Chapter 114
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 114
Chapter Title: Kicking Away the Ladder
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I asked Yi Seoryeong to fill in as my bodyguard, then resumed our meal.
Truly, expensive things are the best.
It melts in your mouth so smoothly. Goes down nice and easy, too.
"Thanks to you, I'm enjoying a meal at such a fine place."
Midway through the meal, I offered her a polite word of thanks.
What needed doing, I would do.
If I'd come here on my own dime...
"... "
At my thanks, Yi Seoryeong smiled faintly for a moment and nodded.
But she'd grown unusually quiet since earlier. She was just fiddling with her teacup in silence.
I hope nothing's wrong.
No matter what, I'd offered her the most natural comfort I could think of—to someone self-deprecating with talk of being an "old woman" or telling me to keep other women around.
Did she take my praise too seriously?
I cleared my throat to lighten the mood, right then—
Yi Seoryeong set down her teacup and looked at me with an expression like she'd steeled her resolve.
"In that case..."
She spoke in a calm tone.
"From now on... I'll attend to you in place of the others, Divine Physician."
"...? Sure, go ahead."
I nodded without thinking too deeply about her words.
The phrasing was a bit odd, but from her perspective, it probably meant serving me.
Well, bodyguard duty was a form of service, after all.
At my response, Yi Seoryeong bowed her head deeply.
"Thank you for allowing it. I will... make sure to satisfy you completely, Divine Physician."
"No need."
Truth be told, Yi Seoryeong didn't need to do much.
Seol Yu-wol wouldn't be away forever.
And it wasn't like I'd need protection all that often anyway.
After that, the meal wound down.
The long, elaborate course had come to an end before I knew it, and a fresh pot of warm tea was brought to the table.
Chamomile, my favorite, no less.
I'd just thought it didn't quite match the Chinese restaurant vibe when—
"You mentioned it was your favorite, so I had it prepared."
Another bit of Yi Seoryeong's thoughtfulness.
"You didn't have to go this far... but I ate very well today. Thank you."
I thanked her again, sincerely.
"No, Divine Physician."
Yi Seoryeong accepted it with a smile.
We sipped our tea, and it seemed her business was done.
She kept fidgeting with her fingers, but showed no sign of speaking up.
Now it was my turn to ask what I was curious about.
"Alliance Leader."
"Yes, Divine Physician."
"Mind if I ask something I'm wondering about?"
"Of course. Anything at all... feel free."
Permission granted.
I continued right away.
"Yesterday afternoon, I met Jahwa-yeon, the head of the Demonic Cult."
At those words, I felt her hand pause on her teacup.
"She told me about the 'Orthodox-Demonic Alliance.' Is it true?"
From what Jahwa-yeon had said, it didn't seem like a huge secret. I'd even asked her about it.
'Isn't that a massive secret?'
'It's no secret that the world mustn't know.'
She'd brushed it off like it was nothing.
"... "
At my question, Yi Seoryeong slowly set down her teacup.
A faint smile appeared on her face.
"Yes. It's true."
She answered plainly.
Yi Seoryeong clearly had no intention of hiding it either.
"A question about that, if you don't mind?"
"There is no question you can't ask me, Divine Physician, nor any answer I won't give you."
Quite the bold response all of a sudden.
"Ah... I see."
I nodded awkwardly and got to the point.
"Has the new organization been named yet?"
Yi Seoryeong gazed at her teacup for a moment.
"Not finalized, but the most likely name is..."
She set it down and looked at me.
"'New Central Plains.'"
"It means a new Central Plains. I thought it wasn't bad as a name signaling a fresh start, leaving the past behind."
She smiled faintly.
"Pretty straightforward name."
"Hee-hee, you think so?"
Anyone could tell it screamed alliance between the two.
The branding would be spot-on.
"So, the two groups keep their positions as-is?"
"Yes."
Yi Seoryeong added,
"Full merger would just breed internal backlash. For now, we'll maintain our structures, but the two leaders will decide everything. I'll be the White Lord... and she'll be the Black Lord."
White Lord and Black Lord.
Light and darkness. Orthodox and demonic.
It seemed the best way for two massive, opposing forces to merge.
It would bring benefits ahead, but plenty of issues to iron out too.
For the two groups to fuse quickly, perhaps...
Eh?
That's when an idea flashed in my mind.
"Alliance Leader. Or should I say White Lord?"
"Yes, Divine Physician. Call me whatever feels right. The title matters less than the intent."
Fine, I'd stick with Alliance Leader till I got used to it.
"Will the Azure Heaven Alliance's duties now transfer to the New Central Plains?"
"Yes... that's right... but what's this about...?"
Sensing something off, she tilted her head.
I spoke right away.
"I've got a good idea. It might drastically lighten your load, Alliance Leader."
"What...?"
"The Azure Heaven Alliance is soon to be the New Central Plains. And you've agreed to personally bodyguard me to fill Seol Yu-wol's absence."
But in the Azure Heaven Alliance, only Yi Seoryeong matched Seol Yu-wol's strength. The New Central Plains was different.
Jahwa-yeon was there.
"What if the Heavenly Demon joined you in that duty...?"
It would promote natural integration.
And ease the burden on her schedule as Alliance Leader.
Jahwa-yeon would probably accept too.
She'd been grumbling ever since the Baek Si-eun incident.
About how I didn't have enough protection.
But Yi Seoryeong didn't respond to my suggestion.
"... "
She smiled, but... how to put it.
She really didn't like the idea.
'Why...?'
Maybe I'd messed up.
But Yi Seoryeong spoke first, still beaming.
Her voice was oddly pitched a tone higher than before.
"Mind if I ask why you suggested that? For example... because of the Demonic Cult leader's appearance...?"
This was probably the first time Yi Seoryeong had countered me like that.
"No other reason. That's all there is to it."
I answered plainly. Jahwa-yeon was beautiful, but looks hadn't factored into my proposal at all.
At my firm reply, she stared at me intently for a moment.
Like she was reading my eyes... then nodded.
"Excellent idea. I'd love to adopt it right away, but..."
She lifted her teacup and took the last sip.
"...this will need discussion with her and the council."
"Yeah, makes sense. No need to overthink it."
It was just a casual suggestion.
But Yi Seoryeong shook her head.
"It's your will, Divine Physician."
And so the meal ended.
The long course was done, leaving only empty teacups on the table.
I thanked her once more and stood.
Yi Seoryeong rose swiftly too.
She escorted me to the door.
"Then, until next time."
I'd just given a courteous farewell and turned to leave when—
- Squeeze...
Like at the council last time, Yi Seoryeong hugged me gently from behind.
A bit closer this time, maybe.
She smelled of warm tea.
What was it again?
A Central Plains greeting of thanks?
Or something like that.
"I should be the one thanking you."
"No. I must thank you always..."
- Squeeze... Squeeze...
She hugged my back a couple more times, then whispered softly in my ear.
"...Stay safe until we meet again, Divine Physician."
Without waiting for my reply, she stepped back and bowed.
"... "
It felt weird always letting Yi Seoryeong do the thanking.
...Whatever.
- Poof.
I lightly hugged her from the front.
Seemed like my turn this time.
Central Plains etiquette, after all.
[Giggle.]
[〜(^∇^〜)]
"Eek... Ah...?"
Caught off guard by ending up in my arms, Yi Seoryeong let out a small gasp.
Fearsome Alliance Leader or not, when held, her face barely reached my chest.
Thick tea scent... so nice.
Up close like this, though, it might just be Yi Seoryeong's natural fragrance.
"Just returning the thanks."
I said as I released the hug.
"Until next time."
I bowed my head and left the room.
Right up to the elevator doors closing, she stood there bowing, her face flushed, seeing me off.
I gave a light nod in return.
A satisfying dinner date.
Jahwa-yeon grumbled as she walked the halls of the Azure Heaven Alliance.
Having gained the Divine Physician's certainty, she harbored no hesitation.
She'd planned to contact Yi Seoryeong first to get the seal of approval, but...
Ridiculously, Yi Seoryeong called her first.
"Looks like she's all fired up."
For Jahwa-yeon, eager to hold the advantage in negotiations, it was good news.
She flung open the door to Yi Seoryeong's office.
"...?"
But it was empty.
Of course, she'd arrived two hours early, but still.
"Hmph."
Making this Sovereign wait. Bold for an old fox.
With an irritated expression, Jahwa-yeon plopped into her chair.
A few minutes passed.
Boring.
Yi Seoryeong's office was as neat and impeccable as her personality—dull as a result.
Slide.
"Tch."
Unable to bear the boredom, Jahwa-yeon yanked open a desk drawer.
Not like anything fun would be there.
Neat stacks of documents, and a few worn, coverless books tucked in.
'What's this? The Alliance Leader's diary?'
She chuckled and pulled out the thickest one, flipping through it with a rustle.
Then her hand stopped.
"... "
Jahwa-yeon's black eyes began to tremble uncontrollably.
[Chapter 1: Basics of Serving to Satisfy Your Husband's Body]
[Chapter 2: Ten Techniques for Coyness Using the Tongue]
One explicit phrase after another, enough to make your mind blank.
From start to finish, all about attending to a man.
And moreover.
Illustrations of blatantly erotic, nude poses matching the text—spring paintings, and not just one or two.
[Ways to Please a Man], [How a Woman Can Mount First Without Sin]
"Th-this... outrageous...!"
Trembling violently, Jahwa-yeon slammed the book shut with a huff.
- Bang!
Her face beet red, heart pounding.
What was she mad about?
Probably at herself, for her heart racing over a mere book.
That was when.
- Rustle.
A voice spoke from behind.
"Perusing others' books like that isn't a good habit, is it, Heavenly Demon?"
Jahwa-yeon whipped around in shock.
Yi Seoryeong, caught as the owner, regarded her calmly.
Jahwa-yeon was the one shaking in embarrassment.
The nude spring paintings still lingered in her vision.
Steeling herself, Jahwa-yeon pointed accusingly at Yi Seoryeong.
"So it is true—you've finally snagged a man in your old age! Such depraved, lascivious...! The prestige of the orthodox sects..."
As if she'd ever cared about orthodox prestige.
Still, Jahwa-yeon criticized Yi Seoryeong's conduct.
She even felt a vague sense of betrayal.
Hadn't this woman spent her life despising men, proving women needed no such thing?
Sometimes, Jahwa-yeon had even respected her martial resolve.
Excluding what she'd done to Seol Yu-wol in the past, of course.
But this? What was it?
"You've forgotten all your past vows!"
Jahwa-yeon's sharp rebuke.
But Yi Seoryeong showed no sign of agitation.
"Ah..."
Only then realizing what she meant, Yi Seoryeong smiled faintly.
She pondered briefly, then smiled and spoke.
"People can stray from the path anytime. The road you believed right... might be the farthest from happiness."
Jahwa-yeon was thrown by the sudden life lecture but listened.
"What matters then... is that one person who changes your life."
Yi Seoryeong's voice grew excited.
"Someone to save me from the wrong path."
"Thanks to that savior, every part of my life returned to normal. Happiness as a mother... and..."
Yi Seoryeong stood and took a step toward the frozen Jahwa-yeon.
She leaned in close, whispering softly right in her face.
"...as a woman."
Yi Seoryeong glanced down.
The covered book was still on the first page.
Not even started—beginner level, like addition in math. And she'd freaked out.
She smirked and whispered snippets from the later sections to Jahwa-yeon.
Her hot breath tickled Jahwa-yeon's ear.
- ...do that... and the woman... feels...? ...When the sweet juices flow...
Yi Seoryeong shared just a taste of the advanced material.
Then pulled back.
But Jahwa-yeon was already lost in a new world, staring blankly.
Her eyes unfocused.
Slightly glazed.
Yi Seoryeong looked down at her.
'How could you possibly attend to him like this?'
Yu-wol could be taught.
From devoted service to men, to pleasuring them—everything.
The girl was a genius. She'd pick it up easily.
But teaching Jahwa-yeon too...?
Yi Seoryeong had no such plans.
If the Divine Physician fancied her looks and wanted her as a concubine, maybe...
'No, nothing like that.'
Since he'd said no.
She saw no need.