The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 358

신마의선 (358)

“Even the ordinary food at this inn is delicious.”

Princess Youngsun, having just finished her meal, remarked to Yang-jeon.

Yang-jeon smiled and nodded.

Accustomed to the splendid cuisine of the Imperial Palace, she was surprisingly content with a simple noodle dish.

“I’m glad you enjoy it.”

“It’s not fancy, but it has its own charm.”

Dressed in plain clothes and simple attire, she could easily pass for a young lady from an ordinary family.

Yang-jeon was secretly impressed. He hadn’t imagined she, who had only known the Imperial Palace, possessed such a talent for disguise.

He, too, was disguised as a wandering peddler, his bamboo hat pulled low to conceal his features.

Moreover, he was solely responsible for her safety.

Among the Royal Guards dispatched, he alone had reached the state of *banbakgwijeon* [返樸歸眞, a state of returning to simplicity and purity].

Even now, Yang-jeon concealed his energy so thoroughly that even a master of the Three Divine Demons’ level would be unable to detect it.

However, the sharp glint in his eyes, visible from beneath the bamboo hat, missed nothing happening around Princess Youngsun.

“Are your clothes uncomfortable?” Yang-jeon asked.

Princess Youngsun smiled brightly. “To be honest, they’re very comfortable. Without cumbersome accessories, my body feels light. I feel like I could fly away with the wind.”

Pausing, Princess Youngsun savored the crisp autumn weather and her rare freedom, embracing the blowing wind.

Just then, a voice called out, “Hey, miss! Haven’t seen your face around here before?”

It was a street vendor with a stall on the side of the road.

Princess Youngsun smiled naturally and nodded. “Yes, I just moved here.”

“Really? Then, have this.” The merchant, unaware of her true identity, offered her one of his wares: a mooncake, a round pastry resembling the full moon.

“Really? How much is it?”

“It’s free.”

“Pardon?”

“Come back for more if you like it. You can pay me then.”

“Is that really alright?” Princess Youngsun asked, accepting the mooncake.

The merchant smiled and nodded, encouraging her to try it.

Princess Youngsun took a bite. It wasn’t as exquisitely delicious as the snacks in the Imperial Palace, but the unique savory-sweet flavor had a charm unique to street food.

“So, what brought you here?” the street vendor asked.

Princess Youngsun felt a sudden urge to be mischievous. “I’m here to get married.”

“Married?” The merchant repeated, surprised, before nodding. “Well, there are plenty of handsome men in this neighborhood. Wealthy merchants, and many well-known martial arts masters. Have you found a good match?”

“I’m thinking of marrying Doctor Dan.”

“Huh? You don’t mean Doctor Dan of the Divine Medical Family?”

“Yes.”

The merchant, perhaps thinking her confidence audacious, burst into laughter. “Haha. You’re heading down a difficult path.”

“A difficult path?” Princess Youngsun asked, surprised.

The merchant nodded. “The competition is fierce. How many unmarried women in this area of *Muwui* [a fictional region or city] do you think haven’t harbored feelings for Doctor Dan?”

“Is it that many?”

“Of course. Half the people camped in front of the Divine Medical Family are patients, and the other half are matchmakers from all over.” He gave her a pitying look. “Give up before you waste your time. You’re clearly not lacking anything, and you’re decent-looking, but don’t reach for what you can’t have. Doctor Dan is too difficult, far too difficult.”

A strange light flickered in Princess Youngsun’s eyes. “How did you know I’m not lacking anything?”

“Why wouldn’t I? I deal with people every day. I can tell by your skin, your behavior, your expression. You may have your reasons, but if you like the mooncake, come back next time.”

“To someone who tells me to give up on Doctor Dan?”

“Oh dear! I almost missed out on a future regular customer. From now on, I’ll cheer you on, so please do your best.”

Princess Youngsun smiled at the merchant’s jest and left the stall. She stopped suddenly, still munching on the mooncake.

Yang-jeon, who had approached, blocked her path, radiating a chilling aura.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“……”

Yang-jeon didn’t answer, or rather, couldn’t. The overwhelming presence he had suddenly felt was approaching rapidly.

As expected, a figure plummeted from the sky.

*Koo-oong!* A heavy impact shook the earth, and a cloud of dust billowed.

A figure emerged from the dust cloud.

“Oh my, who is this? Isn’t it Doctor Beom?”

“It’s been a while.”

“Are the other doctors doing well?” The merchants, recognizing Beom Gye-wi, greeted him eagerly.

Yang-jeon was taken aback by their casual reaction. No one seemed surprised to see someone falling from the sky.

They were clearly accustomed to such sights in *Muwui*. Yang-jeon, unaware of this, grew even more nervous at Beom Gye-wi’s unexpected arrival.

Then, Byeok Hwa-ryeong landed gracefully beside Beom Gye-wi, using splendid *gyeonggong* [輕功, light body skill, a martial art technique that allows the practitioner to become light and agile].

Beom Gye-wi grinned at Princess Youngsun, then, without glancing at Yang-jeon, said, “Follow me.”

“How dare you!” Yang-jeon roared, his gaze terrifying as he unleashed his energy.

Princess Youngsun stopped him. “Let’s go. If he meant harm, he wouldn’t have approached so openly.”

“But…”

“Please.”

Yang-jeon sighed deeply, relenting. He stayed close to Princess Youngsun, never leaving her side, his tension unwavering, prepared for any eventuality.

They arrived at the training ground for the government soldiers, located within the government office.

“You want to marry Doctor Dan?” Beom Gye-wi asked abruptly.

Princess Youngsun was momentarily flustered, but she answered honestly with a calm smile. “I haven’t made a definite decision yet, but he’s the first person who has stirred my heart.”

“Good. That’s enough.” Beom Gye-wi nodded. Unlike Dan Ak-seon, the princess clearly had a liking for him.

“But how are you going to seduce Doctor Dan?”

“Pardon?”

“Do you think Doctor Dan will come to you and ask you to marry him if you just wait quietly? You have to show some charm and capture his heart.”

“Th-that’s…” Princess Youngsun was at a loss for words. She hadn’t considered the details.

Byeok Hwa-ryeong smiled. “Doctor Dan has never dated anyone. He has no desire for marriage, let alone romance.”

“Do you mean he has no thoughts about it at all?”

“For now.” Byeok Hwa-ryeong continued soothingly, seeing Princess Youngsun’s disappointed expression. “But it’s not hopeless. He simply hasn’t met a woman he likes yet. If you want to capture his heart, you have to become that attractive woman.”

“Ah!” Princess Youngsun realized something. “You two came to help me?”

Beom Gye-wi smirked. “You’re finally getting it.”

Princess Youngsun’s gloomy face brightened. Was this how Guan Yu felt when he obtained *Jeokto* [赤兎馬, Red Hare, a legendary horse]? Having someone so close to Dan Ak-seon helping her felt like gaining a thousand troops.

“Okay. I don’t want any regrets, no matter the outcome. What should I do?”

“First, you have to get stronger.”

“Pardon?”

“I guarantee, no man will turn away a strong woman.”

“A strong… woman?” Princess Youngsun thought of her mother, the Empress Dowager. But she realized her thoughts had gone astray when Beom Gye-wi asked, “Do you know any martial arts?”

“Don’t tell me the strong woman you mentioned refers to physical strength, not mental fortitude?”

“What else could it be?”

Princess Youngsun, flustered by Beom Gye-wi’s disapproving look, quickly answered, “I’ve learned a few royal martial arts, but they’re nothing special.”

“Tsk! You should have had plenty of time. What have you been doing all this time?”

Princess Youngsun paused at the unexpected scolding. Yang-jeon couldn’t stand it any longer and stepped forward. “Can’t you shut your mouth? How dare you!”

Although he scolded Beom Gye-wi for his rudeness, Yang-jeon’s heart sank. He was met with a nonchalant gaze.

He was intimidated by Beom Gye-wi’s gaze without realizing it. His martial arts instincts were screaming a warning.

Even he, who prided himself on being unmatched, couldn’t handle the monster before him alone.

If the other Royal Guards were here… he felt he could aim for a draw if they joined forces.

Yang-jeon was filled with regret. He should have prioritized her safety, even if it meant being more conspicuous. Now, there was no turning back. He had to endure with all his might.

Beom Gye-wi clicked his tongue, disappointed by Yang-jeon’s unwavering stance. “Too bad. It would have been nice if you were just about this guy’s level.”

“What?”

“If you were that skilled, you could have exchanged blows with Doctor Dan.”

“……!” Yang-jeon’s face contorted. *He’s looking down on me too much.*

How could he compare himself, who had trained in martial arts for decades, to a boy who was only sixteen at best?

Yang-jeon was deeply offended, but Beom Gye-wi had already turned away.

“Women should be strong. Cuteness? Housework? Food? All unnecessary. A strong woman is the best. And if she’s as pretty as my woman, even better. Got it?”

“A strong woman…” Princess Youngsun muttered, unknowingly repeating his words.

Beom Gye-wi nodded. “Yeah. Trust me, since I’m saying it. The Imperial Palace is full of elixirs, right? Steal them all and eat them, but first, get stronger.”

Princess Youngsun couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. She had never heard or thought of such a thing.

“Keep that in mind. That’s the best.” With those words, Beom Gye-wi turned around.

Byeok Hwa-ryeong added a few words to Princess Youngsun, who was standing blankly. “Recently, Doctor Dan’s main interest is martial arts. If you talk about martial arts, you’ll have a longer conversation. By discussing common interests, you can create an opportunity to become closer. The more you talk, the more you’ll get to know each other.”

“Ah!” Princess Youngsun exclaimed. That was true.

“Then, I’ll cheer you on.” With those words, Byeok Hwa-ryeong left the training ground with Beom Gye-wi.

Princess Youngsun, lost in thought, asked Yang-jeon, “Can you help me?”