Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 20

Chapter 20

After Dogyeong's declaration, Heetaek grew pensive. Judging by his manner, he wanted to hide which house the child came from.

Hm. Perhaps this is an opportunity instead.

Since she was not meant to be a daughter-in-law anyway, there was no need to be so guarded. Having quickly calculated, Heetaek calmed the restless atmosphere.

"We cannot oppose what the master wishes."

"Hm?"

Surprised that Heetaek had yielded so easily, Dogyeong tilted his head. But Heetaek's true aim lay in his next words.

"However, since the child is still unfamiliar with the estate, wouldn't it be good for her to have a companion to share her heart with?"

At the word "companion," Dogyeong caught the hidden intention and smirked.

"And?"

He prompted him to continue, and Heetaek said,

"How about appointing one of the elders' young daughters as the young lady's attendant? A child of similar age would be ideal."

Heetaek himself had an eight-year-old granddaughter—a very well-mannered girl whom he had long set aside as Dohun's match. The mention of an attendant stirred the other elders.

"Elder Heetaek! That is a matter that should be decided through consultation among all the elders!"

"I have a six-year-old daughter myself."

"Would a boy not do? I have a son of suitable age."

Just as they were becoming heated, each trying to push forward their own children, Dogyeong, who had been watching, spoke.

"A good idea. Then it would only be right for the child herself to choose her friend."

It was not a bad proposal for Dogyeong, who had wanted to find a friend for Arin anyway—though he knew the elders' intentions were hardly pure. Still, it would be good for Arin to have the backing of at least one elder's family. And even if they weren't friends, it would be useful for her to become acquainted with the daughters of the elder houses.

Dogyeong grinned.

"I'll arrange a welcome banquet soon. Arin will choose her own playmate, and I trust no one will object when that happens."

---

Ever since coming to the Geumho House, Arin had been served meals so lavish they seemed to break the table. After every meal, Eunbaek came to examine her along with her tonics—on the master's orders to monitor her condition closely.

Ki Eunbaek, the head of the Geumho House's medical hall, was the physician responsible for the master and the direct line. After Dogyeong declared at the council that he would adopt Arin as his daughter, people from outside had requested to see her every day, but all had been refused. For one reason: Arin herself was not yet aware of the situation.

"This is a tonic to build your strength."

As Eunbaek offered the medicine, Arin squeezed her eyes shut and gulped it down.

"Ah, very good."

He then offered her a piece of candy, and Arin smiled and took it. Over the past few days, Eunbaek had noticed something peculiar. Normally, when the core had no opening, the energy would be blocked and either dissipate from within or put a strain on the body. That was why he had been using herbs to help Arin's energy balance itself out.

But rather, her energy seems to be surging and growing stronger.

It was an unprecedented phenomenon, and Eunbaek had reported it to Dogyeong a few days ago.

"Miss Arin's body is truly mysterious. I have never seen such a case before."

"It seems our Arin is a genius."

"Pardon? Master, this is no joke. If her energy continues to grow like this, it could be dangerous..."

"Ah, from now on, use the herbs listed here for her tonic."

Cutting Eunbaek off, Dogyeong handed him a note with herbs that harmonized yin and yang energy, as well as herbs that further stimulated energy. To Eunbaek, who had advised finding a way to block the energy, it was baffling.

"Did you even hear what I said? These herbs are counterproductive for Miss Arin. If things go wrong, her core might not be able to withstand the energy—something terrible could happen."

"Do you think I don't know that?"

"Pardon?"

"Just do it. This is a direct order from the Divine Maiden herself."

"What do you mean...?"

"Listen carefully, Eunbaek. Arin is a twelfth-year child under the special care of the Divine Maiden. So you should keep your ears open and your mouth shut."

It was a warning not to disclose Arin's condition. Eunbaek could not argue with the Divine Maiden's command. A child watched over by both the master and the Divine Maiden herself—clearly there was something far greater hidden here. Perhaps Miss Arin would be summoned to the Village of the Twelve Spirit Beasts before long.

Still, he could not help but worry. So he visited Arin daily to examine her personally, and eventually he had to admit that Yeoryeong's diagnosis had been correct—Arin was responding well to the new herbs. Relieved that his concerns had been unfounded, Eunbaek felt his heart lighten.

Just then, Choryeong said, "By the way, have you heard? They say a welcome banquet for Miss Arin will be held soon."

"A welcome banquet?"

"Children of similar age from the elder families will be invited too—should be fun, right?"

At the mention of other children her age, Arin's eyes sparkled.

"Really?"

She had grown close enough to Choryeong to speak informally, but the only child her age she had met here was Doyoung. Seeing her eager look, Choryeong chuckled.

"Are you that happy?"

Arin nodded vigorously—but then her expression darkened. After a moment, she fidgeted and asked quietly,

"...But since they're from the elder families, I should make a good impression, shouldn't I?"

"Pardon?"

"I don't want to cause trouble for the master..."

Remembering the children from the elder families when she was at the Red Serpent House, Arin felt anxious. A child she had been very close to had turned cold after learning her situation, and she had been deeply hurt. Now her position was even worse—to them, she was just a stray that had rolled in. Her face clouded over, and Choryeong didn't know what to do.

Suddenly, Arin's body lifted into the air and was cradled in a broad embrace.

"Sir!"

She beamed as she recognized him.

"This little one—the moment I look away, dark clouds gather. Who told you to curry favor with the elder families' children?"

"But... I'm an outsider, and they were raised nobly here."

"Since I hold you in high regard, what do a few elder families matter?"

Dogyeong brushed it off as needless worry, but Arin could not relax. In fact, the decisive reason Hong Ijin had confined her to the annex had been pressure from the elders. She had been summoned to the council and endured cold stares and sharp words. The Red Serpent House was heavily influenced by its elders.

"I'm just afraid I'll cause trouble for you because of me."

Though her expression was innocent, her eyes held genuine concern. This tiny child was worrying about him—Dogyeong's lips curled up.

"Is that so? So all this is out of concern for me?"

"Yes."

"And you don't want a friend?"

"I do... but I don't want to force one."

She didn't want to be rejected and hurt again. Her unexpectedly firm stance actually relieved Dogyeong—he had worried she might be swayed by the elder families' children.

"Hmm. In that case, there is one way to put all those worries to rest."

As Dogyeong hinted, Choryeong giggled behind her hand, and Eunbaek shook his head as if to say he couldn't interfere. They both knew that Arin had already been set to be adopted as a daughter. But Arin, who had no idea of this, asked innocently,

"What is it?"

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