SAFBIAN Ch 38

Chapter 38

 

Until not long ago, she thought she would become the happiest fox in the village. Hori’s long lashes were wet, and her red lips trembled.

Wonwoo wrapped his arm around Hori’s shoulders as if he felt sorry for her. It was a sight that moved even the hearts of the old foxes who had lived in the village for a long time.

Everyone looked at the three foxes with gloomy faces.

A bolt from the blue had struck the elder’s house, which should have been nothing but harmonious now that the formal wedding ceremony had taken place. How tragic. But ever since Dori disappeared, even the sacred relic that protected the village had vanished, and it was hard to see that as a coincidence.

“I’ll go.”

Wonwoo spoke in a calm voice.

The old foxes stretched their necks upward, trying to get a better look at the admirable and dependable fox. However, due to the shadows, only his vertically slit pupils were visible, making it hard to read his expression.

“What do you mean, Wonwoo!”

Hori screamed, her voice mixed with sobs.

The village foxes firmly believed that since the wedding had been held, the two had already formed their bond as mates.

That meant, if Wonwoo left the village to find the sacred relic, she would have to follow him due to the scrutiny of other foxes.

Hori, who had grown up delicately and had never even left the village entrance, turned pale.

“Think about it. It’s the village’s sacred relic. If it disappears for good and we can’t find it, it’ll be a disaster, right? And we can’t just send anyone. Most of our village foxes have never lived among humans.”

“So?”

“As you know, I grew up outside. My parents run a trading company, and I can get help from friends and relatives there. That makes me the most suitable.”

“That may be true for you, Wonwoo! But it’s my first time!”

“Don’t worry about that. I was going to say I’d go alone, anyway.”

The old foxes, who had been silently observing their conversation, looked at each other in amazement.

How could he make such a decision? To leave his mate—it would be a pain like tearing one’s flesh and spitting blood. He probably had the courage only because they’d never actually been apart before.

Admirable as it was, they couldn’t help but worry.

“But, Wonwoo… you and Hori are mates…”

One of them eventually trailed off, as if unable to understand.

“It’s an unavoidable situation right now. I’ll try to travel between the village and the trading company as often as I can.”

“Don’t talk nonsense! Just send another fox, or ask one of the foxes living outside the village! I absolutely won’t allow it!”

Hori raised her tail and shouted in anger.

To the other foxes, she appeared as a worried mate. But Wonwoo easily saw through her hidden intentions. She was afraid that her position in the village would weaken if both the elder had collapsed and Wonwoo was gone.

She was a cunning fox indeed. In her youth, she relied on her father’s power, and as an adult, she tried to rely on her mate’s wealth. On top of that, with her mate gone, she would have to pretend to be physically weak—how dreadful that must be.

However, Wonwoo didn’t reveal any of these thoughts and quickly soothed Hori.

“They don’t know Dori in his human form.”

“What if he tries to hurt you?”

“Surely, he wouldn’t go that far.”

“I don’t trust him! He even stole the village’s sacred relic—he already betrayed us!”

“That’s why I need to find it and reassure the village foxes. Think of the elder’s position.”

Hori collapsed again, crying. She clung to the elder’s knee and wailed in sorrow, asking how Dori could do this to them.

Eventually, one of the old foxes, moved by pity, halted the meeting.

“At this rate, Hori will collapse first. Take her out and comfort her.”

Hori was as precious as the sacred relic. A fox chosen by the fox god, born from the love of the fox god.

As Hori staggered and leaned against Wonwoo, the old foxes held a long meeting. Some opposed the idea, worrying about Hori who had just married, but the remaining red foxes raised their hands in agreement.

“Then, let’s reconvene at this time tomorrow.”

Everyone clicked their tongues as they left. They muttered bitter curses, saying they always knew that ominous one would eventually bring harm to the village.

The elder, left alone, did not move a muscle, eyes closed. Darkness settled into every corner of the room.

A few days later, outside the entrance of the red fox village.

Even the sacred foxes, who never left the village unless something special occurred, had all gathered.

“Are you really sure about this?”

“Yes, Elder.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Yes, Auntie.”

Wonwoo looked around at all the worried faces and gave a gentle smile.

“Wonwoo…”

Among them, Hori, wearing the most pitiful expression, clung to his collar.

With her hair half-tied and flowing down, wearing plainer clothes than usual, Hori’s appearance today made the sacred foxes look on with even more sorrow. What a mess. All because of that ominous, cursed white fox.

Their murmured words reached Wonwoo’s ears clearly. Hori bit her red lips.

“…Does it really have to be you, Wonwoo?”

“Of course. I’m the right person for the job.”

He was already carrying a full load on his back and had a bundle tied to his waist. The search team led by Wonwoo had actually left the village long ago.

“Still…”

“I’ll be careful. As soon as I find the relic, I’ll return. It won’t take long.”

“How long will it take? No, this won’t do. Instead, let me talk to Father…!”

“Hori. The elder is still unwell, so let’s stop. It’s already exhausting for him to have taken over village affairs again. Don’t you trust me?”

“…No.”

“He’s already struggling. Let’s allow him to focus on village matters. You need to help him a lot.”

“But…”

As they said she had clung to the elder all night crying, the area under Hori’s eyes was red.

Their newlywed bliss had been so evident that there wasn’t a fox in the village who didn’t know of it. The sacred foxes who came to see them off clicked their tongues in pity.

Only Wonwoo knew that Hori had thrown a tantrum and collapsed from exhaustion.

“Don’t worry. …Dori must have had his reasons.”

“I don’t want to hear about him.”

The eyes that looked like they would faint a moment ago turned fierce.

Hori, who was as lovely as the sun and as graceful as the moon, coldly severed her own brother. She was angrier than anyone, asking how he could do such a thing to her and the village.

“Take care. I’ll be back as soon as I can, so don’t worry.”

Wonwoo accepted her anger with generosity. Now that he had a just reason to find Dori and a suitable excuse to leave the village, he was at ease.

He held his mate’s gaze for a long while. Hori, wanting to appear affectionate to the other foxes, burst into irritation secretly but still clung to Wonwoo’s arms.

“Are you sure you’ll be all right?”

The elder stood leaning on his cane, supported by another fox. Though still weak, he had come out to see him off.

Wonwoo calmed the shivering Hori in his arms and helped her stand up straight.

“Yes, Elder.”

He adjusted the weight on his back and smiled gently. Among all the worried faces, the elder looked the most deeply concerned.

“…Very well. Be on your way.”

At last, permission was granted.

Wonwoo bowed politely to the entire village and turned around. The foxes watched him until he disappeared around the bend.

Once he crossed the boundary of the red fox village, Wonwoo didn’t take out what he had hidden in his pocket until he passed the twelfth fork in the road.

“You said you wouldn’t leave.”

He clenched the ring in his hand. It was something Dori had left behind on their wedding day—Wonwoo had been the first to find it and had hidden it.

“I’ll keep the promise. Dori.”

He had never once failed to get what he desired. Whether it was Hori, the village’s pride and the elder’s heir, or Dori, the only white fox.

Wonwoo walked along the winding road as if Dori was waiting at the end of it.

The empire stretched far and wide in all directions, and just like its vast lands, it was rich in all sorts of rare specialties.

Pure gemstones, hard-to-find medicinal herbs, flawlessly skinned animal furs, and luxurious items of extravagance, just to name a few.

Moreover, after Haban became emperor, he streamlined unnecessary lists and strengthened the quality of the chosen items. As such, valuable goods continuously flowed into the imperial palace. The procession bringing goods to the emperor was seemingly endless, befitting the dignity of a great ruler.

“Looks like things are finally being sorted.”

Chamberlain Kim moved swiftly through the people checking the large boxes.

“His Majesty normally isn’t interested in things like this. What could this be about?”

The porcelain being carefully examined by the court ladies had delicate patterns. The stacked silk was also beautiful.

Still, in his usual state, Haban would have just waved his hand and told them to stash it somewhere without a glance. He never paid attention to tribute goods. But this time, he had insisted on having them brought in and had even sent Kim personally.

“I just hope it’s not because of that fox.”

Kim quickened his pace.

Even in haste, he didn’t forget to examine the goods with eyes as sharp as a hawk. Of course, the finest items were to be delivered separately—everything else would soon be moved to storage.

“There it is!”