Chapter 47
Before the horses carrying Argana and Kartak even reached the mansion, the home of General Orchai, having received the news, became extremely bustling.
“Quickly, quickly! Sweep away the fallen leaves by the wall! What are you doing? The Princess is arriving, and you haven’t even opened the main gate!”
The mansion’s steward ran about busily on behalf of his master, and General Orchai changed into one of his finest outfits with the help of his wife.
“Welcome, Your Highness, the Princess!”
From adults to children, everyone in the Orchai household came out to the courtyard to greet Argana.
As she smiled with apparent satisfaction, a sense of relief spread among everyone who had been tense, including the stewards.
“It’s been a while since I’ve visited this mansion, General.”
Argana greeted leisurely as she looked toward Orchai’s wife.
“And Lady Hwaseo, you’ve been well, I trust?”
Quiet and gentle as always, she gave a small, cautious smile in response to Argana’s question and replied softly.
“Thanks to His Majesty’s care for the empire, leaving not a single speck neglected, how could I not be at peace? I have remained healthy and unharmed, so as not to cause concern for Your Majesty and Your Highness.”
“That’s fortunate. I heard much about the beauty of your garden and wanted to see it for myself. I hope I’m not causing trouble by coming unannounced.”
“Not at all. It is our honor that Your Highness has graced us with your presence.”
“We will escort you through the garden.”
General Orchai led the way, with Argana and Kartak following leisurely behind.
The children of the household, curious at seeing the Princess up close, hesitated while sucking their thumbs, and were gently guided by adults to disperse in small groups.
“These children all look quite bright.”
“Your Highness, it is an honor that you say so.”
“Considering their grandfather is the General, it’s no wonder. They must grow up to be the support of Dar.”
The mansion’s garden exuded a very classical charm, following the ancient northern traditions, with an elegant and profound atmosphere.
A large landscape rock carved with a deep valley through its twin peaks, combined with a pond dug over a foot deep beneath it, created a remarkably beautiful scene, as if a miniature mountain sanctuary had unfolded before their eyes. Sitting and observing it, one felt almost like a celestial being.
Argana praised the General’s aesthetic sense greatly and then presented the gift she had brought.
The General, holding the precious black jade box, couldn’t help but gape, and upon seeing the dagger inside, his mouth seemed to stretch to his ears.
“Is this… a Kirin Dagger?”
“Though a dagger may not seem significant to a General, I thought you should have a gift to celebrate the occasion.”
“Not at all. I have many daggers, but none compares to this one from Your Highness. I will cherish it gladly.”
“I’m glad it pleases you.”
With a delighted smile, Orchai turned the dagger this way and that, then exhaled softly and said:
“Coincidentally, just a few hours ago, Lord Ayur also sent a gift. Yet Your Highness brings another… You two truly are siblings, to think you coordinate even in this.”
Upon hearing Ayur’s name, Argana’s smile slightly faded, though subtly.
It is generally impolite to speak of others while receiving a gift, but the General had long supported Ayur as the heir to the throne, and Argana naturally assumed he believed she did as well; the comment was likely meant to emphasize sibling closeness, though it was still irritating.
…Still, irritating is irritating.
Though she showed no outward sign, Argana kept the sentiment tucked away.
“I’m a step behind my brother, it seems.”
Argana’s remark made the General flinch slightly, though he quickly masked it, saying:
“Nonsense. What does order matter? It is an honor enough that you consider this old servant.”
Argana thought to herself that his temper had certainly softened compared to years ago. Just over a decade ago, he would never have let such sarcasm slide; he would have demanded a sharp retort. Yet now, ending each remark with ‘honor’ to avoid conflict…
She decided to let it be and brightened her expression again.
“By the way, I heard your second son likes paintings. I brought a painting from the Western regions—it’s quite different from what we have here. Perhaps you could have him visit the Princess’s palace later to appreciate it together.”
“Though he enjoys paintings, he only skims the surface, so I worry if he can match Your Highness’s taste.”
“Don’t worry. Even though you’re busy with studies, it’s good to have a hobby.”
“It’s truly humbling that Your Highness even considers the children of this old man.”
Though humbly spoken, the General’s face softened; it had been a long time since he had heard praise for his children. Even for a worthless child, hearing flattery from others lifts the spirits. His second son, stuck between an incompetent eldest and a reckless youngest, could at least claim he ‘studies diligently’—a small comfort.
“Ah… yes.”
Argana’s words trailed off meaningfully, and the General’s joyful gaze, still basking in praise for his son, changed subtly.
“His Majesty seems to need capable administrators. Perhaps I could offer some guidance.”
“No…!”
The General nearly jumped on the spot.
The Kirin Dagger Argana brought, and the waterfall stone (*a type of ornamental rock) Ayur had gifted, were both extremely precious, yet nothing compared to the weight of her single comment.
Still, he was experienced. Though he longed to secure her promise immediately, he restrained himself, giving only a faint, awkward laugh.
“It is humbling that Your Highness says so. Yet how could a boy, not yet in a minor post, manage administrative duties?”
“His lack of fortune, perhaps. I know your second son studies tirelessly. The region is quiet, so administration won’t be difficult, though it is somewhat distant.”
If his son could hold office, distance was trivial. Prepared even to send him beyond the borders, the General tried to hide his eagerness and listened attentively.
“The southern border region, then.”
“The southern region?”
“Yes. You may not recall, General, but it is quiet there, so administration should not pose many challenges.”
“Yet why would His Majesty assign a new administrator to such a region…?”
“That is for His Majesty to decide. How could I know the Khan’s heart?”
Argana still smiled, but her eyes were sharp, exuding a fierce, lion-like authority that even seasoned Orchai found intimidating.
“…Your Highness is correct. Please forgive an old servant’s misstep.”
“Then let it be so.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Having finished speaking, Argana rose with a fresh, lively expression.
“The garden is splendid. I shall take a brief walk, General. Teach Kartak a strategy or two while I am gone.”
“Your Highness, I should learn a move from Your Highness as well.”
“Perhaps watching us together will suffice.”
With that, Argana winked at Kartak and vanished toward the inner part of the garden as if flying.
Before the horses carrying Argana and Kartak even reached the mansion, the home of General Orchai, having received the news, became extremely bustling.
“Quickly, quickly! Sweep away the fallen leaves by the wall! What are you doing? The Princess is arriving, and you haven’t even opened the main gate!”
The mansion’s steward ran about busily on behalf of his master, and General Orchai changed into one of his finest outfits with the help of his wife.
“Welcome, Your Highness, the Princess!”
From adults to children, everyone in the Orchai household came out to the courtyard to greet Argana.
As she smiled with apparent satisfaction, a sense of relief spread among everyone who had been tense, including the stewards.
“It’s been a while since I’ve visited this mansion, General.”
Argana greeted leisurely as she looked toward Orchai’s wife.
“And Lady Hwaseo, you’ve been well, I trust?”
Quiet and gentle as always, she gave a small, cautious smile in response to Argana’s question and replied softly.
“Thanks to His Majesty’s care for the empire, leaving not a single speck neglected, how could I not be at peace? I have remained healthy and unharmed, so as not to cause concern for Your Majesty and Your Highness.”
“That’s fortunate. I heard much about the beauty of your garden and wanted to see it for myself. I hope I’m not causing trouble by coming unannounced.”
“Not at all. It is our honor that Your Highness has graced us with your presence.”
“We will escort you through the garden.”
General Orchai led the way, with Argana and Kartak following leisurely behind.
The children of the household, curious at seeing the Princess up close, hesitated while sucking their thumbs, and were gently guided by adults to disperse in small groups.
“These children all look quite bright.”
“Your Highness, it is an honor that you say so.”
“Considering their grandfather is the General, it’s no wonder. They must grow up to be the support of Dar.”
The mansion’s garden exuded a very classical charm, following the ancient northern traditions, with an elegant and profound atmosphere.
A large landscape rock carved with a deep valley through its twin peaks, combined with a pond dug over a foot deep beneath it, created a remarkably beautiful scene, as if a miniature mountain sanctuary had unfolded before their eyes. Sitting and observing it, one felt almost like a celestial being.
Argana praised the General’s aesthetic sense greatly and then presented the gift she had brought.
The General, holding the precious black jade box, couldn’t help but gape, and upon seeing the dagger inside, his mouth seemed to stretch to his ears.
“Is this… a Kirin Dagger?”
“Though a dagger may not seem significant to a General, I thought you should have a gift to celebrate the occasion.”
“Not at all. I have many daggers, but none compares to this one from Your Highness. I will cherish it gladly.”
“I’m glad it pleases you.”
With a delighted smile, Orchai turned the dagger this way and that, then exhaled softly and said:
“Coincidentally, just a few hours ago, Lord Ayur also sent a gift. Yet Your Highness brings another… You two truly are siblings, to think you coordinate even in this.”
Upon hearing Ayur’s name, Argana’s smile slightly faded, though subtly.
It is generally impolite to speak of others while receiving a gift, but the General had long supported Ayur as the heir to the throne, and Argana naturally assumed he believed she did as well; the comment was likely meant to emphasize sibling closeness, though it was still irritating.
…Still, irritating is irritating.
Though she showed no outward sign, Argana kept the sentiment tucked away.
“I’m a step behind my brother, it seems.”
Argana’s remark made the General flinch slightly, though he quickly masked it, saying:
“Nonsense. What does order matter? It is an honor enough that you consider this old servant.”
Argana thought to herself that his temper had certainly softened compared to years ago. Just over a decade ago, he would never have let such sarcasm slide; he would have demanded a sharp retort. Yet now, ending each remark with ‘honor’ to avoid conflict…
She decided to let it be and brightened her expression again.
“By the way, I heard your second son likes paintings. I brought a painting from the Western regions—it’s quite different from what we have here. Perhaps you could have him visit the Princess’s palace later to appreciate it together.”
“Though he enjoys paintings, he only skims the surface, so I worry if he can match Your Highness’s taste.”
“Don’t worry. Even though you’re busy with studies, it’s good to have a hobby.”
“It’s truly humbling that Your Highness even considers the children of this old man.”
Though humbly spoken, the General’s face softened; it had been a long time since he had heard praise for his children. Even for a worthless child, hearing flattery from others lifts the spirits. His second son, stuck between an incompetent eldest and a reckless youngest, could at least claim he ‘studies diligently’—a small comfort.
“Ah… yes.”
Argana’s words trailed off meaningfully, and the General’s joyful gaze, still basking in praise for his son, changed subtly.
“His Majesty seems to need capable administrators. Perhaps I could offer some guidance.”
“No…!”
The General nearly jumped on the spot.
The Kirin Dagger Argana brought, and the waterfall stone (*a type of ornamental rock) Ayur had gifted, were both extremely precious, yet nothing compared to the weight of her single comment.
Still, he was experienced. Though he longed to secure her promise immediately, he restrained himself, giving only a faint, awkward laugh.
“It is humbling that Your Highness says so. Yet how could a boy, not yet in a minor post, manage administrative duties?”
“His lack of fortune, perhaps. I know your second son studies tirelessly. The region is quiet, so administration won’t be difficult, though it is somewhat distant.”
If his son could hold office, distance was trivial. Prepared even to send him beyond the borders, the General tried to hide his eagerness and listened attentively.
“The southern border region, then.”
“The southern region?”
“Yes. You may not recall, General, but it is quiet there, so administration should not pose many challenges.”
“Yet why would His Majesty assign a new administrator to such a region…?”
“That is for His Majesty to decide. How could I know the Khan’s heart?”
Argana still smiled, but her eyes were sharp, exuding a fierce, lion-like authority that even seasoned Orchai found intimidating.
“…Your Highness is correct. Please forgive an old servant’s misstep.”
“Then let it be so.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Having finished speaking, Argana rose with a fresh, lively expression.
“The garden is splendid. I shall take a brief walk, General. Teach Kartak a strategy or two while I am gone.”
“Your Highness, I should learn a move from Your Highness as well.”
“Perhaps watching us together will suffice.”
With that, Argana winked at Kartak and vanished toward the inner part of the garden as if flying.
