Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 400

Chapter 400
Bing-i! What in the world did you just say?!
— “Huh? What’s the matter, Father? Isn’t this how humans do it too? This is our way.”
At my frantic exclamation, Bing-i cocked his head with an air of pure innocence.
The little rascal was obviously applying the courtship rituals of his own kind—most likely those of his sibling Seol—to the situation.
I had foolishly believed that because he had been living among us for so long, he would naturally follow human customs. That was my error.
“Ranghu, n-no, that isn’t what he was trying to say—”
I attempted to clarify Bing-i’s completely inappropriate proposal, but before I could get the words out—
Ranghu gave a knowing nod, as if she had just received a great revelation.
— Bzzz? Bzzzzz.
“R-Ranghu!”
Then, before I could utter another syllable, she streaked directly out the open window, her wings vibrating with clear irritation as she flew at high speed toward Hwa-eun’s living quarters.
Gyaaaah!
I let out a mental scream as I hopped onto the windowsill and employed Seokcheok Byeokho Shinbo to scale down part of the way before propelling myself toward the earth.
From behind me, Bing-i’s uncertain voice trembled in my thoughts.
— “I… I didn’t do something wrong, did I?”
It finally occurred to him that he might have erred. I spun around and delivered the blunt reality.
“Bing-i, humans don’t seek approval for that. When someone is already taken, it means no one else can be with them.”
— “W-what? But you always have Aunt Seol with you, so I assumed it was permissible…”
“No! Seol is my sister, we come from the same brood!”
— “And that’s… an issue? I mean, Seol and I hatched from the same clutch as well…”
“…Haaa…”
The attempt to explain was rapidly becoming a lost cause.
As I released a heavy sigh, Bing-i tentatively suggested:
— “W-well, perhaps if Lady Hwa-eun turns Ranghu down, everything will just resolve itself?”
This fool had completely engaged his wishful thinking mode.
But what if Hwa-eun said no and Ranghu reacted badly?
I couldn’t risk it—I surged ahead using Qinggong and sprinted in the direction of Hwa-eun’s residence.
Tak tak tak tak!
“Identify yourself!”
“It’s me! My apologies!”
“Lord So-ryong? Why are you vaulting over the wall like a common thief?”
“Ahaha… I have an explanation, really!”
“There are more guards on duty over in that section, you realize—”
“I apologize! Truly sorry!”
While I was hopping the wall and hurrying across the courtyard, offering my regrets to the alerted guards, I evidently triggered one of Yo-hwa’s concealed traps, because a dark shape descended smoothly next to me in mid-air.
— Ksshhht?
“Ah, Yo-hwa. I’m heading to Hwa-eun’s room.”
— Kshhht-kshhht.
She appeared to choose to accompany me and lifted me into her embrace, ascending into the air with a speed far beyond my own capabilities.
Held by Yo-hwa, we glided over the tops of buildings and barriers, reaching the doorway to Hwa-eun’s chambers in no time.
From within, I could already make out Hwa-eun’s words.
“Oh? You wish to be with So-ryong?”
Oh no. Is she already discussing it with her!?
— Bzzzt.
— Chrrrr. “That’s her message, Mom.”
From the noise, it was clear Ranghu was doing precisely what Bing-i indicated she would—seeking Hwa-eun’s consent. And it seemed Cho was also present, acting as a translator for her buzzing.
GYAAAAAH.
Whatever Hwa-eun said next had the potential to either cause an uproar or create calm. I had no clue where this catastrophe was heading.
Then, I heard Hwa-eun’s soft tone.
“What do you mean, Ranghu? You’re already one of So-ryong’s, aren’t you?”
…WHAT?!
I gaped emptily at Bing-i, who was perched on my shoulder.
I had been anticipating a flat denial. At the very least, some emotional scene. But this?
This was veering into an area I hadn’t even imagined.
Bing-i tilted his head and inquired:
— “But Father, she agreed? I thought you predicted she would refuse. Maybe Mother is just very understanding? If it were Seol, she certainly wouldn’t have permitted it. I imagine there would be lost scales somewhere… Mother is truly kind, isn’t she?”
In all probability, Ranghu’s statement about wanting to “be with me” was intended as a profession of romantic feelings.
However, Hwa-eun appeared to have understood it as Ranghu requesting to be formally recognized as one of my poisonous allies.
Thus her reply: “You already are.”
— Bzzzz.
— Chrrt. “She expresses her gratitude, Mom. She is truly touched.”
“My, touched? Fufu. You know, this is really the first proper chat we’ve had, Ranghu.”
— Bzzzzzz.
— Chrrrrrr. “Big Sis Ranghu says she desires a closer relationship with you from now on.”
“Is that so? Thank you, Ranghu. Oh—has So-ryong informed you yet?”
— Bzzz?
“I mean, we may be departing again shortly. Didn’t he mention it?”
— Bzzz.
“How strange. I was certain he said he told you. In any case, it seems we’ll be gone for a short time. Is that acceptable?”
— Bzzzzzz.
“I feel terrible about constantly leaving you behind. I genuinely desire to bring you along as well. That’s the difficult part.”
Two individuals, two entirely separate understandings—and yet, somehow, the confusion had resolved itself harmoniously.
Just as I faced Bing-i to question how we were going to sort out this situation—
— Kshhhht?
Yo-hwa’s inquisitive sound broke my concentration.
I glanced to my side—but she had vanished.
Searching the surroundings, I noticed the open door to Hwa-eun’s rooms.
Then the following words came from within:
— Chrrrt. “Mom, Big Sis Yo-hwa states that she also wants to be Dad’s.”
“…This day is certainly full of unexpected events. But all of you already belong to So-ryong. Naturally, Yo-hwa is his as well.”
— Ksshhhhh.
Yo-hwa’s light, chirping laugh resonated from inside the chamber.
I stared vacantly at Bing-i once more, completely speechless.
Then, with a gentle tap, Bing-i jumped off my shoulder and started meandering toward the entrance.
Oh, he’s entering to resolve the problem he created. Good. That’s appropriate.
He caused it, he should address it.
That’s when I caught his murmured words:
— “I suppose I ought to begin addressing them as… stepmothers?”
…Hopeless. Totally, breathtakingly hopeless.
***
The following morning, we assembled for our departure.
Representing the Tang Clan, fighters and relatives had arrived to bid us farewell.
On our side were myself, Sister Seol, and the Dragon Fangs—O-ryong Sambong.
Shortly after we had positioned ourselves, two beggars I didn’t recognize suddenly appeared before Gujinmun, arriving via Qinggong.
“Oops. Our timing is off.”
One was a youthful beggar, his tattered garments fastened with eight looped knots.
Elder Geolhwang had mentioned he would dispatch two individuals to assist us. One of them, he said, was a student of the present Beggars’ Union Chief. This had to be him.
Based on what Hwa-eun had shared with me, the Eight Knots signify a personal disciple of the acting Union Chief.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Hu-gae Makgok. It has been too long, Elder Mandok Shingun. Clan Leader Tang.”
“It has been some time, Hu-gae.”
“Witnessing you in such good health fills me with optimism for the Beggars’ Union’s prospects.”
“And you must be Young Lord So-ryong?”
This Makgok individual, despite his dirty attire, looked quite alert for a beggar—until he spoke and uncovered a conspicuous gap where a front tooth should be.
He emitted the vibe of a simpleton, a person who was dim-witted yet oddly endearing, possibly due to his absent tooth.
“The pleasure is mine. I am So-ryong.”
I responded to his formal salute with a courteous gesture of my own.
At that moment, a well-known voice called from behind me—Master Jaheo.
“It’s been an age, Makgok.”
The beggar looked past me and smiled.
“Oh, so you’re here as well, Jaheo? I was only told the Dragon Fangs would be joining.”
“What brings someone as indolent as you all the way to Sichuan? What’s the reason?”
“The locusts, naturally. My master wouldn’t stop going on about it. Truthfully, if a beggar is hungry, he ought to just endure it—that’s the natural order. Such a nuisance. Still, I expect it won’t be dull with you involved.”
His manner of speaking was completely uninhibited.
I guessed “old man” referred to either his master or Elder Geolhwang. Regardless, he communicated like a genuine beggar—free, casual, and openly straightforward.
“So, who is this with you? Would you like to present them to Young Lord So-ryong?”
Jaheo motioned toward the second beggar who had come with Makgok, gracefully steering the discussion back to me.
Makgoj turned to present the other man.
“Oh, correct. Nearly forgot. This person here is fluent in the tongues of Tianzhu and the Potala Palace. His name isn’t particularly significant—we beggars don’t put much stock in such formalities.”
“Elder Geolhwang has already briefed me.”
So the second beggar was someone Elder Geolhwang had alerted me about—a probable translator for any interactions with people from the Tibetan areas.
“Well then, the group is complete. Should we begin our journey?”
With the introductions completed, we were ready to proceed.
As I surveyed the assembly, my father-in-law swiftly came near and murmured in my ear:
[You have had a proper discussion with the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings, correct?]
He was still anxious about Ranghu.
But since Hwa-eun had informed her of our departure, there was no cause for alarm. She had appeared content with Hwa-eun’s answer and had remained silent afterward.
Nevertheless, one task remained for me—clarifying the misunderstanding.
That could be postponed until we came back from Tibet.
I had no desire to disturb the hornet’s nest… in the most literal sense.
Then again, it truly is a hornet’s nest.
[Certainly, Father-in-law.]
Content with my reply, he gave a nod and moved away. I turned and announced to the children.
“Okay, everyone. It’s time to depart.”
— Grrr. “Acknowledged.”
Emerging from the undergrowth came Cheongwol, and alongside her, the rest: Hyang, Seol, Bing, Dong, Sandan, Ranghyang, Hongdan, Hwayang. And trailing after them, Cheongyu, Yeondu, Orange, Cho, and Bini all approached me.
Overhead, Moji, Soji, and Sister Jeokwol fluttered about.
Makgok’s alarmed exclamation sounded:
“Hiiiik! I-I had heard stories, but they are even more astonishing than described!”
That was the typical response when someone encountered my creatures for the initial time. Smiling, I provided my standard answer.
“They will not cause you any harm, provided you do not attempt to harm them.”
“R-right. Naturally.”
Still daunted, Makgok and the other beggar automatically maintained their space.
It was time to proceed to the dock where our vessel was waiting.
“Shall we proceed?”
At my signal, Cheongwol crouched down in front of me.
Hwa-eun and Sister Seol got on, and Cheongwol gestured for me to join them.
— Grnng. “So-ryong, get on.”
“I’ll do just that.”
We started moving toward the boat.
It was a novel and invigorating experience to journey in the full light of day with all the children.
Usually, we were forced to creep about under cover of darkness to remain unseen.
But this was the domain of the Tang Clan. They could simply close off the pathways.
There were certain advantages to being affiliated with a influential clan.
“It’s pleasant to travel by daylight.”
— Chrrrt. “Yes, Dad.”
— Shiaa. “Indeed, So-ryong. I believe this is our inaugural time traveling so openly in the daytime.”
— Skka. “Hyung, Yeondu truly enjoys it. Can we go out during the day more frequently?”
— Shia. “I’ve instructed you not to make such remarks in front of others.”
— Skaaat. “M-my apologies…”
Orange had excitedly exclaimed something foolish, received a reprimand from Yeondu, and drooped—but soon regained his enthusiasm.
It was then that we got to the river—and noticed Geumdo in the distance.
— Brrrr.
Geumdo emitted a low sound of greeting, and shortly after, Heukjeomi burst from the water, shaking his whole body.
I had informed them the previous day that we would be leaving today, so they seemed thrilled to be on the move once more.
“Hello, Geumdo, Heukjeomi. It’s good to see you both.”
We had arrived at the river’s edge.
Just as we were getting ready to board the boat, and forming a line next to Geumdo—
Do Sagong, the person in charge of the boat, approached with a tentative expression.
“So-ryong-nim, I didn’t receive word from you personally, but we’ve reserved one of the docks for some visitors who came beforehand. Will that be acceptable?”
“Visitors who came beforehand?”
“Yes, they showed up last evening seeking lodging. We provided them shelter, but…”
What?
There were people besides us intending to come aboard?
Had someone deceived the Tang Clan?
I hurried over to the designated dock.
And from the open entrance, I detected a much too recognizable sound:
— Bzzzt.
— Bzzzzzt.
“It can’t be…”
Looking through the open door, I saw Ranghu inside—having already constructed her own geometric hive formation.
Roughly a hundred worker wasps were also buzzing around.
Evidently, she had relocated early, before our departure.
Abruptly, I recalled what Hwa-eun had told her the day before:
“I apologize for invariably leaving you behind. I truly wish we could take you with us.”
And just like that, Ranghu—quick and resourceful—took it at face value.
She had arrived and claimed her place on the boat ahead of all others.
A headache was beginning to form.