Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 46

Chapter 46

Every evening, Dogyeong received reports on his children's daily activities. Since Jinkyeong's death, his attachment to his remaining family had grown stronger than anyone else's. Among them, Dohun was the most sensitive—he pretended to be fine, but whenever Jinkyeong's anniversary approached, he acted like a loose screw.

"Choryeong said the two of them were holding hands and playing together quite happily yesterday. You're in trouble now, dear—Dohun might not think of you anymore?"

He said this playfully, leaning against the gravestone.

"But don't worry—I'll think of you plenty."

With that, Dogyeong closed his eyes. He remained there until the morning sun rose and Socheon came to find him.

---

A few days later, a distinguished guest arrived at the Geumho House—Baek Garam, Dohun's teacher and the Prime Minister of the White Dragon House, who would be staying as the White Dragon heir's guardian.

At the appointed time, Muje had already entered the carriage and released his transformation. Garam studied his complexion and asked,

"Have you been well? You look better than before."

"Yes."

Muje answered briefly and adjusted his clothes.

During his stay at the Geumho House, Muje was to pretend to be Garam's nephew. If word got out that the White Dragon heir was there, unnecessary rumors might spread. Garam stroked his long beard.

"In any case, I'm relieved the Divine Maiden has found a solution. Staying transformed all the time would be exhausting."

Though it might ease somewhat once he came of age, for now, he had no choice but to rely on the Divine Maiden.

"Did she happen to mention what that solution is?"

At Garam's probing question, Muje answered flatly,

"I don't know."

Arin being the Divine Maiden's successor was still a secret that must not be revealed—especially since the White Dragon House would do anything if they learned Arin was what Muje needed.

Muje wiped his damp palms on his clothes. He had felt closer to Arin as Seol—standing before her as Baek Muje made him nervous.

"Is something wrong?"

"Just a little unwell."

"Hm. Are you sure you're alright?"

When Garam asked again, Muje nodded as if to say it was nothing.

"His Majesty is very worried about you. He's uneasy about his young son being so far from home."

"It's still part of Yeonhaguk, isn't it?"

"You're too indifferent—you didn't even send a single letter. You should know how worried he is, not even receiving a reply."

"That's why I sent for you, Prime Minister. So you can see for yourself that I'm doing well while you stay here."

"You speak smoothly. That only makes me more suspicious."

"There's nothing to be suspicious of."

"Well, I suppose I'll find out in time."

As Garam smiled leisurely, the carriage came to a stop. Garam moved to step out first, but Muje stopped him.

"I'll get off first, as your nephew."

"The Geumho direct line already knows who you are."

"There might be eyes watching. Please treat me casually, Prime Minister."

Since he insisted on playing the nephew, Garam had no choice but to accept the deference. Muje stepped down first and held the door for Garam.

Greeting them were Dohun and Arin.

"Welcome, Teacher."

"Good to see you again."

While Garam exchanged greetings with Dohun, Arin gazed at Muje with sparkling eyes. She had to befriend him somehow to get Seol back.

"Hello?"

Muje quietly looked at her outstretched hand. Garam, knowing Muje's aversion to physical contact, moved to step in—but Muje was faster.

"Thank you for the invitation, Lady Arin."

He naturally took Arin's hand in greeting, and Garam narrowed his eyes as if witnessing something extraordinary.

Arin, meanwhile, was delighted that he had received her letter.

"So you got my letter! I thought you weren't coming since you didn't reply."

"Ah, I apologize. I forgot I needed to respond. Were you waiting?"

"A little."

"Next time, I'll be sure to reply. Will you forgive my rudeness?"

"Hehe, yes! I forgive you!"

The more Muje spoke, the more confused Garam became. This was the same person who never spoke more than three sentences to others, now speaking with such ease.

You never even said you'd reply to His Majesty...

Garam found Muje's new demeanor fascinating. It was a world away from how he had coldly ignored his peers who had tried to befriend him in the past. Of course, it was a blessing that he was getting along with the Geumho daughter—Garam, who had worried Muje would grow old and die without friends, was moved.

I must thank the Divine Maiden.

He attributed Muje's change to the stability he had found in the Village of the Twelve Spirit Beasts.

Just then, Arin spoke cautiously, "Um, my hand..."

"Ah, I'm sorry."

Muje quickly let go, startled. Having grown accustomed to holding Arin in her arms as Seol, he had made a mistake.

Now I can't even hold her hand freely.

He stared at his own hand, feeling oddly disappointed. Meanwhile, Arin studied Muje quietly. His wavy silver hair looked as soft as silk thread. It shimmered in the sunlight, its fine texture visible to the naked eye.

What drew Arin's gaze most were his golden eyes, sparkling like topaz. They reminded her of Seol.

He looks like Seol.

The reddish tint in his eyes gave him a different aura from other twelfth-years. Arin assumed it was a trait of the White Dragon House.

As the two children stared at each other, Garam casually remarked,

"Come to think of it, I heard Lady Arin and Young Master Muje are the same age."

"Really?"

Arin's eyes sparkled at the news—a familiar expression she made whenever she was happy or excited. Muje watched her with satisfaction, and Garam continued,

"Yes. Since this meeting is fate, would you be willing to spend time with Young Master Muje during his stay? He's quite shy around strangers."

"Of course! I'll take good care of him—don't you worry, Master Garam!"

Arin accepted eagerly, and Garam chuckled.

What a delightful young lady.

Especially surrounded by the large tigers of the Geumho House. Her expressive face made anyone feel good just being with her. She would be an excellent friend for the taciturn Muje.

Just as Garam thought they might naturally grow close through this opportunity, Dohun interjected,

"Arin might be overwhelmed on her own—I'll also make sure to look after him."

He subtly positioned himself to block Muje's gaze, and Garam laughed. Only a few days ago, Dohun had resented his new sister—but now his gaze toward her was quite warm. He seemed worried that Muje might bother her.

Pretending not to notice Dohun's intent, Garam said,

"Surely you should be looking after this teacher of yours?"

"I won't neglect you either, Teacher."

"Are you saying you'd rather spend time with her than with me? I do have things to discuss with you."

"Discuss?"

"Yes. Hmm—in the meantime, Lady Arin, would you show Young Master Muje around the estate?"

"Yes! Take your time!"

Arin answered promptly, and Dohun had no choice but to leave with Garam.

Left alone, Arin asked, "Shall we go see your quarters first?"

As Arin led the way to the guest quarters, Muje followed quietly. Now that he faced her in his true form, not as Seol, he didn't know what to say. The thing he missed most was being unable to touch her freely.

His hands fidgeted nervously as they arrived.

"Here it is!"

At Arin's announcement, Muje looked around. It was a detached pavilion prepared for important guests, but there was a problem.

"This place is too far from Maehwadang," he muttered, clearly displeased.

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