Chapter 54
A heavy and calm voice came from beside Yurim.
“Long time no see.”
A brief silence fell while Namgung Jeokmyeong shook hands, then Bangwoo’s voice was heard again.
“You’ve probably already heard all the pleasantries countless times, so I’ll keep it short. Are you well?”
“Haha! That’s very much like you. Of course I’m well. But… haven’t you grown taller in the meantime?”
“Cut the nonsense the moment we meet. Even if I wanted to grow taller, I can’t.”
“Oh? That sounds like you’d grow more if you could.”
“Even after all that hardship, your childish mouth hasn’t changed.”
“The style of a rogue, known as the disgrace of the Namgung clan.”
“Don’t use being a rogue as an excuse. You’ve always been like that.”
Listening to the conversation between the two men, Yeoil was genuinely surprised.
‘Judging by their personalities, they seem completely incompatible. Yet they’re so comfortable with each other.’
Since arriving at the Murim Alliance, it was the first time Yeoil had seen Namgung Jeokmyeong smile so comfortably in front of someone his own age.
“You’ve grown a lot, Heemyeong. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“Yes, I have grown quite a bit. It’s been a long time since we last met.”
Bangwoo.
Yeoil almost allowed herself to feel a small pang of nostalgia, but she quickly turned her thoughts elsewhere.
Perhaps for him, the mere existence of Yeoil was etched as a horrifying memory. No, she was certain.
The last expression she had seen on his face… it had reminded her of her own feelings when standing before Cheon Muryeong.
[Master! That was incredible. To defeat Brother Pungyun? Did you see the expression when he hit the ground? I’ve never felt so relieved…]
The joy and laughter she had once dashed and shredded—that was an indelible karma she could never abandon.
So this time, she had intended to stand quietly behind Namgung Heemyeong.
That was until Namgung Heemyeong, who had just been theatrically hiding like a rare beast, suddenly introduced her.
“This is the youngest, Soyo. Hey, Soyo. The person before you is Master Bangwoo of the Hwasan Sect, a close friend of Jeokmyeong hyung. The very great master you’re the only one among the Changpaesaryong to know.”
Namgung Heemyeong.
Always offering help in ways that caused more trouble than good. Yeoil felt a brief sense of annoyance, then quickly steadied herself.
After all, once the Murim Alliance martial tournament ended, she would never see this person again—there was no reason to avoid him.
Yeoil bowed politely.
“I’ve heard of your reputation, Master Bangwoo. It’s a pleasure to meet you. My brothers may be mischievous, but I ask for your guidance.”
“Your throat isn’t good, so keep it brief. And who’s asking whom for guidance?”
Behind Namgung Heemyeong’s grumbling, a calm and unremarkable reply came.
“Nice to meet you, Young Lady Namgung. Unlike your brothers, you’re dignified. I hope your throat heals quickly—it seems quite bad.”
“Thank you.”
A perfectly ordinary first greeting.
He really didn’t recognize her.
At moments like this, Yeoil once again felt the long scar running across the center of her face had left a huge impression on her appearance.
Just as they exchanged brief pleasantries and were about to part ways, Bangwoo suddenly expressed his gratitude to Seolyeong.
“Thank you, Hero Jin.”
After a short silence.
“Ahem… I am Soyo’s servant, though.”
Yurim quickly interjected.
“…Um, Master Bangwoo? The Hero Jin I mentioned isn’t him, it’s this person here.”
Bangwoo! Just as before, he was oblivious in the most unexpected ways.
“I apologize, Hero Jin. I heard of your deeds from Yurim. On behalf of the Hwasan Sect, I thank you for protecting Sister Yurim.”
“It’s nothing. What about Yeonse?”
“Yeonse?”
Jin Cheongak laughed heartily at Bangwoo’s confused response.
“You didn’t get a message? Never mind. In any case, I’m glad to meet you. I’ve been really curious about you. Hm… consistent taste, as always.”
Thud.
Only after firmly stomping on Jin Cheongak’s foot did his annoying tongue finally retreat. Yeoil immediately apologized to Bangwoo.
“I’m sorry, Master. My bodyguard sometimes gets carried away. It’s a common mental ailment among young masters.”
“…You don’t need to belittle her bodyguard like that. There are probably circumstances I don’t know. One never belittles a benefactor of a sister’s well-being.”
Yeoil had completely forgotten while staying at the Namgung household, but Bangwoo valued actions far more than words.
He despised those who undermined great achievements due to politics or appearances. By trying to cover up Jin Cheongak’s nonsense, she had only left a bad impression.
‘Doesn’t matter.’
She answered with a soft smile, ending their conversation.
Perhaps because two members of the Changpaesaryong were gathered in one place, more and more people began to crowd in.
Some twisted and turned to make connections with the Namgung clan, some because they already knew them, and others wanted an introduction to Yeoil. Their presence began to pierce Namgung Heemyeong’s patience.
“Welcome, Young Master Soga. The Alliance Leader is asking for you.”
“I’ll go immediately. Heemyeong, take care of Soyo.”
“Yes. Let’s go.”
As Namgung Jeokmyeong started to follow the Alliance members, he suddenly turned back to give Namgung Heemyeong a warning.
“Control your temper.”
“I understand.”
He patted his shoulder and was about to follow, but turned back once more.
“If any problems arise, step back and call me. Especially with the Five Great Clans!”
“…Understood. Now go, hyung.”
Again.
“Soyo is much stronger than you think, so don’t overprotect—”
“Go already!”
Only after Namgung Heemyeong pushed him away angrily did Namgung Jeokmyeong finally leave.
With the Young Master gone, the lingering leeches gradually disappeared.
“Hero Jin, Young Master Namgung Heemyeong, Young Lady Namgung, and Seolyeong and Changa… I shall take my leave as well. It’s been a sincere pleasure to meet you. If time permits during the tournament, let’s share a drink.”
After Yurim, who had been chatting with Seolyeong and Namgung Heemyeong, left,
On the way to the inn she had scouted out after watching the day’s last free sparring, Seolyeong asked Namgung Heemyeong:
“The Young Master has been gone quite a while. Was it more than just a simple greeting?”
“Why does a servant care about his master’s affairs? …After the Indugub incident, the Hwasan Sect and Murim Alliance maintained separate contact. Probably a continuation of that matter.”
Murim Alliance was one thing, but Hwasan Sect…
‘It must be related to Yeonghwang’s tour.’
The sun set late.
While Jin Cheongak stood as the bodyguard overseeing the bets, Namgung Heemyeong came to fetch her.
“Hey, Soyo. Quickly get dressed and come out.”
When she stepped out, Namgung Heemyeong greeted her with an expression of visible discomfort.
“How’s your body? Don’t answer with words—just nod or shake your head.”
She nodded.
“Tch, how is it you always seem to feel good… Don’t be surprised. Listen carefully. The Alliance Leader wants to meet you and Hero Jin. I heard he wants to ask about what happened at the Namgung meeting.”
