Hongryeon was well aware of the problems that arise as one’s fame grows.
Take Hongseong for instance.
Before getting close to Yu Wol, most of Hongseong’s income came from the activities of Hongryeon, Ryuhyun, and Hyunhwi within the Murim Alliance.
Other sects, knowing this, had tried several times to leverage the Sword Saint’s reputation for their own gain under the pretext of borrowing funds.
If such things happened even within the righteous Murim Alliance, how could other groups be any different?
Given that, it was already expected that more people, like Black Sect, would try to approach Yu Wol.
And that wasn’t all.
“Are you thinking something similar?”
At Hongryeon’s words, Chaejin nodded. She too understood the nature of the Murim.
There were countless individuals who were greedy for treasures.
Even though touching the postal system was a taboo in the Murim, some were blinded by their desires and attacked it anyway.
So, even if Hongseong declared they would protect Yu Wol, there would still be plenty of people looking to target him.
“The best thing would be to stop them, but…”
“How are we supposed to do that?”
Both knew the truth.
Once he made a decision, he wouldn’t change it without a compelling reason.
Right now, many among the hunters hunting Murim monsters had died or been injured due to a lack of information about those monsters.
There were plenty of those who couldn’t pay for information and ended up in crises with only limited knowledge.
He had offered to provide information to save those people and take care of the common folk.
Everyone knew that once Yu Wol decided to do what was right, he wouldn’t easily back down.
And they didn’t want him to.
Therefore, there was only one solution.
The protectors needed to grow stronger.
“This is getting me motivated.”
Chaejin found her resolve. Seeing this, a smile spread across Hongryeon’s face as she gripped her great sword tightly.
A rough voice was heard from the backyard.
“If you want to get stronger to protect Yu Seonsaeng, I can help.”
Both, knowing who the voice belonged to, turned their heads sharply. It was Doje, one of the top ten heroes who visited yesterday.
With a nonchalant expression, he walked out and sat on a long chair, putting a cigarette in his mouth.
“He wouldn’t have begun this without knowing what kind of results his actions would bring.”
“Probably not.”
“Even so, the reason he caused such trouble must be because he trusts you as part of the escort…”
The Doje lightly tapped the wall of the inn.
“He must have believed in the Hongseong guarding this inn.”
That’s something I already knew.
So the two nodded, and the Doje, with a cigarette in his mouth, said,
“I envy that boldness so much that I want to learn it. If possible, I’d like to keep staying here, but… that kid probably won’t like it. Also, I heard from the Murim Alliance that those pests from the Iron Blood Clan are aiming for places where energy is gathering.”
Cheongho is also a place where energy gathers. No matter how capable Moonjeong and Wolgwang are, if they lack the confidence to be the central figure, their attacks could very well be directed at Cheongho.
“So. You all have to take care of this. Ah, but if it’s really too much…”
The Doje shrugged.
“You could leave it to that kid.”
That kid.
Both knew that the Doje was referring to the Sword Saint.
But would that really work?
Wouldn’t it be hard to leave someone you care for to somebody else?
Wouldn’t that be just giving up and wallowing in fear?
Absolutely not.
“I’m not even thinking of giving up without trying.”
“If Yu Wol believes in us, we should just repay that trust.”
At the cold replies from Chaejin and Hongryeon, the Doje smiled.
“So, what will you do?”
-Buuuuuuuum!!!
A sweeping movement from the Doje directed tremendous energy towards the two.
That overwhelming energy seemed capable of destroying anything but did not harm anything else in the backyard at all.
Strength and restraint.
When faced with the power of a superhuman who had it all, the two revealed their teeth.
Slowly, the Doje aimed the sword at them.
“Bring it on.”
In that moment, an additional reason to become stronger was born.
*
Having wrapped up most of the work, I made my way to the window with a cigarette in my mouth.
Perhaps it was because spring was in full bloom, but the gentle breeze coming through the window felt quite pleasant.
Welcoming that breeze, I looked down and was startled.
Hongryeon and Chaejin were sprawled out on the floor.
I set down the cigarette I had in my mouth and went down immediately.
“Are you two okay?”
“Ugh… Yeah. Just taking a break.”
“So am I…”
I grabbed both of them. Once I had them resting on my shoulder and stood up, Hongryeon grinned and said,
“…Oh, this feels nice.”
“…So it does…”
Wait, what are these people even talking about?
“What’s going on here?”
I stared in disbelief at the two who had quietly clung to me.
“Is this really the time to be saying stuff like that? What on earth happened?”
To knock out masters like Hongryeon and Chaejin to this extent? When I asked in surprise, Doje walked out from inside the inn holding two bottles of alcohol.
“Don’t worry, we just had a little sparring match.”
“A spar, you say…?”
Wait, but there wasn’t even a sound. As I looked at him in shock, Doje grinned.
“I only fought about half seriously.”
“But why was there no sound at all…?”
“I used a sound barrier.”
He spread the sound barrier across the whole backyard to avoid disturbing business. As I stared in surprise, Doje chuckled.
“This is what it means to be a superhuman. What do you think? Do I look a bit different?”
“I’ve never thought you were normal in the first place…”
Wow. He really is a superhuman. I stuck out my tongue at him, and he shrugged and sat down on a long chair.
“From our spar, I can say there’s enough talent here. Particularly, those two tend to get stronger when they have a purpose. And…”
He paused for a moment then shook his head.
“Oh, no. There’s no need to mention that.”
What he was about to say must’ve been related to their Simma. They both already know about my involvement, but it seems he’s determined to keep that a secret.
“First, it’s best to start with some breathing exercises.”
The two staggered away from me and assumed a meditation position. With Doje around, protecting them shouldn’t be an issue.
While they fell into their breathing exercises, I spoke to Doje.
“Couldn’t you have taken it a bit easier?”
“I was thinking about it, but those two were completely serious. They’re so determined to protect Yu Seonsaeng.”
Snickering, Doje took a sip from his drink and handed me a separate bottle of alcohol. I took a swig as well.
“They’ve got talent, purpose, and even desires. They’ve got plenty of reasons to get stronger.”
“Is that so? That’s a relief.”
With someone as strong as Doje vouching for them, there’s no need to worry about the future.
Only after finishing their breathing exercises did the two finally stabilize. Then they began to seriously discuss what happened during their spar earlier, retracing their steps.
Every now and then, Doje chimed in with a comment, which seemed to help, as they were hesitating and stopping, then continuing again.
Hmm. I guess I won’t get a word in here.
As I watched them debate about Mu Hanying in the backyard, I decided it was time to get to work.
I started working after seeing them discussing academic matters.
They didn’t leave the backyard until the evening business was over, and it was only when the business wrapped up that the Doje stood up wearily from their spot.
“Ugh. I’m so tired from all the chatter. Yu Seonsaeng, let’s have a drink.”
“Haha. Why not? How about you two join us as well?”
“Sure.”
“Sounds good.”
It was a late gathering. I wondered if it was because I was there or if they thought the day’s discussions about martial arts were sufficient; in any case, no talk of martial arts came up at the table.
Just regular chatting, or stories I was somewhat familiar with.
Occasionally, the Doje, Hongryeon, and Chaejin shared their own experiences.
It was an utterly mundane drinking party.
“Then let’s call it quits for today.”
As I stood up to leave, the Doje nodded.
“I hope we can drink a bit longer tomorrow.”
“Haha. That’s a plan. We’ve done quite a bit of work today, so tomorrow should be more relaxed.”
“Hehe. Good thinking. I guess I’ll have one more drink in my room before bed.”
With the bottle in hand, the Doje headed for the room. I stood up too, and Chaejin did the same.
“Well then, you two. Have a good night.”
After seeing Hongryeon and Chaejin back to their rooms, I made my way to the study.
While working for a while in the study, I heard a soft knock on the door.
“Come in.”
The door opened just a crack, and in came Hongryeon, tiptoeing over to me.
“What’s up?”
“I have no work, but I’m feeling a bit tired.”
With a playful smile like a cat’s, she pulled me over and sat me down on a long chair in the study.
“All done with your work?”
“I suppose so.”
“Then, may I lean on you for a moment?”
After saying this, Hongryeon laid her body back on the chair and rested her head on my lap.
Using my knees as a pillow, she looked up at me and reached out her hand. With that hand, she gently stroked my face, smiling cheerfully.
“…I will become strong. I promise.”
“Haha. That’s something to look forward to. The Doje mentioned earlier that you’re someone who can become strong because you have a purpose.”
“Master said the same thing.”
Her hand continued to caress my face. Slowly raising herself up, she looked at me seriously and said,
“I’ll make sure you can do whatever you want.”
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