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Chapter 68

Arin pointed to a pavilion on the pond. They sat side by side, and she studied his expression.

"Are you okay?"

"About what?"

"You looked upset."

Muje quietly looked at Arin, who was worried about him.

"I suppose I got tired of all the people."

"Ah, you said you don't like crowded places."

"Yes."

"Sorry for making such a silly request."

"Not at all."

He was actually glad he had gone—if Arin had heard all those pointless stories, she would have been hurt.

"I'll always do whatever you ask, Arin."

His calm words made her blink. Just then, willow branches swayed in the wind, and the fresh scent of willow filled the pavilion. Feeling parched, she touched her throat.

"Why are you so nice to me?"

"Because I want to be."

"I see..."

His simple answer made her cheeks warm.

"Does it bother you?"

"No—it's just... I feel like I keep imposing on you."

At her formal address, Muje's lips parted. Then, remembering how she had blushed in front of Youngjae, he spoke.

"Then could you do me a favor?"

"Of course!"

Her eyes sparkled, and he met her gaze.

"You're my only friend."

"Huh? But I'm sure everyone wants to be friends with you."

At his unexpected confession, Arin looked bewildered.

"Maybe. But do I really need to have lots of friends?"

He had never liked having people around. "All I need is you. And I heard friends call each other by name and speak casually."

"So you want us to speak casually—and use names?"

"Yes."

"Hmm. That's not hard..."

They had known each other long enough. Still, using his name felt a little embarrassing. Seeing his hopeful look, Arin's lips slowly parted.

"M-Muje."

Hearing his name from her lips, Muje's expression softened.

"Yes, Arin."

Just the act of saying names made her feel parched again.

"Hmm, shall we go now?"

She was about to stand up, embarrassed—

"Stay a little longer."

Muje took her hand and looked up at the sky.

"The sunset's coming."

As he said, the sky was slowly changing colors—blue blending into purple, then red, like watercolors mixing.

"Wow."

Arin sat back down, entranced, watching the sun set. Her cheeks turned the color of the sunset. And Muje's ears, watching her, also reddened.

---

As usual, Ahyeon arrived early at the training grounds to warm up. Since coming to the capital, he hadn't missed a single day of practice—he was determined to impress the Divine Maiden at the festival. After warming up for about half a shichen (an hour), he was about to begin serious training when he felt sharp gazes on him. He looked up—and the stares scattered.

What's going on?

Feeling watched, he tilted his head. Just then, Dohun entered the training grounds. A hush fell over the area. More glances than usual flickered between Ahyeon and Dohun. It was well known that the Red Serpent and Geumho Houses didn't get along, but why the sudden interest?

Ahyeon swung his sword, puzzled by the unusual atmosphere. Dohun ignored the stares and began his warm-up. Ahyeon, noticing the rarely seen Dohun, couldn't help but watch.

So this is the Prime Minister's student—doesn't look like much.

He was sneering to himself when their eyes suddenly met—and Dohun approached him.

"Care for a spar?"

The unexpected offer made Ahyeon reply reluctantly.

"Sure."

He had been curious about Dohun's skill anyway, so this was a good opportunity. Confident in his own training, he expected a close match—but then—

Clang!

As soon as they began, Dohun came at him with full force. The clash of wooden swords sent a jolt through Ahyeon's wrist.

This bastard...!

For someone with a gentle face and polite request, he was ferocious. What was most humiliating was how much Ahyeon was overpowered. Dohun pressed him relentlessly without so much as a blink—and just as Ahyeon tried to target a weak point—

Crunch!

As if he had already read the trajectory, Dohun blocked it. Unable to withstand the force, Ahyeon's wooden sword snapped in two.

"Ugh."

The recoil sent him to his knees.

"Ah!"

Those watching held their breath. Humiliated in front of so many, Ahyeon couldn't lift his head. Dohun withdrew his sword and whispered,

"You're putting too much tension in your wrist."

His evaluating tone made Ahyeon clench his fist. It was deliberate.

Why?

At the festival, they had never crossed swords like this. Dohun's challenge today was a clear display of hostility—done in the most refined way. Having fulfilled his purpose, Dohun left the training grounds.

Still on the ground, Ahyeon heard someone speak.

"You okay? He seemed pretty pissed."

Everyone was surprised by Dohun's unusual intensity.

"I don't know. Why the hell is he picking a fight?"

As Ahyeon tried to act tough and stood up, the other blinked.

"You really don't know?"

"Know what?"

"You haven't heard the rumors."

The other touched his mouth awkwardly. Frowning, Ahyeon waited, and he said,

"Rumor has it the adopted daughter of the Geumho House is your sister."

"What are you talking about? Sosso came with me."

"No—the other one. Geum Arin."

At the mention of Arin, Ahyeon's expression froze. It was a name he hadn't expected to hear here.

"Arin was adopted into the Geumho House?"

The moment he asked in surprise, the rumor became fact. The other clicked his tongue.

"It's all over the palace now—that a disowned daughter of the Red Serpent House is being raised by the Geumho House."

Ahyeon was speechless. He had known Arin followed the Divine Maiden, but he hadn't known she was adopted into the Geumho House. His silence was telling.

"Why was she disowned, anyway?"

Others were curious too, but Ahyeon wasn't in the mood to answer.

"Excuse me."

He headed straight back to his quarters. Sosso, in the reception room, called out to him.

"Brother?"

Ignoring her, he went directly to Hong Ijin's room and flung the door open.

"Father!"

Hong Ijin, mid-change for a meeting, looked at him quizzically.

"What is it? Didn't you say you were going to the training grounds?"

Ahyeon glanced around, then lowered his voice.

"Did you know?"

"Know what?"

"About Arin!"

At his outburst, Hong Ijin's brow twitched. After a moment, he replied calmly,

"Did you run into Arin?"

His composure made Ahyeon stamp his foot.

"No! I ran into her brother. The palace is buzzing with rumors—that Arin was cast out and adopted into the Geumho House."

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