Chapter 34: Heavenly Dragon Festival Part 5

“…….”

“…….”

“…….”

“…….”

A dreadful silence enveloped the inside of the tent.

It had been some time since I entered the tent after hearing that the Vermilion Princess had recovered.

As I knelt on one knee with my head bowed, the Vermilion Princess who was seated on the bed seemed to struggle with what to say for a long time.

“…To come back to the tent so soon… You are quite cruel in your own way…”

“That… That is…”

I found myself at a loss for words to console the Vermilion Princess.

When she came to her senses and remembered all that had happened, how much she wanted to die… I couldn’t even begin to imagine.

But given the circumstances, I couldn’t just stand by idly.

“Couldn’t you have at least shown the courtesy to wait a few days while I gathered my thoughts…?”

“I’m sorry, Vermilion Princess. But… there are matters that need to be verified immediately…”

The Dragon Festival was still a ways off.

Outside, the festival was in full swing with people enjoying themselves and the stage was somewhat set.

Currently, a band from the local provinces was playing music so vigorously it seemed they would shake the heavens. This was all to add to the festive atmosphere.

Headmaid Hyeon Dang must have already relayed all the important matters to her mistress.

“Ye-Yes…. I’m sorry for my indecent behavior….”

“……”

“P-Please, I hope you can forget what you just saw.”

Before I knew it, she had already changed into proper court robes. This was only natural after she had been doused with cold water.

The Vermilion Princess glanced at me repeatedly as she went to sit next to the table. She then straightened the collar of her robe before she began to speak.

“It seems… that… the inappropriate behavior I displayed must surely be due to the incense in the sachet.”

“I have discussed this matter with Headmaid Hyeon. We couldn’t determine exactly which incense was used, but it was clear that someone had tampered with it.”

“So, if that’s the case, you are also aware that the sachet was given to me by the White Princess of the White Tiger Palace.”

The Vermilion Princess bowed her head deeply with a grave expression on her face.

This was not something that could simply be overlooked. It was a serious issue that could cause uproar among all the consorts.

If the White Princess used her incense to reveal to the world that the Vermilion Princes was having an affair with another man, not only the latter’s status as a princess consort but even her life could be in danger.

If Hyeon Dang and I had not managed the situation properly, it could have led to a major disaster.

“Normally, it would be only right to hold the White Princess accountable for such a grave issue…”

“…….”

“But your opinion also cannot be easily dismissed. No matter what, it seems unlikely that someone who faces the risk of being deposed would resort to such a dangerous trick.”

In the future, the White Princess would become a loach among the consorts. This would cause the other crown princess consorts to hold a grudge against her.

However, at this point, neither the Vermilion Princess nor any other crown princess could know the true nature of the White Princess.

They likely only saw her as she usually appeared at the gatherings. A benevolent and intelligent woman.

“I received the sachet from someone dressed in the clothes of a maid from the White Tiger Palace.”

Hyeon Dang who had been bowing her head next to me added to the conversation.

“It’s possible that someone stole a maid’s uniform from the White Tiger Palace and used it to carry out this scheme.”

“Yes, as you say, there are still many disturbing aspects to the matter. It would be wiser to investigate who else might be involved rather than bringing this issue to public attention right away.”

The Vermilion Princess was resting her chin in her hand as she spoke with a serious expression on her face.

“Speaking of which… this time, I have truly wronged you. You almost died because of me.”

“No, Vermilion Princess. What trouble could you possibly cause? We just need to find and punish whoever used the incense to scheme against you.”

“Is that so… Well, that’s true…”

The Vermilion Princess quickly glanced around.

Despite having already dismissed all the maids, she still looked uneasy.

“Le-Let’s… let’s consider the kiss stolen from you… as if it never happened.”

“…….”

“In the first place, isn’t the will of the parties involved more important in such acts? Getting caught up in that strange incense and acting rashly is more of an accident.”

“What can I say …”

“A-And… And the things I said in that state were not my true feelings, so don’t be mistaken. Anyone can utter words they do not mean under the influence of such strong incense.”

The Vermilion Princess emphatically stated her intention to handle the aftermath.

“.……”

“.……”

“…. Say something, will you? Do you intend to kill me with shame?”

“To be honest, I am at a loss for words on how to respond.”

“Is that so… Yo-You…must have been quite startled as well.”

“.……”

“.……”

Not only me, but even Hyeon Dang who was awkwardly staring at the floor beside us was speechless.

Who in the world wouldn’t feel awkward in such a situation?

The indecent behavior the Vermilion Princess had just displayed was truly shocking. It was extremely fortunate that no one else had seen it.

“…Well, what’s the use of dwelling on the past…! A-Anyway, it’s more important now to clearly understand the circumstances involved with that sachet.”

“Ye-Yes, that is true.”

It was at this conclusion that a maid appeared outside the inner gate and spoke with a serious tone.

“Vermilion Princess.”

“What is it?”

“The guards near the stage in the Cheongdo Palace have found a torn sachet. They have questions about it and would like to speak with you if you feel better. This is the request of the Vice General.”

A chilling silence fell once again.

Yes, the incident had already happened. Everyone present at the scene would have seen the Vermilion Princess collapse on the stage.

Therefore, it was impossible that the guards stationed at the Cheongdo Palace hadn’t inspected the area.

If they began to trace the origin of the sachet, it would only be a matter of time before they realized that White Princess Ha Wol was involved.

“…….”

The Vermilion Princess’s expression grew even more serious. She had a bad premonition.

“I understand. I will send a message to the vice general once I am able to properly move my body. You can go away for now.”

“Yes, Vermilion Princess.”

With that, the maid beyond the gate left and silence once again enveloped the inner chamber.

“It’s hard for me to control my body right now, so it’s not easy for me to move actively. Once I am a bit more capable of moving, I’ll have a proper conversation with the vice general.”

After saying this, she pulled out a wooden tablet from within her robes. The tablet was engraved with the image of the Vermilion Bird.

Even at first glance, it was a luxury item with lots of expensive decorations.

“Here, take this. It’s called a Vermilion Bird tablet.”

“Yes, yes…”

“If you show this, you can enter the inner palace even without an escort. It’s like a pass I give only to my close associates in times of emergency. Take this… and go to the White Tiger Palace.”

I quickly stashed the wooden tablet that the Vermilion Princess handed me into my robe. The reason she was giving me such an item was obvious.

“The situation is urgent and there are few whom I can trust to handle matters. Normally, I wouldn’t entrust such a task to a warrior from the White Immortal Palace, but could you temporarily act as my eyes and ears?”

“It won’t be too difficult.”

“Good. Enter the White Tiger Palace as you are and check on the White Princess’s condition. If your suspicions are correct, something might indeed be happening to her.”

Even while she was gasping for breath, the Vermilion Princess did not let the strength fade from her determined eyes.

“As for me…. I’ll see for myself how things are unfolding…”

“It hasn’t been long since you recovered from being poisoned. Please prioritize taking care of your health.”

“Kahaha. You really underestimate me. I was disoriented for a while because of the incense, but I can still understand the severity of the situation.”

Unlike usual, the Vermilion Princess spoke while looking at me with strangely affectionate eyes.

“I trust you, so please trust me in return. If my situation is resolved well, I promise to reward you greatly, even if it means risking my position as the princess consort.”

“……”

“G-Go on, there’s no time to waste. Let’s move.”

I nodded and dashed out of the tent.

***

Vermilion Princess In Ha Yeon collapsed on the stage due to a heatstroke.

This incident could not go unnoticed by the people attending the festival hosted by the Inbong clan.

The head of the inbong clan Ha Gang Seok who was the first to hear the news, sat next to the Emperor in the main palace and furrowed his brow.

He had been informed that during this Heavenly Dragon Festival, a chance would arise to eliminate the Vermilion Princess In Ha Yeon through the Dazing Moon Fragrance.

For Ha Gang Seok, who had lived his life overshadowed by the prestigious Jeongseon clan, this was an opportunity sent from heaven.

The Jeongseon clan had produced numerous civil and military officials, and their head In Seon Rok even held the position of Chief Councilor.

Furthermore, his daughter In Ha Yeon had ascended to the position of a princess consort, which only helped raise the voice of the Jeongseon clan in the inner court to be second only to that of the Emperor.

He could not just stand by idly.

If he could accuse Vermilion Princess In Ha Yeon of a crime and have her deposed, her father the Chief Councilor would not be able to escape responsibility either. After all, it was his influence that had helped her secure her current position.

“.……”

However, the news that reached him was unexpected.

By now, the Vermilion Princess should have been causing a scandal near the stage with an unknown warrior.

But instead it was all a heatstroke?

Ha Gang Seok realized that the situation was taking an unusual turn due to the completely unexpected news.

***

“White Princess, it’s time you headed over to the Truth Insight Terrace.”

It was early evening, and moonlight filtered into the courtyard of White Tiger Palace.

Ha Wol who had been checking the explosives for the lantern release was called by her headmaid Ye Rim. By now, most of the events taking place at the Truth Insight Terrace should have been more than halfway completed.

Although most of the events were well managed by the people of the Inbong clan, the time for the Heavenly Maiden to take the stage was approaching, and the White Princess herself had to make her way there.

“Ah, is it already that time?”

“…. You seem lost in thought, White Princess.”

The White Princess stood quietly in the courtyard. Her gaze swept over her court robes as she looked toward the distant Great Star Gate.

Compared to the lively atmosphere at the Heavenly Dragon Festival where the masses were joyfully bustling, this place was infinitely quiet.

With most of the main palace forces dispatched to oversee the Truth Insight Terrace, the security here was relatively lax.

Except for the Heavenly Dragon Festival site, only minimal security was maintained.

“……..”

For the White Princess, such an excited atmosphere was usually the perfect time for scheming.

──However, the White Princess was unable to use any strategies as neither the deadly poison nor the Dazing Moon Incense had come into her possession.

The items that were supposed to be provided through the vassals of the Inbong clan hadn’t reached her on time for some reason, as if someone had intercepted them.

When she asked about the delay, the only response she got was that the imperial guards seemed to have sniffed something out.

This doesn’t feel right.

The White Princess stroked the ends of her snowy white hair and she was momentarily lost in thought.

However, deep contemplation would not change the situation. It seemed best to head towards the Truth Insight Terrace.

Just as she was preparing to leave the White Tiger Palace with the help of her maids, an announcement came.

“The fourth consort has arrived at the White Tiger Palace.”

Consort Ha Chae Rim.

Hailing from the Inbong clan, she was the fourth consort of Emperor Woon Sung.

With sharp eyes and ash-gray hair cascading down her body, she was a sight to behold in her layered gorgeous silk robes.

She often exchanged pleasantries with Hwa An, the strategist of the main palace, and expanded her influence until there was hardly anyone in the main palace who did not know her name.

She walked around with her face often hidden behind a fan decorated with stately crane motifs, giving her an air of mystery.

In the Inbong clan, aside from the family head Ha Gang Seok, everyone bowed their heads to her.

“…the fourth consort herself has come to the White Tiger Palace…?”

“Yes… but…”

Headmaid Ye Rim looked uneasy as she spoke.

“She was accompanied by some warriors of unknown affiliation…”