as if it was fine and introduced the shaman.
“This person has lived in Museolwon for a long time and moved to the capital. Please feel free to call her Seogwang (曙光).”
Kim Seon pondered the name Seogwang and said quietly.
“A sign of hope. The name has a good meaning.”
“I am deeply honored.”
Soon he examined Seogwang, who sat with her eyes covered, and asked.
“But what was the reason for moving from Museolwon to the capital?”
Seogwang answered as if she had been waiting.
“Because it was difficult to endure the energy of Museolwon.”
“Difficult to endure the energy….”
“Since ancient times, Museolwon has been protected by a spiritually powerful being who has received divine authority. That being could be a tree of the earth, a river of the earth, fog of the atmosphere, or clouds of the sky.”
There had been numerous rumors about Museolwon, which was ruled by the Choi family. Stories that gods dwelt there or that only chosen ones could enter.
The rumors had diminished after Kim Seon’s father, who had been wary of worship of the former royal Choi family’s territory, used Museolwon like an exile site, but there were still many people who considered Museolwon sacred.
But for even a supposedly skilled shaman to say that Museolwon was protected by a spiritually powerful being. Kim Seon found it ridiculous.
“What nonsensical talk.”
Seogwang answered carefully.
“You may feel that way. However, if you doubt the reason why people sent to Museolwon keep dying, you’ll find the answer.”
Though Kim Seon didn’t particularly believe Seogwang’s words, he spoke with the thought that he had nothing left to lose.
“Continue talking.”
Seogwang opened her mouth with difficulty.
“For whatever reason, it’s the nature of spiritually powerful beings to avoid killing, but the being protecting Museolwon doesn’t hesitate to kill. Of course there must be good reason for that, but even that being surely cannot commit continuous and numerous killings.”
Doubt appeared on Kim Seon’s face.
“A divine agent, but unable to kill at will. What’s the reason?”
“Human life and death are the natural order. It’s because the gods don’t permit anyone to interfere with that order.”
Kim Seon had been suffering from headaches all day and wanted to hear only the main point.
“I understand. Anyway, just tell me the method to send people into Museolwon.”
Seogwang, who had been hesitating for a long time, answered with lips trembling from tension.
“…The best method would be for the sun of the nation to personally make the journey. Because no matter how strong a being is, it wouldn’t be able to make the sun of the nation set before all things that are the eyes and ears of the gods.”
Kim Seon, who had been continuing the conversation calmly, raised both eyebrows slightly.
“So you’re saying I must go to Museolwon?”
At the voice tinged with anger, Seogwang prostrated herself flat on the floor.
“Please understand.”
Kim Seon let out a long sigh and looked at Meisa.
“What do you think?”
Meisa answered with both hands respectfully clasped.
“Going to clear your head wouldn’t be a bad method. Moreover, you’ve been overexerting yourself with various matters lately, so I’m also uneasy.”
Though he nodded as if agreeing with her words, Kim Seon didn’t want to leave the palace with the court in disorder. Soon he looked at Kwon Ujin with worried eyes.
Kwon Ujin was someone who had served the previous king with all his heart. Though it was natural as chief secretary, he had no children and no women. Accordingly, his greed would be less than others, so he trusted Kwon Ujin as well.
Moreover, since he was well-informed about court affairs and knowledgeable about the censorate’s work, it would be good to hear Kwon Ujin’s opinion as usual. Kim Seon asked quietly.
“What does the chief secretary think?”
Kwon Ujin, who had been deeply contemplating from behind, offered his opinion.
“If it’s not a long schedule, there should be no problems.”
Kim Seon had thought he would prevent the trip to Museolwon. It was a journey that would consume manpower, travel expenses, and time, with little practical benefit.
Well, perhaps he felt at ease because the prime minister and left minister were of one mind.
But to have to go to a place where agents had died or lost contact. Kim Seon spoke with a face full of worry.
“However, the terrible weather is a concern.”
Seogwang, who had been holding her breath, spoke carefully.
“Please don’t worry about that. I will perform a ritual praying for safe passage.”
As if she had been waiting, Meisa looked toward the next room and said.
“Bring what we prepared.”
Shamans in white ceremonial robes began entering in a line, carrying well-prepared tables. A cow’s head with all its hide stripped off was visible. It wasn’t boiled but a cow with blood still dripping. Kim Seon felt uncomfortable at the unusual sight.
Meisa, observing his reaction, spoke in a coquettish voice.
“I personally stripped the hide with my wishes. It will surely have good effects, so please don’t be concerned.”
An uncomfortable smile that showed his reluctance appeared on Kim Seon’s lips.
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