Episode 12 Yeo Il remained silent.
Even with her eyes closed, she could feel Namgung Jeok-myeong's persistent gaze scanning every inch of her face. He was clearly measuring her reaction.
For a brief moment, Yeo Il retraced her actions since arriving at the Namgung Clan.
Had she done anything here that would warrant suspicion regarding her identity?
Of course, there were many things.
But there is no reason for the name Salmak to come up.
Of all names, why did Namgung Jeok-myeong bring up Salmak? Could it be related to the Salmak Killing Register rumored to be kept within the Namgung Clan?
After maintaining her silence, Yeo Il slowly stood.
She walked calmly and stopped before the sliding paper door. A shadow fell across it.
She sensed the presence of a guard beyond the thin door. The atmosphere was oppressive, as if they would intercept her the moment she tried to leave.
"Are you afraid?"
His voice carried amusement.
"Or merely shy? Haha. What is there to hesitate over with your Orabi? However, Soyo, do not worry. I will not stop you even if you leave the room as you are. If you felt shame, I apolo—"
Yeo Il removed her clothes.
Rustle.
As the thin vest fell to the floor, her undergarment was revealed. There was no hesitation in her movements as she untied the strings of her skirt and lowered her bodice.
In the suffocating silence where time seemed to halt, Yeo Il exposed her bare shoulders and back and spoke evenly.
"If it is difficult to set aside your doubt, you may come closer and inspect."
Soon the sound of a chair dragging echoed, followed by footsteps approaching.
"If you still find it difficult to be certain at close range, you may lay your hands upon me directly."
She should have heard his breathing. Instead, he remained silent.
Namgung Jeok-myeong's gaze lingered on her shoulders and back. Because she could not see, Yeo Il could not know what expression he wore.
"…No. That is enough. I am not so lacking in sense as to commit such an unscrupulous act against my younger sister."
A pause.
Then he muttered quietly.
"There is nothing."
His footsteps retreated.
"Cho-hong, assist Soyo."
The door opened cautiously, letting in a trace of night air.
"Please excuse me, Young Lady."
Speaking softly, Cho-hong bowed and moved to pull Yeo Il's garments back into place.
Though it was said that Namgung Jeok-myeong treated her as a favored woman, Cho-hong's demeanor remained humble and restrained.
Her touch was gentle and fragrant.
"I have lived as a blind person for over ten years. I can dress myself."
Before Cho-hong's fingertips could reach her shoulder, Yeo Il had already arranged her clothing with smooth, practiced movements.
A brief silence followed.
Namgung Jeok-myeong spoke belatedly, his tone light.
"What is so burdensome about receiving assistance?"
"Since I would have arrived as a cold corpse had I not been spared by an unknown warrior."
Now properly dressed, Yeo Il bowed slightly.
"I am still uneasy about physical contact with strangers. Please forgive me, Master Namgung Jeok-myeong."
"Your Orabi lacked consideration in that matter. I shall remember."
"And do not forget the promise you made."
"Yes, yes. There is no need to remind me. I will inform Father of your circumstances."
As though nothing had occurred, Namgung Jeok-myeong let out a bright laugh and beckoned.
"Come, Soyo. Sit. Did you dine well? Was the meal to your taste? The food here is quite good. Why not eat with your Orabi before returning?"
Yeo Il smiled faintly and shook her head.
"I am grateful, but I am not feeling well. If Master Namgung Jeok-myeong permits, I would like to return."
"Haha. Why seek permission for that? If you wish to go, you go. It is a pity, but if you are unwell, it cannot be helped."
The clear sound of wine being poured rang out.
"Even so, there are those waiting below. Return before it grows too late."
"Thank you."
"Yes… Do not worry about anything. Your Orabi will be watching from here."
When she left Giyeon Pavilion under the guard's escort, a fine drizzle was falling.
Yeo Il sensed shade covering her head and tilted her face upward.
"Is that you, Seol-yeong?"
"Yes. It's me. I couldn't possibly trust those unscrupulous fellows. Chang-a and I came to fetch you, so don't scold me."
"Yes! I came too! I will escort you safely to your room, Lady Soyo!"
Chang-a took Yeo Il's hand and guided her along the rain-slick path. The umbrella must have been large; not even her sleeves were damp.
Amid the steady sound of rain, Yeo Il asked,
"Is Namgung Jeok-myeong still watching me?"
Seol-yeong glanced back toward Giyeon Pavilion.
"Yes."
"Do you see the woman beside him?"
"I do. She's a rare beauty. Is that the famous Cho-hong of Giyeon Pavilion?"
Yeo Il smiled faintly.
"Yes. She is no ordinary woman. Do not lower your guard if you encounter her."
"If she's not ordinary, what? An assassin?"
"Something similar."
"What? You're serious?"
Yeo Il recalled Cho-hong's fingertips brushing her skin for the briefest moment.
Her movements were smooth as flowing water, but her touch was unnatural—especially the subtle way she attempted to graze Yeo Il's back.
She checked with the back of her hand, not her fingertips.
It was a common habit among female assassins trained in seduction arts—hiding calloused fingers hardened like those of a martial artist.
"I heard he was a profligate obsessed with wine and women, but that does not seem to be the case. What kind of person is Namgung Jeok-myeong?"
"Who knows. He suspected my identity."
The one most startled was not Seol-yeong, but Chang-a.
"Pardon? Already? Isn't that dangerous? What should we do?"
"There is no need to worry yet, Chang-a. They cannot cast me out on suspicion alone without proof."
"S-since you say so, I feel a little relieved."
Though she said that, Yeo Il had greatly revised her evaluation of Namgung Jeok-myeong.
He claimed that the Namgung Clan's Gaju had once been attacked by Salmak and suffered an unhealed wound.
Yeo Il had been part of Salmak, yet even she could not judge the truth of that claim. She did not know every name written in the Killing Register.
If that is the case… is the eldest son the most likely suspect behind the assassination attempt on Namgung Soyo?
Otherwise, how could he so boldly suspect her identity?
The Gaju, gravely wounded by Salmak.
Namgung Jeok-myeong, who without hesitation accused her of being a Salmak assassin.
Perhaps the rumor that the Killing Register was left behind is not false.
The next morning.
An unexpected second guest arrived.
"Soyo, have you been well? I apologize for visiting so late. There have been many family matters demanding my attention."
It was the Namgung Clan's second son, Namgung Chu-myeong.
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