The Beloved Baby Priestess of the Twelve Zodiac Gods - Chapter 22

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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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Chapter 22
Do Gyeong’s face darkened at the instant answer without a moment’s hesitation.
“So your father’s not even an option?”
“But Father has plenty of money.”
It was his mistake to have expected anything in the first place.
The flat refusal made Do Gyeong furrow his brow.
“And whose pocket do you think your allowance comes from?”
“Once it comes into my pocket, it’s my money, isn’t it?”
At his son’s cheeky reply, Do Gyeong grabbed the back of his neck.
It wasn’t exactly wrong, but it was certainly exasperating.
‘Better than them being at odds, I suppose.’
Feeling oddly left out between the two of them, Do Gyeong seized on a grievance.
“Last time you rushed off without so much as a backward glance. Now you’re buying snacks and bringing them here for her?”
Do Young feigned innocence at his father’s reproach.
“What? That was ages ago.”
“It wasn’t that long ago, as far as I recall.”
As Do Gyeong’s eyes narrowed, Do Young blurted out loudly.
“We decided to be brother and sister! Isn’t that right, Arin?”
“Yes! Big brother!”
From the way she responded, getting Do Young’s approval seemed no trouble at all.
‘The real problem is Do Hun.’
He had already sent a letter regarding Arin, but no reply had come yet.
It was unlikely he hadn’t received it—he was probably refusing to answer on purpose.
Just this morning, Do Gyeong had sent a second message, hoping Do Hun would arrive before the Welcome Ceremony.
Do Gyeong rose from his seat and turned toward Do Young.
Then, without thinking, he flicked his son on the forehead.
“You rascal. I thought you were out and about these past few days, but you’ve been buying snacks on the pretense of Arin?”
“Ow! Father! Have mercy! I need to eat too! My training has gotten harder while my snacks have gotten fewer—I’m starving!”
“Anyone listening would think I was starving you. Maybe you need another bout of indigestion to knock some sense into you.”
Do Young nimbly dodged his father’s second flick and hid behind Arin.
“I really did buy these for Arin! And, well, I happened to eat some too!”
Finding herself suddenly shielding Do Young, Arin blinked her eyes.
A moment later, with a determined expression, she spread both arms wide in support.
“That’s right. Don’t say anything to big brother, um, um, um, Father.”
Still unaccustomed, Arin stumbled over the words, and Do Young’s eyes went wide.
“Huh? Father? Runt, have you finally decided to become our daughter?”
As Do Young showed interest, Arin’s expression grew dark.
“I’m, I’m sorry, big brother. I said I wouldn’t be this man’s daughter, but…….”
“Hey! Did I ever say you shouldn’t be our father’s daughter? That was a misunderstanding!”
“Really? So it’s okay if I become this man’s daughter?”
“Of course it’s okay! I already knew Father wanted to make you his daughter.”
“How did you know?”
“Anyone who leaves Maehwa Hall can tell!”
Cho Ryeong, who had taken such careful precautions to keep the news from spreading, slapped her forehead.
She had noticed it before, but the young master Do Young had an uncanny knack for household gossip.
Though it seemed he didn’t yet have the discernment to know when and where to speak of such things.
In any case, Cho Ryeong had kept it completely confidential until Do Gyeong told Arin himself.
Unaware of this, Arin’s face flushed hot at the realization that she alone had been left in the dark.
“I didn’t know.”
Then Do Young spoke.
“So from now on, the runt becomes my little sister?”
“Is that all right?”
“Why are you asking! I already gave you permission to call me big brother.”
When Do Hun was nearby, he was always childish.
But beside Arin, he carried himself with such dignity that he seemed like a real older brother.
Then Do Young asked.
“The Welcome Ceremony is coming up soon—when does he arrive?”
At the mention of Do Hun, Arin too showed interest.
Caught in the bright, eager gazes of them both, Do Gyeong fumbled for words.
“He seems to be busy. I’ve sent word, so I’ll let you know as soon as I hear back.”
“Did you tell your brother about Arin?”
“I informed him the moment we arrived here.”
Unlike his second son Do Young, Do Hun never contradicted Do Gyeong.
Though that didn’t mean he was simply obedient.
He maintained good relations with everyone and was kind to all, but he never let his true feelings show—which sometimes frustrated even Do Gyeong.
The boy’s premature maturity was a source of worry as well.
Do Young’s eyes lit up at the mention of Do Hun’s arrival.
Meanwhile, Arin, who had been quietly listening to the conversation between father and son, posed a question.
“What sort of person is Do Hun?”
At that, Do Young—who took more pride in his brother than anything in the world—spared no praise.
“My brother’s an incredible swordsman, and he talks so well! He says even the elders can never win an argument with him!”
“It’s called negotiation, not arguing. My son.”
“Either way, he’s incredibly smart. There’s nothing my brother doesn’t know. I bet the Prime Minister of the Baek Ryong Family already wants to make him his disciple—that’s why he took my brother away from home in the first place.”
“The Baek Ryong Family….”
It was a name she’d heard often during her time with the Hong Sa Family.
The royal house that ruled the Twelve Zodiac Signs and governed the entire realm.
She was originally supposed to marry one of their sons, but now that family was nothing to her.
Arin quickly swept the Baek Ryong Family from her mind and spoke brightly.
“I hope Do Hun arrives soon too.”
* * *
Today was the day of Arin’s Welcome Ceremony.
Yeo Ryeong had finished preparing to depart for the Geum Ho Family with Geum Geum.
Just as she slipped on her shoes and took hold of her walking staff, a pure white lizard slipped over the garden wall like falling snow.
The Shrine was suffused with a sacred aura that prevented any living thing from entering or leaving.
Yet Yeo Ryeong was not greatly startled by the white lizard’s appearance.
She merely turned her attention toward it with a question.
“Are you truly unwilling to come? It must be tedious, staying only in the village.”
To Yeo Ryeong’s question, the lizard gave a lukewarm response.
Its golden eyes appeared unusually crimson today.
It seemed his condition was not good.
Yeo Ryeong grasped his mood at once and carefully broached the subject.
“I may be away for quite some time. If your condition takes a turn for the worse, don’t push yourself—come find me.”
At that, the lizard nodded curtly as though annoyed, then disappeared into the room.
Chirp-chirp-chirp-chirp, chirp-chirp-chirp? “That person would do just fine stranded on a deserted island. They don’t need conversation in the first place! Have you ever heard him say more than three words?”
Geum Geum, who had been snubbed multiple times trying to talk to him before, vented her frustration.
Yeo Ryeong gently soothed the indignant Geum Geum.
“He has chosen to become an island unto himself. Do not resent him too harshly.”
Chirp! Chirp-chirp-chirp. “I don’t resent him! I’m just frustrated, that’s all.”
Geum Geum squeaked softly and burrowed into Yeo Ryeong’s Soft Cap

—a hat attached to her outer robe.
A hidden distinguished guest staying at the Shrine.
Having been brought to the Twelve Zodiac Spirit Village against his will, it was only natural that his mood was unsettled.
‘But I cannot allow him to remain silent like that indefinitely.’
Heir to the Baek Ryong Family or not, he was still just a child.
A sulking child always needed sweet compensation.
Before leaving, Yeo Ryeong deliberately diminished the Divine Power that permeated the Shrine.
When Mu Je eventually noticed this, he would be unable to bear the headache and come seeking her out.
* * *
In front of Maehwa Hall, gift packages welcoming Arin filled the space.
They had been sent by the Elder Families to commemorate the day Arin officially became a daughter of the Geum Ho Family.
Overwhelmed by the unexpected deluge of presents, Arin was bewildered.
“All of these… they’re all for me?”
“Yes. I’ll sort through each one later and present them to you. They really went all out, so I’ve been working since dawn, I tell you!”
“Thank you, Cho Ryeong.”
“It’s my pleasure, truly. Oh, and if there’s a particular fabric that catches your eye, do let me know. I’ll need to commission the tailor to have clothes made for you.”
“Yes. I’ll take a look later.”
“Then do let me assist in adorning my princess, miss.”

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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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