After parting ways with him, the Sword Saint pondered.
Yu Wol is a person with a strong heart. So large and powerful that even she acknowledges it.
Despite the incident that occurred in the inn she cherishes so much, he remained unfazed.
His face flashed in her mind just moments ago. Seeing him respond as if nothing had happened made the Sword Saint feel her cheeks heat up slightly.
Could that calmness be to avoid troubling her, who has only recently escaped from Simma?
If that is the case, it makes her happy, but also a bit sad.
After all, she wanted to be a source of strength for him.
Returning to Hongseong, the Sword Saint headed toward the garden where she stayed.
She plopped down cross-legged and continued to mull over how she could help him.
But there was only one thought that came to mind.
Staying at the inn and stopping the troublemakers.
No matter how reckless the martial artists were, would they dare act out in front of her?
Though, given that she had ignored her warning about possibly getting killed by Chaejin, she couldn’t completely dismiss the possibility.
Still, couldn’t she minimize such incidents?
“…Heh.”
The Sword Saint imagined the kind of incidents that might happen while she stayed at the inn.
As she sat sipping tea in the inn, Yu Wol approached.
– I can’t express how reassured I am to have you around.
Her ever-calm smile held affection. As she slightly lowered her head in response to that smile, a hand reached out and took hers.
The slowly entwined hands were held tightly.
As she couldn’t escape from that gentle yet strong grip, his face gradually leaned closer.
She couldn’t lift her head.
Peering up at his face through her cascading hair, she saw his face, his lips coming nearer…
“Master.”
“Hey!”
The sweet fantasy shattered in an instant, bringing her back to reality. She gasped, looking around.
Hongryeon was staring at her intently.
“Huh, huhmm. Is-it-you, Hongryeon?”
What on earth was I imagining?
Ah, I mean, I did think I should help him, but this…
But this is Yu Wol’s fault.
It’s no wonder she can’t help but imagine like this when she makes her heart race every time.
Suppressing her flushed cheeks, she smiled at Hongryeon.
“Yeah. What’s going on?”
Why is she here so late instead of sleeping?
“Uh. Can I have a cup of tea?”
Seeing her looking somewhat troubled, the Sword Saint nodded.
They went inside, and while Hongryeon placed the tea she brewed in front of her, the Sword Saint observed her.
Come to think of it, didn’t Hongryeon mention that she settled the payment with Yu Wol?
I wonder if Hongseong’s operating funds are okay?
“How’s the operation of Hongseong lately?”
“There aren’t any major issues. We still have quite a bit of funds left…”
“I heard you’re going to trade incense pouches and herbs soon, right?”
“Yes. They say it’s likely to sell for even higher than last time. The materials for making the incense pouches and the herbs have improved…”
The Sword Saint knew that Hongryeon occasionally met with Yu Wol. They discussed sales, profits, necessary improvements, and so forth.
There was talk about sales and revenues, and what needed fixing, and so on.
I never understood those things well, so I always left them to Hongryeon.
Truly a grateful and sorry disciple.
“Okay. I’ll leave that to you.”
“Yes. Don’t worry.”
A moment of silence followed.
But it didn’t feel awkward at all. The Sword Saint looked at Hongryeon without saying anything, and after hesitating for a moment, she cautiously opened her mouth.
“About the tournament at Cheonhwa Palace this time…”
“I actually wanted to discuss that separately. They’re coming prepared, so we need to devise training plans to face them.”
“Yes. Can I leave that part to you, Master?”
When it comes to martial arts, no one can catch up to the Sword Saint.
So Hongryeon spoke seriously, and the Sword Saint nodded immediately.
As a master, she knew what her responsibilities were.
“And… about the inn…”
“…Huh?”
Is this about Yu Wol? The Sword Saint straightened her posture.
“I heard from Chaejin and Yohwan that this isn’t the first time something like this has happened.”
“Hmm…”
The martial artists are often aggressive and prioritize their pride.
Additionally, since they don’t forget old grudges, it was only natural for such incidents to increase as martial artists stayed at the inn in Seomhwa Village.
“Even with Chaejin’s presence, once the annex is built, other guests will frequently show up.”
“…And that could lead to problems?”
There was only one inn in Seomhwa Village, and wealthy and strong martial artists would prefer to stay in better places for their pride.
Furthermore, with Yu Wol planning to build an annex at the inn, it was highly likely that issues could arise from that.
For instance, fights could break out over who gets to stay in the better annex.
Even if someone mentioned they had reserved first, they might pressure Yu Wol by bringing up their clan or sect.
Martial artists from sects with grudges could very well end up fighting at the inn.
The Sword Saint felt a tightening in her chest.
It was hard enough for her already; she didn’t want him to bear the burden that came with entangling herself in the martial world.
She was already pondering how to resolve it, and to think Hongryeon was having the same worries.
The Sword Saint smiled contentedly as she looked at Hongryeon.
“So what do you think is the best way to handle it?”
“I think it would be better to use the name of Hongseong Clan for the inn.”
Using the name of Hongseong Clan.
It wasn’t particularly unusual in other regions. Lending a name for protection at inns or taverns and collecting taxes was one of the income sources for martial sects.
Simply thinking about it, it might seem like they were simply receiving tribute, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing to lend a name.
After all, Hongseong Clan is a prestigious and righteous sect with powerful strength in the form of the Sword Saint.
Plus, there are strong individuals like Hongryeon, Ryuhyun, and Hyunhwi.
In other words, letting people know that if they cause trouble at an inn bearing the name of Hongseong Clan, they should be prepared to be at odds with them. This was a way of officially providing protection.
He could have.
Of course, neither the Sword Saint nor Hongryeon was thinking about receiving protection fees like other sects.
“Well, that’s a good idea, but…”
I wonder if he’ll accept it?
“He’s already acting as if he’s staked his name on it.”
“That’s true, but… hmm. I’m worried it might burden him.”
Especially considering Yu Wol’s personality, who doesn’t want to cause trouble for Hongseong.
Even though he said he’d do anything for him, he hadn’t asked for one thing from her.
As if anticipating the Sword Saint’s concerns, Hongryeon spoke confidently.
“There is a way he might accept it. We could frame it in relation to the increasing number of martial artists in recent times. If we mention that soon not just Cheonhwagung but other sects will visit, and how we could avoid unnecessary issues, wouldn’t he accept it?”
“Hmm…”
“Of course, it’s not going to be easy. But I’ll give it my best shot.”
The Sword Saint nodded at Hongryeon’s serious demeanor.
“Indeed, my disciple. You’re excellent.”
“Hehe. Thank you.”
The Sword Saint smiled joyfully at Hongryon, who seemed to be deep in thought, realizing how fortunate he was to have her as a disciple.
The next morning, as soon as she went down to the inn, Hongryeon thought about it.
Putting Hongseong’s name on Yu Wol’s inn was definitely not an easy decision.
Literally, that would mean making the inn the territory of Hongseong.
In other words, if the inn were attacked, Hongseong would be attacked, which meant they had to regard and protect it with the same seriousness as Hongseong.
To do that, she would have to visit the inn more often than usual, and maybe even have to station her disciple there.
But still, she couldn’t just leave it like this.
The inn belonged to Yu Wol, and he cherished it.
A great tree stands firm, sharing itself with many. But that doesn’t mean it goes unscathed.
Someone had to protect that great tree and build a fence around it.
Hongryeon lightly clenched her fist.
Then let Hongseong be that fence.
Then let her be that fence.
Let her be the guardian of the great tree, ensuring no one causes it harm.
And if someone needs to stay there…
It would probably be her.
Her steps felt light.
After all, she was going to meet him.
However, the closer she got to the inn, the more troubled she felt.
What if he rejects it?
To prepare for that, she had imagined various scenarios overnight.
But Yu Wol was a good talker, someone who could quickly catch what she hadn’t considered.
On top of that, he was knowledgeable and didn’t want to burden Hongseong.
Yu Wol couldn’t possibly be unaware of what it meant to stake Hongseong’s name on the inn. So, if he were to reject it…?
Her once-light steps grew heavier at the thought of facing Yu Wol.
“Hmm? What’s that?”
Chaejin, who was already out early in the morning, spotted Hongryeon.
Staring at her rival, Hongryeon sighed softly and asked.
“Is there a lot of stuff like yesterday happening lately?”
“Well… I can’t say there isn’t.”
“Is that why Yu Wol… is having a hard time?”
“Mmm… He says it’s nothing serious, but still, it must be tough for him. But there isn’t much time left.”
She knew that the reason martial artists fought in the inn where she stayed was ultimately due to her low reputation and martial prowess.
But if she kept raising that reputation and strength, no one would dare cause trouble at this inn in the future.
“For the short time left, problems will keep popping up, and he’s going to struggle.”
She hit the nail on the head.
Yeah. She was confident. But it would take time and effort for that.
And in the meantime, issues like yesterday would keep arising.
“So?”
“…Then help me.”
When Hongryeon bowed her head, Chaejin was taken aback. She never expected her to bow. Surprised, Chaejin listened as Hongryeon spoke seriously.
“I plan to put the name of Hongseong on this inn.”
“…That’s a good idea… but I don’t think the Innkeeper will like it.”
Chaejin knew how important Hongseong was to him.
Putting Hongseong’s name on the inn meant that he would be responsible for any issues that arose there.
Would he really allow that?
“So you’re asking for help. This is also for him.”
“Ugh…”
After a moment of groaning, Chaejin nodded.
“…I don’t like it, but fine. But there will be a time to take that name down.”
When she stepped into the realm of the extraordinary. When she could stand proudly beside him.
Then she would put Moonjeong’s name, not Hongseong’s name, on the inn.
No, she would put her own name.
At her words, Hongryeon smiled brightly.
“Do you think I’ll just mess around until then? Anyway… where is he now?”
“In the backyard.”
Nodding, Hongryeon headed for the backyard.
If he refused, she would bring their Master to persuade him.
She thought to herself that it wouldn’t be such a big deal to persuade him since he was from a clan like Hongseong with considerable strength, and when she arrived at the backyard.
“…Yu Wol, I have something to say.”
She opened her mouth seriously.
“I want to put Hongseong’s name on the inn.”
“Let’s do it.”
He nodded indifferently while sitting on a long bench, chewing on some snacks.
*
Well, this worked out nicely.
Having succeeded in developing a gold mine this time, she was already thinking about how to support Hongseong with some excuse since she had money to spare.
I smiled at the flustered Hongryeon.
“But I can’t just borrow Hongseong’s name for free. Let’s talk about the cost.”
“Huh? Cost is…”
Looks like she was thinking of getting it for free. I smiled at her.
That just wouldn’t do.
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