After the succession ceremony, Hongryeon, now the new leader of the Hongseong Clan, descended from Hongseong Mountain with the other members.
Once it was announced that she was the new leader, she did a lap around Seonhwa Fortress.
“So, what will the Sword Saint do now?” Chaejin, who was watching Hongryeon and the clan members descend, asked as I turned my gaze towards the Sword Saint.
“Normally, in a sect, the leader would either stay within the sect as the retired leader or wander the world,” the Sword Saint said, slowly scanning the area. Most guests had followed the procession down, leaving only a few behind.
“The Hongseong Clan is not much different. Just because you’re a former leader doesn’t mean you sever ties with the sect. Therefore, until the parade finishes, I’ll stay alone protecting Hongseong, and when everyone comes back…”
“Come back?”
“If a few days after the leadership transition some problems arise, I’ll stick around to support. But in my case, I could leave right away.”
Being a sect leader isn’t just about teaching disciples.
It’s about running the sect, managing relationships with other sects, coordinating with the Murim Alliance, accounting for income and expenditures, and so on.
Because of this, there’s a saying: becoming a sect leader means spending more time gripping a brush than a sword.
That’s why it’s customary for the next leaders to study the management of the sect with the current leader before the succession ceremony and to stay for about a month to assist with any issues, the Sword Saint boldly explained.
“But I don’t need to do that!”
Hongryeon had been managing the sect in place of the Sword Saint for a long time.
Given her experience, there was really no reason for the Sword Saint to stick around.
“So where do you plan to go… uh.”
Chaejin’s expression turned serious. She stared at the Sword Saint with a wary look, while the Sword Saint smiled confidently.
“I’m considering settling in soon. And I hear, Chaejin, that you’re trying to become the owner of Moonjeong? No, even if that’s not the case, you must be quite busy fulfilling your role as the branch manager. How can you always leave Yuwol’s protection to you?”
“……”
“So for the time being, I’ll take on that role!! Just me!!”
With a boasting tone, the Sword Saint declared confidently, leaving Chaejin with her mouth agape in shock.
“Well, well. What do you think? Surprised?”
“Uh. Yes. Oh my. To think the Sword Saint could be so quick-witted.”
“…Are you challenging me?”
“Haha… Anyway, I appreciate the thought, but Yuwol can’t sleep well without me around.”
He sleeps just fine.
“And he told me that Chae learns Taijiquan from him? Plus, I’m learning about paperwork from him, too. So suddenly changing his personal guard feels a bit much.”
“Learning, you say? I’m also learning about paperwork from him. So suddenly changing the exclusive protection is a bit much.”
Chaejin cheerfully raised her finger.
“Oh, speaking of which, Sword Saint, you have been at Hongseong Clan for a long time, right? There are many nice places lately, so how about going for a trip to enjoy yourself? It would be fun.”
“Hmm. I do plan to go on a trip somewhere that seems fun. Haha, sounds great! It’s not too far from here, and the food is delicious, the lodging is comfortable, and there’s a hot spring. Plus, it’s been designated as a famous spot recently. But the best part is, there are good people there. I think I might stay there for a while. Hahaha!”
“Oh ho ho! That sounds wonderful! I want to go there immediately! No, I should go right now!”
Though her mouth was smiling, her eyes weren’t. I shook my head at their fierce standoff.
“Stop fighting.”
“Heh.”
“Just think of it as building rapport. If it were a real fight, we wouldn’t be using words.”
Chaejin casually mentioned why she would fight with words when she had good punches. Watching her, Chaeran let out a deep sigh and shook her head, sending me a glance.
Seeing her look which seemed to say she was sorry for having such a sister, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.
The Hongryeon and the disciples of Hongseong Clan returned before long.
Having visited all the necessary places, Hongryeon approached us after sending the other disciples away when she saw me, the Sword Saint, Chaejin, and Chaeran sipping tea.
“Master, you must have worked hard during that time.”
“Yeah. From now on, it’s your turn to work hard. I’m now…”
The Sword Saint tried to speak in a carefree tone, but Hongryeon interrupted her with a bright smile.
“Although you’ve stepped down from the position of Clan Leader, you are still part of the Hongseong Clan. So, I ask you, as the former Clan Leader, please stay in Hongseong Clan for a while longer to teach the disciples.”
“Huh?”
“According to the rules and precedents of Hongseong Clan, not all previous Clan Leaders have left the clan. Also, when there is a crisis in the world, past Clan Leaders have come to help.”
“Hmm…”
“Don’t tell me! Master?! You aren’t planning to part ways with us just because you’ve stepped down from the Clan Leader position, right?!”
“Uh…”
“Both Sayoon and Yoohee, as well as Ryuhyun and Hyunhwi, want to learn more from you. You stepping down from the Clan Leader position doesn’t mean you are severing the bond between teacher and student, right? So isn’t it ‘common sense’ that you should continue to teach the disciples?”
“Isn’t it ‘common sense’ that needs to be taught?”
“Y-Yeah, that’s true.”
“Hehe. Then I guess we’ll have to switch rooms for a while. For now, you can stay in my room. Wow. There’s space and stuff to do~. Looks like you can’t go anywhere for a while!”
“…My disciple. Truly amazing. How can you make your master do so much work?”
“Hehe! No escape!”
Despite her playful laughter, Hongryeon spoke decisively, and Chaejin next to her smiled brightly in support.
“That’s right. And I talked with Hongryeon earlier about hosting more exchanges between Moonjeong and Hongseong Clan. Some of the Moonlight members want to learn about Hongseong Divine Art. I’m officially proposing an exchange.”
“Oh. That’s good, but what about Doje’s permission…”
“I already got it.”
Chaejin quickly pulled out a piece of paper. The document bore Doje’s seal and clearly stated it was a proposal for an exchange.
“Doje….!! That guy!!”
“We can’t miss a good opportunity to improve our disciples’ skills. Sorry for just us going last time. How are the Moonlight members’ skills?”
“Excellent.”
“Great! Then as the leader of Hongseong Clan, I grant permission.”
The two, usually growling at each other, joined forces to block the Sword Saint.
It was none other than an exchange aimed at improving the skills of their disciples, and truthfully, they needed to sharpen their abilities in preparation.
That’s why the Sword Saint looked gloomily at me.
“Hahaha… You have to accept this.”
It’s not that I dislike having the Sword Saint stay at my inn.
Having escaped the clutches of the Iron Blood Clan, and with the Demon Cult seemingly quiet for now, it certainly doesn’t mean it’s all over.
If we can grow stronger, we need to do just that.
“It won’t be for long, I promise.”
“Ugh…”
Knowing this, the Sword Saint eventually huffed for a while, then shot a sharp glare at Hongryeon and Chaejin.
“Just you wait…!”
“Heeheehee.”
“Hoohoo.”
I’m glad the three of them seem to get along well.
“Still, I wish you would stay with me for today.”
She shot that out swiftly, as if she couldn’t give this up, and I nodded at her with a smile.
“Of course. It’s only right to celebrate the lifting of a burden that’s been on your shoulders for so long. It’s only natural to celebrate. Hongryeon, I hope the disciples of Hongseong Clan can join in the celebration…”
“Hehe. I appreciate the sentiment, but it seems difficult right now. There’s a lot to sort out, plus many things to verify. And we have to prepare letters and gifts for the guests who came today, so everyone will be busy.”
“Is that so? What a shame. Then let’s plan to do it next time. How about in about three days?”
“Let’s make it so. It should be ready in about three days?”
“That’ll be enough.”
She calmly said that while normally it might take up to a month to settle the confusion of a new clan master, she thought this time would be fine.
Wow. That’s impressive.
“Then we’ll see each other then… Chaeran, you…”
“Oh! Of course I have to participate!”
“Participate, my foot. We’ve got plenty to do, you know? With the new clan master of Hongseong, your sister has a lot on her plate to sort out and prepare for the exchange meeting.”
“Ah?! But!”
“And let today slide a bit.”
As Chaeran defended her, the Sword Saint’s eyes sparkled.
“No way. That kid raised her offspring wonderfully. Please continue to be friends with our Sayoon.”
“Hahaha…”
“And is there anything you need?”
“I’ll let you know later. Well then, we’ll be on our way, so enjoy your time.”
“Aaaah… let go…!”
“Shut it.”
In the end, Chaeran dragged Chaejin down, while Hongryeon held tightly onto the Sword Saint’s hand.
“I always trust you, Master.”
“Haha. Of course. The disciple should trust the master, right?”
What a sophisticated way to say ‘don’t get cocky.’ I chuckled at Hongryeon’s cute jealousy as she glared at me with a pouty face.
“There won’t be anything serious, so don’t worry.”
“Hehe. Then I’ll trust you.”
After concluding the conversation, I descended Hongseong Mountain with the Sword Saint. The once bustling area was now eerily quiet.
As we walked down the mountain path in silence, the Sword Saint suddenly spoke up.
“Heh. Hmph. Hehe…”
“Is it that amusing?”
She couldn’t hold back her laughter.
“This has always been on my mind. Someone more talented, smarter, and overflowing with the qualities of a clan master becoming the new master of Hongseong. It has finally come true. How can I not laugh?”
“Haha. I see. Congratulations.”
“Hmm. So tonight we’ll drink a lot to celebrate. You’ve got to stay with me, got it?”
Tickling my cheek with her finger, she playfully fiddled with her lips and leaned against my arm, smiling sweetly.
When we arrived at the inn.
“Well, you sure are late.”
“I was drinking first. Let’s have a drink today, right? Kiddo, are you joining us??”
“Yeah. Let’s do it. It’s been a while.”
With an offer for drinks from the two masters occupying the inn, she frowned hard.
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