YCHW Ch 17

Feeling as though struck hard on the head, Yoonso was dazed and found it difficult to open his mouth easily. Licking his parched lips, Yoonso barely managed to compose his expression.

“A conscription, you say? Is it not a service that must be rightfully performed for the sake of the nation? They are doing it for the Yeong-glorious task…”

“What meaning is there in a Yeong-glory that erases oneself?”

“They receive privileges worthy of it, so they must bear the duty as well.”

“Taking away precious things and giving money in return is closer to a transaction. This country is making a profitable deal.”

Hwi let out a light scoff. Unable to keep his hands still, Yoonso lowered them beneath the round table, tightly kneading his fingers.

This was the first time Yoonso had ever encountered someone speaking like this. Everyone unanimously said that sprouting as a Yeong-chunhwa was a gift from the Dragon God. The task of entering the palace to protect Yongrin was considered the most Yeong-glorious of all, and being entrusted with such a significant responsibility was truly a gracious and thankful thing.

Even Yeondeok, the one closest to Yoonso, the one who could be said to know his heart best, had said the same, hadn’t he?

After growing old enough to understand, Yoonso could not accept the fate of living like this for a lifetime. When he tearfully confessed to Yeondeok that he wanted to run away, he was greatly shocked and, while understanding his difficult feelings, tried to dissuade him, saying how could he think of abandoning such a Yeong-glorious duty.

Now Yoonso understood Yeondeok, but at the time, he felt resentful that even he did not understand his heart, and he went three whole days without speaking to him. Yet, he never expected to hear such a response from a man he had merely met on the road and was traveling with.

Even after sprouting as a Yeong-chunhwa, Yoonso had never resolved to accept his role, always wondering if he was strange for feeling this way, or if he was the only one in the world to harbor such thoughts. At times, he was even seized by guilt, feeling as though he was not a proper human being.

“But… as long as there are those who rightfully dedicate themselves to protect the nation, I am merely a fugitive and a coward.”

“They are simply submitting to fate. Betraying fate is, in fact, the courageous thing to do.”

The courageous thing to do? Yoonso had never once considered it that way. Feeling tears well up, Yoonso lowered his head and fidgeted with the teacup needlessly. He was not usually prone to tears, but lately, he kept wanting to cry.

Perhaps because his emotions were so stirred, the protective energy gathered in his core began to surge. Yoonso tried to calm his breathing, attempting to soothe the restless entities within.

Once his heart settled and the tension eased, hunger set in. Taking a small portion of food to eat, a sudden question arose.

“But it’s strange. Back when we encountered the bandits, and even with those men… it feels like they look down on Yeong-chunhwa.”

Changsi-cheong. Spreading one’s legs. To refer to Yeong-chunhwa with terms used for those who sell their bodies was deeply irreverent and incomprehensible.

Yoonso knew that Yeong-chunhwa sometimes engaged in union to wield powerful strength when protecting Yongrin, but that was fundamentally different from the act of physical intimacy in the secular world.

Since it was a matter of saving and healing Yongrin, it was not mere amusement, so why was it demeaned in such a way? Could it be that everyone else regarded it as such, and Yoonso alone was unaware?

“Hundreds of years have passed since the gates of hell opened. During that time, the power of Yongrin and Yeong-chunhwa brought peace to this nation, but paradoxically, the peace they protected has bred indifference. Yongrin, Yeong-chunhwa—have you ever actually seen them?”

“…No.”

“They say if you want to see them, you should watch a play. The most popular thing in plays is the Yeong-hero saga, but what comes next?”

“Well… I’m not familiar with plays, but in novels, romance stories are quietly popular.”

“Exactly. Romantic dramas.”

Hwi met Yoonso’s eyes, curling one corner of his mouth into a sly smile. A romantic drama involving Yongrin and Yeong-chunhwa? They were bound by national duty, not entangled in a passionate affair…

But then, a story Yoonso had once come across flashed through his mind: two Yongrin harming each other to claim a single Yeong-chunhwa, or a Yongrin harming a Yeong-chunhwa due to excessive jealousy.

Of course, whether it was true history or a *yasa mixed with lies and exaggerations was unknown, but since it was widely known enough for Yoonso to be aware of it, he could guess how the public’s perception had been shaped.

“I see. Hearing you say that, it makes some sense. Since they are beings not easily encountered, it’s understandable that people let their imaginations run wild, but it’s still too much.”

“We don’t know how they struggle. We have no way of knowing whether the benefits they receive outweigh their efforts or if they’re squandering taxes.”

Indeed, even Yoonso, a Yeong-chunhwa himself, only knew of their struggles through hearsay before entering the palace. The only Yeong-chunhwa he knew were the scholars dispatched once a week, and thinking of them left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Yoonso tightly clenched his hands to shake off the thought.

“Aren’t you eating?”

Since continuing this conversation seemed fruitless, Yoonso tried to change the subject, but Hwi, silently staring at Yoonso, turned his head away without a word.

“Eat plenty yourself.”

Perhaps the food didn’t suit his taste. He didn’t seem to eat much for his build. Yoonso wasn’t particularly hungry either, but knowing clearly that his father was pursuing him, he needed to hurry along the road. To do so, he had to conserve his strength.

Yoonso stuffed various foods into his mouth, but noticing Hwi wasn’t eating at all, he felt concerned and placed a tender piece of lamb on his plate. Hwi glanced at Yoonso, then picked up his chopsticks. Yoonso gave a faint smile and chewed thoroughly.

Perhaps the food wasn’t sitting well. But it had been a while since he ate, so why did he feel so uncomfortable? Yoonso rubbed his chest lightly, swallowing a groan.

He thought he could endure it, but as time passed, nausea began to rise. Feeling cold sweat form on the back of his neck, Yoonso took a pill from his bag and swallowed it. But even after taking the medicine, there was no sign of improvement.

He couldn’t afford to be sick here and now… Cursing his body for holding him back instead of helping, Yoonso tightly shut his eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

Sensing something amiss, Hwi approached Yoonso closely. It was Yoonso who had insisted on hurrying even if it meant camping out, so he couldn’t let himself delay things. Trying to act fine, Yoonso shook his head.

“It seems motion sickness is creeping up again. I’m fine, so don’t worry.”

Trying to appear composed, Yoonso widened his eyes, but Hwi suddenly reached out and touched his forehead. His fingertips were so cold that Yoonso’s shoulders flinched, and Hwi’s expression hardened.

“You have a fever.”

“It’s just…”

“Just? Your forehead is burning.”

“It’s because your hands are cold, mister…”

Yoonso touched his own neck and flinched at the searing heat. When had his fever risen so high? He had only thought he was feeling unwell…

“I think I’m a bit indigested. It’ll get better with time.”

“We’ll reach a village in half an hour, so let’s call a physician and rest.”

“No, if we move quickly, we can go further…”

“Be quiet.”

His cold words cut Yoonso off, and he closed his mouth. It was the first time he had seen Hwi’s face so icy since meeting him, and he instinctively fell silent, watching his reaction.

“You’re not going anywhere until you’re fully recovered. So don’t entertain any foolish ideas.”

Hwi glared at Yoonso sharply, as if warning him. It was frustrating to be unable to continue when he could go further just because he was a little sick. But insisting further might raise suspicions, so Yoonso had no choice but to nod.

It was already impossible to reach Yehang before the scheduled palace entry date. Even if it meant resting more, it would be better to preserve his health for the future. Yoonso calmed his anxious heart and glanced at Hwi, who was leading the way and following behind.

Though not as close as he was with Yeondeok, Hwi was considerate of his condition, and despite the urgency of the situation, Yoonso felt grateful. If he treated even a mere servant like this, how much more devoted would he be to someone truly precious? Yoonso had thought him cold-blooded at first glance…

“Betraying fate is, in fact, the courageous thing to do.”

If Hwi learned the truth that Yoonso was a Yeong-chunhwa, would he understand? Could he hide Yoonso, who was being pursued? Knowing that thoughts and actions could differ, Yoonso still found himself hoping. Even if the whole world threw stones at him, if just this one person looked at him kindly, it would be a great comfort.

After moving for a quarter of an hour, his vision began to blur. His breath grew rough, and he could feel the heat rising within him. Was his body complaining from accumulated fatigue, or was it the shock from hearing news at the inn that morning? Yoonso shook his head to stay alert, then looked back.

“Mister, I…”

As he opened his mouth, Hwi’s face hardened, and he reached out his arm. So he could be flustered too, Yoonso thought fleetingly before his vision went dark.