Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 434

Chapter 434
By the time our weary party made it back to camp following the lengthy pursuit that lasted the whole night, the first light of dawn was already coloring the sky.
“Little Hero So, what occurred?”
“Heavenly Master, were you successful?”
Even with the sun beginning to rise, the campfire continued to blaze vigorously.
A rich, pleasant scent was coming from the cooking pot suspended above the flames.
It seemed the interpreter and Tenzin had maintained the fire and cooked a meal.
The air was cold, and after a full night of roaming, everyone felt the need for warmth and was hungry. Appreciative, I promptly took a seat near the fire and addressed their inquiries.
“Ah, it all turned out fine. A spirit creature had been riding on the monkey that Gungbong killed. With nowhere else to go, it latched onto Gungbong temporarily. It got frightened and attempted to run, but I managed to capture it—well, to be precise, I persuaded it to return.
Oh, and the one operating Gungbong’s body right now is that spirit creature. But you can interact with her normally. We reached an understanding, so there’s no cause for alarm.”
“Hold on… You mean to say a spirit creature is residing inside Miss Gungbong’s body?”
“That’s correct.”
I delivered this information in a matter-of-fact way, but the interpreter was blinking rapidly, his mind visibly working to comprehend it.
He kept looking from me to Gungbong and back again.
The notion of another entity “occupying” a human form was difficult for him to grasp.
Tenzin, on the other hand, simply smiled and passed me a bowl of hot porridge.
He appeared entirely unbothered.
“The morning is chilly, and you endured a difficult night. Please, eat this. To think you settled matters with a spirit creature through dialogue. You truly are the Heavenly Master.
For another spirit creature to manifest in this manner… It is evident that the very course you tread attracts them, Heavenly Master…”
“At this rate, if I sneezed, he’d probably claim that as further confirmation of my status.”
Tenzin’s belief that I was the Heavenly Master was absolute. In his view, anything I did merely served as more proof.
I tuned out the rest and concentrated on the porridge.
—Slurp.
Once I started eating, the rest of the group and the children began to congregate around the fire one after another.
Even the kids who normally avoided the fire drew near, likely because their core temperature had fallen after the night’s exertions.
It was then I observed the harvestman spirit within Gungbong’s body lingering uncertainly at the periphery.
She seemed uncomfortable, twisting her fingers together, not knowing where to go or what to do.
To any outside observer, she would simply appear to be Gungbong.
I motioned for her to join us.
“Why are you standing back there? Come, sit. You already ate something before, right?”
“Me? Ah, yes. That food was for this woman’s physical form, not for me, but… I understand.”
Since she had previously eaten by mimicking Gungbong’s actions, I was asking her to eat again. Tentatively, she came forward and sat down a short space away from me.
I called out to Tenzin.
“Tenzin, could you please bring some food for Gungbong too?”
“As you wish, Heavenly Master.”
While I ate, I questioned the harvestman.
“Incidentally—do you possess a name?”
“M-me, you mean?”
“Yes, you.”
“No, I do not…”
“Is that so? Then I suppose calling you Gungbong isn’t appropriate, so I should provide you with one.”
“You intend to give me a name?”
“Indeed. I can’t keep addressing you as ‘hey you.’ Yet, calling you Gungbong also seems incorrect.”
“You could continue to use Gungbong…”
She proposed I stick with that name, but was that acceptable?
Absolutely not.
If my intention was for her to remain with us, I needed to bestow a name upon her within the three days before Gungbong awoke—to foster her sense of identity and belonging.
“‘Harvestman’ translates to ‘Mangju’ in the Central Plains tongue, so perhaps a name incorporating ‘Mang’? Wait—I should first confirm if she is indeed female. I believe she is, but I must be certain.”
Confirming gender was a vital step in the naming process.
I asked her,
“Tell me, you are female, aren’t you?”
“Huh? Yes, I am. How could you tell?”
“Oh, there are ways to know.”
I knew because she lacked external reproductive organs.
Common spiders do not have visible reproductive parts; males deposit sperm onto a small web and transfer it to the female. However, in harvestman species, the males possess noticeable external organs.
Since she did not have these, I deduced she was female.
So—gender confirmed: female.
Harvestman in Central Plains: Mangju.
“Perhaps something like Manghui? No… that sounds too similar to Gungbong. Maybe use the ‘Star’ character, as her kind falls under the Star category within the Sun-Moon-Star-Quake classification?”
As I was pondering names, Sister Seol suddenly interjected.
“Now that I get a proper look, So-ryong, doesn’t she bear a resemblance to a rabbit?”
That redirected my attention to the horn-like projections on her back.
They did look remarkably like rabbit ears.
They weren’t stiff; they quivered like actual ears, even though they weren’t used for hearing. They were more like pliable spines growing from her back, probably akin to the structures seen in Bunny Harvestman species.
I studied her for a moment and then devised a suitable name.
“Very well. Your name shall be Soto (Xiaotu).”
“Soto?”
“Yes. It signifies ‘Little Rabbit.’ Those projections on your back are the spitting image of rabbit ears.”
The sound of “Xiaotu” carried a gentle, endearing quality.
I asked her with a smile,
“Does it please you?”
“It’s not a matter of pleasure… I-I am simply thankful. This is… the first time I have ever received a name. Soto…”
She repeated the name softly, her expression becoming distant and thoughtful.
Witnessing that, I felt assured my assumption was right.
“She undoubtedly yearns for a place to belong.”
More than being moved by the name itself, she seemed to hunger for inclusion within a community.
Certain harvestman species are known to be gregarious. Considering she previously inhabited a monkey and lived within a troop, I was confident she desired companionship and a sense of belonging.
She argued that her need for a host body stemmed from weakness—but if solitude were acceptable, she could have simply hidden inside any other creature.
So why did she remain with the monkeys?
Typically, the greater a creature’s intelligence, the more acutely it feels loneliness.
***
Because we had devoted the entire night to pursuing Soto, we elected to take a day’s rest.
Even for practiced martial artists, a full night without sleep is draining.
Inside the tent, where the children had already settled into their preferred spots, I announced,
“Alright everyone, shift over a little.”
—Tssrrr. 『Understood, Daddy.』
Cho was the first to react, nudging the others aside and moving towards the outer part of the tent.
But as we created room in the center, Bini started to vocalize her discontent.
—Tssrt. 『Quit shoving! It’s chilly over here.』
—Tssrrt. 『But we must make space in the middle for that lady and Mama.』
—Tssrrrr. 『Ugh! I want to sleep next to Daddy as well!』
—Kyu-ki?
—Tssr. 『No, Sister Ranghyang doesn’t need to move. Bini will shift over further.』
Even though it was daytime outside, the edges of the tent grew much colder than the center after sunset.
To free up the central area, the larger children had to relocate outwards—and Bini, being one of the bigger ones, found herself squeezed towards the side.
Cho moved as well, but as the eldest sister, she refrained from complaining. Bini, the youngest, did not.
I went over and gave her head a soft pat.
“My apologies, Bini. Just for tonight, alright? Tomorrow I will request that Yo-hwa Unni enlarge the tent.”
—Tssrt. 『Tch… very well. I’ll oblige just this once.』
“Yo-hwa, we’ll need to extend the tent tomorrow.”
—Kisit.
Wearing a begrudging look, Bini relocated to the tent’s outer fringe.
As she did so, she cast an annoyed glance towards Gungbong—who was standing awkwardly near me.
This entire rearrangement was on her account.
Or, more accurately, on account of Soto currently residing within Gungbong’s body.
How did this situation arise?
Well, we initially had three tents.
One for the men, one for the women, and one for myself and the children.
Naturally, Gungbong—meaning Soto—was designated for the women’s tent.
But since she was essentially a spirit creature inhabiting a human form, most of the women, with the exception of Sister Seol and Hwa-eun, refused to sleep near her.
Placing Gungbong’s body in the men’s tent was also out of the question.
Thus, a discussion ensued.
“P-perhaps Little Hero So could simply share his tent with her?”
“What?! You propose that So-ryong sleeps beside Gungbong?!”
“But Little Hero So already shares his quarters with the other spirit creatures.”
“But that is Gungbong’s physical form!”
“Technically, it is the spirit creature inhabiting Gungbong’s body that would be sleeping nearby.”
Ultimately, since the only remaining tent was the one I shared with the children, it was decided she would stay with me.
There was no problem with Soto sleeping amongst our spirit creatures—the issue lay with Gungbong’s body.
Allowing her into my tent implied, even if unintentionally, that I would be sharing sleeping space with Gungbong.
Unsurprisingly, Hwa-eun objected with firm determination.
“I cannot permit this!”
Just then, my sister-in-law put forward a suggestion.
“Oh, I have an idea… Ah! What if I sleep there as well?”
“You mean myself and So-ryong sleeping alongside Gungbong?”
“Yes! And I will position myself between you two. You are betrothed, after all, so it should be acceptable, correct?”
“Hmm… I suppose, given our engagement, there is no significant issue with sleeping next to one another.”
Abruptly, Hwa-eun, who had been immovable an instant before, reversed her position without any hesitation.
I started to question whether this was truly appropriate, given the number of people present and the potential perceptions—but her sharp glare silenced me before I could finish.
“I mean, even so, there are many observers and—”
“It is merely sleeping, is it not, So-ryong?”
“Then couldn’t it simply be Soto sleeping near me, which would still just be sleeping—”
“So. Ryong?”
Hwa-eun’s eyes conveyed that this would involve far more than “just holding hands.” Dreading the outcome of further objection, I acquiesced. And so, we were required to reorganize everyone’s sleeping positions to accommodate the three of us.
“I-I am sorry… This is my fault.”
Soto offered an apology, watching the children adjust to make room.
I shook my head, and Hwa-eun added, in a tone meant to be comforting,
“It is fine. There is no alternative.”
“Yes. Do not trouble yourself over it. It resolved itself adequately.”
“Resolved…?”
“We mean the sleeping situation was settled quite favorably, that is all.”
Hwa-eun seemed content, probably because it meant she could legitimately sleep beside me.
Her sleeping habits were generally good—save for one peculiar trait: she had a tendency to drape her leg over me while asleep.
“…What is this about?”
***
Soto had estimated it would require three full days for Gungbong to awaken.
However, midway through the second day, an unforeseen event transpired.
“If you are weary, you are welcome to ride on Hwanji or Hwana’s back. Gungbong’s body still appears somewhat frail following the fever. Hwanji and Hwana are fellow spirit beasts—they will not object.”
“I-it is unnecessary. The fever was a reaction to my venom—it only occurs initially.”
“Oh, so Gungbong is recovering… but are you unharmed, Soto? You are not injured or fatigued from all that running?”
“I am fine.”
“Alright, then we shall proceed at a gentle pace.”
We were en route to Podarlap Palace.
To make Soto feel welcome, I had asked the others to be courteous to her, and I myself continued to converse with her.
She responded and kept walking—but then she halted abruptly.
And began to weep.
“Eh—uh… Are you well? Are you awakening?! Wah, what in the—?!”
I hurried over and examined Gungbong, who turned her gaze towards me.
“I believe I am rousing earlier than anticipated. Little Hero So, I am frightened! Wahh…”
Though tears flowed from her eyes, her face was completely serene—then she started crying again.
Evidently, Gungbong was regaining awareness faster than predicted.
“…This is problematic.”
She was not fully conscious yet, and I had not succeeded in making Soto feel entirely integrated. I began to feel a flicker of alarm—until Soto’s voice provided reassurance:
“Her body is not yet prepared, but her mind appears to have awakened first.”
So there remained a window of time.
I explained the circumstances to Gungbong, the true owner of the body.
“Gungbong, can you hear me? Do not be alarmed. This is not a strange phenomenon. Compose yourself and listen. I will explain everything. What is the final thing you recall?”
“…That I had a fever and felt unwell?”
“Correct. What transpired was—during the hunt, you…”
I provided her with a concise overview of all that had occurred.
Her reaction comprised two elements: gratitude—and an apology.
“You all detected that I was possessed? You truly are my genuine friends! Oh, and I am sorry about your monkey.”
She was grateful we had perceived something was amiss with her—and she apologized to Soto for eliminating her host.
Soto had been a victim as well.
No one mentioned it, but the fact that we only discerned the change because she began acting more intelligently became our shared secret.
Following that, Gungbong swiftly accepted the situation—that she could not yet command her body and that Soto would need to continue using it for perhaps another half day.
“Ah, I understand now. It is acceptable. I share some responsibility anyway.”
And with equal speed, she began to adjust to Soto’s presence.
“Feed that to me.”
“This?”
“Yes.”
“Can you taste it?”
“Yes, I believe my tongue is finally regaining sensation. Also, this is actually quite convenient.”
“What is?”
“I mean, I simply lie here and delicious food is brought to my mouth. I do not have to walk—the body moves on its own. It is wonderful!”
“I am pleased to hear that.”
She expressed that it was agreeable to have Soto manage everything while she did nothing.
“So Ji-ryong estimates we have around ten days remaining, so we can proceed leisurely.”
“Ah, I see. But my—you are exceedingly clever, are you not?”
“M-me?”
“Absolutely! You always comprehend things even when they are only hinted at. I am dreadful at that. Truly, you are impressive!”
Instead of fearing Soto, Gungbong began to express admiration for her—as if she had discovered her own personal guide.
And then, the next day, when Gungbong completely regained command of her body—
She presented a wholly unexpected proposition.
“Little Hero So, might I borrow this girl for a time?”
“Pardon?”
“You stated you would release Soto once I could move again, correct?”
“Uh, yes?”
“But Soto mentioned she enjoys it here—she appreciates how kind the other spirit creatures are and how pleasant everyone is.”
Ooh, excellent!
It was positive that Soto felt a sense of belonging and wished to remain—but I was uncertain why Gungbong desired to borrow her.
Gungbong elaborated further.
“But if she vacates my body, she will be unable to speak until she locates a new one, correct? That would be aggravating. And if she remains with me, I will not have to continually ask people to reiterate what they said.
She clarifies all the complex matters, too. It is tremendously helpful. I am willing to let her use my body on occasion.”
“…Ah.”
I… had not anticipated this.
My plan had been to welcome Soto into our group and eventually assist her in finding a suitable host body.
At the Tang Clan, we would likely find a surrendered female Blood Cult member or another individual Soto could utilize. Failing that, we could simply apprehend someone from the Blood Cult or Five Venoms Clan and turn them over.
But now Gungbong was offering to lend out her own form.
I hesitated—what if they became too attached, and Soto decided to depart with Gungbong?
At that moment, Soto spoke up.
“So-ryong-nim, I accessed your memories while I was within Gungbong. I am aware of your deep concern for spirit creatures like myself. Therefore, I will follow you.
Remaining in Gungbong’s body is merely a matter of convenience and familiarity—it suits us both. So please, do not worry.”
According to Soto, she could catch glimpses of the host’s memories while inhabiting their body—and from this, she had gleaned an understanding of my character.
That was why she advised me not to worry.
In any case, it was resolved satisfactorily.
Soto wished to stay.
And as Gungbong pointed out, we could not leave her mute until a new host was procured—so I nodded.
“Then… shall we proceed with that?”
I was delighted to have acquired a new companion—but somehow, it felt like I had also gained an unanticipated extra.
“Why does this feel less like a loan and more like… an additional burden?”
And so, our journey towards Podarlap Palace continued.