Chapter : 5
Thinking back on how their relationship had begun, wasn’t it only natural that Doyul disliked her?
So there’s no reason for me to feel hurt.
If anything, she should be grateful that, at least on the surface, his attitude had become less hostile.
Still, she couldn’t stop the smile on her lips from slowly fading.
Just then—
Doyul picked up the teapot from the bedside table, poured a cup of water, and held it out to Yerin.
Caught off guard, Yerin accepted it and blinked.
“…What’s this?”
“I thought you might be thirsty.”
His words sounded as if he had seen straight through her thoughts, making Yerin flinch.
“Didn’t you drink too much yesterday?”
“…”
Honestly, calling it “drinking too much” wasn’t quite right. She had gotten drunk after just one cup of the ceremonial wedding wine…
Ugh… how embarrassing.
How could she lose consciousness after a single drink?
Yerin felt her face grow burning hot.
At that moment, Doyul frowned slightly and asked,
“Aren’t you going to drink it?”
“Ah—I-I am!”
She really was thirsty, so she quickly wrapped both hands around the cup.
Yet, for some reason, the situation felt strangely awkward.
This is weird. Mentally, I’m much older than he is.
…So why did it feel like he was the one leading the conversation?
Unable to figure it out, Yerin simply tilted the cup back and drained it in one breath.
“Ahh…”
A moment later,
she set the empty cup down with a satisfied expression.
Ah… I finally feel alive again.
The water soothed her parched throat, making it much easier to breathe.
Watching her quietly, Doyul suddenly spoke.
“You finally look a little more at ease.”
“My expression?”
“Yes. You’ve looked miserable this whole time.”
Was I really?
Feeling a little embarrassed, Yerin absentmindedly rubbed her cheek.
Then Doyul added in his usual blunt tone,
“I’m glad.”
Wait… was he actually paying attention to how I was feeling?
Surprised, Yerin hurriedly thanked him.
“Th-thank you.”
Doyul simply nodded before sitting back down on the bed.
It was as though he had finished everything he needed to do.
“…”
“…”
Silence filled the room.
Doyul had never been much of a talker to begin with.
As for Yerin…
Well… at least he doesn’t seem angry.
She had been on edge the entire time, afraid of upsetting him.
…Maybe I should start a conversation?
Now that even their brief exchanges had ended, an oppressive silence settled over the room.
Yerin found it increasingly difficult to endure.
More importantly, she was supposed to get on his good side.
Surely sitting there in silence wasn’t as good as saying something pleasant.
After thinking hard for a moment, Yerin finally spoke with determination.
“Gungju-nim!”
Doyul glanced at her.
Smiling brightly, Yerin asked,
“By any chance… were you the one who took off my wedding robes?”
“…”
To be perfectly clear, Yerin had brought it up because she genuinely wanted to compliment him.
Those wedding robes were unbelievably heavy. Thanks to you, I slept comfortably. Thank you! That was all she had intended to say.
Then maybe they’d laugh together a little, and the atmosphere would lighten.
…That had been the plan.
“Y-You looked uncomfortable while sleeping.”
For the first time, Doyul stammered.
Even his usually expressionless face turned bright red.
Huh? This isn’t how this was supposed to go.
Startled, Yerin stared at him.
But Doyul seemed to interpret her silence in an entirely different way.
“I-I absolutely didn’t have any improper intentions!”
“Improper intentions?”
“Yes! I really only thought you couldn’t sleep properly, so I wanted you to rest more comfortably, even if only a little…”
Rambling in confusion, Doyul eventually clamped his mouth shut and looked away.
Yerin was suddenly reminded of something.
…Right.
Doyul is only fifteen years old.
He had always acted so mature and had shown her nothing but cold hostility until now that she’d forgotten.
But seeing him like this…
He really did look his age.
His cheeks, still soft with baby fat and now flushed red, reminded her of ripe apples.
He really is just a kid.
This adorable little guy is going to grow up, gather countless fortunate encounters and powerful allies, conquer the martial world, and become the Greatest Sword under Heaven.
So hurry up and grow big and strong. Spread the glory of the North Sea Ice Palace far and wide.
That way, all the effort I put into founding the North Sea Ice Palace won’t have been for nothing.
While Yerin happily imagined Doyul’s brilliant future—
“Gungju-nim. Lady Yerin.”
A voice called to them from beyond the door.
Yerin blinked.
Well, this is unusual.
It had been a long time since she’d heard that maid call her in such a calm voice instead of one dripping with annoyance.
Normally, the woman would have barged in without even announcing herself.
It’s probably because Doyul is here. She’s trying to act at least a little polite.
The maid spoke again.
“The Head of the Tang Family has asked that you join him for breakfast.”
“…”
“…”
Yerin and Doyul instinctively turned to look at one another.
Both immediately realized they were wearing exactly the same expression.
Neither of them looked particularly pleased.
“…In that case, Lady Yerin.”
Letting out a quiet sigh, Doyul addressed her.
“After I change into proper attire, I’ll come back to escort you.”
Hm? Escort me?
Yerin tilted her head in confusion.
Was there really any need for him to come get her?
They could simply meet at the Tang Family Head’s residence.
Surely the Tang Family would assign at least a servant to guide Doyul, so it wasn’t as though he’d get lost.
“Lady Yerin?”
Just then,
Doyul fixed her with a look that clearly demanded an answer.
Caught off guard, Yerin nodded.
“Ah… I’ll wait for you… thank you?”
“Then.”
Jumping lightly off the bed, Doyul walked straight toward the door without another glance back.
Slide.
The door opened.
Looking at the maid, who immediately bowed her head, Doyul said calmly,
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, Gungju-nim.”
Watching the two of them walk away, Yerin couldn’t hide her puzzled expression.
…Since earlier, it really feels like Doyul has been looking out for me.
Am I just imagining it?
* * *
As Doyul washed himself and changed into fresh clothes, only one person occupied his thoughts.
Tang Yerin.
The neglected illegitimate daughter of the Sichuan Tang Family.
The pawn the Tang Family had offered in order to humiliate the North Sea Ice Palace as much as possible.
A girl whose status was nowhere near worthy of becoming the mistress of the Ice Palace that ruled the North Sea.
Damn it.
Without realizing it, Doyul cursed under his breath.
He had assumed from the start—
Since she was the daughter of that arrogant Tang Family Head, she would surely look down on him as well.
So he had steeled himself, determined never to let her dominate him.
But the Tang Yerin he had actually met…
“Please… don’t hate me too much.”
The twelve-year-old girl had pleaded desperately, as though Doyul himself were her only lifeline.
“I-I didn’t want to marry you either…”
Her faint voice, trembling as she held back sobs.
The way she instinctively lowered herself before others.
Her frail body, so thin it looked as though she had never even eaten a proper bowl of porridge.
Her pale complexion.
Her terrified eyes.
Even the bruises that wrapped around her body like snakes.
Every single one of those things continued to linger in Doyul’s mind.
“Still… I’m sorry you were forced into this marriage…”
Why…
Why was Yerin apologizing for this marriage?
It wasn’t as though she had chosen to humiliate the North Sea Ice Palace.
Thinking that far, Doyul forcibly shook his head, trying to drive away the chaotic thoughts.
…These thoughts are pointless.
He himself was barely managing to support the North Sea Ice Palace.
He had no room to spare for pitying Yerin.
So why…
Why can’t I stop thinking about that girl…?
I don’t understand.
Doyul bit down firmly on his lower lip.
As though he believed doing so might somehow calm the turmoil in his heart.
Meanwhile—
“Honestly, there’s no one as troublesome as you, Miss.”
Yerin endured yet another stream of complaints from the maid.
“Do you have any idea how much trouble you’ve caused me?”
“…”
“You collapsed right before the wedding ceremony, for heaven’s sake…”
Clicking her tongue, the maid began brushing Yerin’s hair with rough, irritated strokes.
“So I had to help you get dressed all over again!”
“…”
“You really do make people work twice as hard. You’re troublesome in every possible way.”
Endure.
Endure.
They say if you endure three times, you can even avoid committing murder.
If she caused trouble in the Tang Family and angered the Tang Family Head, it wouldn’t just harm her—it could also bring disaster upon the North Sea Ice Palace.
So it was better to stay as quiet as possible until she could leave for the North Sea Ice Palace.
Yerin tried to steel herself.
But—
“Are you mute, Miss? Why won’t you answer me?”
…
At those words, the last thread of her patience finally snapped.
