Downpour (4)

The rain had settled; the skies gave its last shower and gradually ceased, seemingly indulging everyone that the prepared feast should precede.

Six low tables were organized in two columns, opposing each other while one notable table was placed in front, facing the doorway of the room.

The women were covered in their prepossessing dresses as represented by the wishes of the grand concubine, the lady governing the Cheon Han residence. Either was scared of the consequences once they brush aside the grand concubine desires or simply respecting the formal feast by grooming wonderfully.

All were dressed in pastel-colored clothes that complimented their tones as they were showing their entrance in the common room one after the other, excluding the command breaker Sungho who was dressed in charming yet modest clothing and carried not even a piece of jewelry.

Although Sungho remembered correctly that he told his court lady to not coat him attractively and smear him with accessories, Chun refused to prevail and groomed him pleasingly enough for the feast.

Everyone took their seats, which persistently arranged in the custom of their ranks, having the supervisor of the residents sitting in the far ahead and Sungho occupying one low table from the second row. While those who were sitting closest from the entrance held the lowest ranks.

"I am delighted that nearly everyone agreed to my request," said the grand concubine sitting in front. She was showing a bright expression on her face, contrary to her tone, which was grimacing.

Emphasizing the sole person confident enough to defy her wishes, she showed off signs that she would cause another disturbance. "This brings to my mind, Concubine Eun. Would you mind introducing the man standing on your left?" was her question.

Sungho thought he made a wise move to provoke the woman, but perhaps whichever irrelevant things he did would still create the same result and aggravate her. At least this was his opinion.

With no thoughts of allowing the wicked woman to ridicule him again, Sungho countered, "This kind sir is Major Eum Seok, an excellent soldier assigned by my uptight brother to defend me against the negative entities sneaking in my chambers every night."

Seok bowed to the women of the harem as soon as Sungho finished speaking, remaining his gaze lowered and withdrawing himself to look at the concubines.

"O-Oh, I understand."

The grand concubine audibly wavered from his words, rather making a peculiar smile on her lips, which Sungho immediately found questionable judging from the statement he executed that presumably made her turn like this.

"I'm worried. Did I offend you in a way, Grand Concubine?"

Sungho saw her blurred small face flashed dimly before disappearing when they shared gazes. His instincts immediately caused him to be susceptible to her; his lips curled upwards as he thought, 'Is she begging for a round?'

"Regardless, Grand Concubine Jin, and Her Highnesses. Why don't we just enjoy our feast?" One of the concubines clasped her hands and mediated, trying to reconcile the fiery atmosphere slowly creeping inside the common room.

"Of course... Shall we begin?" The grand concubine bounced her head and raised a hand, signaling the court lady standing near the door to fetch the meals.

Sequentially, one at a time, the maidservants waiting outside the hallway made an entrance to the room, bringing a wooden tray containing supper on their possessions and placing it on the low tables.

When he witnessed this, Sungho instantly laid his attention on the tray resting before him, which was filled by 8 dishes that caressed his nostrils of rich delicious aromas.

"Then while we favor our meals, please allow my court lady to perform a melody for everyone."

Her court lady stepped into the center after the grand concubine stated her words. Two maidservants brought in a musical instrument, which she started playing soon as they placed it in front of her.

As she plucked the strings, her arms flowed similar to wings fluttering, making slow wing beats. The chords she played sang a melody of sorrow and anguish, which touched the women's heart and lingered as they listened to her performing.