Chapter 129
Deputy Instructor Dangrip stood before the Dragon Unit members and spoke.
“The reason you learn martial arts is not simply to become strong.”
The Dragon Unit members perked up their ears and listened attentively to Dangrip’s words.
“From the perspective of the family, one might say you cultivate your individual strength to raise the prestige of the Dang family and assert its influence. But what I, as your instructor, want to tell you is not that.”
He continued.
“The greatest reason to learn martial arts is to survive. While you train here, you will gradually learn how to protect yourself and endure. The body must live for the mind to live, and the mind must live for the so-called ‘covenant’ we speak of to have a foundation. Remember this in every situation: no matter the task, no matter the intent, everything begins with being alive.”
His voice was more solemn than ever.
“The covenant is not something you are born with; it is a heart nurtured by goodwill.”
This was a lesson intended to cultivate the later index of the Dang family.
Naturally, everyone stood solemnly before the Dragon Unit members.
“If you wish to discuss the covenant, first become strong. Then survive. People of the world listen to the stories of those who survive—they do not borrow the mouths of the dead to hear tales.”
Whenever Dangrip stood here, he approached it with a seriousness unlike any other. Over time, he had become not just my cousin, but the Deputy Instructor of the Dragon Pavilion and a true mentor to me.
When younger, the lessons were simpler: those who hold a covenant are expected to help others.
But as the children grew, they realized that the desire to help alone was not enough.
One must survive to help others. The ultimate goal of the Dragon Unit members gathered here is survival.
“To survive.”
I reflected on Dangrip’s earlier words.
I clenched and unclenched my fists, noticing the calloused skin on my palms had blistered and become raw.
There is a resonance in the word “survive.” All people act to survive.
“And I will save my father too.”
I would move to survive and to save my father. To do so, I had to grow stronger.
The Dragon Unit members listened intently to Deputy Instructor Dangrip’s voice.
“Now, let’s begin today’s training.”
Dangrip smiled faintly.
A thunderous chorus of responses echoed from the Dragon Unit members, who would one day hold important positions in the Dang family.
That day’s training was more passionate and intense than ever.
The throwing stars Yeomyeon had tossed flew faster than before, slicing through the targets with precision.
All of this took place a week before I would leave the Dang family estate.
“Miss, a guest has arrived. Would you like to see them?”
Gayeon asked quietly. I looked up from my book.
“A guest? Who is it?”
“An apprentice of the fire artisan who was recently treated by the head of the Dang family. They said they have something they must give you.”
“Ah, then I should meet them.”
I jumped to my feet.
Startled, Yeongyeong, who had been gently wrapping my hands, looked up.
“Miss! Your treatment isn’t even finished yet…!”
“Hmm? This? Ah, it’s okay, it’s okay! It will heal quickly.”
Yeongyeong wrapped my palm in a soft cloth and pouted.
The blisters from training had opened and bled.
“Really, it’s fine…”
It didn’t hurt much, but Yeongyeong still seemed concerned.
“Then finish wrapping it, and I’ll go meet them afterward.”
The “treatment” was just wrapping my injured hands in soft cloth, but Yeongyeong did it carefully.
Only after both hands were fully wrapped did I follow Gayeon.
“Where are they?”
“They’re waiting in the parlor behind the study.”
When Gayeon opened the door, a young girl sitting quietly on a chair lifted her head.
It was Dan Sun-yeong, the fire artisan’s young apprentice.
Grandfather had allowed both of them to stay at the Dang family estate until Sun-yeong fully recovered, and in that time she had regained much of her health, her complexion much improved.
“Sun-yeong? You were looking for me?”
“Ah, Miss!”
Sun-yeong jumped from the chair, holding a bundle of rolled-up papers.
“You said you had something to give me?”
“Yes, Miss… this.”
Sun-yeong shyly offered the papers, her voice almost crawling with embarrassment.
“What is it? Can I look now?”
The girl nodded. Curiosity got the better of me, and I unfolded the paper without hesitation.
“Wow…!”
I exclaimed.
On the paper was a drawing of me—running joyfully with a bright smile.
“Did you draw this?”
“Yes, I used my master’s paper and brushes.”
“I think you draw even better than your master…”
“W-well… that’s…”
The girl blushed deeply and waved her hands to protest, but there was no trace of falsehood—only sincerity.
I had been impressed with the master fire artisan’s work, and this young apprentice’s drawing was just as remarkable.
“I wanted to show gratitude for all the kindness of the Dang elders, but I didn’t know how… so I thought, maybe I’ll draw your face, the precious granddaughter they cherish.”
The little girl had remarkable perceptiveness, even at her age. I nodded.
“Thank you! This is really beautiful. I’ll treasure it. It’s truly a wonderful drawing!”
“Really?”
“Yes! And I’ve never received anything like this before, so I’m so happy.”
Sun-yeong beamed, her round, cute face lighting up, and I felt as if the room brightened along with her smile.
Then, cautiously, she spoke again:
“Um… could I ask you one more favor?”
“What is it? Tell me—if it’s something I can do, I’ll do it.”
“I heard you’re going back to the village we visited recently. If it’s alright, could you deliver this?”
Sun-yeong handed me another drawing. This one was a simple landscape.
“There’s a child named Choyeom in that village. If you could give it to them, I’d be very grateful.”
“That’s easy. I’ll deliver it!”
I accepted the drawing readily. Sun-yeong smiled brightly.
“Thank you, Miss. I’m so glad to meet someone as kind as you.”
“It’s nothing. By the way, if you like drawing, have you met our teacher?”
“Our teacher?”
“He’s staying here. If you see him, greet him. He wears white clothes, has black hair tied high, and loves drawing. He’ll be happy to meet you.”
This was about Master Ju. Sun-yeong didn’t know who he was yet, but she nodded, promising to greet him when she met him.
“And also, if it’s okay, could you make one more drawing exactly like this one?”
I pointed to the drawing of myself. Sun-yeong nodded.
“Copying it is easier than drawing from scratch, so it won’t be difficult. Is it for somewhere special?”
“Yes, I have somewhere to send it.”
Sun-yeong nodded seriously, determination on her face.
“Understood, Miss. I’ll draw another beautiful one!”
“Well, if it’s too much trouble, you can make it a bit quick.”
“Of course not! You’re the prettiest sister I’ve ever met. Drawing beautiful people is never tiring or boring. The only tiresome people are those who are ugly but want to be drawn beautifully.”
Sun-yeong spoke with a maturity beyond her years, sounding more like a little sage than a child.
“Drawing those people is not just boring, it’s frustrating. But drawing a pretty sister like you? I could do it a hundred, a hundred and one times and never tire.”
She spoke with resolute seriousness. I nodded.
“Is that so? Then please do it!”
Once Sun-yeong drew the second picture, I planned to send it to the head of Cheonhwa Mountain Villa.
“They must be curious to see how much I’ve grown.”
I knew they would be pleased and happy to see it.
