“It’s hard to believe how much time has flown by. The conversation was so enjoyable that I lost track of it all. I’m sorry for consuming so much time.”
[No, I truly enjoyed our conversation as well.]
I shook my head with a smile.
My conversation with Hong Sung-jin ended safely without any small accidents.
The only things I gained from the whole exchange were awkward compliments, golden advice, and snacks and tea that were often in my mouth.
Since none of my concerns came to fruition, what was there to be unhappy about?
As I felt when I last met Choi Ji-yeon and the clan members, there seemed to be only good people among Yeonhwa’s family.
“With you saying that, I feel relieved. I plan to stay at Shio-ram during the Birthday Rite, so feel free to come to me if you need anything. And Yeonhwa, wait a moment.”
“Hey, why am I the only one…? But the entire Birthday Rite? I thought we were just going to exchange a few pleasantries!”
Hong Sung-jin, who spoke with a kind smile, shrugged his shoulders at Yeonhwa, who was blinking in surprise.
“Well, the daughter-in-law said to come and rest well. Tsk, tsk, the son goes out immediately after arriving while I’m treated like an oldie stuck in the back room… Anyway, I’ve also received a visit from the head of the Taesan family, so I look forward to seeing him again after a long time.”
“Aha, Aunt Gia… I wonder if she’s with Ji-yeon unni right now?”
“…Ah, it’s confusing that the daughter-in-law has the same name as you, so I get mixed up every time you say it.”
Hong Sung-jin let out a deep sigh at the mention of Ji-yeon and shook his head. I couldn’t help but show a strange expression in response.
Choi Ji-yeon, Lee Ji-yeon.
The surnames are different, but the names are the same. It must be quite confusing for Hong Sung-jin to hear Yeonhwa call out “Ji-yeon” like she’s calling for her parents in a fiery goddess-like manner.
‘Come to think of it, there was a Seo-yul among Yeonhwa’s friends, too.’
I also had a hard time because those two’s names were similar.
During the Gop-hwa Clan’s regular banquet, I had a slip-up while in the back garden and ended up getting firmly grabbed and awkwardly smacked on the bottom. That was quite a memorable moment.
Recalling that incident made me sneak a glance at Yeonhwa. She trembled slightly at my gaze.
“Uh, um? Why are you looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong…?”
“…No, not really.”
Yeonhwa, looking bewildered by my lingering gaze, showed an unsure expression. I turned my eyes away, munching my lips.
To be honest, I was embarrassed then, but it wasn’t a bad memory. It rather belonged to the good memories.
“Wow, who would have thought I’d get to see that noble creature looking all cautious with a leash on? Life is full of surprises.”
Hong Sung-jin, gazing at us with admiration, shook his head.
“Well, today’s meeting was enjoyable.”
That was a clear sign that our meeting was coming to an end, so I nodded in agreement.
Quite some time had passed. I had to get ready to take Seo-yul around the mansion to enjoy the festival.
[Ah, may I ask you for just one last favor…?]
Just as I was about to bow and stand up, a thought popped into my mind, causing me to freeze mid-rise.
“Hmm? Yes, go ahead.”
After a brief moment of confusion at my sudden question, Hong Sung-jin nodded with a kind smile.
It seems surely being favored is a good thing. I relaxed slightly as I caressed the necklace of confession.
[Uh… could I see the Bonghwa Sword just once? I mean, sense it, if that’s okay?]
“The Bonghwa Sword?”
The Bonghwa Sword, a special weapon given to the head of the Gop-hwa Clan.
It can be artificially manufactured, yet it is an extraordinary artifact akin to the highest-grade weaponry.
Hong Sung-jin blinked as though he hadn’t expected my request. However, he soon chuckled and brought his hand to his waist.
“Haha! Yes, you held the Bonghwa Sword of the patriarch during the last regular banquet, and you dyed it with your Gop-hwa. Thinking about it, perhaps that’s when Gop-hwa’s uniqueness started to show itself.”
[Ah, that…]
I began to sweat as I recalled his words.
The Bonghwa Sword of the founding family. I had once dyed the blade, which was like transparent glass due to having no owner, with my Gop-hwa back then.
I wondered if it had returned to normal. I wasn’t sure. But for some reason, I instinctively felt it probably remained the same…
[Uh, I didn’t mean to…]
“I’m not blaming you, so don’t be so flustered. Didn’t you hear from the clan that it wouldn’t be a problem? From what I understand, they were busy discussing the matter of bestowal, and the daughter-in-law was quite the headache over it, too.”
[Huh?]
Bestowal? What does he mean? A moment of confusion crossed my mind, but soon I was interrupted by the sight of the sword emerging from Hong Sung-jin’s waist, halting my train of thought.
“Here, hold this.”
[Oh, thank you…]
I blankly blinked as I received the hilt offered to me. Nodding cautiously, I grasped the handle.
It was hot.
The sword of the founding family I sensed in the main house was transparent. While it was a sword meant to hold Gop-hwa, it contained none and thus felt hollow.
Hong Sung-jin’s Bonghwa Sword was different.
Having been forged in Gop-hwa for several decades and dyed with it, the blade was a vivid red.
As I gently stroked the blade with my finger, I could sense its immense heat contained within.
Though currently restrained by its owner’s word, the moment it unleashed its true power, it would unleash overwhelming Gop-hwa.
[Amazing]
What amazed me wasn’t just that aspect. Not only was the Gop-hwa stored from all those years remarkable, but the sword’s design itself was truly magnificent.
It wasn’t just a device for slashing and stabbing.
It was a weapon solely for the manifestation of Gop-hwa. It could withstand Gop-hwa, store it, and aid in controlling its temperamental nature.
When it came down to functionality, one could say it was akin to a computer.
Hence, the design was quite complex to a level beyond ordinary understanding.
Watching the intricacies of the Bonghwa Sword made my head throb. It felt like someone was scratching inside my skull.
‘…This blueprint is almost identical. There aren’t many differences, after all. That blueprint was indeed real, wasn’t it?’
With a peculiar expression, I compared the information in my head. The forced information from the founding family’s Bonghwa Sword. I was initially uncertain, but it turned out to be accurate.
[Well viewed… um, tasted? Thank you.]
I rubbed my temple and respectfully handed back the Bonghwa Sword.
“What do you think?”
Hong Sung-jin, who had taken the sword back to his waist, shrugged as he asked.
I nodded, acknowledging the feeling from the moment it was hooked onto his belt.
[Indeed, it was truly an incredible sword.]
‘I’m going to have a hard time making one for Yeonhwa later.’
Thinking about that day, I felt proud yet already had a headache…
.
.
.
I left Yeonhwa and Hong Sung-jin, who had something to discuss, and made my way toward the mansion.
– Woof!
– Meow meow!
– Pant pant…!
[Oh wow]
Arriving at the mansion at an appropriate pace, I opened the front gate only to be showered with an array of eager puppies.
Now that they’ve grown into a moderately self-aware mid-level spirits, they were all lively as they roamed around the mansion grounds.
Surely it had to feel suffocating to stay only in the spatial realm; as soon as they were released, they dashed around the grounds like crazy.
“Your Majesty, you’re back?”
While petting the dogs that huddled at my feet two to three times, Rio soon fluttered in from afar, flapping her wings.
[Yeah, I’m back. Was there anything special?]
“Yes, the esteemed Seo-yul is still fast asleep, and Lady Atra is in the underground training room.”
[Alright, thanks for relaying that.]
“Hehe…”
Rio, who responded eagerly over there, grinned widely when I praised her by running my fingers through her hair.
Well, to be honest, I already knew through observation, but it wasn’t a bad thing to get such information either.
Moreover, this reaction was also quite cute.
[I’m going to visit my teacher. Could you tell her to wait if Seo-yul wakes up?]
“Yes, understood.”
Rio responded, striking a prim stance as if she hadn’t been staring off into space. I chuckled softly and headed downstairs in the mansion.
The training facilities in the mansion were mostly located underground.
Because of that, my mentor preferred to shuttle between the first floor and the basement, and having gone in and out with her, I already knew the facilities she usually used.
My steps hastened as I approached where my mentor was. I was about to see her, but for some reason, I felt anxious and restless.
I increased my speed and arrived at the facility. I pressed the large button next to the big door.
– Ding ding…
“Mentor!”
Whispering softly while pressing the vibrating button, I felt a presence approaching the door.
– Hmm, is the conversation already finished?
“Yes, just now.”
At last, I heard my mentor’s voice from near the button.
She had also participated in the opening ceremony and left for the mansion first, knowing I needed some time to talk with Hong Sung-jin.
Just hearing her voice made me feel happy. However, I pursed my lips and repeatedly pressed the button.
“Please open the door.”
– Um… um… Could you wait a moment? No, why don’t you go upstairs and rest a bit? I’ll be up right away after cleaning myself.
The stammering voice from beyond the door echoed. The door remained shut.
I understood her psychology perfectly.
I had observation powers and had spent time with my mentor.
Because of that, I knew she had just finished training, was sweaty all over, and felt embarrassed to meet me as she was giving off a muskier scent than usual.
“I’m not budging… open up…”
– Uh…
Knowing all that, I still didn’t want to step back. Normally, I might have considered stepping back to be considerate of her, but right now I was being stubborn, repeatedly pressing the button.
I felt queasy, too. Analyzing the Bonghwa Sword gave me a headache, and I had also gotten dizzy from magic suddenly being absorbed due to the opening ceremony.
Moreover, even being with Yeonhwa, I couldn’t fully act spoiled in front of Hong Sung-jin…
– Squeak…
In my ears, I heard her troubled and concerned voice for a bit.
Eventually, when the door couldn’t withstand my obstinacy, it swung wide open to reveal my awkward mentor.
Dressed in short shorts and a sleeveless top, drenched in sweat, she wore a cool towel around her neck.
Sweat droplets sat on the tips of her hair, and steam curled up from her flushed skin.
“Hehe…”
I wasted no time and jumped into my mentor’s arms.
Warm and flush, I could feel her slick skin that was damp with sweat.
As I nestled my nose between her ample bosom, the rich scent enveloped my nostrils much stronger than usual.
[Happy]
[Fluffy]
[Moist]
[Body scent]
“Is… is it too smelly…? As in, sweat-smell…?”
“Noo, it smells so good. I love Mentor’s scent… sniffsniff…”
“Um… huff…”
At my response, my mentor became even more embarrassed. Ultimately, she let out a deep sigh, unable to help herself, and pulled me tightly into her embrace.
She might have ultimately caved in to my whims. Smiling, I wrapped my arms of heaven around her waist, thoroughly savoring her captivating scent.
“Mentor… let’s go watch the Birthday Rite with Seo-yul…”
“Yes, I was waiting to loosen up my body like that, but as expected, here you are catching me off guard.”
My mentor mumbled softly, shrugging her shoulders, and planted a gentle kiss on my head, where I was seeking comfort.
“Heh.”
“Mm…”
Lost in her delightful scent, I caught a glimpse of my mentor’s smiling lips peeking through my hair.
*
[Artifact “Purification” is jealous over this little brat again, asking why she’s grabbing hold of him.]
[Artifact “Proof of Protection” is in disbelief.]
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