Hongryeon rested her head on his leg, deep in thought.
Her heart skipped a beat at the mention of Yu Wol helping Chaejin.
If she thought about it, there was nothing strange about it.
If it weren’t for Yu Wol, she wouldn’t have been able to escape the despair of the Mirror Secret Realm; would she really be any different?
She had felt anxious, wondering if Chaejin would push ahead before her.
Wasn’t it possible that Chaejin actually deserved to stand next to a giant like Yu Wol before her?
That’s why it stung a bit.
After all, he had reached out to Chaejin as well.
But what could she do? That’s just who he was.
A person who could easily extend a hand to others.
And that’s why she liked him.
Hongryeon gently raised her hand and fidgeted with his leg. He didn’t react to her touch at all.
“Hongryeon.”
“…..”
She hurriedly pretended to be asleep, closing her eyes, but she couldn’t help but crack one open at his lingering gaze. His eyes met hers.
“The sun is starting to rise.”
What a pity.
This comfort.
This warmth leaning against this giant seems like it will end.
But could she really just stay like this forever?
With that thought, Hongryeon bit her lip.
Still, wouldn’t it be okay to be a bit spoiled?
Looking up at him, she softly whispered.
“…Yu Wol.”
“Speak.”
“…Could you pet me?”
Her heart raced after saying it. Was this a mistake? Asking for a favor while requesting him to wait, and still feeling like she wasn’t worthy of his company?
Hongryeon squeezed her eyes shut.
Then, a large, rough hand touched her hair.
“Ah…”
A small sound escaped her lips. The gentle caress was flowing down her long, red hair. It was so comfortable and sweet that Hongryeon closed her eyes softly.
In this moment,
She could almost forget everything.
“Now let’s get up.”
As the hand that had been petting her withdrew, she let out a tiny sigh.
But this joy.
The happiness from him indulging her would give her the strength to move forward.
“Ugh!”
With a light grunt, Hongryeon pushed herself up.
It felt like she’d only been leaning on him for a moment, but a significant amount of time had already passed.
With a bright smile, she reached out her hand to him, who was sitting there.
“Shall we go back?”
“Ah. And… once we return, please stab the Jeonghaegum into the center of Hongseongmun.”
“Huh? Why?”
“That will purify the spiritual energy that has resided in Hongseongmun all this time. Then, training will get a bit better, right? Of course, I don’t think Hongseong Divine Art is affected by such things…”
“Does Jeonghaegum have that kind of effect? Wow. How did you know that?”
“You can learn a lot from reading books. I hear you read quite a bit too, so I thought I’d share something nice.”
“Um, well… I think the books you read and the ones I read might be a bit different.”
Feeling embarrassed, she subtly avoided his gaze, and Yu Wol smiled softly at Hongryeon.
“You always think about Hongseongmun, don’t you? I hope this helps.”
At Yu Wol’s calm words, Hongryeon shook her head.
“…I don’t only think about Hongseongmun.”
There’s something important occupying her thoughts.
It’s not Hongseongmun, but something equally important.
Hongryeon looked at Yu Wol with a melting, blissful smile.
Now, they were making their way back out of the completely purified Gwangryeongji.
But maybe because it was winter, there was no one to be seen on the street.
So, only the clattering of the cart wheels and the occasional sound of a horse neighing could be heard.
In this peaceful, quiet journey, it was Hongryeon who broke the silence.
“Um… Do you know about Chaejin too?”
The hand holding the reins slightly trembled. From that alone, it seemed Yu Wol’s answer was somewhat predictable.
“Yes.”
Right, that makes sense.
Then Chaejin must not have been quiet. Hongryeon shook her head. She was sure she confessed to him just like she did.
That might explain why his expression has been good lately.
Hongryeon slightly looked up at Yu Wol. What a sinful person.
“Why do you ask?”
“Nothing, really.”
Then she gently leaned her head on his shoulder. Seeing the reins tighten in his hand again, Hongryeon smiled sweetly.
“You said it was okay to lean on you when it gets tough.”
“That’s right.”
“And so…”
Thinking that Chaejin must have confessed to you makes my heart heavy.
But she didn’t voice that thought. It was obvious it would burden him.
“It seems there will be a lot to do once we return.”
Right. There will be much to do. There are many things to achieve in order to stand by his side.
“I’m curious though. How much is enough to feel satisfied? Ah, I’m not rushing you.”
“Ahahaha… Well, I don’t know.”
Hongryeon glanced slightly at the sky. Next to the great tree, to protect that great tree…
He saw it. Beside the giant tree, to protect that giant tree…
“I want to be much stronger than I am now.”
Right.
Stronger than now.
If possible, a master who can wield energy.
In other words, if I can reach at least the level of the Sword Saint, wouldn’t I be able to stand next to you, a special and enormous person?
As she murmured inwardly, Yu Wol simply glanced at Hongryeon and didn’t say anything more.
“Aren’t you going to ask if it’s possible?”
“If it’s you, it’ll be possible.”
The Sword Saint always cheered her on and said it would always be possible.
But before meeting Yu Wol, she often wondered if it was really possible.
However, she now had a clear goal and a desperate motivation.
With that, the thought of it being impossible didn’t cross her mind.
Gently rubbing her head against his shoulder, Hongryeon thought.
I will definitely make it happen.
I will definitely be by your side.
“Ah. But is it really okay for me to take this? Items that can block energy are quite rare.”
“It’ll be more necessary for you than for me.”
Yu Wol spoke decisively again, and seeing his unchanging demeanor made Hongryeon smile pleasantly.
They left in the morning and returned to Seomhwa Village by evening.
As the evening business was starting, the cart stopped in front of the inn, and Yu Wol spoke to Hongryeon as she got off the cart.
“Are you going to have dinner?”
“Hmm. I’d like to, but I need to get back quickly. Ryuhyun must be making dinner alone.”
“Then take something with you. You’ve worked hard this time.”
“Worked hard? I only enjoyed myself, you know?”
Right. It was enjoyable. It was a journey with him, and she confessed to him, though with conditions.
She had watched his sleeping face for a long time, laid her head on his lap, and got her hair petted by him.
Him, and to him, that…
As Hongryeon recalled that memory, her face slightly reddened.
“…Are you back?”
A familiar voice came from the inn.
A graceful black-haired beauty walked out softly.
Chaejin, her romantic rival and foil.
Now that she looked, she could feel the honey dripping from Chaejin’s gaze directed at Yu Wol.
Hongryeon silently stared at Chaejin, and Chaejin, noticing her gaze, smiled faintly.
“You’ve worked hard. I’ve finished preparing for the evening business.”
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“And while you were away, something happened. Want to chat over dinner and drinks later?”
As though she wanted them to hear, Chaejin spoke, and Hongryeon clenched her fist slightly.
Hongryeon lightly clenched her fist.
But here, she should just laugh it off. She didn’t want to show jealousy.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave now. Hehe. I didn’t sleep well last night, so I’ll make sure to rest today.”
It wasn’t a lie; she hadn’t closed her eyes for even a moment while resting her head on his leg.
But who cares? Seeing Chaejin’s eyes gleam just a bit was enough.
With a small smile, Hongryeon stepped back, receiving Yu Wol’s farewell.
“Oh. And I’ll wash this outfit for you. Is that alright?”
“I don’t mind, but is there really a need to add to your chores?”
“Hehe. This is nothing at all, really!”
Hongryeon held up the clothes she had worn throughout the journey. Then, casually approaching him with cat-like grace, she whispered softly.
“Is it okay if I come down when I’m feeling down…?”
“Of course.”
Her heart raced at that answer.
After a small giggle, Hongryeon turned away.
It’s really time to go back.
As much as she didn’t want to.
But still, he would be here.
In the end, she couldn’t refuse any more of his persistent offers.
After receiving some dishes from him and returning to Hongseong, her sisters greeted her. After exchanging pleasantries, she returned to her room and looked at the dagger she had received yesterday.
The beautiful dagger he said suited her well.
Every time she fiddled with the dagger that matched the color of her red hair, memories of being with him flooded back.
Hongryeon grabbed his clothes. Then, gently hugging them and closing her eyes.
Could it be because she wore them while visiting the intent realm?
The clothes, which had initially carried only his scent, now mingled with her own.
The delightful, heart-fluttering scent tickled her nose.
Ah, it was nice.
Really nice.
After enjoying the scent that mixed his and hers for a while, Hongryeon hung Yu Wol’s clothes up. She had to wash them, but let’s put that off for a little while longer.
She wanted to enjoy his scent a bit more.
Clearing her throat softly to steady her heart, Hongryeon went towards the center of Hongseong with the Jeonghaegun.
The center of Hongseong.
In the midst of the central training ground where her sisters practiced, Hongryeon lightly planted the Jeonghaegun.
In that moment, a refreshing energy quickly spread around.
The lingering spirits in Hongseong retreated, and the energy of nature settled in.
Surely, this energy would greatly assist in her sisters’ training and Hongseong’s development.
As she withdrew the Jeonghaegun and tucked it away, she cast a glance towards Seomhwa Village.
How long has it been since we parted.
“…I miss you.”
I’ve been longing for you.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.
