Three Thousand Court Ladies - Chapter 68

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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 68
Sunlight filtered through the skeletal branches, yet the wind still carried the bite of late winter. The cool breeze traced across Sam-cheon’s cheek as she passed.
“A miracle, then?”
“If it weren’t for that dream, you and Gye-san—even Geum—would be buried somewhere on a mountainside by now. Since I lost no one, it’s a miracle.”
“……Thank you for saying so.”
Sam-cheon lowered her gaze, taking care to appear composed.
Right on cue, the soldiers at the front halted, and she felt the bustle of movement resume. They seemed to be reaching the crest of the valley.
Realizing they were nearly there, Sam-cheon quickened her pace. As she walked, glancing up at the soldiers ahead, her foot caught on a bed of fallen leaves and slipped.
Buyeo Hui’s hand shot out reflexively, but Sam-cheon had already steadied herself.
His outstretched hand, now awkward in its uselessness, caught only the edge of her sleeve before releasing it. The brief tug of the fabric made Sam-cheon glance back.
“Watch your step.”
“Yes. The patches where snow hasn’t fully melted are slippery—we should avoid them. The wind is quite sharp this high in the mountains.”
Aware she’d spoken too much, Sam-cheon quickened her pace as though nothing had happened. Buyeo Hui followed, eyes fixed ahead.
At last they reached the summit.
Several emotions flickered across Sam-cheon’s eyes as she gazed down at the tile-roofed house.
“This must be it.”
“Yes. This is it.”
Once Buyeo Hui received confirmation, he gestured immediately.
At his signal, the soldiers spread out and surrounded the house.
Gradually tightening their perimeter, the soldiers vaulted the wall in unison. The sound of clashing blades, screams, and shouts tangled together.
Even as the clamor erupted, Buyeo Hui gazed calmly at the tile-roofed structure.
“It’s remarkable to find such a house in a place like this. And built by a master craftsman, no less.”
“Pardon?”
“Look at the main beam.”
Only then did Sam-cheon take in the elements of the house’s construction. The patterns carved into the timber, especially the main beam, bore the hallmark of Baekje’s finest artisans.
“If we trace the timber, we could identify the owner.”
“Given the materials used, this would belong to one of the Eight Great Families at minimum.”
And if the minimum was them, the maximum would be the Royal Family. Sam-cheon found the notion difficult to accept as real.
“Why would someone like that target the temple?”
“People want to find reasons.”
When she stared at him without comprehension, Buyeo Hui smiled faintly.
“Rumors are spreading that you’re Gye-san’s strategist. They likely concluded that if it weren’t so, there’d be no reason you’d exercise the Amnesty Authority.”
“I see.”
“Not an unreasonable conclusion, either.”
Having answered, Buyeo Hui turned toward an approaching soldier. His expression shifted to one of cold authority—a stark contrast to his demeanor with Sam-cheon.
“Report.”
“The suppression is complete. However, all those inside have taken their own lives.”
“Any captives?”
“We’re still searching, but none have been found yet.”
“The area’s been secured?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Buyeo Hui turned back to Sam-cheon.
“Let’s go inside and look around.”
He strode ahead through the gate with long, purposeful steps.
Following half a pace behind, Sam-cheon noted bloodstains littering the entrance. The bodies had been cleared; only the marks of battle remained.
The house was modest in size but lavish in decoration. Every piece of furniture placed within showed the finest Tang imports. The ceramics and calligraphy and paintings appeared to be works that had crossed over from the Tang as well.
Sam-cheon left the inner quarters and examined other rooms. The spaces meant for servants stood in stark contrast to the inner chambers—shabby and sparse.
Finding no meaningful clues, she moved toward the kitchen, but it too yielded nothing.
‘Where could they be confined?’
Sam-cheon stood in the center of the courtyard and scrutinized the house.
Her father’s words from the dream came back to her. He had said, “What cruel people, locking someone away in such a place.”
“They might be held somewhere unconventional.”
[A strong fear struck me the moment you spoke. The kitchen.]
Sam-cheon returned to the kitchen. Passing the stove and cooking implements, she spotted several large water jars arranged in a row.
On a hunch, Sam-cheon approached one of the massive jars. When she lifted the lid, it was empty.
Buyeo Hui, who had been trailing behind her, immediately objected.
“Surely they wouldn’t confine someone in a place like this.”
“You’re right?”
As she turned to search elsewhere, a faint vibration emanated from the adjacent jar. On impulse, she opened it—and saw a small head trembling violently within.
Buyeo Hui’s face twisted at the stench, his eyes widening suddenly.
“A child?”
The gaze that met Sam-cheon and Buyeo Hui from inside the jar was saturated with deep terror. Sam-cheon made her voice as gentle as possible.
“I want to help you. Would that be alright?”
“P-please save me.”
The frail, whimpering voice wrenched at her heart.
“That’s why we’re here. I’m going to take you home.”
Something in those words seemed to break open the child’s composure, and tears began to spill from their eyes.
“I’m going to lift you out. If it hurts anywhere, tell me. Understood?”
Sam-cheon reached in and hoisted the child out.
The boy appeared to be around seven years old and had difficulty with his knees—likely from being confined in that cramped position for so long.
Rather than setting the filthy child on the floor, Sam-cheon cradled him in her arms. She soothed the trembling boy with quiet whispers, holding him close.
“You’re safe now. Do you have anywhere that hurts? Can you tell me?”
At her tender voice, the child looked up at her.
“Will you really take me home?”
His eyes were full of fear and uncertainty.
“Of course.”
Still holding the child, Sam-cheon stepped out into the courtyard. As the cold air touched him, his condition seemed to stabilize somewhat.
The soldiers searching the perimeter caught sight of them and froze in place.
They had never imagined anyone could be confined in a jar. Fury kindled in the hearts of the soldiers as they beheld the frightened child’s small frame.
Buyeo Hui spoke to them.
“Search from the beginning again.”
“Sir!”
The soldiers’ voices rang with renewed force.
Sam-cheon found clothes in the inner quarters, dressed the child, and laid him on a bed. Then, just as Deok-sim had done for her in childhood, she patted his chest gently. When his breathing grew steady, she asked him a question.
“What’s your name?”
“Nuri.”
“Do you remember where your home is?”
“Ungjin-seong. My father works at the city gates.”
“It’s less than half a day’s journey from here. I’ll have you reunited soon.”
“There are scary people.”
As the child shrank back in fear, Sam-cheon gestured to Buyeo Hui, who had been hovering uncertainly behind her.
“That person is a prince. See all those soldiers? The prince and all those soldiers will protect you.”
“W-a prince……?”
The child’s eyes widened in shock. The word “prince” carried a different kind of dread altogether.
Buyeo Hui, whose expression had been grave, immediately softened his face.
“I am Buyeo Hui. I give you my word that I will return you to your family. I’m not the sort of person who walks past a child in distress.”
Sam-cheon glanced at Buyeo Hui, then lowered her gaze once more.
“That’s right. So don’t worry. For now, we’re searching in case anyone else is being held here. Once the search is complete, we’ll depart for Ungjin-seong immediately.”
“Anyone else?”
Nuri shuddered and continued.
“Then please hurry and search. I’ll be fine on my own.”
“Brave child.”
“They must be terrified. Please help them quickly.”
Hearing how frightened the boy himself must have been, Sam-cheon gently stroked his hair.
In terms of raw searching ability, Sam-cheon wouldn’t be of much use, but Are, who possessed the gift of Strong Psychic Impression Sensing, would be different.
Sam-cheon turned to Are.
“Stay with Nuri.”

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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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