Chapter 74
The banquet hall became quiet. At the gazes that turned toward her all at once, Yuseol swallowed her tense breath. She felt like a small island facing a massive inland. She felt helpless and lonely, not knowing how to get through this.
Yuseol’s lips moved emptily.
“I hope you have an enjoyable time as much as you’ve anticipated.”
Her voice, made hoarse from eating mint leaves, filled the banquet hall. Kim Seon, who had been puzzled, looked at Kwon Ujin. Kwon Ujin also narrowed his eyes and made a worried face. As an awkward silence flowed, Kim Seon sat in front of the table for two and invited people to take their seats.
“Everyone sit down.”
When Mu-yeong took his seat, Yuseol also calmly sat in front of the table. Kim Seon was carefully observing that sight. A woman who was merely uncomfortable and bored with this gathering was reflected in his eyes. He narrowed his brow as if pondering the woman he had met yesterday and spoke to Yuseol.
“Yesterday I was discourteous.”
It was an apology that lowered the king’s status. Since he had been more prideful than anyone, Yuseol was a little confused. The presence of Mu-yeong guarding the seat beside her seemed to grow larger. More confidence was added to her voice.
“I am deeply grateful that you forgave my rudeness yesterday.”
Meisa carefully examined Yuseol while pouring alcohol into Kim Seon’s cup. She had the only bright expression in this place. She didn’t mind even while everyone was tense and reading the mood. Because it wasn’t her business.
It was when strength entered Yuseol’s hand as she gripped her chopsticks.
“What is your name?”
Clack. The chopsticks she had dropped rolled around and fell under the table. When Myoyeon, standing beside the folding screen near the door, made eye contact, a servant hurriedly placed new chopsticks in front of Yuseol.
Yuseol was feeling dizzy from a question she hadn’t thought of while focused on disguising herself. The names she had heard until now wandered through her mind, but she couldn’t decide. She needed a name that was unfamiliar to Kim Seon but suitable as Mu-yeong’s lover. At that moment, one name jumped up in her mind. It was the camellia tree’s.
“My name is… Sahwa.”
Mu-yeong’s gaze, which had been watching Kwon Ujin across from him, pierced into Yuseol in an instant. His water-colored eyes were instantly stained with complex emotions. At the center, strange elation began to bloom. It was like a flame in a storm. It cast heat that would burn everything around.
Yuseol truly felt dizzy at Mu-yeong’s unexpected reaction. Though she couldn’t clearly feel his emotions, she felt like she had made a big mistake. It had been her best choice to overcome the crisis, but it must be a name with special meaning to Mu-yeong.
Yuseol’s vision darkened until only Mu-yeong was visible. Even though they were in an invisible war with the table between them. She felt trapped in a confusing and merciless world together with that man. A sharp ringing sounded in her ears.
“Sahwa… That’s an unfamiliar name. What is your family name?”
Kim Seon’s words echoed. She, who came to her senses belatedly, opened her eyes wide. Seeing her flustered, Mu-yeong spoke while watching Kim Seon’s fingertips instead.
“Sahwa is an adopted daughter of a Hongui tribe trading company. Regrettably, she was not recorded in the family register, Your Majesty.”
“Hongui tribe.”
When Kim Seon gave a questioning look about the Hongui tribe, Kwon Ujin whispered as if explaining.
“The Hongui tribe is a merchant group that has had its base in Museolwon since ancient times. Over several generations, they accumulated money inland, then built ships and made big money trading with other countries. Because they made and wore red silk clothes with their overflowing money, they got the nickname Hongui tribe, but currently there is no notable activity.”
Kim Seon nodded as if he just remembered.
“A meeting between an adopted daughter of a trading company and the great lord. Interesting.”
Meisa looked over Yuseol while pouring alcohol into Kim Seon’s empty cup again.
“Was that unique styling also done with rare items obtained through trade?”
At the uncertain atmosphere of the people, Yuseol answered with relief.
“That’s right.”
Meisa spoke with delight.
“Since I always do the same styling, I’m envious. Could you also obtain some for the royal family?”
Meisa’s eyes glanced at the high-quality fabric. It was an instinct that came out when dealing with something coveted. Her nature showed—not only must she have what others possessed, but she needed to own things of high rarity to make others look up to her. Wasn’t Kim Seon alone enough?
Yuseol glanced up at Meisa briefly, then lowered her gaze again. A bitter taste rose in her mouth, which had become uncomfortable with deep uneasiness. She didn’t want to look at the food that court ladies must have carefully prepared with ingredients brought from the capital.
“If I can obtain the finest quality befitting the royal family’s reputation, I would naturally want to offer it.”
Yuseol finished her answer without giving a definite response. Kim Seon, who had been closely watching that sight, spoke quietly.
“But the cloth ornament around your eyes feels frustratingly stuffy to look at.”
“…….”
“Remove the ornament.”
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