Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 77

Chapter 77

"I have no intention of forcing a marriage the child doesn't want."

When Baek Hyeonje tried to bring up the betrothal, Geum Dogyeong cut him off sharply.

"Besides, the Red Serpent House already has an adopted daughter, don't they? Your Highness already has a perfectly good betrothed."

His tone clearly warned Hyeonje not to covet his daughter. Recalling that moment, Hyeonje shook his head lightly and spoke.

"Three years ago, Hyeokgwang, who had disappeared, stole half of Muje's Yeouiju. And yesterday, they dared to use my son's Yeouiju to infiltrate the palace."

At the mention of the Black Demon clan's leader, the room stirred. Some heads, accustomed to peace, grew uneasy. Hong Ijin spoke with a tense expression.

"Lost half the Yeouiju? Is he alright?"

The Yeouiju was the source of the White Dragon's power—losing half of it could affect not just his strength but his life itself. Seeing Hong Ijin agitated, Hyeonje narrowed his eyes.

"We've tried various treatments, but to no avail. Now that there's a risk of its misuse, he'll face even greater restrictions on using his power."

"Which means..."

"At this point, it's difficult to guarantee his life."

Hyeonje's grim tone silenced the room. The prodigy Baek Muje being on borrowed time was shocking.

Hong Ijin was the most shaken. All his efforts to maintain the marriage alliance with the White Dragon Palace might now be wasted.

"Was the delayed response regarding the marriage also related to His Highness's condition?"

"I regret not telling you earlier."

"Your Majesty."

"Given the circumstances, it would be unreasonable to maintain the betrothal with the Red Serpent House."

"..."

Hearing the implied annulment, Hong Ijin didn't deny it. The alliance with the White Dragon Palace was no longer an attractive option. Yet agreeing too quickly could offend them, so he decided to step back for now.

"You must have been under great strain. We can discuss the marriage later."

"No, delaying any further would be discourteous. Given Muje's uncertain future, continuing the betrothal seems unreasonable."

As Hyeonje pushed for annulment, Hong Ijin reluctantly agreed.

"If that is Your Majesty's will, I accept."

"Then I'll send the annulment documents."

Throughout this, Geum Dogyeong watched with a displeased expression.

That snake of a White Dragon is using his son's weakness as an opportunity.

He had been so desperate to hide Muje's weakness—but as soon as he learned of Arin's abilities, he moved to annul the betrothal. Just then, Cheong Haeju raised her hand.

"By the way, why did the Black Demon clan attack yesterday? Were they after the other half of the Yeouiju?"

Her words showed no regard for the precious son of another house. Hiding his displeasure, Hyeonje answered.

"Their target was the Divine Maiden."

It had been agreed that only the elders, Yeoryeong, and Dogyeong would know Woo-hyun's identity. Telling the heads of the Twelve Houses would only increase confusion. The fact that the attack had happened at the palace also suggested that one of the Twelve Houses might be colluding with the Black Demon clan.

"Hyeokgwang must be desperate to regain his power," Haeju said with a seductive smile, glancing at the head of the Silver Horse clan.

"Head Eun should be careful too—they might target your position in the Twelve Houses."

The Silver Horse clan had filled the vacancy left by the Black Demon clan. Head Eun retorted irritably,

"You seem to enjoy this situation, Head Cheong."

"Of course—it's been so terribly boring."

Her innocent tone made Head Eun scoff. Cheong Haeju was known to welcome war if necessary. Meanwhile, the other heads, who valued peace, felt uneasy about Hyeokgwang's return.

To calm them, Hyeonje said, "The Divine Maiden's seal hasn't been broken, so rest assured. However, until we find their stronghold, I'd like to keep this from the public."

"I agree—leaks would only cause chaos."

"Is the Divine Maiden safe?"

"With the Geumho House protecting her, she's safe."

Dogyeong's confident answer reassured the others.

"Losing the Yeouiju is a serious failure. Other houses should be careful not to lose their precious heirs."

"Head Cheong, you're being excessive."

"I'm just saying we should all be cautious."

At her pointed remark, Hyeonje smiled crookedly. He knew she liked to stir trouble, so he wouldn't take the bait.

"Head Cheong is right. Since the Black Demon clan favors sinister techniques, the security of each house must come first."

"See? Even His Majesty agrees."

After discussing future plans, Hong Ijin returned to his quarters and sought out Lady Yeon. Seeing her with Sosso, he said bluntly,

"As expected, Baek Muje's condition is poor."

"Then..."

"The King himself brought up annulment, so we've avoided a difficult situation."

Ijin seemed no longer interested in the alliance with the White Dragon Palace. The Red Serpent House, having suffered no real damage from the Black Demon clan, found it dangerous to get entangled.

Sosso was shocked by the sudden news.

"An annulment? But..."

"I can't let you marry someone whose future is uncertain."

"I don't mind..."

For Sosso, who had eagerly awaited her engagement to Muje, it was a thunderbolt. When she hesitated, Ijin dismissed her irritably.

"Since it's settled, there's no need to try to impress His Highness."

How bad must his condition be?

Recalling his collapse the night before, Sosso grew anxious. She grabbed Ijin's sleeve and pressed him.

"Is he in very poor health?"

"He was careless. Losing half the Yeouiju makes any power useless."

"Lose the Yeouiju? The White Dragon heir?"

Lady Yeon asked in shock, and Ijin rubbed his forehead.

"We need to return to Hongsachon and increase security. With the Black Demon clan's return confirmed, the family's safety comes first."

While the couple discussed seriously, Sosso bit her nails.

This can't be happening.

Once Ijin decided on annulment, there was no changing his mind. What becomes of me then? She had been adopted into the Red Serpent House specifically for the marriage alliance. Now that it was no longer needed, she felt insecure—especially after seeing Arin's divine power the night before.

This can't go on.

If she fell further out of favor, she might be sent back to that ruin of a house. She resented her own weak power.

Later, in her room, packing, Sosso remembered Cheong Yuhui's words.

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

She had seemed to know a secret that let her win the Cheong head's favor despite so many siblings. Unwilling to go back empty-handed, Sosso left her packing and ran out.

Back   Next