If You Claim the Fallen Heiress - Chapter 34

When she opened the door again, Jiwoon had been gone for a long time, and only a white handkerchief was neatly placed in front of the door.

Rather than this kind of consideration, Jiwoon should have learned to clearly end conversations before leaving. Yuseol picked up the handkerchief and pressed it firmly against her eyes.

But who was the “that person” Jiwoon had mentioned? Somehow it seemed like the man called Mu-yeong…. Because he seemed to possess so much that it would be possible.

She didn’t know how long she had been pondering. She repeatedly took off and put on her rings several times.

Then she rummaged through the wrapping cloth she had brought from the palace to find items that could be exchanged for money. Three rings, a necklace, a norigae made of rose quartz, and a fan with gold decorations. She had planned to give some to Myoyeon when leaving Museolwon and use the rest for travel expenses.

The important fact was that she had already planned to use them anyway. Whether used for travel expenses or for bringing her sister, weren’t they items that would disappear anyway?

…Yes.

Yuseol only kept the jade ring and handkerchief that Geon had brought her in her childhood. Then she wrapped the rest nicely in the cloth and requested a meeting with Myoyeon.

A little later, Myoyeon came carrying two more chrysanthemum flowers.

“The vase seems bigger than I thought, so I picked more. By tomorrow, the fragrance should become a bit stronger.”

Yuseol received the chrysanthemums Myoyeon offered and carefully placed them in the vase.

“They’re pretty.”

“And this is a wooden sword. It should be better than a tree branch.”

A long object was handed to Yuseol. Yuseol, who opened her eyes wide, unwrapped the cloth. A wooden sword of appropriate size was showing off its sturdiness. It was an unexpected gift.

“I’ve needed a wooden sword for a while, but I felt like I was asking for too many favors, so I couldn’t mention it.”

Myoyeon smiled and took a seat in front of the folding screen.

“I heard you had something to say.”

She sat facing him with the table between them and answered.

“Actually… I have something I’d like to say to Lord Mu-yeong.”

Myoyeon reacted more readily than expected and stood up.

“He’s in the inner quarters now, so I’ll convey your message.”

Yuseol, who had also stood up, spoke quietly to Myoyeon who was about to leave the room.

“The gift… thank you.”

“Think nothing of it.”

Myoyeon looked at her face, which was smiling for the first time today, for a moment before turning and leaving.

Darkness began to fall over the courtyard.

Yuseol, who had always lived simply since coming here, groomed her hair with care for the first time. She applied flower water to her lips and changed into the silk skirt and jeogori she had recently received from Myoyeon.

As she prepared with proper ceremony, a fresh fragrance emanated from the woman in the mirror. She suddenly felt as if she had returned to her time living in the palace. The fragrant chrysanthemum scent now came to her particularly bitter.

After finishing her preparations, she began waiting vaguely. She felt uneasy at the thought of going to meet Mu-yeong again.

Though she thought he wasn’t such an evil person, his particularly cold eyes when they met bothered her.

But she hadn’t done anything wrong enough for that. Yes…. She calmed her troubled heart even for the sake of her sister in the capital.

Then a servant stood at the door and said respectfully.

“Lady, Lord Mu-yeong has granted permission for your visit.”

She didn’t know how she followed the servant to the inner quarters. Her body had stiffened with tension to the point of dizziness. This time too, afraid of missing her chance, Yuseol carefully held the cloth wrapping her valuables.

She planned to give this to Mu-yeong as a gift and ask him to bring her sister. She was truly desperate enough to prostrate herself and bow her head today. Just imagining her sister falling into Kim Seon and Meisa’s grasp was unbearable. She felt that only by meeting her sister as soon as possible could she feel somewhat at ease.

She didn’t know how the court was operating now, but if they worked together, they might be able to meet a benefactor. Her father had bestowed great kindness on officials while serving as Prime Minister. Especially because he valued military authority, he had looked after the lives of military officers greatly. She hoped that kindness would return.

Yuseol clasped both hands earnestly together.

The servant walking ahead went to the inner quarters near the wall and stopped. It was the place where she had conversed with him a few days ago.

“The young lady from the outer quarters has arrived.”

When the respectful voice rang out, the door opened soundlessly.

A large shadow fell across Yuseol’s vision as she scanned the floor. Unlike Kim Seon’s thin and elongated shadow, it felt solid.

She bit her lower lip while getting her mind clearly focused. Today she must not be swayed and must sincerely plead. Thinking of her sister who must be holding her breath even now, it didn’t seem like such a difficult task.

Then Mu-yeong commanded the servant.

“Withdraw.”

Step by step. The servant’s footsteps gradually grew distant.

Yuseol, who had been waiting all along, raised her gaze slightly and glanced at him briefly. As expected, his face wasn’t clearly visible due to the gat, and only Geon’s earring caught her eye.

At that moment, his low voice was heard.

“You’re wearing flower shoes.”

Somehow his face bearing a deep sneer was drawn in her mind.