I thought the Doje would come after Chaeran returned, but I didn’t expect him to show up so soon.
But what can I do? I can’t exactly tell someone who’s already here to leave.
So, I shared drinks with the Doje from the morning, and after he said he had some errands to run, I got started on my tasks.
After finishing my morning work, I came down around lunch and saw the Sword Saint sitting cross-legged.
Since I called her name earlier, her face had turned as red as a tomato, and she was still in that position.
Focusing is good and all, but we still have to eat lunch, right?
I approached her.
Even though she must’ve heard my footsteps, she didn’t get up.
Is she lost in thought? Should I stand guard next to her…?
At that moment, I noticed her shift slightly.
When someone is in deep meditation, their body doesn’t move.
So, it meant she was just closing her eyes.
“Sword Saint.”
“……”
No answer.
I took another step closer and said, “Would you like to have lunch together?”
Still, no response.
Hmm… Then what should I do?
I took a few more steps towards her, squatted down, and observed the Sword Saint. Her long eyelashes were fluttering slightly, and her breathing was getting a bit rough. I could see her small, plump lips moving slightly, and her white neck was swallowing as if she were gulping down saliva.
So, I leaned in closer to her ear.
“Sword Saint.”
“…….”
No reply. Knowing what she wanted to be called, I chuckled.
How sneaky of me.
“Yerin.”
“Ugh…! …Ah. Is it, is it already lunch time?”
As if just coming to her senses, the Sword Saint opened her eyes and gave a dry laugh. Realizing my intention was obvious, it seemed calling her name earlier was a good idea after all.
“Should I call you by your name from now on?”
“….When it’s just the two of us.”
The Sword Saint nodded slightly as she shot me a sparkling glance, and I smiled, getting to my feet and extending my hand.
“Understood. Now, let’s go.”
As she silently stared at my hand, she gently reached out and grabbed it. When I tightened my grip, she lightly rose to her feet.
“By the way, where did the Doje go?”
She asked, reluctantly letting go of my hand.
Where did he go, huh?
I don’t know.
After a drink that morning, he said he was heading to the Murim Alliance branch and hasn’t returned since.
Is he still hanging out there?
Or maybe he’s exploring Seomhwa Village.
He could be meeting with the Hyeonryeong, for all I know.
“Geez. When you’re visiting someone else’s town, you should at least let them know.”
“I did inform him…”
“This Seomhwa Village is part of the Hongseong Clan’s territory, and this inn is protected by the Hongseong Clan. So, it’s only natural that… you should have told me too, right?”
“Isn’t it something?”
“I’m not your subordinate, so why should I?”
Just then, a voice echoed from the backyard. Upon hearing it, the Sword Saint wiped the relaxed expression off her face and frowned.
“That’s called manners.”
“Manners, my foot. Not pulling out a weapon is what manners are about.”
With a snort, Doje swaggered inside. He lightly tapped my shoulder and grinned.
“If you’re upset, blame my drinking buddy. He said it’s fine to come over anytime.”
The Sword Saint stared blankly at me, and I nodded with a smile. After all, it’s true I became drinking buddies with Doje. I did invite him, too.
“That… I hope you’re not thinking about going to Cheongho…”
“Even if we set up a branch there, not right now.”
Right now, I need to focus on Seomhwa Village. Doje clicked his tongue.
“Well, I’m setting up a nice inn for you. And…”
He glanced at the Hongseong Clan’s crest and chuckled.
“I could throw in Moonjeong’s crest as well. If you want, I can do it right here.”
“Thank you just for the offer.”
As I declined with a smile, Doje seemed to have no real disappointment and stepped back.
“It’s about lunchtime… how about a drink?”
“I can manage a couple of drinks as a side. Just not enough to get drunk. Plus, today’s the day Chaejin goes to Hongseong, so let’s postpone training till tomorrow.”
“Ah, that’s a shame, but nothing can be done.”
Knowing I had a lot on my plate, Doje didn’t seem too bothered.
But the issue is what happens afterward. As Doje went inside, the Sword Saint lightly tugged at my clothing, looking forlorn.
“…So, does that mean I won’t have time to talk at night?”
If I say no, he might just swing his sword at Doje right away. I need to figure something out.
I wanted to arrange seats further inside, but Doje insisted there was no need and sat in a corner, the spot Chaejin usually occupied. The Sword Saint did the same.
Yohwan came out from the kitchen, seeing the two and whistling.
“Wow. The two heavyweights of the martial world are sitting in this inn.”
“What’s so strange about that?”
“Not particularly strange, but still, it’s a sight.”
She pointed to them: the Sword Saint and Doje.
A couple of martial artists, known for considering each other rivals, were staring at them, barely able to breathe.
“Um…”
And a martial artist, visibly nervous, approached them.
“I-I am Yangju of the 초적문. My junior wanted to greet the seniors.”
“Haha. The Chojokmun, huh? How’s the Sect Leader doing?”
“Y-yes! That’s right!”
It seems like the subordinate was having a serious conversation with the division commander. While the completely frozen Yangju was in a fluster, Doje spoke leisurely, and the Sword Saint just kept her mouth shut.
“Alright. I’ll make sure to visit your Chojokmun sometime later.”
“T-thank you!!”
After finishing his greetings, he returned to his seat. Yohwan, who had been watching, shrugged.
“If I leave this alone, all sorts of things will come and interfere. I need to get the cooking out quickly.”
Yohwan went inside and came back with delicious-looking duck stew, noodles, and some alcohol. As they were placed on the table, Doje glanced at Yohwan and smirked.
“Looks like you’re doing well these days?”
“It’s a stable job. Seomhwa Village has good air and all.”
“Hehe. And my drinking buddy is a great boss. Knows a lot… and also…”
After taking a sip of alcohol, Doje glanced at me.
“Your name is spreading a lot these days. A sage, and you know so much. Plus, unlike those pompous scholars, you’re friendly.”
“I see.”
“…Why are you looking so proud?”
As the Sword Saint nodded contentedly, Doje frowned. But the Sword Saint didn’t seem to mind.
“Are you going to get a nickname soon?”
“Haha. I hope a good one comes up.”
What I’m doing right now is to raise my reputation while attracting strong Murim people.
With that in mind, I can’t rule out the possibility of getting a nickname.
Well, if it happens, that’s great for me.
It means more Murim people coming this way.
Even if the Iron Blood Clan is something to deal with from Hongseong, wouldn’t it be good if other Murim people and the Murim Alliance handle Dool and the Evil Monsters he leads?
For that to happen, having a larger number would be the best.
“Anyway, shall we eat together? Are you going to leave me to eat alone?”
“Of course not, Sword Saint. Let’s eat together.”
“Sounds good.”
A little while later, Yohwan came out with dishes for me and the Sword Saint.
Since the seating was for four, only two places were available. I had to choose one next to either Doje or the Sword Saint.
So, I sat next to the Sword Saint, and Doje chuckled.
“Don’t you feel uncomfortable sitting next to such a blockhead?”
“Not particularly.”
“Hmm… Is that so? If that’s the case.”
I looked at the Sword Saint next to me. The corners of her mouth were subtly twitching—it seemed like she was secretly happy that I sat next to her.
I smiled at her and raised the bottle.
“Let’s make a toast.”
“I too will drink to the joy of meeting a friend.”
Our cups were filled with alcohol. We lightly clinked our glasses and downed them in one go.
He gulped it down in one go.
“Oh… Is this the herbal drink? It’s nicer and warmer than what I had for breakfast. Yu Seonsaeng must be quite proud.”
“Haha. There are many other dishes and drinks as well.”
“Heh. In that case, I guess I’ll have to stay a bit longer. Ah, by the way, is there anything uncomfortable for you?”
“Of course not!”
It’s not like Doje is some wicked monster or anything. In fact, guests might come looking for him even more now.
It was meant to be a toast, but we both ended up downing two bottles each.
Was that not enough? Doje mentioned he was looking forward to dinner and headed into his room.
After lunch service ended, I took a break and went to the backyard to practice.
The Sword Saint sitting there turned to me and said, “Um… excuse me.”
“What’s the matter?”
“…Do you not like me being so blunt?”
Is that what Doje was referring to earlier? I mean, I didn’t think I was that blunt. I shook my head, and she finally smiled.
“If you’re here to practice, I can help you…”
“Oh, you’re planning to train? Then it’s my turn to help you!”
Jumping down with a laugh, Doje spoke, and the Sword Saint grimaced again.
But the martial arts I learned were Taijiquan, which was also the martial art of Moonjeong.
So, the Sword Saint sighed heavily and stepped back.
To her who looked a bit down, I said with a smile, “I’ll make time for you in the evening.”
“…That’s a promise. For sure.”
When evening came, a proper drinking party started. Doje was thrilled, drinking enthusiastically, and I took whatever drink he offered me.
“Let’s call it a night.”
It was getting too late. I had other work to do, and I had drunk quite a bit.
And the Sword Saint would be waiting as well.
Doje, slightly tipsy, looked disappointed and licked his lips.
“Good food, good drink, and a good friend… It’s such a shame to break up this gathering.”
“Today isn’t the only day, right?”
“That’s true, but…”
Doje, who had been babbling on, suddenly shut his mouth. Then, looking at me seriously, he spoke calmly.
“With such a remarkable person in front of me, who can consult with many and give fitting advice, how can I just stand up and leave?”
“Haha. It seems you have something you want to ask me, Doje. I’ll answer as best as I can.”
Doje grinned.
“Do you happen to know how to deal with Sahyung?”
Sahyung.
Chaos, Dochul, Dool, Gungki.
In Heavenly Bright Moon, they often appear as event bosses and are weaknesses of evil monsters…
Of course, I know.
There are hundreds of guides on how to tackle them.
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