I never had good memories with the Dang clan.
Their so-called righteous reputation was one thing, but they also had quite the talent for messing with food. Honestly, they were a big part of why I was so wary about eating anything offered by others.
“Yeonhwa, are you alright?”
“Yeah, well. I’m not dead, as you can see.”
With a fragrant cup of chrysanthemum tea in front of me, I studied Dang Iheon closely.
For a Dang clan man, he was pretty broad-shouldered, with a gentle expression. His jawline was strong, but his features were refined—giving him a pleasantly masculine charm. On his head, he wore a coronet marked with the Dang clan’s snake emblem, and his dark green robes were impeccably tailored.
Naturally, his fingertips were stained slightly dark from handling poisons, though judging by the heavy calluses, he was probably more focused on throwing weapons than on toxin mixing.
No doubt hidden in those wide sleeves were enough tools to bring down an entire ox in one strike.
Dang clan people were like walking arsenals. That mild, courteous speech of his? Best not to be fooled.
When I just sat there staring at him without a word, Dang Iheon looked awkward.
As my so-called fiancé, I’d half-expected he might try to plant a kiss on me the moment we met—so I’d been mentally preparing to figure out which angle to deck him from. Thankfully, he seemed to be keeping his distance. A huge relief.
“I was in Shandong on some business when I heard what happened to you. I came running as soon as I did—I was so shocked. How did it happen?”
“I was messing around, trying to catch some fish, and fell. Don’t remember it too well.”
“Haha. Still love fishing, huh? When we were kids, you always wanted me to take you.”
“Did I.”
So these two were… what, old friends?
I didn’t have ⬜⬜ like that, but whatever.
Still—how had a kid from the Dang clan in Sichuan become close with a Moyong kid from Liaoning? That was beyond me.
“How long have we been engaged?”
I asked abruptly.
Dang Iheon seemed startled, taking a hasty sip of tea. He looked like someone caught doing something wrong. I stared at him, puzzled, until he cleared his throat and said,
“…It’s been about ten years already. Time really flies.”
“Ah, ten years? Wow. That’s… ancient.”
Ten years meant they’d been betrothed when they were tiny.
Not just long, but practically fossilized.
Dang Iheon cleared his throat again, visibly uncomfortable.
What was with him? Did the chrysanthemum go down the wrong pipe?
When I kept glaring, the excuses tumbled out on their own.
“Uh… Yeonhwa. The reason we’ve kept delaying the marriage—it’s just that I’m not quite ready yet. Please don’t blame me too much. I really am trying, it’s just… not as simple as I’d hoped…”
“You’re trying?”
“Uh? Ah… I chose my words poorly. Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. What I meant is—between all the things going on lately, and my responsibilities as heir, there’s a lot on my mind. You understand, right?”
“A lot on your mind?”
“…Sorry.”
I’d only asked out of curiosity, but here he was apologizing.
Seriously, righteous sect people were weird.
Still, it felt nice, like I’d won something without even fighting.
“So basically, you and I aren’t getting married anytime soon, right?”
At that, Dang Iheon’s face went pale.
He gripped and released his teacup over and over, then finally let out a tired sigh.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t give you the answer you wanted. I thought that marrying under these circumstances wouldn’t bring you happiness. But… if you still wished for it, then since it’s a union we’re bound to anyway…”
Oh.
So Moyong Yeonhwa had been in love with him, huh?
Well, damn.
Judging by how he’d taken all my questions as desperate pressure, she must’ve pestered him about marriage quite a bit.
Alright then.
I’d just fix this for the both of them.
I cut him off mid-sentence.
“Forget it. I don’t want it either.”
“…What?”
“I’m not about to spend my life tied to some guy who talks about marrying me like he’s headed for the slaughterhouse. So stop worrying and go finish whatever you were doing.”
I kept my tone calm, to make sure he wouldn’t misunderstand and fuss over me like those three idiots.
I had way too much to do—circulate my energy, check my muscle strength—no time for drama.
The real Moyong Yeonhwa would probably throw a fit if she knew how I was handling this.
But honestly, she should be grateful.
Wasn’t marriage supposed to be with someone who actually liked you?
As someone with way more life experience, I was doing her a favor.
Besides, this way, everyone came out happier. Win-win.
Still, I thought he’d at least look a little relieved—even if he couldn’t exactly dance for joy. But Dang Iheon’s expression just turned strange.
“Yeonhwa… you really mean that?”
“Yeah.”
He was probably worried I’d still cling. I decided to reassure him, nice and firm.
“I absolutely mean it. So don’t worry.”
Dang Iheon studied me, his face twisting slightly like his feelings were mixed.
Just as I was getting sick of the silence, he finally spoke.
“Then… we’re still friends, right?”
“You’re kind of clingy, aren’t you.”
“It’s just—we were such close friends. I’d hate for things to get awkward between us.”
“Ugh, fine. Whatever.”
Friendship meant what—saying hi when we ran into each other? Paying respects if the other died?
As the Dang clan’s young heir, he probably wouldn’t drop dead easily. By the time he did, I’d be long gone.
“Well, I’m going to rest now, so see yourself out. Don’t wander far.”
“Oh, I’m planning to stay here for a while. I already spoke to your father. I still have some things to do nearby.”
“That so. Try the spiced pork. It’s good.”
I brushed him off and got up.
Hyangah had gone all out trying to doll me up, but I’d cleanly cut off this marriage business.
As I turned to head back to my room, Dang Iheon suddenly spoke again.
“Is it just me, or… have you changed a lot?”
“…Ah, yeah? Maybe.”
“Nothing’s wrong, is there?”
“It’d be weird not to change over ten years. Even mountains change in that time, you know?”
It did make my heart skip for a second, but I just shrugged back at him, playing it cool.
Dang Iheon looked a bit uneasy at the mention of ten years, but couldn’t seem to stop watching me.
He wasn’t seeing the demonic butcher in here, was he?
If he tried anything now, I wasn’t exactly in shape to put up a proper fight.
But my fears were pointless.
Dang Iheon soon smiled gently.
“Get plenty of rest, Yeonhwa. I’ll come by again.”
Please don’t. Just send a death notice.
***
I got back to my room so quickly that Hyangah seemed surprised.
“Did you have a fight with Young Lord Dang?”
“No. We had a perfectly peaceful, constructive conversation.”
She tilted her head, but since my expression looked fine, she let it go.
I sat in front of the mirror, stripping off all the jewelry. The weight lifted, and I felt light enough to float.
I hadn’t had a chance to look closely before, but now I saw that all these ornaments were pretty high-end.
I’d definitely take them along when I ran—they’d fetch a decent sum.
Hyangah came in with comfortable indoor clothes and said,
“Normally you and Young Lord Dang talk for ages. I thought it’d be the same today.”
“I only just woke up. I’m tired.”
“Ah, true. Oh! Your medicine’s ready—I’ll bring it right away!”
“No, that’s—”
But she was gone before I could finish.
Fast feet and thorough, but only half-listens—Hyangah’s fatal flaw.
I’d stuffed myself with good food for the first time in ages; I didn’t want to ruin it with some bitter decoction.
Clicking my tongue, I started changing.
Sleeping in skirts was the worst—completely inefficient. They bunched up everywhere. Terrible for sitting cross-legged, too.
Tomorrow morning, I’d demand trousers.
Hyangah returned swiftly—of course—with that nasty brew in hand.
I didn’t have external or internal injuries. Moyong Yeonhwa had just slipped because her legs were weak while fishing.
Why put myself through this torture?
Frankly, I just didn’t want to drink it.
I stared at it, then firmly shook my head.
“How could something taste this foul without poison in it? Seems dangerous—better not.”
“You haven’t even had a sip, my lady.”
“The smell alone’s disqualifying.”
“What’s good for you is always bitter.”
“Well, ‘always’ can get stuffed.”
“And yet, here I am, blocking you. Eyes shut—down it goes! I even have sweets ready. Look how tasty they look!”
Not only refusing to budge, now she was treating me like a kid.
I didn’t even bother hiding my disgust as I drained the cup.
Bitter, acrid, fishy, absolute garbage.
It probably tasted like if you boiled a Beggar’s Union robe for three days.
Hyangah immediately shoved candy into my mouth.
It felt suspiciously like she was trying to cork me, but whatever. The sweetness helped.
While I sucked on the candy, she bustled around, getting everything ready so I could lie down and sleep immediately.
I wondered how much she earned, being so loyal and hardworking. Did the Moyong clan treat her well?
If all the underlings in the Blood Rain Hall had been like Hyangah, I might’ve conquered the world before the Demonic Cult ever got the chance.
“Come on, my lady—time to sleep!”
Just look at that perfectly arranged bedding. It was art.
I mentally applauded and nodded in satisfaction.
“I’ll sleep when you leave.”
“Eh? Just last week you said I had to stay and fan you until you dozed off!”
“Why bring up childhood stories all of a sudden.”
“Childhood? That was only a week ago. Don’t you remember?”
My opinion of Hyangah rose again.
Amazing self-restraint, not killing her for that. Truly the temperament of a great hero.
Meanwhile, my opinion of Moyong Yeonhwa fell even lower.
“Then it was childhood. I’ve grown up a week’s worth. Now get out and take a break.”
Hyangah looked both happy and suspicious.
“Really?”
I didn’t even bother answering, just bobbed my head.
She gave a deep bow.
“Call if you need anything! Rest well!”
She said anytime, but judging by how she zipped off like a startled deer, she probably hoped I wouldn’t.
Left alone, I didn’t lie down.
Instead, I sat cross-legged and lost myself in thought.
I’d decided to learn martial arts and would have to stay with the Moyong clan for a while.
I was fairly sure this was three years before my death—but I’d need to confirm it properly.
And since there was nothing around here that suited my tastes, maybe I’d wander the area and pick up some essentials.
No money?
Who cared—I’d just pinch it from this household’s pockets. That was the whole point of being a pampered rich girl.
Besides, from what I’d overheard, Moyong Yeonhwa had never been exactly sensible.
Which meant I could live however I wanted for a while.
Happily, I crawled under the blankets.
They were so soft and fluffy, it was honestly hard to sleep.
Once I left here, I’d probably never dream of bedding like this again.
