Looking for the Runaway Heavenly Maiden - Chapter 37

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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37.

* * *

“I’m leaving now, Jiho. You must take care of yourself….”

To anyone watching, Cheonhaerang appeared as though he might never see her again, his hands gripping mine firmly as his eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Yeonhwa had already left the room earlier, and had she witnessed this moment, she might have been grateful for her early departure.
Though the warmth of Cheonhaerang’s hands made my own burn, I feigned indifference as I sent him off.
As I waved goodbye, he kept turning back to look at me for as long as he could.

After Cheonhaerang departed, I gazed down at my own hands. The warmth of his touch seemed to linger there still.
Soon after, I began to walk. My stomach felt as though it might burst. Truly, I couldn’t imagine fitting anything else inside.
Though I could have returned to my room, I felt that wouldn’t do in this state, so I decided a walk would be better. I moved slowly through Cheongyeokgyeong.
Memories long buried beneath years of nostalgia began to surface vividly.
Playing hide-and-seek with Cheonhaerang. Reading books together in the library. Watching the Jade Emperor’s magnificent martial prowess at the Training Grounds.
Though the Heavenly Realm was at war and I worried greatly for my family, those days still seemed to pass with a certain joy.
Was it the same for Cheonhaerang? Perhaps it was. That must be why he remembered me and didn’t forget.
Walking without direction, I eventually arrived at an open space.
Though it had been long since I’d seen it, I recognized it immediately. It was the Training Grounds.
I thought no one would be there, but someone was. A woman with a straight spine and an expressionless face, her bowstring drawn taut.
Her eyes focused with singular purpose toward her target.
Whoosh. Thwack!
A direct hit.
Fearing I might be discovered, I swallowed my admiration silently. But contrary to my hopes, I had already been found.

“Would you like to try shooting as well?”
“…!”

Peeking out with my head tilted, watching Seowangmo, I was startled. Her gaze was clearly fixed upon me.
I had no idea when she’d noticed me.
I awkwardly laughed, “Ha ha,” and stepped forward. While her invitation was truly an honor, I found myself unable to accept without hesitation.
Especially not before Seowangmo. The very thought of showing such a display filled me with shame.
Seowangmo offered the bow to me once more in invitation. I had no choice but to shuffle forward toward her.
Yet even standing before her, I couldn’t bring myself to take the bow.
I bit my lip, then finally gathered my courage to speak.

“I… I apologize, Queen Mother, but my skills are not very good…”
“I will teach you.”
“…Pardon?”

I barely had time to comprehend the situation. Before I knew it, the bow was placed in my hands, and a faint peach fragrance enveloped me.
Behind me, Seowangmo herself took my hand and adjusted my posture.

“Keep your back straight and your feet shoulder-width apart. Let your gaze focus on that distant target.”

Her melodious voice resonated softly in my ears.
Whether from nervousness or something else, my heart began to race strangely.

“Do not take your eyes off the target until the arrow strikes it.”

Seowangmo’s hand withdrew.

“Now.”

Following Seowangmo’s word, I released my grip. The arrow whistled through the air and struck the target with speed. It was not at the center, but the fact that it had hit within the target was deeply meaningful to me.
It was not at the center of the target, but hitting within it was significant enough for me.

“Well done.”

I came to my senses when I felt Seowangmo’s hand gently stroking my head.

“Thank you, Queen Mother.”
“Now try it yourself. I will watch from beside you.”
“Yes, of course!”

It had been only once, and the result was thanks to Seowangmo’s assistance, but I felt a small surge of confidence.
Of course, I could hardly refuse Seowangmo’s words either.
Following Seowangmo’s instruction, I adjusted my stance and drew the bow.
The arrow whistled and struck!
I hit the target again. My archery skills were improving rapidly, unlike before.
My face brightened with delight as I looked at Seowangmo. She spoke with what seemed like satisfaction.

“Continue practicing.”

I did not notice the faintest smile that appeared at the corners of Seowangmo’s lips.

* * *

My hands were numb and tingling. My fingers barely responded to my commands.
I had fired at least three rounds—fifteen arrows in total. The shafts embedded in the target board proved it.
Only then did Seowangmo finally allow me to stop. The silver lining was that roughly two rounds—ten arrows—had found their mark.
Honestly, my arms ached and my fingers throbbed, yet I felt satisfied nonetheless.
I set down the bow with trembling hands. Seowangmo reached out and gently stroked my hair, as though I were a child.

“You performed well.”
“I am honored, Queen Mother.”
“I shall give you a gift.”
“A gift…?”

My eyes widened at Seowangmo’s unexpected words.
She disappeared into another room and soon returned with something in her hands—a white bow.

“Open your hands.”

I opened my hands with a bewildered expression. Seowangmo carefully placed the bow upon my palms.
In an instant, the bow was absorbed into my hands. I flinched and looked up at Seowangmo.
For some reason, she was smiling—a soft, gentle smile that reminded me of someone. It was Cheonhaerang.

“It is something I used long ago.”

Startled, I spoke hastily.

“Queen Mother, I could never accept something so precious…!”
“One day, you will have need of it.”
“But…”
“I have no further use for it, so it is of no consequence. Use it well and return it to me when the time comes. Do you understand?”

Faced with Seowangmo’s rather firm demeanor, I had no choice but to nod in acceptance.

“Yes. Thank you so much, Queen Mother.”
“Then I shall take my leave.”

Seowangmo walked past me without hesitation.

I watched Seowangmo’s retreating figure before glancing down at my own hands. The bow had reappeared in my palm.
A white bow with elegantly carved curves. I gazed at it quietly for a moment, then lifted it and drew the bowstring taut.
Along the bowstring, an arrow materialized, shimmering with white light.
I released the string. Whoosh—the arrow flew swiftly and struck the center of the target.
Soon after, as if it had never existed, both the target and arrow vanished.
I stared at the empty space where everything had been.
Was it right for me to wield this bow? I could not find an answer easily.

* * *

The transfer paperwork for my older sister Jiho’s sudden reassignment. Cheonhaerang’s overseas immigration due to family circumstances. These matters seemed to be handled reasonably well.
Since Cheonhaerang had been first in the entire school, the teachers seemed somewhat regretful. But with things arranged this way, neither the students nor teachers would search for him further.
Yeonhwa exhaled softly. Having resolved one problem, a far greater one now remained.
The current barrier alone could not maintain the seal on the malevolent spirit. Therefore, a new barrier was needed to prevent Gihyeongrang from entering.
Yeonhwa opened her hand. Light flickered across her palm before fading.
In her palm now rested a crimson flower—one she had taken from her mother’s garden.
Her power alone would not easily stop Gihyeongrang. She needed another force. A force different from his.
Yeonhwa let the flower fall. As it descended slowly and touched the ground, the petals burst open and scattered in all directions.
From the petals scattered about, crimson chains began to extend with a sharp sound, intertwining with one another.
From the single petal remaining in her hand, chains also extended, binding all the others together.
Yeonhwa closed her eyes and grasped the chains. A sharp metallic ring echoed as crimson light rippled across them.
That was when it happened.

Kya-ha-ha!

A laugh so chilling it sent shivers down her spine. Yeonhwa’s eyes snapped open. She looked around, but there was nothing.
Yet the sound continued from somewhere.

You think someone like you can stop me?!

“Cough…!”

Blood burst fresh from her lips. The chains binding her hands suddenly lost their power and vanished in an instant.
Yeonhwa collapsed helplessly. A mouthful of blood spilled from her lips. The scattered crimson stained the floor.

“Haa… haa…”

She exhaled with difficulty, her entire body trembling.
The seal—there was a problem with the demon’s seal.
I had to go to the Patriarch.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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