Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 73

Chapter 73

Having been humiliated before the Divine Maiden's eyes, all his efforts had come to nothing. Back in Hongsachon, everyone had praised Ahyeon, and he had been more confident than anyone. But facing Dohun, his peer, he felt like a frog in a well. The gap in power was so wide—he hadn't expected this.

Ahyeon rushed off the stage the moment the event ended. Sosso, waiting below, handed him a bouquet.

"Brother, you were amazing today!"

Hong Ijin and Lady Yeon had already left, so Sosso stayed behind to console him, having noticed his grim expression. But Ahyeon, already deeply wounded, was brusque—and he blamed Sosso for the humiliation.

"Amazing? It was a disaster."

"But that serpent was bigger than what you practiced—you were incredible!"

"So what? The Geumho tiger ripped it apart."

Ahyeon scowled, and Sosso didn't know what to do. With his pride wounded, he wouldn't be easily soothed.

"That tiger wasn't impressive. Your serpent looked way better to me!"

She tried her best to comfort him, but his expression didn't improve.

"Whatever. It's over. I'm going to rest."

As he started to leave, Sosso grabbed his arm.

"Won't you come to the banquet?"

Ahyeon glanced at her hand and replied indifferently.

"No."

Sosso, who had been looking forward to the banquet, was taken aback. Ignoring her feelings, Ahyeon took the bouquet and hurried off. Hong Ijin and Lady Yeon had already said they wouldn't attend, so Sosso grew anxious.

"Come on, let's go together—I heard there's lots of fun stuff there."

"I'm tired."

"Brother, I haven't been out in so long—I don't want to go back yet."

She clung to his arm, pleading, and Ahyeon let out a heavy sigh. He was growing tired of her whining. He wanted to snap at her, but there were too many eyes—and he knew she had been cooped up for a while.

"Fine. But only an hour."

His reluctant agreement brightened Sosso's face.

"Yes! You're the best, brother!"

Her face lit up as she got what she wanted. When they arrived at the banquet hall, Sosso immediately looked for Muje.

Where is he?

Anxious to properly introduce herself this time, she spotted him—then her smile vanished. Beside Muje sat Arin, looking very close to him.

---

After the performance, Dogyeong excused himself, saying he had things to do. So Arin headed to the banquet with her brothers. The hall was filled with dignitaries from all regions and members of the Twelve Houses, making the spread of dishes impressively diverse.

Doyoung's eyes sparkled at the feast.

"Hehehe! I'll try everything!"

Grabbing plates in both hands, he scurried around, nostrils flaring. Dohun sat Arin down and said,

"Anything you want? I'll get it for you."

"I'll come too!"

"Stay put—you'll get trampled in this crowd."

The hall was packed. Someone as small as Arin would easily get bumped around.

"Okay! I'm good with anything, brother."

She obediently agreed, and Dohun patted her head before leaving. While waiting, Muje came to find her.

"There you are."

"Oh? I thought you went back to your quarters."

She knew he disliked crowded places. He set a drink made from plum syrup in front of her.

"Are you not happy to see me?"

He pretended to sulk, and Arin waved her hands.

"No, that's not it... I just thought you'd be uncomfortable here."

She murmured the last part and took a sip. Then she glanced around nervously, remembering Dogyeong's words before they came: "Arin, there may be a disturbance during the banquet, so don't leave the hall."

"A disturbance? Is it dangerous?"

"We're going to play hide-and-seek with the Black Demon clan."

She guessed it had to do with Woo-hyun—she already knew he was staying here. "Is Woo-hyun the treasure?"

"To them, yes. But don't worry—I'll protect that child by any means."

"I'm worried you might get hurt, Dad."

"Haha, you're adorable. Not a single hair will be harmed."

After reassuring her, Dogyeong had vanished, concealing his presence so well that even Arin couldn't sense him.

Knowing something dangerous would happen, she worried that the foul energy might affect Muje.

"Don't worry."

"Huh?"

"I'm safest next to you."

"If it gets hard, tell me."

She smiled in relief.

"By the way, you were amazing today—so that wasn't really your lizard form."

At the performance, Muje had transformed into a true White Dragon, not his small lizard form. Even scaled down for the stage, the pressure was immense.

"Staying transformed as Seol is easier for me."

Normally, he wouldn't have risked the strain of transforming into a true White Dragon, but being with Arin had given him the courage. The Black Demon clan must have been shaken to see his power intact.

Arin asked cautiously, "You didn't overdo it, did you?"

He held her gaze for a moment, then said,

"Mm... maybe a little."

He pretended to be tired and placed his hand under the round table, palm up. Arin took the hint and held it, and his lips curved softly.

"Thank you."

Now that he had told her about his condition, he could ask her to hold his hand anytime. He felt lighter, no longer needing to pretend to be Seol. As they chatted, Dohun and Doyoung returned.

"Oh, you're here?"

Doyoung sat down, as if he'd expected him. Having been tipped off by Dogyeong, they were all gathering around Arin. Dohun scanned outside.

"Quiet."

The stillness before a storm—his eyes sharpened. Inside the hall, the guests, unaware of the impending disturbance, laughed and chatted. The elders who had gathered to test Woo-hyun had cast vast protective barriers around the hall and the Twelve Houses' quarters, without anyone knowing. The operation was carried out in secret.

The banquet hall itself had been fortified with formations designed by Dogyeong, making it the safest place. They were to move around the hall quietly until Dogyeong gave the all-clear.

Suddenly, thunder roared outside, followed by a downpour.

"Oh, rain."

Arin glanced out the window casually—then noticed the rain carried a strange energy. She turned.

"Muje?"

At that moment, Muje swayed. Startled, Arin supported him, and his body trembled.

"Huff."

He clutched his chest and let out a low groan. When she met his eyes, she gasped.

"Ah."

His eyes burned red, and his core's energy was unstable.

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