Chapter 63
Not Yours (2)
After arriving in Huayin City, which is home to the Mount Hua Sect, I expected we would set off climbing the mountain right away.
However, by the time we reached the area, night had already fallen, so we quickly had to find a place to stay.
Perhaps because Huayin City is the center of the Mount Hua Sect, as soon as a scholar dressed in plum blossom robe appeared, both the locals and the innkeeper welcomed us warmly, saying, “Welcome!”
Thanks to that, we were able to secure lodging comfortably.
After Shinhyun and his party found us a nice place to stay, he mentioned that a few of the second-generation students would accompany us while he went ahead to the mountain, promising he would come back tomorrow to guide us.
When I asked if it wouldn’t be better for us to set off immediately to deliver the treasures, he said that it would be safer this way.
I didn’t really understand what he meant, but I figured I should just go along with it for now.
Feeling tired, I quietly decided against climbing that big mountain right away.
“Dumplings are here~!”
As I sat at the table, the dishes I had ordered began to appear one by one.
Without a second thought, I started filling my stomach.
As I dug into the dumplings, Wi Seol-Ah, sitting beside me, handed me a cup of water.
Lately, she seemed particularly eager to be helpful.
“Thanks, but you should eat some too.”
“I-I’m full.”
“…?”
I looked at her as if questioning the absurdity of her statement, and she puffed up her cheeks with an expression of annoyance.
It was so funny that I couldn’t help but press her puffy cheeks.
Pffft!
That hilarious sound made me burst into laughter, causing Wi Seol-Ah to sulk immediately.
“Y-You!”
“Sorry, sorry, I won’t do it again.”
That was a blatant lie.
Of course, I’m going to do it again; it’s just too funny!
As I continued teasing Wi Seol-Ah, someone sat down next to me with food.
It was Yung Pung, holding a bowl of noodles.
“…I’m disappointed. I should’ve recommended a tastier place for you.”
Is he talking about that dumpling place he mentioned before?
Honestly, it was a bit disappointing, but I didn’t mind much as long as I could finish my business here quickly.
“Are you alright not going with them?”
While Shinhyun and others went ahead to the Mount Hua Sect, Yung Pung stayed behind.
I figured it might be because of the treasure I was carrying, but honestly, that didn’t seem to be the case.
“It’s fine…”
Yung Pung seemed somewhat down for some reason.
Not wanting to pry too much, I decided to let it go for the moment.
When I glanced at Wi Seol-Ah again, she was still shoveling food into her mouth.
Just then, Namgung Bi-ah placed something on her plate, and Wi Seol-Ah let out a Hmph!
This sort of thing had been happening consistently these days.
The real issue was that, after acting like that with Namgung Bi-ah, Wi Seol-Ah would then subtly check if she had upset her.
Then why do it in the first place…?
Wi Seol-Ah pretended not to want the food given to her but invariably ended up eating it anyway.
It was as if I were watching a confused bird flapping around without a clue.
She seemed to be making an effort to act like she didn’t like food from Namgung Bi-ah.
But being so young and gentle-hearted, she wasn’t very good at it.
Isn’t it rather cute that she is so transparent about it?
…Hmm.
Watching her indecisiveness made me unconsciously reach out to pat Wi Seol-Ah’s head.
But the truth was, I just wanted to feel her hair!
As my hand reached her soft head, Wi Seol-Ah flinched.
Thinking she might not like it, I tried to retract my hand immediately.
– Grab!
But Wi Seol-Ah stopped my hand from leaving!
…Does this mean she wants more?
I began to lightly pet her head, sensing that she didn’t mind my touch.
As I ran my fingers through her smooth hair, a soft smile appeared on Wi Seol-Ah’s face.
I guess you really are a young man, after all.
What are you suddenly saying?
Are you trying to play dumb? Your heart is quite honest, though.
With Elder Shin’s teasing words ringing in my ears, I noticed my heart pounding faster than usual.
Did my body and mind have a disagreement?
I ignored that odd thought and continued stroking her soft hair when I suddenly felt a gaze on me.
“…Huh?”
While leaning toward Wi Seol-Ah, Namgung Bi-ah was staring at me with blank eyes.
More specifically, she seemed to be fixated on the hand I had been using to pet Wi Seol-Ah.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“…”
Namgung Bi-ah didn’t answer.
She continued to gaze at my hand, as if in a trance.
That look made me uncomfortable.
Gradually, I saw her glance downward.
As she did so, her head tilted toward me.
…Whoa!
For some reason, Elder Shin seemed surprised by that.
“What are you doing…”
Suddenly, I was hit with the thought that maybe she wanted me to pet her head too.
It felt implausible, but there had to be a reason for her behavior.
Nah, no way.
Yet, feeling curious, I decided to stretch my hand toward Namgung Bi-ah.
I hesitated for a moment but needed to confirm my suspicions.
“Ah…”
Wi Seol-Ah let out an unhappy sound when I reached for Namgung Bi-ah.
Just as my hand was about to touch her head, someone shouted, “Who’s up on the second floor?”
I heard footsteps coming from the staircase leading to our floor.
“This voice….”
Yung Pung jolted at the sound.
Once I heard others approaching, I swiftly withdrew my hand while Namgung Bi-ah turned her attention to the staircase.
Based on Yung Pung’s reaction, did he know who was coming?
The newcomers wore uniforms that looked familiar — just like Yung Pung’s.
People from the Mount Hua Sect?
Is it normal for them to climb down the mountain late at night?
I wasn’t knowledgeable about their sect protocol but thought it might not be acceptable.
“…What’s going on? Is there anyone other than us—”
As the young man leading the group caught sight of us, he halted abruptly.
Specifically, he froze at the sight of Yung Pung sitting next to me.
Yung Pung also sprang to his feet when he saw the young man.
“…Senior.”
“Hmm.”
From how Yung Pung addressed him, it seemed the newcomers were also third-generation students.
This was my first time seeing third-generation students from the Mount Hua Sect aside from Yung Pung.
Now that I looked closely, they indeed appeared younger than the second-generation ones.
“…Yung Pung.”
The young man seemed taken aback when he looked at Yung Pung. Why was he reacting this way?
“Senior, what’s wrong?”
“Who is it that—”
Other martial artists behind the young man also paused upon seeing Yung Pung.
What’s going on here?
The strange atmosphere lingered when the young man finally gathered himself and asked Yung Pung, “Did you finish your tasks?”
“Yes…”
“What about the rest of your group?”
“They had some business, so they went ahead. Senior Shinbyuk and Senior Shinsuk are resting on another floor.”
“I see…”
“…”
“…”
The conversation came to a standstill.
Even I, with my oh-so-limited perceptiveness, could tell that the situation had become rather awkward.
…Well, at least you’re aware you have no sense.
…Elder Shin.
After some silence, Yung Pung seemed to come to his senses, glancing at me.
“Oh, this is Young Master Gu from the Gu clan. He is an important guest of our Mount Hua Sect.”
Finally recognizing my presence, the young man turned his gaze toward me.
To be more accurate, he first looked at Namgung Bi-ah, then at Wi Seol-Ah, and finally at me.
This little brat…?
“Uh, yes… I am a third-generation student of the Mount Hua Sect, Yung Sung.”
Yung Sung’s voice trembled as he introduced himself.
Noticing how he kept stealing glances at Namgung Bi-ah made me see a reflection of Yung Pung in him.
Quit staring at that girl and redirect your attention to your fiancée instead.
Huh?
Hearing Elder Shin’s comments, I turned to look at Namgung Bi-ah once more, only to find her glaring at Yung Sung.
…Glare? That bland girl is glaring at someone?
It was indeed minimal.
Only someone who’d known her for a long time would recognize such subtleties; the average person wouldn’t catch the difference.
Nonetheless, it was evident she was glaring right now.
Once Yung Sung realized his faux pas, he cleared his throat and straightened up.
“There must be a reason you were entrusted to care for the guests… Right, we should go greet them now that they’re here.”
“Hmm…”
“I’ll take my leave now, please rest well.”
I responded with a nod to Yung Sung’s bow.
The martial artists began moving as soon as their greetings were concluded, expressing multiple unspoken feelings.
I also noticed Yung Pung’s downcast expression.
It reminded me of what Yung Pung had once told me.
Other students don’t enjoy sparring with me.
His somber face flashed in my memory, making me wonder if he was experiencing bullying.
The Sword Dragon himself… bullied?
As if reading my thoughts, Elder Shin chimed in.
…Such matters often arise when someone is too exceptionally talented.
…Huh?
A dragon cannot simply swim in a pond full of carps without causing ripples.
I understood the meaning behind his words.
Being a student of exceptional talent, Yung Pung must’ve been younger compared to the others.
Having attained the title of Plum Blossom Swordsman at a young age, it was only natural for jealousy to brew, leaving some feeling resentful of him.
And this sort of treatment was a result of that jealousy?
Seriously, for it to be so obvious… The higher-ups must be aware of this. What an utter mess this clan is becoming. In my time, it wasn’t like this…!
Why do you always circle back to comparing yourself to them?
…Sigh…
Even amidst his click of the tongue, disappointment was clear in Elder Shin’s voice.
With this, I sighed and discreetly glanced at Yung Pung again.
His complexion darkened noticeably.
Noticing my gaze, Yung Pung responded with an awkward smile.
“Let’s finish our meals!”
He attempted to maintain an upbeat tone, yet the meal wrapped up soon thereafter.
Given that I was already full,
And with Namgung Bi-ah’s typically modest portions,
Wi Seol-Ah, being quite perceptive, also decided to stop eating after sensing the strange atmosphere.
After we finished, Yung Pung departed for the quarters of the second-generation students.
I, too, stood to head to my room, but was blocked by Namgung Bi-ah.
“Lady Namgung?”
I called out to her, sensing she had something she wanted to discuss, but she just stared at me, appearing hesitant to speak.
You little brat, just reach out.
Pardon?
Use that vacant head of yours to reach out and touch her hair, no need for deep thought.
Taking Elder Shin’s advice, I extended my arm to her.
Feeling that ignoring him would lead to his anger, I figured complying would be safer.
As I slowly extended my hand towards her, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes widened.
When my hand came closer, she leaned her head down.
Just then, out of nowhere, another hand reached out and started to pat her head!
It was Wi Seol-Ah’s tiny, fair hand.
“…?”
Namgung Bi-ah seemed momentarily flustered, clearly thrown off by someone else patting her head. But upon realizing it was Wi Seol-Ah, she adjusted her position to lower herself.
Perhaps it broke her heart to see Wi Seol-Ah reaching for her head on tiptoes. Namgung Bi-ah was considerably taller than Wi Seol-Ah.
After a good while of patting her head, Wi Seol-Ah finally withdrew her hand.
As Wi Seol-Ah stepped back, Namgung Bi-ah lifted her head.
With a proud face, Wi Seol-Ah proclaimed, “I did it!”
Seeing that, Namgung Bi-ah gently caressed Wi Seol-Ah’s cheek.
However, she soon resumed her blank stare in my direction. Was she truly holding me back just for this?
“…Next time…”
As Namgung Bi-ah attempted to speak, she suddenly shut her mouth.
It seemed she had something more to say, yet decided against it and stepped into her room instead.
I was left wondering about this sudden behavior.
Did you see her ears?
Elder Shin unexpectedly intervened.
Ears?
Your fiancée’s ears were flushed red.
Namgung Bi-ah’s ears?
I hadn’t noticed them sharply reddening due to how suddenly she had dashed away.
While standing there, lost in my thoughts about what she might have intended,
“I like sis…”
“Huh?”
I heard Wi Seol-Ah mumble something under her breath.
“But I’m not giving it to her.”
Her tone was quite serious, as she made that declaration.
Curious about what she meant and the odd way she seemed to be acting,
Wi Seol-Ah quickly shouted, “Good night!” before hurrying off.
It looked like she was heading to the servant quarters.
“…What on earth?”
I was left standing there alone in the suddenly empty space. Their odd behaviors were increasingly difficult to adapt to.
After zoning out for a while, I walked toward my room.
Perhaps I was too worn out; my head wasn’t quite functioning properly.
As soon as I entered, I buried my face into the soft bed.
Somehow, I had made it this far.
All that was left was to complete my work here and return home.
I still had to face the task of climbing the mountain to return the treasure and check on my little sister.
But, for now, I decided to think about that tomorrow.
I’m just going to sleep for now.
Sigh…
I caught the faint sound of Elder Shin’s sigh but didn’t have the energy to question it.
I’ll just find out in the morning…
With that thought, I soon drifted into sleep.
—
Chirp! Chirp!
I woke slowly to the sun streaming through the window and birds chirping outside.
I must have been in such a deep slumber that I managed to sidestep the nightmares that usually haunted me.
Thanks to that, I awoke feeling fresh and energized.
When was the last time I slept so well?
Stretching a bit, my joints cracked and popped loudly with each movement.
“…Ah, that feels nice.”
“Did you sleep well?”
This voice broke through my thoughts.
I naturally assumed it was Elder Shin in my head once more.
“Yes, did you sleep well too?”
“Of course! I guess it’s because I’m old; I always feel sleepy.”
“What are you talking about? What kind of ghost—”
As feelers of realization began to flow through me, I quickly halted.
Something was off.
Was Elder Shin’s voice always this clear?
Normally, I heard him inside my head rather than through my ears.
Yet today, his voice felt crystal clear and strikingly different.
…What’s going on?
While still feeling groggy and struggling to understand my circumstance, Elder Shin’s voice echoed again.
…Not me.
…?
Cold sweat broke out across my body upon hearing Elder Shin’s words.
Goosebumps raced along my skin, compelling me to turn toward the source of the unexpected voice.
There, with a gentle smile, sat an old man.
…In my very own room.
“Who… are you?”
The old man chuckled softly at my question.
“I’ve lived quite a long time, but this is the first time I’ve been treated as a ghost…”
As he spoke, I felt a strange stirring deep within me.
…Oh.
In that moment, I heard Elder Shin’s voice filled with surprise. It felt as if the plum blossom energy he had been suppressing was escaping at last.
Is my mind playing tricks on me?
The sunlight filtering through the window carried with it a faint scent of plum blossoms.
The old man calmly brushed a hand over his beard.
As I steadily gained clarity, the scent of plum blossoms permeated the entire room, unmistakably coming from him.
“Child, I was told that Gu Ryoon sent you here.”
With a faint sigh, I swallowed hard, concealing the sweat now drenching me.
Raising his gaze to meet mine, the old man aimed a warm smile my way.
Then, as he lowered his hand from his beard, I caught sight of the plum blossom emblem embroidered on his chest.
Seeing that sent my heart racing, quaking as if an earthquake had rocked it.
Ignoring the trembling of my eyes, the old man introduced himself calmly.
“Pleasure to meet you. I am the head of the Mount Hua Sect, Dohwa.”
My heart skipped a beat at his declaration.
…Why is this person in my room?
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