Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 399

Chapter 399
“I’ve been confined to the estate, you say?”
“For the present, I am not permitted to depart, Elder.”
At my response, Elder Geolhwang’s eyes grew wide as he turned to look at Grandfather Mandok Shingun.
His expression seemed to silently question, *Is this accurate?*
Meeting his gaze, Grandfather Mandok Shingun offered an uneasy nod of affirmation.
“It was my intention to restrict his travels for a time.”
“What? Why? Has he violated some decree of the clan? After everything the young man has done for us—how could you?”
Ordinarily, house arrest is a punishment reserved for breaches of clan law or grave offenses. Elder Geolhwang therefore appeared to assume I must have committed some serious transgression.
Yet, even before learning the details of my supposed misdeed, he was quick to add that given all I had contributed to the Tang Clan, any offense should surely be overlooked.
To be honest, if one were to tally all the spirit beasts I had procured for the clan, their debt to me would remain even if I sold off the entire Tang Clan estate.
Truly. I could trade this clan away multiple times over and they would still be in my debt.
Grandfather Mandok Shingun shot me a look of shared understanding and replied.
“It is nothing of the sort. What law could So-ryong possibly have broken? As you stated, Elder, this is intended as a form of recognition. That is the reason for his confinement.”
“Recognition? You are keeping him here as a reward?”
“Indeed. I thought it best to arrange his marriage to Hwa-eun sooner rather than later. He is constantly wandering off, and… well, one cannot very well grant a reward to someone who is never present, can one?”
“Ah, I understand! Hohoho. Now that is a fine reward. My congratulations—to the both of you!”
At the mention of a wedding, Elder Geolhwang’s eyes showed a flicker of astonishment before his face broke into a warm smile.
When I remarked that Hwa-eun herself was the greatest prize imaginable, she blushed deeply and murmured a flustered thank you.
“Th-thank you, Elder.”
“No thanks are necessary… my sincerest congratulations. So, the wedding arrangements are already in progress?”
“Yes, Elder.”
Yet his expression soon became troubled once more.
For although the wedding was proceeding, my confinement was very real—I was not at liberty to go.
His tone quickly became apologetic.
“If you are in the midst of preparing for a wedding, then I must offer my apologies.”
A wedding is among the most solemn of life’s ceremonies.
It is not an event to be postponed or treated lightly, so Elder Geolhwang clearly felt he was being intrusive by making a request at such a time.
Nevertheless, he had not entirely abandoned his hope. He would simply wait until after the ceremony.
“In that case, might you be able to assist after the wedding? The numbers that have crossed the border are still small. It is not a great distance, either.
You are familiar with Meili Snow Mountain, yes? It is in that region—where Sichuan, Tibet, and Tianzhu converge.”
I knew the location of Meili Snow Mountain perfectly.
A towering peak at the borders of the Southern Barbarians, Sichuan, and Tibet.
If it was to be after the wedding, then it should not pose an issue.
But if locusts were truly beginning to cross over, it was not a matter we could afford to dismiss.
Elder Geolhwang seemed to believe they were merely appearing sporadically near Tibet and likely vanishing quickly—nothing yet to be concerned about. Yet when locusts emerge, it is never a minor event.
Locusts are capable of covering vast distances in a single day, which meant some could have already infiltrated the Central Plains.
“If it is after the wedding, I will discuss it with the clan and we will certainly provide aid. However, if locusts are indeed trickling across the border… the situation may be more pressing than we realize.
From my knowledge, locusts can harness the wind to fly as far as 400 li in one day.”
“You cannot be serious?!”
Elder Geolhwang’s face instantly transformed into a mask of alarm.
He had evidently been unaware that locusts could travel such a distance.
But it was true—when they swarm, they do not merely hop. They take flight. And with a favorable wind, they are known to cover 150 kilometers in a day.
“Then the matter is grave, is it not? Countless lives may hang in the balance. Can you offer your assistance?”
At his question, I glanced toward Hwa-eun.
The decision was not mine to make.
And, true to her compassionate nature, Hwa-eun…
Perhaps the joyful mood from the ring I had given her still lingered, for she answered softly.
“So-ryong, the wedding preparations are largely the clan’s responsibility in any case. You can be spared for a short time.
Tibet is not so far. And if it is near Meili Snow Mountain, it is closer still.
If the locusts turn toward Sichuan, many people could suffer.”
“Ah, but I wished to marry Hwa-eun without delay…”
I adopted a tone of deliberate reluctance, not wanting to appear too willing to accept her consent. It seemed the correct approach—she reached beneath the table and took my hand gently.
And in that moment, a memory surfaced.
In my previous life, was there not a custom called a “bachelor party”—a final celebration of freedom before marriage?
And so I decided: this journey would be So-ryong’s last bachelor excursion.
I will make this one truly spectacular!
I vowed to myself—I would ensure it was a memorable experience.
After all, it would be my first opportunity to witness a true locust swarm.
***
In truth, I had never encountered a locust swarm in person.
I had, of course, seen innumerable photographs and videos.
But I possessed all the necessary data, so examining their age demographics and migratory behavior would not be a problem.
Accepting Elder Geolhwang’s task would not be unduly challenging. I felt no fear regarding the mission itself.
So why was my heart racing so intensely?
Now, as I made ready to journey to Meili Snow Mountain, my heart was pounding fiercely.
Not out of fear for the task ahead.
No. The reason was entirely different.
I was on my way to see Ranghu.
…Heavens. I am apprehensive.
Yes. I had to inform Ranghu—who was already displeased with my frequent absences—that I would be departing yet again.
Earlier, while I was gathering my supplies, my father-in-law had paid me a visit.
He stood in silence for a time, simply observing me, before finally speaking in a hushed tone:
“Ensure that nothing occurs this time. Settle your affairs before you depart.”
“Settle what affairs?”
“Your poisonous companions. The Golden-Furred Wasp Kings.”
“Ah—!”
It was as if a pot of icy water had been emptied over my head.
I immediately straightened up.
And that is why I was now en route to see Ranghu.
Because I was to leave on the morrow.
My heart still thudding, I reached the pond in the inner garden as the sun began to dip below the horizon.
In the distance, I could make out the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings making their leisurely return to their nests.
Just as I passed through the gate into the rear garden, I heard Bing-i’s voice.
— “Father, where are you headed?”
Looking down, I saw Bing-i, languidly attempting to cross over the doorstep.
Were we beyond the clan walls it would be different, but within the Tang Clan grounds, the young were free to wander as they pleased. He had likely been basking alone in the sun and was now returning to my quarters.
“Ah, Bing-ah. I am going to see Ranghu for a moment. It appears I must travel somewhere nearby tomorrow. You will be joining me, yes?”
— “Naturally. I must remain at Father’s side.”
“That is a comfort.”
I informed him of my intent to visit Ranghu and inquired if he would come. As ever, Bing-i, like a devoted first son, stated he would attend me.
I knelt and gave his head a pat. As I made to rise and continue, he tilted his head and asked with concern:
— “But Father, why do you seem so troubled? I can sense a weight upon your heart.”
As Bing-i was bonded through the Beast Heart Art, he could perceive the anxiety within me. I scratched my head and answered.
“It is no great matter. It is only… Ranghu was quite upset last time, and I have yet to properly mend things.”
— “Ah, yes. That is the source of your concern?”
“Essentially. The sun is setting. I should go before the bees retire for the night. I will be on my way then.”
Just as I began to walk again, I felt a slight weight fasten onto my ankle.
Looking down, I saw Bing-i gazing up at me with his endearing eyes, holding onto my ankle and climbing up my leg.
He gestured toward the dwelling of the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings.
“Bing-ah, I must enter the pavilion.”
— “Father, if you are so concerned, allow me to accompany you.”
“You wish to come?”
Bing-i desired to join me.
As I registered my surprise, he elaborated on why his presence would be beneficial.
— “You do not communicate with her effectively, correct? She may comprehend your words, but to resolve a misunderstanding, she requires a proper explanation—and for that, a being such as myself should convey your meaning.”
“Well, that is true… but might she not become angrier if I arrive with company?”
Bing-i was proposing to act as an interpreter. It was a reasonable point, yet arriving to apologize with another in tow felt… inappropriate.
When I voiced this concern, Bing-i slipped inside my robe and said:
— “Really, Father. If I conceal myself within your robe like this, she will not even be aware of me.”
“Well… that is also true.”
Yes, Bing-i had grown somewhat, but he still nestled comfortably within my robe. He typically traveled hidden within my or Hwa-eun’s garments in any case.
— “And if I accompany you, will you not feel more composed?”
Quite true. It was decidedly more reassuring than entering alone and facing potential emotional devastation.
Smiling, I agreed.
“Very well. Let us go together.”
— “Let us go!”
We reached the pavilion with Bing-i concealed within my robe.
Upon opening the door and entering, the fragrance of honey was even more potent than during my last visit.
It seemed the honey had multiplied in my absence—tiny droplets were visible, falling as I ascended the stairs.
When I arrived at the fourth floor, the wasps noticed me and drew near.
— Bzzzz.
“I am here to see Ranghu.”
As before, they wordlessly indicated the way.
Some even gave my shoulder a gentle tap, as if to say, *Stay strong.*
You all are aware as well, it seems.
And so, I reached the fifth floor.
I had expected to find Ranghu brooding in some shadowy nook again, but this time she was positioned directly by the entrance—her forelegs crossed, mid-legs set upon her hips, and her hind legs tapping with impatience.
Her stance communicated clearly: *You are late. I am angry.*
Scratching my head, I offered a greeting.
“Hello… have you been well, Ranghu?”
— Bzzzt!
The buzz of her wings in reply was distinctly irritated.
Bing-i’s voice resonated in my thoughts.
— “She says, ‘Do I appear to have been well?’”
“Ah… I suppose not?”
— Bzzzt. Bzzzzzz.
I answered awkwardly, and she buzzed once more before spinning around to present her back to me in a pronounced sulk.
Bing-i promptly translated.
— “She says, ‘I waited for so long, and only now do you appear…’”
— Bzzzt. Bzzzzz. Buzz buzz.
— “She says, ‘I am deeply wounded. Did you not promise to bring me to a safe place where I could live in peace? But each time you depart and vanish for days on end, I grow sick with worry. I cannot find any peace.’”
Hearing Bing-i’s translation made me feel utterly wretched.
“M-my apologies. I was at fault. I will strive to keep my promises more faithfully from now on, Ranghu.”
— Bzzzz.
Perhaps it was my well-timed apology, for she slowly turned back to face me.
— “She understands! She appears astonished!”
One foreleg flew up to her mouth in shock, and then she buzzed directly toward my chest.
— BZZZT!
And in that instant—
Bing-i thrust his head out from my collar and intercepted her mid-flight with a solid smack of his tail.
— “Now, now. That is not proper.”
— Bzzz!?
Ranghu’s antennae shot upright, clearly startled by Bing-i’s sudden emergence.
She retreated slightly, and Bing-i positioned himself on my shoulder like a tiny sentinel and spoke with the air of a chastising elder.
— “So, it appears you have developed an attachment to Father. Yet it seems you are unaware of the proper conventions. Father already has a Mother. You cannot behave in this manner.”
…What?!
The sheer astonishment of it left me gaping.
So Ranghu’s feelings were genuine?
She truly had affection for me?
Upon reflection, there were instances in my previous life—animals or pets raised for long periods sometimes came to think of themselves as human, or developed feelings for their owners or other animals.
A zoo peacock falling for a tortoise… or creatures mistaking their keepers for potential mates.
Ranghu tilted her head at Bing-i’s admonishment.
— Bzzz?
— “You ask why not?”
Yes, as a wasp with limited exposure to human ways, she likely did not comprehend why it was forbidden.
If I could only explain it clearly, perhaps I could resolve this situation amicably.
I mentally urged Bing-i to proceed with care.
*Bing-i, please explain it properly.*
As he had spent more time among humans than Ranghu, he was better acquainted with our customs.
He had already appealed to “conventions” and “tradition,” after all.
Moreover, as a fellow spirit creature, the explanation might be less painful coming from him than from me.
If I misspoke, Ranghu might take offense or fail to understand.
But if Bing-i presented it in terms of rules and natural boundaries, she might find it easier to accept.
— “Do not worry, Father. Entrust it to me. I will manage this.”
Y-yes…
I awaited his words with hopeful anticipation.
And then Bing-i spoke, cheerful and distinct:
— “If you wish to belong to Father, you must first obtain Mother’s approval. That is simply fundamental, is it not?”
…This little rascal.
Told me to rely on him, then promptly demonstrated he understood nothing of our actual customs.