Chapter 113: Thin Ice Part 3

The condition of the Heavenly Maiden was unusual.

Upon hearing the report, Headmaid Lee Ryeong already felt her head starting to spin.

Did something happen to Jin Cheong Lang, who had just been appointed to the position of Heavenly Maiden and was about to officially begin her duties?

While this was undoubtedly a serious issue for Jin Cheong Lang herself, it was also a matter that the Headmaid could not take lightly. She was, after all, the one who had to assist the Heavenly Maiden more closely than anyone else.

“The Heavenly Maiden… cannot appear in front of others in her current state… You’ll understand once you see for yourself…”

With that, Seol Ran led Headmaid Lee Ryeong into the inner chamber, where she saw the Heavenly Maiden cradled in Seol Tae Pyeong’s arms and smiling blissfully as if she had not a care in the world.

Seeing her smiling brightly as if everything else was fine, it was hard to see her as the dignified Heavenly Maiden. Instead, she looked like just another girl her age.

“… Your Highness?”

“Oh, it’s the Headmaid. Today, I feel like resting in the warm embrace of General Seol, so postpone the rest of my schedule, okay?”

“How… how did this happen…?”

Headmaid Lee Ryeong had worked in the Heavenly Dragon Hall for almost her entire life. There was no one among the palace maids more experienced than her.

She had already reached an age where she worried about wrinkles and gray hairs, and many regarded her as just an old woman relegated to the backroom. But that was a foolish assumption. Even with age, Headmaid Lee Ryeong’s sharpness never dulled. In urgent situations, she was always quick to grasp what was happening.

It’s clear that the Heavenly Maiden is not in a normal state right now…!

Her hazy eyes and the way her lips slackened with a dazed smile made her look like a beast acting purely on instinct.

Everyone, no matter who they are, lives with their instincts tightly reined in.

Once the veil of self-restraint and reason is lifted, anyone can become disgraceful.

So, could this be Jin Cheong Lang’s true nature?

Just witnessing her mistress’s disgraceful behavior made Lee Ryeong feel unsettled, but there was no time to dwell in confusion.

Headmaid Lee Ryeong decided that the first thing to do was regain control of the situation.

“Your Highness. The Vice General is uncomfortable. For now… for now, you need to step away and then think things over….”

“I don’t want. There are too many thieves in the palace….”

Jin Cheong Lang, who was cloaked in the energy of her Taoist arts, spoke with a trembling voice as if she was on the verge of tears.

“Everyone, this woman and that woman, they’re all desperate to snatch the Vice General away. I was the first to be connected with him, so why are they all so eager to steal General Seol, whom I hold tightly in my arms? Lee Ryeong, are you also planning to steal the Vice General away from me?”

Seol Tae Pyeong’s vision began to blur as he watched Jin Cheong Lang hug him tightly with her body filled with spiritual energy. The whole situation was clearly getting out of control.

Later, when she came to her senses, what did she plan to do after having gone this far?

Then again, right now she seemed to have lost all reason, so it was a meaningless thought.

Seeing her sobbing and holding Seol Tae Pyeong tightly as if he were her most precious treasure, even the experienced Headmaid felt unsure about how to handle the situation.

Since Jin Cheong Lang was skilled in Taoist arts, trying to forcibly separate them could lead to some unexpected consequences. But no matter what, they had to prevent the situation from escalating further.

In the end, there was no choice but to seek cooperation from the Vice General.

“I, I will cancel all future schedules as you instructed. However, there are too many eyes inside the Heavenly Dragon Hall… Won’t it be better to move to the Azure Dragon Palace with the Vice General for now?”

The Heavenly Dragon Hall was one of the most prestigious buildings in Cheongdo.

It was practically impossible to protect Jin Cheong Lang, who had clearly lost her mind, in a place so heavily examined.

So, moving her to the Azure Dragon Palace, where many of her people were stationed, was undoubtedly the right decision. It was the best judgment one could make in such a dazed state.

“The Four Palaces are the den of thieves trying to steal the Vice General…! General Seol, you must stay here at the Heavenly Dragon Hall…! Here… here, the mistresses of those palaces can’t reach us….”

“That can’t be true. Let’s head to the Azure Dragon Palace for now….”

Catching on to the Headmaid’s intent, Seol Tae Pyeong quickly grabbed hold of the opportunity. At this point, he was the only one who could guide Jin Cheong Lang.

“And… the Heavenly Dragon Hall is full of enemies. Headmaid Hui Yin and the maids of the Azure Dragon Palace have been by your side since your childhood; wouldn’t you feel more at ease near them?”

“That is….”

“For now… let’s leave the Heavenly Dragon Hall….”

When Seol Tae Pyeong spoke softly, only then did Jin Cheong Lang nod her head with a timid face.

Following his subtle glance, the Headmaid and Seol Ran quickly instructed the maids to prepare a palanquin.

The Headmaid would handle the rest of the schedule properly.

The most important thing was to return the Heavenly Maiden to her normal state before the situation escalated.

***

As I made my way to the Azure Dragon Palace, accompanied by the maids guarding Jin Cheong Lang, it became increasingly difficult for me to maintain a neutral expression on my face.

Judging by the circumstances, it seemed clear that the White Demonic Spirit had done something to the Heavenly Maiden.

Though it was unclear what chain of events had led to Jin Cheong Lang being in such a state, it was clear that finding the White Demonic Spirit and eliminating him before things became more dangerous was the right course of action.

It certainly judged how to kill me properly….

The attack was so precise that chills ran down my spine.

Was this really the same Yeon Ri from the past? My chest swelled with a strange mixture of awe and dread.

In any case, if I disappeared like dew on the execution ground, the White Demonic Spirit’s objective would be fulfilled.

There was no need to launch a sudden attack like the Moon Demonic Spirit, nor to swing a sword like the Sun Demonic Spirit.

If the Heavenly Maiden charged forward and suppressed me with her authority, there would be no way to fend her off.

It was said that the greatest power was social power. It’s not the thug with a knife who kills the elder, but the boss at work.

The thought was so disturbingly realistic that it somehow made my mind feel strangely clear.

Clang! Claang!

Near the palanquin carrying the Heavenly Maiden, two senior maids struck glass rods with daggers and created a clear, resonant sound.

It was to announce to everyone nearby that the Heavenly Maiden was passing through, so they should show their respect.

Even the officials of the palace who were busy going about their duties would stop and bow their heads when they saw the Heavenly Maiden’s palanquin.

They all did their best to express their respect, believing that she might be watching them from inside.

As I passed through the crowd, I knew I needed to organize my thoughts quickly.

For now, it seemed she was calmly resting inside the palanquin, but once we arrived at the Azure Dragon Palace, Jin Cheong Lang would surely lose her composure and rush at me again.

At this rate, not only would I fail to find the White Demonic Spirit, but I wouldn’t even be able to leave the Azure Dragon Palace.

If I want to get out of the Azure Dragon Palace, I need a reason. While the Azure Princess is recovering there, I must find and kill the White Demonic Spirit, who’s likely wandering somewhere in the inner palace.

Jin Cheong Lang wouldn’t let me out of her sight for even a moment, so it was clear she wouldn’t easily let me leave.

That meant this was my chance. While she was still inside the palanquin, I could slip away quietly, find the White Demonic Spirit, and kill it.

I will need help. Searching the entire inner palace alone is not only exhausting, but it would also draw too much attention. I need someone within the inner palace who can mobilize manpower for me…

The mistresses of the four palaces immediately came to mind.

However, Jin Cheong Lang was in a mentally unstable state, and both the Vermilion Princess and the White Princess had strong backgrounds and I didn’t want to owe them anything. The consequences would be too much.

That left only one person. It was the most open and easygoing of the four palace mistresses.

If I borrowed the authority of the Black Princess, I could mobilize the maids and thoroughly search various spots within the inner palace.

There was no need to personally stir up the male-restricted areas; I just needed to share the situation and take down the demon spirit.

It was never a bad thing to know people in power. Knowing many people certainly had its advantages.

With renewed determination, I sent the palanquin toward the Azure Dragon Palace and quickly strode off toward the Black Tortoise Palace.

If Jin Cheong Lang realized I had slipped away, things could spiral out of control, so I had to resolve this quickly and return before she noticed.

***

“Mhmm, I’ll help. How could I not when it’s Tae Pyeong asking?”

“Thank you so much. I will definitely repay this debt.”

When I ran halfway to Black Tortoise Palace, the headmaid of the Black Tortoise Palace was startled and quickly guided me to the tea room.

She probably hadn’t expected the Vice General to come knocking at the Black Tortoise Palace without even a single escort.

When I said it was an urgent matter, I was relieved to find that Black Princess Po Hwa Ryeong was present.

I had been worried since she sometimes took walks outside the palace, but it seemed I had arrived just in time.

“I apologize for the great discourtesy of visiting without proper procedure or formality. Once this matter is resolved, I will send someone to offer an appropriate token of thanks.”

“No need for that~ Tae Pyeong-ah. Why are you being so formal between us?”

“Well… Black Princess … it’s just…”

The Black Princess sipped her tea with a relaxed smile. Her light green hair, which was adorned with an array of intricately embroidered flower ornaments, made her look like a blooming spring garden.

Her elegant yet simple demeanor might have seemed out of place for someone with the authority of the mistress of one of the Four Palaces, but thanks to her innate warmth, even that simplicity appeared as a unique charm.

However, something felt off today.

I lowered my voice and spoke in a hushed tone.

“There are ears… around us.”

“Hmm? It’s fine, Headmaid An Rim is trustworthy. And the senior maids are too.”

“Even so…”

“Ah, right. Tae Pyeong-ah, you really do worry a lot. Don’t worry. Is it such a big deal that we’re friends? You’re no longer an apprentice warrior, you’re a vice general now.”

“Regardless, there are still certain rules to follow…”

“Oh, come on. You know I don’t care about those things, Tae Pyeong-ah.”

Although the Black Princess preferred close informal relationships, she usually maintained a certain level of authority when in public. But today, she didn’t seem to care about the attention of those around her.

And the unsettling feeling gnawing at me… things like that usually proved true.

“Everyone already knows we’re close, so what’s there to worry about? If anyone looks at us with concern or tries to intervene, they’re just jealous. Don’t read too much into it.”

“Huh?”

“That’s right. What kind of place is Cheongdo Palace? A place filled with politics and deceit, yet pursuing a genuine relationship here… how romantic is that? Being as close as we are, that’s no easy feat. I know Tae Pyeong would never betray me, and of course, I’ll never betray you either…So it’s inevitable that we become the object of jealousy for someone who wants that kind of relationship, mhmm?”

I lifted my head and looked at the Black Princess again.

She looked just like she always did. Her beautiful appearance was a common trait among the mistresses of the Four Palaces, but beyond that, her warm, sunny disposition, the kind that embraced people, was what truly stood out.

Nothing seemed different.

Yet, between the smile she wore while holding her teacup, there was something subtly off.

I heard that such changes comes in many forms.

There are cases like Jin Cheong Lang where you can tell at a glance that there’s something wrong with the person, while others slowly unravel from within and the situation is barely noticeable at first.

“I’m so proud and happy to have someone as close as you, Tae Pyeong-ah. Let’s stay this way for a long, long time, mhmm?”

“Black Princess?”

Sensing something was amiss, I glanced at Headmaid An Rim and she too was beginning to wear a troubled expression on her face.

“Is it because you’re worried about the difference between men and women? I don’t see you that way, so don’t worry about it… Ah, you’re such a worrywart. Well, given the circumstances lately, it’s not strange you’d feel that way.”

“No, that’s not it…”

“But, how exactly do we draw the line between being close friends and being a man and a woman? Where do we set that boundary? Hmm… that’s a tough one. Of course, one shouldn’t cross certain lines, but then… what about hugging? Is that crossing a line? What about holding hands? Making eye contact, exchanging glances? The standard for these things is so ambiguous, right?”

“Black Princess… this… you can’t…”

Was she always so talkative?

By the time I realized something was off, the Black Princess had already leaned in; her face was just inches away from mine.

“And besides the fact that I don’t see Tae Pyeong that way, what if he starts having those kinds of thoughts about me? Should I then figure out how to handle it? Or maybe it’s necessary to clarify this vague boundary?”

“.…….”

“If you’re really that uneasy, how about we hold hands? Or maybe even try hugging? If your heart flutters then, we can think about it again, but wouldn’t it be worth testing it out?”

“Black Princess, I think your thoughts are heading in a very strange direction right now.”

“What’s so strange about it? Come on, here… give me your hand.”

With that, Black Princess suddenly grabbed my hand tightly and then pulled me into a hug while smiling brightly.

“You’ve got a lot of calluses. You must have been through a lot. I guess not just anyone can reach the rank of a general.”

“Black Princess.”

“Oh my, my heart did flutter a little… You really are a man, aren’t you? But does something like this mean we can’t be close friends? Should we test it further? Do you want to hug again?”

“Black Princess, please maintain your dignity.”

Unable to watch any longer, Headmaid An Rim quickly entered the room and glanced around to assess the situation.

An Rim sensed that something was wrong and had already dismissed the senior maids. It was a wise move.

“Hmm? An Rim, why are you so startled?”

“Well… the difference between men and women is…”

“Oh, stop fussing. I told you, I don’t see Tae Pyeong that way. But we can still test it out, right? If the difference between men and women is so important, then shouldn’t we verify it? Don’t you think? Come on, Tae Pyeong-ah, hug me. Come on, come on.”

Yes. I think I understand now.

Finding the White Demonic Spirit wandering around the inner palace was important, but first, I had to get out of here.

I quickly stood up from the tea table and said,

“Black Princess, once you’ve had a moment to compose yourself, I’ll return.”

“Oh my, Tae Pyeong, you’re so sudden. What is there to compose? Come now, just give me a hug. That broad chest of yours is so comforting just to look at. You really are my closest friend.”

I glanced at Headmaid An Rim, and she hurriedly began clearing the tea set off the table.

But before she could finish, Black Princess sprang up and thrust her face right in front of mine.

Only then did her gaze strike me with fear. Were her eyes even focusing? She smiled warmly, as she always did, with a distant, faraway look, as if she was gazing into the void.

At first glance, she seemed just like her usual self. There was nothing visibly strange.

And yet, that was precisely what sent a chill down my spine.

“What are you talking about, Tae Pyeong-ah? I’m perfectly fine.”

As she said this, her hand slid down my chest, and for a moment, I almost stopped breathing.

Even the Black Tortoise Palace had fallen.

If this was happening, there was no guarantee that the Vermilion Bird Palace or the White Tiger Palace would be safe either.

For now… For now, I had to leave the inner palace. Rather than wandering around here, it would definitely be better to retreat to the Hwalseong District. This wasn’t my battlefield.

If I stayed any longer, this inner palace would become my grave.

“Don’t leave just yet, Tae Pyeong-ah. Sit back down.”

“Black Princess, I need to go take care of matters at the Hwalseong District…”

“It’s not urgent, right? Hmm? Just let me hold you once. Come on… or do you want to hold me instead?”

“I’ll be going now.”

“Don’t go.”

At last, as Black Princess grabbed my arm and finally a strange feeling began to surface.

The warm smile she had just moments ago was completely gone.

“Don’t go.”

At the sight of the Black Princess gripping me with those cold eyes… both I and Headmaid An Rim couldn’t help but freeze at the same time.