Three Thousand Court Ladies - 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 Twenty-Two
Samcheon made his way toward the stable where he had left his horse and cart, speaking as he walked.
“There’s a palace outside Jeonghyeon Castle. We’ll head there.”
“I know the place. And I suppose that’s where the true owner of this sword awaits. Meeting royalty for the first time—what if I make a mistake?”
Yongyong twirled the sword he’d brought along, playing up his nervousness with a wry smile.
“Don’t worry. Our princess is kind-hearted.”
Pride colored Samcheon’s voice. Yongyong nearly scoffed but managed to conceal the prejudice flickering behind his eyes.
“How fortunate. Ah, but we must be careful outside the castle walls. Tigers prowl the area, snatching away children.”
“Don’t try to frighten me.”
Yongyong laughed softly, watching Samcheon’s narrowed gaze.
“Have you actually seen a tiger, Yongyong?”
“During my merchant runs, I encounter them often enough. The Geumdong Trading Company’s routes are rather treacherous—we prioritize profit over safety.”
“If you take such dangerous paths, you’re bound to run into real trouble eventually.”
“It’s fine. Our company head tears tigers apart.”
“Hmm?”
Tears tigers apart?
“Have you ever watched a tiger get torn to shreds? Our company head is truly the best.”
Samcheon, listening to Yongyong boast of his superior, shot back as though unwilling to yield.
“Our princess is strong too.”
“I’m sure she is.”
Samcheon’s sullen expression made Yongyong laugh outright.
‘So the information was correct.’
The princess truly does favor him. Whatever kindness she extends—born of a life of comfort and naiveté—it’s nothing more than surface-level benevolence.
Yongyong’s lips curled into a crooked smile, confident that her true nature would show at the slightest provocation.
As they continued walking, Samcheon spoke to Yongyong.
“You’re going to be the princess’s Sword Sparring partner. Tell the other palace staff that’s your purpose here.”
“Is there a bonus for that?”
“Understood.”
The more Yongyong demanded payment, the more relaxed Samcheon’s expression became.
“Don’t worry. I deliver value for money.”
“I’m counting on you.”
As Samcheon replied, he slowly surveyed his surroundings. There was much here that Gyesan would have loved to see.
‘It would have been nice if she’d come along.’
He could picture Gyesan wandering about with delight.
In that moment of wistful wandering, Yongyong’s hand shot out from behind, snagging a boy’s collar as he rushed past.
“Let go. You want to die?”
The boy yelped loudly, startling Samcheon, whose eyes went wide.
“Yongyong! What’s going on?”
Yongyong gripped the boy’s arm firmly as he spoke.
“Pickpocket. What should we do?”
“Release me! I didn’t steal anything!”
As the boy thrashed about, the commotion drew a gathering crowd.
Alarmed by the accusation, Samcheon quickly patted his belongings. He should have two pouches—but there was only one.
“One is missing.”
He checked and rechecked, but the pouch didn’t turn up.
Realizing Yongyong had been right, Samcheon’s eyes blazed.
“Give me back my pouch!”
Yongyong waited until Samcheon reacted before hoisting the pickpocket upside down and shaking him roughly. A pale pink Silk Pouch tumbled from the boy’s clothes and hit the ground with a soft thud.
“That—that’s mine! Let it go!”
The pickpocket thrashed and screamed.
The crowd gathered around murmured and whispered. Several pointed accusingly at the boy.
And no wonder—the pouch that had fallen from the youth’s possession was the kind issued to palace servants, embroidered unmistakably with the insignia of Sabigung Palace.
Samcheon bent down to retrieve the pouch from the dirt and checked its contents. He’d been so focused on securing the money Gyesan had given him that he’d neglected his own belongings.
Inside was the first coin he’d ever possessed. Never having received a Salary, it was quite literally his entire fortune. As he tucked the pouch away, Samcheon shot a glare at the pickpocket.
“What should we do with this one?”
At Yongyong’s question, Samcheon’s brows rose sharply.
“We should demonstrate the severity of the Law and Ordinance—”
The pickpocket cried out, cutting him off.
“P-please, spare me! I was wrong. If you’ll forgive me just this once, I’ll live honestly. I’ll do anything you command!”
The sudden shift in demeanor was painfully submissive.
“I’ll accept punishment until you’re satisfied. Or shall I lick your boots?”
“We’ll proceed according to the Law and Ordinance.”
Yet something strange was happening—sympathy was beginning to register on the crowd’s faces. When the boy had offered to lick boots, they’d seemed coldly observant, but now it was different.
Confused, Samcheon quietly turned to Yongyong.
“What happens to a thief if they’re caught and handed over to the authorities?”
“Their hand is cut off.”
Samcheon’s eyes widened in shock.
“That’s so extreme! Wouldn’t he die?”
“Usually, yes. But even if you let him go now, he’ll likely be caught again the next time he steals. Preventing further victims might be the kinder choice.”
Samcheon exhaled deeply.
Theft was undeniably a crime. But the pickpocket was just a boy his age. His rough gaze, the dried mud caked on his clothes, his worn shoes—all of it struck Samcheon hard.
Perhaps this child had had no choice either, just as Samcheon had none. Perhaps his life had been even harsher.
Because he’d never met a Gyesan.
“I was wrong. I won’t do it again. Please don’t turn me over to the authorities.”
Samcheon’s heart felt heavy. He was about to say they should just go when, pushing through the crowd, a young girl rushed forward. Younger than the pickpocket, she threw herself at the ground before Samcheon.
“Please forgive him. I—I’ll offer my own hand instead.”
The child trembled with terror as she spoke. The stunned pickpocket let out a cry of desperation.
“Are you insane? Just cut off my hand!”
“I’m worthless anyway. Please cut off mine instead.”
Watching the siblings each offer their own hand for punishment, Samcheon sighed and stepped forward, kneeling down in front of the younger sister who remained bent in supplication.
As he crouched to meet the child’s eyes, Samcheon spoke softly.
“You’re only young. You’re not worthless—you’re just a child. I got through by thinking the same way.”
The child’s eyes trembled slightly.
“Come here.”
Samcheon lightly patted her thin shoulders, then led her to a nearby street vendor.
There, he ordered a sack of Barley. It was safer than giving money—it might be stolen otherwise.
After paying, he placed the sack in the child’s hands.
“The next time your brother gets caught stealing, his hand will really be cut off. Fortune doesn’t come twice. So you have to stop him.”
“I’ll remember that.”
The child replied, eyes fixed on the Barley in her grip.
“…Are you just giving this to me?”
“Nothing’s free. When you’re older and your circumstances improve, help someone who has it worse than you do. That’s the price.”
“I will!”
The child clutched the Barley sack as though it were treasure.
Samcheon offered her a brief smile before turning back to Yongyong.
“Let him go.”
“As you command.”
The moment Yongyong released his grip, the pickpocket scrambled to his sister, grabbed her wrist, and bolted.
Yongyong watched the whole scene unfold with an indifferent expression.
“He won’t even appreciate it.”
“I wasn’t doing it for gratitude. I was repaying a debt.”
“A debt?”
“Before I entered the palace, there were times I went hungry and had to beg. My mother was ill, and I wanted to make her rice porridge.”
“But you’re nobility.”
“Not all nobles are wealthy.”
A passing woman had once given him a measure of Barley just like this. And she’d heard the very words Samcheon had just spoken.
Samcheon hadn’t extended kindness—he’d returned it. And that felt quite good.
Even if it was just self-satisfaction.
As Samcheon resumed walking, Yongyong stared at his back and muttered under his breath.
“I hope his father isn’t a piece of garbage.”

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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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