The Beloved Baby Priestess of the Twelve Zodiac Gods - Chapter 66

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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 66
“Is that so?”
So So, already weary of conversation, readily followed Yu Hui away.
Yu Hui broached the subject casually.
“Everyone takes such an interest in others’ affairs, don’t they? They’d be better off honing their own strength in that time.”
“True enough.”
“It’s a kind of power, really. Being born a Direct Zodiac Descendant means you can live idle and comfortable for life.”
There was an edge to the remark, and So So blinked.
“But you yourself are a direct descendant, aren’t you?”
It was a pointed observation that might easily have rankled.
Yu Hui, however, showed no displeasure as she laid bare her thoughts.
“I have over ten siblings above and below me. Climbing over countless rivals like that—it’s hardly an easy feat.”
“……I suppose not. You’re truly remarkable. After all, you’ve earned the recognition of the Clan Head and taken your place here.”
When So So spoke with admiration in her voice, the corners of Yu Hui’s eyes softened.
“Grow strong enough, and everyone will acknowledge you.”
“I wish I could be strong too.”
“So you yearn to become strong as well, then.”
As Yu Hui opened the topic gently, So So affirmed it.
“If I could, I’d sell my soul to the devil itself.”
At this muttered complaint, Yu Hui replied softly.
“There is a way.”
“What?”
“A way to sell your soul to the devil.”
“What do you mean?”
So So stared blankly, and Yu Hui gave a slight shrug, changing the subject.
“Shall we head back now?”
“But Yu Hui, what you were saying just now……”
“Later. Once we’ve grown closer and you’ve prepared yourself, I’ll tell you the method then.”
Her voice was soothing, like coaxing a child—and utterly beguiling.
Like the cunning spell of a witch who meant to twist So So in her grasp.
* * *
While So So was out walking with Yu Hui, Arin arrived at the gathering place.
Do Yeong’s condition hadn’t improved after all; he remained bedridden.
‘I’m sorry, little one…… I’ll come as soon as I feel better, ugh……’
As Arin recalled the sight of Do Yeong rushing to the privy, unable to control himself, her resolve hardened.
‘I can’t keep depending on my family forever. And Mu Je promised he’d come.’
Of course, the thought of standing about like a folding screen until he arrived made her somewhat anxious.
She entered the gathering place, her mind swirling with various worries, but was relieved to find the people welcoming her warmly.
In particular, the families who had connections with Do Yeong attended to Arin with great care.
“Did you know your brother talks about his little sister constantly? Yet he never shows you off.”
At Hwangbo Yeong Jae’s amused remark, Arin blinked.
“My brother does?”
“I ran into him at the market the other day. That fellow preparing food to give others—that was a first for me.”
“Oh.”
“Word is the Gold Tiger Clan Head is quite fond of you too. They say the meetings end punctually sharp because he insists no one should keep his daughter waiting.”
“I had no idea.”
She’d been going to fetch him at roughly the same time each day, not knowing otherwise.
Learning that Do Gyeong had adjusted the meeting schedule for her sake was a shock.
A pleasant shock, though.
“But now that I see you in person, I understand why Do Yeong is so taken. A cute youngest daughter joining the fearsome Gold Tiger Clan—no wonder the whole atmosphere has changed.”
“Hehe.”
Yeong Jae spared no praise, and as embarrassment flushed Arin’s cheeks and a faint smile crossed her face, she noticed—
“There you were.”
Mu Je had appeared at Arin’s side and now gazed coldly at Hwangbo Yeong Jae.
* * *
Throughout the lesson, Mu Je kept glancing at the timepiece.
Seeing he could not concentrate at all, his master closed his book and spoke.
“Let us end here for today.”
“Thank you for your instruction.”
Mu Je bowed with the eagerness of one who had been waiting for this, then left the room.
Already half a shichen
(an hour)
has passed. I’m running late.’
The problem was that his master had spoken far too much today.
He was already nervous about attending the Twelve Zodiac gathering for the first time.
Mu Je, who had worried that Arin might have waited too long, felt his anxiety drain away the moment he arrived at the meeting place.
It was because Arin was surrounded by several men and laughing.
He should have been relieved that she was doing well without him.
But seeing her like that, something inside him grew strangely turbulent.
‘Why am I in such a foul mood?’
Arin was conversing easily with the others, just as she did with Mu Je.
When Hwangbo Yeong Jae said something and Arin’s cheeks flushed pink, Mu Je’s pace quickened.
As he approached with a terrifying expression, Hwangbo Yeong Jae noticed him first.
“Oh…!”
Mu Je ignored him completely and turned to speak to Arin.
“You’re here.”
“Oh, Your Highness.”
Arin, mindful of the others present, addressed him formally, and Mu Je’s brow furrowed slightly.
Unaware of this, Arin greeted him warmly.
“Have you finished and come back?”
“Yes. I apologize for being late.”
“Not at all. I’m grateful you came.”
Arin shook her head lightly, studying his expression carefully before holding out a handkerchief.
“Did you run here?”
“Ah.”
It was evident that he had hurried, worried she might still be waiting.
Mu Je reached to accept the handkerchief, then hesitated before suddenly tilting his upper body forward.
As Arin stared blankly, Mu Je murmured casually.
“There’s a lot of dust on my hands. Would you wipe my forehead for me?”
“Oh, yes.”
Arin nodded and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead with the handkerchief.
Hwangbo Yeong Jae, watching the scene unfold, wore an expression of shock.
‘That’s strange. Am I seeing things?’
He even rubbed both eyes thoroughly, but Mu Je continued to receive Arin’s devoted care.
‘This is real. That’s really Baek Mu Je?’
Yeong Jae opened his mouth, unable to believe what his eyes were telling him.
“You are His Highness, aren’t you?”
In that instant, Mu Je’s sharp gaze fixed on Yeong Jae.
A cold, pointed look that asked why he was still standing there.
With nothing left to salvage the situation, Yeong Jae wore a bewildered expression.
Yet since that expression was more familiar to him anyway.
Yeong Jae drew out his trump card to change the mood.
“Ah, I have some Dasik I brought from my hometown. Would you care to try some? It’s made with green tea from Hwangwoo Village—truly delicious.”
“No thanks.”
Mu Je refused flatly, and an embarrassed Yeong Jae’s gaze turned toward Arin.
“Arin, would you like to try some? Even Do Yeong likes this. It’s really delicious.”
“Yes, I’d love to!”
If even the fastidious Do Yeong liked it, it must certainly be good.
Arin accepted the Dasik and her eyes sparkled.
“This really is delicious!”
“Right? I’ll send you a whole box later through a servant. Enjoy it with Do Yeong.”
“Thank you so much!”
As Arin beamed with a bright smile, Yeong Jae’s expression softened.
He had a younger sister much like her, but unlike Arin, she was rather prickly and difficult to converse with.
“I wish my sister were as charming as you.”
It was said with that meaning in mind.
But to Mu Je, whose eyes had already gleamed since Yeong Jae began calling Arin by her name so familiarly, it was an incredibly grating remark.
‘Should I kill him.’
For the first time in ages, Murderous Intent roiled within Mu Je, and his presence grew steadily colder.
“Are you sure you won’t have any?”
When Arin asked again, Mu Je’s gaze drifted to the Dasik in her hand.
He recalled how Do Gyeong had accepted food from Arin before, looking thoroughly pleased with himself.
“Is it good?”
“Yes. Try some.”
In the next instant, Mu Je’s lips moved toward the Dasik.
“……!”
Arin flinched in surprise.
“Cough.”
Hwangbo Yeong Jae, watching this unfold without warning, choked and sputtered.
At their reactions, the knot in Mu Je’s chest loosened a fraction.
He turned to Hwangbo Yeong Jae with a twisted smile, murmuring softly.
“It is good.”
“D-did you… did you…?”
Arin hung her head low, her fingers fidgeting restlessly.
The sensation of Mu Je’s lips where they had touched the Dasik lingered on her fingertips.
‘He’d said his hands were dirty.’
It was nothing deliberate on his part, yet her heart raced without rhyme or reason.

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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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