Even to my ears, Young Lady Dang’s words clearly meant, “There’s no place for you here, so you should leave.” It wasn’t like Moyong Sohae wouldn’t understand that.
But before she could even get an answer, she flicked her chin, ordering someone to bring over a chair. Yeah. She definitely wasn’t ordinary either.
Naturally, my equally unordinary Hyangah pretended not to see that arrogant signal, but one of Sohae’s maids—who had wormed her way into my quarters not long ago—scurried off in a flash. Hyangah shot such a fierce glare at that maid’s retreating back it could’ve cut glass.
It was already quite a spacious round table, with the three of us sitting comfortably far apart. Sohae’s maid plopped a chair right between me and Dang Iheon.
Sohae gracefully arranged her white skirts and sat down. Then she flicked a glance at me. It lasted just a moment, but it felt like she was sizing me up head to toe.
Hah. Look at this bitch.
But then again, maybe I was imagining it, because Sohae quickly smiled with that same innocent sweetness.
“It makes me so happy to be here with all the people I love. What were you talking about?”
Silence fell. The warm, lively atmosphere from just before evaporated.
Before it got even more awkward, Dang Choye moved her chopsticks and spoke.
“Oh, just chatting about life.”
It’s not like Sohae was here to snatch our food, so there wasn’t really a pretext to kick her out.
I ended up telling Hyangah to at least bring out some tea. Her eyes said she’d rather spit in it, but she bowed her head and slipped off without a word.
Dang Iheon had a gentle smile on his face, but he didn’t seem to be listening to the conversation anymore. Whenever he saw my bowl getting low, he’d just keep pushing more dishes my way.
“Yeonhwa, try this. It’s so tender.”
Maybe it was his voice that did it, but Sohae fell silent for a moment. Then she started chirping again about how she’d always wondered what it would be like to live in Sichuan.
Dang Choye gave a wry smile.
“We were actually just talking about how stifling and dreadful life in Sichuan can be.”
Sohae’s face twitched into something stiff and uncomfortable.
“St… still, the Clan Head of the Dang Clan must be truly blessed. To have such outstanding legitimate children—both so striking and capable. Even the last time I met you, Young Lord Dang and Young Lady Dang stood out above all. And you two are so close as siblings—surely your household must be a picture of perfect harmony.”
Sohae’s eyes darted to Dang Iheon. Her cheeks turned a delicate pink, and she lowered her head, looking like a blushing lotus blossom.
Well, yeah. It’s always awkward to praise people right to their faces. Even I find that awkward. Honestly, Sohae had a real talent for it—managing to flatter both their family and them personally at the same time.
I sat there quietly, secretly impressed. If someone told me to compliment the Dang Clan, I’d probably just blurt out, “Wow, you guys sure brew a mean poison, huh?”
But strangely enough, Dang Iheon’s face hardened at Sohae’s praise. Dang Choye smiled, but it was cold as ice.
…Wait. Wasn’t that a compliment?
Dang Choye spoke calmly.
“It must be even better for the Moyong Clan Head, leading this family without a single concubine by his side. And with all his children turning out so fine, he must sleep easy at night—no squabbles over succession. So long as someone unqualified doesn’t stir up trouble or start harboring any ambitions, that is.”
The moment those elegant words ended, it was like someone had walked by and dumped a bucket of cold water over us. Silence crashed down.
It took me a second to realize what she meant, but then Sohae’s face went deathly pale, and it clicked.
Didn’t Sahyeon tell me something about that? Elder Moyong Pae had always coveted control of the Moyong Clan—and still hadn’t let go of those ambitions. Dang Choye had obviously decided to poke right at that sore spot.
Looks like Young Lady Dang knew more than I thought. And come to think of it, she hadn’t seemed all that fond of Sohae even back at the charity auction. She especially seemed to loathe scenes like this.
But for some reason, today Sohae acted like she didn’t notice a thing. Or maybe… she wanted to come across that way. She tilted her head, let out a bright giggle, and shamelessly played along.
“How delightful of you to say. Surely it’s all thanks to our ancestors and the Buddha’s grace, don’t you think?”
Then she kept smiling sunnily, directing endless chatter at Dang Choye and Dang Iheon. Her dark eyes sparkled, and her pale cheeks puffed adorably whenever she laughed. Even the way her lips moved when she talked was kind of cute.
“You know, the other day was so busy, I didn’t get to speak with you much, sister. Your little sister was so thoughtless. You’ll forgive me, won’t you?”
Sohae cooed sweetly. Dang Choye set her bowl down entirely.
“How could the hostess not be busy? Truly, you needn’t apologize.”
“No, no. Young Lord Iheon treats me like someone special, and so do you, sister. It just shows how lacking I am. Please continue to guide me from now on.”
I could practically hear the emphasis on “Young Lord Iheon” and “special.”
Setting aside orthodox and unorthodox sects for a second—Dang Iheon was engaged. (Granted, that fiancée being me was its own awkward mess.) Saying something like she was “special” to him… that was definitely going to give people the wrong idea.
Sohae kept talking more to Dang Choye, but her eyes constantly drifted back to Dang Iheon. She couldn’t hide it.
And honestly? I’d seen that look way too many times in my last life. That’s exactly how someone acts when they’re trying to butter up the powerful. A fucking sycophant.
The conversation limped along, threatening to die out completely, but never quite flatlining. A couple times, Sohae spoke sweetly to Dang Iheon, who only gave polite smiles and short replies.
It was only once I felt comfortably full that I realized.
Sohae hadn’t said a single word to me this entire time. Was I… invisible now?
Well, whatever. I actually preferred eating in peace. But if this was supposed to be some petty snub, it was honestly childish and blatant.
I didn’t have any particular feelings about Moyong Sohae. I’d barely known her a few days. But judging from these few days, it didn’t seem like she was half as fond of me as she claimed.
And Sahyeon had told me to watch out for her. The bastard talked a lot of shit, but he didn’t usually spin up nonsense without at least some evidence. So this might be a good time to quietly observe.
“You’re already done, Yeonhwa? Have a little more.”
“…Huh? Oh.”
I’d been so lost in thought that apparently even my voice and chopstick movements had slowed. Dang Iheon nudged a dish closer.
Only then did I notice most of the food was stacked up on my side. It was a familiar sight. Like back when I’d hung around with those three idiots…
Maybe Moyong Yeonhwa really was born under a lucky star, destined to be fed by everyone around her. Completely opposite from my last life.
Eventually, Sohae seemed to tire of chattering and went quiet. I absentmindedly took a bite of the braised fish Iheon had pushed over and then spoke without thinking.
“Iheon, by the way, those donation funds you left—where exactly did they…”
But before I could finish, Sohae jumped in.
“Oh! That’s right. Young Lord Iheon, do you know how much people praised you for those generous donations? Everyone said it proved the Sichuan Dang Clan’s power hasn’t waned a bit. Even I felt so proud!”
…Was my voice too quiet?
I just thought to myself, well, the Dang Clan is loaded, so sure, and tried again.
“If you exchanged all those notes on the front lines, wouldn’t that—”
“Your reputation was already so high in the Martial Arts World, Young Lord Iheon, but now it’ll soar even more. Just don’t ever forget about me, alright?”
…Okay, is she actually pretending I don’t exist? Maybe that arrow from yesterday actually killed me and I just didn’t notice?
I felt an ugly flicker of irritation, but it wasn’t important enough to press. I’d only tried to start conversation because Dang Iheon had been so silent I was worried mushrooms might start sprouting from his mouth.
Sohae just kept smiling shyly and added,
“To be so close to someone like Young Lord Iheon—it’s truly my greatest pride as a lady…”
Bang!
She didn’t even finish. Dang Choye suddenly slammed her palm down on the table so hard the dishes rattled.
Everyone jumped and turned to her. Her expression was colder than ever.
“When the night grows long, dreams grow long too*. Iheon, you ought to mind your manners. It pains your sister to see you acting so pathetic. You’re old enough to be engaged—yet you’ve done nothing tonight but sit there in silence.”
My heart damn near dropped into my stomach. Until now, Dang Choye had seemed so boisterous and good-natured—now, she radiated sheer authority.
At that icy reprimand, Dang Iheon’s face stiffened. Then he slowly lowered his head.
“I was careless.”
I just sat there blankly, not fully grasping what had happened. Meanwhile, Sohae’s face had gone just as cold, clearly understanding exactly what Dang Choye meant.
Dang Choye rose from her seat and bowed to me.
“My brother and I came here so suddenly and have done nothing but trouble you, Young Lady Yeonhwa. Next time, allow me to host you outside with a proper meal and tea. Please don’t hold any resentment.”
The courtesy in that bow was almost excessive. Without meaning to, I stood and bowed in return.
Then the siblings swept out without even touching the dessert, green garments fluttering behind them.
That left only me and Sohae awkwardly sitting there. She was blushing and paling by turns, clutching her skirts tight.
“Um… well, since there’s food left, if you want to…”
I fumbled for words, pointing at the remaining dishes. Sohae just glared even harder, then abruptly stood and stormed off.
When I looked back, there was no sign of the maid Sohae had brought—only Hyangah, who was standing there with a grin like a hundred-year-old weight had finally lifted off her chest, pressing a hand to her sternum.
* * *
Moyong Sohae, who had left her quarters all dolled up in a rush, returned in a storm of icy fury. The maids nearby shrank their necks like startled turtles, terrified the arrow might turn on them next. Piss her off at the wrong time, and you’d be cleaning up blood before dusk.
Publicly, Moyong Sohae had a rather good reputation, but among the servants? Not so much.
“A-ah, my lady…”
It was Jaeyu—one of the maids Sohae had planted inside Moyong Yeonhwa’s quarters under the flimsy excuse of that tea-spilling incident. She looked on the verge of tears, her eyes red-rimmed as she managed to squeak out a greeting.
Sohae, who had been storming forward, came to a dead stop.
“Come inside.”
“Y-yes, my lady…”
This was the same Jaeyu who could sass freely in front of Moyong Yeonhwa, yet here she was—reduced to a mouse before a cat. Her shoulders drooped as she trailed after her mistress, looking like she was marching straight to her own funeral.
Thunk.
As soon as the two of them disappeared inside and the door shut, the servants scattered from the courtyard like rats. Not a trace left.
A tense silence settled over the room.
Strictly speaking, none of this was really Jaeyu’s fault. She’d simply done her job. The moment she heard the Dang siblings would be visiting, she’d rushed to tip off Sohae. Since there hadn’t been an invitation, Sohae had deliberately arrived a little late—and Jaeyu had been quick to make sure a seat ended up right beside Dang Iheon.
But when things didn’t go to plan, well… the lowest always paid the price.
Knowing this all too well, Jaeyu didn’t bother making excuses. She dropped to her knees and pressed her forehead to the ground. A moment later, a vase shattered just inches from her. The shards clipped her cheek.
Moyong Sohae glared down at Jaeyu, or more precisely—at someone far away inside her own head.
“Moyong Yeonhwa, that bitch. How dare she… how fucking dare she mock me—treat me like I’m only fit to pick at scraps! Who the hell does she think she is? To me!”
Crash after crash rang out as more things broke. Every time, water splashed or tiny cuts bloomed on Jaeyu’s skin. She screwed her eyes shut, silently praying for this storm to pass.
Finally, after what felt like ages, Sohae’s thin shoulders stopped heaving. Her face, though, was still twisted into something monstrous, like a demon out of hell.
“I underestimated that bitch. Never thought she’d manage to charm even Dang Choye.”
“……”
“But so what? The Dang Clan couldn’t back out of this marriage now even if they wanted to. Moyong Yeonhwa will end up a worthless piece of trash either way.”
Jaeyu all but flattened herself to the floor, pressing her forehead down even harder.
“Y-yes, of course. Wasn’t Young Lord Dang always meant to be your match, my lady?”
“That’s right. So see that you don’t slack off on what I tasked you with. Those rumors need to reach the Dang Clan’s ears—quickly.”
💟 Translator Notes 💟
*‘밤이 길면 꿈도 길다’/‘When the night grows long, dreams grow long too’: Korean idiom meaning that the longer things drag on, the more ridiculous or dangerous they can get.
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