Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 61

Chapter 61

"Seol, say it again, okay?"

At Arin's urging, Seol only yawned and tilted his head.

"If he could speak human words, he would have talked to you long ago."

Dogyeong said teasingly, and Muje shuddered. It was amusing, and he wanted to tease more, but he had something to discuss with Arin alone.

"Seol, it's time to go back to your owner."

"Why?"

"I have something important to discuss with my daughter."

At his serious tone, Seol tilted its head and disappeared. Arin followed its retreating figure with her gaze.

"We'll head to the capital in two days."

"For the Yeonhaje Festival?"

"So you've heard. We'll be traveling with the Divine Maiden as her escort."

"Then Young Master Muje will be traveling with us too?"

"He'll likely be riding in the same carriage as you."

He would have preferred to keep her in his own carriage, but the Divine Maiden's condition wasn't good—being with Arin would help.

Then Dogyeong grew serious. "Arin, do you think you'll be alright?"

"About what?"

"When we reach the capital, you'll encounter the Twelve Houses gathering for the festival. ...The Red Serpent House will probably be there too."

At the mention of the Red Serpent House, Arin flinched. Hearing the name after so long made her body react.

"I see."

She tried to act nonchalant, but it pained him to see it. Dogyeong brightened the mood.

"This is actually a good opportunity! We can show them how much you're loved here."

"Dad?"

"Don't be intimidated. A golden tiger is all about presence. Straighten those shoulders!"

He pulled her shoulders back. Arin looked up with wide eyes, and he asked,

"Do you want to go back there?"

"No!"

"Then stand tall. It's not just today—you'll inevitably cross paths with them."

He was right. As the youngest daughter of the Geumho House, she couldn't avoid contact with the Red Serpent House.

"I'm really okay. I have Dad and my brothers."

Her brave demeanor relieved him.

"Don't push yourself. If you don't want to face them, just attend the official events."

"Yes. Thank you, Dad."

"If that mean girl tries to bully you again, feel free to use what Doyoung taught you—remember?"

Arin looked uncertain.

"...Strike first?"

"Yes, that."

"But Sosso is a daughter of the Red Serpent House..."

"So what? You're the precious jewel of the Geumho House. Do you think your father can't handle the Red Serpent House?"

Dogyeong puffed up, and Arin murmured,

"I think the Divine Maiden will scold you more."

"...Hmph. Why would she scold me?"

"The Divine Maiden said you were a troublemaker when you were young and she scolded you a lot."

"She tells you all sorts of things."

Dogyeong scratched his cheek awkwardly.

"Hehe. Anyway, I'm not going to just take it anymore! Don't worry, Dad!"

When she was confined to the annex, she had been too afraid of being abandoned to fight back.

But now I have Dad and my brothers by my side.

Having a strong family, Arin was no longer afraid of being abandoned or of Sosso.

"Dad, can we sleep together tonight? I feel lonely since Seol left."

"Sure."

Dogyeong lay on the bed and patted the empty spot. Arin quickly climbed in.

"Hehe."

She casually pulled his arm under her head. Seeing her so comfortable and trusting was adorable compared to the wary child she used to be. He closed her eyes and murmured,

"Good night."

Tucking the blanket up to her chin, he smiled as her lips curved.

"Yes. Good night, Dad."

---

In the capital, Baekyeon, carriages bearing the seals of the Twelve Houses lined up in procession. For the Yeonhaje Festival, one of the nation's grandest events, twelfth-years from all regions gathered. The capital buzzed with life.

During the festival, the Twelve Houses would stay in a detached palace, all of white platinum and marble.

"The whole world is white."

Arin looked around in awe. Having only heard of the palace from Muje, seeing it in person was even more incredible.

"Where will Young Master Muje stay?"

"In the main palace—but during the festival, I plan to stay at the detached palace often."

"Why?"

"Because I promised to show you around."

Muje smiled as if it were only natural.

"Aren't you curious about the peacocks?"

"Yes, I am!"

Arin bounced eagerly. Her new front teeth showed each time she spoke, which was adorable.

She looked ready to go right away, but Dogyeong held her back.

"There's plenty of time—let's eat first."

"Yes."

"Then I'll take my leave, Your Highness."

Dogyeong lifted Arin to say goodbye, but Muje followed closely.

"I'm hungry too."

His audacity made Dogyeong's brow twitch.

"Surely you don't intend to eat with us? His Majesty must be waiting."

"We usually dine separately."

"Then you've always eaten alone?"

At Arin's surprised question, Muje looked down dejectedly.

"Yes. My father is so busy..."

His helpless tone made Arin frown, and she urged her father.

"Dad, can't Young Master Muje eat with us? Eating alone isn't fun."

Her teary eyes made refusal impossible.

That sly lizard.

His skill at charming his innocent daughter was improving. To anyone else, it would seem he longed to dine with the Emperor—but Dogyeong knew Muje preferred to eat alone. He saw right through him.

He wanted to separate them, but as an adult, arguing with a child wasn't proper. Reluctantly, he nodded.

"Even a dead ghost looks better fed—come along."

"Thank you."

Despite his gruff tone, Muje replied smoothly and stood close to Arin. Just then, Yeoryeong appeared after unpacking.

"Before you eat, let's greet His Majesty. There's something the three of us need to discuss."

"You heard her."

Dogyeong grinned, and Muje's expression fell. It was clear he was disappointed.

Arin took his hand and smiled. "I'll order the food and wait, so don't worry."

"I'll only greet him and be back."

His expression softened, and he left with Yeoryeong.

Arin and her family headed out into the city. Doyoung's excited voice rang out.

"Father! We're going to that chicken place, right?"

He had been singing its praises the whole way, and Dogyeong answered nonchalantly.

"Yes. I already told Socheon to save us seats."

"Yes! Little one, it's a real gem—you have to line up since they don't take reservations."

"How do you know all the best places in the country?"

"I know everything about food!"

"Wow, amazing!"

"Ahem! They even have a secret menu for regulars..."

Listening to Doyoung's food lecture, they quickly arrived. Guided to a table on the second floor, they ordered enough food to fill the table. Dogyeong cut the food into small pieces and placed them in front of Arin, so she could chew easily despite her missing tooth.

"Chew well. If you swallow without chewing, you'll get a stomachache."

"Okay!"

"Right, little one—if you don't eat properly, your new tooth might fall out too!"

Doyoung's warning made Arin gasp and cover her mouth.

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