Chapter 124

“This won’t do!”

In the inner court of the Yi Royal Residence, a sharp yet weighty shout echoed through the halls.

Yang Se-rim, who had been hit head-on by the shout—more like a “Yellow Oriole’s Roar” than a lion’s roar—managed to withstand the sonic attack thanks to the internal energy accumulated over a decade of training.

“Princess, isn’t this enough already?”

“No… it’s not enough!”

Princess Jihyang frowned as she gazed at a mirror imported from the Western Regions, something even the wealthy would struggle to obtain.

Having run away from the Forbidden City—calling it “leaving home”—she felt awkward in her palace attire, yet something still felt unsatisfying.

“Ugh… I should’ve brought more clothes when I ran away…”

“You’re not even hiding the fact that you ran away anymore, Princess.”

Too busy adjusting the mirror to retort, Princess Jihyang turned her body, her urgency palpable. Yang Se-rim sighed and offered some advice.

“Wouldn’t it be better to just wear martial attire?”

“…Do you really think so?”

“You’re a martial artist, aren’t you? Wouldn’t that feel more familiar than palace attire?”

“That… makes sense!”

Convinced by Yang Se-rim’s advice, Princess Jihyang quickly changed her clothes.

“See, this is much more comfortable.”

“Even when you were in the Forbidden City, the elders always told you to dress properly, but you always wore martial attire.”

“Hmph…”

“Yes, yes, I’ll shut up now, Princess.”

Princess Jihyang glared at Yang Se-rim with narrowed eyes.

“Se-rim, you’re being disrespectful.”

Despite her stern tone, Yang Se-rim remained nonchalant.

“I know. You’re saying I shouldn’t act like this in front of the Great Master of Changcheon Pavilion, right? I know.”

Yang Se-rim, who used to make a big fuss the first few times, had lost her innocence somewhere along the way. Princess Jihyang, ignoring the fact that she was the one who caused this change, pouted her lips.

“If you know, then behave. I’m serious this time.”

The two were closer than a princess and her maid—more like half-sisters or inseparable best friends.

Though Yang Se-rim was a year younger, her more meticulous nature meant she often took care of Princess Jihyang.

That’s why Yang Se-rim could read the sincerity in Princess Jihyang’s expression.

“Princess.”

“Yes? What?”

“I, Yang Se-rim, will do my best to ensure your victory!”

It’s natural for crabs to side with crabs, and shrimp to side with shrimp.

Yang Se-rim was absolutely on Princess Jihyang’s side, and her position in the competition surrounding Namgung Woo was firm.

When they saw the female Taoist who appeared with Namgung Woo, the two had been wary, wondering if she was his lover.

Ju Si-yeol had said there was no need to worry, but the psychology of men and women is different.

Fortunately, Namgung Woo’s attitude toward Myorin didn’t seem affectionate, and after some investigation, they confirmed she was just a member of Changcheon Pavilion. But the real enemy was behind her.

“We can’t lose to the Paeng Family!”

“Why are you suddenly like this?”

“Well, since you’re being serious, I’m getting serious too.”

Yang Se-rim tried to act cute with a sly smile, but the effect was minimal.

Princess Jihyang mimicked Yang Se-rim’s earlier nonchalant expression and grabbed her small head.

“You talk well.”

“Huh?”

“Why?”

“I think they’re here. I can feel their energy.”

“Let’s go.”

After a final check of her attire, Princess Jihyang finished her preparations by strapping on her ever-present sword and headed outside.

The inner court was the king’s private space. Even if someone was a life-saving benefactor, they weren’t usually allowed in. The fact that Namgung Woo had snuck in on Myorin’s phoenix tail was already a serious crime.

Of course, no one brought it up now.

In any case, Namgung Woo was in the king’s study, which also served as a reception room and study.

As Ju Si-yeol and Namgung Woo chatted lightly, they sensed two presences in the hallway and set down their cups.

“Your Majesty, Princess Gasang has arrived.”

“Ahem, let her in.”

When had they ever been so formal?

Though determined to show the dignity of the imperial family, it was clear they weren’t used to it.

Still, as someone trained in martial arts, Princess Jihyang’s movements were flawless, adhering to court etiquette.

Ju Si-yeol delivered his lines as per the script.

“Great Master of Changcheon Pavilion, it would be proper for me to personally guide you, but as the king, my duties are numerous, so I hope you understand.”

“It’s no small matter.”

“Instead, my niece, Seon-a, will guide you.”

Ju Si-yeol glanced at Princess Jihyang, asking if this was okay. Not wanting to alert the peerless master’s keen senses, he only rolled his eyes. Princess Jihyang blinked in response.

“Ahem, then I shall take my leave. There’s business in the main hall.”

As Ju Si-yeol stood, Namgung Woo followed.

Before being the king, he was the host of this space, and Namgung Woo was the guest.

After seeing Ju Si-yeol off, Princess Jihyang spoke to Namgung Woo.

“Then, will you follow me? I heard you’re here to receive Cheongdangon.”

“Ah, yes. I only heard it was a spirit beast. Is its name Cheongdangon?”

“Yes. It’s a spirit beast, but it’s really cute.”

Though the flow felt off, Namgung Woo followed Princess Jihyang, eager to see the spirit beast.

A spirit beast. How different would it be from the demons of the Ghost Gate?

With high expectations, the spirit beast did not disappoint.

“This is…”

“Cute, right?”

Cheongdangon.

At first, hearing “gon,” Namgung Woo thought of the fish “Kun,” but he was wrong.

Cheongdangon was a four-legged beast. A blue tiger.

Princess Jihyang handed Cheongdangon to Namgung Woo, allowing him to hold it.

“It was found in Kunlun Mountain. They say it only appears in the early morning before the mist clears, hence the name Cheongdangon. Fascinating, right?”

“Cheongdan (Azure Dawn)… a name that matches the blue hue of its fur.”

Namgung Woo carefully lifted Cheongdangon and looked into its eyes.

Is this what a spirit beast is? Even just by appearance, it was clear this was no ordinary creature, but looking into its eyes—the windows to its soul—its uniqueness was striking.

There was a sense of innate intelligence, or perhaps spirituality.

Wondering if he could see something new with Azure Tranquility Eyes, Namgung Woo tried to heighten his senses, but Princess Jihyang suddenly leaned in close. Her scent, reminiscent of lychees, wafted over.

Compared to Paeng Ha-ryeong, it was a bit fresher.

Namgung Woo flinched and stepped back.

“Princess.”

“You don’t have to address me so formally.”

“No, this is more comfortable for both of us.”

Namgung Woo still used formal speech with Jegal Seon-a.

It wasn’t that he was oblivious. Nor did he dislike Jegal Seon-a or Princess Jihyang.

Even Jegal Seon-a herself was still figuring out her feelings, but Namgung Woo knew she was paying attention to him.

Yet, he kept his distance from others because someone had already approached him first.

Paeng Ha-ryeong.

She had shyly yet boldly approached him, so Namgung Woo built walls with others.

With Jegal Seon-a, with Song Chaeji—he intentionally created distance.

He believed that was how he could maintain his loyalty to Paeng Ha-ryeong.

Perhaps it was unexpected that he avoided her, as Princess Jihyang momentarily lost her composure. Only after Yang Se-rim poked her from behind did she regain her senses and speak.

“…Did you not hear from Her Majesty?”

“If it’s the proposal from Her Majesty, I believe I declined.”

“So you did hear it.”

Princess Jihyang lowered her gaze and turned away. But instead of stopping her, Namgung Woo spoke.

“Yes. But it was an offer I couldn’t accept.”

“…Why?”

“There’s something I must do. If I borrow the imperial family’s power, the path would surely be smooth. But I can’t do that. It would lack meaning.”

He had to do it himself.

Reviving the Namgung Family had to be done through the Namgung Family’s martial arts, not the imperial family’s. Only then would it have value.

Namgung Woo believed that.

The connection between him and the Namgung Family wasn’t just a coincidental surname—it was the martial arts they shared.

Conversely, Namgung Woo was also puzzled.

Why did Princess Jihyang want him?

Just because he saved her life? That was more Ju Si-yeol’s doing.

Because he was a peerless master? That was a reasonable guess.

Simply because Han Gyeran wanted it? He wasn’t sure, but considering the times, it made sense.

But she was a princess.

In Namgung Woo’s mind, a princess had far better marriage prospects. There had to be better options, so why was Princess Jihyang even bringing up a conversation with Han Gyeran, who hadn’t even made a proper promise?

“Surely, Your Highness has better suitors. As the emperor’s youngest sister…”

Princess Jihyang cut him off.

“Do you know what the imperial family calls a princess’s marriage?”

“…I’m not sure. I’m not well-versed in such matters.”

Princess Jihyang let it slide. It was common for martial artists to have little interest in court affairs.

Conversely, the higher-ups were deeply involved in court matters, but that was their business. Ordinary martial artists rarely had dealings with the court.

Princess Jihyang answered.

“It’s called ‘haga’ (下嫁).”

To marry beneath one’s station.

Considering status, it was a natural term. Princesses were blood relatives of the emperor. No one in the world was nobler than them.

Thus, wherever they married, unless it was incestuous, it would always be to someone of lower status.

But the true meaning was slightly different.

To go to a lower place. Yes, a lower place. Literally, they married commoners.

A princess marrying a high-ranking official? Impossible. That would create external relatives.

Civil and military officials, meritorious families, generals—those with power could not marry princesses. The only place a princess could marry was into a humble family.

“People call princesses heavenly flowers, but in the end, to the imperial family, daughters are just burdens…”

They couldn’t grant them fiefs or titles, nor could they marry them off to high-ranking officials, so they were quietly sent to live among the commoners.

That was the reality of those called princesses, held in high esteem.

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