Chapter: 262
As soon as I arrived at the Namgung residence, I was guided to the guest quarters.
I helped unpack the luggage that the servants brought.
During that time, I looked around.
‘…This place looks better than our house?’
Well, that much is certain.
It must be because they are a family with plenty of money and know how to spend it.
The guest quarters they provided were quite impressive.
Of course, given the relationships involved, they wouldn’t have given me just an ordinary room.
Even so, it simply meant that it was extravagant.
As I took a quick look around the pond, I noticed the koi swimming inside, each one boasting beautiful scales.
The pond was sizable, and with so many koi, it surely required constant maintenance.
“Money, what a joke. snickers”
Just the maintenance costs must be astronomical.
That thought was the extent of my appreciation for the place.
After all, my sensibilities for such things had long since dried up, so I couldn’t possibly have any special feelings about it.
Right now, I needed to think about what lay ahead.
‘How many days until the engagement ceremony?’
The engagement ceremony, which I had expected to be arranged right away upon arrival, was actually set for a few days later.
Well, it was a bit strange to have it scheduled for later considering we were arriving in a tired state.
‘How long do I have to wait, really?’ sighs
It was a little puzzling.
I wondered if it was truly necessary to delay it like that.
Of course, considering the awkwardness of waiting for an engagement ceremony, I should probably be grateful for the extra time.
‘A few days, huh?’
It’s true that the timing of the engagement ceremony was postponed due to my personal issues.
For that reason alone, the Gu Clan took the initiative to come to Namgung residence.
This was no small concession, especially since so many eyes were focused on it.
Just the fact that the Gu Clan came to Namgung meant that, in the eyes of others, it appeared as though the man had stepped into the woman’s family home.
It would surely attach some ridiculous meanings to the situation.
“Ah, he’ll probably come up with some nonsense about being my son-in-law or whatever.” groans
They might even see it as a tacit acknowledgment that the Gu Clan is at a disadvantage compared to Namgung.
That’s just how it is.
It’s just that people read too much into every little thing.
This blasted world isn’t easy.
Anyway.
Under normal circumstances, it might seem rude to ask them to wait a few days after having come all the way here.
When I first heard about it, I saw my father’s expression harden slightly.
‘I guess they are conversing now.’
The clan heads went to have a talk.
They must be discussing this matter as well.
As long as the situation is explained properly, I assume it won’t be a problem.
‘Is there something else going on?’
I just hope I don’t get wrapped up in some annoying situation.
It’s something I want to avoid, especially when accidents seem to occur wherever I go.
Of course, I already knew that going quietly wouldn’t work out this time.
“Damn it.” curses
It was all about the Namgung family.
What am I supposed to do? What should I do?
Looking at the intensity of their gaze earlier, it looked like they weren’t going to let me off easily.
Honestly, enduring for over a year was a feat in itself.
He knew the weaknesses in his martial arts.
And he would surely think that I was the only one who could help fill that gap.
That could very well be his logic.
After all, Namgung Jin, who dares to be called the Sword King.
That thirst for mastery still lingered.
Back when Shin Noya imparted some wisdom, I practiced the smaller differences he mentioned, but I suppose I couldn’t progress beyond a certain point.
‘…What should I do?’
At the time, it was said that he would guide me.
But back then, Shin Noya was present.
He’s a master swordsman.
Moreover, he is the one who closely watched Namgung Myung—the brain sword behind the Namgung clan’s golden age.
Regretting that Namgungga’s sword was falling apart, he stepped forward to teach me.
Yet now, Shin Noya seemed to be napping inside me.
‘But seriously, how am I supposed to teach him?’ facepalms
In my entire life, I had only ever played with a wooden sword as a child.
What in the world could I tell Namgung Jin?
‘Just my luck.’ grumbles
Thanks to that, I was now worried about how to come up with an excuse to slip away from this situation.
“Hey, if you sense anything, wake me up already.”
…Purr?
“Quit pretending to be awake and wake up, Shin Noya!”
His immediate reaction to my casual remark suggested that the beast inside wasn’t actually sleeping.
‘You saw everything and are just pretending not to know?’
grrr?
“…This is driving me nuts, really.”
As much as I detested that guy’s penchant for feigning ignorance, there was also a reason I couldn’t confront him when we did this.
Before Noya fell asleep, we’d talked about what would happen if this beast didn’t wake him.
Back then, it was firmly stated…
If a year passed, Noya would be able to awaken on his own.
That was the agreement I had with him.
If what he said holds true, then it’s entirely possible that Noya is just choosing not to get up right now.
‘With the situation being what it is, why wouldn’t he wake up?’
If Noya was indeed aware of the situation.
There’s a possibility he’s deliberately staying quiet so I can deal with it…
Sighs in exasperation
…Hmm.
‘That seems pretty likely.’
Remembering how Noya has been until now, I could easily imagine him doing something like that.
‘It annoys me even more thinking that he would just do it to tease me.’
I can’t help but think he might actually be awake right now, just chuckling to himself.
Well, in that case, it’d be great if he could just wake up already.
‘Even setting aside what’s happening with Namgung Jin…’
There was still one more pressing matter for Shin Noya to handle.
‘I… we need to discuss the Noechonilgeom too.’
The last time I visited Hanam, I remembered what Hwang A-bul-yeong Cheol-yeong, Shin Noya’s close friend and a hero of the previous generation, said at Shaolin.
Not only himself, but also Namgung Myung, who wielded the Heavenly Sword, has his soul residing somewhere with some level of consciousness.
If that’s true.
I naturally suspect that he would be among the treasures of the Namgung clan.
‘…Of course, there may be exceptions.’
While I could think of one spirit wandering outside, I couldn’t be entirely sure.
Especially considering that the chance of Namgung Myung’s spirit being among those spirits would be the highest.
‘Thunder Fang.’
The divine sword of the Namgung clan, known as the Lightning Tooth.
It was wielded by Namgung Myung.
Currently, for reasons unknown, it is an artifact possessed by the shaman’s unarmed body.
Moreover, in a past life, it left the hands of the Wudang.
It had also been the sword used by the Demon Sword Master.
‘If it’s true that there’s a soul in it, then of course it should be there.’
But one can never know.
Since the Namgung clan is well-known, there’s no way he’s the only ghost item they have.
However, it’s not like I can just waltz in to check out these spirits.
‘Whatever the case, Noya needs to wake up so we can sort this out.’
To this moment, Noya still remained silent.
I don’t think he’s gone.
As always, I felt Noya’s presence settled deep within my danjeon.
It was just… quiet.
“Phew…”
I let out a deep sigh beneath the glaring sun.
I came here with a moderate level of tension.
After all, there were more complications involving the Namgung family than I had expected.
While I was struggling to sort out all these twisted circumstances,
“Huh?”
I suddenly turned to look behind me.
It was just some ordinary scenery with a few trees, but I squinted to investigate further.
‘What’s going on?’
I felt as though something was watching me.
Just in case, I heightened my awareness a bit.
“Is this just my imagination?”
But nothing caught my attention.
Even the point where I thought I sensed a gaze was not too far away.
There’s no way it could’ve been nothing.
I even walked to the spot I felt that sensation and examined it closely.
Yet, all I found were trees standing quietly, and nothing unusual caught my eye.
“What the heck? So creepy!”
The sensation was too sharp to dismiss as an illusion.
Despite my frantic searching, there was nothing to be found.
Just as I pondered whether I should look a little more closely.
“Your Highness, the banquet will begin shortly.”
Hongwa showed up from a distance to inform me of the schedule.
“…I’m on my way.”
“I’ll get ready.”
“Sure.”
In the end, I couldn’t investigate further and began to walk away.
Yet my gaze still lingered on the trees.
From the very beginning, it felt genuinely unsettling.
Inside the Namgung clan house, Princess Il’s quarters had a visitor for the first time in quite a while.
The owner had returned to a room that had been empty for years.
“Miss, may I touch your hair?”
The servant asked cautiously.
Having served the same master for nearly ten years, he didn’t know much about her.
She was someone who would stay holed up in her room and dislike visitors.
Alternatively, she could be a person who hid away to conceal her existence.
Even the servants who were close to her didn’t know her well.
What they did know was that their master was incredibly beautiful.
And that she rarely spoke.
Even though the title of being an exclusive servant was attached to him, he’d be no different from any other attendant.
She despised being around people, which prevented anyone from getting close.
Thus, when the master finally returned after a long absence, it made the servant oddly nervous.
Firstly, he needed to get ready for the banquet.
The leader of the clan had instructed him to ensure everything was perfectly prepared.
With trembling hands, the servant questioned his master.
While he was hesitantly glancing over, the master sat up slightly and spoke.
“…I’ll leave it to you.”
After hearing the master’s voice, the servant’s eyes widened.
“Ah…! Yes, yes.”
The servant couldn’t help but be astonished.
This was the first time the master had ever responded to him verbally.
Not only her face, but also her voice sounded extraordinarily beautiful.
With hesitant fingers, he reached to straighten her snow-white hair.
He was stunned by the silkiness of her locks.
Even during summer, he was impressed by her smooth, fair skin.
‘…How could someone be this beautiful?’
It was puzzling.
He had heard that she went out to the Central Plains and even acquired a nickname.
Why didn’t the clan leader seem to like such a stunning daughter?
“…I have to ask…”
“Pardon?”
While carefully handling her hair and assisting with her makeup, the servant gawked in surprise at the sudden question.
“That’s never happened before.”
“Is there something you wish?”
“…What is your name?”
The master asked for the servant’s name.
Taken aback by the unexpected question, the attendant wondered why it was inquired.
Nevertheless, answering came first.
“…It’s Okji. You can call me Okji.”
Her voice trembled as she spoke.
Somewhat embarrassed by her humble name, she stole a glance at the master.
But without changing her expression, the master responded.
“Okji.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“…I will remember.”
“Yes…? Oh, yes… thank you.”
Master Namgungbia repeated the servant’s name.
It had been ten years.
The time that passed since she first met this servant until now.
Finally remembering the name.
Despite the lengthy period, she finally realized she’d never known even one of her servant’s names.
No, it’s not that she didn’t know.
She didn’t want to know.
As Namgungbia felt the touch on her hair, she shut her eyes.
It had been a hellish life, suffocated by an awful stench.
It wasn’t a situation where she could remember or forget anyone.
Now, having heard someone’s name, it was as if she had gained a moment of leisure to remember.
“…I’m sorry.”
“Pardon?”
Namgungbia uttered an apology.
It was a regret for not even knowing a name.
Gradually, she regulated her breathing.
Her own home was still filled with foul odors.
However, it was no longer a place that stifled her, leaving her on the verge of death.
This could be attributed to the improvement in her levels.
Conversely, perhaps it was due to him getting better.
Regardless of what it was.
It wouldn’t change the fact that she had taken a step away from hellish living.
“You know…”
“Yes, my lady.”
“…Would it be alright to use those?”
Okji examined the direction where Namgungbia’s finger pointed.
It was a box filled with various decorations.
These were items designated for the blood relatives of the Namgung clan.
However, Okji had never seen her use them even once.
“What do you mean by ‘all right’?”
“Would a man… like it…?”
Hesitantly whispering as if slightly embarrassed, Okji swallowed back her surprise.
Never in her wildest imagination had she thought her master would even ask something along those lines.
Her ears and cheeks reddened slightly, showing embarrassment.
Yet the gaze she directed back at her was so breathtaking that even Okji, as a woman, couldn’t help but admire it.
A thought crossed her mind.
‘…Is she truly fond of her fiancé?’
Just how admirable could a man be to make someone like her master wear such an expression?
This thought made Okji wonder.
“Would you like to try it…?”
“Um… Yeah.”
Namgungbia nodded slightly in response.
Previously, she wouldn’t have given it a thought.
Now, she was aware of her own beauty.
That thought was objective, though it didn’t carry any weight in itself.
Even if others noticed and approached her, it wouldn’t mean much to her.
Just one person.
If that one person thought she was beautiful, that alone makes it worth it.
So, if he was going to use it, might as well make it even more stunning.
If this was her strong suit, she genuinely wanted to use it to catch his eye even more.
Someone popped into Namgungbia’s memory.
The face of a woman who had frequently been appearing beside him lately.
“…”
She’s a pretty woman, exuding a cool aura.
Unlike herself, she knew how to dress aesthetically.
An attractive person with skills, someone others were drawn to.
‘She’s nothing like me.’
It stirred a pot of emotions within her.
Simultaneously, it felt heavy and murky.
Namgungbia realized that these feelings were jealousy and a sense of inferiority.
In her frantic escape from the stench.
Unlike the time spent in pursuit of a higher sword.
Did she finally have the capacity to feel this way?
It didn’t feel good at all.
It felt like all she had was a name—fiancée to him.
“I need to… work harder.”
“Miss? What did you just say?”
“Ugh… it’s nothing…”
Namgungbia shook her head.
Meanwhile, she was reminded of something else that had occurred earlier in the day.
Those around her appeared oblivious to her feelings.
At the same time when his father had met with her father.
Namgungbia had felt a different gaze.
Specifically, it was her brother’s eyes, seeming to scrutinize her from afar.
Not exactly a gaze.
It’s more accurate to say she sensed his presence.
Gulp.
Even just recalling it made her breath hitch.
She wished to deem it a mere delusion.
Yet something undoubtedly felt off.
In the stench that was a little bit more bearable than before.
Only her brother’s stench had intensified.
Although distance might have existed, Namgungbia could vividly discern the difference.
Indicating it had grown worse.
‘…I hope nothing… happens.’
Namgungbia shut her eyes and wished earnestly.
For her younger brother who had always been closely following her.
And for the one who had come to visit as well.
She hoped with all her might that no incident occurred.
“Everything’s finished.”
At Okji’s words, Namgungbia slowly opened her eyes.
A peculiar sensation filled her ears.
It was indeed the earrings she had selected earlier.
Thus, Namgungbia pulled out another ornament from her bosom and requested that it be placed in her hair.
Okji complied without raising any questions.
The ornament was something the man had bestowed upon her long ago.
‘…This should do it.’
And with that, she felt a surge of comfort.
What can a mere decoration achieve, anyway?
Namgungbia gracefully rose to her feet.
It was now time to head to the banquet hall.
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