chapter 27
“This is just…sad, that I can’t deny what you say again.”
…He really is right. I sighed. After the Great Martial War ended, the cultists fled with Cheonma’s concubines. Some of them were even carrying children. The cultists had high hopes, but all the children born were…disappointing.
The real problem came later. Among the grown children—Cheonma’s grandchildren—one stood out because he was born with Cheonma’s exceptional talent.
His name was Heukryeong. He was about our age but reportedly possessed strength enough to kill countless famed heroes.
Many masters had spoken in unison: the moment the cultists recognized him as Cheonma incarnate, he would become a monster capable of consuming the Central Plains.
Thanks to that prophecy, his notoriety spread like wildfire. And because his face was stunningly beautiful, many were drawn to him and even joined the cult out of admiration.
The cult must be in a celebratory mood right now. My expression darkened, and Mu-Wol gave a faint smile. Just seeing it made me feel safe—warm and comforting.
“Do not worry. I am not a worthless man who cannot even protect one wife.”
“And you?”
“Huh?”
I pouted.
“I feel sad that I can help you so much, yet I can’t give you anything in return.”
“…You truly are an unusual person.”
Mu-Wol muttered this as he stood up.
“I’ll take my leave now. Sleep well.”
“You too, Mu-Wol.”
He left silently, closing the door behind him. I stared at it for a while, letting out a sigh.
‘We haven’t even discussed our wedding at all.’
Still, I was relieved that his mood seemed a little better.
‘From now on, I’ll do my best to repay his kindness.’
With that resolve, I finally went to bed.
Since that day, Mu-Wol and I had started seeking each other out more often. Whenever something happened, the first thing we did was check the reactions of our betrothed.
“Baek Mu-Wol wins!”
Even now, with Mu-Wol confirmed for the finals of the martial arts competition, he was staring directly at me from the arena. I sat beside Nan-Hyang, smiling and waving, and Mu-Wol nodded before lowering his gaze.
“Geez…this is sweet enough to drip honey.”
“Just keep your spot. I’ll bring Mu-Wol to you.”
Ignoring Nan-Hyang’s tongue-clicking as she snacked on dried fruit, I hurried to meet Mu-Wol.
I wanted to wait near the arena before the match ended, but the crowd was too dense, and it would be a nuisance. I handed Mu-Wol a fluffy towel and a bamboo container of chilled green tea.
“Congratulations on making it to the finals.”
“It’s thanks to you watching over me, Sojin.”
“You say that too? Hurry up. My parents even prepared some aged ginseng for you. Tonight, they’ll stew it with chicken…”
“I trust my elder will make it to the finals in style again this time.”
Before I could finish, I heard the voice of Young Master Yuhan from the opposite side. Turning, I saw him carrying a bamboo container and towel, just like I had, trailing Young Master Yuun.
“Not thirsty? Any discomfort anywhere?”
“No, just go see your father now.”
“Then just one question: after today’s match, with this younger brother—”
“No.”
“I haven’t even said what I want to do yet…?”
“….”
We wanted to move elsewhere, but there was no way they hadn’t sensed us. Mu-Wol didn’t seem interested in hiding either. If he had, he would’ve gone elsewhere as soon as he felt their presence.
‘Does Young Master Yuun have something he wants to say?’
At the same time, Namgung Yuun’s steps stopped. Yuhan, standing behind, immediately growled like a mad dog—but we ignored him.
“Congratulations on surviving to the finals again.”
“Thank you. Are you on your way to the semifinals now, Young Master?”
“…You are polite as always.”
With that, a subtle tension arose. Yuun spoke bluntly:
“You may speak freely.”
“How could I speak so casually to the proud heir of the Namgung family?”
“…I suppose now isn’t the time for that,” I thought.
Yuun clenched his sword tightly, showing his competitive spirit.
“I will definitely defeat you and win this tournament.”
I observed Mu-Wol’s reaction. Normally, he would casually say, “I look forward to it,” but he didn’t.
“Your energy is still incredible. But I cannot yield victory either.”
Mu-Wol’s arm wrapped around my shoulder.
“I want to make a good impression on the woman who will become my wife.”
The effect was remarkable. Ah, of course, except not on Young Master Yuun—on Yuhan.
Yuhan, feeling nauseated, drank the green tea he had prepared for his elder in one gulp.
He was predictably consistent. I clicked my tongue inwardly and noticed Yuun’s face. He didn’t react as strongly as Yuhan, but his eyes widened slightly. Glancing between us, he gave a subtle nod.
“Then, let’s go.”
“See you in the finals.”
“Elder, let’s go together!”
Yuhan shot one last glare at Mu-Wol before running off. Watching the direction they disappeared, I said:
“Mu-Wol.”
“Yes, Sojin?”
“After our wedding…living in Anhwi will be really difficult, won’t it?”
“Huh?”
When Mu-Wol spoke of never settling down anywhere, I couldn’t help thinking selfishly: why should we live elsewhere when the wedding itself is here?
But living with my parents after marriage would be impossible for Mu-Wol. They would find him uncomfortable, so we must have our own space.
‘Then I could buy a house somewhere not too close… Ah, right.’
Suddenly, I remembered the Namgung family’s dislike of Mu-Wol. I became serious again.
My fiancé had told me he wanted a peaceful life with me.
‘Living in Anhwi… sadly, it can’t be.’
Half resigned, I looked to Mu-Wol, who again reached out his hand.
“Sojin, do you want to live in Anhwi even after marriage?”
“…I’m sorry, but yes.”
I felt awful. I lowered my head helplessly.
“That’s unexpected. I thought you’d want to leave this place.”
‘Huh? Why?’
Mu-Wol often saw me happy with my family in Anhwi. That alone would make it obvious I wouldn’t want to leave.
Then why say that? Just as I was about to ask if there was a special reason…
“Leaving suddenly would be hard for you. I’m sorry, I didn’t think it through.”
“…Sorry?”
My face burned. Avoiding his gaze, I said:
“I’m the one who should apologize. But, I don’t want to live with my family under the same roof.”
“So you want independence, but not too far. You want to live close enough to visit anytime…?”
“No, not too close—just far enough from my home that I can visit anytime. But I’m not forcing you. If I were you, I’d feel uncomfortable if my in-laws were nearby. And it seems the Namgung patriarch finds you a little… inconvenient.”
“You don’t need to sugarcoat it. It’s well known that the patriarch dislikes me.”
“Right… I probably spoke too boldly.”
“That doesn’t matter at all. The Namgung patriarch loves and cherishes Anhwi more than anyone else.”
“I know that, but…”
“If you, born and raised in Anhwi, marry me and still wish to stay here, he would be pleased. It would mean Anhwi is truly a good place to live.”
