Chapter 355: You Thieving Little Cat!
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 355: You Thieving Little Cat!
"Hehehehe."
Soon, Neung So-hwa’s devious laughter began to echo through the room.
She was currently feeling immensely satisfied. The "club" that had once given her such immense pleasure had finally returned to its original size.
"You truly are remarkable."
Neung So-hwa spoke as she looked up at Sun-woo.
"...What is?"
"Did I not say it would become the club I love the most?"
She seemed to be referring to the joke she made during their first time together.
"Those words have proven true. I like this club far too much. I want to take it inside me this instant."
Having said her piece, Neung So-hwa began to slowly undress.
"Wait... wait!"
Sun-woo raised his voice, trying to restrain her proactive behavior.
"Haah... haah... haah... Why are you stopping me?"
Neung So-hwa asked, her breath coming in heavy gasps.
"Haah... haah... Is it perhaps that you wish to undress me yourself?"
"It’s not that..."
"Then what is it? Speak quickly. Whatever you desire, I shall grant it."
Neung So-hwa continued, her gaze burning with an intense, smoldering heat.
Thump, thump.
Meeting that gaze, Sun-woo felt his heart pounding frantically.
What is with that look...
She was like an active volcano—explosive, fierce, and scorching. It felt as though he might actually get burned.
"I... I have something to tell you..." Sun-woo began, looking at her.
"If it is not urgent, why not speak after we have shared the pleasures of the bed? My lust is overflowing so much it is becoming painful," Neung So-hwa replied in an utterly serious tone.
"It is urgent."
"Hmm."
Hearing Sun-woo’s words, Neung So-hwa pouted with a dissatisfied expression.
"Phew... Fine. But I ask that you speak as quickly as possible. I shall continue undressing while you talk."
Neung So-hwa nodded and began to slowly loosen her garments.
"So... you see."
Now that he had her permission, Sun-woo began to hesitate.
"I told you before that I have many women, right?"
"Indeed. I heard that a significant number of women follow you. Are you perhaps reflecting on your actions? If so, there is no need. Were they not all relationships formed before you met me? Did you think me so narrow-minded that I could not understand even that?"
Neung So-hwa spoke with an air of nonchalance.
"Did I mention exactly how many women there are?"
"You clearly stated there were three."
"Right... I said three. But it seems it’s no longer three."
"What?"
Startled by his words, Neung So-hwa snapped her head toward him.
"Did you perhaps break up with one of them?"
"............No."
"Then how can it not be three?"
"...The number increased by one."
"................."
Upon hearing Sun-woo’s confession, Neung So-hwa’s hands, which had been busy undressing, went still. She stared at Sun-woo with an expression that had turned stone-cold.
"It seems my ears have grown dull, and I misheard you. Could you say that again?"
Neung So-hwa forced a stiff smile. Her mouth was smiling, but her eyes certainly were not.
"..............."
Seeing her like that, Sun-woo didn't dare open his mouth. He had tried to slip it in while she was in a good mood, but it seemed that plan had backfired completely. The woman who had been so excited just moments ago was now wearing a look of absolute gravity.
Gulp.
Sun-woo swallowed hard. Her rigid attitude made the tension in the room skyrocket.
"It’s not three... it’s four."
"........I see."
Neung So-hwa stared at Sun-woo with a deeply somber expression.
"Was it four from the beginning?"
"No, it was originally three."
"Then it changed from three to four in a single day?"
"You could say that."
"................"
Neung So-hwa fell silent.
Vroooooom.
Soon, a searing heat began to radiate from her body. It was a clear sign that her anger had reached its boiling point. Sun-woo watched her silently, his face tense.
After a long moment...
"............Sigh."
A heavy sigh escaped Neung So-hwa’s lips.
Flinch.
Sun-woo flinched at the sound. He had been bracing himself for a scream.
"So it has come to this in the end."
Neung So-hwa looked at Sun-woo with a gaze full of pity.
"......In the end?"
"Yes. To be honest, I had an inkling. I knew there was another woman besides myself who held you in her heart."
"What!?"
Sun-woo’s eyes widened in shock. This was entirely unexpected.
"I am not completely oblivious. And someone else’s affection toward my beloved lover is bound to be more visible than anything else."
Neung So-hwa looked at Sun-woo, her eyes brimming with sadness.
"It is tragic. It makes it seem as though I am not enough for you."
"No... it’s not like that."
Sun-woo shook his head vigorously. This situation hadn't happened because he was dissatisfied with her. In a way, it was an accident, and in another, it was just his philandering nature manifesting itself.
"But I do not fail to understand. You are a magnificent hero, so it is only natural that many women would follow you."
Neung So-hwa spoke with a gaze of utmost sincerity.
"........Sohwa."
Hearing her words, a massive wave of guilt began to wash over Sun-woo. How could he have behaved so recklessly when he had such an understanding woman by his side?
"......I’m sorry."
Sun-woo looked at her and apologized.
"There is no need for apologies. Did I not say I understand? You are a Heavenly Dragon that soars through the skies. How could I ever be the chains that bind you?"
Neung So-hwa spoke in a calm, steady voice.
".....Sohwa."
Sun-woo looked moved. It seemed she really was going to be understanding about this.
"I can understand. Moreover, I did not find that child to be so disagreeable myself."
".....That child?"
Sun-woo caught a word that felt out of place. That child? Wasn't Bukgung Yeon the same age as Neung So-hwa? To refer to her as "that child"? Furthermore, weren't the two of them bitter rivals? How could she say she didn't find her disagreeable? It made no sense. He was utterly confused.
"Indeed. She is quite mischievous, but she is a very grateful child who treats me without reservation despite knowing my status. If it is her, I believe I could get along with her quite happily."
Neung So-hwa gave a faint smile.
"............."
Sun-woo clamped his mouth shut. He realized it now. Neung So-hwa was laboring under a massive misunderstanding.
"Um... Sohwa."
Sun-woo spoke up, looking at her.
"Speak."
"Do you happen to know who the fourth woman is?"
"Do you take me for a fool? Is it not Seol-hyang?"
Neung So-hwa spoke with absolute certainty.
"The affection and loving glances she subtly directed toward you, and the way her heart rate spiked whenever she was near you... who else could it be but Seol-hyang?"
"............"
"You were quite clever. Sending me to the hot springs with Seol-hyang to encourage us to bond. I did think it was strange—suddenly suggesting the two of us go to the hot springs alone."
Neung So-hwa looked amused.
"In any case, if it is Seol-hyang, I approve. It is rare to find a child so sociable and quick-witted. Ah! But do not forget that I must be the first to bear your child."
"..........Um."
"Speak."
"It’s... not Seol-hyang."
"What!?"
Neung So-hwa asked, stunned.
"I said it’s not Seol-hyang."
"Then who on earth is it!?"
Neung So-hwa’s voice rose in irritation. Who else in this North Sea Ice Palace besides Seol-hyang had shown affection for Sun-woo?
Flash.
Suddenly, a certain face flashed through her mind. Her expression instantly turned deathly pale.
"It cannot be... No, surely not... Sun-woo has eyes, after all... How could he with such a woman..."
She began to mutter incessantly in a low, trembling voice.
"Sun-woo... please... tell me... tell me it is not her!"
Neung So-hwa looked at Sun-woo with a sliver of hope, her voice pleading.
"......Bukgung Yeon."
But the answer that left Sun-woo’s lips crushed that final sliver of hope.
"Sun-woo! How could you make such a foolish choice! How could you do this!"
As soon as Sun-woo finished speaking, Neung So-hwa’s voice exploded with rage. Her tone was thick with fury.
"How could you leave aside your primary wife and share your affections with such an unrefined woman!?"
Neung So-hwa glared at Sun-woo, her face flushed with anger.
"Well... it just... kind of happened..."
"How on earth does something like that 'just happen'!? I cannot understand this! It has only been one day! I was only gone for a single day, and you managed to cause such a disaster!?"
"............."
Sun-woo kept his mouth shut. Even if he had ten mouths, he would have no excuse. It was true that he had caused this mess in just one day, exactly as she said.
Step.
Suddenly, Neung So-hwa pulled away from Sun-woo’s embrace. She climbed off the bed and immediately began walking toward the door.
".....Where are you going?"
"I am going to that woman."
"What!?"
Sun-woo asked, startled.
"That fox-like woman must have seduced your innocent self! Do not worry! I shall settle this once and for all!"
With those words, she began to stride out of the room.
"Wait! Wait!"
Sun-woo hurriedly adjusted his clothes and chased after her. He knew that if he let Neung So-hwa go like this, things would only get worse. He quickly moved and blocked her path.
"Sohwa... calm down!"
"Move! I must meet that woman!"
Sun-woo quickly grabbed both of her shoulders.
"You’re too agitated right now. Just calm down for a second and—"
"Move!"
Neung So-hwa shook off Sun-woo’s hands and resumed her pace, radiating an immense, volcanic energy.
I’m screwed!
Sun-woo ran ahead again to block her. If he let her go, a life-and-death struggle might actually break out.
"I told you to calm down!"
Sun-woo shouted, realizing that Neung So-hwa was becoming excessively agitated.
"Let go of me this instant! I must see that woman!"
"And what are you going to do when you see her!?"
"I am going to burn her to ash!"
"You can't do that!"
"And why not!? Are you taking her side in front of me right now?"
"That’s not what I’m saying!"
"That is exactly how it sounds to me!"
Neung So-hwa screamed, her face crimson with rage.
"I’m telling you, it’s not like that! I’ll explain everything from the beginning!"
"No, I have heard enough! Anything more is just an excuse! I have understood perfectly! To summarize, that woman is a bitch who deserves to die, is she not?"
"Who summarizes like that!?" Sun-woo replied, looking flustered.
"Otherwise, there is no way a benevolent, wonderful, and intelligent man like you would spend the night with such a violent and ferocious woman!"
Neung So-hwa spoke with absolute conviction.
"Sun-woo, do not worry. I have a plan. The things you are worried about will not happen."
"Then what are you going to do?"
"I intend to burn her to the very bone and erase her existence. No one will ever find the body!"
"I said no!"
"Do not stop me!"
Sun-woo tried his best to stop Neung So-hwa, while Neung So-hwa tried her best to break through and reach Bukgung Yeon. The scuffle between the two grew increasingly intense.
"What are you two doing?"
Suddenly, a bone-chilling voice from behind them pierced their ears.
Hearing that voice, Sun-woo’s face turned pale. It was the one voice he least wanted to hear in this situation.
In contrast to Sun-woo, a wide grin spread across Neung So-hwa’s face. She was delighted that the person she wanted to meet so badly had walked right into her.
Taking advantage of Sun-woo’s momentary lapse, Neung So-hwa quickly slipped out of his grasp. She began to radiate a ferocious aura.
"Bukgung Yeon!"
"What."
Bukgung Yeon replied in a dry, flat voice.
"I have heard the news. You were busy doing something quite interesting while I was away."
Neung So-hwa glared at Bukgung Yeon with eyes like an active volcano.
"Really? I have no idea what you’re talking about."
Bukgung Yeon feigned ignorance, her expression blank.
"Do not play innocent! You thieving little cat!"
Enraged by her brazen attitude, Neung So-hwa spat out the insult.
"A thieving cat...? No matter how you look at it, aren't I a tiger?"
Bukgung Yeon replied with a mocking smirk.
"There is no such thing as a pathetic tiger like you in this world!"
"And who was it that got beaten like a rat by that 'pathetic tiger'?"
"I was holding back out of mercy, yet you do not know your place!"
"The same goes for me. If I had intended to kill you, I would have done it with the first strike."
"Then try to kill me for real this time!"
Fwoooooosh!
"I wouldn't mind that at all!"
Sshhhhhhh!
Immediately, an immense heat and a terrifying cold began to surge from the bodies of the two women, as if they were about to envelop the entire Ice Palace.
And Sun-woo watched the scene with a look of utter despair.