Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 66

Chapter 66

"Do you think so?"

Already tired of the conversation, Sosso readily followed Yuhui. Yuhui remarked casually,

"Everyone's so nosy about other people's business, aren't they? They'd be better off honing their own skills."

"Exactly."

"Actually, that's a form of power too—being born as a direct twelfth-year heir means you can coast through life."

Her words carried a hidden barb, and Sosso blinked.

"But you're a direct-line yourself, Lady Yuhui."

It was a sharp retort that might have offended, but Yuhui showed no displeasure, speaking frankly instead.

"I have over ten siblings, both older and younger. Do you think it's easy trampling over all those rivals?"

"...I suppose not. You're remarkable too, Lady Yuhui. After all, you're here because the head recognized you."

At Sosso's envious words, Yuhui's eyes curved gently.

"If you're strong, everyone acknowledges you."

"It must be nice to be strong."

"You want to be strong too, don't you?"

When Yuhui spoke softly, Sosso agreed.

"I'd sell my soul to a demon if I had to."

At her muttered complaint, Yuhui said,

"There is a way."

"Huh?"

"A way to sell your soul to a demon."

"What do you mean?"

As Sosso stared blankly, Yuhui shrugged and changed the subject.

"Shall we go back?"

"Lady Yuhui, what you said earlier..."

"Later. When we're closer and you're ready, I'll tell you then."

Her coaxing tone was mesmerizing—like a witch's tongue, subtly controlling Sosso.

---

While Sosso was out walking with Yuhui, Arin arrived at the gathering. Doyoung's stomachache hadn't improved, so he was laid up.

"Sorry, little one... I'll come as soon as I feel better, ugh..."

Remembering him rushing to the bathroom, Arin steeled herself.

I can't always rely on my family. Besides, Young Master Muje said he'd come.

Of course, she was a little scared about standing alone until he arrived. Entering the venue, she was warmly welcomed. Houses friendly with Doyoung especially took care of her.

"Do you know how much Doyoung has talked about his little sister? And then he never introduced us."

Hwang Bo Youngjae of the Hwangwoo House chuckled, and Arin blinked.

"Brother Doyoung did?"

"I ran into him at the market a few days ago. First time I've ever seen him pack food to give to someone else."

"Ah."

"There's also a rumor that Master Geum dotes on you heavily. They say the meetings end on the dot because he doesn't want to keep you waiting."

"Oh, I didn't know."

She had been going to pick him up at the same time every day, thinking it just ended then. Learning Dogyeong had adjusted the schedule was a pleasant surprise.

"Now that I see you in person, I understand why Doyoung likes you so much. With a cute youngest member joining that fearsome Geumho House, the atmosphere must have changed completely."

"Hehe."

Youngjae showered her with praise, and Arin blushed, smiling shyly—when Muje appeared by her side.

"There you are."

He looked at Hwang Bo Youngjae with a blank expression.

---

Muje had been glancing at the clock throughout his lesson. Unable to focus, his teacher closed the book and said,

"Let's stop here for today."

"Thank you for your time."

Muje bowed quickly and left.

I'm already half a shichen (an hour) late.

Today, his teacher had talked too much. Arin, being new to a gathering of twelfth-years, must be nervous. Worried she'd been waiting too long, he arrived at the venue—only to feel deflated. Arin was surrounded by boys, laughing.

He should have been relieved that she was fine without him—but seeing it made him uneasy.

Why do I feel so bad?

Arin was chatting comfortably with them, just as she did with him. When she blushed at something Youngjae said, Muje quickened his pace. Youngjae recognized him first.

"Oh...!"

Ignoring him, Muje spoke to Arin.

"There you are."

"Oh, Your Highness."

Arin, mindful of others, addressed him formally—and Muje frowned. Unaware, she welcomed him.

"Are you done?"

"Yes. Sorry I'm late."

"No, I'm just glad you came."

She shook her head lightly and studied his face, then offered a handkerchief.

"Did you run here?"

"Ah."

It seemed his haste had been noticed. He reached for the handkerchief, then paused—and leaned closer. When Arin only stared blankly, he said casually,

"My hands are dirty. Would you wipe my forehead for me?"

"Oh, yes."

She nodded and dabbed the sweat from his forehead. Watching, Hwang Bo Youngjae's expression was one of shock.

Am I seeing things?

He rubbed his eyes, but Muje was still being doted on.

It's real. Is that really Baek Muje?

Unable to believe his eyes, Youngjae spoke up.

"Are you really His Highness?"

At that, Muje's sharp gaze fixed on him—as if asking why he was still there. Youngjae looked bewildered, having apparently offended him without reason. But this was the Muje he knew, so to lighten the mood, he brought out his secret weapon.

"Oh, I have some traditional sweets from home—would you like some? Made with green tea from Hwangwoo Village, really delicious."

"No."

At the flat refusal, Youngjae's gaze turned to Arin.

"Arin, want to try some? Doyoung loves these too. They're really good."

"Yes, I'd love to!"

If even Doyoung, who was picky about food, liked them, they must be good. She took a bite and her eyes sparkled.

"These are really delicious!"

"Right? I'll send a box through a maid later—share them with Doyoung."

"Thank you!"

As Arin beamed, Youngjae's expression softened. He had a little sister about her age, but she was prickly and hard to talk to.

"I wish my sister were as cute as you."

It was an innocent remark—but Muje, who had been burning with jealousy since Arin addressed him informally, found it grating.

Should I kill him?

His killing intent surged, his aura cooling—when Arin asked again,

"Are you sure you don't want any?"

Her question drew his gaze to the sweet in her hand. He remembered how satisfied Dogyeong had looked when Arin fed him.

"Is it good?"

"Yes. Try one."

Immediately, Muje's lips reached for the sweet.

"......!"

Startled, Arin flinched.

"Koff."

Youngjae, caught off guard, choked. Seeing their reactions, Muje's twisted mood eased slightly. He gave Youngjae a crooked smile and murmured,

"Delicious."

"R-right?"

Arin lowered her head, fidgeting with her fingers. The sensation of his lips touching her hand lingered. He said his hands were dirty, she thought—it was probably nothing, but her heart raced anyway.

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