Chapter: 133
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…
I should definitely not get involved with that one. (2)
Upon arriving in Hanam and stepping into the lodge, it had already turned to evening.
‘Bacheonmaru, huh.’
Just glancing at it made it clear that it was an impressively large building.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the largest lodge in the vicinity.
‘Looks like the Murim Alliance really made an effort here.’
Back in my past life, they had also provided a lodge during the Dragon and Phoenix tournament.
However, they allocated rooms based on the status of one’s clan, leading to times when someone ended up paying out of pocket because there were no rooms available.
Of course, being a member of the Gu Clan, I rarely faced such an issue.
In front of the lodge, a person who appeared to be a member of the Murim Alliance was checking in the young prodigies.
“You may enter.”
However, the man glanced at Tang Soyeol and Namgung Bi-ah and, as if the verification process was unnecessary, allowed them in at once.
Probably due to the unique traits of their respective clans and the symbols boldly displayed on their outfits.
After all, the four noble clans were noble for a reason.
“Gu Yangcheon of Shanxi’s Gu Clan… checked. You may enter.”
While permitting me, I sensed his gaze on me was rather peculiar.
Unlike the sleazy look he directed at Tang Soyeol and Namgung Bi-ah, his eyes on me were filled with curiosity.
‘Is it because I look so unusual?’
‘…Maybe it’s simply because it’s unusual for a son of the Gu Clan to show up here.’
The names associated with being the son of the Tiger Warrior and the brother of the Sword Phoenix likely contributed significantly to his interest.
I also handed him the recommendation letter from Elder Dishonored, but he didn’t seem inclined to check it.
Perhaps since I already had the invitation.
‘That’s going to be a hassle later, though.’
If he doesn’t check it until the end, that would be nice.
Though, regardless of how carelessly the Murim Alliance might handle things, they would definitely validate the recommendation letter later.
With many insane individuals among the powerful, if they felt their names weren’t being treated with the respect they deserve, they could easily blow up.
“You may use the fourth room on the Grand Silver Floor.”
Following the staff’s guidance, I headed up to my assigned room.
The further I went up, the more apparent the differences in room quality became.
The two young women who had gone on ahead were probably already up on the highest floor.
‘Silver isn’t bad at all.’
As long as I had a place to sleep, I was content. Frankly, I would’ve preferred a room on a lower floor for easier access to the dining area.
As for Gu Jeolyub, who had come with me, it appeared he needed to show his recommendation letter since he didn’t have an invitation.
Seeing the man glance back and forth between me and Gu Jeolyub after checking the recommendation written by my father was straight-up comical.
“We’ll be unpacking now.”
“Thanks, I leave it to you.”
Hongwa and Wi Seol-Ah started unpacking as soon as they entered the room.
In the meantime, I took the opportunity to go downstairs and have a look around.
Even with the tournament a week away, it seemed I wasn’t the only one to arrive early; quite a few others had as well.
“…Hmm?”
Among the crowd, a particular outfit caught my attention.
Young men with rugged expressions were donned in deep yellow garb.
They seemed to be from the Hwangbo Clan.
They were the first non-noble clan individuals I’d encountered in this lifetime.
‘How peculiar is that considering the number of notable families around?’
With so many esteemed clans in the vicinity, it seemed odd that I hadn’t run into anyone from other clans.
“Who is it?”
‘Was there a young prodigy from the Hwangbo Clan?’
I mentally mused.
Surely there was one. Even though the Hwangbo Clan wasn’t categorized among the four noble clans, their standing was still reputable.
Before long, I recalled one name.
“Was the Silent Fist from that clan?”
This was the individual who would later rise to fame as the ‘Silent Fist’—a young talent known for the massacre of demonic beings and for making their name known in the martial world.
Even while expressing endless rage and hatred towards said demons, the grace of their punches was subtle; hence, they were referred to as the Silent Fist.
‘Though they ended up as a demon in the end.’
This individual had been one of my subordinates in my past life, which prompted the vague recollection of the name Hwangbo Seon.
‘Though it doesn’t seem like they’re among them.’
I wasn’t familiar with their background, but I remembered them coming from a branch clan.
I could count myself lucky.
Reencountering individuals from my previous life wasn’t always a pleasant reunion.
“Young Master! We’ve finished unpacking!”
At Wi Seol-Ah’s shout from the room, I turned.
“Thanks.”
“Yup!”
“How long will it take for you to finish unpacking?”
I questioned Hongwa.
“Hmmm… there aren’t that many belongings, so I doubt it’ll take even fifteen minutes.”
“Then come down after you’re done, and let’s eat together.”
“Ah… um.”
Hongwa’s suddenly tense smile made me glance at her suspiciously.
“If we join you for dinner, the Young Master might attract some negative attention. So we’ll just…”
“Now you’re worried about that?”
“Pardon?”
“What’s the fuss over food now? It’s merely a meal.”
This was a place where many elite families congregated.
Considering how the staff treated us with respect due to our clan, yes, people would likely stare.
It might not be perceived well if the Young Master, a prominent figure, was to dine alongside servants, but…
“I can handle it; don’t worry about it.”
Ultimately, Hongwa nodded to my words.
From the perspective of the help, it might make them uncomfortable, despite my intentions.
To be honest, since my resurrection, my insistence on treating the help as equals was more of my stubbornness than true equity.
‘So, you’re acknowledging your actions were somewhat self-serving?’
“Yes, that’s right.”
‘Being aware of one’s selfishness is a sin.’
“I’m aware of that too.”
‘…Hmph.’
Elder Shin’s response was interrupted after my admission.
His sudden silence felt like disapproval, but I figured it was best to proceed with my own decisions.
After Hongwa left, I opened all the windows in my room.
Letting in a fresh breeze, I gazed at the snowfall outside.
Despite the heavy snowfall, the streets remained brightly lit.
This place prided itself as the safest, which explained the extensive lighting.
“Safest place, my ass.”
Knowing its reputation would soon crumble within a few years made me chuckle at the irony.
“I could go for some alcohol right about now.”
It was one of those days where I craved it.
I hadn’t consumed much in my past life, but I certainly enjoyed it.
‘Then why resist drinking?’
“I really should hold back.”
I was also aware that my body wasn’t entirely fit, so I aimed not to introduce anything disruptive into my system.
Thus, I decided to refrain from alcohol for the time being.
“…Maybe I should just ask Tang Soyeol for some pungent tea.”
Would it be somewhat similar to what I desired?
With those whimsical thoughts, I headed downstairs.
As I mentioned earlier, I had a week until the tournament began.
As a result, not many had arrived yet.
There wasn’t much for those from prestigious families to amuse themselves with while waiting, so those here were likely traveling from distant lands or had business matters to address.
Thanks to this, the atmosphere remained relatively calm.
With that, I found myself chewing thoughtfully on some food.
“How does it taste?”
Wi Seol-Ah inquired, presenting a plate of food to me.
“…It’s not bad, but those dumplings I had in the carriage were tastier.”
After placing my plate, she fetched her own food to enjoy.
And upon taking a bite, her face lit up with a smile.
“It’s delicious….”
“It’s good, I’m just making a comparison.”
“Want some tea?”
“Hmm? Yeah, sure, thanks.”
Was it because Namgung Bi-ah had been asleep the whole time? All she did was sip tea, not touching a morsel of food.
“Where’s Lady Tang?”
“Sis Soyeol said she’ll take a bit; apparently, she needs to redo her makeup.”
“Um… she told us not to mention that…”
“Oh.”
Wi Seol-Ah clasped her mouth in shock after hearing Namgung Bi-ah, but it was already too late—I had heard everything.
Makeup, huh…
Does it truly require such effort when all we’re doing is having a meal?
Lost in thought, Elder Shin’s voice chimed in mockingly.
‘That is the essence of femininity.’
‘But they don’t do that, do they?’
‘… Perhaps those girls are at a level where they don’t see the need. That’s precisely why I hold such disdain for you.’
‘Last time you said you disliked me, and now it’s escalated to hatred…’
Is it just me, or is the intensity of his animosity growing too rapidly?
As I popped another dumpling into my mouth, I casually glanced over.
“Why aren’t you eating?”
“…I am.”
I turned my gaze toward Gu Jeolyub, who was picking at his food.
“You could’ve indulged a little, yet you’re being so sparing. Are you looking down upon the blood, sweat, and tears of farmers?”
“N-no, sir. I simply didn’t expect you to call me to such a place.”
“It’s not like it’s a grand occasion.”
Why does everyone cherish this concept of dining with me so highly?
After a moment of hesitation, Gu Jeolyub finally spoke.
“Don’t you dislike me?”
“Yeah.”
“…”
“But what’s that got to do with it? Just eat.”
If someone forced me to pick between liking or disliking him, I would undoubtedly lean towards disliking.
I wouldn’t have cared much if he merely bothered me.
But him pursuing Wi Seol-Ah was a considerable problem.
Truth be told, because of that, I wanted to take advantage of Gu Jeolyub, but…
A sense of guilt bubbled up with Elder Second’s remark repeating in my brain.
“- Be a bit gentle with this child; he’s pitiable.”
That simple yet bothersome statement nestled deeply in my thoughts.
Tsk.
I had gone through similar experiences myself, so I couldn’t help but feel slightly sympathetic, even without factoring in his personality or ideology.
‘Am I still going to use him a lot, though?’
Turning to Gu Jeolyub, who was nervously chewing on his food, I prodded further.
“What did your grandfather say?”
“Huh?”
“What do you mean, ‘Huh?’ His instructions were clearly meant for observation, but besides that, I genuinely can’t grasp your purpose here.”
“He didn’t really say anything specifically.”
Sure, he didn’t!
But you certainly shouldn’t have spoken with shaky eyes.
What was it with the people around me being incapable of lying?
If anyone were to ask whether Gu Jeolyub was irksome…
I didn’t really view him that way.
He wasn’t the type to be irritating in the first place.
If anything, I felt a bit of pity for him due to his efforts.
He had potential, a pretty face, and a respectable lineage, yet…
Fate often played tricks.
‘It’s not that greedy people are formidable,’
But rather how everything around them deteriorates was the true fear.
That was how I perceived Gu Jeolyub.
“Just do your thing. Try to be discreet. If I catch you attempting something shady, I swear I’ll really break your arm this time.”
“Shady? Of course not!”
He was still just a boy.
Though considered a young man, he hadn’t yet reached twenty—more like an earnest boy putting in hard work.
And it seemed the Elder First was the only one oblivious to it.
Feeling mildly distracted while studying him, I was abruptly caught off guard when something brushed my lips, making me jerk back.
Upon checking, I discovered it was Wi Seol-Ah trying to feed me.
“Young Master, you need to eat your veggies too.”
“…”
“Look! You’ve devoured everything except the vegetables… Young Master, are you a child? Grandpa said only babies are picky eaters!”
“… I was saving those for last.”
“Liar! I’ve almost never seen you touch any vegetables!”
Typically, Wi Seol-Ah treating me like a kid never failed to feel different and uncomfortable.
In the end, I found myself conceding and letting her shove all the veggies into my mouth.
‘Hehe, you were the one who kept saying she was a child!’
‘…Life is exhausting.’
Though I cautiously continued to fill my stomach, my vigilance never wavered.
Throughout my past experiences, I learned that something was always bound to happen in establishments like this one.
When the formidable gathered in one spot, there was always some hotshot eager to assert their dominance.
Especially when it came to younger prodigies.
‘Therefore, I should avoid getting caught in the crossfire.’
I couldn’t afford to stir up trouble right away. If it had to happen, it would be a week from now.
So I would sincerely hope nothing would arise until then.
“Young Master, Young Master.”
“Hmm?”
“That way…”
As anticipated, as is the case with my life, things rarely flowed in my desired direction.
Following Wi Seol-Ah’s indication, I observed a gathering centered around a towering figure clad in deep yellow attire.
He was impressively built, though perhaps not quite as robust as the Second Elder.
‘Hwangbo Clan?’
Seemingly, the young expert I had seen earlier was from the Hwangbo Clan.
Who could it be? A relative of their clan’s lord?
I couldn’t recognize anyone else in the vicinity.
However, their presence suggested they hailed from a renowned family, given their attendance at the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament.
Suddenly, I caught sight of a woman amidst the crowd, seemingly suffering under the weight of assorted insults.
The dumpling I intended to bite into halted mid-air as my gaze fell upon her.
Her face was hidden by a veil, offering no clues about her lineage.
Her attire was elaborate but didn’t appear overly costly.
Perhaps it was the chilly weather that led to her bundling up so, hiding her figure completely.
Nonetheless, the earrings dangling by her ears caught my attention.
This was not the type of accessory that would indicate her clan or possess any particular significance.
They were simply uniquely shaped earrings, yet identical to those worn by a certain woman until the very end.
‘…That dangerous lady is here too?’
Shaking off my moment of hesitation, I promptly munched into my dumpling, as if nothing had happened.
That fearsome woman might catch the slightest inkling of hesitation from me.
Consequently, I averted my gaze. I didn’t even entertain the thought of her being someone entirely different.
I was wholly convinced.
I didn’t understand why a noble from one of the four great clans would arrive so early.
However, one thing was certain: I had no intention of intertwining my affairs with hers.
‘I figured I’d run into her since it was the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament.’
But now that the reality was facing me, a torrent of thoughts surged forth.
Most of those thoughts weren’t too pleasant.
“What clan do you hail from? I am Hwangbo Cheolwi. Care to share a drink with me?”
The muscular Boar-like man, identifying himself as Hwangbo Cheolwi, offered her a drink, yet the woman merely indicated the glass sitting before her.
“I apologize, but I must decline as I’m already in the midst of drinking.”
“It’d be even better if you’ve already been drinking. Surrounded by companions on a cold night—wouldn’t that warm things up?”
“I must say again, I apologize, but I already have plans to drink with someone.”
In a melodious voice, she turned him down gracefully once more.
Yet Hwangbo Cheolwi seemed unwilling to step back, pulling out a chair to sit before her.
“I am Hwangbo Cheolwi.”
“…Yes, I heard that earlier.”
“Unfamiliar with the Hwangbo Clan?”
“I am. A prestigious clan, indeed.”
Prestigious clan, my foot; there’s no way they could surpass the four noble clans.
Given that the woman with the veil was one such member.
‘Does that pig-headed fool lack any common sense?’
Evidently, he’d drunk before this moment, yet he should’ve shown a modicum of caution at the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament.
‘Acting this way without a second thought?’
It felt oddly reminiscent of a farcical reflection of my own past.
“If you already know that, don’t you think your actions are a bit… you know?”
“…What are you implying?”
“Goodness… Such an icy tone, truly charming. If it wouldn’t come off as too rude, might I request that you unveil your face?”
“Such a request is impolite.”
I resumed my meal while nevertheless attentive to their dialogue.
It appeared that it was Hwangbo Cheolwi’s first attendance to the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament.
No one would dare provoke an unknown individual without having a grasp on their background.
Thus, I felt concern.
Not for that woman pretending to be meek while feigning ignorance, but for that boar-like man, Hwangbo.
He dared to provoke someone he had no business touching.
What miserable luck he had.
‘At least I’m not entangled in this mess.’
Even though he was unlucky, his situation wasn’t my concern as long as the fallout didn’t fall into my lap.
“What on earth are you doing!”
Fortunately, someone stepped in, seemingly aiming to mediate the situation.
Getting involved in that conflict would yield them no favorable outcome.
Perhaps they were just a person with an inclination to help others.
“…What do you think you’re doing?”
But that person just so happened to be part of our party?
Hwangbo Cheolwi turned to face the voice, which was directed at us.
By the look on his face, it became quickly apparent that the situation had escalated beyond just bad.
With a bewildered expression, I glanced up to see who shouted such a thing.
He seemed completely indifferent to how I felt, eyes burning with the fervor to be a hero.
It was Gu Jeolyub shouting at the boar-headed Hwangbo.
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