Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 33

Chapter 33

Muje stared at the raw chestnuts in front of him, his gaze distant. Having always eaten only the finest foods, he was deeply suspicious of their freshness. But Arin's eyes sparkled so eagerly that he couldn't refuse—he had no choice but to nibble on them. Fortunately, they were sweeter than they looked.

"See, you do like them."

Arin beamed and stroked his back. Normally, he would have snapped at anyone who dared touch him—but oddly, he quietly endured her touch, even as Yeoryeong watched with an intrigued expression.

Arin was simply overjoyed to see the white lizard again. She had visited the chestnut tree several times without finding him and had been disappointed.

I want to keep him.

Just then, she remembered what Dogyeong had told her: "Arin, if you meet the white lizard again, try touching its tail. They love having their tails stroked." Since she trusted Dogyeong implicitly, she reached out and grabbed the lizard's tail without hesitation.

Caught off guard, Muje jumped—but Arin held on, so he couldn't flee. Surprised, Arin soothed him by stroking his back.

"Did I scare you? Sorry. I heard you liked this..."

Who on earth told you that?

Muje stared incredulously at the girl who had dared touch his reverse scale. Should I kill her? But she was a rare source of stability he had finally found—he couldn't just dispose of her.

Then something even more astonishing happened.

...!

When Arin's hand touched his reverse scale again, Muje felt his power being drawn out—or rather, the uncontrollable forces within him were submitting to her. The power that no elixir could tame, bowing to this little girl? Unbelievable.

Just as he stood frozen, staring at her, Yeoryeong said,

"Haha, it seems he likes you too."

"Really?"

Arin's eyes sparkled, and Yeoryeong narrowed hers.

"He's allowed you to touch his most vulnerable spot, hasn't he?"

"Vulnerable spot..."

Yeoryeong was right—even with a trivial movement he could have avoided, he had shown his weakness.

Who is this girl?

Muje's sharp question was met with a warm smile.

It seems she's the one who will save you, young master.

She would save him? His gaze swept over Arin. She looked so fragile—more like someone he should protect.

As if reading his thoughts, Yeoryeong advised,

You can't judge strength by appearances alone.

...

You'll have to earn her favor. She will soon be loved by all.

Yeoryeong hid her smile behind a fan—and it felt like a taunt. Flustered, Muje leaped onto Arin's lap. He stared into her startled eyes, then raised a front paw and grasped her finger—as if to say he would never let go.

Arin looked between Muje and Yeoryeong.

"Does that mean he likes me?"

"It seems so."

"Is he one of your charges, Divine Maiden?"

"For now, yes."

Muje bristled at the word "charge," but Yeoryeong continued.

"Do you like him?"

"Yes. He's so cute—I feel like I need to protect him. Especially since his white skin makes him stand out—he might become prey for predators."

Being different made one an easy target—just as Arin had been hated for being unable to transform. She felt the same about this little one and couldn't stop worrying about him.

Seeing Arin's fondness for Muje, Yeoryeong grinned.

"Then take him and care for him for a few days. He seems to want to be with you too."

· Who gave you permission to sell me off?

At the smooth proposal, Muje glared, but Arin was delighted.

"Can I really?"

She scooped him up in her arms.

"Will you come with me?"

Her sparkling eyes shone like stars. For some reason, he couldn't resist her touch.

Muje hesitated, and Yeoryeong said,

It must seem strange to you—why you feel no hostility toward her.

...You seem to know, so tell me.

I can't tell you that easily.

She smiled meaningfully.

How about a bet? If you can discover Arin's true nature within a week, you win.

Then will you give her to me?

At the bold question, Yeoryeong smiled.

"Give" isn't quite the right word. Hmm—how about being her friend?

Friend?

If you become Arin's friend, I'll make arrangements so you can live without having to stay transformed.

Friend. A word that allowed closeness while keeping a certain distance—clean and simple, perfect for Muje's current situation. And as she said, staying transformed around Arin had its limits. The offer of free movement, instead of hiding in the shrine, made Muje accept the bet immediately.

Don't go back on your word.

Of course.

Yeoryeong smiled. Still young, this White Dragon had a certain endearing charm. A more experienced person would have asked exactly how it would be arranged.

With the bet set, Yeoryeong said to Arin,

"Take good care of him for a week."

"Yes!"

Arin was thrilled to spend a week with the white lizard.

"I'm Arin. Divine Maiden, does he have a name?"

I am Baek Muje.

Muje sent a telepathic message, but Arin couldn't understand. Yeoryeong said,

She doesn't know how to receive telepathy yet.

...

Only then realizing he had been tricked, Muje's eyes trembled with shock. He had to figure out her identity without being able to communicate. As he looked at her reproachfully, Yeoryeong feigned innocence.

I assumed you knew, since you seemed so confident. But as you know, you must not reveal your true form before Arin—'Baek Muje' is currently in the White Dragon Palace.

Realizing he had fallen into a perfect trap, Muje slumped in defeat. Seeing him droop, Yeoryeong suggested,

"It would be best if you gave him a name yourself."

"Hmm, then..."

After a long pause, Arin smiled brightly.

"Seol! Because he's as white and pretty as snow—Seol sounds perfect."

It was clearly a girl's name, and Muje's expression curdled. Yeoryeong, as if oblivious, murmured softly,

"Oh my, what a lovely and endearing name."

---

At the appointed time to pick up Arin, Dogyeong stared incredulously at Baek Muje, who was calmly nestled in her arms.

"What is this situation now?"

The protective formations he had set up to keep Muje away from Arin had been in vain. Arin held out Muje and asked,

"Dad, can we keep Seol at our house for a while?"

"Seol?"

"The lizard I told you about—he's Seol."

"..."

One problem after another. Now she wanted to take him home and keep him. And the way she called him "Seol" made it clear she had no idea he was human.

Dogyeong sent Muje a telepathic message.

Please excuse yourself.

He assumed Muje wouldn't want to be raised by someone else. But the answer was unexpected.

No.

Right, I understand. I'll persuade Arin myself.

No. I'm coming with you.

...Pardon?

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