episode_0138

[Episode 138: Reconciliation]

Heesun listened to the conversation between the two in front of Sangje’s bed.

‘What should I do… Maybe I misunderstood….’

Despite the objections when she left the room at Bu-ma’s request and Sangje ordered everyone to leave…

She thought it was a good decision to leave the room forcibly.

Didn’t she know why her husband asked Sangje to vacate his seat in the first place?

And because of that, she had to stay by her husband’s side even more.

Until just before returning to Heaven, she hadn’t really considered her husband’s worries seriously.

It was a difficult issue to judge from her position as a fairy, but she knew her husband’s character and the kindness of the king.

However…

The moment the gods dared to intimidate her husband and treat him like a criminal upon returning to Heaven,

She felt something she believed in shatter into pieces.

From the cold gaze of Sangje looking at her husband, there was no warmth she used to feel when he listened to her grievances and gently patted her head…

Well… Even she could understand that much.

Yuk-geun.

She knew how sensitively Heaven responded to such dangerous beings.

She was aware that her husband’s abilities seemed very dangerous.

Still, it wasn’t a matter to be judged without hearing her out once, rather than treating her like a criminal outright.

The resentment that had been building up inside her little by little since then.

Yes, she was deeply saddened and angry that no one listened to her, but she had confidence in her husband, so she could endure his suffering while worrying about him.

Fortunately, her husband passed through the trial splendidly.

But… she exploded with anger unknowingly under the disapproving gaze of Sangje, which she had been enduring all along, thinking her husband would finally be acknowledged.

And… that worried her even more.

The fact that her husband was not originally from this world might be more dangerous than being suspected as Yuk-geun.

Now she no longer harbors any wishful thinking that Okhwang Sangje will look favorably upon her husband just because she looks at herself.

So, with the determination to protect her husband, she suppressed her tears, pushed aside the objections, and ran back to Abamama’s bedside.

“…My daughter’s husband and a request to Heaven’s king.”

“Yes, I promise, absolutely.”

Once again, tears began to flow involuntarily as she heard the conversation coming from inside.

Today, she seemed a bit sensitive.

She had been so excited to see Abamama….

Quietly taking a step back, she returned to her lodging to calm her mind.

“Why have you returned, Mama?”

As soon as she opened the door to her lodging, an old attendant hurried over to check on the fairy’s condition.

“Well… The conversation was serious, so it felt inappropriate to barge in suddenly.”

“But why are you showing tears again… Did you overhear a conversation you shouldn’t have? That’s why we mentioned that Her Highness might scold us! Hoo… It’s mostly our fault for not stopping Mama, so somehow we’ll have to explain to Sangje instead…”

“Huh? Oh! No, no, it’s just tears of joy. Hehe… Don’t worry. I told you, it’s a story I intended to share together, so it’s fine if I hear it.”

“…Is that really true, Mama? Phew… Mama, you must always remember that you are no longer alone, didn’t this servant keep reminding you of that! What would you do if something serious happened and the baby inside your belly got startled!”

“Ugh… That nagging… It’s been so long, it’s hard to hear…”

Did she really know how much they were worrying about her?

Since there was an order to vacate the place, they couldn’t follow the fairy heading towards the king’s chamber and could only pace back and forth here…

But when the fairy who had run off alone returned with tears streaming down her cheeks, how surprised must they have been.

Fortunately, upon listening, it seemed that the feared calamity had not occurred…

“Sob… Sniff… Sniff…!”

“…? Fairy Mama?”

“Sniff..! Don’t worry… I suddenly feel relieved… I can calm down on my own…! Sniff..! So, please stop nagging me for a moment and leave me alone… Sniff..! Ugh..!”

There must be something going on for her to act like this….

The worries were not just about the fairy mother and the precious baby in her belly.

Here she was supposed to be…

After finishing the conversation with the master and to bring Heeseon back, she personally left the room to find her.

I had promised to quickly bring her back when the master called for her.

Luckily, there was still plenty of time to inform His Majesty.

Although there was a misunderstanding and a slight argument with the master, Heeseon was so excited to go see the master in the morning…

But we couldn’t afford to fight and part ways like this. Especially since His Majesty is so busy, we don’t know when we’ll see him again.

The reason I went to fetch her myself was because I thought that maybe during the journey, if her heart hadn’t calmed down yet, I could soothe her a bit.

“…Sniff.”

I thought she might have calmed down after some time had passed, but…

Hmm… Seeing her cry like that from inside, it seems like she’s still upset?

Now that the conversation with the master was over, I felt like I should call for her to the chamber again, so I informed the guards outside the door that His Majesty was looking for her and entered the room.

“Oh my… Young Master…”

“Oh dear… Why is our Heeseon still crying?”

As soon as I entered the room, Heeseon ran towards me and hugged me tightly.

I patted Heeseon’s back gently, comforting her like consoling a child, trying to calm her sobs.

“Are you still angry? Haha… Don’t be so hard on His Majesty. You’re not as disliked as you think. Didn’t I just get recognized as your father-in-law? Look, isn’t His Majesty not disliking me? If he did, would he have acknowledged me as your father-in-law? Oh! And having a beautiful daughter like you, it’s natural for a son-in-law to seem a bit annoying, right?”

“Sniff….”

“Even though Gil-yong hasn’t done anything wrong, he’s constantly being pressured by the master… Of course, in my opinion, Gil-yong seems to suffer a lot because of his stepmother… Ahem…! Anyway, what I’m saying is that it’s natural for doting fathers to be displeased with their sons-in-law… Hmm…!”

Smack! Smooch..!

Heeseon suddenly kissed me on the lips.

Oh… Wasn’t she still angry?

Feeling a bit flustered, but seeing that Heeseon seemed okay, I reassured myself and accepted her affection for a while.

Gradually, our lips parted, and…

“Sniff..! Hehe…. Husband! I understand now… Sniff! I’m completely fine now… Sniff! I must have been a bit sensitive today… Sniff! I will go and apologize to Father and Mother.”

It seems like her emotional rollercoaster was causing her to cry uncontrollably.

Wiping her tears, I slowly calmed Heeseon down and took her back to His Majesty.

Fortunately… I was very worried because it seemed like both Heesun and the father-in-law were quite upset.

Now, thinking that there would be no problem, my steps taking Heesun away felt incredibly light.

But… Was that just my misconception?

I had hoped that once Heesun and the father-in-law met again, the tense atmosphere would turn cheerful and harmonious…

[Umm.. Well..!]

“…….”

Oh… I feel so frustrated and awkward…!

As soon as we entered the room, they avoided eye contact with each other and remained silent for a long time….

Why are Heesun and the father-in-law suddenly all quiet like mute fish after saying they would apologize!

When they were arguing earlier, both of them were speaking so well!

‘Sigh… Yes.. This must be something a husband and son-in-law should do…’

I lightly touched Heesun’s back to signal and then addressed the father-in-law.

“Your Highness, Heesun mentioned that she has something to say to you regarding the recent issue. Would Your Highness please give Lady Heesun the opportunity to speak to you.”

“…….”

Heesun looked at me with bewildered eyes in response to my words.

Oh… It seems like both the father-in-law and Heesun don’t know how to express themselves.

If I hadn’t nudged Heesun directly like this, they probably wouldn’t have said anything until the end of the meeting, right?

But I couldn’t push His Majesty around… What could I do?

[Very well, I shall allow Lady Heesun to speak her mind freely.]

“…….”

Phew.. Thankfully, the father-in-law seems to have understood my intention well.

Alright.. I’ve set the stage, the father-in-law seems receptive. All Heesun needs to do is apologize!

After hesitating and rolling her eyes in confusion, Heesun finally closed her eyes tightly and spoke.

“I… I’m sorry… Father… I misunderstood… I raised my voice at you… I thought you were angry… because you used to visit our home constantly when my husband wasn’t there, but since he returned, you haven’t come once… I thought you were mad at him…”

[…….]

Despite Heesun’s apology, the father-in-law remained silent.

Oh.. Did I misunderstand this situation?

[Lady Heesun, come closer this way.]

“…….”

The father-in-law’s voice was stern and cold, devoid of any hint of laughter.

It was an imposing voice more akin to the Jade Emperor than a father figure.

With a determined face, Heesun approached the father-in-law.

I couldn’t help but worry that Heesun might get scolded.

Although I thought being in Heaven would make it okay, I knew that even if she was his daughter, raising her voice at the Emperor was not acceptable.

Thud thud

Accompanied by the firm sound of the divine bell, Heesun approached the father-in-law…

And the father-in-law’s hand rose high..?

“Oh..! Father-in-law..! You can’t hit a pregnant woman..!”

Thwack..! Swish.. Swish..

“……?”

[Indeed, I too have erred greatly, Heesun. It may have been a bit harsh for your young and lovely self to be scolded in an instant. However, not visiting your home despite your worries and curiosity about your grandson was not out of anger towards you, but rather because I wanted to give time to you and your husband who have been through trials….]

“Father…!”

Ah… It was just a gentle touch…

I sighed as I watched Heesun, tears streaming down her face once again, smiling happily while resting her head.

Even though tears flowed, she wore a joyful smile, leaning into the caress from the father-in-law.

Hmm.. Come to think of it, I heard she really enjoys being caressed by the father-in-law in Heaven… I had forgotten about that…?

No, it’s just that the father-in-law suddenly lowered his voice and spoke so sternly…

[By the way, Heeseon… my dear… It seems your husband still finds me quite annoying… How dare he treat me like a commoner in our own home, as if I were his father-in-law…? And to handle me like a thug threatening his daughter…? It looks like I’ll have to spend some time educating him on the manners and dignity of the heavenly realm.]

“Um…. Hehe.. Your husband made quite a mistake there. Oh my goodness. Please attach a leash to me while he’s arguing! I’ll make sure to teach him properly from the sidelines..!”

“……”

Um… Father-in-law..? Heeseon?

I… I made a mistake but…

I’ve even set up a reconciliation ceremony between them, so can’t you cut me some slack?

As they nervously glanced back and forth at each other with trembling eyes….

The two women, bearing strikingly similar cold expressions, simply shook their heads as they gazed at me with playful emerald eyes, as if indicating they had no intention of giving in.