619 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 619 - The Dragon His brow furrowed upon hearing the words. Why is she pretty? What kind of nonsense is that? “She clearly said she wears a mask because of a scar…!” Ah. It was only after hearing Yuri's words that he understood. It seemed that Namgung Bia had been wearing a mask. ‘At least she heeded that advice.’ Before Namgung Bia left for the North Sea. It was one of the strongest warnings given. Regardless of who the people there might be. ‘I told you, your face is a problem, so cover it up if you can.’ In any world, beauty often becomes the target of malice. Considering that, Namgung Bia’s face wasn’t just of treasure value. She was advised to cover up whenever possible. Thankfully, it seems she’s been following that advice diligently. “Ah.” Namgung Bia, upon hearing the remark and understanding Yuri’s words, slightly nods and speaks. “That’s a lie.” “…Huh?” Yuri’s face momentarily froze at the confession, delivered so casually. “A lie?” “Yes, a lie. Sorry.” Even her apology carried a calm demeanor. While the situation was somewhat ridiculous. “…Let's get up. We need to move.” It wasn't a moment to just stand still, so he hastily decided to lift his body. He moved and grabbed Namgung Bia. “Ah…?” Before she could react, he lifted her in his arms. “...” “…I'm only doing this because you seem too weak to move on your own. Even if you dislike it….” “I don’t mind.” “Oh, alright.” Her firm response left him feeling awkward. “Seriously… you used to refuse to touch anything you deemed dirty...” He ignored the incredulous comment from behind. He channeled energy towards Yuri. Whoosh-! “Ah!” The energy enveloped Yuri’s body, lifting her into the air. Now that he had regained his strength, he could do such things. To quickly reach their hiding place, he confirmed the direction and spoke to Yuri. “I have something to ask before we leave.” “Yes?” “Your brother, who you said was involved in the rebellion. He called himself Yuseon, didn’t he?” “…Yes?” Yuri's expression turned peculiar the moment she heard the question. As if she had heard something strange. Judging by her reaction, could it be the eldest? Since it was said the second young master had a high chance of leading the rebellion. It was possible. “Information about him….” “Hold on….” “Hmm?” “Did you really say Yuseon just now?” “That’s right.” He was certain he heard it. Yuseon, he said his name was Yuseon. Firmly asserting, but Yuri’s expression was becoming more and more distorted. “Is it possible you… heard wrong?” “What?” What could she mean? Heard it wrong? “If you truly heard that name, I think you might have misheard.” “No, I definitely heard it. He clearly said Yuseon….” “Yuseon, that name is not one of my brothers’ names.” “Hmm?” This time, it was his turn to frown at Yuri’s response. Not her brothers? What is she implying? Failing to comprehend, he faced Yuri. “That name….” Yuri spoke. “Belongs to the first daughter of the Ice Palace, my sister.” A completely unexpected statement came forth. ****************** Underground of the Ice Palace. The Bloodkin. A space only accessible to the lord of the North Sea, the master of the Ice Palace. Yuseon was walking along that path. Step. A single step. Step. Another step forward. With each step Yuseon took, subtle changes appeared. Her body gradually shrank. The lines of her physique became elegantly defined. The young man of cold demeanor turned into a beautiful woman. She bore a resemblance to Yuri, yet had distinct features. “Today was a day of great harvest.” While continuing her stride, Yuseon spoke to the person behind her. Even her voice had transformed. It was now a lilting, feminine timbre. “To think your lingering feeling was not only of the same blood but pureblooded as well. Truly astounding.” At Yuseon’s amused remark, the person behind her, Uhyuk, bit his lip. “…That person is not just a vestige of mine.” Uhyuk tried to deny it earnestly. “Ha ha.” To that, Yuseon merely laughed heartily. “Bigaekun. You are special.” “...” “Knowing this, I overlook the fact that you lied to me. Are you aware of that?” Breathing became difficult. Uhyuk felt encompassed by such a sensation for a moment. Yuseon halted her steps. “Isn’t that right? Otherwise.” Then she turned to look at Uhyuk. Her slitted pupils were hidden as Yuseon smiled with her eyes. “If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have let your lies pass so easily.” “...” White Fox. The mention of Namgung Bia's alias made Uhyuk frown. Having seen his expression, Yuseon spoke. “I won’t bother with trivial questions like why you did it.” Her voice was filled more with mirth than anger. “From the start, I knew you would do so.” "…!" Uhyuk’s eyes widened at Yuseon’s words. “…What…?” She knew he would behave that way? Her words rattled Uhyuk to his core. “…What do you mean, you are…? You clearly commanded the death of the White Fox!” “Yes, I did instruct that.” Yet she had anticipated this outcome? Uhyuk’s pupils quivered. “It’s far more entertaining this way. I was curious to see whether you would act according to my predictions. If you’d truly adhere to my words.” Yuseon’s words made Uhyuk’s clenched fist tremble. “Did you truly believe that you could act without my notice?” Delighted by Uhyuk’s actions, Yuseon’s smile deepened. “Right now, in the North Sea, there’s no being that can evade my sight.” What lay beneath. Overcoming the curse and becoming one with it, she had transformed into a great existence. The current North Sea was no different from her at this point. And so. “The endeavor to save your master. The scheme to save the White Fox. I’m aware of it all.” Whether it was an action for the benefit of his master. Or a plan concocted for Namgung Bia’s sake. Yuseon was aware of it all. She had merely watched such deeds with amusement. Having heard this, Uhyuk. “…What on earth.” In a voice laden with exhaustion, Uhyuk asked, “What exactly do you want from me?” What does this woman desire from him that she would go to such lengths? “What I want? There's quite a lot.” No matter what Uhyuk thought, Yuseon seemed to desire far more from him. “You are much more important than you think.” Precious. Truly invaluable. He was an essential existence for the future Yuseon envisioned. “Not just you... the White Fox too…” Conveniently, another piece has rolled into place by itself. Moreover, it wasn’t just an ordinary kin, but a pureblooded one. This was an opportunity. A chance to gather the three pieces and absorb the pureblood to elevate value. At that moment... “First Princess…” Suddenly, Yuseon's gaze sharpened at Uhyuk’s call. "Bigaekun. I clearly told you, didn’t I?” A chilling aura appeared that had not been felt until now. Crunch! Frost formed upon the wall. “I specifically asked you not to call me that.” “...” “I am extending you a great deal of tolerance.” She had spared the sibling she had both loved so dearly and wanted to destroy. She showed immense tolerance by not ending Goe Seon’s life either. In such a situation... “This kind of 'request' is acceptable, isn't it?” Feeling the sinister vibe, Uhyuk reluctantly turned his head. It was incomprehensible. She seemed to overlook everything else easily yet responded so intensely to this part. Though he couldn’t understand it at all. “…I apologize, Lady Yuseon.” Uhyuk had no alternative. “Hmm.” Hearing his apology, Yuseon seemed satisfied and resumed her steps. Descending further, they reached an entrance. A heavy, massive iron door. In front of it, Yuseon extended her hand. Then, Vrrrrr—!! A tremendous vibration surged from the iron door. Creeeak—!! As if someone were pushing it, the door slowly opened by itself. From the widening gap, a gust of cold air burst forth. Within lay an expanse as white as if snow had fallen. Furthermore, it was vast. A space in which the entirety of the North Sea Ice Palace could easily fit. Was there really such a place underground? Uhyuk stared at the space with astonished eyes. At that moment... “Congratulations.” Yuseon spoke to Uhyuk. “This might be the first time. For someone who’s not the palace lord or a bloodkin to enter here.” “...” “What do you think?” Yuseon gestured gently with her hand, pointing forward. In the center of the vast space, something hovered mid-air. Compared to the space, it was small, but it was an ice chunk of substantial size. What could that be? Just as Uhyuk harbored this question... “How do you feel about seeing the Ice Essence?” “…!” At Yuseon's words, Uhyuk gasped. The Ice Essence. The most cherished relic of the North Sea Ice Palace. And an object the bloodkin regarded as a curse. Could that be the 'Ice Essence'? It was radiant and cold. Such were the initial impressions of seeing the Ice Essence. Standing before it, only questions arose in his mind. “…Why show this to me?” “Hmm.” At Uhyuk's question, Yuseon calmly moved forward. Towards the Ice Essence. “I simply wanted to show it to you. Isn’t it fascinating?” The ice, so small compared to the land of the North Sea. “And the fact that it continues to sustain life here with the bloodkin as collateral.” “What are you talking about…!” “Would you like to know something truly amusing?” While Uhyuk was momentarily stunned by the shocking revelation, Yuseon spoke to him after nearing the Ice Essence. “Bigaekun, what do you think this is?” She pointed at the Ice Essence as she asked. “The Ice Essence?” “That’s correct.” An ice mass. A long-cherished relic of the Ice Palace. That’s what Uhyuk knew the Ice Essence to be. Though he had just realized from what was said earlier that it was something significant beyond that. Yet, Yuseon indicated that it wasn’t just that and spoke to Uhyuk. “This is, you see, an 'egg'.” “…?” An egg? “An egg said to have been left by the Dragon Emperor, awaiting not much longer for its hatching.” “…What are you implying?” “I believe it to be fate.” She laughed. Yuseon continued to laugh. “The timing won't be much longer before it hatches, and the pieces are already gathering. A pureblood appears before me.” She laughed even when it didn’t seem amusing. “Even the fact that I have been 'chosen.' It must all be destiny.” “...” There was an unfathomable madness felt from her. Looking at Yuseon, Uhyuk gulped silently. “All of this seems like a push to walk the path I’m meant to, without hesitation.” Yuseon recalled the pureblood dragon she encountered recently. Pureblood. Unlike those who, like herself, tried to transcend their species by awakening through the seed left by the Dragon Emperor. Dragons who shattered their own vessel and ascended to the skies by their own strength. With entirely different values, set to stand above other dragons. Those were the purebloods. She had heard there were no such beings on this land, so how had one appeared? [Let go.] Yuseon felt thrilled recalling the words he had uttered. Born to rule, naturally possessing power. He seemed not to have even grasped his authority, yet those two words made Yuseon pause. A dragon who hadn’t bloomed despite finishing evolution, unable to grasp his form. However, destined to become a ruler, a pureblood. Covetous. Yuseon coveted him. Yet she let him go without devouring him. It would be a shame to consume him right there. ‘In a more, more certain state.’ Instead of being damaged or broken. She would crush and devour him when he was in peak condition. Thereby intending to shatter all the qualifications and conditions a pureblood possesses. Then she would know. That not he, but she deserves to be the Dragon Emperor. Thus, she would devour the pieces. And even the one who will emerge from the Ice Essence before her. ‘And so.’ Climbing even higher, reaching a loftier sky to usher in the spring of the North Sea. That was Yuseon's goal.