Master Cheon-Ho's bearings and the things that he set out to do weren't very ruler worthy. One after another, Master YMang found things about Master Cheon-Ho that did not like. Now, Master YMang simply became unpleasant whenever he thought about Master Cheon-Ho.
Just from a glance, Master YMang can tell that the small fox in front of him was not well treated and that the boy did not carry much spiritual energy. Scanning Ho-Chi's uneasy glances and shivering form, Master YMang clicked his tongue.
"Tsk, I wouldn't be able to find fault in this insignificant thing, for sure."
Listening to Master YMang's words, Ho-Chi's fat drops of tears streamed down his cheeks. Unlike Master Cheon-Ho's palace, Master YMang's palace was painted black. The overpowering aura of the place pressed down on Ho-Chi like a physical force.
Adding to the imposing aura of the palace, Master YMang's gaze did move from Ho-Chi.
Master YMang advanced on Ho-Chi. Ho-Chi could not help but tremble with fear.
"P..Please, spare me…"
"You should have said that to your Master."
Master YMang spoke coldly.
"Please, spare me… I will do anything."
"You should have begged to your master who abandoned you."
With that, Master YMang reached out his cold hand and lifted Ho-Chi by the nape. Master YMang's mouth opened up wide and swallowed Ho-Chi whole with a gulp.
The portion was so small that it couldn't even curve one's appetite. Master YMang wore a mocking smile.
The news traveled to Master Cheon-Ho and JHo's ears.
Master Cheon-Ho laughed it off and forgot, but JHo quietly sighed with troubled heart.
Master YMang who came out for a regular councilor meeting made a wry face.
Master YMang's face that was bright with energy, just yesterday, was now looked unwell. Even his complexion was a bit pale.
Thinking that they did something to offend their ruler, subordinates became quiet with worries and jittery with nerves.
Master YMang spent his whole day without saying anything.
"Bring me some liquor."
Before going to bed, Master YMang ordered.
Everyone was bit puzzled, because Master YMang rarely enjoyed alcohol, but they picked the prettiest servants and sent them in along with some tray of foods and drinks. However, servants were chased out right away.
Master YMang silently listened to the sounds of insects and pored himself a drink while sweeping his belly.
'weep…weep…'
Since last night, the sound of weeping continuously rang in Master YMang's head.
'weep…weep…'
Faint sound of crying was liaised with feeling of caution and worry for disturbing Master YMang, so Master YMang sighed a heavy sigh and endured the cry last night.
Thinking that the crying will pass when he digests completely, Master YMang drank his alcohol with the intention of falling asleep tonight.
The sounds of crickets and still view of the night was well matched with the sound of weep, Master YMang thought as he drank.
As the days pass, Master YMang's figure became emaciated and his subordinates' hearts were boiling down with worries
The subordinates asked for the reasons of Master YMang's distress, but Master YMang did not give them any answer.
Nights without sleep continued and the weeping sound in Master YMang's head did not cease. With a sigh, Master YMang reached down through his mouth and found Ho-Chi, dragging him out.
Same as they first met, Ho-Chi was wearing a beautiful silk clothes and was crying.
Unable to bear the glaring eyes of Master YMang, Ho-Chi began to cry anew. Watching this, Master YMang reached his hands out to cover up Ho-Chi's face. Ho-Chi's face was so small that it fitted right into Master YMang's hand.
Scared by the big hand that blocked his view, Ho-Chi quivered as he sniffed his tears.
"I do not like spilling blood so I will not kill you."
"weep…weep…"
"In exchange, I will take away your tears. You will not be able to shed a single tear in your life."
Master YMang took his hand back and, just like that, Ho-Chi's tears were gone.
Master YMang swallowed the one tear drop in his hand with a gulp.
And then, unable to discard Ho-Chi because palace etiquette, Master YMang gave Ho-Chi a small room in the palace of concubines.
Later on, Master YMang regretted his action.
Because, later on, Master YMang wanted to find Ho-Chi's tear and give it back to him, but it was already digested. Why did he had to take away Ho-Chi's tear, Master YMang never ceased regretting his decision.
Compared to before, Ho-Chi's life in the black palace was much glamorous.
However, No one came to speak with Ho-Chi.
Ho-Chi was lacking in spiritual energy and he did not have connection in society. Master Cheon-Ho was Ho-Chi's creator but, since Master Cheon-Ho did not care for Ho-Chi from the beginning, it did not count.
Ho-Chi was living in the palace of concubine but, because Ho-Chi did not serve Master YMang, he was not a concubine. Ho-Chi wasn't a subordinate either.
Even though Ho-Chi's position in the palace was precarious one, but Ho-Chi was given things that were both expensive and splendid, according to the propriety.
Ho-Chi spent his time quietly without any presence.