Chapter 9: Birthday Ceremony Part 2

The crown princess consort would always be accompanied by at least twenty maids whenever she ventured outside the palace.

As she was always expected to maintain a dignified appearance, a tremendous amount of care went into her attire, and the maids themselves were required to dress up elaborately. Considering the effort involved, the crown princess consorts of the Four Palaces tended to minimize their outings.

So the unexpected news that the Azure Princess Jin had crossed into the White Immortal Palace was met with surprise from me.

“Pe-perhaps she has come to seek guidance from the White Immortal Elder.”

Sitting side by side in front of the hearth, Yeon Ri and I exchanged serious glances.

“But why the White Immortal Elder all of a sudden?”

“We… well, the birthday ceremony for Prince Hyeon Won is coming up. There’s an event where the consorts showcase their talents at the White Immortal Mountain, where a platform is set up. It seems she might be preparing for that…”

Come to think of it, there had been rumors circulating among the warriors of the Red Palace as well.

It was said that the Vermilion Princess had sought out the warrior commander for guidance.

Moreover, I had heard that the White Princess who was recently appointed had visited the chief ritual officer of the main palace. The talk was that she intended to learn the Heavenly Dragon dance which was known to be the most exquisite court dance.

“From what I’ve heard, the Azure Princess is skilled in Taoist magic. And when it comes to Taoist magic in Cheongdo Palace, the White Immortal Elder is known to be the most skilled.”

“She must have come to learn the Taoist magic to be performed on the platform during the birthday ceremony…”

That made perfect sense. Azure Princess Jin Cheong Lang had reached a considerable level of mastery in both Taoist and Zen techniques at such a young age.

It’s only natural that she would seek out the top expert in the field. But…

“…Tae Pyeong, once the White Immortal Elder and the Azure Princess finish their talk, they’ll call for you.”

It’s the duty of the White Immortal Palace warriors to escort guests out of the palace when they leave.

“No matter what happens, don’t act like you know her…! You must put up an iron wall…! You know your life depends on it, right?”

I swallowed hard and nodded my head in agreement to Yeon Ri’s words.

“A crisis can be an opportunity. Maybe it’s best to leave an impression of being indifferent and cold-hearted this time.”

“But if I speak out of turn to a noble lady like the Azure Princess, I could be punished… I still can’t quite grasp where that line is…”

“Don’t worry, Tae Pyeong. They say a woman understands a woman’s heart best. The key is… to be as silent and aloof as possible and act as if you couldn’t care less about the Azure Princess.”

Yeon Ri scanned me up and down with a serious look on her face before going into the room and pulling out a silver knife from the drawer. She then began to tear at the hem of my pants.

“Wh-What are you doing, Yeon Ri?”

“We’re aiming to leave a bad impression. If your clothes aren’t clean and your behavior is coarse, a noble lady like the Azure Princess will naturally lose interest.”

“Really?”

After she tore at my clothes, Yeon Ri explained each step to me.

“Remember, Tae Pyeong, you must never acknowledge the Azure Princess as if you know her. Don’t give her the impression that she is someone special to you, or that you’ve kept her in your memory. Not even the slightest hint. Understand?”

“…But does that really make sense? I’ve been inside the Azure Princess’s inner chamber in the Azure Dragon Palace. Pretending not to know her at all might come across as even more unnatural.”

“Don’t worry. I caught a glimpse of her expression just now while serving tea, and the Azure Princess looks completely different from before. Back then, she was in such a terrible state that it was difficult to even consider her appearance human. Now, she’s so transformed that it’s almost reasonable not to recognize her.”

Indeed, the appearance of the Azure Princess I saw at the Azure Dragon Palace was more similar to a corpse than a person.

Since then, with the help of the maids, she must have been diligently regaining her health and undergoing various forms of care, resulting in a completely different appearance.

“You need to hypnotize yourself, Tae Pyeong. From now on, you are a piece of wood.”

“Right… I am wood…”

“An object…. that has no emotions…”

“Yes… I am an object… an object without emotions…”

I repeated these affirmations to myself almost like a mantra to steady my mind.

Before the plan to use the Vermilion Princess to drive out the Azure Princess begins, not a single flaw shall I reveal to the Azure Princess!

Riip- Riip-

“Ah… how could this happen, I’ve torn it too much!”

“What, what now… if you rip the waist of my pants down to the thigh, what am I going to do…! This isn’t just shabby clothing, I look like a beggar now…!”

“Wait… wait a second… there must be something here we can use to quickly tie up the end…”

***

To think that someone who has yet to undergo her coming-of-age ceremony has this much energy… It’s clear that she is indeed someone who has withstood divine fever.

It would not be easy even for a Taoist who has spent over a decade in seclusion in the mountains to possess such energy.

White Immortal Lee Cheol Woon sat in the inner chamber of the White Immortal Palace while thinking to himself.

Azure Princess Jin Cheong Lang who had brought several gifts was seated quietly with a few maids behind her.

As always, she looked elegant with her long sleeves covering her mouth.

Is it to cover the spots caused by the divine fever?

After overcoming the divine fever, Azure Princess Jin developed the habit of covering her mouth with the long sleeves of her court dress. It seemed more to hide something than to maintain ladylike decorum.

The small spots that had formed between her collarbone and shoulder due to the divine fever were, in fact, neither large nor conspicuous enough to be considered unsightly. However, she seemed to find them embarrassing.

Although she wore the thick court robes of the Azure Dragon Palace, which would normally hide any flaws, this habit always caused her to maintain an elegant posture and shrouded her in an air of mystery.

From a young age, she exhibited a marvel that made others feel as if they were in the presence of a fairy or a Taoist sage.

Although White Immortal Lee Cheol Woon had lived a long life, he had seldom encountered individuals who had overcome divine fever in his lifetime.

It seemed the saying, “Those who overcome divine fever are chosen by the Heavenly Emperor” was not without merit. Typically, such individuals possess an extraordinary temperament and are destined to achieve great feats.

“To put it simply, I, this humble maiden, wish to learn from the teachings of White Immortal and perform Taoist magic that would please the Emperor.”

“If it is a request from Azure Princess Jin, the flower of the Azure Dragon Palace, I cannot refuse.”

White Immortal Elder was a sage of the imperial palace who was not treated lightly even by the high officials of Cheongdo Palace.

Even if it were a request from the Crown Princess herself, he could decline if he wasn’t so inclined.

Yet, the White Immortal Elder did not refuse Azure Princess Jin’s request. Given her energy at such a young age, he was curious about the kind of Taoist magic she would be capable of in the future.

“Judging by your spiritual energy, Azure Princess, you might very well perform Taoist magic that would astonish the high officials and earn their applause. However, there isn’t much time to impart these teachings.”

“…Is that so?”

“While I cannot put your esteemed request on hold, unfortunately, the energy around White Immortal mountain has been quite disturbed lately, which is concerning. As the White Immortal of the Palace, I will have to pay attention to that first, so imparting teachings to the Azure Princess will have to come afterward.”

It was impossible to dedicate a lot of time even for a crown princess consort. There were more pressing matters for someone like the White Immortal Elder.

He conveyed this message in a roundabout way.

In truth, White Immortal Lee Cheol Woon had strongly argued that this birthday ceremony should be canceled. This was all due to the continual weakening of the energy at the White Immortal Mountain where the ceremony was to be held.

However, the high officials of the main palace, especially the official Hwaan, shook their heads at the White Immortal’s concerns.

He was the mentor of the current prince. To cancel the birthday ceremony, which would elevate the prince’s authority, would be tantamount to damaging his own political standing. The White Immortal was frustrated but he had no choice but to agree.

Under these circumstances, the White Immortal’s priority became to more closely monitor the condition of the White Immortal Mountain. Adding the responsibility of supervising Azure Princess’s Taoist magic practice was not possible.

“It’s alright. Knowing how many important matters you have to attend to, I shouldn’t take up too much of your time, White Immortal Elder.”

“I appreciate your understanding. Since it’s getting late today, please return to the inner palace. One of our guards will escort you to the outskirts of the White Immortal Palace.”

With that, the White Immortal raised his voice to call for the guard outside.

“Tae Pyeong!”

Following his call, the Azure Princess’s ears which were partially hidden behind her sleeve perked up in response.

The spark in her eyes reminded the White Immortal of a puppy who had just been invited for a walk, leading him to wonder if his words had been that boring. Could the mere request of leaving be greeted with such delight?

Slide.

“Yes, Elder.”

Seol Tae Pyeong entered through the sliding door, bowed his head firmly, and then knelt by his side.

Even if they were usually casual enough to slurp soup rice at the same table, the presence of an external guest and many watchful eyes meant adhering strictly to custom was only proper. After all, the White Immortal’s authority was synonymous with the authority of the White Immortal Palace.

“Did you call for me?”

“The guest is leaving.”

“Understood. I’ll prepare immediately.”

With those words, Seol Tae Pyeong exchanged a glance with the old Eunuch in the hallway.

The old Eunuch crossed the hall to prepare for the opening of the palace’s main gate.

A silence then enveloped the inner room of the White Immortal Palace for a brief moment.

The White Immortal Elder was a man of few words, and the Azure Princess could not afford to speak carelessly, given her dignified status as a princess consort.

Besides, it would be a serious breach of etiquette for a mere apprentice warrior and the Azure Princess to engage in personal conversation in the presence of the White Immortal, the master of the palace.

However, recognition flickered in her eyes.

It was clear to anyone observing that the Azure Princess recognized Seol Tae Pyeong. Even though her first glimpse had been through the haze of a feverish state, seeing him in person brought an immediate sense of recognition.

But Seol Tae Pyeong showed no sign of recognizing the Azure Princess, which was indeed strange.

After all, he had gone as far as the Azure Dragon Palace to care for her during her illness. It would have been only natural for him to offer a word of goodwill for her improved health.

Or perhaps, her appearance had changed so drastically that he simply failed to recognize her. The Azure Princess felt an anxious need to conceal her growing impatience hidden behind her sleeve.

But it’s impossible to hide the intensity of one’s gaze.

Seol Tae Pyeong thought to himself. Indeed, even a look could carry a physical force.

The silent pressure from her bright, intense eyes felt as if not just a gaze but a fist was hurling toward his face. If the Azure Princess’s court clothes had a tail, it would surely be wagging frantically in a plea for recognition.

Please recognize me, please recognize me, please recognize me, recognize me, recognize me

The pressure, as if a galaxy of stars was cascading down on him, made Seol Tae Pyeong break out in a cold sweat.

To some, that look might seem like a girl’s deep-seated affection that was both warm and comforting.

Yet, to others, it was as if sharp daggers were flying toward them, ready to pierce through their throat if not deflected properly.

Please stop… everyone’s going to end up dead…!

Hiding the sweat trickling down his fingertips, Seol Tae Pyeong took a deep breath.

Then he composed himself and managed not to look at her again until the Azure Princess left the White Immortal Palace and to the point where he wondered if it was okay to do so.

Despite feeling the lingering sting of her gaze on his back as he led the way out, he managed not to change his expression even once.

***

The moon hung at the tip of a plum tree branch.

Leading her maids into the Azure Dragon Palace, the Azure Princess was suddenly overcome with a distant sense of nostalgia and stopped in her tracks.

The headmaid who was walking in step with her also stopped abruptly and then, after a moment, knelt down to ask,

“Do you feel unwell…?”

“No, it’s just…”

She covered her mouth with her sleeve and looked up. The hem of her flowing robe skimmed the ground.

“The moon is beautiful, I simply stopped to gaze upon it.”

The crescent moon she had looked up at from her bed seemed to mock her, but the sky outside was breathtakingly clear.

How long had it been since the night’s darkness wasn’t intimidating? Coming to her senses, she found that merely walking in the tranquil night air of the palace garden eased her heavy heart.

The winter night air was cold. When she breathes out, her breath turns into mist in front of her before disappearing.

It was much like her own unspoken affection. Even if she thought it to be well-contained, a sigh would inadvertently release them again, as if it were the most natural thing.

Seol Tae Pyeong did not acknowledge the Azure Princess until the very end.

He kept three steps ahead of her and never looked back until they reached the main gate of the White Immortal Palace, where he simply bowed his head in farewell.

The disparity between this and his earlier energetic care of her in the Azure Dragon Palace was so great that it made her wonder if that day had been nothing but a fleeting dream.

He must not have recognized me. When she thought of that, she felt disheartened and was about to leave the White Immortal Palace.

It was when the frayed hem of the military uniform Seol Tae Pyeong wore caught her eye that the Azure Princess’s heart fluttered slightly.

The hem, clumsily tied together with red silk thread, seemed to speak volumes about his character. It was then that she realized the down-to-earth demeanor she had witnessed at the Azure Dragon Palace was not an illusion.

Despite his rugged and cold appearance, there was a warmth and humanity within him. Realizing this, the Azure Princess had to work hard to contain her blushing cheeks.

But that wasn’t all. The jade pendant in the shape of a butterfly hanging from the end of the red silk thread seemed too girlish to belong to a man. When she thought about it, she figured that it must be an item from the accessory box she had sent him.

He had been using it.

Worried that the maids might notice, the Azure Princess lifted her sleeve even higher.

It’s not that he didn’t recognize me; he simply chose not to acknowledge me openly.

After all, the difference in authority between an apprentice warrior of the White Immortal Palace and the mistress of the Azure Dragon Palace was vast, as wide as the gap between heaven and earth. With the White Immortal Elder present, it would have been inappropriate for Seol Tae Pyeong to casually address the Azure Princess.

When she thought about it that way, the back of Seol Tae Pyeong, who couldn’t pretend to know her even though he was right next to her, looked even more lonely. There was a tangible distance between them as if they were close enough to touch but separated by an insurmountable gap.

The Azure Princess felt as if her heart was wearing thin.

…It’s painful. I don’t know what to do.

Compared to the agony of the divine fever, this pain might be no more than a scratch, but…

It was like a thorn stuck in her throat and it was tormenting her.

“…….”

As for her headmaid Hui Yin who was sitting on her knees and watching the scene…

She was sweating profusely.

If things went on like this, it seemed like they would be repaying good with evil.

***

“I really erected an iron well, so perfect that it couldn’t be more so. With her heart broken, she might have kicked the wall with great regret. Damn it… It feels like a terrible thing to do, but there was no choice. Such are the rules of the palace.”

I reported back to Yeon Ri with a confident expression on my face.

Yeon Ri, who was mending a quilt with a needle, looked at me with a skeptical eye.

“Are you really sure you did it right?”

“To say more would be mere nagging. It’s to the point where I’d be relieved if she just didn’t harm me out of sheer disgust.”

“Well… if you say so, it’s a relief but…it’s not always easy to remove the rose-colored glasses once they’re on.”

Yeon Ri was lost in thought for a moment but then shook her head.

“Well, it should be fine. Yes, you’ve overcome a major hurdle, Tae Pyeong. You’ve done well!”

“…….”

“…….”

“…….”

“…. Yeon Ri, why do you look so uneasy?”

Yeon Ri who was tidying up the blankets had an anxious expression on her face for no apparent reason.

“It’s just… sometimes I get this odd feeling. Like I’ve made some kind of mistake…”

“What are you talking about? We’ve managed this crisis so smoothly…”

“Right…?”

“Yes… Let’s focus on preparing for the birthday ceremony!”

“Yeah… Let’s do that… Right. We’ve got plenty to do! It’s best to look on the bright side!”

Indeed, the birthday ceremony was just around the corner.

The place where Crown Prince Hyeon Won will first be smitten with Seol Ran, and the demon spirits of the White Immortal Mountain will stir.

All I need to do there is steal an item from a maid of the Vermilion Bird Palace. Committing a grave crime could lead to severe punishment and block my future path, so a minor item should suffice.

And if I get caught by a maid of the Vermilion Bird Palace and face punishment from the Vermilion Princess… my reputation will hit rock bottom.

A warrior who was supposed to fight bravely ran away trembling and took advantage of the chaos to steal a maid’s belongings. There is nothing that could be more pathetic.

“Tae Pyeong-ah.”

Then, unexpectedly, the White Immortal Elder appeared from the inner chamber….

Only when there were guests did he show off his authority, but when there were no outsiders at the White Immortal Palace, he really behaved no different from an old man wandering around the village.

“Yes, White Immortal Elder.”

“I forgot to mention earlier, but when you go to the mountain for the birthday ceremony as a guard, make sure to bring your Cold Iron Heavy Sword.”

“Huh?”

I already felt like my plan was already falling apart. And usually, these ominous premonitions tend to be accurate.

“…You, Tae Pyeong, are to be the sparring partner for the Vermilion Princess’s sword dance. The request came from the Vermilion Bird Palace itself.”

“…Are you serious?”

What a bizarre turn of events.

And why on earth would he do that to me… especially when I’m always cooking good food in the White Immortal Palace.

“White Immortal Elder, as you know… I do not use my sword against people.”

“Just treat it as a practice match. It’s not like you’re going to actually hurt the Vermilion Princess.”

“If that’s the case… wouldn’t this standard iron sword do?”

“Stop complaining.”

This old man…. he was someone whose actions were hard to predict.

…Why insist on taking the sword?

The problem was that most of this old man’s odd behaviors had good reasons.

I had a bad feeling about all of this.