If You Claim the Fallen Heiress - Chapter 73

She felt hot temperature from his shadow. Even though that couldn’t be possible, it was so. Wanting to run away from the confusion, she looked toward the door. Then Mu-yeong lightly pulled her index finger as if drawing back her scattered gaze.

Yuseol’s hand was placed on his wide, masculine palm. When she, startled, tried to remove her hand, he grasped it as if trapping it while taking out a small pouch with his other hand and holding it in his teeth.

He furrowed his brow like that, then took something from the wrapping cloth and put it on Yuseol’s fourth finger. Yuseol stopped completely, feeling the ring that fit perfectly as if made for her.

The sound of insects seeped through the door gap that was open a hand’s width. The moonlight that came in together illuminated the jade ring. It was a deep water-blue color, as if it had been trapped in darkness for countless ages waiting. It resembled his eyes that had been so deep they seemed to draw you in.

She thought it was beautiful. Strangely, everything about this moment was like that. The insect sounds that had awakened her from last night’s deep sleep, the cold mountain wind, and even the man before her eyes looked that way to Yuseol.

Her heart began pounding against her chest. There was nothing she could do about it. She put her hand behind her jeogori as if hiding it.

He turned his gaze outside the window. Unlike her with reddened cheeks, he didn’t look happy at all.

Only then did Yuseol realize she was in a play that would end today. Her wildly beating heart became resentful. She even felt wronged seeing his indifferent expression. When she had decided not to be swayed….

She spoke calmly.

“Thank you. I’ll return it without a scratch.”

He removed his back that had been leaning against the wall and said.

“Yes.”

After a long silence passed, Yuseol asked again.

“But if people ask about our relationship, what should we answer?”

“I’ll speak for us.”

Then Myoyeon cleared his throat at the door and said.

“All preparations are complete.”

Yuseol applied ointment to the sword marks on her palm as if she had been waiting. Then she sprinkled the powder Yanghui had given her to match her skin tone. Amazingly, the scars disappeared completely. Since it was an oil-soluble ointment, she was told it would be fine even if it touched water.

Relieved, Yuseol followed Mu-yeong out of the room. Private soldiers were positioned in the long corridor. In the tension-filled atmosphere, Mu-yeong began walking in the lead.

Yuseol moved forward while chewing mint leaves one last time. Myoyeon, Jiwoon, and the soldiers walked protecting her sides.

The candlelight in the corridor flickered due to the movement of people filling the passage.

It felt like the quiet world was beginning to go awry. Anxious, Yuseol lowered her gaze to the floor and walked forward looking only at people’s heels.

It’s okay, if I just endure a little, this will pass—repeating these words endlessly.

“This is the place.”

When they went around to the back of the inner house, a massive building appeared. In the center were stone steps, and haetae stone statues displayed fierce energy beside the stairs.

Finally, the curtain of the play had risen. Yuseol, who held her head high, climbed the stairs and entered the building.

A table for two was luxuriously set in front of the folding screen at the innermost part of the room. Delicacies were also placed on the wide table in front of it.

Yuseol brightened her eyes clearly while looking at the ten pairs of neatly placed chopsticks. Since there would be many watching eyes, she had to stay alert to not give any openings. The moment she acted foolishly, she would be driven into crisis.

Countless footsteps gradually approached. Yuseol exhaled her overwhelming breath long.

A black shadow appeared on the changho door and the door opened smoothly. Chief Secretary Kwon Ujin entered first and slightly bowed his head.

“His Majesty is proceeding.”

Kwon Ujin glanced at Yuseol. He tilted his head as if her hair ornaments and clothing were unfamiliar.

Yuseol also sent him a gaze as if he was unfamiliar. Since she was acquainted with Kwon Ujin enough to exchange eye greetings when they met in the palace, her trembling hands naturally clasped together.

Then a distinguished man appeared at the door. He was wearing light blue hanbok symbolizing nobility. He seemed to be someone who didn’t enjoy outdoor activities, with a pure white face.

It was Kim Seon.

He began examining Yuseol meaningfully. His dignified and noble gaze shone intensely. He was like a mercilessly growing beast. His physique, which had become much more solid than when he had just ascended the throne, supported that gaze.

Yuseol’s eyes, with her head lowered, became cloudy. The sight of Kim Seon, who had become properly manly, brought up dark emotions. While she had been exiled, received poison, and fought death, he seemed to have lived well.

What expression would he make if she asked whether he had never been sad even once during that time? If she saw his gloomy expression, it seemed like he would be completely settled.

Yuseol looked at Kim Seon’s feet moving through the cloth covering her eyes. Kim Seon stopped in front of the folding screen filled with splendid scenery. Right on cue, Mu-yeong glanced down at Yuseol and spoke calmly.

“We greet His Majesty.”

Yuseol added her voice to Mu-yeong’s voice and completed the greeting.

Meisa, who entered afterward, stood like a shadow beside him with a proud expression. She looked pleased while taking it for granted to be with distinguished people.

“We finally meet like this. This is the moment I’ve been anticipating all day today.”

Meisa’s gaze boldly turned toward Yuseol. The ministers also began watching Yuseol.

It was the calm before the storm.