Chapter 7

Sybil Park

“Now, tell us. Why do you plan to poison the general?” Maximaze was gravely glaring at Leonardo. I couldn’t believe that Leo still managed to smile wickedly.

"What if I don't say?" He laughed. “I used young loquat leaves to poison the general because I don’t plan to kill him. I only need a moment to steal some of his wealth while he’s ill. Once the general found out that some of his wealth went missing, it will be a chance for me to blame it all on your mother.” My heart started to beat faster when he gazed at me with the sharp look in his eyes.

"So . . . you’ve chosen death—”

“Maze!” Cladius interrupted her.

“L-let her, My Lord. I deserve to die. The law says that one shall not accuse him of a sin he hadn’t committed, and I broke that law. Punish me, General.” His smile disappeared. “Noble Park, kindly look after my sister. She’s ill and I needed money. If she did any crimes, punish me instead. It’s my fault for not raising her properly.” He gazed at Maximaze without any emotions.

I was dumbfounded when he mentioned his sister. Now I see why, yet he shouldn’t commit such a crime! People indeed commit crimes when they have no other choice.

I can say that he’s sincere and he meant everything he said. I just didn’t know why he kept asking to punish him. Was that his method to escape punishment?

Instead of responding, Maze left the decision to the eunuch. She turned around to look at the students and teachers. She sighed and stepped a bit closer to them. “I heard that Hanneul is innocent. Leonardo said that one shan’t accuse him of a sin he never committed. And if one did, he must pay for what he has done.” Some of them started to tremble after hearing what she said.

I glanced at the general and we looked at each other. We both shrugged and watched again what was happening in front of us.

A student approached Maze and kneeled down. “N-noble Park! Forgive me! Forgive me! I admit I was guilty but Meizu just influenced me to do it! She forced me, My Lady!” She did nothing wrong to Maze yet she was that desperate to be forgiven to kneel and cry.

Another woman approached Maze and kneeled. “N-noble Park! Don't believe Chunhua! I am not the mastermind! M-mingxhiu is! She is so jealous of Hanneul and super annoyed with Shin! So she called us to join forces! Don’t punish me, I’m also forced by her! ” She touched Maze’s dress.

Another woman approached Maze and kneeled again. “I-I'm guilty—yes! But it was because I’m suspicious of Hanneul when Meizu and Chunhua reported to me that Hanneul came from the room where we were embroidering so I thought perhaps she stole or lost the thread we would use for the general's hanbok and his guest. But, Noble Park! It's their fault! They shouldn’t tell such false news!”

These women repeatedly begged my daughter and they also grabbed the hanbok that Maze was wearing. Maze was just a mere child who had the support of her uncle and yet they were banishing their dignity just to be forgiven. Why don’t they apologize to Hanneul instead?

"You should’ve thought of it first," Maze said.

The culprits stopped touching Maximaze’s dress and lowered their gazes.

Maze spoke, “Mingxhiu, many could die because of delusion and suspicion. Meizu, you’re also guilty and when all of us found out the truth, you tried to drag down someone as well and blame it all on her. Chunhua, it is wrong to give fake news.” She sighed. “I know you’re all aware about that before you make such mistakes. Did you know that simple fake news can ruin a person's life?! You must use your brains!”

The three girls did not speak and simply sobbed. They were ashamed of themselves.

“I have no right to judge you. Eunuch, I know that you know the best for them. I’ll hand this over to you.” Then, she turned around and went back beside me.

I wanted to say something yet what she did left me speechless. Maze, how could you . . . do that?

 “Hmm. Mother, I’m hungry,” Maze uttered.

 “A-a-ahh, Noble Park, ehe. There’s a lot of food in the kitchen. I’ll escort you.” A male servant approached and escorted her in the kitchen.

The general and I followed Maze to Twaechon’s kitchen. Now I just realize that Twaechon was a large place. It looked like it’s a nobleman’s palace.

"Sybil, Maze inherited her traits from her father," the general said.

“How did you say that, General? “

“Maze’s actions and movements were almost similar to her father, especially the way they speak. Maze reminds me of Vishton. Young Vishton rather.” He sighed. “Sybil, do you still remember the times when we were still young?

~*~

“Your story is really interesting, Cladius. How come a tiger talks and becomes a coward?” Vishton laughed. “It’s impossible!”

"It's really impossible." Cladius laughed. “Let’s go to my hut but we have to run because my hut is too far away. Let's go!" Cladius ran. Vishton followed but I was left behind. When I regained consciousness, I followed them.

“Let's race! Whoever wins gets—” Vishton suddenly fell to the ground when he bumped into a man wearing black outfit.

"Look where are you going!" the man yelled at Vishton.

"Hey! Come back here, thief! ” The Imperial Guards appeared in my sight and ran to where the man was.

I immediately approached Vishton. "Are you all right, Vishton?" I asked.

"Yes. You alright? That man is shameless!” Cladius uttered.

"I'm fine, but we have something important to do now,” Vishton said.

"What is that?" I looked at Cladius when I heard his voice. We spoke together.

"Fuji tactics?" Argh, here we go again.

"No, not again—"

“Fuji tactics! Stop acting, Sybil. You know we will be rewarded with food. It is bad to refuse grace, Sybil! So let's go!” Cladius patted my shoulder.

Vishton nodded and we immediately did ‘that’ Fuji tactic.

Few minutes later, I saw the man earlier running towards our trap.

"Aahh!" the man shouted as he fell into our trap.

“Yah! If you are a thief, make sure you don't run into the three of us, because by the time you fall into our trap, this will be your end. ” Vishton glared at the thief. He threatened it. Cladius smiled but I had no choice but to watch them.

 The trap is not obvious but if he pays attention to the way he’s taking, he can avoid it by running or walking in another direction.

To be continued . . .