Chapter 67
Time passed until the hour of the dragon.
“Ahhh…”
A single drop of dew slid down Seol Seorin’s jade-white cheek. Seol Yeong, watching his sister’s expression, gave her a disgusted look.
“Honestly, every kind of lunacy in the world…”
“Oh, I still can’t believe it!”
Eyes sparkling like stars, Seorin smiled in delight, then quickly wiped her tears with her fingertips.
“To think that lovely, demure young lady turned out to be Lady Soyou! Don’t suppose there’s an open maid’s position left? A lowly handmaid surely won’t suffice—couldn’t I be the one to serve you instead?”
“You’re the mistress of the Pleasure Courtyard, talking about being a maid? You’re supposed to leave the morning after tomorr—ow!”
Seol Yeong yelped and rolled on the floor after getting smacked on the shin. Yeil, watching the scene with faint amusement, turned her graceful gaze to Seorin, who was elegantly pouring tea.
“Seol Seorin.”
“Yes~?”
“Now that you’ve calmed down, tell me what happened on your way here.”
Click.
Setting the teacup before Yeil, Seorin spoke lightly, as if it were nothing of note.
“Is there much to explain? I imagine it happened just as you’d guess. Some masked assailant attacked the carriage, killed all my guards, and knocked me out without saying a word. He didn’t even check who I was—so I suppose he already knew I was Seol Seorin.”
“Did the assailant look like a beggar?”
“Yes. …Ah! By the way, do you happen to know what became of my carriage?”
Yeil nodded.
“It’s wrecked. Completely empty inside.”
“Oh dear. I was bringing back a pouch full of silver coins to return to the lady… I suppose I cooked the porridge only to feed it to the dog.”
So she had been coming to refund the commission regarding Namgung Chumyeong, having received no proper information in return.
“What a pity… I’ve lost everything. It seems Lady Soyou will have to come to the Pleasure Courtyard herself to collect, won’t she?”
Her eyes narrowing slyly, Seorin smiled like a fox as she placed the second teacup in front of Changah.
“Any idea who the attacker was?”
Tapping her chin thoughtfully, Seorin retraced her memories.
“Hmm. Dressed like a beggar, with a fierce look… judging from his tone, size, and the shape of his sword, I’d say it was Cheolmyeon Gwanggyeon (the Iron-Faced Mad Dog). Once I return, I’ll investigate who ordered him.”
“Yeonghwang Yuse.”
The name made Seorin’s eyes widen almost comically.
“You already suspected them too, didn’t you? I doubt your sect leader failed to warn you.”
“…So you knew.”
Sigh. Seorin let out a deep breath, her face darkening.
“Then you also know they’ve joined hands with the Demonic Cult?”
“What? The Demonic Cult? Sister, is that true? Don’t tell me they’re trying to start another—ugh!”
Seorin pressed her heel hard into her brother’s thigh to shut him up and continued calmly.
“So you do know. Our leader’s been troubled over the matter lately. It’s bound to throw the entire martial world into chaos like never before—he’s been unable to even decide when to make the announcement.”
An announcement. A move worthy of the mighty Hāngryong Sect Leader.
“…Ah, and as for Lady Soyou, we’ve kept her identity completely secret, as always. The Sect Leader hasn’t shown the slightest interest in her, so you can rest easy.”
“Good.”
Seorin propped her chin on her hands and looked up at Yeil with glittering eyes, as if expecting praise. Yeil tapped her lightly on the cheek and spoke in a low voice.
“Forget the silver. I want you to find something else.”
“Mmm, I assume you mean information about Yeonghwang Yuse? I’d love to share everything I know, but even our Sect Leader has little knowledge about them…”
“Namgung Pae.”
Seorin’s eyes sharpened immediately.
“…Don’t tell me this relates to that recent incident in the Namgung Clan?”
Yeil’s gaze briefly shifted to Jin Cheongak, who was fast asleep on her bed, then fell silent. Seorin nodded.
“Understood. I’ll deliver the message—”
“I’ll go myself.”
A bright smile blossomed again on Seorin’s face. Always such a cheerful girl.
Yeil planned to introduce Seorin to the Namgung brothers as Jin Cheongak’s guest.
However, Seorin declined the offer and left the inn with her usual unhurried grace.
“There must be at least one place within the Martial Alliance’s domain where I can take shelter, don’t you think? I’ll report to my superiors and then come back. Thank you for everything today, Lady Soyou. I’ll repay this favor—inflate it, inflate it, and inflate it again—until it’s tenfold!”
Inflate it three times over—meaning, she’d rip a pillar out of her sect if needed to repay Yeil’s kindness.
Indeed, a kindred spirit who understood without words.
By midday, Yeil had persuaded Namgung Huimyeong to let her accompany him to watch his martial arts duel.
“…Fine, fine. But seriously, why do you look so radiant today? Can’t you ever dress a little less immaculate?”
When he tousled her hair, his voice grew more satisfied.
“Hmm, better.”
He couldn’t possibly have known what had happened at dawn, so though worried for her safety, he couldn’t refuse his bright-eyed sister’s request.
Upon arriving at the martial arena—
The first person to greet Namgung Huimyeong was none other than Bang Wu.
“My turn seems to be coming up a bit too soon. As expected, it’ll end quickly, won’t it?”
Bang Wu’s presence filled the air.
Normally, after such a match, the heat of battle would still linger, but there was none of that—meaning it must have been a completely one-sided victory.
“Huimyeong, for your first match, you seemed incredibly composed. I’d almost think you’ve been training to strengthen your nerves.”
“Well, not exactly…”
A soft chuckle escaped.
“You must’ve gone through some rough times. Perhaps you faced someone who turned your world upside down.”
“You read people frighteningly well… like someone I know.”
“‘Someone’? You mean your brother?”
“I was talking about my sister.”
Of course—Namgung Soyou was the only sister he had in all the lands.
Bang Wu fell silent, and Huimyeong spoke again, his tone lighter.
“Well, since you’re here, could I ask you a favor? My turn’s coming soon, and I should stretch a bit first.”
“…A favor?”
“My sister’s voice is still weak, so please don’t tease her with words like last time. She walks surprisingly well on her own, but sometimes she missteps—so always hold her hand. And whatever you do, don’t introduce her to just anyone. That’s all.”
That was… unexpected.
‘So he just wants to relax before his fight, huh.’
As a fellow martial artist, Yeil could understand. And judging by how readily he entrusted her, Huimyeong must trust Bang Wu deeply.
But then—Huimyeong’s footsteps, which had been retreating, suddenly returned.
“Hey, Soyou. If you’re ever in danger, scream. Better to tear your throat once more than die quietly, right?”
Nod.
He left again—then turned back again.
“Bang Wu may seem dependable, but all men are the same. If something happens, aim right here—kick with all your strength. Got it?”
Nod.
He turned—then again.
“If you get hungry, borrow money from Bang Wu and buy yourself something.”
Nod.
He turned—
“And if anyone wrongs you, make sure you get their name and—”
What a persistent guy.
As expected of Namgung Jeokmyeong’s brother.
Clap!
At last, a single clap snapped him out of it. Huimyeong stammered to a finish and hurried off.
Bang Wu, his tone stiff, muttered,
“…He really cherishes you, doesn’t he, Miss Huimyeong.”
Nod.
“…”
“…”
“…”
“…”
An awkward silence pressed heavily between them.
