Chapter 199
Chapter 199
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 200
Chapter Title: Servant of the Tang Clan of Sichuan (2)
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It had been three days since I attached myself to the Tang Clan of Sichuan.
Finally, Clan Leader Dang Jeokcheon had returned.
The news of his arrival spread, and the servants gathered in the courtyard all at once, busily preparing to greet him.
It was a spectacle.
I couldn’t believe so many people had turned out to welcome just one person.
Was this what power was like?
Soon, the clamor of a crowd came from beyond the walls, and moments later, warriors led by Dang Jeokcheon crossed through the gate.
Like the other servants, I bowed my head and held my breath.
I felt tense for no reason.
He knew about the strange relationship between Dang Soran and me—what would he think seeing me show up dressed as a servant?
“Soran!”
Fortunately, his gaze went to Dang Soran first.
Dang Soran stood in the center of the courtyard, greeting him like the star of the show.
Even Young Clan Leader Dang Jiyun stepped back in front of her.
“I heard the news. I’m so proud of you. I knew you’d do well, but winning the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly? And breaking through the wall of the Peak realm on top of that!”
His eyes glistened faintly.
“I said I believed in you, but I didn’t expect you to leap over that wall so quickly. Amazing, truly amazing. Just a few months ago, your heart demon kept you from sleeping at night, and now you’ve improved so much I can hardly worry anymore. With this, our Tang Clan of Sichuan will make its name known across the Central Plains. Even the people of Chengdu are buzzing with pride over your achievements.”
At his words, the warriors following him, the elders, Dang Soran’s siblings, and even the servants couldn’t hide their smiles.
She was the pride and glory of the Tang Clan of Sichuan.
At the center of it all, Dang Soran bowed her head with noble grace.
“It’s all thanks to your teachings, Clan Leader. I won’t grow arrogant from this achievement. I’ll engrave your grace deep in my heart and strive even harder.”
Dang Jeokcheon smiled without a word.
His throat seemed tight, leaving him unable to speak as he simply nodded.
It was surprising to see this cold warrior so defenseless in front of his daughter.
...Yeah, that’s why in the original story, he went down avenging her death at Cheongwol’s hands.
At least I wouldn’t have to witness that future.
Cheongwol wouldn’t kill Dang Soran, after all.
Dang Jeokcheon took a deep breath, as if collecting himself, then looked around.
He waved a hand at the servants who had come out to greet him.
“Everyone, return to your posts...”
Then his eyes met mine.
He blinked in disbelief for a moment before slowly turning toward me, but at that instant, Dang Soran stepped in front of him.
“Clan Leader. I have something to discuss with you briefly.”
Dang Jeokcheon glanced between me and Dang Soran, then silently nodded again.
...Fuck. Scary. His expression suddenly turned serious—was he angry?
The Clan Leader walked away like that.
Even Dang Soran, who’d shown no interest in me lately, followed suit.
“Phew!”
Oblivious to my inner turmoil, Yeoseo spoke casually.
“Hey, newbie! Stop spacing out and get to work!”
.
.
.
As time passed, Dang Soran felt more and more distant.
She was the very order of the Tang Clan.
When Dang Soran appeared, the space organized itself, the servants’ chatter quieted, and heads bowed in unison.
As if the air in the household itself was under her control.
Only after she left did the servants catch their breath and raise their heads—and somehow, that habit was starting to rub off on me too.
In truth, this was the gap between us.
It was actually strange that we’d gotten along so casually until now.
Now I truly felt it: she was the Tang Clan of Sichuan’s untouchable pearl.
The servants respected Dang Soran, but they also feared her.
Probably for similar reasons.
Dang Soran didn’t even need to speak—people moved on their own.
A single glance from her, and the servants already anticipated her will and catered to it.
Inside the Tang Clan of Sichuan, she was quieter than I’d expected.
I wondered who that chattery girl by my side, loud enough to hurt my ears, had been.
We couldn’t approach her beyond a certain distance without her permission.
Yeoseo had told me that.
“If she shows up, of course you keep your distance and stick to the wall, you idiot newbie? What if it’s an assassin in servant disguise coming at her? Not that she’d fall for something like that, but it’s the rule. No eye contact without permission, got it?”
With no more games to play, the distance between us only grew.
My wariness was easing amid these surprisingly stable and uneventful days.
What if I’d slipped up? If I’d begged to play games every time after becoming part of the household, that would’ve been trouble.
A week passed like that.
“Huh? Us?”
Just as I was getting used to servant life, Overseer Yeopjeong nodded at me and Yeoseo.
“Yeah, you two go clean her room today.”
...We were suddenly assigned to clean Dang Soran’s room.
.
.
.
...What was this? Why was I so nervous?
They say a position changes a person.
The thought of facing Dang Soran up close after so long sent an inexplicable tension coursing through my body.
It wasn’t a problem, but probably because of the habits ingrained over the past few days.
“D-Don’t mess up, newbie. Got it? If you do, you’re dead by my hand! Y-Yeah? You don’t wanna see how scary I can really be...?”
Yeoseo piled on.
Her eyes shook mercilessly, and her hands trembled again.
She was spouting emotional nonsense, but seeing her like this eased my own tension a bit.
“It’s just cleaning a room—what’s the big deal?”
“A-Aren’t you nervous? Why are we suddenly doing something like this...?”
We arrived at Dang Soran’s quarters on time.
A two-story annex.
It was a place I’d visited multiple times, so I should’ve been used to it, but because of the last few days, I swallowed hard.
Her attendant stood at the door.
She already knew my face.
She glanced between me and Yeoseo, then announced loudly toward the door.
“Miss Soran, may we clean your room for a bit?”
A short silence.
Soon, a soft, gentle voice flowed from inside.
‘Go ahead.’
Yeoseo looked at me and emphasized again.
“I said don’t mess up, right? I’ll do the talking, so you just keep your mouth shut, got it?”
“Got it.”
The door opens.
Instantly, a scent wafted out. Thick yet clear.
Even the air felt different.
This place reeked of status. The fragrance of a noble, untouchable world.
Was it okay for a lowly slave like me to even enter here? That kind of thought crossed my mind.
Dang Soran held an open book.
Leaning naturally against the wall, her posture exuded calm yet an absolute pressure.
Her eyes fell on me. No surprise, as if she’d known I was coming.
At that moment, Yeoseo pressed down on my head and said in a trembling voice.
“M-Miss. We’ve come to clean your room. May we start?”
I glanced up, and Dang Soran nodded.
With her permission, Yeoseo let out a deep breath, then whispered in my ear.
“L-Let’s start, newbie. Don’t tidy things too roughly. If you’re unsure where something goes, ask me first—”
“—Here to play?”
Dang Soran’s voice cut in harmlessly yet sharply.
Her gaze stayed fixed on the book.
Yeoseo jumped back from that one line and gestured to where I should clean.
I moved my feet and let out a deep sigh.
Complicated, subtle feelings.
The distance made it not troublesome and comfortable... but hearing her command stung my pride a bit... she seemed so lofty and distant... yet thinking of this exalted eldest daughter of the Tang Clan of Sichuan eating from my bed brought a strange thrill of taboo...
I shook off the stray thoughts and started cleaning.
First, picking up the scattered socks here and there, when Dang Soran asked in an indifferent tone.
“A new face.”
“...”
Yeoseo and I exchanged glances. It seemed directed at me.
Dang Soran continued.
“What’s your name? I’d like to know, since you’re now part of our household.”
Yeoseo jumped in quickly.
“M-Miss. This fool is called Han Seo—”
“—I didn’t ask you.”
This time, her tone sharpened. Yeoseo hiccuped in surprise, her face stiffening in further panic.
Did something upset her? She wasn’t the type to snap like that.
Before Yeoseo could make a bigger mistake, blame herself, and throw a fit, I cut in.
“...Han Seojin.”
I knew Dang Soran was pretending not to know me for my sake, but what was this farce?
But then, a small smile spread across Dang Soran’s previously serene face.
...Not upset after all?
“Age?”
“Twenty-two.”
“I’m two years older. Drop the formalities?”
“Huh?”
“Seojin, I’m thirsty. Fetch me some water?”
In an instant, Dang Soran bared her teeth, staring at me.
I couldn’t tell if this was her joke or serious.
After nearly thirty days without talking, I hadn’t expected her to suddenly play around.
Yeoseo cut in again.
“M-Miss! I’ll go—”
“Didn’t tell you to.”
Yeoseo’s hiccups worsened, and she hurriedly started mopping the floor.
“Seojin, I said I’m thirsty.”
I barely held back a hollow laugh.
Two selves warred inside me.
One, the servant self, yelling to stop bullshitting and hurry off for water like a lowly punk.
The other... the sadist self, screaming if I’d just watch this brat’s attitude.
“...”
But obviously, it was time for the sadist self to die.
Given the situation, Yeoseo watching, and... my own words.
I’d said with my own mouth no more games with Dang Soran.
I bowed my head and replied.
“Yes.”
“Yes, Miss. Not Seojin.”
She glanced at Yeoseo and said.
“Didn’t teach him proper address?”
Yeoseo panicked at that, then glared at me like she wanted to kill me.
Dang Soran immediately hid her face behind the book.
Her hands shook—she was biting her lip, forcing back laughter.
She’d hidden it well until now, but she really did enjoy seeing me in a bind.
I pulled my trembling cheek muscles into a smile and answered.
“...Yes, Miss.”
“Pfft!”
Laughter burst from behind the book. Never had that sound annoyed me so much today.
Annoying, yet it weighed heavy. I couldn’t explain how.
Yeoseo, lost and confused, went back to mopping.
I picked up a nearby pitcher and poured water into a teacup, handing it to Dang Soran.
But instead of drinking, Dang Soran stretched out her legs.
Peeking only her eyes over the book, she said.
“Seojin. My legs ache from training today. As a commemoration of joining our household, I’ll grant you an honor. Massage them.”
Instantly, the air froze.
Yeoseo stopped in shock, her face draining of color.
Touching Dang Soran’s body carried that meaning.
Meanwhile, I felt veins bulging on my forehead.
I looked at our lofty Miss.
...Is this why she dragged me to the Tang Clan of Sichuan?
I’m grateful you saved me, but it’s your fault from the start...!
If you hadn’t clung so persistently, the Demonic Cult wouldn’t have taken interest in me...!
I swallowed dozens of curses and stared at Dang Soran.
Seeing my pissed-off look, she narrowed her eyes in a smile.
“What’s with that glare, Seojin? Don’t tell me you’ve got complaints? Hey, don’t you teach newbies how to handle gazes these days?”
Yeoseo ground her teeth at me at those words. A gaze full of killing intent, urging me to obey quickly.
Damn it. I’m gonna get chewed out hard later.
In the end, I knelt on one knee before Dang Soran and placed my hand on her calf.
It was confusing.
The humiliation of truly massaging her like her servant, mixed with doubt over whether my filthy hands should touch this noble body.
I was only now realizing these emotions could coexist.
“What’re you doing?”
Dang Soran’s voice flowed low.
“Our Seojin sure is slow.”
“...I’ll start, Miss.”
And so I massaged Dang Soran’s calf.
It was soft and long, unbelievably so for a Peak realm expert.
“Hn.”
As I kneaded, Dang Soran let out a soft moan.
Was it because of the distance lately?
The noble Dang Soran’s moan rang more lasciviously than it should.
“Ah... hurts a bit. Seojin, go a little gentler. Yeah, like that. Yes... perfect now.”
Every breath she took made my heart race faster.
No one could help it.
The jade maiden of the Tang Clan, famed alongside Cheongwol for her beauty in the Central Plains— that ‘Miss’—moaning under my touch.
At that moment, a very low whisper echoed.
“...How’s it feel, Young Master?”
A strange chill ran through my body.
“Do you finally get a sense of how noble I am?”
“...”
I froze, speechless.
Dang Soran smiled with her eyes again and straightened her back.
Then, loud enough for all to hear, she said.
“Seojin’s pretty good at leg massages. I like it. Make him my personal servant from now on.”
“...Yes?”
She said to Yeoseo too.
“Tell Overseer Yeopjeong. Seojin is my direct servant starting today.”
Yeoseo blinked blankly before replying.
“Yes, Miss.”
No one could argue with the sky-high Dang Soran’s command.
But at her choice, a faint crack sounded in my pride.
Me, the sadist... a masochist’s servant?