Lady of YeonSung (Lisrene)

Chapter 31

Their journey was unexpectedly smooth, and they managed to reach the northern border in five days, but because of the two sick passengers, the carriage moved slowly.

Although it was January, the winter had been quite warm this year. If they were careful, they'd be able to pass through Mount Paran with no major issues.

They would arrive at Yeha tomorrow.

Joohyun's heart raced inside her chest. It was almost painful, but she couldn't calm down. Tomorrow, she would don men's clothing and finish their journey on horseback. If possible, she wanted to race back to him, but that wasn't possible.

Her brother and the guibin had basically been lying inside the carriage for the entire journey. To keep the cold air from entering inside, the interior walls of the carriage were covered in cotton blankets. They even installed a small brazier inside.

"You should get some rest, too."

Seulgi spoke worriedly from his bed. He felt as if he was a burden his young sister had to bear, and he felt incredibly uncomfortable.

"I am resting."

"What do you mean? You're not eating your meals properly, and I know you're barely getting any sleep."

"I think I'm just nervous."

Joohyun laughed softly as she handed her brother his medicine. She was really grateful for Duke Kim. He had sent them off with more than enough equipment and people, so they were able to have a smooth journey.

All the people that they had met along the way were all sent by Duke HyoEun, and they seemed to be connected to the Nine Families. They all had fierce eyes and were very meticulous about their work.

How did this organization function?

She had heard that the Northern Nine Families all moved with the Paran priestess at their center. Although the empire had already fallen, these people still believed in the ancient ways. They believed that one day, a powerful priestess with immense divine power would come and rebuild the old Paran once again.

She was prophesied to be a pure maiden with a fierce soul, and she would become Paran's queen. She would hold all ten seals within her grasp and rebuild the northern nation. By doing so, she would bring peace and freedom to the land once more.

Joohyun shook her head. How could anyone believe such a ridiculous prophecy? The divine nation had long collapsed hundreds of years ago, but she could still feel the tenacity and patience of all these people . It was quite amazing.

After checking on the guibin, Joohyun returned to her room. Her body was frozen from the cold air, and she was covered in dust and smelled like horses.

She requested some hot water and took a bath for the first time in a long while. She meticulously washed her hair. She wanted to enter the land of Yeha with a clean body.

As the night deepened, the air grew cold. She opened a window and saw that the sky was filled with stars. Far off in the distance, she could see the shadowy outline of Mount Paran standing like a great giant. The mountain's peak seemed to pierce the cold, white moon. The wind whistled as it blew past the mountain.

After looking at the landscape for a long time, Joohyun began to close the window. Suddenly, she had a strange feeling.

This is...

Joohyun froze and continued to stare out the window. On top of a roof, she saw a dark shadow watching her.

A thick pelt was draped around his neck. His black hair fluttered in the wind. She could clearly see the sharp eyes piercing through her in the darkness. Joohyun merely stared at him. And he merely stared back at her.