Chapter: 270
After the engagement ceremony was over, there wasn’t much left to do.
The event had gone smoothly, and this information would soon spread throughout the Central Plains.
All that remained was to return to the Namgung Clan.
‘This schedule wasn’t that long,’ I thought.
Except for a few days when the Namgung family was in disarray, it didn’t take that long.
I hadn’t planned to stay for an extended period in the first place.
If I had to quantify the duration, it was just a little under seven days and nights.
Compared to other places I’ve been, that was a relatively short timeframe.
The ceremony was done, and the matter concerning the Namgung clan’s spirit, which I had deemed significant, was also concluded.
There was no reason to delay any longer, so I began to pack my bags.
It was time to return to the old clan.
Of course, Namgung Jin came out to greet me but sent me a gaze full of pleading that screamed, “Stay a little longer!”
I pretended not to notice. What did he expect would happen if I stayed any longer?
Of course, he must have learned some lessons as well.
He could only send me glances; he couldn’t physically hold me back anymore.
As for Namgung Cheonjun…
His face seemed relieved by my impending departure, yet his expression remained perplexed—is it because of the magic binding him?
He once emitted a purple brain energy and seemed to still be intoxicated by it.
He kept trying to claw his way out, so I issued him an order to stay put until I left.
Sure, the clan’s bloodline would probably scold him later for not sending off their guest.
But what could I do?
He himself said he wanted to flay me at the sight of me.
‘Outside… I think Moyong Hi-ah said she’s waiting for me,’ I recalled.
From what I had heard, she wasn’t coming into the Namgung Clan.
She said she was waiting outside instead.
It seems she’s probably set to depart with me.
Did she really come all the way to Anhui just to stick to the schedule?
‘She sure is busy.’
It’s not just that Moyong Hi-ah has a busy schedule.
Considering the fact that she’s already taken on multiple crucial tasks for the clan, it seemed like she wasn’t living in comfort either.
‘First and foremost…’
Right now, I simply wanted to get back to Gu Clan as fast as possible.
To recover my energy.
Because I had to arrange my schedule for the future.
There were all sorts of thoughts I needed to consider based on the words left by the one presumed to be Namgung Myung of Noechonilgeom.
“Are you okay not staying here?”
I directed this question at Namgung Bi-ah, who was standing next to me.
Perhaps it was because the engagement ceremony had just ended.
It felt like the time I spent with Namgung Bi-ah had become disproportionately long.
To be more precise, it would be right to say that she had started visiting me more frequently.
In response to my question, Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head, seeming a bit baffled.
“Huh…?”
“My question was, can we return together?”
This was undeniably Namgung Clan territory.
Since Namgung Bi-ah is a blood relative of this clan, there was no need for her to go back to Gu Clan.
Yet Namgung Bi-ah just shook her head at my question.
“…My home… is not here.”
“Then what? Is my home your home now?”
Since when did Gu Clan become her home?
Namgung Bi-ah shook her head, as if to say that wasn’t the case either.
“No.”
“Hmm?”
“You.”
“Huh…?”
“…You are home….”
So that was that.
Namgung Bi-ah voiced it like that.
“…”
In some ways, it was a statement brimming with rather raw emotions.
I momentarily lost my words.
“Uh… um…”
I racked my brain, trying to figure out what to say, yet no words came to mind.
“…Um… Sure.”
All I could manage was this ridiculously stupid response.
No matter how old I got, this aspect of me was utterly weak.
It was just laughably pathetic.
‘…Ugh.’
If Shin Noya were here…
I couldn’t even fathom what curses he’d unleash.
I doubted he would have said anything complimentary.
“Ah… Do I need to learn something from you, Lord?”
“Hmm?”
This was more of a personal inquiry.
Namgung Jin had gained enlightenment.
One of the prohibitions he had was about teaching Namgung Bi-ah the insights he’d obtained.
If that was the case, Namgung Bi-ah was in a position to receive proper enlightenment from him if she stayed.
But Namgung Bi-ah seemed to think that was unnecessary.
“I don’t need it.”
“Is that so?”
It must have been the kind of understanding you gain by reaching a significant level in martial arts while under the tutelage of the Namgung Clan.
What made Namgung Bi-ah refuse it?
As such doubts arose in my mind
“…I know the way.”
A solid answer came from Namgung Bi-ah’s mouth.
It meant she didn’t require anyone else’s enlightenment because she already knew the way.
‘How arrogant.’
That was quite an audacious statement.
Among those I’ve encountered, Namgung Bi-ah certainly ranked high in talent.
Yet, she was still in her later stages.
Even if she reached the pinnacle, she’d still be far from the expertly hidden heights.
In such a scenario, to say something like that was genuinely arrogant.
‘But it isn’t wholly unfounded.’
On the contrary, when I thought about Namgung Bi-ah’s talent and future, she might not be wrong at all.
She was a monster who seized the title of Sword Master as a mere dirt miner.
Even if there were no divine beings, recalling that she was the one who single-handedly wiped out the Namgung Clan, speaks volumes about the later Namgung Bi-ah.
‘Perhaps, with talent to back up her arrogance, it’s reasonable.’
In the end, there was no point in my meddling here.
So I chose not to comment on what she said, merely nodding in agreement.
If that was Namgung Bi-ah’s choice, then that was the end of it; let’s respect that.
“…When we return… what will you do?”
This time, Namgung Bi-ah asked me.
How refreshing; she rarely asked questions.
“What will I do when we go back?”
That was a good question.
Well, I’m not sure.
‘Time is rather short.’
By the time I returned, autumn would have set in.
Soon it would turn to winter.
‘…Winter, huh.’
Considering I had to schedule a visit to Shinryonggwan during the winter,
I figured it’d be hard to get anything done in the brief time between autumn and winter.
“…Might be training?”
Maybe I’d head to the Wudang or hunt down the shaman’s ghost ship.
Or seek out and consume the white horse stones.
I had laid out various essential tasks, but with the looming deadline, they were virtually impossible to tackle right now.
Namgung Bi-ah seemed to be deep in thought about what I had just said.
“…Okay. I understand.”
She nodded, as if having realized something herself.
Geez, couldn’t be more bland.
‘But there’s one more thing.’
If there was something I hadn’t shared with Namgung Bi-ah yet,
I had an inkling that I would probably visit the underground once again.
‘There’s something that needs confirmation…’
It was a place I sincerely didn’t wish to go, even if it meant facing death.
But there was no other way.
There are things you can’t know unless you go there in person.
So, if there was anything I could wish for,
‘Shin Noya must wake up.’
Before winter arrives.
I hoped that Noya would wake up very soon.
I vaguely felt that I missed Shin Noya, but also knew it concerned Namgung Myung.
There were many things that Noya needed to assist with.
‘Also regarding King Kwon Cheol-geum….’
Since the Brain Heavenly Sword mentioned King Kwon Cheol-geum,
I wondered if Noya might have some insights.
‘So please wake up.’
What on earth is keeping Noya from waking up?
I wanted to find out.
“Looks like everything is ready.”
While I was chatting with Namgung Bi-ah,
Mrs. Mi appeared and approached.
It seemed my father was not with her.
I thought I saw them earlier, but it appeared she was chatting with Namgung Jin.
“Yes. The servants seem to have worked hard.”
That was my response to Mrs. Mi’s words.
Since it wasn’t actually me packing the bags—it was the servants.
“Yeah. Those kids always have it tough.”
Mrs. Mi nodded in agreement, then turned to approach Namgung Bi-ah instead of me.
She pulled the disheveled clothing around her slightly together.
“Ah… thank you…”
“If it looks messy outside, it might be an eyesore.”
“I’m sorry…”
“In a bit, you’ll become a clan member. So you need to maintain some decorum.”
‘…Why’s she going so far?’
I inwardly clicked my tongue at Mrs. Mi’s statement.
Namgung Bi-ah frowned in response.
But as for me, I was already leading a rather simple life, so I had no room to argue.
When was the last time I wore decent clothes?
I only briefly wore them during the engagement ceremony.
While this was happening, Namgung Bi-ah seemed to be tensing up from Mrs. Mi’s words.
What’s her deal?
‘…Was it because of the word “member?”’
Was it Mrs. Mi’s remark about how once married, she would become a member of the family that got to her?
Namgung Bi-ah’s posture shifted significantly.
Normally, she always presented herself neatly whenever interacting with her father or Mrs. Mi.
Should I say she had become even more meticulous?
Mrs. Mi continued to fuss over Namgung Bi-ah’s hair.
After brushing off some dust from her clothes here and there and lightly patting her shoulder, she turned to head to her carriage.
As she walked past, I had to swallow hard under her gaze, which seemed to investigate me.
She was the kind of person whose thoughts you couldn’t read.
I pondered what she might have been thinking as she looked me over.
‘…It doesn’t seem like a good sign, at least.’
That was the impression I got.
After all, I knew well that Mrs. Mi didn’t particularly like me.
Mrs. Mi entered the carriage.
While I waited a little longer,
I spotted my father walking from a distance.
Namgung Jin appeared to be walking alongside him.
It seemed they were engaged in conversation too.
“I meet you, my lord.”
“I see you, my lord.”
I greeted Namgung Jin.
Namgung Bi-ah bowed her head respectfully to her father.
“Are you ready to go back?”
“Yes.”
My father nodded in response to my answer.
Meanwhile, Namgung Jin’s eyes remained fixed on me.
The weight behind his gaze felt burdensome, and I tried hard to avoid it.
“It was a pleasant meeting. I hope to see you again next time.”
“…Yes, I also hope for a good relationship…”
“Absolutely.”
“…”
The emphasis he placed on those words made my insides churn uncomfortably.
In the midst of everything, Namgung Jin’s appearance seemed more refined than before.
It seemed that the enlightenment he had attained was no small matter.
On the other hand, glancing towards Namgung Bi-ah, he shifted his gaze back to me.
The way he looked at his daughter felt a bit enigmatic, but…
“…Be careful on your way.”
He seemed somewhat more relaxed than before.
Could this change be attributed to Namgung Jin gaining some composure?
I couldn’t care less, so I didn’t speculate too much.
“…”
His nonchalant remark made Namgung Bi-ah flinch for a moment, then slowly nod.
She looked uncomfortable.
Afterwards, Namgung Bi-ah climbed onto the carriage.
I followed suit and took my seat.
As soon as I settled down, she leaned her head on my shoulder as if she had been waiting for this.
It felt comfortably familiar now.
“We’ll be departing now.”
“Yeah.”
In response to the coachman’s inquiry, I replied.
Heehee!
At that moment, a strong sound erupted along with the clattering of hooves.
Only once I heard that did I finally realize that the schedule for the engagement ceremony was over.
*
As time went by,
The season shifted from autumn to winter.
The woman felt the breeze as she packed her bags.
Her belongings consisted of just a few outfits and an old sword.
For her, this was more than sufficient.
Unnecessary luggage only serves to hinder one’s movements.
“…”
As she prepared to leave, the woman extended her snow-white hand to open a drawer.
Inside the drawer was a faded hair ornament.
An object carved to symbolize the sun.
For some time, it was something she clutched to herself as she fell asleep.
At times, she found it hard to sleep without it.
Though it was a cheap accessory one could buy from the local shop for a few coins—
“…”
The woman gingerly picked it up and tucked it into her bosom.
It was currently her most precious remaining possession.
Once she packed away her overly simple belongings, she pulled herself outside.
It was a cold dawn, the sun had yet to rise.
The darkness loomed strongly, but the woman paid it no mind.
She merely walked forward.
Her heart was set on leaving as quickly as possible.
As she took measured steps,
“Are you thinking of leaving so soon?”
In a towering presence.
A voice pierced through, halting the woman’s steps.
Recognizing the owner of the voice, she immediately bowed her head respectfully.
“…Were you not sleeping?”
“Old age tends to steal away all one’s sleep at night. Hehe…”
“…”
“Yet you, young one, could hardly have lost your sleep. Why on earth are you trying to depart at such an early hour? I believed we weren’t leaving for another three days?”
“…I have obtained permission.”
“Did you relay that to your grandfather?”
“Yes.”
Upon hearing her words, the old sage nodded.
If so, it wouldn’t matter.
The woman then inquired of the old man,
“Did you come to find me?”
“Indeed, I suspected you would leave soon… See, I was right, wasn’t I?”
“…”
As the old sage studied her, he retrieved something from his cloak and tossed it.
Thud.
The woman deftly caught the object in mid-air.
What the old man had thrown was a simple pouch—not too big, not too small.
“Ah.”
Once she understood what it was, a brief reaction slipped from her lips.
“I mentioned it to your grandfather, and I’m telling you now.”
The sage’s voice made her head turn slightly.
“The energy you possess is incredibly potent; I couldn’t stifle it all.”
“…”
“Rather, due to that, you’ve become a touch more human, however…”
“I am human.”
As the resolute words left her lips, the sage’s expression morphed slightly, realizing his error.
He chuckled wryly at her, continuing,
“Indeed, that was my blunder. I apologize…”
“It’s nothing… It’s fine.”
“Right… I’ve packed enough for at least one winter’s day. Make sure to eat it at least once every seven days.”
“…Thank you.”
The woman bowed her head gratefully to the sage’s consideration.
It was evident he had made an effort.
As she tucked the pouch into her bosom, the old man asked,
“Aren’t you considering going with that man?”
“…”
“From your expression, I think I understand. No need for a response.”
The sage wore a face that seemed rather displeased.
A handsome visage with ample talent.
From a prestigious family, well-mannered.
Yet somehow, she felt less affection for that gentleman.
Another face surged forth in her mind.
‘That yellow-haired brat might not be an outright charmer, but he did evoke some feelings.’
Had almost two years passed since then?
She recalled the fierce-looking boy from the House of Flame.
Even then, he had a youthful appearance that made it hard to take anyone seriously.
Despite the passage of time, his image continued to linger in her thought, evoking some sense of fondness.
‘And so does he.’
The sage gulped a sigh inwardly as he pondered.
The sight of a child getting swept up in the matters of aged seniors was far from joyful.
Knowing this, the sage felt compelled to visit the woman at dawn.
“Be cautious.”
“Thank you.”
The woman bowed respectfully to the sage’s farewell.
As she once again resumed her path,
Several seasons passed with time.
Winter returned once more.
‘… Will I really see him now?’
The woman’s steps held more anxiety than excitement.
As seasons and surroundings transformed,
She too had undergone changes.
‘Will he… recognize me?’
Would he identify her once more?
The woman carried an anxious heart over it.
Yet, above that,
The thought of seeing him again made her hurry her steps.
Her destination was Hanam.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.