Episode 6, Chapter 3: A Chance Encounter

Finally, it's Cloudcrest Peak.

Wait, look over there.

Mmm. What to do... Oh, I can't see a thing...

Is something the matter, sir?

I had a necklace made from my child's eggshell...

It's very precious, but those damn pests came squeaking up and snatched it away...

If that's the issue, then don't worry. We'll look for it.

Oh! Would you? I'm truly grateful.

It's terribly dear to me, so please be careful.

It's really pretty. What a fancy necklace...

Here it is, sir. Is this what you were looking for?

Mmm... Yes, it is.

You are as kind as you are beautiful, Divine Maiden.

Huh? Can you see me?

Though I'm blind, I can still recognize the Divine Maiden.

Well, it seems you've taken in a child of fire and a child... soft as yangaeng as your helpers.

Yangaeng? What's that? Is it something good?

I see, you possess the mind's eye.

Hahaha! There are things in this world unobservable through open eyes.

I pray that one day you, Divine Maiden, will be able to perceive such things as well.

Yes, may you stay in good health, sir.

How are you supposed to perceive something unobservable?

Mother always used to say the same thing.

Ughhh. How much longer do we have to stay here?

Hey, you're being too loud.

We just need to follow orders and stop anyone from passing through.

It'll be done soon.

Whatcha talking about? What'll be done?

What do you mean? Getting that giant rabbit...

Huh? Who are you?

Hey! Stop them!

What are they planning to do to that rabbit?

And what's going to be done soon?

I have a hunch.

I hope he's alright...

Meow!

It's Yeonhwa!

Shh! Be quiet.

Mew...

There, it's fine now.

You can't talk to me while I'm scouting.

Sorry...

I heard Nagi's followers are on the move. What's going on?

Some rabbit beastkin arrived here just a while ago.

They're probably gathered at the Temple of Eternal Life about now.

They pay respects to their Moon Rabbit ancestors this time of year.

But there are Serpent Dragon Guild soldiers here... which means...

Right. They're after Lord Whitehare.

Just as I expected, she's still bound by the past.

The past?

We need to prioritize saving Lord Whitehare first. Let's go.

Just what is their problem?!

The snake beastkin clan made great contributions during the Demonic Beasts Suppression War.

But the council of clan leaders drove them into the Toxic Mire.

Apparently, it was just because they were the only ones able to tolerate toxins.

That's terrible.

Are you okay?

Urgh... Divine Maiden... Thank you for saving me.

I tried to tell him it was too dangerous this year...

But Crawler the Wise insisted.

How about Lord Whitehare? Is he safe?

Now that this point's been breached... It might already be too late.

Please save our clan leader. Please, I beg you!

Did the snake clan leader do anything?

He fought back fiercely but was ignored.

They all just wanted better territory for themselves.

There was even a clan leader that took the lead in that matter.

Hmm... the giant rabbit those guys were talking about!

But I heard this story was buried, never to be discussed again...

Hold on. What business brings you here?

Alert your clan leader that the Divine Maiden of the Council of Empyrean Fangs is here.

Please forgive my insolence, Divine Maiden.

I was ordered not to let anyone through during prayer, so I had no choice.

We've had conflict with members of the Serpent Dragon Guild recently.

That's fine. In fact, I'm here because I was concerned for Lord Whitehare's safety.

Yes, I have the key to the main room.

There are many watching eyes. Let me escort you around the back.

Please come this way.

My lord will be so happy to have you, Divine Maiden.

The Divine Maiden is here. Get her!

Guys! It's a trap!

End it already!

Go on. Go save him.

I just wanted to protect my family!

It's okay. I'll make sure nobody hurts them.

Don't do anything else that you'll regret.

Damn it. If it wasn't for that old turtle...

It's too late. He's as good as dead already.

He'll probably never forgive me.

I doubt that. He's your leader.

If you ask for forgiveness, he'll grant it. Trust me.

I'm pathetic... I've totally failed as a guard...

Here's... the key.

But you'd better hurry.

Well decided.

I'm sure Lord Whitehare will forgive you.

Serves you right, you damn rabbit.

Elder Naun saved my life. That's what you get for what you did to him!

Lord Whitehare!

Hahaha! The Divine Maiden has graced us with her presence.

You'll soon meet the same fate, so prepare that neck of yours!

Agh... I humbly meet you... Divine Maiden.

Now is not the time for formalities.

But...

It's fine. Please, save your energy.

Everyone, hurry! Let's catch him!

I thought turtles were slow!

Move! I'm in a rush!

I'll take it from here.

Thank you, Yeonhwa.

If you value your life, you'll stop right there.

Catch me if you can, fool!

If you don't stop, you'll regret it.

Ha! Nagi will never let you get away with this!

My goodness... I'm exhausted. Stop chasing me!

How about you stop, then?

I might let this slide if you stop now.

Don't make me laugh. Who'd believe that!

Wh-who are they?!

Whoa, whoa. That's enough!

Get out of my way, you bastards!

Even the Otherworldly Immortal supports Nagi.

You'll all receive divine punishment!

Sure, and you can tell us all about it from behind bars.

Even the great Lord Whitehare let his guard down...

Oh. Royal Judiciary Inspector Yang Jongyi, humbly meets the Divine Maiden.

There's no need for that. We have to focus on saving Lord Whitehare.

We should escort him to a doctor in Naksan, but it's too far...

Greenpine Village is nearby. Dr. Bidam will know how to treat him.

Bidam? Do you mean the royal physician Yun Bidam?

Yes, but she's been caring for cattle since leaving the palace.

I sent a few men to fetch her earlier to treat injuries from fighting the dokkaebi.

Come to think, I haven't heard back from them yet. So that's worrying.

We need to see Bidam anyway, so we'll check that out too.

Will you do that for me? Thank you so much.

I'm going to head back to Dohwa Garden and report the situation to Jiwon.

And I'll also look into the Otherworldly Immortal that old turtle mentioned.

Okay, then we'll go meet that... royal... physician? Whatever, we'll go see that doctor.

See you later.

The Otherworldly Immortal... I wonder who that is...