Chapter 209
Chapter 209
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 209
Chapter Title: Hwa Ryeong's Death
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Two days later.
Gwan Ji-baek came looking for Yi Hwan. He brought astonishing news.
“The Second Prince is heading to the Northern Legion. He volunteered, and after much deliberation, Her Majesty the Empress permitted it.”
“Is that certain?”
“Yes. I confirmed it myself.”
It was unexpected. Of all people, Yi Tae-ji heading to the Northern Legion, where war might break out. It was hard to believe, given what they knew of him so far.
Naturally, it aroused equal suspicion.
“What on earth is he scheming? War hasn’t even broken out—it’s just signs so far.”
“Hmm…”
Yi Hwan quietly steadied his gaze.
‘The guy who wouldn’t budge even if pushed to go is now volunteering for the battlefield?’
Yi Hwan asked calmly.
“Is it true he volunteered?”
“Yes. It seems so.”
“Then it’s not the Empress’s idea.”
“Correct.”
“That means at least the Empress isn’t pulling strings…”
“Lately, there’s talk in the Imperial Palace that the Second Prince has changed a lot. Could it be related?”
“What does His Highness say?”
“His Highness is quite shocked too. The Second Prince isn’t the type to volunteer for the front lines, is he? So he finds the intentions suspicious.”
“Heading to the battlefield over mere signs means either he’s determined to force a war somehow, or he’s aiming to change how people see him. One of the two.”
“Is it worth risking his life for that?”
“The Blue Wolf Tribe isn’t a match for us anyway. This campaign is as good as a pleasure trip for the Second Prince. If war breaks out and he wins, he gains big. Even if not, just volunteering for the front lines earns him plenty.”
“Ah… it works out that way, doesn’t it.”
“Does he have a strategist around him by chance?”
“There was one before, but didn’t he get done in after challenging the Great Prince? Haven’t heard of another since.”
Yi Hwan nodded silently and continued.
“What can we do? The decision’s made, so let’s wish him luck and tell him to fight well. The Northern Legion will suffer less if he does.”
“You don’t seem surprised at all, Great Prince.”
“I am surprised. But being surprised won’t change anything, so what can I do? Tell His Highness I’ll visit tomorrow or so.”
“Understood.”
As Gwan Ji-baek rose to leave, he remembered something.
“Ah! Word from the Zhao Kingdom—they say the Southwest King will personally attend the peace talks. The location’s set for neutral ground.”
“Then we’ll have the Empress step forward?”
“With Her Majesty refusing to give the Crown Prince any chance at glory, she’ll handle it herself.”
“That figures. Got it.”
“Yes. Then I’ll take my leave.”
After Gwan Ji-baek left, Yi Hwan headed straight to Go Mi’s room. She had just finished her meditation and greeted him, sweating profusely.
“How’re you feeling?”
“Thanks to the tonic the physician prescribed, I’m much better. I should be able to get back to action soon.”
“No need to push. A body that’s been injured once needs proper recovery until it’s fully healed.”
Yi Hwan pulled something from his bosom and placed it on the table.
Thud.
“Take it once you feel your dantian is fully recovered.”
“What is it?”
“They say it’s an herb that boosts inner power. Best to absorb it slowly through meditation right after. Rushing could make it rough.”
“Does it really enhance inner power?”
“How much depends on your constitution and ability, but I can guarantee at least one jiazi.”
“…Pardon?”
Go Mi’s eyes widened.
Gaining one jiazi of inner power in a single go was like a dream.
One jiazi was the cultivation of sixty years, something most martial artists could barely reach in a lifetime.
Only those with superior heart methods, fateful encounters, or innate genius could accumulate it—and Go Mi was one such.
To gain another jiazi on top of that?
Three jiazi would put her on par with the elders of the martial world, a realm few ever touched. No wonder she was stunned.
“Once your power increases, I’ll teach you forms matching your new level. Focus on recovery for now. And don’t rush—I mean it. Could backfire.”
“…Thank you. Truly, thank you.”
Was her voice choking? Even her eyes reddened.
Yi Hwan stood abruptly.
“No need to be so grateful. I just absolutely need the Moon Lord’s abilities.”
Tears finally streamed down Go Mi’s cheeks. Yi Hwan slipped out quickly to avoid awkwardness.
Next was Hwa Ryeong’s room.
Her condition had been worse than Go Mi’s, but she looked much improved now. Her bright personality made her seem perfectly fine to strangers.
“Looking better, I see.”
“Thanks to the physician you sent. But what brings you here?”
Yi Hwan placed something from his bosom on the table. Hwa Ryeong’s eyes rounded.
“What’s that?”
“Take it after meditating and confirming your dantian’s fine. It’ll help a lot.”
“Is it an elixir?”
“Something like it.”
“Oh! You must’ve been really worried about me! I thought you’d lost interest since you hadn’t visited—figured I was on my own to live or die!”
“…”
Unlike Go Mi, Hwa Ryeong’s reaction was a world apart. Yi Hwan couldn’t help a wry smile.
“Thanks. I’ll recover quick and serve you loyally! Loyalty!”
Leaving Hwa Ryeong saluting like a soldier, Yi Hwan stepped out.
The sun was already setting.
Cheol Mu-ok, Ju Tae, and Kim Mu-gwan, who had gone out for training, returned just then.
“Coming along well?”
“Yes. They’re quick learners, so progress is better than expected. A few more days, and they’ll wield it effectively in real combat.”
“Good work.”
“Where are you off to?”
“Just getting some air. Go wash up and eat.”
“Not joining us?”
“Not in the mood.”
“Yes. Then.”
Yi Hwan watched the three head to their quarters, then turned toward the command office.
Moments later, as he approached the office, Yi Hwan paused and looked toward the main gate.
The middle-aged man from the Palace of Illusory Flowers, who had come before about the assembly, was just passing through. Spotting Yi Hwan, he bowed.
“What brings you?”
“Her Majesty the Empress wishes to see you.”
“Now?”
“Yes.”
“I’m swamped with duties now—tell her I’ll visit in a few days.”
“…Pardon?”
The middle-aged man looked baffled.
Yi Hwan pressed on, unperturbed.
“You’d think basic courtesy would involve asking if the time works first.”
“It’s Her Majesty’s command, Great Prince.”
“Forgot the Golden Army answers directly to His Majesty? Now go.”
“Great Prince!”
“Do I need to shout in your ear? Don’t want a repeat of last time? Then leave.”
“…!”
* * *
Hearing the middle-aged man’s report, the Empress’s face twisted not in anger, but incredulous laughter.
“He really said that?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Ha!”
She couldn’t stop chuckling in disbelief, then shot to her feet.
“Go on ahead! I’ll visit myself!”
“…Pardon?”
“Quit dawdling!”
“Y-yes, understood!”
The Empress headed to the Golden Army headquarters with a minimal escort.
She, who never left the Palace of Illusory Flowers except for court audiences, had officials and guards bowing hastily as she passed.
Soon at the headquarters, the middle-aged man sternly called to the guards.
“Inform your commander at once—Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!”
“Please wait a moment.”
One guard rushed inside. The Empress surveyed the grounds, inwardly impressed.
‘He’s built a fortress right in the Imperial Palace.’
It looked no different from the Ministry of War or command posts at a glance. But the subtle pressure emanating from everywhere set her nerves on edge.
‘He was the problem all along.’
Lately viewing Yi Hwan as her greatest rival, the Empress watched him approach, sneering.
“You’ve come.”
“Planning to keep me standing here?”
“Please, come in.”
* * *
Hwa Ryeong stood before the mirror. For once, she’d done her makeup and dressed in something flashy.
‘I’m not dead yet.’
Admiring her reflection with a satisfied smile, she headed out—then froze.
‘Oh no! Forgot the human skin mask?’
Even inside headquarters, she never went without it. She reopened her door.
That was when it happened.
“How dare you be here?”
A chilling voice from behind froze Hwa Ryeong like stone.
“…!”
It was the Empress.
* * *
Yi Hwan, walking with the Empress to the office, spotted Hwa Ryeong emerging and realized— she wasn’t wearing her mask.
“Hm?”
The Empress reacted instantly, her voice laced with frost as she interrogated Hwa Ryeong.
“How dare you be here?”
Noticing Hwa Ryeong’s flashy attire, Yi Hwan sent a transmission.
[Don’t panic. Say you stopped by to check something on the Prime Minister’s office.]
Hwa Ryeong turned, her bright smile already in place.
“Greetings, Your Majesty.”
“I asked why you’re here.”
“I stopped by for some matters related to the Prime Minister’s office.”
“Is that so?”
“I’ll explain in detail back at the Palace of Illusory Flowers.”
“No need.”
“Pardon?”
“No rush—finish your business and come.”
“Ah, yes. Then I will.”
“One moment.”
The Empress strode up, placed a hand on Hwa Ryeong’s shoulder, and smiled coldly.
“You’ll do something else first.”
“As you command.”
“Set aside your current task and follow the Second Prince north. Use your skills to aid him.”
“I obey.”
Hwa Ryeong bowed meekly and headed for the main gate.
The Empress’s lips twitched.
Her eyes flashed with venom for a moment.
‘Trying to fool me, of all people.’
* * *
Yi Hwan and the Empress sat facing each other.
The middle-aged man grumbled.
“Prepare a proper seat, Great Prince.”
“As you see, space is tight.”
“I’m fine—leave us.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
The middle-aged man exited. Yi Hwan met the Empress’s gaze squarely.
“What brings you to this humble place?”
“You know the Second Prince is heading north?”
“I heard.”
“That child volunteered for that perilous place out of devotion to the nation. The Crown Prince aside, how can you, his brother, sit idle?”
‘So she wants me to go north too?’
Yi Hwan stayed silent.
The Empress continued.
“If you’re worried about the Golden Army, let the Crown Prince command them until you return. Go aid the Second Prince and repel the northern barbarians. I hold your abilities in high regard and request this—surely you’ll comply.”
Yi Hwan said nothing.
The Empress furrowed her brow slightly.
“Why no answer? Is it unacceptable?”
“I need to think it over. I’ll give you an answer before departure.”
“I trust you won’t refuse.”
The Empress left.
Yi Hwan leaned back, chuckling leisurely. Then Hwa Ryeong burst in.
“What do we do?”
“What do you mean? As of today, you’re erased from the Empress’s mind.”
“What does that…”
“Didn’t you feel anything odd when she touched your shoulder?”
“Not at all. Why?”
“It was a spell to awaken a blood oath. She saw through your lie and decided to kill you.”
Hwa Ryeong tilted her head, then beamed.
“She’s convinced there’s a blood oath in me, so I’m as good as dead to her?”
“Tomorrow, I’ll visit the Palace of Illusory Flowers and report finding your corpse. Speaking of, why the makeup?”
“Felt like it today. Wanted to treat myself for once—who knew that hag would show? Anyway, I’ll head to the Moon Lord now.”
Watching Hwa Ryeong dash out excitedly, Yi Hwan thought of the Empress.
Hwa Ryeong’s official death.
Now free from the Palace of Illusory Flowers’ pursuit. Even Yi Hwan hadn’t anticipated this gift-like outcome.
‘The Second Prince heads north, the Empress vacates the palace. With Hwa Ryeong’s knowledge of its layout…’