Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 47

Chapter 47

"You'd like to stay near Maehwadang?"

"Because Lady Arin is there."

His casual reply surprised Arin.

"Oh? Did I mention I was staying at Maehwadang?"

"Ah, I heard that's where the direct-line family members stay. I thought it would be nice to be close."

Realizing his slip, Muje quickly covered his tracks. Though flustered, he spoke at length—but fortunately, Arin didn't notice. She had only just learned the significance of Maehwadang.

So Dad really brought me here to be his daughter.

Knowing Dogyeong's heart made her own feel warm, and she smiled involuntarily, thinking herself a blessed twelfth-year.

Muje watched her intently and asked unconsciously, "...What are you thinking about?"

"Huh? Oh, I was just remembering something. Would you like me to change your room?"

As Arin changed the subject, Muje quietly regarded her. Though he wanted to ask for a change, he knew who had arranged the distant room.

"No, that's fine. I'll come visit often."

After all, distance wouldn't stop them from meeting. Rather than cause trouble, he chose to endure the inconvenience. What he was more curious about was who had made her blush.

As Arin explained the room, Muje caught her sleeve and asked,

"Lady, may I ask what you meant by 'something'?"

"Huh? Ah, I was just thinking about when I first met Dad. I was thinking how lucky I was to have met him."

At the word "Dad," Muje felt an odd relief. He had often heard her speak of Dogyeong with such admiration and love when he was Seol.

"You seem very close to your father."

"Yes, we are. What about yours, Young Master Muje?"

Muje didn't answer readily. If she meant a relationship like hers with Dogyeong, his was nothing like that. His father, the King of Yeonhaguk, was just as taciturn as Muje. Their long conversations were only about official matters; they rarely shared emotional moments. Muje had never felt particularly dissatisfied with that.

"Not really. I've never had a long conversation with my father."

His voice had gone dry, and Arin, noticing, thought, Oh no—he must not get along with his father! Arin often stayed up late chatting with Dogyeong, so the idea of not even being able to talk with one's father troubled her. Though Muje himself was unbothered, Arin grasped his hand and asked,

"Um... weren't you lonely?"

She had fought loneliness when she was confined to the annex. She had even talked to passing ants. Isolation dries out the heart—and she imagined the White Dragon House was as strict as the Red Serpent House. Feeling sorry for him, she held his hand warmly.

"Young Master Muje, I'll take really good care of you while you're here."

Muje's heart trembled at her sudden touch. Her forwardness, coming after such caution, always caught him off guard—especially since the sensation was different from when he was transformed.

"Ah... thank you."

He lowered his gaze, trying to hide his flushed face—though he couldn't stop his palms from sweating with nervousness. As he stared at the ground, waiting for his tension to ease, Arin asked,

"Is there anywhere you'd like to go, Young Master Muje?"

He didn't have anywhere in particular; he wasn't one to wander. But knowing Arin liked going out, he thought for a moment. Then he remembered the noodle shop she had enjoyed before and said,

"I'd like to have noodles."

"Wow! I know a great noodle place—let's go together!"

Arin beamed and, as if she had been waiting, pulled him along. Muje's lips curled with satisfaction at being able to hold her hand again.

---

Now familiar with Geumho Village, Arin could go out without Choryeong.

"This place has a huge line at lunchtime!"

Excited, Arin chattered away, explaining the market streets. Even at this late hour, the noodle shop was crowded. As she looked for an empty seat—

"Little one, over here!"

Doyoung spotted Arin and waved from across the room.

"Oh, it's Brother! Let's go over there!"

Arin led the way, and though Muje wasn't thrilled, he followed without resistance. When he stood before Doyoung, Doyoung noticed him and his expression turned fierce.

"Who are you?"

His gaze dropped sharply. Doyoung had been about to order his tenth bowl of noodles when he saw Arin enter holding hands with a strange boy—his eyes blazed.

"Little one! Who's he?"

He had heard she'd been wandering around lately, but a boy?! With such an adorable and delicate sister, Doyoung's voice grew sharp. Unaware of her brother's concern, Arin answered brightly,

"Huh? Oh, this is the nephew of Prime Minister Garam, who's visiting."

Though no one was listening, Arin answered just in case. She just smiled, and Doyoung tilted his head.

"Ah, that nephew."

He had heard Arin had invited him. And that he was the owner of that white lizard. Surely he doesn't have any ulterior motives toward our little one? That would be extremely troublesome!

Even knowing he was the White Dragon heir, Doyoung's gaze was unkind—much like Dogyeong's when he looked at Muje.

Like father, like son.

Muje didn't care whether Doyoung liked him or not. What bothered him more was that he had to let go of Arin's hand now that they were at the restaurant.

Doyoung, pretending to shake hands, snatched Arin's hand away.

"Welcome. If there's anything you need during your stay, tell me."

He emphasized the "me" like a threat. Muje, who hated physical contact with others, found it unpleasant.

Slap!

He slapped Doyoung's hand away like swatting a bug. Doyoung's eyes followed his hand as it bent like a bow, his expression darkening.

"Ehh?"

Muje wiped his hand with a handkerchief and said calmly,

"I'm fine. Lady Arin has agreed to help me."

He made it clear Doyoung's help wasn't needed—but he hadn't realized that would provoke him further.

This bastard wants to fight me?!

Not knowing about Muje's aversion to touch, Doyoung took it as a challenge.

"Reeeeally?"

Doyoung forced a smile and gritted his teeth. That calm face irritated him.

"I heard you're quite skilled with a sword, Your Highness. I'd love to spar sometime."

Confident in his recent progress, Doyoung was eager. But Muje, who had been called a prodigy since childhood, was unimpressed.

Arin's brother is rather troublesome.

He had seen many like this—charge in, get crushed, and cry. Muje murmured with a hint of concern,

"That depends. If you enjoy losing, I won't stop you."

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