A TALE OF FIRE AND ICE

Souvenir from the White Snake

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***

"LADY NYSTROM, are you ready to offer a prayer for the Black Serpent?" Lilly asked her with a smile. "According to the legends, out of all the Ancient Beasts, Black Serpent was particularly fond of people who wished prosperity for their family. That's why in the past, a lot of married men and women with children devoted themselves to the Black Serpent. Since you're a newly married woman who's now pregnant, I think you should ask for the Black Serpent's blessing to protect your family."

"Okay, Miss Lilly," Irene said with a smile. "I'll pray to the Black Serpent for me and my family. Thank you for telling me."

The priestess just smiled at her.

After that, she ushered her into the altar where Lilly gave her a black candle. She was supposed to hold that while praying to the Black Serpent. When the other priestesses closed her eyes, she did the same.

Since she was already there, might as well pray.

Hi, Mr. Black Serpent.

She didn't know why she called the Black Serpent "Mr." even though she didn't know its gender. But whatever. She would just apologize later if she was wrong.

I know that you're supposed to be a guardian of His Majesty, she continued in her head. But you know what? The master you're serving is a bad guy! You can read my mind if you want proof. As a god, you're not supposed to support evil people.

She knew that it was useless to rant to a god who wouldn't hear her out anyway. Still, "scolding" the Black Serpent felt right for some reason.

Hey, Mr. Black Serpent, she continued. This time, she decided to talk to the god "kindly." Why don't you switch sides? We will treat you well. Plus, if you help us, I promise that we will be kind to other people for the rest of our lives. Sounds good? Sounds good, right?

Of course, only silence answered her.

And then suddenly, her stomach growled. It wasn't loud enough for others to hear. But she felt very hungry.

Mr. Black Serpent, are you still there? she asked as if the god had been there from the beginning. If you can't take our side, then just grant me my simple wish. I am so craving for samgyeopsal. I want grilled pork belly dipped in ssamjang or melted cheese. And kimchi for side dish, of course. Along with japchae, braised potatoes, and fish cake. Gosh, I miss Korean food so much. Is it available in this world?

If only Irene could open a Korean barbecue restaurant in the empire...

***

"MY LORD, why are you staring at your reflection for?"

Lisa, still shocked by the fact that he suddenly resembled His Majesty, turned to the owner of the familiar voice. Then, he got shocked even more.

Irene?

The woman looked exactly like Irene, except for the hair color. The woman standing in front of him had beautiful jet-black hair. But her eyes were purple, just like his wife's.

What kind of dream is this?

"My lord?" the lady who looked like Irene called him again. "Is everything alright?"

"Why are you calling me so formally, Irene?" Lisa asked her. "I'm not your lord– I'm your husband, honey." .

The lady smiled bitterly. "Do you hate me that much for you to call me by another woman's name, my lord?"