The Beloved Baby Priestess of the Twelve Zodiac Gods - Chapter 3

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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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Episode 3
“Besides, there’s something glimmering about her today.”
The Golden Rat’s eyes sharpened with sudden clarity.
Arin’s eyes did seem to possess something special.
The thought that she might have been born with Divine Power like Yeoryeong sent urgency coursing through the Golden Rat’s small frame.
‘I must tell the Divine Priestess.’
Without so much as a farewell, the creature vaulted through the window and vanished into the night.
“Wait, Golden Rat!”
Arin spun toward the window in alarm, but the Golden Rat had already melted into the shadows.
* * *
Several days later, a letter arrived from the Twelve Zodiac Village.
The Divine Priestess Yeoryeong would be visiting Hong Sa Village, which fell under the Hong Sa Family’s jurisdiction.
News of the Divine Priestess’s visit sent the Hong Sa Family into a frenzy of preparation.
The Divine Priestess rarely left her dwelling.
The Twelve Zodiac Village, where the Divine Priestess Yeoryeong resided.
It was an institution where the Successors destined to lead the Twelve Zodiac Families received their training.
Most Successors entered around eighteen years of age, though those displaying exceptional talent sometimes entered earlier—an accomplishment considered a mark of great family honor.
Once admitted, however, Successors could not leave the village for three years, save in extraordinary circumstances.
Either way, such a visitation was no common occurrence, and Hong Ijin and Yeon’s Lady could not conceal their exhilaration.
“Could it be that she’s coming to fetch our Ahyeon?”
“Perhaps. Though it does seem rather early, the Divine Priestess surely has her reasons for such an action.”
Hong Ijin maintained a composed demeanor while letting his hopes show through.
Hong Ahyeon had just turned fourteen this year.
Eight years Arin’s senior, she was a prodigy with the blade.
She had mastered the Hwansu technique on her first attempt and could already wield some of the power of the Twelve Zodiac—a Successor of incomparable promise compared to Arin.
“Indeed, to learn the ways of power under the Divine Priestess at such a tender age would be the greatest honor imaginable.”
“By the way, have you seen this?”
As Hong Ijin extended the letter, Yeon’s Lady’s expression visibly darkened.
The letter stated that the Divine Priestess Yeoryeong wished to see all the direct descendants of the Hong Sa Family.
It was an unusual condition—normally only a Successor would be granted an audience with the Divine Priestess.
“Surely we needn’t show her Arin, need we?”
As Yeon’s Lady voiced her concern, Hong Ijin let out a thin, irritated cough.
“We cannot deceive the Divine Priestess…….”
When Yeon’s Lady persisted in her worries, Hong Ijin cut her off with finality.
“On that day, we shall present Soso in her stead. Under no circumstances must the Divine Priestess catch sight of Arin. Remember, madam, that this matter is bound up with the Betrothal Contract between the Hong Sa Family and the Baek Ryong Family.”
Ever since Arin’s failure with the Hwansu technique, Hong Ijin had turned his back on the child, fearful that her disgrace might taint his own reputation.
Cowed by his ultimatum, Yeon’s Lady could offer no protest, only a bowed head.
“Of course. Yet I wonder how much longer we can keep the child confined to the Annex Building…….”
She had encountered Arin a few days ago, and the meeting weighed on her heart.
It had been three months since Hong Ijin ordered Arin sent to the Annex Building.
At the time, shock had made her turn away; now a decision could not be delayed much longer.
But as she beheld Hong Ijin’s unyielding posture, the words caught in her throat.
Hong Ijin pressed the matter once more.
“For now, we must ensure the Divine Priestess notices nothing amiss.”
“In any case, that child cannot leave the Annex Building, so do not worry overmuch.”
As Yeon’s Lady left the room after the conversation ended,
Hong Soso happened to arrive seeking her father, a bright smile upon her face.
“Mother!”
Soso broke into a wide grin the moment she saw Yeon’s Lady.
As she moved to embrace her, Yeon’s Lady uncharacteristically stepped back, maintaining distance as she spoke.
“Soso, have you come to see your father?”
Sensing that hesitation, Soso flinched.
“Yes, Father promised to take me to see the cherry blossoms soon. Would Mother like to come with us?”
At her daughter’s request, Yeon’s Lady shook her head lightly.
“I’m rather tired today.”
Soso’s brows drooped with disappointment.
“Oh…… it would be nice if you came along.”
Normally, when she pouted like this, her mother would relent and join her.
“Next time. Let us go next time. An important guest will be arriving soon, and there is much to be done.”
But this time, even Yeon’s Lady was firm.
Soso sensed the unusual atmosphere and deftly steered the conversation to safer ground.
“If they’re honored guests, are they connected to the people who came earlier?”
“Yes. The Geumho Family sent them.”
“The Geumho Family? Do you mean the family that protects the Divine Priestess?”
“Our Soso learns quickly, doesn’t she? That’s right—I hear the Geumho Family will visit Hong Sa Village soon, bringing the Divine Priestess with them.”
“I see.”
Soso drew out her words while her mind raced.
Earlier, she’d caught Hong Ijin and Yeon’s Lady speaking of Soso and Arin.
Especially when they mentioned that the Divine Priestess wished to see the direct bloodline children—Soso’s heart had lurched.
As long as Arin existed, her own standing would always be precarious.
Moreover, judging by Yeon’s Lady’s manner, she might bring Arin out from the Annex Building.
‘I have to send her away before then.’
Soso’s eyes gleamed with a coldness unbecoming of a child.
* * *
It had been three days since the Golden Rat stopped visiting.
Arin felt a hollow ache when her newfound friend vanished.
The Golden Rat had been the only one who sought her out in places no one else went—it was only natural that she missed them.
Then one day, a visitor found Arin.
“Hey!”
Startled, Arin looked around but couldn’t tell where the voice came from.
Just as she wondered if it was her imagination, the voice came again.
“Here, over here!”
Now Arin recognized the speaker.
Peeking over the stone wall was the girl who had been with her mother before.
The girl was draped in Arin’s possessions.
As if to make a point of it.
Arin felt oddly intimidated and lowered her eyes.
“You’re Hong Arin, right?”
“You know me?”
“Of course I do. I’ve become the daughter of this house in your place. Nice to meet you—I’m Hong Soso.”
The words spoken brightly cut into Arin with surprising sharpness.
‘She became the daughter of this house in my place?’
Arin was left stunned by this news she’d never heard before.
This wasn’t adoption; “in her place” meant she had truly been abandoned by her family.
Before Arin could speak through her shock and sorrow, Soso opened her mouth again.
“Why do you keep staying here?”
“I… I have nowhere else to go.”
“You’re so shameless. Don’t you think about how much trouble you’ve caused the family?”
“I’ve caused the family trouble?”
Arin asked in surprise, and Soso smiled behind her eyes before speaking.
Her voice was sweet, but the words that emerged were venomous.
“Obviously! Look at how they hide you away—doesn’t it tell you everyone finds you inconvenient?”
“I… I didn’t know. I thought I just needed to stay quiet here.”
“My goodness. You really are a bad child, aren’t you? Don’t you ever think about leaving on your own for the family’s sake?”
Soso’s reproach left Arin speechless.
Arin was only six years old.
She had endured the punishment in the Annex Building, believing that someday she would return home.
But now she was told she should have left this place first.
“But I have nowhere to go.”
At Arin’s trembling words, Soso let out a long sigh.
“Sigh… I didn’t want to say this much, but I’m telling you because I feel sorry for you. If you stay like this, you might be sold off soon.”
“W-where to?”
“You know the Geumho Family, right? Their son is ill and needs a Spirit Core from one of the Twelve Zodiac. Your Spirit Core is fresh as can be, lacking only the Hwansu technique—so they’re coming to buy it! Shouldn’t you run away before they arrive?”
Arin was too shocked to say anything at all.
To take a Twelve Zodiac child’s Spirit Core was no different from condemning them to death.
‘The family really has given up on me.’

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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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