With the funds I acquired last time, I bought seeds to cultivate new medicinal herbs and gathered materials to make fancier fragrance pouches.
Even so, quite a bit of money was left, and the decision made by Hongseong was simply to maintain the buildings and facilities that had only been left standing till now.
Not only were there buildings that might collapse at any moment, but also rebuilding the ruins, reinforcing the barriers, and even constructing new training halls and training grounds.
After ordering plenty of materials over the past few days, I wondered if such major renovations were underway.
“It must not have been easy… How did you manage to pull it off?”
“Aha ha… Actually, I requested help from the Murim Alliance. There’s a skilled architect among them.”
“A woman?”
“That’s right. Men can’t just casually enter Hongseongsan and stay for long.”
“I see.”
“There are plenty of sects in the Murim that are composed mainly of women.”
Of course, just like the Hongseong members had done for me before, they weren’t unable to deploy protective formations.
However, due to limited numbers, in the end, they could only call upon female architects and workers.
Fortunately, there was someone I knew from the Murim Alliance, so she said with a smile that they were able to finish the work quickly.
“Someone like Amipara, or the Sword Hall. They work in places like Yeohwagung too.”
“Huh. Someone like that. I’d like to introduce myself…”
“Sadly, she left yesterday. She works really quickly. She even took care of her lodging with us…”
That makes sense.
An outsider came to Seomhwa Village, and if they settled in at the inn, it’s no surprise that I wouldn’t know about it.
By the way, I wonder how well it turned out?
Last time I saw it, it was truly dilapidated. I hope it has been made livable.
“Huh? What? When did you guys arrive?”
At that moment, Chaejin walked out of the inn. Hongryeon glanced at her and pulled out a piece of paper from her bosom.
“What’s that?”
“…The renovation of Hongseong’s buildings is finished.”
“Oh… Really? There?”
“Yeah.”
It seemed Chaejin knew what the old Hongseong looked like. She grinned and nodded.
“Great! If they’re inviting someone from Moonjeong directly from Hongseong, how could I not go?”
“Hey? Elder sister. Where are you going?”
Rushing out from behind was Chaeran. Come to think of it, is this the first time they’re meeting?
Amidst the puzzled expressions of Sayoon and Chaeran, I said calmly.
Chaeran calmly spoke among us.
“This is Sayoon, the youngest of Hongseong. And Sayoon, this is Chaeran from Moonjeong.”
“…Uh. N-Nice to meet you.”
Chaeran stared blankly at Sayoon, who bowed.
In “Heavenly Bright Moon,” Sayoon and Chaeran were rivals, well, sort of.
Not that it was like that now, though.
Perhaps they were staring at each other because they felt that connection?
With their similar ages, they might be feeling competitive.
Worried about unnecessary friction, Chaeran and Sayoon smiled almost simultaneously.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Chaeran from Moonjeong.”
“I’m Sayoon of Hongseong.”
Contrary to what I thought, they were just innocently exchanging pleasantries. Then they glanced up at me.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing! But… you said your name was Sayoon? You seem quite talented. How about a spar later?”
No surprise, this must be Chaejin’s sibling! Sayoon looked flustered at Chaeran’s suggestion and turned to Hongryeon, but she just grinned.
“The time will come soon.”
“Got it.”
Chaeran seemed to know they couldn’t spar right away. Maybe that’s why she calmly smiled and stepped back.
Promising to catch up in the future.
“I don’t know when that will be, but I’ll be looking forward to it. Hehe. Let’s chat more comfortably next time.”
After Chaeran simply said that and stepped back, Chaejin shrugged.
“So? Do we go with the Innkeeper tomorrow?”
“Ah, yes. Innkeeper, please make sure to come.”
“Of course, I’ll go.”
No matter what, I have to go.
Thinking about going back to Hongseong after such a long time made me feel pretty good. I tried to hide my excitement, but I couldn’t help humming.
As I was humming and working, I heard a knock on the door. I looked up and it was Chaejin.
“What’s up?”
“When you go to Hongseong tomorrow, you’re not thinking of going empty-handed, are you?”
“Well, of course not.”
It’s just rude to go empty-handed when invited for something good.
“What are you planning to bring?”
“I’m thinking of bringing some fabric. If the buildings have changed, it’s only right that the clothes change too, right?”
Of course, I wanted to gift her some new clothes, but she probably wouldn’t accept something like that, let alone it wouldn’t impress someone with Hongryeon’s skill.
So, I planned to bring some quality fabric that would satisfy her.
She was thinking of delivering some nice fabric.
Coincidentally, the Cheonghoe Merchant Guild had sent over some decent fabric recently, and I was contemplating how to present it as an excuse—perfect timing!
“Are you also thinking of a gift?”
“Well… the Grand Disciple of Moonjeong received an official invitation, so I can’t go empty-handed.”
“I thought there was hostility towards Hongseong.”
“Not exactly hostility. You know how it is with rivals, right?”
With a shrug, Chaejin quietly sat down on the chair, swinging her legs.
“I just want to beat them.”
“That’s good. Then you should get along well with Hongryeon…”
“Not really. Hehe. Well, let’s save that story for later… But seriously, what should I bring?”
It seemed she was genuinely worried. Watching her deep in thought, I stood up and donned my robe.
“Where are you going?”
“There’s no answer to be found by worrying here. Let’s step out for a bit; maybe wandering around will spark some ideas.”
“Huh? Aren’t you busy?”
“As I said before, I’m always here to lend a hand when you’re in trouble.”
“…”
Chaejin looked at me blankly, then broke into a warm smile. It was quite sweet and comfortable.
“…Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. Now, let’s go.”
We stepped outside together. After a leisurely walk, we arrived at the market.
It seemed to be developing lately, as there were quite a few more items at the market.
However, they mainly consisted of daily necessities and food items, so nothing particularly fitting as a gift for Hongseong appeared to be available.
Of course, they would accept it with a smile, but it wouldn’t be enough to satisfy Chaejin, who kept going on about Moonjeong’s pride. So, we headed towards Changju’s workshop.
“Oh! Welcome!”
As always, with her free-spirited attitude, Changju greeted us. Was she working on something? There were quite a few materials and some intriguingly shaped talismans laid out on her workbench.
“What’s that?”
“Oh, those are protective talismans. The local leader requested them. As for the talismans you ordered, Innkeeper, they might take a bit longer.”
“No worries, take your time.”
There was nothing urgent at the moment. As I said with a smile, Changju grinned back at me and turned to Chaejin.
“So, what brings our Lady Chae here?”
“I’m looking for something suitable to gift to Hongseong…”
“Wow… that’s a bit surprising. Anyway, for a gift, talismans are the best, right? I have a few set aside for sale, so go ahead and pick one.”
“Talismans are the best. I have some set aside for sale, so pick one.”
Changju pulled out a few boxes from the drawer. When Chaejin looked puzzled at the talismans inside, Changju naturally explained.
The talismans Changju showed were reasonably priced. Things like protective talismans and enhancement talismans.
They were the usual talismans you could buy from any talisman seller, ones that help purify your mind while doing breath control exercises, with prices ranging from one gold to ten silver.
“Hmm… I’ll take this one.”
Receiving the protective and enhancement talismans, as well as the calming talisman, Chaejin handed over her payment ticket. With the price matching perfectly, she beamed a smile at the happy Changju, then turned to look at me.
“Should I give you one?”
“I already have a few.”
I had received some from Changju before. She nodded and smiled.
“That’s nice. So if anything happens, just use the protective talisman and call my name. I’ll come running anytime.”
It’s so reassuring I think I might cry.
I nodded at the giggling Chaejin and looked over at Changju.
She seemed pleased with her earnings and tilted her head when I stared at her.
“What’s up?”
“I was going to tell you later, but Seomhwa Village might be in danger soon. So…”
“Oh really? Then I’ll fight too.”
“…I was going to ask you for help.”
“I’m also a resident here and, for now, a government official. Even if it’s a temporary position.”
Changju grinned and gave her talisman pouch a pat.
“If enemies come into Seomhwa Village, my talismans will be quite useful, so look forward to it.”
After wrapping up our meeting with Changju, we headed to the blacksmith.
Maybe it was because we’d just received new equipment? In the blacksmith, where new items had been added, Noya told us to choose what we needed. But since I’d just bought a new sword from Hongseong Clan, it didn’t seem necessary to buy anything more.
Chaejin, Chae-ran, and the Moonlight Sword users had equipment better than what was sold here, so it didn’t make sense.
“Then can I give a talisman as a gift?”
“That should work fine, right?”
“It does seem so.”
When we returned to the inn, Chaejin quickly slipped a talisman into my pocket before darting inside, then turned slightly to look at me as if inviting me in.
When I took it out, I saw it was a protective talisman she had purchased separately.
“It’s a gift for coming with me.”
“…Thank you.”
Not that I was expecting anything like this.
As I bid her goodbye, Chaejin beamed.
“I should be the one saying thanks.”
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