763 - I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

The reception by the imperial palace was indeed extravagant, as more attendants seemed to be arriving with each passing day. Of course, unlike the personally chosen maid, Gabia, it seemed Lady Deoksung had a purpose more aligned with Princess Yeonsul than merely attending to guests. Thus, one might suspect the same this time as well. “Yes, come in.” With that, the door creaked open cautiously. Entering was a court lady with a gentle demeanor. And, wow...! Resisting the urge to exclaim at her imposing presence seemed a challenge, truly a struggle of a million-fold resistance. Wow! Although I couldn't really hold back. The clothes seemed on the verge of bursting, truly. In the Central Plains, clothing rarely exposes the body's lines so directly. At most, slightly when tightening the waist with a belt, and even then, it becomes noticeable only when surpassing a certain bulk both above and below. Of course, in exceptional cases like a certain Qing or a certain Chunbong, the display becomes overt. However, the new court lady, named Hae-ryu, showcased her physique in a somewhat different way. Perhaps because her top was too small, it clung closely to her body, failing to hide the sculpture-like lines of the well-developed muscles underneath. Her well-defined lats juxtaposed with a slender waist, giving her a muscular yet elegantly shaped body that retained feminine curves rather than appearing bulky. Indeed, her top was small. It was Hae-ryu's deliberate choice to wear such a small top. This was why, even after losing favor with her master, it had been difficult for other court ladies to trouble Hae-ryu, the absence of direct harassment rooted in her overwhelming strength! The impression left was clear—there was a strong sense of "I'd better not mess with her!" With a poise incongruent with her robust stature, Hae-ryu entered the room, bowing her head and positioning the crown of her head between her raised hands. Carefully raising her head, her eyes met Qing’s, causing her to recoil with a start. Watching this, Qing thought, Hmm. It seems she’s acquainted with Yeonsul Princess too, or so it appeared. But why does the number of acquaintances keep increasing, making things quite awkward...? Qing awkwardly waved her hand. “Hello?” Hae-ryu quickly regained her composure at these words. The woman before her strongly resembled how Her Highness might have grown up to be if she were alive. Surely, the Crown Prince wouldn't have let her into the palace unknowingly. He must have been preparing her as a stand-in to replace the current impostor. His Highness had explicitly stated to find the evidence under the Heavenly Sword Flower(天華) for the impostor pretending to be a princess—what other reason could there be to bring a renowned master from the Central Plains? Hae-ryu looked at Qing with steadfast determination and eyes ablaze, then struck her knee forcefully! “Should Your Highness assign any task, I am ready to fulfill it with utmost loyalty! What should I do?” Qing tilted her head in confusion at the fervor. Oh, not an acquaintance of Yeonsul Princess? For someone alleged to be her acquaintance, her demeanor was quite straightforward, possibly just an enthusiastic and strong servant. Nonetheless, the situation remained awkward. What am I supposed to ask her to do? It's not like I have any knowledge of palace affairs. Even if she's asking for tasks, I mean... Qing scratched at her cheek awkwardly. Hae-ryu's eyes widened. That was undoubtedly a fleeting shadow in perfect sync with Qing's appearance, passing by. This revelation swept over Hae-ryu's mind like a grand epiphany. Ah! Truly, meticulous preparations were made! Indeed, if one is to be a stand-in, there should be diligence to embody even the smallest of habits! Her Highness had been preparing to dispose of that vile impostor all along! It’s indeed convenient when the body is well-built, allowing the mind to remain at ease. A developed physique enables the brain to rest, gradually diminishing its utility and simplifying one’s nature. Thus, Hae-ryu was bursting with enthusiasm. To publicly reveal and vanquish the impostor was Hae-ryu's long-held wish, and eliminating the deceitful Yeonsul was her immediate, deep-seated aspiration. If she couldn’t undertake a significant mission in such matters, what was the use of her steadfast training? “No, really, please, just tell me anything to do!” “Uh? Well, even if you say that...” “Please, just give the word!” Hae-ryu crawled over, clutching at Qing’s skirt hem earnestly, in an ardent plea. Thus, the tussle continued between one with no tasks to assign and the other begging for one. Her obstinacy made it seem she wouldn't back down unless given a command. Suddenly, Qing’s glance fell on Hae-ryu, prostrate and clinging, revealing the impressive expanse of her V-shaped back. Muscles bulged prominently. Hmm, he sure looks strong... “Well, perhaps a massage would be nice...” Hae-ryu's eyes sparkled! “A massage! I am quite adept at that! Please lie down immediately and remove all clothes, even your undergarments!” Her forceful demand for disrobing was quite commanding. And then... “How does that feel, Your Highness? Is it relieving?” “Well, you could apply a bit more pressure.” “Please, lower your speech level. It's hard for me to handle. Like this?” “A bit more, maybe?” Her kneading was quite skillful and firm. Honestly, even if she used her internal energy to knead rather than mere brute strength, could it harm Qing’s muscle-like eternal steel? In the end, Qing was satisfied. Yes, a proper massage should indeed be like this. Gabia’s massages were more akin to gently scratching my skin. Of course, there was a peculiar delight in that too, but as a massage, it was lacking. If one dines at a traditional Korean restaurant, they ought to serve traditional courses, not bread with meat slipped in—even if delicious, it doesn't resonate with the traditional dining experience. Oh, traditional courses. I kind of want some... “Oh, that's so refreshing.” “It delights me greatly to see Your Highness so satisfied.” Hae-ryu wiped her brow with a content expression. “Phew, so, may I take a brief leave, Your Highness? I’m not suitably clothed to serve you, so I should change and return.” Massages require significant effort. In the heat of summer, she exerted herself intensely for the first time in a while, so naturally, she was drenched in sweat, the well-defined muscles beneath her soaked top visibly gleaming. “You’ve worked hard; for now, please get some rest. I’ll call for you when needed later…” “Your Highness, you are truly kind. Then, I shall eagerly await your call.” Hae-ryu bowed deeply. Perhaps due to her neatly visible muscles, her movement was incredibly sharp. Yet, as she quietly retreated backward, her demeanor was as modest as could be. With a gentle sound, The door closed, and Qing let out a long breath. Hmm, the person seems good-hearted, but perhaps a bit too enthusiastic, bordering on overwhelming... Yet, perhaps due to the effects of a proper massage, her entire body felt relaxed, spreading a pleasant languor throughout, Without a second thought, Qing threw herself onto the bed. Qing sprawled out. Her body was relaxed; the bed was soft. Stretching her limbs across the soft bed, arching her back while quivering slightly and enjoying a rare stretch. The gentle tide of sleepiness was wonderfully pleasant. Hmm, it’s a relief that this court lady, Hae-ryu, wasn’t acquainted with Princess Yeonsul. Lady Deoksung was difficult enough to interact with, Even if this body once belonged to Yeonsul, I am not Yeonsul, nor do I wish to become her. I neither want to, nor can I, nor should I. So, if I could avoid getting entangled in Yeonsul’s old connections... Just then, there was a loud crash!! Bang!!! The door swung open with a noise that seemed to shatter the peace. Indeed, the door seemed to have been broken, dislodged from its frame and slowly falling backward. Qing blinked in astonishment as a shadow-cloaked, stout figure loomed, appearing even more muscular in the shadowed light. “Hae-ryu? Is that you, Hae-ryu?” Sniff! Sniff! Like the huff of an enraged bull, a rough nasal sound. A presence brimming with tension akin to a bull about to charge a matador. Soon, with a heavy thud! Accompanied by rough footsteps, the bulky body leapt into the air. “Your Highness!!” “Ugh.” The sound of Qing’s breath being knocked out under Hae-ryu. Of course, it was just her breath being knocked out. Lying on the soft bed, her body wouldn’t have been harmed by the weight of a mere court lady, even had she been on a hard stone floor. In fact, if she had wanted to, she could have easily rolled aside to avoid it. But Qing couldn’t bring herself to do that. “Oh woe! For not recognizing Your Highness right before my eyes, oh dear, how heartbroken you must have felt! Your Highness, Your Highness...!” Sobbing uncontrollably while hugging Qing close, burying her face especially in the softest part of Qing’s body. The rough breathing was not the prelude to a bull’s charge, but rather the venting of pent-up emotions brought on by tears. “This fool failed to notice the sign even during the massage, oh, Your Highness, gasping, you’re alive, weeping...!” Internally, Qing grimaced. Turns out she *was* an acquaintance of Yeonsul. Such a sneaky timed surprise attack, lulling someone into a false sense of security, then ambushing them. “Oh woe! Oh, so many tears! Oh, oh, oh, no more! Oh, oh, oh!” Ah, and why was she crying so much? A foreboding feeling that leaving her alone wouldn't be wise. And if this was the case, shouldn't she have asked if it was okay to cry first? Hesitantly, Qing couldn’t help but gently pat Hae-ryu’s head and back. A bit clammy, she hadn’t washed yet... With renewed determination not to let go, Hae-ryu hugged tightly. Hmm, this woman sure had impressive back muscles. Hae-ryu’s belated recognition was based on a rather simple principle. After a genuine massage, invigorated and sweating, it had been a long time since Hae-ryu felt such clarity. Years ago, Her Highness had always praised Hae-ryu, saying her massages were the most refreshing in the world, so reminiscing, it must have been quite a while. That loathsome impostor Yeonsul had screamed and convulsed with just a single squeeze, even welling up tears like a weakened woman. It was then she first sensed the deep suspicion of the impostor’s nature. Indeed, having served Her Highness for so many years, Dare I say it, but given her closer bond than a real sister, she instantly recognized the true from the false. “Hmm? Isn’t it Hae-ryu?” A voice called out, and with a beaming smile, Hae-ryu bowed deeply once again. “Ah! Lady Deoksung! How have you been?” “It’s wonderful to see you as spirited as ever. So, what brings you to here, oh, I see? Have you come to serve Her Highness as well?” Lady Deoksung smiled warmly as she asked. At a place where Her Highness resides, naturally, Hae-ryu should serve as the first attendant. “Yes, His Highness, ahem.” Hae-ryu hesitated, considering whether she should speak. Lady Deoksung whispered. “His Highness? Did He not mention that Princess Yeonsul was a fake?” “Yes, indeed. His Highness asked me to assist in gathering evidence against the impostor.” “Ah, indeed. It seems His Highness has finally opened His eyes. Blood will recognize its own. Especially given your once-close relationship.” “Really? When was that?” “You see, siblings grow up squabbling and all. Ah, I should express my gratitude to His Highness. Just as well, since I was uneasy with that wretched woman from the Western Regions lurking about. I can rest assured with you, entrusting you to look after the Princess.” “Leave it to me, yes? Princess?” “Hmm? I mean Your Highness Yeonsul. Didn’t you just meet Her?” “Oh, the person I met was... Oh my!” “Oh my, where are you rushing off, still so full of energy. No wonder Her Highness always kept you close, running about together.” Upon her delayed realization, Filled with unlimited joy and delight knowing Princess Yeonsul, presumed dead, was actually alive. Yet, the self-reproach over not recognizing her initially led to endless tears pouring forth from within her huge, muscular frame, seemingly filled with nothing but tears. Hae-ryu was sobbing loudly, soaking the front of Qing’s garb with tears and sweat. “Heheh, Your Highness. Even if you’ve lost your memory, it’s still nice to have you here like this…” Despite the swollen state of her eyes, she clung tightly to Qing’s hand, showing no intention of letting go. Qing found it somewhat uncomfortable. Hmm. There’s nothing she could really say to someone in this state, hmm. “So, you know how tough it’s been for me. That impostor replaced all the court ladies... Chuhwa transferred over there, Rosie went to Kyungbang... All sorts of cunning foxes swarmed in, and those Western Region women…” Hae-ryu started recounting her experiences in great detail, chattering excitedly. Her tone was quite different from when they first met; her sentences were drawn out, a nasal tone heavily mixed with endearing quirks. “It’s all those barbarian ladies from the Western Regions causing problems. Dongyuk Palace is in upheaval because they’re openly plotting things. Oh, do you know? They’re mixing something in the incense, maybe an aphrodisiac? That’s what I think. Luckily, I was focused on the training you and I did together, oh right, I’ve been practicing diligently because using my body lets me fall into a deep sleep. Heheh, but now, heheh. Ah, that’s not it. On days when the incense is especially strong, none of the court ladies even realize what they’re doing in their quarters, ahem, this mouth, naughty mouth, heheh, anyway.” Qing’s ears perked up despite her earlier discomfort. An uncomfortable situation was uncomfortable, but she definitely couldn’t just brush off what she’d just heard. Doing what? What exactly? It felt like an absolutely crucial piece of information that couldn’t be overlooked for some reason. With a serious expression, Qing said, “Could you explain that story in more detail?” “Oh, I’m not good with words, you know, oh, right, you lost your memory. Actually, the Emperor hasn’t visited Dongyuk Palace in a long time, right? So their majesties feel lonely, and court ladies are naturally like that. Those barbarian ladies from the Western Regions prey on it to win favor, using some kind of aroma therapy? Aroma massage technique? They claim it's aroma therapy, but there's always moaning echoing everywhere. Ehem. Heheh. So, who am I? Given how suspicious it was, when I went to Cheonnyosa, I, ahem, you know, I snuck some to Jaehwa, oh, Jaehwa is a doctor from Seoyuk Palace, and I asked her what kind of medicine it was, and she asked if I was crazy for wanting an aphrodisiac. Oops, my mouth ran off again, heheh, anyway.” Her storytelling was not the most articulate. And it wasn’t exactly what Qing wanted to hear! What on earth is happening in the court women’s quarters when the incense is so potent? But beyond that curiosity, something made her snap to attention and realize this wasn’t something she could just dismiss.