If You Claim the Fallen Heiress - Chapter 78

Kim Seon was a man who valued time. From the age of three or four, he had awakened at dawn to read, and as he grew older, he barely survived on brief naps while doing more morning greetings, subject studies, and current affairs discussions with ministers. Having lived driven by time like this, he didn’t even engage in small talk unless it was absolutely necessary.

For such a man to ask about another’s feelings was truly strange. The ministers, who had been glancing at each other, bowed their heads again.

On the other hand, Mu-yeong’s eyes, which had been quietly gazing at his wine cup, slowly rose toward Kim Seon. When the atmosphere that had been trying to improve cooled, a chilly low voice rang out.

“Not only Sahwa, but all the people here will regret Your Majesty’s departure.”

Only then did Kim Seon stop his interrogation and nod his head.

“I will not forget that sentiment.”

“I am deeply honored, Your Majesty.”

The evening banquet began.

The conversation was softer than yesterday. The topics were mainly about Museolwon’s weather, specialties, and residents.

Yuseol somewhat relaxed her tense mind, which had been worried about suddenly being interrogated. Before she knew it, the meal had ended. The dishes were cleared and round drinking tables were set up throughout the platform.

Yuseol found herself sitting side by side with Mu-yeong in front of one table. Mu-yeong’s excessively solid knee protruded from under the table and brushed against Yuseol’s sleeve. Even though it wasn’t touching her skin, her senses seemed to stand on edge.

Because she happened to be supporting herself on the floor, it was difficult for her to withdraw her hand inconspicuously. Not knowing what to do, Yuseol glanced at Mu-yeong.

Mu-yeong’s face was a head higher than hers. When she lowered her uncomfortable gaze that had risen too high, she could see his broad upper body.

Though everything around was bright with moonlight, her vision darkened. She turned her gaze away and began to stare only straight ahead so as not to be caught in a distant feeling.

The dancers who had come with Kim Seon were dancing to music, stirring up excitement. The ministers, who had become tipsy, swayed their shoulders.

It was as if they had forgotten Han Yuseol’s existence. As Yuseol, who had caught her breath, was about to drink water, Meisa, who was sitting next to her, spoke to her.

“The moon is particularly bright tonight. Perhaps because of that, your face looks more radiant than when I saw you yesterday.”

Yuseol quietly set down her water cup next to her spoon and looked at Meisa.

“I’m pleased that you say so.”

Meisa looked Yuseol up and down and added her words.

“To be honest, yesterday it felt like unfamiliar styling, but the more I look at it, the more I think there’s no more beautiful styling than this. I’d like to learn it.”

Behind excessive praise, other purposes were usually hidden. She had a premonition that if she continued the conversation, something uncomfortable would happen. Yuseol answered briefly.

“I’m sorry that I cannot teach it to you separately.”

As if asking what that meant, Meisa slightly raised both eyebrows.

“Is there a reason you can’t teach it? To preserve tradition, it would be beneficial to spread it widely.”

Yuseol, who began looking for an appropriate answer, bought time by slightly rolling up her wide sleeves and grasping the teapot.

Mu-yeong, who read her difficulty from that sight, answered in her place.

“The Hongui tribe’s tradition can only be passed down to descendants.”

At the clear refusal, Meisa’s lips stiffened. Yuseol, who sensed the heavy atmosphere, looked at Meisa’s clothing with envy and lightened the mood.

“In my eyes, the capital’s clothing is also beautiful.”

Meisa, who had been looking at Mu-yeong with dissatisfied eyes, cheered up and answered Yuseol.

“That may be so, but it cannot compare to the beautiful scenery here. Really, if I could, I’d like to stay here for a long time.”

Now that the topic had come up, Meisa placed her hand on the floor as if to appreciate the scenery. In that position, as if planning to stand up, she slightly raised her wine cup upward and steadied herself. The wine cup containing the full moon rippled greatly. Meisa, who stood up by straightening her knees without being careful, looked at the ancient tree.

“That ancient tree is particularly impressive.”

At that moment, Meisa’s body swayed as if losing balance. The wine cup tilted sharply toward Yuseol’s head.

Startled, Yuseol reflexively squeezed her eyes shut. It seemed like something big was about to happen. If her face got wet like this, her makeup would be ruined!

“Oh my!”

Meisa’s voice rang out noisily. The lively music was briefly interrupted.

The sharp scent of alcohol brushed Yuseol’s nose. It meant the wine cup had spilled.

However, Yuseol felt no sensation at all. Strange, she slightly opened her eyes and looked up. Mu-yeong was covering above her head with one hand the size of her face. She could see alcohol dripping from his long fingertips.

Myoyeon, who had been standing behind watching the situation, approached with a pale face.

“Miss, are you alright?”