chapter 30
At my friendly approach, Gwak Heon-wi froze on the spot. I had been meaning to pay him a visit sometime—this worked out nicely. Today, I’d completely crush him.
I examined his expression and spoke.
“It’s our first time meeting since that day, isn’t it? Did you make it home safely? I was worried you might catch a cold.”
“…Haha, I’m not sure what you’re talking about, miss.”
Aside from the two of us, the only ones who knew I had pushed him into the water were Young Master Namgung Yuhan and the elders of that family. But now that the marriage talks had fallen through, they wouldn’t care what rumors spread about me.
And that meant—
“I’m so glad you look healthy! I was so shocked when you jumped into the water just because I rejected your feelings!”
“What?!”
It meant I could twist the situation however I liked.
After all, the best way to repay fabrication is with fabrication.
People immediately began whispering.
“So that’s why he kept bringing up Miss Han—he got rejected? Well, if he chased her around like that and still got rejected, no wonder he’s upset.”
“Oh my, he was chasing Miss Han around?”
“You didn’t know? He used to stand in front of her house all the time.”
“Still… jumping into the water over a woman? That’s a bit much for a grown man.”
As the murmurs spread, Gwak Heon-wi’s face turned red and blue in turns. No matter what he said now, people would assume it was out of jealousy.
I took a step back and turned my head away, looking sorrowful.
“I’m sorry I just ran away back then. But the situation was so frightening and shocking—I couldn’t handle it.”
“W-What nonsense are you spouting, you shameless woman! I fell into the water because of you—!”
“Yes, it was because of me. But as I told you before, I truly cannot accept your feelings, Young Master.”
“That’s not it, you—!”
Though Gwak Heon-wi had thrown away all sense of dignity in his rage, he wasn’t foolish enough to publicly reveal that he was weaker than a woman who didn’t even practice martial arts.
The more he stammered, the louder the whispers grew. I decided to end it here.
“But Young Master, I know this isn’t the best time to say this… but could you please stop pursuing me now?”
I spoke sincerely.
“I am already engaged. If you keep following me around, my future husband might misunderstand.”
The friend standing beside Gwak Heon-wi slowly stepped away as he muttered,
“You said you weren’t interested in Miss Han anymore, yet behind her back you’re still…”
“That’s not true!”
Gwak Heon-wi denied it vehemently, but to others, he only looked like someone lashing out after being exposed.
“Young Master, a man should know when to retreat. You’ll meet your match someday.”
“But you’ve got quite the nerve. How dare you covet a woman engaged to Young Hero Baek Mu-wol? You don’t even look like you’ve trained in martial arts.”
The people from Anhui at least kept some restraint, but outsiders spoke bluntly.
“Hey, brother. You should stop chasing that lady already. What can you even do with that frail body?”
“You wouldn’t even be able to swing a sword properly, let alone defeat Baek Mu-wol. Know your place.”
At that, they all burst into laughter. The friend beside Gwak Heon-wi left entirely, and he simply stared blankly at me.
With my back turned to the crowd, I curled one corner of my lips into a smirk. Seeing me openly mock him, Gwak Heon-wi finally exploded.
“Aaaaargh!”
Letting out a scream, he ran out of the pavilion.
Feeling refreshed, I left the pavilion as well. Just then, I spotted Mu-wol coming out of the building and immediately ran toward him.
“Mu-wol!”
“You seem to be in a very good mood. Did something good happen?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
Giggling, I sat down. The seats prepared by the organizers for the finalists were extremely luxurious.
Silk-covered chairs, fragrant tea, and delicious snacks had all been prepared. The view of the stage was excellent too.
However, there was one fatal flaw that made all those advantages meaningless.
“……”
That flaw was that we had to sit together with our final opponent.
Glancing to the side, I saw Young Master Yuun and members of the Namgung family seated on blue silk-covered chairs.
As we approached, an awkward and tense atmosphere settled in. The same went for the other finalists—everyone stared straight ahead as if they had made a pact.
‘What kind of arrangement is this?’
It seemed like no one would be able to relax before the finals, all busy keeping each other in check. I figured it would be better if I sat on the outer side.
Then, I noticed a woman seated behind Young Masters Yuun and Yuhan.
She wore a white silk robe with a faint blue tint, adorned with jeweled and gold hairpins. Her expressionless face bore a striking resemblance to Young Master Yuun.
Mu-wol and I immediately lowered ourselves.
“Greetings, Madam Su.”
She was undoubtedly Su Chaeryeo, the mistress of the Namgung family.
After gracefully accepting our greeting, Madam Su asked Young Master Yuun,
“Is that the one?”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Nice to meet you, Miss Han. You’re as beautiful as the rumors say.”
“You flatter me.”
Her gaze shifted to Mu-wol.
“Mu-wol, congratulations on your upcoming marriage.”
“Thank you.”
“Of all people, you forming a bond with someone from Anhui—what a delightful thing this is.”
Her tone was exceedingly gentle. Mu-wol also seemed much more at ease than when dealing with the Namgung patriarch or the young masters.
‘So he’s not on bad terms with everyone in the Namgung family.’
It was truly a relief, but the thought of having to stay near her throughout the tournament was a bit burdensome.
At that moment, Mu-wol spoke.
“Sojin, don’t worry about me. You can go sit with your friends. You said you had plans to sit with them, didn’t you?”
He was telling me I could leave if I felt uncomfortable.
But…
I shook my head.
“I don’t want to leave you alone.”
Mu-wol looked at me with a strange expression before turning away.
“…Then it can’t be helped.”
“Come, sit.”
As we sat side by side, the gazes from those surrounding Young Master Yuun grew even sharper. They deliberately spoke loudly.
“Hyung-nim will win as long as he performs like usual.”
“That’s right. We all believe in you.”
They were always so blindly devoted to him.
‘Still… I envy that.’
It meant he was a reliable pillar within his family.
‘I really do envy him.’
As I was thinking how I wanted to become someone capable like that, Madam Su suddenly spoke to us.
“Didn’t you say you hadn’t known each other for long?”
‘What is she getting at now?’
At her sudden question, Mu-wol—who had been staring straight ahead—answered politely.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“But you seem very close. You’ll make a loving couple. When are you planning to hold the wedding?”
“As soon as preparations are complete. It shouldn’t take long.”
“Will you invite your friends?”
“Unfortunately, everyone is quite busy, so it may be difficult.”
“Won’t they feel disappointed?”
“I can’t hinder their growth.”
‘Are they close?’
As far as I knew, Madam Su was known to be just as reserved as Young Master Yuun. Yet here she was, being so warm.
‘I heard she isn’t even very affectionate with her own sons.’
Sure enough, Young Master Yuhan shot Mu-wol another heated glare.
‘At least he’s not glaring at me.’
He must have really hated being misunderstood back then. Watching him carefully avoid even glancing in my direction made me smile without realizing it.
