Three Thousand Court Ladies - Chapter 18

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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 Eighteen
Wolya’s gaze turned cold and sharp.
“Abuse?”
“For half a year, she’s eaten nothing but scraps. Not long ago, she was beaten so badly she lay bedridden for a fortnight. By all appearances, she should want to leave the palace. Yet there’s a rumor that the thirty-first princess of Baekje, now restored to authority over Mokseo Palace, shows remarkable fondness toward her attendants. It may be mere gossip, but I’ll have it verified separately, just to be certain.”
The person Yongyong despised most was a “princess.” Her prejudice ran deep; she had already decided that Baekje’s thirty-first princess could never genuinely care for a palace servant.
“Look into Hae as well.”
“Yes! I’ll send an express messenger at once.”
“Keep close watch over Samcheon until the others arrive.”
“Understood.”
Yongyong answered with vigor at Wolya’s command. Samcheon held the key to everything; nothing could be more important than ensuring her safety.
The escort she’d hastily arranged felt unreliable. She’d have to keep an eye on things herself.
“What about the Hae household? They impersonated Samcheon, pushed aside our Samcheon, and if she catches even a cold, what then?”
“Leave them for now.”
Dealing with the Hae household was not urgent. If they proved useful, she’d keep them. If they became a hindrance, she’d remove them.
If necessary, they could serve as a smokescreen to conceal Samcheon’s true existence.
Yongyong had nearly spoken her hopeful thoughts aloud before catching herself. She feared it might burden Wolya. So instead, she quietly wished in her heart.
That everyone might find peace, at last.
With preparations complete, Samcheon lingered near the kitchen.
Deoksim was stuffing yakgwa into a cloth bundle that looked ready to burst at any moment.
“Ugh, why won’t this fit?”
Samcheon, peering around the corner, asked.
“What are you doing?”
Deoksim, spotting her, broke into a warm smile.
“Are you all ready?”
“Yes. I’m about to leave. When Geum comes for her swordsmanship lesson, make sure she gets lunch.”
“I will. Be careful on the Main Road—there are riders who push their horses hard. And don’t follow strangers even if they offer you sweets.”
“I’m not a child. I’ll be careful.”
It would have been nice to have Deoksim along.
As a commoner, Deoksim could not ride in the carriage with Gyesan. If they traveled together, she would have to walk.
Samcheon had given up the idea rather than burden Deoksim, whose knees were weak, but the reluctance lingered. Just as her mouth began to betray her feelings, Deoksim thrust a cloth bundle toward her.
“Take this with you. I packed some things for you to eat on the way.”
“Thank you. Don’t skip any meals yourself.”
“I won’t.”
Samcheon accepted the bundle and stepped into the Inner Courtyard.
Geum, who had come to say goodbye but lacked the courage to approach the entrance, spotted Samcheon.
“Attendant.”
A shy smile blossomed across his face.
“Geum, good morning.”
“Good morning to you as well.”
Geum, who had been worrying his fingers, finally spoke with sudden boldness.
“Have a safe journey!”
Samcheon, watching his courage, felt a smile touch her lips.
“Thank you. Even if your Highness isn’t here, do come for your swordsmanship lessons.”
“Alone?”
“Your Highness has already arranged it. You can take lunch here at Mokseo Palace. Eat plenty of good food with Deoksim.”
“……Are you certain it’s all right for me to come every day?”
“Of course. Deoksim gets lonely by herself. If no one looks after her, she might skip meals. So you must come, truly.”
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”
Geum’s eyes reddened.
Samcheon, watching the innocent creature with quiet affection, felt a presence approaching and turned.
Gyesan, dressed in a Light Green Robe, bounded forward with delight.
“Samcheon, let’s go now.”
“Yes!”
Samcheon hurried after her.
Gyesan turned to Geum as well.
“Geum, when I return, we’ll spar!”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Gyesan and Samcheon departed Mokseo Palace.
Beyond the wooden gate stood a carriage drawn by two horses, followed by a procession of palace attendants and soldiers. At the sight of it, Samcheon’s jaw fell open.
Gyesan lifted the silken canopy cover and climbed into the carriage, whispering softly.
“Truth is, this is my first time in a carriage. I’m nervous.”
The carriage and its escort procession moved along the unpaved dirt road. Those walking the path stopped in their tracks at the sight of it.
They hurried to the roadside, bowing their heads deeply.
A flag announcing the royal procession hung from the lead horse. Even without recognizing the banner, the air around the entourage proclaimed its dignity.
“Wow, oh wow!”
From within the carriage, Gyesan marveled continuously, peering out the window. Everything her eyes touched was wondrous—the forests, the fields, the people passing by. All of it was new.
The world she had known only through books seemed far more vibrant than she had imagined.
As Gyesan’s joy swelled, Samcheon’s spirits rose with it.
“Are you so pleased, Your Highness?”
“Yes! We’ll go to the Hot Spring and have flower viewings, ride pleasure boats, visit the market, find delicious restaurants, climb mountains and watch the sunset. Think of things you’d like to do. I’ll make them all happen for you.”
“Our Highness is the best!”
“That’s right. I am the best.”
Gyesan and Samcheon, heedless of aching backs, chatted and laughed as they traveled for two full days. By the time they arrived, Byeol Palace revealed itself as a place of extraordinary beauty.
“It’s wonderful!”
Gyesan rushed in first.
As Samcheon admired the Inner Courtyard overflowing with blossoms, a scene flickered across her mind, catching her fast.
It was a memory. The arrangement of the flower beds, the shape of the buildings, the patterns of the roof tiles—all of it was familiar to her eyes.
‘No. That’s impossible.’
Samcheon spun about frantically, searching for something strange, until her gaze locked with a Tiger Stone Lantern wearing a comical expression.
“This can’t be real.”
The Tiger Stone Lantern from her dreams.
Without thinking, Samcheon gripped her skirts. A voice from that dream echoed in her mind.
‘Remember it well. That place is where you will die.’
Gyesan lay sprawled across the bed, her feet kicking idly.
What should they do tomorrow? The journey had been exhausting; perhaps she’d take Samcheon to the Hot Spring.
A smile leaked out unbidden.
‘Father didn’t forget me after all.’
Gyesan delighted in everything prepared for her in Byeol Palace. Rolling once across the bed before settling, she noticed Samcheon, who was unpacking their belongings.
Samcheon arranged everything methodically: the Pink Robe on the low shelf for indoor wear, the Purple Robe on the shelf for outings, and her undergarments sorted separately with practiced efficiency.
Truly competent.
Though attendants from Byeol Palace and those who had traveled with them were present, Gyesan wanted only Samcheon nearby. The others were untrustworthy.
She had not told Samcheon, but any one of them might be Hae’s agent.
‘The palace has countless eyes. But Byeol Palace is different. Blind a few of them, and you can harm whoever you wish. Especially Samcheon. Harming you brings consequences, but her? She has no protection.’
Hui, who had visited in the dead of night, had left Gyesan with that warning before departing.
Hae’s malicious gaze remained vividly before her eyes, too sharp to dismiss with mere optimism. So Gyesan kept her eyes open, watching Samcheon carefully.
‘Should I warn her?’
Gyesan rose abruptly and approached Samcheon. Just as the latter finished organizing and began to close the chest, she asked.
“Your Highness, if you dreamed of a place you’ve never been, what would that mean?”

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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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