A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 150

150. Leaving the Northern Sea

The area in front of the Northern Sea Ice Palace teemed with people.

Tribal chiefs and elders sat before ornate banners that fluttered in the wind. Behind them, countless warriors, women, and children gathered, their eyes shining with anticipation.

Everywhere one looked, there were people, a sea of humanity spread out before the Ice Palace.

Despite the massive gathering, there was no chaos or commotion.

All eyes were fixed on the Ice Palace, with only quiet conversations among those standing close by. Their expressions were uniformly bright.

“Ooh!”

An exclamation rippled through the crowd at the front. People raised their eyes in unison.

The Ice Emperor appeared at the top of the massive stone staircase leading to the Ice Palace.

The Ice Emperor, old but still a towering figure, stood tall. Directly behind him was Seventh Palace Lord, Sa Soo-yeon.

Thump, thud.

The crowd knelt as one. Everyone, including the seated chiefs and elders, knelt on one knee in respect. The synchronized movement seemed to cause a subtle vibration in the earth.

Step, step.

The Ice Emperor slowly descended the stone steps. Seventh Palace Lord, Sa Soo-yeon, followed closely behind, with the consorts and lesser palace lords trailing after them. The hierarchy within the Ice Palace was clearly displayed before all the people of the Northern Sea.

The Ice Emperor ascended a wide platform set midway down the stone steps. Standing there, guarded by the Four Directional Generals of the Northern Sea, he extended his hand toward the people.

“Rise.”

The Ice Emperor’s voice, heavy with inner force [internal energy or martial power], resonated through the air. At his command, countless people rose in unison, the sound like a rushing torrent of water.

The Ice Emperor, meeting the gazes of the assembled multitude, turned to Sa Soo-yeon.

“Seventh Palace Lord, step forward.”

Rustle.

Seventh Palace Lord, Sa Soo-yeon, moved to stand before the Ice Emperor. She slowly knelt on one knee, paying her respects. Her beautiful hair cascaded down like a soft wave, revealing the graceful curve of her neckline.

“The seven days and nights of the Great Plains, and the trials of Mother Northern Sea…”

The Ice Emperor looked down at the kneeling Sa Soo-yeon and smiled faintly. The eyes of those watching gleamed with anticipation.

“The Seventh Palace Lord has endured admirably.”

Instantly, a massive cheer erupted.

“Waaaaaah!”

It was spontaneous, an unrestrained outpouring of emotion. The simultaneous roar seemed to shake the very foundations of the Ice Palace.

Warriors thrust their fists into the air, and people reached their hands toward the sky. It was a tremendous sound that seemed to pierce the heavens.

The faces of some of the consorts and lesser palace lords hardened at the overwhelming display.

But they dared not show any sign of displeasure.

The people’s voices, bordering on frenzy, drowned out everything else.

Only Seventh Consort was an exception. She seemed to be enjoying the spectacle, her eyes shining with amusement.

Swish.

The Ice Emperor raised his hand. As if by magic, the cheering subsided. In the ensuing silence, Sa Soo-yeon quietly rose.

“Thus, you have honored the name of the previous Seventh Palace Lord and grasped the power to fulfill her will. This is ordained by the laws of the Northern Sea, and none shall object.”

The Ice Emperor’s gaze toward Sa Soo-yeon was warm and gentle.

“Daughter of Gara and my granddaughter, Sa Soo-yeon.”

The Ice Emperor’s voice echoed over the heads of the people.

“What do you desire?”

Silence descended. People watched Seventh Palace Lord, Sa Soo-yeon, without even breathing.

Now, with a single word, she would ascend as the new empress of the Northern Sea.

“I.”

Sa Soo-yeon’s shining eyes looked directly at the Ice Emperor. Her gaze was filled with affection.

“Will leave the Northern Sea.”

For a moment, people doubted their ears. They couldn’t comprehend what they had just heard.

Before they could even begin to process the meaning of Seventh Palace Lord, Sa Soo-yeon’s words, the Ice Emperor’s voice flowed out, calm but firm.

“Why?”

Sa Soo-yeon’s red lips moved quietly.

“In this land, I met the Blue Wolf.”

A collective gasp swept through the crowd. The words ‘Blue Wolf’ carried a weight that instantly overshadowed everything else.

“And I realized who the only person who has become meaningful to me is.”

Sa Soo-yeon’s eyes were shining with conviction.

“Therefore, I will leave with him to the edge of the earth.”

The people couldn’t hide their bewilderment.

At first glance, her words sounded like those of pilgrims, like the confession of those who abandon everything and journey to the boundary of earth and sky, seeking the will and wisdom of the Blue Wolf. [The Blue Wolf is a mythical figure in this world, representing freedom and guidance.]

But this was no such occasion. Rather, it was a moment where a new empress of the Northern Sea should be born. That discrepancy confused everyone.

“Is that your decision?”

The Ice Emperor’s heavy voice cut through the people’s thoughts and confusion. All eyes turned to Sa Soo-yeon once more.

“Yes.”

The Ice Emperor was silent for a moment. Then he asked again.

“Will you return?”

Sa Soo-yeon smiled. Her smile was exceedingly warm and genuine.

“If I am with the Blue Wolf, I will return at any time.”

The crowd began to murmur quietly.

“The Twelve Beauties, step forward.”

At the Ice Emperor’s words, the people’s attention refocused on the platform. Twelve women stepped forward, their eyes shining with anticipation.

“According to the Seventh Palace Lord’s will, I grant you the name of the Northern Sea Twelve Beauties.”

People held their breath and listened intently to the Ice Emperor’s words. He clearly stated that it was according to the Seventh Palace Lord’s will, signifying another choice made by Sa Soo-yeon.

“From now on, you are the twelve blades that protect the Northern Sea, and only the guardian of the Northern Sea can command you.”

The ‘Guardian of the Northern Sea’ was none other than the Ice Emperor. The Northern Sea Twelve Beauties had become a special force, an independent military group that followed the Ice Emperor’s direct orders.

“Oooooh.”

A collective sigh swept through the crowd. The image of the Northern Sea Twelve Beauties blocking the warriors of the south with their ultimate swordsmanship was still vivid in everyone’s minds. Moreover, this was the will of Seventh Palace Lord, Sa Soo-yeon.

“Waaaaah!”

The people accepted the Ice Emperor’s declaration with cheers.

Step, step.

Amid the cheers, the Ice Emperor descended from the platform. Sa Soo-yeon followed behind, and the Four Directional Generals and the Northern Sea Twelve Beauties came down together as if escorting them.

Clatter, clatter.

As if prepared in advance, Head Maid Sarnae led a horse forward.

The horse, carrying a simple load and possessing glossy black fur, was a remarkable steed at first glance.

“Give it here.”

The Ice Emperor reached out to Sarnae. The head maid, who had led the horse, was momentarily flustered. This horse was not intended for the Ice Emperor.

“But, but…”

It was unprecedented for the Ice Emperor to hold the reins directly for someone else.

“Quickly.”

At the Ice Emperor’s urging, Head Maid Sarnae bowed and quietly handed over the reins.

The Ice Emperor briefly examined the horse’s condition and stroked its neck with his large hand.

“A good horse.”

The Ice Emperor nodded in satisfaction and turned to look at Sa Soo-yeon.

“Ride.”

Sa Soo-yeon also realized that the Ice Emperor’s actions were highly unconventional.

As she hesitated, the Ice Emperor said in a low voice.

“I always thought…”

The Ice Emperor smiled, a hint of regret in his eyes.

“I should have done this when Gara left.”

The people watching seemed to understand the situation, and the cheers faded, replaced by a quiet silence.

Knowing that she could not dissuade the Ice Emperor, Sa Soo-yeon sighed lightly. With a graceful movement, she mounted the horse.

Flap.

The hem of her clothes fluttered, and Sa Soo-yeon looked down at the Ice Emperor from atop the horse. It was an act that would never be tolerated under normal circumstances, but the Ice Emperor’s eyes were only filled with warmth.

“She’s my granddaughter, but she’s really pretty.”

Sa Soo-yeon smiled shyly. It was a smile that the Ice Emperor thought he would never see again in his life.

Forcing back the hot tears that welled up in his chest, the Ice Emperor turned around.

“Seventh Palace Lord, Sa Soo-yeon, departs for the edge of the earth, following the will of the Blue Wolf!”

The Ice Emperor’s booming voice echoed loudly.

“The Northern Sea, pay your respects!”

Rustle.

“Young Palace Lord.”

Head Maid Sarnae knelt, tears streaming down her face.

Thud.

The Four Directional Generals and the Northern Sea Twelve Beauties followed suit, kneeling in perfect unison. As if finally coming to their senses, the consorts and lesser palace lords also knelt.

The Ice Emperor’s declaration was like law in the Northern Sea. The only appropriate response was obedience.

Thud, rumble.

The tribal chiefs, elders, and warriors also knelt as one.

The people followed suit. The sound of people kneeling spread like a wave.

“Come back anytime. This is your home.”

The Ice Emperor said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. Meeting his warm gaze, Sa Soo-yeon nodded.

“If I have time, I’ll come sometime too.”

Sa Soo-yeon’s eyes widened in surprise. But she soon smiled and replied.

“Yes. I’ll be waiting, Grandpa.”

“Ah, and…”

The Ice Emperor suddenly said to Sa Soo-yeon in a low voice, his eyes quite serious.

“Be sure to tell that guy. If he makes you cry, I’ll lead the entire Northern Sea and invade.”

Sa Soo-yeon’s face turned bright red.

“Th, that’s not it. Young Master Son is…”

“Go.”

Whack.

The Ice Emperor’s large hand struck the horse’s flank. The horse, unfazed, darted forward as if it had been waiting. Sa Soo-yeon had to quickly regain her balance.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

The strong Northern Sea horse kicked off the ground and ran powerfully. Barely regaining her posture, Sa Soo-yeon turned her head and looked back.

The kneeling Northern Sea Twelve Beauties and the Four Directional Generals were visible. Sarnae and Namira, who were crying, and Seomoksu Orhan, who had hidden his figure among the people but whose gaze could be easily recognized, were also visible.

But more than anyone else, what was painfully etched in Sa Soo-yeon’s eyes was the figure of the Ice Emperor standing alone. The giant Ice Emperor looked so small and vulnerable at this moment.

“Grandpa…”

Tears blurred her vision, but Sa Soo-yeon did not stop. The lonely figure of the Ice Emperor quickly grew smaller.

Clip-clop.

Although Sa Soo-yeon was already far away, the Ice Emperor’s eyes still clearly saw her figure. He murmured quietly.

“May the wind of the Northern Sea be with you on your path.”

It was a farewell, but was his heart overflowing because he saw the tears flowing down his granddaughter’s cheeks?

The Ice Emperor couldn’t take his eyes off Sa Soo-yeon for a long time.

“Young Palace Lord…”

Sarnae shed tears. The departing Sa Soo-yeon’s back was blurred by tears.

“Please, be happy.”

Heavy tears flowed down Sarnae’s cheeks, but she wasn’t sad. Only Sa Soo-yeon’s happiness mattered, just like when Sa Soo-yeon’s mother, Gara, had left.

“Like white breaths rising beneath the dawn sky…”

The sound that flowed from someone’s mouth soon began to spread to everyone.

“Even if it scatters meaninglessly in a gust of cold wind, with clasped warmth, we know we are alive.”

People knelt with their hands gathered at their chests. Countless voices became one song and rose above the blue sky of the Northern Sea.

Just like when the previous Seventh Palace Lord, Gara, was alive.

“Even if the night is cold and lonely, may his light be with you.”

People closed their eyes and bowed their heads. Only one person, the Ice Emperor, stood alone and watched Sa Soo-yeon disappear.

Swaaaa.

A gust of wind blowing from the Great Plains gently caressed the Ice Emperor’s white hair.

*

*

*

A horse carrying one person was running from the Ice Palace.

The four people who had been waiting for her on the Great Plains spotted the figure and breathed a sigh of relief.

“It seems to have ended well.”

No-gun said.

“Well, who could stop that kid from leaving anyway?”

“That’s right. She’s a scary older sister.”

At Seo-rin’s words, Dang-wol tilted her head.

“Is that older sister scary?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Well, if I don’t listen to her, I feel like she’ll take away what I’m eating and never give it back.”

Seo-rin said, her shoulders trembling slightly.

“I’m a little scared of her too.”

No-gun slyly agreed with Seo-rin’s words.

“Sometimes when she’s serious, her eyes… are too similar.”

Son-bin could understand No-gun’s words. Sa Soo-yeon’s eyes sometimes felt exactly the same as Sa Ja-hyuk’s [Son-bin’s father].

“That person is strong, but she’s a person with warm and gentle hands.”

Dang-wol said, remembering the time Sa Soo-yeon had touched her head. But Seo-rin tilted her head again.

“What about food?”

“She’ll probably give you a lot more than I do.”

Seo-rin’s eyes instantly filled with anticipation.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

The approaching horse slowed down. The person riding it was Sa Soo-yeon. She had wiped away her tears, but she couldn’t hide her reddened eyes.

“Have you been waiting?”

“No.”

Son-bin said. His voice was soft and warm.

“Is it okay to leave like this?”

No-gun asked, concern etched on his face.

“Even now, you can become the empress of the Northern Sea. If you only wish it.”

Sa Soo-yeon quietly smiled.

“I don’t want a position like empress.”

Sa Soo-yeon recalled the story the Ice Emperor had told her.

—When they demanded the position of Ice Queen, I knew. That the surest way to protect her was for me to step down from the throne.

The desire to covet power never stops. The Ice Emperor knew that better than anyone, but he had hesitated.

—But while I hesitated, the choice was made by others, and all that was left for me was regret. Regret for my foolish self who could not give up the throne for the one I loved.

Sa Soo-yeon raised her eyes. Son-bin was looking at her with unwavering affection.

Just being with him warmed her heart.

Sa Soo-yeon said without hesitation.

“I will never regret this decision.”

“But…”

Dang-wol said, her brow furrowed.

“You said you wanted to protect the people of this land.”

“Yes.”

Sa Soo-yeon turned her head. The Ice Palace was visible in the distance.

“That doesn’t necessarily mean I have to rule them. I can come back someday. That’s enough. Essentially, the fate of this land belongs to those who live in this land.”

“The fate of those who live in this land…”

Dang-wol quietly repeated Sa Soo-yeon’s words, pondering their meaning.

As the Young Palace Lord of the Northern Sea, Sa Soo-yeon had established the Northern Sea Twelve Beauties and opened trade with the Five Great Merchant Guilds.

Orhan, the Northern Sea Twelve Beauties, and people like Sarnae and Namira would inherit Sa Soo-yeon’s will, but how they accepted the change was ultimately up to those who lived in the Northern Sea.

“Of course, a power vacuum is expected for a while…”

Sa Soo-yeon, who was speaking, smiled slightly bitterly. She was still getting used to using terms like ‘power succession vacuum’ so casually.

Has the experience of judging everything from the position of Young Palace Lord definitely had an impact?

“The question of who will be the next Ice Emperor is also something my grandfather will take care of. He is by no means a weak person.”

The Ice Emperor was still watching with his sharp eyes. He would be more than capable of handling any political problems.

“Come to think of it, the person who really needs to care about the Northern Sea is here?”

At Sa Soo-yeon’s playful gaze, Son-bin looked puzzled.

“Me?”

“Yes. It must be a big deal. The wise Blue Wolf from the boundary between heaven and earth… Ah, that’s a really long name.”

Sa Soo-yeon pretended to sigh and said.

“Anyway, the Blue Wolf is the eternal guardian of the Northern Sea. Come to think of it, Cheongwon [Son-bin’s home] is really the end of the earth, from the perspective of the people of the Northern Sea.”

“It is for the people of the Central Plains too.”

Dang-wol said quietly. Cheongwon was at the southern end of the continent and close to the sea, so it wasn’t wrong to call it the end of the earth.

“Is the boundary between heaven and earth the end of the earth?”

Even Seo-rin looked at Son-bin and asked. He smiled wryly.

Of course, that wasn’t what Sa Soo-yeon meant, but if he said even one word here, he felt like he would get even more entangled.

Pretending not to hear, Son-bin said.

“Um, shall we go now?”

“Yes.”

Sa Soo-yeon replied, but she couldn’t leave easily.

In her eyes, looking at the Ice Palace, the figures of the people she cared for still seemed to linger. But she couldn’t keep staying like this. She had already made a choice.

Rustle.

The wind that crossed the Great Plains of the Northern Sea shook her hair. Sa Soo-yeon turned her head. Son-bin’s soft eyes were directed at her.

“Young Master Son.”

“Yes.”

Sa Soo-yeon said, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

“My name is Soo-yeon. Sa, Soo, Yeon.”

Son-bin looked puzzled. He couldn’t understand why she was revealing her name now, but Sa Soo-yeon’s eyes were clear and serious.

“Yes.”

Son-bin replied, his gaze even softer and warmer.

“I will not forget.”

Sa Soo-yeon smiled. Son-bin thought her smile seemed to shine like starlight.

“I’m Wol-ah. Dang, Wol, Ah.”

Dang-wol, who was behind her, said, offering her own name.

“I’m Seo-rin! My teacher gave it to me!”

Seo-rin shouted, raising her hand as if not to be outdone.

“Ahem. I’m… Soon-jae.”

It was a small voice that could barely be heard, but the eyes of the four people turned to Nam-ahk No-gun in unison. He frowned.

“What? I won’t say it twice.”

“What’s your surname?”

Dang-wol asked. No-gun’s face turned bright red.

“I told you I wouldn’t say it twice!”

“You haven’t said it once.”

When even Seo-rin joined in, No-gun quickly grabbed the reins.

“Eit! Hyah!”

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

“Ah! That’s unfair.”

Seo-rin shouted, but No-gun was already running far away.

The four people started running their horses after No-gun in unison. The wind of the Northern Sea that had run across the Great Plains gently embraced them all.

∴

After that day, the story of Seventh Palace Lord, Sa Soo-yeon, spread throughout the Northern Sea. The fact that the Northern Sea Twelve Beauties were established and that the Ice Palace allowed limited trade with the south couldn’t compare to the story of the Seventh Palace Lord.

Some said that the Young Palace Lord had left on a pilgrimage to the end of the earth to realize the wisdom of the Blue Wolf. Some people said that the souls of the gods that had appeared in the sky some time ago had guided her.

Others said that when the heavenly god descended, it was actually the Blue Wolf who had appeared. There was also a persuasive argument that the Ice Emperor, the Four Directional Generals, and the Northern Sea Twelve Beauties had personally witnessed the Blue Wolf.

But as always, the truth remained elusive.

However, everyone agreed on only one thing: Young Palace Lord, Sa Soo-yeon, would definitely return to the Northern Sea someday.

The legendary Blue Wolf, who came from the boundary between heaven and earth, was the eternal guardian of the Northern Sea.