Chapter 77
It was a full moon night without a single cloud. Bright moonlight brushed past the thick tree branches and settled on him. The momentary scenery shone brilliantly and was dyed in five colors.
It was a moment of becoming distant. At that moment, for some reason, the surrounding objects began to disappear one by one. The stone tower, fence, and main gate vanished. Startled, Yuseol opened her eyes wide.
The neat stone floor became blurred and wildflowers began to bloom thickly. New shoots rapidly grew on the black ancient tree and camellias bloomed.
When Yuseol held her breath, the entire scenery had changed. Evening had turned to dawn, and Myoyeon had also disappeared.
It seemed like the world had twisted. But strangely, only one man stood unchanged.
Yuseol’s wavering gaze approached Mu-yeong.
A pleasant wind blew. Wildflowers danced and created rustling sounds. A subtle flower fragrance wafted up from below.
At that moment, a faint sound echoed from the ancient tree.
He looked up at the ancient tree where camellias were in full bloom. His eyes, which had always been cold, somehow held a soft color. It was like the gaze of someone looking at a friend who had shared time for a long time. No, it seemed to hold even deeper emotions.
The ancient tree, which had been quiet for a long time, now made a clear sound.
[You know, I have a request.]
[…….]
[Kill me.]
He had endlessly sad eyes. For a moment, he looked more lonely than ever.
Then suddenly a sharp headache struck. Yuseol, who narrowed her brow, pressed her forehead with her hand and bit her lower lip. The breath she couldn’t exhale trembled inside her mouth. It felt like something invisible was writhing inside her head.
“Miss? Miss! Are you alright?”
When her consciousness became distant, Myoyeon’s voice rang out. Yuseol, who exhaled the breath that had been completely blocked, began to look around.
Instead of the wildflowers that had been beautifully swaying, she saw the stone floor. The ancient tree, where camellia trees had been blooming luxuriantly, revealed barren tree branches.
It seemed like she had seen a vision. She didn’t know why, but that was the only way she could think of it. Yuseol put strength into her body that was about to collapse and looked ahead.
Mu-yeong was looking at her while slightly lifting his gat with his hand. Everything in the vision had existed and then disappeared, but that man was still keeping the same place. When she saw his eyes, where loneliness had deepened more than in the vision, Yuseol felt like crying more than ever. She didn’t know the reason, but she couldn’t resist it. If Myoyeon hadn’t been beside her, worriedly watching over her, she might have really burst into tears.
Yuseol’s voice trembled as she suppressed her emotions.
“I think I was briefly out of breath from continuing to climb the steps.”
Myoyeon didn’t listen further and recommended she sit on a rock.
“There’s still time, so rest for a moment.”
She was led by Myoyeon to rest and breathed deeply in vain. The sound heard from the ancient tree circled endlessly around her ears.
[You know, I have a request.]
[…….]
[Kill me.]
Had she suddenly lost consciousness and dreamed from the fatigue that had piled up layer upon layer?
But to call it a dream, everything had been as vivid as reality….
Then Kim Seon and his people came through the entrance. A drinking table was lavishly set on the wooden platform beside the tree.
The people who exchanged formal greetings began to take their seats on the platform.
Yuseol, who approached late, also sat in the seat next to Mu-yeong. When she raised her head, she could see the scenery where the bent ancient tree branches curved overhead. It seemed to add deep atmosphere to the moonlit night.
Kim Seon looked around at the people. His eyes were dark like yesterday, but his voice was soaked in refinement.
“The moon is truly bright today. I wonder if the gods knew this was the last day in this place.”
The ministers chimed in as if they had been waiting. Kim Seon’s gaze, which was letting those words flow past, was reaching Yuseol.
“You don’t look well.”
Since she had never properly received his gaze even in the palace, Yuseol found this situation uncomfortable and unfamiliar. However, knowing that he was trying to probe her identity by speaking to her, she didn’t panic.
“That’s not the case. Rather, I feel regretful that Your Majesty will depart tomorrow.”
She thought she had changed a lot, speaking empty words so casually. As she tasted bitterness in her mouth, Kim Seon asked again.
“Then shall I stay longer?”
He was smiling. His gaze continued with interest. This too would be acting to reveal Yuseol’s identity. He had known from long ago that his face was flawless and had used that fact.
Yuseol answered palely.
“How could this humble person dare to desire Your Majesty’s precious time?”
Dimples appeared on Kim Seon’s cheeks.
“I asked about your heart.”
For a moment, the ministers’ gazes all turned toward Kim Seon at once.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.