Chapter 063. The Lost Kingdom (2)
They had separated without even being able to say goodbye.
Before Jeongyo's death, Cheongyeon's time completely stopped.
The pain rushing toward her felt too vivid to endure.
So she simply stood there as though she had lost every sense in her body.
[Heavenly Maiden, once I finish this, you'll tell me another story about the sky, right?]
Jeongyo often brought small sewing tasks to Cheongyeon's room and stayed for a long time.
Her red, frostbitten hands remained busy with the needle.
Yet she always listened carefully to Cheongyeon's stories.
Even in the maids' quarters...
Even at the washing area...
Jeongyo often stared into empty space as though waiting for something.
When bright sunlight appeared, she would sometimes smile.
As though she could see that tiny village with the flame-shaped rock.
As though she could hear the laughter of friends running through the reeds.
Perhaps the golden paradise she had dreamed of had not yet arrived in this world.
And so Jeongyo had abandoned her body and sent only her soul ahead to the next one.
"Did that little girl really take her own life?"
"What are we supposed to do now?"
"What is happening?"
The maids of Cheonsingak were equally horrified by the death of the child who had lived with them.
Some trembled as though they themselves had committed a crime.
Others openly sobbed.
"This is not something for you to gossip about."
Nuchin supported the stunned Cheongyeon.
"Do not worsen the chaos by carelessly spreading rumors."
Her voice turned strict.
"Return to your assigned duties."
Then she issued more orders.
"Close Beopsindang's main gates and prevent outsiders from entering."
"Send word to the palace and inform the High Priests."
Cheongyeon laid Jeongyo neatly on her own bed in Cheonsingak.
"I'm sorry."
She brought the child's cold, stiff hand to her face.
"I'm sorry you had to leave in pain."
Tears flowed down Cheongyeon's cheeks.
What had Jeongyo felt as death approached?
Had she searched for Cheongyeon?
Had she called for help?
Cheongyeon hated herself for noticing nothing.
She felt helpless.
"It was my failure."
Nuchin's expression was also filled with grief.
"When the child first entered Beopsindang as a maid, I never imagined such a cruel fate would wait for her."
But they could not remain trapped in grief forever.
Voices came from outside the paper doors.
People waiting for the procession had gathered around Cheonsingak.
"Heavenly Maiden, we cannot delay any longer."
"The departure time has already passed."
"All the senior priests have left Beopsindang..."
"Whose orders are we supposed to follow?"
When Cheongyeon heard that it was already time to leave, her heart became even more confused.
By now, the people of Hongyang were probably gathering in the streets and waiting for the splendid procession.
Flutes played by musicians would be echoing across the city.
The entire festival would be shining.
Yet none of it seemed to matter anymore.
All Cheongyeon wanted was to close the door and refuse to leave.
After overwhelming grief, heavy anger began growing inside her.
Cheongyeon spoke to Nuchin in a low voice.
"Jeongyo would never throw away her own life."
Cheongyeon knew.
Jeongyo had endured powerful medicines.
She had endured painful steam treatments.
She had possessed enough courage to join Jeongilhoi and come to Beopsindang at such a young age just to save the people of Bulnae Village from the darkness surrounding them.
There was no possibility such a child would hang herself.
"Someone drove Jeongyo to her death."
Cheongyeon's eyes became cold.
"I will find that person and make them answer for it."
Of course, she understood logically.
Now was not the time to hold a funeral.
Nor was it the time to search for and question a murderer.
Yet in this state, she could not imagine climbing into the carriage.
Nuchin watched her carefully.
"Heavenly Maiden, please attend the ceremony first."
Cheongyeon stared at her.
Nuchin continued.
"From what I can see, someone is deliberately trying to hold you back."
"What use is the Fifteenth Day Festival in a situation like this?"
Cheongyeon's shoulders trembled.
"Someone may be trying to hurt me and the people around me."
Her anxiety was completely unlike her normal self.
Whoever was targeting Cheongyeon from the shadows had no hesitation about using cowardly tricks.
She had no idea what might happen to her today.
Should she participate?
Or should she stop everything here?
Confusion and nausea swept over her.
She could not decide what was right.
What would Seongha say to me right now?
Would he understand her sadness?
Would he comfort her?
Inside her heart, Cheongyeon desperately called his name.
She wanted his pure white smile.
His gentle touch.
His broad embrace.
She wanted to fall into his arms, forget everything, and cry.
As though reading Cheongyeon's heart, Nuchin spoke.
"I have served Priest Jin and the young master for many years."
"..."
"I believe both would tell you the same thing."
Before entering Beopsindang, Nuchin had served the head of the great noble Son Clan.
She was not a simple servant who blindly obeyed whatever she was told.
She was an experienced retainer capable of understanding her master's thoughts and acting accordingly.
"The greatest festival in Hui Kingdom."
Nuchin looked directly at Cheongyeon.
"The center of that stage belongs to you, Heavenly Maiden."
"..."
"Only the person who keeps their position can later exercise greater authority."
Her voice was quiet.
"I believe it would be better not to give the other powers an excuse."
It was advice from an older woman who had spent many years running errands behind political struggles.
Perhaps Nuchin was right.
Perhaps keeping her place was currently the wisest decision.
"I will watch over Jeongyo's final journey."
Nuchin bowed respectfully.
"Please go."
