Chapter: 27
It has been another two days since I found myself on an inconvenient but not unpleasant journey with Namgung Bi-ah.
We would be arriving at the village in just a little while.
After a brief rest, we would probably set out toward the Tang Clan.
Honestly, it felt like we would reach our destination much more safely than had been anticipated for Sichuan.
Excluding the day I met Namgung Bi-ah, we had run into monsters a few times, but thankfully, none posed a real threat.
The journey to Sichuan that was expected to take about ten days could have been quite boring due to its length, but it actually meant that there were no significant problems.
Phew…
However, in a way, a pretty big problem had popped up.
Just looking at the scene made me sigh over and over as I rubbed my face with my hands.
“Hey, look over there! It’s a squirrel!”
“…Yeah.”
“Have you ever eaten a squirrel before?”
“Yeah… Huh? Oh, no.”
Before I knew it, Wi Seol-ah had jumped off the cart and was chattering with Namgung Bi-ah, who was slowly following us from behind.
It was mostly just Wi Seol-ah starting the conversation while Namgung Bi-ah replied briefly. Nevertheless, it seemed that she didn’t really mind walking at the same pace as Wi Seol-ah.
Every now and then, Wi Seol-ah would tug on Namgung Bi-ah’s collar when she was about to wander off somewhere with her blank expression.
“…What’s up with them being so chummy?”
I had repeatedly told her not to approach strangers, but Wi Seol-ah couldn’t help herself and insisted Namgung Bi-ah looked pitiful, giving her no choice but to keep coming closer. What exactly was so pitiable about her?
Should I have given her a good scolding at least once?
Tsk.
Nothing seemed to be going as expected.
I never imagined I would witness those two getting friendly.
“Muyeon.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“How much longer… are you tired? What’s with your face?”
“Ah, I’m fine.”
…Fine, huh? Your face looks so pale you’re on the verge of fainting.
The source of Muyeon’s fatigue was none other than Namgung Bi-ah.
On the very first day when Namgung Bi-ah decided to camp with us, she suddenly approached Muyeon and asked for a duel.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Muyeon had turned her down.
‘As your escort, I can’t afford to divert my attention elsewhere. I apologize.’
Namgung Bi-ah nodded at his polite refusal, but it seemed as if something had captivated her, and she kept watching him with an almost obsessive gaze.
To be precise, she was focused on Muyeon’s sword rather than Muyeon himself.
Eventually, after a night of being tormented by her gaze, Muyeon looked significantly more tired than before.
It wasn’t like a first-rate warrior like Muyeon would be this tired just from missing a bit of sleep, so was it all psychological stress?
‘That madwoman seemed to already have this personality from a young age.’
She would not hesitate to draw her sword at any interesting martial artist.
It made sense that in my previous life, her most frequent activity was seeking out the Sword Sovereign and other sword cultivators.
She might not be drawing her sword recklessly now, but she was still crazy, no doubt about it.
At least she seemed calmer with Wi Seol-ah buzzing around like a sparrow, though I still noticed her glancing at Muyeon’s sword from time to time.
…Perhaps Wi Seol-ah noticed that and started the conversation?
‘No way.’
It was impossible for her to have figured that out.
Since nothing bad seemed to come from the two of them being together for now, I decided to let it be.
After all, we would be parting ways soon anyway, and I just needed to ensure I wouldn’t run into her again.
That thought made me close my eyes for a brief nap.
Was it because I had been training nonstop? I fell asleep surprisingly quickly.
…
How long had it been…?
I heard Muyeon’s voice from outside.
“Young Master, we can see the destination.”
Finally, after seven days of traveling, we had arrived at the village.
I stretched my stiff body and disembarked from the carriage.
Since it would take about a day to reach the Tang Clan from here, we needed a rest to recover from our fatigue.
Though part of me thought it would be better to reach our destination straight away and then rest…
Once we arrived, the Tang Clan people would rush out to greet us, and we wouldn’t have a moment to relax.
Being part of a noble family had its tedious aspects.
“I wonder if there will be rooms available.”
“We should be able to find some quickly.”
Finding accommodations in such situations was always a hassle.
Considering the number of people in our caravan and the fact that we wouldn’t get special treatment as nobles in this region, it was going to be challenging.
As Wi Seol-ah was scanning the surroundings, she seemed to find something and eagerly tugged on Namgung Bi-ah’s clothes, who stood blankly at the time.
“Look! Someone’s wearing the same clothes as you!”
“…Oh.”
At Wi Seol-ah’s remark, Namgung Bi-ah and I turned our gazes toward where she was pointing.
Unlike Namgung Bi-ah’s dusty and torn outfit from her rough travels, these were clean blue robes that bore the name “Namgung” stitched at the bottom.
They were obviously from the Namgung Clan, representing the rulers of Anhui.
And without a doubt, they were martial artists.
They looked surprised upon discovering us, just as we had spotted them.
Suddenly, someone dashed through the crowd toward Namgung Bi-ah.
“Sis!!”
It was a boy who seemed about my age, and besides his naive demeanor, he carried a cold presence that made him difficult to approach—much like Namgung Bi-ah.
If he were just a girl, one would think he might look just like her.
Namgung Bi-ah hesitantly waved at him.
“Hello… Cheonjun.”
“Where have you been, sis!? Do you realize how many people from the clan have been searching for you?”
“Sorry… I got lost.”
Namgung Cheonjun rubbed his temples in frustration at Namgung Bi-ah’s response.
“That’s why I suggested tying you with ropes on the way.”
…Ropes, you say?
What am I, a dog!?
‘Maybe it makes sense given how much she gets lost…’
Oblivious to my thoughts, Namgung Bi-ah responded to her brother’s concerns.
“…That would be a bit embarrassing, you know?”
“So that’s why you disappeared within a day of setting out? Weren’t you the one that assured us you wouldn’t get lost this time?”
“…I’m sorry.”
At her brother’s reproachful tone, Namgung Bi-ah hung her head.
Only then did Namgung Cheonjun notice us, and quickly introduced himself.
“I am Namgung Cheonjun of the Namgung Clan.”
I had anticipated it—this boy was the Lightning Sword.
He would one day become known as one of the five great sword wielders representing the Orthodox Faction. So at this moment, he should be…
“I am Gu Jae-, Gu Jeolyub of the Gu Clan… Are you the one they call the Lightning Dragon?”
Realizing I almost used the wrong name for Namgung Bi-ah, I quickly corrected myself.
His face turned slightly red at my question. Seeing such a handsome boy blush was inexplicably annoying.
“…It’s a bit embarrassing and undeserved, but yes, that is indeed me.”
He felt shy, yet there lingered a sense of pride in his voice.
The Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes.
These were the titles bestowed upon the eight most outstanding martial artists during this era.
Among them was my eldest sister, the Sword Phoenix, Gu Huibi.
Namgung Cheonjun, the Lightning Dragon… I think he was two years older than me?
I couldn’t recall precisely, but that seemed likely.
Feeling someone gaze at me oddly, I turned my head to see Wi Seol-ah staring at me with wide, questioning eyes.
Maybe it had something to do with the name I had just called him?
“…?”
Her expression looked like a series of question marks had sprouted above her head, prompting me to subtly signal her to quiet down.
Fortunately, she seemed to take the hint and closed her mouth.
Then, Namgung Cheonjun asked me, “Ah, a martial artist from the Gu Clan. If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask how you came to accompany my sister?”
That crazy girl had just appeared out of nowhere with those demons and started following us around…
“We happened to cross paths when she got lost, and decided to accompany her for a bit.”
I had to twist my words a little since stating the truth would lead to an awkward situation.
This time, Namgung Bi-ah was looking at me with those wide expressive eyes.
Given that we shared some dumplings during the journey, I hoped she would stay quiet.
I misjudged the impact of what ill-fated luck combined with a daft girl could create.
“No…? Didn’t he say we—”
“Thank you, Young Lady Namgung, for the fun company. Please take care not to get lost next time.”
Naturally, there was no way I would let her finish her sentence.
Namgung Cheonjun, however, smiled and reportedly said, “Thank you for looking after my sister… Are you perhaps attending the Tang Clan’s Military Exhibition?”
“Ah, yes… well.”
I nodded, and Namgung Bi-ah twitched at my answer.
Hadn’t I told her I wasn’t going to Sichuan? But what could I do? Not like I had any fondness for her.
“Have you secured accommodations yet? While we don’t have anything to present to you now, we do have empty rooms to spare. We are headed to the Tang Clan as well, so why not go together?”
Namgung Cheonjun offered, flashing a friendly smile, which made me guess they had probably rented an entire building.
‘No way, I don’t want any more madness with you lunatics!’
I had no intention of accepting the offer. Just this was way too much, and I wanted nothing beyond it.
Of course, I could surmise that Namgung Bi-ah must be headed to the Military Exhibition given she mentioned her trip to Sichuan.
But why bring two direct descendants of the clan?
Both the Lightning Dragon and Namgung Bi-ah were likely descendants of the current head of the family. What could be so important about this?
“Well, that’s not really my concern. No, this is where I put an end to this.”
I had my own goals for coming here, and I intended to cut ties with Namgung Bi-ah. With enough effort, I was sure I would find a place to stay.
As if my thoughts were heard, Muyeon approached me, likely having found accommodations already. I promptly communicated my rejection to Namgung Cheonjun.
“Thank you for the offer, but it seems we’re going to stay somewhere else…”
“Young Master… There are no available rooms nearby. Should we reconsider camping out at the creek…?”
“…I was indeed going to say that but now that you make such a sincere offer, I can hardly turn it down. Thank you, Young Master Namgung, we appreciate it.”
…Cursed fate!
For a moment, I had pondered whether it would be more prudent to sleep in the carriage instead of seeking out accommodations, but.
The problem was that having the escort camp at night again was a nuisance.
Honestly, this was part excuse; I was also quite fed up with camping outside.
Moments after reaching the accommodations, Namgung Cheonjun led Namgung Bi-ah away and vanished.
I couldn’t help but feel a tad sympathetic towards Namgung Bi-ah, as she seemed genuinely frightened by her brother’s anger. It appeared she was in for a good talking-to.
But this was her karma, so I shrugged off the worry.
Their relationship, however, intrigued me.
To the casual observer, they seemed like siblings who got along well.
But recalling the Demon Sword from my previous life made me question…
The first act of the Demon Sword after turning into a demon was orchestrating an army to wipe out the Namgung Clan from existence.
She gained infamy by slaughtering the clan’s lord, elders, and even common servants.
So, what kind of camaraderie was being displayed between them now?
I never really had a proper conversation with Namgung Bi-ah in my former life.
The same held true for other demons.
They all turned into demons for their own desires, creeping into the realm of the Heavenly Demon, so camaraderie was the last thing on their minds.
As a result, I was completely in the dark about Namgung Bi-ah’s background, nor did I have any inclination to find out.
Feeling tired, I decided to get some rest in my room.
As I was climbing up the stairs, I spotted Namgung Bi-ah coming down.
“…Oh.”
She maintained eye contact and cautiously offered a gesture of respect, which startled me.
‘What the…?’
Namgung Bi-ah nonchalantly spoke despite my surprise.
“Thank you for guiding me here, Young Master Gu.”
“…You did follow us here without asking.”
“Thanks. I hope to see you again.”
No, let’s not.
Namgung Bi-ah, looking far better than usual (probably from the earful she had just received), brushed past me.
As I resumed my ascent, I noticed Namgung Cheonjun watching me.
Out of gratitude for his hospitality, I intended to express my thanks.
“Oh, Young Master Namgung—”
However, Namgung Cheonjun disregarded my words, brushing past me while lightly tapping my shoulder, as if my words held no weight.
Then I heard him mutter from a step below.
“…Know your place.”
Namgung Cheonjun’s voice had transformed from the warm tone before to one that was frigid.
“I wouldn’t normally bother you again, but clearly, you do not understand your place. How dare you speak to my sister?”
I sensed a sliver of malice in his gaze that met mine.
“I might overlook it this time, but if I witness this sort of behavior again, I’ll have to slice your neck.”
After delivering that threatening remark, Namgung Cheonjun hurried after Namgung Bi-ah.
Instead of feeling anger, I nodded understandingly.
Honestly, this was for the best.
‘…Sure enough, they’re all crazy.’
I had never encountered a normal person from the Namgung Clan, even in my entire life.
That guy, Namgung Cheonjun, was simply another one of them.
Each brief interaction further cemented my determination never to get tangled up with that group of lunatics again.
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