The Young Consort Wants to Live Quietly

Chapter 83

* * *

Sometimes there are things in this world that cannot be achieved with just will alone. For example, skimming through Seora’s records that span an unimaginable length of history in a single day.

‘I couldn’t even get through half.’

Although I like reading books, this was crossing the line. The first couple books were interesting, but as time passed, I grew more and more irritated.

Lying down, I simply turned my gaze to the bookshelf. There were still numerous records I hadn’t read yet. Forget half, it felt like I hadn’t even gotten through one-third.

Will doing this kind of simple labor really work? It was taking too long, and there was no guarantee I wouldn’t skip over the contents.

‘I think it would be better to ask other people.’

Quite some time had passed, so I should head out now. Getting up and dusting off my clothes, I thought. Mother didn’t know, but Mirinae or Choeun might.

Leaving the Archives, I met the palace servants who were waiting for me. On the way back to the Eastern Palace, I paused briefly to admire Sanwha Pavilion, and my eyes caught sight of platinum blonde hair in the distance.

I was just thinking of going to find him, and here he magically appears.

A truly amazing coincidence. I was about to immediately call out to Mirinae, but seeing his face that was revealed for a moment, I hesitated.

‘…Why does he look so gloomy?’

It was truly a delightful coincidence, but Mirinae had a somewhat dark expression that made it difficult to bring up that story.

I cautiously approached him. Mirinae was sitting in the pavilion of Sanwha Pavilion. Only the location had changed from Baekmok Pavilion to Sanwha Pavilion, but the atmosphere was quite similar to when I met Sunyu last time.

Since I had also sent away all the maids, by the time I quietly approached and stood behind him, Mirinae finally turned around with a puzzled face.

“What brings you to Sanwha Pavilion?”

He immediately got up and offered me his seat while asking.

“I was passing by and saw you, so I came to visit.”

Saying that, I looked at the tea set already placed on the table. It didn’t seem like he had magically prepared it in advance knowing I would come. Judging by the subtle dampness remaining in the teacup, it seemed he had a previous guest.

“Perhaps the Emperor visited?”

At my half-probing question, Mirinae flinched.

“…Did you meet the Emperor?”

It was Sunyu after all. Thinking that, I shook my head.

“It was just a guess.”

The only people Mirinae has some friendship with are Garam, Sunyu, and Mother. It was hard to believe he would be sharing a table with Garam, and he wouldn’t have such a face after Garam left…

Between Mother and Sunyu, I took a guess and magically got it right.

“What were you talking about?”

Sitting naturally in the seat Sunyu had been in – opposite Mirinae – I asked. Mirinae then answered with a smile.

“The Emperor said he was leaving for recuperation, so I briefly met him before he left today.”

No wonder Mother seemed a bit busy, she handled things quickly.

Sunyu quietly disappeared just as he had come, without informing anyone. It’s a bit disappointing that he didn’t say a word to me, but, well…

“He seemed at ease.”

At the subdued voice, I raised my head.

“That’s a good thing.”

“Yes. It is.”

Mirinae gave a bitter smile. He seemed a bit confused.

“Shall I quietly comfort you, or shall I ask the reason?”

At my question, Mirinae widened his eyes as if he hadn’t expected it. He chuckled.

“You really say the most unexpected things, Sanya.”

It was nice to see him laugh a little. But his face was still dark. Hesitating for a moment, Mirinae carefully spoke.

“If you don’t mind, could you ask me?”

That’s not hard. Without hesitation, I immediately asked.

“Why did you dislike the Emperor?”

He seemed quite struck by the question. Mirinae hesitated like a child who had done something wrong.

“It was an unsightly jealousy. Even though I knew a monarch cannot have only one consort, I couldn’t help but hate him.”

I knew that too. The Empress’s consorts all had bad relationships.

“But now, I just…”

Mirinae continued flatly.

“I felt a bit sorry for him.”

Those words were truly surprising.

The palace had definitely become more peaceful than in the original work. Should I say everyone has become a bit softer, or more generous?

When seeing someone grieving the loss of a family member, most people would naturally empathize, but that normalcy was rarely applied in the original work.

It has changed a lot. To the point where such words came out of Mirinae’s mouth.

‘I don’t know why though.’

“Come to think of it, it’s thanks to you.”

Just as I was thinking that, I was denied. At the amused voice, I widened my eyes. Suddenly me?

“Do you know how much you have changed the palace?”

I dazedly nodded my head. Yes. I don’t know…

‘What did I do?’

I was someone who didn’t care if the consorts fought as long as my own safety was ensured. I have no idea what I did to gain an understanding.

It was one hundred percent sincere, but Mirinae seemed to firmly believe I had played a very important role. Just look at that relaxed smile.

“Our Sanya is a blessing. Indeed.”

Ah… yes. I suppose so.

‘Praise is awkward.’

I never know how to respond. Fidgeting uncomfortably with my hands, I glanced up at Mirinae. The dark air on his face had now completely lifted. He seemed to be in a slightly better mood.

Right. As long as he’s smiling, it’s fine.

“So, what is your true purpose?”

A maid who had quietly approached placed a new teacup in front of me. Mirinae asked while pouring the tea.

That question made me feel a bit strange. Why does everyone keep asking me about my purpose? I could have just come to see your face.

I clearly said I just stopped by while passing, but Mirinae didn’t seem to believe it. Of course, I had a purpose in mind when I tried to find Mirinae today, so I have nothing to say, but…

‘Anyway, he’s really sharp.’

Still, I should come just to hang out next time, I resolved, and asked Mirinae.

“Do you know of any cases where an ability manifested later in life?”

It seemed to be an unexpected question, as Mirinae asked me back in puzzlement.

“Why do you ask that?”

Why are you asking. Are you really saying you don’t know the obvious?

“Because I want an ability.”

Answering like that, Mirinae seemed a bit surprised.

“It’s the first time you’ve said you want something.”

That’s right. I never had to say I wanted anything else because I already had it all.

“Shall I bestow a blessing upon you?”

Mirinae kindly asked. I contemplated for a moment but soon shook my head. I didn’t want to receive a healing ability and spread rumors about being a child of the Jeyun family, complicating the genealogy, and above all, healing is a bit…

‘…Useless.’

How am I supposed to go threaten Giyun with a healing ability?

When I spoke evasively, Mirinae seemed a bit disappointed but understood.

“I haven’t heard any stories of other divine beasts remaining in Seora.”

You even hear about that?

Perhaps because he’s a dragon. The divine beasts seem to have a community.

“Those who are born without an ability are so rare, and among them, for an ability to manifest later in life…”

Trailing off, he seemed to not know himself either.

I inwardly understood. Right. You might not know. It’s a bit unfortunate, but what can you do if you don’t know…

“It’s ambiguous to say this case is an ability manifesting later in life, but it’s probably the closest example.”

What? You know? As I brightened my eyes, Mirinae laughed slightly.

“I think it was around the year 1520 of the Mir era.”

Although it was the answer I had been waiting for, hearing those words, my face froze.

I bit my lip hard. It was to swallow a dejected sigh. I wasn’t disappointed that it was uncertain. I was also able to learn from reading the records that the era name was Mir.

‘…It was right before.’

1519, the year of Mir. The Emperor passed away.

That was the last record I had read.

Ah, I should have flipped through a few more pages…

* * *

As soon as I parted with Mirinae, I immediately headed back to the Restricted Archives.

The records of 1520 in the Mir era were written in the records of the 25th Emperor. It seems a new emperor ascended the throne as soon as the year changed.

The enthronement of the emperor is described in other records as well, but it was written a bit uniquely in that record.

‘It says the empress’s hair turned white during the enthronement ceremony?’

For generations, the emperors of Seora had black hair. She was the only emperor with white hair. Additionally, the 25th Emperor, Bari Aryun, possessed a special power.

The power to bestow blessings and spread abilities, he was praised and called the Heavenly Dragon, having the same ability as the first dragon.

The ability of the Dragon’s Command.