Chapter: 136
It’s been a while, brother-in-law.(1)
If I think a bit more about Moyong Hi-ah…
She was more of a strategist than a swordswoman.
With her cold tone and expression, she always made quick, rational judgments that felt like the proper answer, even in difficult situations.
While outstanding young prodigies from that era, like Wi Seol-Ah, were also crucial in saving many from the Abyss, the reason so many survived was ultimately because of her.
When considering the results, it had to be Moyong Hi-ah who provided the most help.
She was a woman who, without hesitation, could find the right path and make rational decisions.
When she was on your side, she was certainly the most helpful person.
However,
As an enemy, she was also a woman who instilled endless fear.
So, what about now?
“Hello.”
I wonder which one she would be for me.
“I’m Moyong Hi-ah.”
From my perspective, she wasn’t on my side at all.
Crack-!
I closed the door and reflected on the situation. What was that just now…?
‘Was it a dream?’
Given the scene I woke up to, it made me doubt if it was a dream.
Those sky-blue eyes linger in my mind.
‘She had her veil off.’
Until just yesterday, she had completely hidden her face, but the Moyong Hi-ah I had just faced was barefaced.
With sharp, cat-like eyes, she exuded a charm that made it clear she knew well how beautiful she was, moving confidently.
The Snow Phoenix, Moyong Hi-ah. It was definitely her.
“…What is it?”
And that made me even more curious.
Why did she come to me?
If it was about what happened yesterday, she would’ve been better off consulting Gu Jeolyub instead.
Knock knock-.
It was like she was hurrying me from the other side of the door.
I wanted to just slam the door shut and go back to sleep, but it was Moyong Hi-ah we were talking about, so that wasn’t going to happen so easily.
In the end, I sighed and slightly opened the door.
“What is it…?”
“I wanted to thank you for yesterday.”
“Well, if that’s what you want, then shouldn’t you—“
“To you, wouldn’t that be the proper thing to do? Isn’t it?”
Look at her.
Moyong Hi-ah’s eyes already glimmered with certainty.
That was what made it even more strange.
What made her conclude she needed to thank me?
“I don’t really understand what you’re talking about.”
To be honest, I hadn’t done anything significant yesterday. I had no clue why she was reacting this way.
After observing my reaction for a moment, Moyong Hi-ah smiled.
“You’re not surprised.”
“Excuse me?”
She quickly covered her mouth with a fan, one I recognized.
It was no wonder it was familiar, as she always carried it even in our past life.
“It’s been a while since I encountered someone who remained so nonchalant when hearing my name and seeing my face.”
“…”
I frowned slightly at her words, realizing I might have chosen the wrong reaction.
“Generally, such reactions come from people utterly indifferent to the world, but you don’t seem like that kind of person.”
“It seems like you know who I am.”
“Yes, I did a bit of research yesterday.”
Moyong Hi-ah bluntly stated that she had done a background check on me, right in front of my face.
That confidence meant she was prepared for any unexpected problems and was not someone who would tolerate lies.
She continued, maintaining the same expression.
“It seems like you also know who I am, right, Young Master Gu?”
Her sky-blue eyes sparkled as they locked onto me.
No matter how I looked at it, I really didn’t want to get entangled with this woman.
‘She’s overly perceptive.’
Smart and sharp-witted, but there was just something uniquely off about how Moyong Hi-ah assessed others.
A woman with a sharp brain backing up her keen instincts.
Just having one of those traits was already annoying enough.
“Would that pose a problem?”
“No. Absolutely not. As I mentioned, I came just to thank you for yesterday.”
“And you choose to do this early in the morning.”
“Well… more like noon now, Young Master Gu.”
Is it already noon? Why did no one wake me?
[A few did pass by you.]
‘Elder Shin.’
[But seeing you sleep and snore, they all just left you be.]
‘…’
I’ve been quite exhausted lately.
Constantly adjusting my energy levels, along with prolonged training and camping, had taken a toll on me.
It was a bit strange that no one attempted to wake me up…
‘…Do I really snore?’
That question shocked me the most.
[Out of everything, that’s what surprises you? Seriously, you brat, you’re really a dumbass.]
But it was kind of important.
“So…”
Moyong Hi-ah interrupted my train of thought.
“I came here to show my face today.”
The chill in the air I felt after hearing her probably wasn’t simply due to the weather.
“Having seen you now, I can feel you have a different aura from others.”
“You must be mistaken. Perhaps it’s the cold making you a bit dazed….”
What could she possibly perceive about me from such a brief encounter?
I instinctively fell silent, because I had unknowingly spoken rudely.
Fortunately, it seemed that Moyong Hi-ah wasn’t bothered by it.
Well, rather than caring, she just didn’t find it important enough to mind.
“So I’ll see you next time.”
“You really don’t need to bother—… Never mind.”
Again with the repetition.
Whenever I see her, I almost instinctively say things I used to say in my past life.
I thought I had corrected that habit, but maybe the cold weather made my tongue malfunction.
Moyong Hi-ah smiled at me.
“Yes, I’ll bother to see you next time.”
She heard me. Damn it.
Moyong Hi-ah turned her back, appearing unaffected by my words.
She began ascending the stairs, which led to the Golden Floor, with me still within her gaze.
This implied I was part of her observation list.
What exactly was the issue? Each time something arose that hadn’t happened in my past life; it became quite complicated to deal with.
After Moyong Hi-ah had gone, I could smell the lingering scent she left behind.
A cold breeze brushed by, just like her.
Indeed, my annoying physical condition remained unchanged.
“…Tsk.”
The expressions and actions of Moyong Hi-ah were extraordinarily natural.
Her allure contrasted greatly with the cuteness of Wi Seol-Ah or the ethereality of Namgung Bi-ah.
Sexiness.
It was a deep, alluring kind that an ordinary man might lose their mind over.
Her nimble hand gestures and seductive glances, together with her striking beauty, showcased multiple charms.
But I knew it was all an act.
‘She’s as sharp as a sword, yet she puts on this show…’
Rather than making my heart race, it only made me feel uneasy.
[So…]
“Hmm?”
Elder Shin butted in while I was thinking.
For some reason, he seemed enfuriated.
[Are you implying you did the “you know what” with that woman?]
“Why are you suddenly bringing that up?”
[This is an important matter.]
“How…?”
[It’s a matter that decides if I should kill you or not, so how is it not important?]
“…”
I rubbed my temples, overwhelmed by a sudden headache.
Did Elder Shin lose his mind or something?
Had spirits also started to exhibit dementia? I genuinely began to worry.
Noon had arrived, so I hurriedly washed my face and made my way for a meal.
It was thanks to Wi Seol-Ah who realized I was awake and came to call for me.
“Young Master.”
“Yeah?”
“Are you eating dumplings again…?”
“Why?”
As I vigorously munched on more dumplings, Wi Seol-Ah looked at me with a slightly confused expression.
“Are you not getting tired of them?”
“You, who eats yakgwa all day long, wouldn’t know!”
“I-I don’t eat that all day!”
“Really? Should I ask Hongwa?”
“…”
Wi Seol-Ah shut her mouth tightly upon receiving my special attack.
It seemed she was a bit sulky, with her lips poking out slightly.
Seeing that, I smiled softly and added food to Wi Seol-Ah’s plate as an apology, but then someone suddenly reached for the back of my head.
“What’s going on?”
I didn’t even bother to check who it was.
If someone was sitting next to me doing this, it could only be one person.
“…Your hair…”
“Is something off?”
“It feels a bit prickly now…”
Namgung Bi-ah started taming my slightly messy hair, attempting to smooth it out.
Her touch felt quite nice, so I allowed her to continue while Namgung Bi-ah seemed to get more focused and started to enjoy it.
“…Hey, hold on a sec.”
Realizing something felt odd, I shifted slightly, causing Namgung Bi-ah to retreat a bit in disappointment, but the deed was already done.
Tang Soyeol, who had been observing with a peculiar expression, burst out laughing.
“Ahahaha! Young Master Gu…! It suits you so well.”
“How can such an offensively delivered joke even exist?”
“But… it genuinely looks good on you. Absolutely adorable.”
It felt like I sported a ponytail on top of my head.
As I sensed it swaying, I quickly tried to untie my hair.
However, both Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah playfully blocked my attempts.
“Not letting go?”
“Can’t you just stay like this… for a while?”
“Do you think that’s possible?”
“It really fits you, Young Master!”
Even Muyeon, who stood behind me, managed to conceal his laughter while commenting it suited me.
Did the laugh really suit me?
Even Gu Jeolyub, who had been down after yesterday’s events, maintained a humorous expression at this.
‘You lot…!’
Ultimately, I decided to break free with sheer force. However, at that moment, I sensed the presence of someone approaching.
Coming down the stairs was Moyong Hi-ah, her face once again veiled.
She moved directly towards us.
Moyong Hi-ah, who approached with calm strides, briefly scanned around, but froze when our eyes met.
Despite her face being covered, I could feel her gazing at my head.
So, I promptly let go of my hair.
“…”
It was as if she had something to say upon approaching, yet the silence dragged on.
[Her shoulders are shaking.]
After hearing Elder Shin’s remark, I cast my gaze on Moyong Hi-ah’s shoulders.
I could see it. Her shoulders were undeniably trembling.
‘…Could she be laughing?’
It was amusing to see Moyong Hi-ah trying to hold in her laughter,
Yet it also meant my previous appearance was unbelievably ridiculous, making it all the more embarrassing.
“…Do you need to say something?”
“Pfffb… It’s nothing really.”
“It sounds like you’re indeed laughing.”
“No way. You must have misinterpreted it.”
Her voice quickly returned to normal upon hearing my suspicion.
Moyong Hi-ah then cleared her throat and shifted her attention away from me to address Tang Soyeol.
“It’s been a while, Lady Tang.”
Tang Soyeol frowned slightly at the sudden greeting, but her eyes widened quickly afterward.
It seemed she recognized her.
“…Lady Moyong.”
“You recognize who I am.”
Going by the way they referred to each other, they didn’t seem particularly close.
Was it like this in my past life as well?
It truly was rare to see either of them in each other’s company.
“…Did you arrive yesterday?”
“Yes, I happened to receive help from Lady Tang and I’m grateful.”
She seemed to be referencing how Tang Soyeol had made Hwangbo Cheolwi back off yesterday.
Tang Soyeol averted her gaze from Moyong Hi-ah, as if feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
Nonetheless, Moyong Hi-ah kept initiating the conversation.
“If you don’t mind, since it seems we were brought together by fate, could I join you for a meal? I haven’t eaten yet.”
“Don’t you usually skip lunch?”
“…Hmm?”
As I unexpectedly chimed in, Moyong Hi-ah turned to me.
‘Oh no… I messed up.’
My insensitive tongue struck again without asking for permission.
It had to do with the unnecessary memories flooding my mind.
‘Are you not eating that?’
‘If I eat it now, I end up feeling sick, so I always skip lunch.’
‘Then I’ll be having it.’
‘Stay away from it. Get lost, I’m planning to eat it for dinner.’
‘You could have said that earlier!’
‘You didn’t ask.’
‘Ugh, my head’s spinning. Where the heck is Wi Seol-Ah, that crazy girl, not managing this situation?’
I certainly couldn’t categorize it as a good memory.
“What makes you think that, Young Master Gu?”
“You just seem the sort. I guessed and it turned out correct.”
“What?”
It appeared Moyong Hi-ah had developed the habit of being surprised over her reaction, prompting me to respond quickly.
[You truly do seem out of your head, huh.]
Elder Shin’s words came laden with concern. I, too, began to sense I was acting strangely.
Why did I feel all this sudden confusion?
In the midst of my musings, I noticed Moyong Hi-ah creating a peculiar atmosphere as she glanced back at Tang Soyeol without saying more.
“…”
Because Moyong Hi-ah asked to join us for a meal, Tang Soyeol looked slightly pressured, akin to a nervous puppy.
The way she looked towards me wasn’t due to seeking assistance but rather to gauge my feelings about her joining.
After some hesitation, Tang Soyeol finally asked me.
“Young Master Gu… would it be okay for Lady Moyong to join us for the meal?”
Considering her cautious reaction, I couldn’t help but ponder if she had somehow caught a weakness of Tang Soyeol.
“…Woah.”
That exclamation escaped from Moyong Hi-ah.
She appeared stunned by how Tang Soyeol was now seeking my approval.
I assessed this interaction and gave a gentle nod.
“It’s fine.”
Upon hearing my response, Tang Soyeol let out a quiet sigh.
Was it a sigh of relief?
However, appearing to carry its duality of both relief and anxiety.
Originally, I would have outright denied her.
There was no reason for me to involve myself with her.
Yet, my thought process shifted due to a simple fact.
Moyong Hi-ah was the one who initially approached us.
That alone meant she had her reasons.
Based on Tang Soyeol’s response, it seemed that denying her presence would cause issues, hence her demeanor.
[So this was done for the Tang Clan girl?]
‘I suppose you could say that.’
[Then just state it straightforwardly instead of making it all convoluted.]
Indeed, I thought that too.
I let out a quiet chuckle while taking a glance at Wi Seol-Ah and Namgung Bi-ah, who were focused on their meal.
I was curious about their reactions after allowing Moyong Hi-ah to join us without seeking their opinions,
But luckily, they didn’t appear to be particularly concerned this time.
Though both were definitely eying Moyong Hi-ah.
Gu Jeolyub, who had played a role in yesterday’s events, was frozen stiff like a rock upon Moyong Hi-ah sitting next to him.
He didn’t look quite adept in dealing with women, despite his handsome features.
“Lady Namgung… is it correct?”
Seated beside me, Moyong Hi-ah addressed Namgung Bi-ah, who nodded.
There was nothing strange about her recognizing her given that it was quite obvious Namgung Bi-ah belonged to the Namgung clan.
With her distinct hair and eyes on display,
It was also evident she always wore the same blue outfit from the Namgung clan, raising thoughts that maybe this was the only outfit she possessed.
“Nice to meet you.”
“…Likewise.”
“I apologize for intruding unexpectedly like this. Was my presence any inconvenience?”
“A little…”
“…What did you say?”
Moyong Hi-ah asked again as though she’d misheard, but Namgung Bi-ah’s reply didn’t waver.
“Just a wee bit uncomfortable, but it’s fine…”
I needed to hide my surprise upon hearing Namgung Bi-ah sitting next to me.
She actually engaged in conversation, addressing a question that really didn’t need a response.
‘I didn’t think she had it in her.’
Considering Namgung Bi-ah’s usual behavior, I expected her to have overlooked it.
Moyong Hi-ah appeared slightly flustered as well.
“…Oh, my apologies. But thank you for your understanding.”
She quickly apologized with a warm smile.
Even in this situation, she didn’t seem about to walk away, appearing to possess a valid reason for being here.
‘What could it be?’
‘I wonder what reasons Moyong Hi-ah might have for being here of all places.’
‘It can’t be for Tang Soyeol.’
Lost in deep thought again, I felt a tingling sensation tracing down my back.
It appeared I wasn’t the only one noticing it, as all the martial artists seated around the room turned their heads towards the entrance.
The energy they sensed was undoubtedly lightning Qi.
A presence I had grown all too familiar with by now.
After all, someone adept at lightning Qi always kept me company.
Compared to Namgung Jin’s prowess with lightning Qi, this seemed subtly inferior, yet it was significantly more unstable than that of Namgung Bi-ah’s.
Yet even so, it was potent enough to draw the attention of the other martial artists.
“Oh, this energy…”
“I heard he would come participate this year, and indeed he has.”
I picked up snippets of conversation as I heard murmurs nearby.
“Isn’t it odd that the Poison Bee has come too?”
“Yet, I thought he wouldn’t show, considering the incidents with the Sword Dragon.”
Squeak.
As they chatted, the door creaked open, and someone entered.
I took another quick glance toward Namgung Bi-ah.
As expected…
Namgung Bi-ah appeared visibly uncomfortable.
The figure that stepped in while commanding everyone’s gaze was an exceedingly good-looking young man.
He resembled Namgung Jin strikingly, sporting the same hair color as Namgung Bi-ah.
He was one of the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes, poised to inherit the Namgung clan’s position as lord.
The Lightning Dragon, Namgung Cheonjun.
His entrance radiated authority.
From the aura he exuded, it looked like he had improved since our last meeting.
“It seems like everything’s healed.”
Thinking back to our last encounter, I couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for him.
‘I might have overdone it back then.’
During the military competition in the Tang, he had been incredibly annoying, prompting me to break his arm and deliver a painful jab to his jewels.
Now that I reflected, breaking his arm was reasonable, but that kick was certainly overboard.
Pondering all this, I suspected I might grasp a bit of Moyong Hi-ah’s intentions.
‘Was it because of him?’
Moyong Hi-ah was also eyeing Namgung Cheonjun.
Reflecting on her past connection with him made this somewhat more understandable.
‘So she wanted to sit with us for…’
Not because of me or Tang Soyeol, but rather for Namgung Bi-ah.
This perspective seemed to fit perfectly and aligned well with the puzzle pieces at hand.
Namgung Cheonjun, whose presence radiated confidence as he weaved through the crowd with his lightning Qi, suddenly halted.
It seemed he had spotted us.
More specifically, he had noticed Namgung Bi-ah, who was seated beside me.
“…Sister.”
As Namgung Cheonjun called out, Tang Soyeol jerked her head around before abruptly retching.
“Oough.”
“Lady Tang?”
“…Apologies. I get a bit nauseous when I see something so greasy.”
She gagged for a bit and then locked eyes with me. After a deep sigh, she moved back to her comfortable demeanor.
“…I feel better now.”
“Huh…?”
The reaction she exhibited resembled someone recovering from a hangover only to recuperate after consuming some soothing broth.
It was evident that I had no other way to interpret her behavior—she was undoubtedly abnormal.
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