Chapter 37
Mutual Benefit
“…What did you say?”
Gyeom’s handsome brow furrowed deeply at the request — one he had never imagined hearing.
“I heard that Your Majesty will soon march to the southern border. When that time comes, please take me with you.”
Despite his clearly disapproving reaction, Danseol spoke calmly, stepping closer to him one deliberate pace at a time. Each step made the soft rustle of silk whisper through the air.
A hollow laugh escaped Gyeom’s lips, but his face soon hardened with coldness.
“I’m not going there for leisure.”
“I’m aware of that.”
“You never know what may happen on the battlefield. So—”
“I know better than anyone.”
Her steady tone made the frown on Gyeom’s face deepen further. He was just about to rebuke her when she added quietly,
“I know because I’ve been there myself.”
At that, Gyeom fell silent.
There was a strange weight behind her calm words — something that could only come from experience.
Having fought through countless wars, Gyeom could tell from a person’s words and demeanor whether they truly understood what war meant — or if they were just posturing.
Those who had truly been through battle never bragged about it. They rarely even spoke of it — because recalling it was too painful.
Just like Danseol now.
“In that case, there’s nothing more to say. My answer is no.”
“Why—”
“The battlefield is a place where no one knows when or where they might die.”
Even in the rear, no place was ever completely safe. The enemy, the Yuldoguk, could launch a surprise attack at any time.
“That’s no different from this place.”
Danseol smiled bitterly.
“If Your Majesty leaves, Her Majesty the Empress will not leave me alone.”
Even when Gyeom was right before her eyes, Iwha couldn’t restrain her jealousy and cruelty. If he left the palace for a long period of time, there would be no one to stop her.
“Do you think I’d leave without making proper arrangements?”
“On the contrary, this is the perfect opportunity to make more use of me.”
Her audacious remark made Gyeom’s eyes narrow. His expression seemed to ask if he’d heard her right.
“If you take your favored concubine with you to the battlefield, won’t that drive the Empress even madder?”
“Hah… so you’re offering to be the bait?”
Gyeom gave a short, incredulous laugh at her sharp insight.
He had known she was clever, but he hadn’t expected her to discern his intentions this quickly.
Remarkable.
Even if she hadn’t fully grasped his plan, the fact that she’d come this close based only on intuition spoke of keen observation and insight.
“So, what you’re suggesting is mutual benefit?”
“I don’t know what scheme you’re plotting this time,” Gyeom murmured as he swept his gaze over her.
Though her figure looked frail in fluttering silk, paradoxically, he sensed from her an unyielding strength that couldn’t easily be broken.
“Very well. I’ll take you.”
At his words, Danseol’s face brightened. She hadn’t flinched even when given treasures or jewels, yet now — merely being permitted to go to the battlefield — she looked genuinely pleased. It was oddly fascinating.
Clever woman.
In truth, leaving Danseol behind in the palace with Iwha had troubled Gyeom greatly. The Empress’s influence extended everywhere — no matter how tight his security, there would always be cracks.
But Danseol had pinpointed that very concern.
If she was in danger no matter where she went, then better to keep her where his eyes could reach her.
“In return, promise me you’ll behave yourself.”
“I promise.”
Her eyes widened slightly in surprise at his unexpected condition, but she soon bowed respectfully.
Yes… I’m merely doing what’s necessary to use her for my own ends, Gyeom reminded himself as he looked down at the graceful curve of her bowed head.
It wasn’t because he was worried about her. Not at all.
News that Emperor Lee Gyeom would personally lead an expedition south quickly swept through the imperial palace. Yet what truly set tongues wagging wasn’t the expedition itself — it was the announcement that he would be taking his concubine, Noble Consort Dan, with him.
“How much must he treasure her to take her to a battlefield?”
“Even so, that’s excessive…”
“So the rumors are true — His Majesty’s been bewitched by a woman. Hah, unbelievable.”
Everywhere, the palace servants whispered Danseol’s name.
What kind of spell had she cast, they wondered, that the Emperor who’d always shunned women now acted this way?
Even when she was pregnant with the royal heir, she hadn’t drawn this much attention.
Soon enough, the news reached the ears of the Empress, Iwha.
“You’ve executed my order quite well,” she said coolly, “since His Majesty himself declared that he’ll take that concubine along.”
At the icy tone, Chief Physician Joodan threw himself flat on the floor.
“My deepest apologies, Your Majesty.”
“I distinctly recall recommending that woman as a medical assistant. So why is she being treated with such favor now?”
According to rumors, Gyeom had even prepared a carriage and personal guards for Danseol. It sounded less like a war campaign and more like a pleasure outing.
“T-The situation unfolded too quickly for this servant to intervene…”
“You have quite a talent for lengthy excuses.”
“Please, have mercy and end my life!”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Joodan banged his forehead against the floor. If he didn’t beg like this, he might really lose his head.
“Enough. You’re giving me a headache,” Iwha said, grimacing in irritation. She hadn’t summoned him to hear excuses.
“In any case, that insolent woman is going to a perilous place. I won’t pursue the matter further.”
“Your Majesty…”
Joodan looked up, relief washing over his face — only for it to drain away again when Iwha added,
“Of course, that’s if you go south and prove useful.”
At those words, Joodan’s face went pale. He had no intention of joining the expedition.
As the Imperial Chief Physician, he had often demanded others sacrifice for the nation — yet he himself had always kept a safe distance, using the Empress Dowager’s and Iwha’s health as excuses to stay behind.
Why suffer needlessly?
But now, he was being forced onto the very path he’d been trying to avoid.
“Surely, you’re not thinking of ignoring a national crisis, are you, Chief Physician?”
“N-No, of course not, Your Majesty. I shall devote myself entirely to your command!”
As Joodan bowed low, Iwha’s lips curved into a smooth, cold smile.
“Good. I trust you won’t disappoint me this time.”
Though it angered her that Gyeom had declared he’d take Danseol with him, she wasn’t entirely displeased. After all — it was a battlefield.
Danseol was busy preparing to leave from the break of dawn.
Instead of her usual silks, she wore practical trousers more suited for men, layered with a long outer robe split at the seams and tied with a belt.
After sorting through her belongings and trimming down her luggage, she finally seemed ready when a servant called from outside,
“Lady, the Imperial Physician Tae Seorang has come to see you.”
Danseol turned toward the window. Dawn had broken; the sky was beginning to lighten.
“Let him in.”
As soon as permission was granted, Seorang hurried inside.
“What brings you here so early?”
“Is it true you mean to follow His Majesty to the front?”
“As you can see.”
Danseol glanced at the packed luggage beside her.
“The battlefield is no place for you. This isn’t a countryside excursion.”
On top of that, disease had broken out along the southern border. It was dangerous even for a strong man, let alone a woman.
“The decision’s already made.”
Danseol understood perfectly what Seorang meant, but she had no intention of backing down.
It’s dangerous, yes — but this might be my only chance.
Living in the palace had taught her one thing: she could never get close enough to harm Emperor Lee Gyeom there. Too many eyes, too many restrictions on her every move as a concubine.
But a battlefield was different — chaotic, full of chances.
And it would be far easier to slip away than from the imperial palace.
“…Then I have no choice,” Seorang sighed. “I’ll go with you. In fact, as soon as I heard you were accompanying His Majesty, I volunteered as well.”
Danseol’s eyes widened slightly.
“You should have at least one person on your side, shouldn’t you?”
“Thank you, Doctor.”
A gentle smile curved her lips. With Seorang accompanying her, the weight in her chest eased just a little.
“Well then, let’s depart.”
Together, Danseol and Tae Seorang left Chuwol Hall.
“Your Majesty, Lady Dan has arrived.”
From afar, Gyeom saw Danseol approaching with Seorang. Her long hair was tied tightly back, and her attire was far more casual than usual.
When the wind caught her robe, her slim legs — clad in trousers — were revealed.
Caught off guard by the unexpected sight, Gyeom stared for a moment before gesturing curtly.
“Escort Lady Dan to the carriage.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
The voice came — surprisingly — from Danseol herself. She had already approached close.
“There’s no time to waste. I’ll ride on horseback.”
And with practiced ease, Danseol mounted the horse that a soldier led toward her.
