🚨 Warning: This chapter includes depictions of degradation and coercion, which some readers may find disturbing. Please remain mindful of this as you read. If you feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate to stop reading. 🚨
【Book Chapter 3 】
After Kijoon left for Yeongsan River, Nokhee locked herself in her room and abandoned her efforts to copy the books and everything else.
She struggled to swallow her food and repeatedly skipped meals, prompting Eokbun to cry, “Why are you doing this, my lady? You’re already so frail.”
“What can I do if it won’t go down? Don’t make me talk, it drains my energy.”
Finding it too bothersome to respond, she spoke coldly on purpose. However, perhaps because she hadn’t eaten, her voice came out weak.
Ever since Kijoon left, Nokhee strangely felt an emptiness in her stomach and had no appetite.
Although it wasn’t the first time he had left for another region — and in fact, it was more common to hear that he was outside the castle than to find him inside — she couldn’t understand why she felt so unusually upset this time.
Perhaps it was because she knew that this time, he had headed to the front lines.
Yoon Jucheol often sent Kijoon out on errands. Although she had never heard it directly, the small scratches on his body, when he returned, suggested that he had been sent to either kill someone or engage in battle.
Despite not holding a particularly high position in the court, the Yoon family had gained such influence in the distant northern region that they could bring down even a bird in flight, possibly all thanks to Kijoon.
“...They say you’re a wicked being, so why are you stuck in this lowly noble house among so many others?”
Having left the warmth of her bed due to her frustration, Nokhee was now lying with her cheek pressed against the cold floor. She posed the question to an absent figure.
But even if Kijoon were in front of her, she knew he wouldn’t answer. As a result, her question only echoed back into the void, leaving her feeling more hollow.
It was after she had spent three or four days neglecting her meals and doing nothing that unexpected news arrived from Eokbun.
“...Lunch?”
Yoon Jucheol announced his intention to gather his children for a meal, something they hadn’t done together in a long time.
“Yes. In two hours at the main house.”
It was clearly an empty gesture. He probably had another scheme up his sleeve this time. But even though Nokhee knew that there was nothing she could do.
・・・・・
Nokhee, having finished her preparations, was just passing through the courtyard of the palace where the lord resided.
“Sister Nokhee!”
A pleasant voice greeted her from a distance. Lost in thought, she lifted her head when she heard the sound of someone calling her.
“Seonghyeon?”
Her eyes widened as she saw her younger brother running towards her.
Unlike Nokhee, who lived in a separate palace on the outskirts of the castle, Seonghyeon stayed with Yoon Jucheol’s eldest son, Myunghoon.
Since he shared half of the Yoon family’s bloodline, he was treated accordingly. But despite living in the same household, she saw him less frequently than she saw the Great Shaman or Yoon Jucheo.
It felt like she was seeing Seonghyeon for the first time in half a year. In that time, he had grown taller, and the baby fat had disappeared from his face, giving him a more mature appearance. Seeing her younger brother after so long, Nokhee, who had been pale and distressed, found her face brightening with joy.
“Did Sister come here to eat?”
“Yes. What brings you here?”
“Me too. Uncle said it’s been a while since we’ve had a meal together, so I hurried over, hoping Sister would be here too.”
At Seonghyeon’s words, Nokhee’s hand trembled slightly. What could Yoon Jucheol possibly be planning that he even called Seonghyeon, whom he usually prevented her from meeting?
Yoon Jucheol often used Seonghyeon and her mother as hostages to exploit Nokhee.
All the occasions had been dreadful. He would summon distant relatives or influential figures from the surrounding area who did not act according to his wishes, then cover Nokhee's face with a cloth, strip her naked, and expose her body. More precisely, he would show the disgusting marks on her body.
She did not understand what significance this family heirloom, which supposedly caused illness, had, but most people who saw it were amazed and would bow their heads to Yoon Jucheol on their own accord.
Though she had become desensitised to the shame, Nokhee still loathed those moments. Even though she knew that the people of the Yoon family would never recklessly expose the heirloom, she always trembled in fear, worried that the old men she glimpsed through the cloth might reach out to touch her at any moment.
“...Hey. Sister! What’s wrong? You look unwell. Are you sick again?”
Nokhee, who had been briefly drawn into the swamp of the past, snapped back to reality at Seonghyeon’s call. Her younger brother’s face was full of concern as he looked at her. Forcing a smile, she quickly changed the subject.
“Nothing’s wrong. How have you been? You’ve grown taller.”
“Yeah, I’ve been doing well. I’ve grown a lot, right? Hehe. How about you, Sister?”
“I’m the same as always. I heard you’ve been attending lectures lately.”
“Yes, Brother Myunghoon takes me along, and I enjoy it because there’s so much to learn.”
“I’m glad you’re doing well. You must study hard, always listen to the elders, and make sure you never give them any reason to criticise you.”
“Geez, you’re always nagging every time I see you...”
As she patted his head and gave him advice, Seonghyeon pouted and grumbled. He might have grown taller, but he was still a child.
Nokhee bit the inside of her cheek and composed herself. She didn’t know what Yoon Jucheol was planning by summoning them, but she knew she had to endure it until Seonghyeon reached adulthood. She believed that once Yoon Jucheol passed away and Myunghoon became the head of the family, things would improve a little.
“Oh? Brother Myunghoon! Sister Bohee!”
It was then. Her younger brother’s hair, which had been under her palm, disappeared in a flash. When she turned her gaze to follow where Seonghyeon had rushed off, Nokhee saw Yoon Jucheol’s children stepping over the threshold of the castle gate.
“Seonghyeon, you didn’t listen when I said to go together, and you came before me instead.”
“Oh, I heard that Brother went to pick up Sister Bohee. But are you going to a party, Sister? Why did you come to a family lunch gathering with all that fancy stuff hanging off you?"
“What? Do you want to die?”
Although ten years had passed, it seemed that time hadn’t been wasted, as Seonghyeon interacted comfortably with Yoon Jucheol’s children. Nokhee watched her younger brother with unfamiliar eyes.
The two, who had been walking and chatting with Seonghyeon, finally noticed Nokhee standing quietly nearby. Myunghoon immediately averted his gaze, pretending not to see her, as if he had spotted a disgusting insect. Bohee, on the other hand, scrunched up her face in distaste.
Even though Nokhee clearly saw their reactions, she still offered a polite bow, but no one returned her greeting.
“Sister, come quickly!”
Seonghyeon awkwardly called out to Nokhee as he followed behind the two who had just brushed past her without acknowledgment.
Yes, alright.
Her lips clearly moved, but no sound came out.

"Given the news you've heard, I imagine you already know why I've gathered you all here today. In five days, His Highness the Crown Prince is scheduled to visit Hwangju for an inspection.”
As lunch was winding down, Yoon Jucheol suddenly spoke. Nokhee, who had been picking at the dishes in front of her without much interest, froze completely.
Even Seonghyeon responded with a “Yes,” but this was the first time Nokhee had heard of it. An uneasy feeling began to wash over her.
“I called you here to remind you not to act rashly and to conduct yourselves appropriately. Myunghoon, Seonghyeon, you must prioritise your studies now more than ever to avoid embarrassing yourselves if His Highness asks you any questions. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Father.”
“Yes, Uncle.”
“And as for Bohee and Nokhee, I have something to give you.”
After warning Myunghoon and Seonghyeon, Yoon Jucheol immediately summoned the servants to bring in two large boxes wrapped in cloth. He then had them place it in front of Nokhee and Bohee.
“What is this?”
“Unwrap it.”
Filled with excitement, Bohee was the first to untie the wrapping. In contrast, Nokhee, unsure of what might be inside, hesitated to reach for it. However, when Yoon Jucheol urged her, saying, "Why aren’t you unwrapping it?" she reluctantly began to untie the knot.
Inside the silk cloth was a large paulownia wood box. Bohee, eager and impatient, was the first to lift the lid.
“Wow! Father, what is all this about?”
The box was filled with various gold and silver ornaments. Bohee's mouth dropped open in amazement as she held up a necklace strung with pearls to her neck. But her excitement was short-lived.
“What? This one is the same too?”
Bohee glanced into the box next to her that belonged to Nokhee and grumbled with a look of displeasure.
“Since you two are sisters, there should be no favouritism.”
“Tch, since when did that matter?”
“Oh dear. Bohee, didn’t I tell you to watch your mouth?”
Yoon Jucheol, adopting a feigned stern expression, scolded Bohee before continuing.
“These gifts are given so that both of you can dress impeccably and avoid any criticism. When the Crown Prince’s attendants return to the capital, I don’t want them spreading rumours that the women of Hwangju look unrefined and tarnish my reputation.”
In a household so affluent that even a servant like Nokhee, designated as a sacrificial maid, could be dressed in silk, the explanation seemed plausible.
“I will gratefully accept it, Father,”
Nokhee spoke calmly. Following that, Bohee reluctantly expressed her gratitude.
“Now that you’ve heard everything, let’s get going.”
The luncheon concluded more uneventfully than anticipated. That was until Yoon Jucheol added one last comment.
“Nokhee, you stay for a moment. There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
It was just as she expected. Nokhee simply lowered her gaze without protest.
“Well then, we shall take our leave, Father,”
“Alright”
Yoon Jucheol’s children and Seonghyeon bid farewell and left. Just before leaving, Seonghyeon tried to catch her eye, but Nokhee didn't pay any attention.
Thud—.
The door closed, and a suffocating silence filled the room. Despite saying he had something to discuss, Yoon Jucheol did not speak immediately.
“...What is it that you wish to say?”
Nokhee finally spoke up, unable to bear the tension any longer. As if waiting for her to speak, Yoon Jucheol answered.
“I have one thing I need you, Nokhee, to do.”
“What is it?”
“As you just heard, His Highness the Crown Prince is scheduled to stay in Hwangju Castle for about four days before returning.”
Until just a moment ago, it was alright because Seonghyeon was there, but now that he was gone, an unsettling sensation began to creep up her legs.
“Arrangements will be made for His Highness to stay in a location not far from your quarters. On the day of his arrival, he will be occupied with the banquet until late in the evening, so during that time, sneak into his chambers to spend the night with him while posing as Bohee.”
Nokhee’s mind went blank. She stared at Yoon Jucheol with a dazed expression, then stammered in disbelief.
“Wh-what did you just say?”
“Pretend to be Bohee and spend the night with the Crown Prince. That way, Bohee can follow him to the capital and become the Crown Princess.”
“Ha. Ha...”
Nokhee was so shocked that she forgot she was in front of Yoon Jucheol and let out a hollow laugh. The shallow belief that they would not carelessly throw her around since she possessed the heirloom was shattered beautifully. Not only was she expected to play the role of a sacrificial maid, they now wanted to make her a breeding maid as well.
No, this wasn’t even about being a breeding maid. They simply demanded her to be a prostitute for one night instead of his precious daughter, Bohee. How far must she fall into the abyss before they’re truly satisfied?
A sudden image of Kijoon, who had left for Yeongsan River, flashed in her mind. This time, Nokhee couldn’t bring herself to comply so easily.
“Why… why are you asking me to do such an important task instead of the person involved?”
“I didn’t want to assign you such a task either. But it just so happens that the timing coincides with Bohee's menstrual cycle! Do you expect me to have her present herself before His Highness in such a state, bleeding and filthy? What if His Highness notices and takes offence?!”
“Then what about the family heirlooms on my body?”
Nokhee struggled to steady her trembling body as she desperately retorted. Until now, she had tried to bury the thoughts of the cursed marks on her skin, finding it difficult even to look at them. Yet, Yoon Jucheol's response remained as indifferent as ever.
“That’s trivial. It’ll be too dark for him to see anything. I’ll ensure that every light in the vicinity is extinguished.”
“Is the Grand Shaman aware of this? Haven’t you always claimed that these marks have been passed down through the bloodline? What if, after spending the night with the Crown Prince, this is transferred to his royal body and causes some ailment?”
“You insolent wretch! How dare you utter such nonsense!”
When she didn’t respond with her usual ‘Yes, yes,’ Yoon Jucheol suddenly flew into a rage and raised his hand.
Nokhee anticipated the impending slap, but instead of flinching, she stared defiantly into his eyes. If he struck her, she planned to use the injury as an excuse to refuse the task.
But perhaps he recognised the determination in her gaze. Yoon Jucheol slowly lowered his hand and took a step back.
“The Crown Prince is blessed with the protection of the divine beast, Haetae, so that won’t happen. Just focus on carrying out the tasks assigned to you.”
“Father, but—”
“Nokhee, your mother will arrive in Hwangju in two days.”
Her attempt to speak out again was easily cut off by Yoon Jucheol's next words.
They said that her mother, who had fallen ill after being bitten on the neck by Yoon Hocheol when he transformed into a snake monster, was moved to a small temple on Mount Bohyeon as soon as she regained consciousness, where she was receiving care.
So why was her mother, who was said to be receiving treatment up in the mountains, coming down to Hwangju?
“What… what do you mean by that? Wh-why is Mother coming to Hwangju? Why…”
“They say her condition has improved and she can move around quite well now.”
“After thinking about you and Seonghyeon, I plan to let her stay in the unused pavilion. Once she comes, wouldn’t you be able to see her face more than once?”
Yoon Jucheol allowed Nokhee to meet her mother only once a year. After enduring a long and difficult separation that felt almost like a permanent farewell, Nokhee’s eyes, filled with resentment, trembled helplessly at the news that she could finally see her mother more often.
Not missing his chance, Yoon Jucheol pressed his intentions firmly.
“Nokhee, haven’t I treated you well all this time? I’ve clothed and fed you and Seonghyeon in luxury, ensuring you lacked nothing. I even spent a fortune to save your mother, who was on the brink of death. So, don’t you think it’s time you repaid my kindness?”
“...”
“You know full well that, given your condition, you’ll never be able to live like an ordinary woman. So just close your eyes and help us this one time. Once Bohee becomes the Crown Princess, even if I can’t let you leave the castle, I’ll make sure you never have to live apart from your mother again.”
Repayment? It didn’t even stir a laugh from her. Everything Yoon Jucheol had done was merely a trap designed to keep Nokhee as the household's sacrificial scapegoat. Every seemingly kind gesture was part of a cunning scheme laid out for her.
‘Why does it have to be me?’ Nokhee wanted to scream. With all the wealth in this house, surely there were plenty of women eager to take on this role. So why were they insisting on her?
A silent outcry surged within her, boiling with frustration, but she could not utter a word. Deep down, Nokhee understood better than anyone that there was no one as convenient as her for this role. Bound by the family’s curse, she was the perfect servant — obedient, silent, and entirely dependent on them.
There was no need to waste money on someone else, and there was no concern about her spilling secrets elsewhere; where else could they find a woman of her calibre?
“…Please… please give me some time.”
In the end, Nokhee couldn't bring herself to say she didn't want to do it, and she left the main house carrying the box Yoon Jucheol had given her.
As she walked down the corridor, momentarily shrouded in shadow by the obscured sun, she felt as if she were walking through the night, her vision enveloped in darkness. Instead of becoming accustomed to the passage of time and finding a way forward, she felt herself being drawn deeper into a swamp.
Now it was at the breaking point. Yet both Yoon Jucheol and she understood the truth: that in the end, she would inevitably do as instructed.
Translator's Corner:
I added the book chapters before each relevant chapter as well in case anyway wanted it as reference~
⋆。˚ ☁︎ ˚。 ⋆。˚☽˚。⋆
If you notice any errors or broken links, please let me know and I will get that fixed~ Additionally, if you would like to support me, I have a Ko-fi ~ Thank you! 💖