Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 81

Chapter 81

An unusual tension hung over the training grounds of the Twelve Spirit School. On the sparring platform, Doyoung and Muje circled each other, real swords in hand, their movements sharp and measured.

Then Doyoung spotted an opening and lunged.

Clang! Clash!

The sound of metal striking metal rang out, followed by the quick slicing of fabric. Soon, Doyoung dropped his sword and raised his hand.

"Ah, damn! I surrender! I surrender, you bastard!"

The sword that had been flying toward him stopped just short. From its cold touch, he knew—a moment later and his neck would have been cut.

Rubbing his neck, Doyoung groaned.

"Were you actually trying to cut me?"

"Of course not—I stopped just in time, didn't I?"

"You should've stopped sooner! Ugh, I almost pissed myself because of you!"

Doyoung slumped to the ground, grumbling. "I told you real swords are dangerous."

"From now on, use a practice blade!"

He shuddered and dusted off his neck. Muje sheathed his sword, and the killing intent that had filled the air eased slightly. Then he extended his hand, and Doyoung took it to stand.

"How do you keep getting sharper?"

"All I do is eat, sleep, and practice swordsmanship."

"When is His Majesty going to release your power? You can handle it by now, can't you?"

Since the incident where he was nearly brainwashed by the Black Demon clan, Muje's power had been sealed. He was no longer a vulnerable child. If he wished, the seal could be lifted—but he still felt it wasn't enough.

He wanted to wait until he was in a perfect state. He didn't want to endanger Arin like last time.

"I'm strong enough without the Twelve's power."

"We all know that—but having it would make you stronger!"

Doyoung scoffed, and Muje smiled faintly. Since coming here, Doyoung had been his only close companion. Though he could barely hold out for five rounds, Doyoung kept challenging him—and Muje knew it was for his sake, which made him respect him.

"By the way, I got permission to leave for Arin's coming-of-age ceremony. Are you not coming this time? She said she misses you."

At Doyoung's gentle prodding, Muje's lips moved. He had accumulated plenty of unused leave days. He could have visited her, but he'd chosen not to—he didn't like that Arin unconsciously saw him as someone to protect, having always been together since childhood. He needed their relationship to change, so he had been keeping his distance.

"I received her letter," he said.

"Then come with me. You don't know how much she's waited for you."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah! Honestly, you'll be shocked when you see her—that cute kid is now beautiful!"

Doyoung praised Arin freely, and Muje thought, She was always beautiful. So much so that he couldn't stop looking at her. He couldn't even imagine how much more beautiful she'd become.

When Muje didn't respond, Doyoung added, "The little one ordered me to bring you, even if I had to drag you."

He wasn't joking. Arin had added a fierce postscript to her letter:

[P.S. You have to come with Brother Doyoung this time. If not, it's betrayal. And we're breaking up.]

"Breaking up." For Muje, who had once only wanted to be her friend, that word was strangely welcome—he could no longer be satisfied with just being friends. But he didn't want to make Arin sad.

"If I don't go this time, she might really get angry."

Even that would be pretty, he thought. He missed her too.

"I was planning to go this time."

"Good choice. She'll be happy."

Doyoung clapped his shoulder, and Muje didn't flinch—his touch aversion had clearly improved.

They were heading back to the dormitory when—

"Hi, Muje!"

Sosso walked toward them, greeting him warmly. She had entered the school last year through a special exam, one of the few non-direct-line twelfth-years admitted. The school was always open to talented children.

When Muje ignored her, Cheong Yuhui, standing beside her, subtly scolded him.

"Considering you were almost betrothed, that's too cold. There's a limit to being dismissive."

Doyoung stepped in. "They're annulled—of course it's awkward. Would you like strangers to talk to you?"

"Awkward is the Geumho House's problem, isn't it? His Highness doesn't speak—why do you always answer for him?"

"He's just not talkative."

Doyoung snorted, as if stating the obvious. While they bickered, Sosso glanced at Muje. He had grown tall, losing his boyish look and radiating a mature presence. He looked so healthy that it was hard to believe he was on borrowed time. She regretted the annulment.

And even after that, he always hung around Arin, earning her the nickname "half-wit's partner." If he had chosen her instead, such rumors wouldn't exist.

I heard he hasn't left the village once since coming here.

Given that the Geumho House was right nearby, his not visiting suggested their bond wasn't that close. He's probably only keeping her around because of that power. Knowing Arin's secret, Sosso was relieved they seemed distant.

Hong Ijin didn't seem to value ties with Muje, but if I say I'm interested, he'll have no choice but to agree. The stronger her abilities grew, the more favor she received from him. Conversely, as she grew stronger, Ahyeon had become subtly wary of her—not that she cared about the succession.

She had taken the entrance exam just to see Muje. Though it was a late admission, she would now see him every day for two years.

This is my chance.

As Muje tried to walk away, Sosso moved closer and spoke.

"Muje, I'm planning to explore the village when I go out—want to come with me?"

He stopped at her casual use of his name.

"I have somewhere to be."

"Where?"

"Do I need to tell you?"

At his cold tone, Sosso pouted.

"You know we're partners for this assignment, right? We need to visit the village together for the homework."

Using homework as an excuse, she blinked and urged him. "Come on, let's go together. Or I could tag along wherever you're going."

"I'm afraid that won't be possible."

Doyoung interjected, and Sosso frowned. He grinned and slung an arm around Muje's shoulder.

"This guy and I are going to celebrate my little sister's twentieth birthday."

"Little sister..."

Sosso gaped at the realization that Muje was going to see Arin. Doyoung laughed at her stunned expression.

"Yeah. As you know, it's an awkward relationship with you, so no invitation. Now stop bothering us and go your own way?"

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