Gaeyeohwa opened her eyes, which she’d kept closed. Namakseong’s lord, waiting eagerly, urgently asked, “What did you see?”
Despite his insistence, she didn’t answer readily, unlike her usual prompt responses. As the silence stretched, her expression darkened, and the lord frowned.
“Speak!” he demanded.
Gaeyeohwa remained silent a moment longer before finally replying, “I don’t know.”
Her unexpected answer widened his eyes. His face flushed as he shouted, “What does that mean?”
She hesitated, then said, “Exactly as it sounds. I don’t know.”
His face reddened further, his voice stern. “What are you saying? Explain clearly! You always act so wise, and now you say you don’t know? How can I understand that?”
Gaeyeohwa swallowed hard, as shaken as he was, even shocked.
This had never happened before.
As far as she could recall, she’d never said “I don’t know.”
“Try again. I must’ve heard wrong,” he said.
“I understand, Father,” she replied.
“Good, good,” he said, watching her anxiously. His adopted daughter could foresee the future, a rare gift. How could she see nothing now?
Of course, her predictions weren’t always precise, but she’d never failed to see something.
Saying she didn’t know, with such a grim face, unsettled him.
Namakseong’s lord had a deep connection with Duke Mungong. He didn’t want to lose that tie. He’d promised to deliver this precious seer to the duke, a painful trade but one that could secure his son’s place in the royal court. A man like Duke Mungong wouldn’t break his word, and a great reward awaited. Yet, handing her over willingly was something he couldn’t stomach.
So, he sought to earn the duke’s trust. He couldn’t afford even a hint of doubt.
And now, Grand Prince Ikwon’s sudden visit? The wastrel prince’s arrival?
The lord’s unease was natural.
“I’m sorry, Father,” Gaeyeohwa said after a long pause, her voice trembling, her face pale.
“Sorry for what?” he demanded, his tone hard.
She couldn’t answer immediately, her hesitation fueling his anger.
“Speak! What did you see?” he roared.
“Nothing,” she said, eyes downcast. “I see nothing. Truly, nothing at all.”
“What?” His face turned ashen with shock, twisting in dismay.
“Useless girl!” he shouted.
He stood abruptly, swinging his arm. Gaeyeohwa closed her eyes tightly, bracing herself. A sharp pain flashed as he struck her cheek, knocking her and a chair to the floor.
Her mouth tasted metallic, her ears rang. She swallowed the blood pooling in her mouth, quickly kneeling again.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Damn it!” he cursed, kicking a nearby chair, which clattered loudly.
She knelt, unmoving. Such violence from her adopted father was familiar.
“Look again!” he bellowed.
It wasn’t her choice. If it were a command she could obey, she would’ve. But now, she truly saw nothing.
Nothing at all.
This was a first.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know. I see nothing,” she repeated.
His rage unquelled, he grabbed a fan from the table and struck her head, shattering it. She staggered but didn’t fall.
“Do it right!” he shouted.
He stormed out, his heavy footsteps echoing. Gaeyeohwa remained still until the sound faded. Lifting her head, she brushed her disheveled hair, and fragments of the broken fan fell to the floor.
She glared at the pieces, her eyes fierce.
“Bastard,” she muttered.
She hadn’t lied or tried to deceive him.
She truly saw nothing.
It wasn’t something her effort or will could change. Her foresight had always shown random glimpses, never under her control.
“I’d gut that filthy pig, rip out his entrails, and throw him in some mountain ditch to be eaten by beasts,” she cursed under her breath.
Her anger eased slightly after venting.
“Gods, what did I do to deserve this? Even bad luck has limits. Getting beaten daily—how am I supposed to live like this?” she muttered.
She gathered the fan’s fragments and stood.
“I’ll have to deal with that bastard myself,” she said, sighing deeply.
But leaving Namakseong wasn’t an option. Her choices were few: obey the lord, die by his hand, or find a new master.
Finding a new lord to escape him was near impossible.
So, she had to endure, playing the fool, hoping to avoid beatings. But life was never that kind.
She sighed again, her heart still heavy despite his departure.
This was truly the first time.
Standing, she sank into thought. Since childhood, too young to remember clearly, she’d had foresight. Never once had this happened.
She didn’t always see useful visions—most were trivial. But even useless ones were still visions.
Never had she seen nothing.
Why? Why couldn’t she see anything about the wastrel prince?
Namakseong’s reception was smooth, impossibly so. Even the capital’s wouldn’t compare. It was the smoothest entry in the world.
“So smoothly done, Your Highness!” the lord exclaimed. “I couldn’t attend your birthday banquet, so seeing Grand Prince Ikwon in person is a first. My joy overflows, tears welling up. I’ll remember this day until I die.”
“You seem to like me a lot,” I said. “This is my first time seeing you too, sharing words like this.”
“Yes, yes, I’m honored!” he replied. “I’ve longed to greet Grand Prince Ikwon. In my lowly state, may I dare ask for your precious time? Please, forgive my boldness.”
“Forgive?” I said.
“I’m deeply grateful,” he added.
“You’re staring quite intensely,” I noted.
“Oh, I can’t look away. Your presence is beyond my wildest dreams,” he said.
“Is that so? Thank you,” I replied.
To sum up Namakseong’s lord in one word: peculiar.
“You’re an interesting man,” I said.
“I’m honored! Does that mean you’ll remember me, Your Highness?” he asked.
“How could I forget you?” I replied.
I glanced around. A lavish banquet was set, as if they’d slaughtered several animals for today.
Such extravagant hospitality.
Namakseong was far more prosperous than Oroseong, though not as much as the capital.
The flattery was different too, almost excessive.
Watching his efforts was amusing.
“If Your Highness is pleased, what greater joy could there be? I’d do anything to bring you joy,” he said.
He grinned, giving a signal. From somewhere, courtesans in vibrant clothing appeared, each holding a large jug of wine.
I frowned, speaking firmly. “This wastrel’s done with drinking. No thanks.”
“Oh! If you’re abstaining, how could I disrupt that? Your success is my success, your health my health, your joy my joy. Do as you please,” he said.
He waved the courtesans away.
“Lord,” I called.
“Yes, Your Highness?” he replied.
“I came here for a reason,” I said.
He answered quickly, “What is it? Just say the word.”
He looked ready to pluck stars for me. But objectively, he had no reason to show such favor.
Was it all just flattery?
Not a lord, but a merchant playing tricks to survive.
I smiled thinly. “I’m interested in your daughter.”
The air around us turned cold instantly.
Did I say something dangerous?