Anyway, the preparations are done.
Of course, others from Moonjeong might oppose it, but the Doje has granted permission, so what can be done?
And perhaps there might even be people who wholeheartedly support it.
Moonjeong and Hongseong had long been rivals. Naturally, they knew each other’s strengths very well.
Unlike Moonjeong, which held onto a whole city, Hongseong was a sect that aimed for a select elite.
The previous clan leader had wished for Hongseong to expand, but that fell through, and when the Sword Saint became the clan leader, their power diminished greatly.
Even so, the resilience of Hongseong shouldn’t be underestimated.
In the midst of all this, Seomhwa Village, which Hongseong had made its stronghold, had become Seomhwa Castle.
Moreover, they had captured the new Monster, Dool, and defeated the Iron Blood Clan, which had the world quaking in fear.
Being able to join hands with Hongseong without much conflict would be beneficial for Moonjeong as well.
In other words, I could create a powerful faction centered around myself.
If that happens, it would be nothing short of great for the high-ranking members of Moonjeong.
Even if such an important position is created, Hongseong’s numbers are still low.
So, they would think that Moonjeong’s power would strengthen from that point.
Of course, if they got greedy enough to cause problems, I wouldn’t just stand by, and they would know that, so they probably wouldn’t cross the line.
But still, they couldn’t say the leftovers would be small either.
“And I think you’ll find it easy to access your outstanding investment skills and knowledge.”
I nodded at the Doje’s words.
He was right. Among those approaching me now, there were quite a few who wanted to collaborate on investments or asked if I had any good development information.
But why would I share such good information?
Even among acquaintances, there’s never enough to go around.
So, I mostly politely declined with a smile, but if they entered the same fence, it wouldn’t be easy to refuse completely. Besides, if they succeed, it would benefit me as well.
In any case, those who think Chaejin’s marriage would be advantageous would side with me, so I had nothing to worry about.
I gently patted Chaejin’s back.
“So don’t worry.”
“Haha…”
For Chaejin, the high-ranking members of Moonjeong were negative presences putting pressure on her.
Not just because Chaejin disliked them, but for the future of Moonjeong.
Thus, she couldn’t completely hate them, and at my words, she smiled a little.
“Alright then, shall we start sparring? Hongryeon, you should join us.”
“Um. Yes.”
Learning from someone as strong as the Doje would be a great help to Hongryeon.
Of course, even if she learned the basics from the Sword Saint, the Doje would have his own set of insights.
There was no reason to refuse when he graciously offered to impart that knowledge.
“Go on. I’ll be by Yu Wol’s side.”
“…Master, is there no going easy?”
“Is there no way to tease?”
“Oh, I won’t!”
As Hongryeon stared intently and opened her mouth, the Sword Saint shouted back. Seeing her, Hongryeon couldn’t help but chuckle.
“I believe you.”
“Mm.”
In the end, Hongryeon headed towards Chaejin.
The Doje standing before them pulled out energy and swung it around, which made me watch the demonstration when the Sword Saint smiled brightly and said,
“Then we’ll just step out for a bit. We certainly won’t have a lack of learning time.”
“That sounds good.”
I also had some other things to take care of, so it worked out. As I stepped outside with the Sword Saint, she immediately clung tightly to my arm.
“…Honestly, it turns my stomach.”
“Hahaha…”
It must be because of the Doje’s joke earlier, right? But since it was a one-time thing, I hope it passes.
“If it weren’t for you, I would’ve swung my sword right away.”
“You did well to hold back.”
“Phew. This is really tiring. The mental burden is heavy; won’t someone comfort me?”
Stealing glances, she continued to hold onto my arm. It was so cute that I stayed quiet, but the Sword Saint pouted and hugged me even tighter.
“Someone! Comfort me! Won’t anyone?!”
“Haha. I understand. Shall we take a quick look around Cheongho?”
“Mm!!”
Puffing out her cheeks, the Sword Saint’s eyes sparkled with joy. As she stepped ahead of me,
“Ah! Master?!”
Chaean walked in with Sayoon. The Sword Saint smiled brightly at her.
“Hehe. Did you sleep well? What a lovely day it is.”
“Yes! By the way! Master, Ryun wants to go out together, and you should come too! Mister as well!”
“…Huh? Huh?”
“They say the scenery in Cheongho during summer is beautiful and there’s so much to see. So…”
Gently lowering her head, Sayoon looked up at me and the Sword Saint with a desperate tone,
“Could you… go with us?”
Sayoon’s gaze!
The effect was incredible!
“Y-Yeah. Let’s go together.”
No matter how you twist it, the Sword Saint is truly a good person. Seeing her unable to refuse such a cute request from her student.
I patted the Sword Saint’s shoulder, and she groaned as Sayoon went off to join Chaean somewhere else.
“Uuuu…”
“Well done.”
I patted the Sword Saint’s head, and she grumbled.
“…I’m not a child.”
“Oh, I see. Then I’ll stop patting…”
“…I didn’t mean to say stop.”
Not very honest, are we?
“Have you been to Cheongho before, Master?”
“Mm. A few times.”
“Wow. Really?”
“Is that so?”
“As you know, I was wandering around before staying at Hongseong, right?”
“Oh. Yes! It was to find the other senior sisters, wasn’t it?”
“Exactly. While gathering disciples, Hongseong was…”
At first, they were a bit down about not being able to go out, but the Sword Saint, holding hands tightly with Sayoon and chattering away, seemed quite happy.
Well, it made sense.
The reason the Sword Saint hadn’t shown herself until now was partly due to Simma within her and her anxiety, but also to lessen the burden on Hongryeon, who would become the next clan leader.
A genius in martial arts.
That was the phrase that described Sword Saint Na Yerin perfectly.
At not even twenty years old, she had reached the level of a superhuman and stood shoulder to shoulder with other superhumans.
She tried to keep such great achievements hidden and lower herself to lessen the future burden Hongryeon would have.
But now that Hongryeon had reached the level of a superhuman, her burden would surely lessen.
At least for a year or two.
If she could freely handle qi and integrate it into her techniques, the Sword Saint could completely relieve herself of the burden.
“It may be inappropriate to say this, but you look quite adorable, Sword Saint.”
“Haha.”
It was an agreeable opinion.
The Sword Saint’s size and face made her look much younger than her actual age.
Thanks to her strong inner energy, she was overflowing with vitality.
Perhaps that’s why the sight of the Sword Saint and Sayoon, holding hands and walking together, looked more like a pair of good sisters than a master and disciple.
“Hmm…”
“Why? Are you jealous?”
“I can’t say I’m not. My relationship with Chaejin isn’t that close.”
“Haha. Considering that welcome ceremony, it doesn’t seem like such a thing.”
If they were close enough to share sweets like that, wouldn’t it mean they were pretty good friends?
Chaeran glanced at me and chuckled.
“Not really… But you’ve been quite amazing lately, haven’t you?”
“Not particularly.”
“I’m getting a lot of calls from various places.”
“What kind?”
“People asking if I’m close with the Innkeeper or if I could introduce them.”
Chaeran shook her head, showing signs of annoyance.
It’s not surprising since introductions often come through connections, and it wouldn’t be unusual for someone like Chaeran to receive such requests.
Even Cheonilhwa and Hano had joked about feeling awkward when asked to introduce me.
So it was no wonder that many would mention it, considering that Chaejin’s sister was staying at my inn and working as my guard.
“I wouldn’t mind if it were just a few people.”
“Oh? Really?”
“However, coming to the inn for consultations shouldn’t be too difficult if they want to form connections with me.”
“They probably want to establish a deeper connection or something like that.”
They’re trying to get closer through an introduction rather than just a consultation.
There wasn’t really any problem with that.
“Phew. That’s a relief.”
“Well, this is nothing much.”
“Thank you, brother-in-law.”
“Did you know?”
“Not knowing would be foolish. You made it obvious.”
The Sword Saint walking in front with Sayoon has trembling shoulders. What’s up with that?
Anyway, that’s not the important part.
“By the way, the martial arts world seems a bit strange these days.”
“Strange, you say…”
“The Demon Sect.”
Even though the massive enemy known as the Iron Blood Clan has vanished, the world isn’t completely peaceful.
Thinking back, it was the same in Heavenly Bright Moon. Just because the main story is steady doesn’t mean we can be completely at ease with all the event story characters lurking about.
“Is there any problem with Cheongho?”
“Cheongho… nothing special. Do you happen to know any interesting stories about Cheongho?”
“I know a few things. Have you heard of the Dragon’s Shrine?”
Before we knew it, we had arrived at Cheongho. There were quite a few people playing in the wide, blue lake.
Some people were having fun with boats.
A few martial artists were demonstrating their Sinbeop while elegantly stepping on wooden planks set adrift in Cheongho.
“Is this about the dragon lying beneath the lake? Do you know anything? It’s all just legends without substance for me.”
“Uh-huh. I see.”
As someone who is very interested in hidden places, Chaeran’s eyes lit up.
“Since we have to go there eventually… let’s go together.”
There was something to gain from the Dragon’s Shrine.
The Dragon Form Sword and the Dragon’s Return Sword.
The Dragon Form Sword is a top-tier weapon among the swords in Heavenly Bright Moon.
I wanted to gift Chaejin a proper weapon since she currently has the Black Moon Sword, which belongs to a Doje.
Also, the Dragon’s Return Sword is a remarkably good longsword, perfect for Hongryeon, so acquiring it at the Dragon’s Shrine wouldn’t be a bad idea.
I gazed at the blue Cheongho and said,
“I’m thinking of going around this evening, so keep that in mind.”
“…I’m looking forward to it.”
“However…”
“However?”
As I watched the Sword Saint and Sayoon, excitedly running toward the dock to take a boat ride, I shook my head.
Actually, quite a few enemies tend to pop up during the exploration of the Dragon’s Shrine…
“Hahaha! Master!”
“You little brat! Stay still!”
Well, it should be fine.
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