As they returned to Hongseong, Hongryeon, Chaejin, and the Sword Saint exchanged not a single word.
There was simply no time to bring up anything else.
As they walked in silence, they kept glancing at their fingers.
Rings made of gems matching the color of their hair.
Someone gazing at those rings smiled, another blushed, and another rejoiced.
“…Hehe.”
A soft giggle escaped Chaejin’s lips. And who could blame her? How long had they waited for this moment?
Surely, this could be called an engagement, right?
No, it definitely is an engagement. And if things go a bit further, let’s call it marriage.
She couldn’t help but keep stifling giggles.
“Let’s not fight.”
Hongryeon said this with a stern face, trying to hide her laughter, and both the Sword Saint and Chaejin agreed. After all, hadn’t they agreed on that beforehand?
Currently, Hongryeon thought, they were the ones closest to Yu Wol.
Of course, someday they’d have to find out who among them was actually closer, but that was another story.
What mattered was the potential for others to get close to him.
“Well, we have no time to fight among ourselves now.”
With the tiger having wings, it couldn’t be denied that Yu Wol was the center of everyone’s attention.
No, it likely wasn’t just that.
“You guys have reached the realm of the superhuman thanks to Yu Wol’s help. If that gets out, his value will skyrocket.”
Hongryeon and Chaejin.
New stars that had just risen into the realm of the superhuman.
It was only natural that the martial world would focus on them.
Wasn’t that obvious?
Just last year, they were merely strong martial artists.
And now, they were stepping into the realm of the transcendent.
Anyone training in martial arts would definitely be curious.
While no one doubted their talent, this growth was anything but ordinary.
That’s why both the Open Sect and Hao-mun, as well as other prestigious families and sects, would surely launch investigations.
Perhaps even the Demonic Sect would get involved.
And soon, it would be revealed that Yu Wol was at the center of it all.
If so, his value would rise even more, and those who wanted to target him would surge.
“That’s right.”
It wasn’t that they didn’t believe in Yu Wol’s composure. He wasn’t the type to become intoxicated, so there was no need to worry about any mistakes due to liquor.
But would the world agree with that?
Moreover, he was a person with a strong sense of responsibility.
What if, elsewhere, someone made him responsible for something he couldn’t escape?
He just might switch sides.
So, the three of them had no time to let their guards down or get into conflicts among themselves.
There was no time to be leisurely and care about the surroundings.
“So, let’s save the fight over who’s first for later.”
Even though they had reached a brief agreement, the rivalry between Hongryeon and Chaejin was still alive.
The Sword Saint spoke seriously, and the two nodded in agreement.
“By the way, I wonder how the Doje elder will react?”
“I’m not worried.”
Chaejin smiled brightly.
“He said he could handle it.”
If he believes in me, how could I not believe in him?
Chaejin placed a hand on her chest and beamed, while the Sword Saint and Hongryeon looked at her shaking their heads.
*
The day before heading to Cheongho had arrived.
I had left the construction part of the inn in the hands of Yohwan and Yajuhee while I returned to my office.
I must have been quite nervous about going to Moonjeong. Biting her thumbnail, Chaejin couldn’t sit still, and I gave her a light pat on the waist.
“Is there a problem?”
“Ah. No. It’s just…”
“If it’s because you’re nervous about meeting the Doje, there’s no need for that.”
“Ahaha. Yeah, I suppose?”
I sat down, while Chaejin, who had followed me, sat on the floor. Leaning naturally against my leg, she looked up at me.
“By the way, is it just me and Sayoon going this time?”
“For now…”
“For now?”
“I don’t think those two will just let us go alone.”
The Sword Saint and Hongryeon.
I seriously doubted they would quietly allow Chaejin and me to go.
I smiled at her and picked up some papers to continue my work. At least it would take a week, so I needed to be prepared by then.
“It’s a pity. I was thinking maybe we could go there this time…”
“There? The piece of sheep?”
Nodding, Chaejin confirmed, and I smiled bitterly. The development of the mystical site made by Hojopung and Eumyangseon was completed.
So, it seemed she was thinking of stopping by that mystical site later since it was open for a challenge.
“Let’s go there later, just the two of us. The mystical site isn’t going anywhere.”
“What if someone goes first? Everyone knows that once someone captures the master of a mystical site, it remains closed for a long time.”
“To enter that mystical site, you have to go through the mine. And that mine isn’t a place just anyone can enter. Sure, those hiding their identities might sneak in…”
“But?”
“It’s still not going to be easy.”
That mystical site is a no-go if you’re not in the know.
I gently stroked Chaejin’s long hair. The soft strands flowed through my fingers like water — they felt delightful to touch. As I petted her, Chaejin subtly leaned her back against my leg.
I gently stroked her long hair. The soft strands slipped through my fingers like water, and it felt great to touch. As I caressed her, Chaejin quietly leaned her back against my legs.
I continued stroking her hair. Like a puppy feeling its owner’s affection, Chaejin closed her eyes and let out a contented hum.
“Ahhh… it feels so nice.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear that. Anyway, there’s nothing to worry about, so don’t fret too much.”
I smiled at Chaejin, who was gradually relaxing.
The morning of the day we were heading to Cheongho.
We were loading our bags onto the carriage borrowed from the government office.
“Mister!!”
Sa-yoon came racing over with a bright smile.
And right behind her, confidently chasing after her, were Sword Saint Na Yerin and Hongryeon.
Upon seeing them, Chaejin looked flabbergasted and exclaimed, “Why are you here?”
“Hoho. We need to discuss the exchange between Hongseong and Moonjeong this year.”
“How can you just sit back when we’re going on such a dangerous journey?”
…When did traveling through official roads become dangerous?
Not to mention, Chaejin is practically superhuman by now.
As I looked over, the Sword Saint hesitated and looked like she was about to cry.
“…You don’t want us along?”
Wow. That’s low.
Isn’t it a bit unfair to start crying here?
I shook my head, and only then did the Sword Saint break into a bright smile.
What else could I do?
“But is it really okay to leave Hongseong empty like that?”
“It’s fine. Ryuhyun and Hyunhwi are there. The government office is going to support us too. Plus, the Murim Alliance is involved.”
It’s different from when we were in Seomhwa Village. If something goes wrong, the army might step in.
Hongryeon replied leisurely, and Chaejin clicked her tongue again.
Toward her, the Sword Saint and Hongryeon calmly approached and spoke in a low tone.
“No cutting in line.”
“Even if you’re engaged to him.”
“Ahaha… what have I done?”
Chaejin’s eyes twitched slightly.
In response, the Sword Saint and Hongryeon scoffed at her.
At times like this, it really shows how close the seniors are.
“It’s been a while since we traveled together, Mister!”
“Yeah, we haven’t gone anywhere since last winter.”
“Hehe. Yes! I’m happy to see Ryun too.”
I turned my gaze away from the three, who were throwing daggers at each other. Sa-yoon was sitting in the carriage, smiling brightly, and I nodded at her.
“Then everyone, get on.”
I climbed into the driver’s seat, and as the three tried to sit next to me naturally, they hesitated.
We hadn’t even set off yet, but the tension was overflowing.
“Let’s rotate sitting in the driver’s seat.”
“Let’s sit on the carriage stone.”
Only after I spoke did Hongryeon finally take her seat beside me. Looking quite excited, she naturally placed her hand on my thigh.
“……”
“Why?”
Though she tilted her head as if she didn’t understand, her eyes were filled with mischief and desire.
Really like a cat.
She wore that expression as if it were nothing when she playfully poked at me. I clasped her hand that rested on my thigh.
“Ah….”
“Wasn’t this what you wanted?”
“Not really… no.”
I looked at her hand. I could see the ring I had given her the other day overlapping with the ring on my finger. It seemed Hongryeon noticed it too, as her face began to blush gently like her hair.
“Alright. Then let’s go.”
“Ah. Yes! Shall I drive the carriage?”
“That’s fine.”
With a Sword Saint, a Hongryeon, a Chaejin, and of course, Sayoon all in the carriage, it was safer than being protected by any ordinary army.
But you know there are some crazy folks out there who might still attack an army.
So, it was better to stay focused for that.
That meant my job was simply to drive the carriage to Cheongho, and that was nothing at all.
As we traveled along the main road, there wasn’t much pressure. Plus, given my position, no soldier dared to cause trouble.
In fact, they even offered to escort us.
Of course, I declined. We had more than enough guards as it was.
So we continued on, and during our breaks, the Sword Saint would step out, then next would be Hongryeon.
And finally, Sayoon came out.
While we drove the carriage and chatted about various things, a familiar city appeared in the distance.
“Ah!”
Sayoon exclaimed brightly, and the carriage window opened. The one leaning out was the Sword Saint.
“Master, have you ever been to Cheongho?”
“Yes.”
“Wow! What for?”
“To fight the Doje… Hehe. Who knows, I might have to fight again this time.”
If the Doje comes at me with something like, “I may forgive you, but will my strong energy forgive you?!” and refuses to allow marriage, getting mad and trying to attack me, then I’ll definitely have to protect myself.
Really, dependable… but…
“There won’t be a fight.”
That’s right.
There shouldn’t be a fight.
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