Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 27

Chapter 27

He should have cut them off at the root. But failing that, he had left chaff behind all this time. They were probably targeting Yeoryeong, who had taken the leader's power. Still, that was adult business. Dogyeong was simply pleased to see the children enjoying the festivities.

"Arin, how were the children you met today?"

"Hmm, we played hide-and-seek and had fun."

"Father, the little one did well. You should have seen her land a hit on Geum Huijin."

"A hit?"

"I taught her my winning strategy."

Doyoung clenched his fist, and Choryeong, who had been following, shook her head. She had witnessed the whole scene.

"Well, you see..." Choryeong explained the situation, and Dogyeong scooped Arin away from Doyoung.

"You'll ruin this child with your nonsense! Why teach her to kick groins and insult people!"

"Why not! You taught me that striking first is the way to win!"

"When did I ever?"

"That time when the elder said something, and you smashed the chair—mmph!"

Dogyeong covered his mouth, so Doyoung couldn't continue. He bit Dogyeong's hand in frustration, but Dogyeong didn't flinch.

Watching them, Arin asked, "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, you did great."

"Then why—!"

Doyoung protested, but Dogyeong coddled Arin.

"You did very well. As long as you're okay, nothing else matters. That elder's granddaughter was always a piece of work anyway."

"I made a friend! I'm going to visit Seyeon's house later—can I?"

"Hmm."

It had to be Geum Heetaek's granddaughter. Heetaek was troublesome, but at least he wasn't dirty—not a bad choice. Still, her motive might be to get close to Dohun rather than Arin. Sweet-talking a child was that old man's specialty. Worried, Dogyeong gave a firm warning.

"Only if Doyoung goes with you."

Sending her alone was out of the question; at least with his son along, it would be safer.

By then, they had arrived at the heart of the banquet. Arin was overwhelmed—not only by the unexpectedly large crowd, but by the weight of all the stares. Still, Dogyeong sat her on his lap and fed her openly, ignoring the elders' shocked expressions.

Everyone was curious about Arin, but Dogyeong's intimidating presence kept them from approaching. Only after Arin finished eating did the line of greetings begin. Throughout the banquet, she received greetings from strangers.

Then, her eye caught something odd. A servant pouring drinks seemed to be followed by a dark, hazy miasma. The aura was unsettling, and Arin instinctively clung to Dogyeong.

"Child?"

Dogyeong found it strange.

Jingle.

"Geumgeum?"

At the familiar, clear bell sound, Arin turned toward it. Geumgeum was entering with Yeoryeong.

And in that very instant, Arin saw the servant with the dark miasma reach into his bosom, pulling out a dagger.

"Watch out, Divine Maiden!"

Shing—!

Almost simultaneously, a dagger flew through the air. Dogyeong hurled a piece of rice cake, deflecting its trajectory. Crack! The rice cake, hardened into stone by the Golden Tiger's power, pinned the dagger to a pillar.

Yeoryeong, as if she had been waiting, flicked open her fan and made a gesture across the assassin's throat.

"Ugh!"

The blast of wind from Yeoryeong sent the assassin flying. Waiting in the wings, Socheon subdued the attacker. All of this happened in an instant, and everyone's attention was divided between Yeoryeong, Dogyeong, and the assassin.

But Geum Heetaek's gaze remained fixed on Arin.

That child sensed killing intent?

She was only a young girl who had never learned proper martial arts.

She clearly saw it before the assassin even struck.

He himself hadn't sensed anything, and he was dumbfounded. Then he felt a sharp stare—Dogyeong was glaring at him fiercely. Without a sound, Dogyeong mouthed a warning:

Shut up.

"..."

Heetaek exhaled a deep sigh, keeping his mouth shut. He had always represented the elders' interests, and he had never done anything to harm the house. But seeing Dogyeong's unusually sensitive response to Arin's matters, Heetaek felt a strong conviction—that girl hid far greater power than they imagined.

The commotion had shifted attention away from her for now, but it would be wise to withdraw.

"It seems Miss Arin is quite shaken," Heetaek said.

Taking his cue, Dogyeong stood up. "Indeed. Though there was a brief disturbance, it has been resolved. Please remain at ease."

He lifted Arin into his arms and said to Heetaek, "I'll leave the Divine Maiden in your care while I'm away."

"Don't worry about us. Take your time."

"Little one, are you okay? Scared?"

Doyoung watched anxiously as Arin huddled in Dogyeong's arms.

"You're scaring her more, you brat. Stay here. I'll take Arin to calm down and return."

Told not to follow, Doyoung grumbled and sat down. As Dogyeong left, he exchanged a signal with Yeoryeong. In truth, Yeoryeong's late arrival had been planned all along—Dogyeong had known an assassin was among them and had been waiting for him to act.

But Arin sensed the killing intent of all people.

At least only Heetaek seemed to have noticed. Of all people, that old fox had to catch it. Knowing how much trouble Heetaek would make over this, Dogyeong's brow furrowed with fatigue.

Lost in thought, they reached Maehwadang.

"The Divine Maiden... is she alright?" Arin asked belatedly, her voice trembling.

Dogyeong patted her back and whispered gently, "Thanks to you, she's safe."

"Thank goodness..."

"More importantly, child, I have something to tell you."

It had been arrogant to think that only he and Yeoryeong needed to keep quiet and be careful. Arin's growth was far too rapid.

"When the child's energy recovers and she begins to sense things, send her to me. It won't hurt for her to learn early how to protect herself."

They had planned to take Arin as a disciple of the Divine Maiden at the right time. But it had come sooner than expected, and Dogyeong grew thoughtful. Perhaps she had already awakened back in the Red Serpent House—the thought made him anxious.

"Earlier, did you sense something from that servant?"

"A dark, unpleasant energy was clinging to him. Is that servant okay? He seemed possessed by something."

"That is called killing intent."

"Killing intent?"

"It's the energy emitted by those who harbor the desire to harm others."

"Oh."

"To you, Arin, it's a hostile force. That's why your body trembles so."

Dogyeong slowly channeled the power of the earth to calm her. Feeling a sense of stability, like standing in a vast open field, Arin's agitation gradually subsided. Yet her expression darkened even more.

"It's me again, isn't it? I'm the problem."

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