Three Thousand Court Ladies - Chapter 99

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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 99
Sam-cheon found herself in an awkward position. The details about Wol-ya and the Wol-rang Unit’s secret—details she’d learned—had simply vanished from her memory.
“In the dream, we went out together. That’s when I heard about your circumstances.”
“I see.”
“I’ll do my best. Please trust me with this.”
Sam-cheon pledged again.
“I’m grateful.”
Though this was the moment Wol-ya had wished for, she felt an odd sense of frustration.
“Yes! I’ll repay your kindness without fail.”
As two eyes that gleamed like stars turned toward her with complete focus, Wol-ya understood what had shaken her emotions. It was curiosity born from a bond that had accumulated without her knowing.
What kind of person had she been in that girl’s dream?
“I’m curious about the time I don’t know.”
[I know, I know.]
I-re interjected with a teasing tone, and Sam-cheon couldn’t help but laugh.
Soon Sam-cheon composed herself and cleared her throat unnecessarily.
“I’m sorry. I just remembered something else. And one more thing—thank you for sending Yong-yong so long ago.”
Wol-ya’s eyes flickered for a moment.
“Yong-yong would be delighted to hear that.”
I-re broke the gentle atmosphere that had settled between them.
[Wait, isn’t it possible that Ja-myeong is the reason I’ve been sharing dreams with you?]
Thinking this likely, Sam-cheon ventured to speak.
“If it wouldn’t be too forward, could I see Ja-myeong?”
Wol-ya immediately unfastened the jade bell hanging at her waist.
Sam-cheon accepted the Ja-myeong Bell with both hands. Though it looked delicate, it was heavier than expected and cold to the touch, yet made no sound when shaken.
“Whenever I thought I might die, a clear bell sound would ring out, and you would appear.”
A worry crossed her mind, so she asked first.
“Yesterday and today, I didn’t hear the bell sound. Has something happened to Ja-myeong?”
“No. Since you would be concerned each time the bell rang as I drew near, I’ve paused it for the moment.”
“Then I’m relieved.”
Sam-cheon spoke while gazing down at the Ja-myeong Bell.
“Thank you for helping me. I have so much I want to say—could you visit me again in a dream? And if you helped I-re too, I’m grateful for that as well.”
Sam-cheon looked warmly at the Ja-myeong Bell for a moment longer before returning it to Wol-ya. Wol-ya, taking the bell, showed interest in her words.
“Does the Ja-myeong Bell appear often in your dreams?”
“Not often. Twice, actually—but both times, it let me glimpse the future when I couldn’t have a Prophetic Dream. It offered advice too.”
“How did Ja-myeong appear to you?”
“Sometimes as a child, sometimes as an elder. Its form changes according to my perception. Ja-myeong is a being I’m grateful for—or rather, a Contamination.”
“How extraordinary.”
From her reaction, it seemed Ja-myeong did not appear in Wol-ya’s dreams. How sorrowful it must be to spend so long together and yet never truly meet.
“Ja-myeong was worried about you.”
“Is that so.”
In contrast to her calm reply, ripples spread across Wol-ya’s quiet, placid eyes.
“It said it hopes you live long enough to end the Karmic Bond.”
“If Ja-myeong said that, then there is hope. In truth, the word ‘worry’ surprises me. I thought it would resent me instead.”
“You’ve done nothing wrong. Why would Ja-myeong resent you? Besides, having been together so long, it understands you better than anyone.”
Much like I-re did.
So the noisy dawn passed, and a quiet morning arrived. Through it all, nothing new had been discovered in the visions.
Sam-cheon began a day much like the one in her dream. She placed an order for items to send to Buyeo Hui and hurried to the Tea House.
Once seated at a round table near the entrance, Wol-ya naturally took her position behind her. At this spot, Ha-bin and the server would have no reason to collide.
Yet Sam-cheon felt oddly self-conscious about her back.
“You don’t have to stand there. It shouldn’t take long.”
Wol-ya, tilting her head slightly, asked.
“Does it trouble you?”
“It’s less about trouble than feeling undeserving.”
With Wol-ya serving as her personal guard, she felt like someone important. It was like wearing clothes that didn’t fit.
“You should grow accustomed to it. You are someone who should receive the service of far more people than this.”
Even so, being regarded with such reverence felt strange.
As Sam-cheon fidgeted with her skirts, I-re’s strained voice cut through.
[Sam-cheon, it’s him.]
Him?
Sam-cheon’s head turned awkwardly. The moment she spotted the one I-re meant, her mind snapped awake.
Prince Gyeol, the eighteenth royal son.
“So we meet by chance again.”
As his lips curved into a smile, his cheekbones became slightly more pronounced.
Could this meeting truly be mere coincidence?
The first time she’d met Gyeol was similar. He appeared the day after she’d had a dream, at an unexpected moment.
Today was no different.
A meeting that shouldn’t have happened.
The problem was that even if suspicion arose, she couldn’t press someone of his standing.
As Sam-cheon rose to offer proper courtesy, Wol-ya placed a light hand on her shoulder and stepped between her and Gyeol.
“If you have business with Sam-cheon, state your title first.”
“I’m traveling in Secret Travel, which makes that difficult. We’re acquainted—step aside.”
Though Gyeol spoke in a commanding tone, Wol-ya didn’t move.
“That’s fine.”
Only after Sam-cheon spoke did Wol-ya return to her original position. Yet she never took her eyes off Gyeol.
When Sam-cheon stood to offer proper greeting, Gyeol gestured and stopped her.
“Didn’t I say I was traveling in Secret Travel? Sit.”
Then, without invitation, he took the seat across from her.
“Have you figured out who I am?”
“I’ve deduced you must be Prince Gyeol.”
“Correct. I should give you a reward.”
Gyeol’s thin, ruddy lips curved upward in an arc.
Sam-cheon found his meaningless smile deeply uncomfortable. She needed to send him away before Ha-bin arrived, but his bearing showed no intention of leaving.
“You’ve chosen a fine guard.”
“She’s far too good for someone like me.”
“Even I couldn’t promise victory against her. But tell me—have you heard the song the children sing on Low Market Street?”
As Hwa-ran’s song was brought up, her discomfort deepened.
“There are many songs children sing for amusement.”
“It was a melody I’d never heard before. Someone’s composition has apparently earned the royal fury. How impressive.”
What had started as mere suspicion hardened into certainty as his words continued—his remarks carried a sharp edge.
Cold sweat traced down Sam-cheon’s back.
How much had he seen through?
Sam-cheon decided she had to end this uncomfortable meeting soon.
“Your Highness, forgive me, but I have a prior engagement.”
“By any chance, is that engagement the woman there?”
Gyeol pointed with his finger toward the entrance. When Sam-cheon turned, her eyes met Ha-bin’s just as she stepped inside.
Spotting Gyeol seated across from Sam-cheon, Ha-bin’s gaze turned probing—then she smiled.
Gyeol lifted one hand and spoke with easy warmth.
“Perfect. We’re not strangers, so why not join us?”
Ha-bin approached lightly and stood before Gyeol.
“Are you traveling in Secret Travel?”
“That’s right. No need for formality—sit.”
“I never expected to see you in Sabi.”
“Nor did I. I was pleased to meet this girl again, but how much more pleasant to see you. Don’t mind me—speak freely.”
Ha-bin’s smile became strained.
Sam-cheon too felt her expression harden, and forced a smile. She couldn’t grasp how to handle this situation, and her mind churned with unease.
Sam-cheon offered Ha-bin a greeting first.
“It’s good to see you again.”
“It is for me too. But why did you call me here?”
Ha-bin asked brazenly.
She’d come knowing nothing and wanted him to state his business—her attitude made that clear.
Suddenly put on the spot, Sam-cheon scrambled for an excuse. She couldn’t say she’d called to request a Prophecy…….
“I wanted to commission a Talisman from you.”
Sam-cheon offered the hastily improvised answer with a forced smile.

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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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