chapter 31
At that moment, Madam Su seemed to sense something strange and glanced at Young Master Yuhan. He quickly forced a smile, but she showed no reaction and turned back to Mu-wol.
“Are you still using the sword your master gave you?”
“Yes, I still use it.”
“……”
As their conversation continued, Young Master Yuhan hesitated before quietly edging closer to Young Master Yuun.
“Brother, how are you feeling?”
Without even looking at him, Yuun replied,
“Be quiet. It looks like the first match is about to begin.”
As he said, two young boys, still showing traces of youth, stood up. Watching Yuhan’s reaction, I flinched.
For a moment, it looked like droopy puppy ears were hanging from the sides of his head—like someone who had just been scolded, despite being younger than me and always acting like an elder.
‘What was that just now?’
I blinked once in disbelief. When I opened my eyes again, Yuhan was back to his cheerful self, clinging to Yuun as if nothing had happened.
‘They say everyone has their own story…’
I found myself feeling a bit sympathetic toward him.
Not that it meant I’d forgive what happened before.
Drawing a clear line, I turned my attention forward again. The two boys had already greeted the referee and were now facing each other.
Both of them wore bright expressions, their eyes full of excitement.
Then the boy in red spoke.
“You kept your promise.”
“Yeah. We really made it this far.”
The boy in blue drew his sword.
“Come at me. I won’t go easy on you like before.”
“That’s exactly what I want.”
At the same time, they rushed toward each other.
I couldn’t help but admire them.
Just standing there, they already embodied the freshness of youth. But beyond that, they were both friends and rivals—and they had even kept a promise to meet again in the finals of a tournament.
It was the kind of development that made your heart race.
As proof, even martial artists with keen hearing—able to catch their conversation from afar—were raising their fists and cheering passionately.
I silently cheered for them as well and spoke to Mu-wol.
“They’re the same age, right?”
“Yes. I’ve heard they both turned fifteen this year.”
“Wow, so this is their first time competing?”
Participants under fifteen weren’t allowed in this tournament.
Another reason for my heart to swell.
‘I think I understand why people love coming-of-age dramas so much.’
I couldn’t take my eyes off them.
At that moment, Madam Su—who seemed just as absorbed—spoke to Mu-wol again.
“This reminds me of the past.”
“……”
“Mu-wol, didn’t you and Yuun also have such youthful days?”
‘Excuse me?’
I almost doubted my ears.
The boys on the stage were still fighting with vibrant energy.
‘I can’t imagine that at all.’
Both Mu-wol and Young Master Yuun were far from what one would call lively.
But judging by Madam Su’s expression, she wasn’t lying.
‘So that’s why she said earlier things weren’t like they used to be…’
But how did their relationship turn so bad…?
Whatever the reason, Madam Su clearly felt sincere regret about it.
“Do you think you could return to those days?”
“……”
Yuun remained silent, and Mu-wol gave an awkward smile.
“That would be difficult.”
“…So you don’t want to go back?”
“I like things as they are now.”
Mu-wol answered firmly.
“Absolutely.”
“……”
Bitterness flickered across Madam Su’s face. Seeing that, Yuhan suddenly snapped.
“Young Hero…!”
Boom!
At that moment, a loud crash echoed as the arena floor shattered.
Now was my chance—I quickly changed the subject.
“…That’s incredible.”
I spoke with a dazed expression, as if I had unconsciously let out my admiration.
“To reach such a level at that age…”
I widened my eyes in awe, making it clear that I had been completely absorbed in the match and hadn’t heard a word of their conversation.
“I wonder how much effort it must take to become that strong at such a young age… It’s truly admirable.”
One of the men surrounding Yuun scoffed.
“…Admirable? They’re much younger than you, miss.”
“That doesn’t matter. What matters is that they’ve accomplished something I couldn’t.”
I smiled gently.
“I’m sure they’ll grow into outstanding swordsmen—just like everyone here.”
“…Ahem.”
As expected, warmth melts even the coldest hearts.
“I’d really love to watch their match again someday. I wonder where the next tournament will be held… I just hope it’s not too far from here.”
Mu-wol spoke kindly.
“With me here, what is there to worry about, Sojin? Wherever it is, I’ll take you there.”
“Thank you. That’s very reassuring.”
As I leaned lightly against his shoulder, my eyes met Yuhan’s directly.
He was staring at me with a stunned expression.
‘What’s with him?’
Still, it was better than being glared at.
Just then—
“Cough—!”
The boy in blue clutched his stomach and coughed. The match was decided.
“The winner is Seon Il-gwang!”
Even so, the two remained warm toward each other.
“I won’t lose next time.”
“Bring it on anytime.”
It had been a long time since I’d seen such a wholesome match.
As I quietly congratulated them, I glanced at Mu-wol and Yuun.
‘How did those two end up like this…?’
Mu-wol remained focused only on me, while Yuun was surrounded by members of the Namgung family.
“As I said earlier, just perform as usual. Victory is practically yours, Brother.”
“At last, today you’ll reclaim your rightful place.”
‘…What if he loses after all that?’
Yuun himself was calm, but those around him were going overboard—if not twice, then three times over.
That’s when I realized something was off.
‘That’s not just expectation…’
It felt more like fanaticism.
Maybe they were the reason Mu-wol and Yuun had grown apart.
My expression turned serious.
“Sojin.”
Mu-wol called my name softly. I quickly turned my head.
“Sorry, I spaced out for a moment.”
“No, I understand.”
“Huh?”
“It’s only natural. The Namgung family is impressive enough to draw anyone’s attention.”
‘That’s not why I was looking.’
I wanted to protest, but Mu-wol wouldn’t believe me anyway.
Behind us, the crowd was loudly chanting for the Namgung family. Occasionally, Mu-wol’s name could be heard, but it was nothing compared to theirs.
It seemed like all the people of Anhui had gathered here for the final day.
Carefully, I spoke.
“Mu-wol, I…”
Before I could finish, he smiled gently.
“I’ll do my best to become someone you can be proud of.”
“I’m already proud of you.”
“But in the end, you’re still from this place, aren’t you?”
“…What?”
Before I could process his words, Mu-wol nodded slightly.
“Then I’ll be going.”
He walked away from me.
I couldn’t move.
‘…Wait, what did he just say?’
Did he mean that since I’m from Anhui, I’d naturally favor the Namgung family over my own fiancé?
Inside my head, two sides of me began arguing.
‘Honestly, he’s not wrong. I’ve lived in Anhui for over twenty years.’
‘That’s true, but it’s not like I’m some die-hard fan of the Namgung family.’
‘So? Do you trust them more than Mu-wol?’
‘No, but I’ve lived here all my life—’
‘See? You do favor them more.’
‘That’s not the same, you idiot!!’
My second self finally exploded, turning my thoughts upside down.
