Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 92

Chapter 92

The Village of the Twelve Spirit Beasts was the place where the Divine Maiden's power could be used most stably. It was also a place usually closed to outsiders. Summoning the heads there meant Yeoryeong was withdrawing from active duty—especially at a time when the Black Demon clan was using monsters to throw the country into chaos.

Hong Ijin, considering the date, told Ahyeon, "We'll leave early."

He wanted to gauge the mood in Geumho Village. Ahyeon asked with excitement,

"May I come too?"

Hong Ijin looked at him with displeasure.

"You seem eager."

"It's a good chance to see the Divine Maiden. And I'm curious about who the new one is."

Having fallen out of favor with Yeoryeong as a child, Ahyeon seemed relieved by the change. But Hong Ijin disliked that about him.

Contrary to his expectations, Ahyeon's abilities weren't exceptional—above average, but lacking compared to Dohun. And now that even the collateral Sosso had entered the school, Ijin's view of him had cooled.

"Fine. Come along. It's a good excuse to see your sister at the school."

At the mention of Sosso, Ahyeon's expression cracked—he knew Ijin favored her over him.

"Yes. I'll be grateful to have my sister's help."

He forced himself to reply politely, hiding his frustration.

---

The Twelve Spirit School was abuzz with talk of the new Divine Maiden. She had been attending classes with Yeoryeong for the past few days—a woman with a mysterious aura, whose voice and presence changed each time, fueling speculation.

"She's supposedly hideous, so she hides her face with the Eun-gipo."

"Actually, she's a man."

The new Divine Maiden's gender, age, face, and origins were all unknown. Doyoung, who knew her identity, was itching to brag.

Muje watched him and said, "Don't be too obvious."

"I wasn't!"

"Your nostrils double every time someone mentions the interim Divine Maiden."

"Huh?"

Doyoung held his breath, and Muje shook his head.

"Don't worry—I can keep a secret."

"Then why do you run off every time she shows up?"

"I just want to see her from afar! Meanwhile, you never go looking for her."

"I don't want to be a bother."

"You're calling me a bother?"

Doyoung huffed, and Muje gave no response.

"Everyone's curious—no one will notice if I show a little interest."

As Doyoung said, no one had pinpointed Arin's identity. The guesses were all so far-fetched that there was nothing to worry about.

Muje gazed out the window at the garden of blooming trumpet flowers and thought of Arin. Once she became the official Divine Maiden, she'd be even busier. The thought of sharing the Divine Maiden—his alone—with others didn't sit well.

"I almost wish she'd never reveal herself," he murmured, his voice laced with longing.

Doyoung, however, was eager for the reveal.

"You're trying to keep a big fish in a pond?"

"No."

Muje smiled, then sighed. Since their reunion, he'd thought of her constantly. She was so lovely that letting her out into the world made him anxious.

Just then, a small red snake slipped through the window into his pocket.

"Hwasa?"

He looked around, but no one had noticed. The snake flicked its tongue and spat out a note:

[East side gate.]

The brief message was clearly Arin's handwriting. With class over, Muje hurried to the gate.

---

At the east gate stood Arin, her face hidden by the Eun-gipo, with Woo-hyun guarding her side.

"This place is still a maze," Woo-hyun said, grimacing at the crowded buildings, memories of his rough treatment making him shudder.

"His Highness will meet you alone."

"That's odd, isn't it? Wouldn't it be better if I came along?"

Woo-hyun's warning made Arin giggle. His awkward honorifics while she wore the Eun-gipo were still amusing. He plucked a flower from an acacia tree and bit it.

Watching him like a stray cat, Arin said, "There's a rumor about us, you know."

"A rumor?"

"That we're lovers."

"Cough!"

He choked, coughing.

"Are you okay?"

"You—why would you—cough!"

"Want some water?"

"Let me get it."

He disappeared, face red. Alone, Arin waited—then Muje arrived.

"Little Divine Maiden."

He had come as soon as class ended.

"Follow me."

She led him to a detached hall near the east gate, away from prying eyes. Once they were alone, she removed the Eun-gipo.

"Muje, how have you been?"

Her bright smile made his throat tingle.

"Fine. You?"

"I've been incredibly busy. I thought I'd see you while passing by, but not once."

She pouted, and he touched his lips.

"I didn't want to disturb you."

"You're too cautious. I have something to talk about."

"Something?"

He looked puzzled, and she cleared her throat nervously. He tensed in response.

"You know, Muje..."

"Yes?"

"You gave me half your Yeouiju before—to keep safe."

"Ah."

His ears burned at the mention. She didn't know it was a proposal. Worried she'd figured it out and wanted to return it, he swallowed.

"If you're okay with it, I—"

He caught her hand.

"You don't need to feel obligated. I didn't give it to you to burden you—it was my choice..."

Arin, who just wanted to ask if she could use it, was confused.

"Huh? Obligated?"

"Did you come here knowing something?"

"You knew too?"

She widened her eyes, and cold sweat ran down his back.

"...I did."

What White Dragon would give his Yeouiju without knowing its meaning? She must be returning it. Feeling dismissed, he asked cautiously,

"...To give it back?"

"Give it back? No."

"Then can I use it?"

"...Use it?"

Their conversation was mismatched. He tilted his head, and she tilted hers in return.

"I thought you knew about that tree?"

Back   Next