episode_0099

*****

2AM. It is said that this is the time when people become the most sentimental. This is what is commonly called dawn sensibility.

In other words, if you feel an emotion that you don’t normally feel during this time, it is highly likely that it is a momentary illusion or delusion. If you get caught up in that, you will end up kicking the blanket for a long time.

So, you must be careful not to shake your mind in the early morning. Even if hunger and midnight snacks tempt you, even if loneliness and desolation make you want to recite poetry,

Even if there is a beautiful girl washing in the bathroom at home. We must deal with it as resolutely as possible.

“Heir, are you there?”

“Yes!? Oh, no. Huh?”

“I’m sorry, but can you bring me one more towel?”

“Ah. It will be there if you open the shelf.”

“Thank you.”

After a while, the sound of water rushing was heard.

Originally, I had planned to talk to So Baek-hyang as soon as I got home, but we were both a bit messy. In particular, So Baek-hyang had some injuries. In the end, the conversation went in the direction of taking a shower first before talking.

But why do I feel so restless? I’m not having any particularly sinister thoughts, and I’m already quite used to the sound of a girl taking a shower.

Fortunately(?), the time to worry didn’t take long.

“Sorry for keeping asking. Do you have this dress in a larger size?”

“That’s the biggest size─… !?!?”

As I was trying to answer, I turned around without thinking and found myself speechless. This is because So Baek-hyang was standing right in front of him in a half-naked state.

First of all, I covered all the areas with towels. However, the sight of the uncharacteristically feminine lines revealed was too stimulating for me.

Boo, it’s unhealthy!

“What about clothes!? Where did the clothes go!?”

“Huh? I told you earlier that I had to wash my clothes because they had blood on them… .”

“That’s not it, it’s the one they gave you to change into!”

“That’s why I came. This dress is too small.”

Certainly, when I lined up the shirt and Sobaekhyang side by side, the shirt seemed a bit small. Especially around the chest. If I had worn that shirt like this, I might have looked even more unhealthy than I do now.

Both Sia and I are small, so I didn’t think about that part.

“Well, sorry about that. Still, you could sing something like that in the bathtub.”

“I’m sorry that you keep going back and forth because of me. Are you afraid that water might fall on the floor? I cleaned it well first and came out.”

“It’s not that, it’s the clothes… .”

Unlike the sound of a shower, this sight of a girl is not familiar at all. Because Sia doesn’t move around defenselessly like this at home, and even uses the shower room differently outside.

As I was embarrassed with my face turning bright red, So Baek-hyang chuckled softly.

“Are you more shy than you look? How about it, with the same women. Since you are also a fighter, you are probably used to washing together.”

“No, I… .”

You’re completely mistaken for a girl! Chinese guys, do you still think I’m Kwon Seong’s daughter?

Only then did I realize why I was restless. Until now, So Baek-hyang was strangely distant from me, apart from being hostile to me. The naked towel is one thing, but especially the part about showering being brought up naturally first.

I’ve been thinking that the girls in my class have become less hesitant in their attitude towards me. But now I get it. So Baek-hyang’s sense of distance was her attitude towards people of the same sex, and the fact that the girls in her class treated me with consideration as a boy.

“Anyway, I understand, so please go into the shower room.”

“Yes, I will do that.”

Knowing the reason and being able to deal with it are two different things. I felt like I would see So Baek-hyang’s body again if I continued like this, so I pushed her into the bathroom and headed to my room.

Let’s see, I probably have a few shirts sitting in the corner that I bought thinking I might outgrow them.

While going through my closet, I realized one thing. So Baek-hyang thinks I am a girl. So, he must have often looked at me as if he were looking at a rival.

But it’s difficult if our relationship continues to be this bad. Regardless of whether or not she can help So Baek-hyang, Hwa-in’s personality makes it difficult for her to be liked by a heroine who is not on good terms with her colleagues.

Fortunately, if I reveal that I am a man like I did with Kang Seo-yoon, I can escape from the romantic relationship situation… .

So then I, a man, ended up looking at So Baek-hyang’s half-naked body!?

In this way, it is questionable whether their relationship will improve even if they reveal that they are men. If you think about it calmly, it’s not your fault, but people don’t always think rationally.

My head hurts thinking about what will happen next. It even made me wonder if I could just let him mistake me for a girl.

“You don’t look good. … Was it really a nuisance?”

“Huh? No, no, I was thinking about something else.”

Wow, it looks like what he was thinking was revealed on his face. Just as it wasn’t my fault, it wasn’t So Baek-hyang’s fault either, so let’s not make her anxious for no reason.

So Baek-hyang, wearing clothes that fit her size, was showing a neat appearance befitting a top disciple of a famous sect. Looking at the bandages wrapped here and there, it looks like the treatment was done properly.

It was quite late, but So Baek-hyang and I both wanted to finish our conversation before going to bed. A brief conversation was set up by placing two cups of hot cocoa on the table.

Okay then. What should I talk about first?

“Thank you so much for this.”

So Baek-hyang moved before I could say anything. It was a polite gesture that exuded heavy sincerity from the tone of voice to every action.

“I didn’t do anything in particular.”

“You’re humble. Not only did you save my life, but you also gave me a place to stay. I was able to escape thanks to you.”

Life and the barrier are an exaggeration. So Baek-hyang would have been injured, but he would have been able to sufficiently block the arrow. As for the barrier, Hwain can also guide the way.

In fact, I feel sorry for So Baek-hyang’s lodging event because the place to stay was actually taken away.

“And I also want to apologize for my attitude. If I had thought a little more calmly when I saved you from the arrow, I would have realized that it wasn’t you who attacked me.”

“That’s right, now that I think about it, you said I might be the enemy, right? Why did you make that decision?”

“I’ll tell you everything, including that. It won’t take that long. It’s obvious.”

So Baek-hyang stopped talking for a moment. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she raised her glass and drank cocoa.

I thought it might have been made wrong, so I tried it, but it was sweet and delicious. Maybe I don’t like cocoa?

“… Hmm. Do you know that Murim was divided into two factions?”

“Only approximately.”

It is a common battle between the old system and the new system. The fact that the elders of each sect were defeated by me ended up exalting me, but that did not mean that their positions were unaffected.

It was information I heard even during my active duty days that forces questioning the qualifications of the defeated scholars were beginning to stir. At the time, I just brushed it off as someone else’s country, so I didn’t know the details.

According to So Baek-hyang’s story, the fight itself ended with the victory of the new regime. It was around the same time as when Kwon Seong died 7, or now 8 years ago.

“It was around that time that I met Master.”

In the original work, he was accidentally saved by a Chinese master and caught the eye, but in this world, it was in the form of adoption from an orphanage. Maybe it was Changhyuk’s arrangement.

“Is that person called the teacher… .”

“Yes. He is the former Jangmun of Hwasan who fought and lost against your master about 20 years ago.”

I remember it. She was like a generous lady with an impressive kind smile. Of course, it was flashy and sharp, 180 degrees different from the black impression.

Watching So Baek-hyang talk about her teacher, it was not difficult to guess what kind of person that lady was to her. He must have been like family to her, who lost her parents at an early age.

And it was not difficult to guess how she would have been treated after losing out in the battle for leadership.

“I thought about it several times. If only Kwon Seong hadn’t invaded here a long time ago. If only he had not exploited his victory politically. I wish Master wouldn’t have had to go through such severe things.”

“… … .”

So Baek-hyang’s expression as she stared at me did not change. The emotions contained only in the gaze–resentment, anger, hostility–those things gradually swell.

There was nothing I could say in front of those heated gazes.

“You don’t say anything.”

“Because just as you have circumstances, we also have circumstances.”

“Okay… .”

If I could turn back time, I wouldn’t change my behavior. Because that would tarnish the faces of everyone involved in it. There is no way I could say a word of apology to So Baek-hyang like that.

So Baek-hyang, who was facing me in silence, sighed softly and closed her eyes. When we met her again, the negative emotions were hidden inside.

“That’s it. Anyway, I was planning to solve this problem by defeating you.”

“Yes. I will accept it with all my might.”

In any case, Fafnir’s words, other than Gwonseong, have no meaning. It would be better for So Baek-hyang to prove it with her own strength now.

“It would be a big deal if Daejeon wasn’t scheduled like this.”

“At that time, I will force you to spar, so don’t worry. Well then, let me get back to the main topic.”

The story so far could be said to be her own declaration of war. I got help today, but I felt like that and the exchange match were different.

From now on, this is the real reason she was attacked.

“I ran away because I didn’t want to be a bastard.”

And it started with an unexpected word.

“… What?”

“The seed receptacle. Did I say it too carefully? So, Jeong──”

“No, it’s okay, I understand, so stop! Until there! What are you trying to say!?”

“What do you think? Jeongae──”

“Bwaaeaeak!”

I am fortunate that this house is completely physically and magically soundproof. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to interrupt the conversation this early in the morning.

So Baek-hyang chuckled as she watched me trying to prevent her from saying sexual words. Are you making fun of me in this situation!?

Let me tell you in advance, it is not for shame or anything like that. No, I’m a little embarrassed. Rather, it is difficult to bear such words coming out of the heroine’s mouth.

Sex, sex, where is the heroine in the world? If you’re the main heroine (planned), you should have more shame!

If I wonder if this is because they are of the same sex, my head becomes dizzy again. I need to reveal my gender quickly, but the timing is not right.

“I’m asking just in case, but you’re doing it to make fun of me──”

“Oh, that’s not it. It’s true that I almost ended up being a bastard. Although there is a bit of exaggeration.”

Is the awakened person inherited or not? This is still a controversial part of genetics.

There are many cases where the children of awakened couples are not awakened, but there are also quite a few cases where the children of strong awakened couples are also strong. Even in the original work, this part is not clearly defined.

It has been 28 years since the Awakened appeared in reality. With only about one generation left, researchers are still searching for answers.

So Baek-hyang came to Korea partly to restore her teacher’s honor by defeating me, but also to avoid a marriage partner determined by the clan.

“Is China going that far? That side must have entered a stable period as well.”

“That story came up right after Kwon Seong’s successor appeared. Aren’t they anxious that they too will lose power?”

So Baek-hyang looked at me and said that, but I was negative. If that is the reason, then what is the point of having a child from now on?

My intuition tells me that [there is something secretly plotting behind my back under the pretense of being a country].

“What about the other four people who came with you? Is that a similar reason?”

“Well? Actually, I don’t know much about the other kids because I met them right before I came here. I probably picked you to defeat you, so you may have skills.”

Clearly something is happening in China now. Changhyuk is probably doing his own investigation, but I need to report this again through Sia.

“First of all, they seem to be aware that they are doing something dishonest. So they used people to attack me to silence me or take me away.”

“But then there will be one less person capable of beating me.”

“If I beat you, my standing within the sect will increase enormously. You probably want to keep it in check before that happens.”

Does it mean that defeating me is the benefit of all of China, and winning by So Baek-hyang is their loss? The former seems to want to prioritize their own greed since there are four others.

And the more people like that, the easier it is for them to be manipulated by someone.

“Of course, I have no intention of going back to the faction whether I win or lose.”

“… huh? No? Master?”

“Master passed away in the year of production.”

aha. Well, in the original work, So Baek-hyang stayed in Korea afterwards. Of course, it was because of his love for Hwa-in, not the dramatic reason of avoiding forced marriage.

“Does Hwain know this?”

“Yes. He immediately offered to help. That good personality remains the same.”

That is, if your childhood friend was kidnapped into a forced marriage, anyone would help you. In some ways, I would say that she has become more heroine-like than the original.

“Actually, it would be a breeze if they let me get citizenship. It must still be difficult, right?”

cancellation. This is not like a heroine at all.

A heroine who clings to the main character by demanding citizenship… . Isn’t this a setting that wouldn’t even appear in most makjang dramas? Rather, it is likely that he is a villain.

“Is there a reason you came out with Hwain tonight──”

“Don’t misunderstand. I plan to take the right steps to become better friends with Hwain. … There was a promise I made when I was young.”

I was at least relieved to see So Baek-hyang’s face turning slightly red. Fortunately, the heroine elements still remain.

“The reason I came out today was because Korea said there was an error in the awakened person registration process. I brought this up to Hwa-in just in case.”

“By the way, can we also see the New Year’s Eve bell on the way?”

“There is no such thing, there was one.”

Indeed, it was worth considering the possibility of internal communication if they had come out and been attacked because of Korea’s announcement. That’s why you doubted me.

No. Is it really a misunderstanding? Aside from the association, the government will eliminate one candidate from the Hwasan faction, so if you ask them to join hands, I think they will easily agree. It is also suspicious that the barrier was installed in the middle of the city.

Although not as strong as China, Korea is also not completely united. Companies, associations, governments, etc. I have to be careful because things could go wrong if I’m not careful.

“Okay, now my story is over. Do you have any more questions?”

“No, that’s enough. I was actually surprised that he went into much more detail than I expected.”

“Okay. I’m glad it helped. Then can I ask you something?”

“Okay, whatever.”

“Thank you. Well then, let me ask you straight. What on earth is your relationship with Hwain?”

Aha, it comes from here like this. So Baek-hyang’s momentum is not as strong as when she resented me just a moment ago. It seemed serious enough to remind me of that.

Of course, I have to say that this is the only answer I can give.

“Friend. And we are colleagues on the same hero team.”

“… really? But it’s too much to think that way──”

“Wait, before you say that, please listen to this. I am a man.”

Okay, said! I hesitated for no reason and spoke in an instant out of fear of missing the timing, but how would So Baek-hyang take it? Should I get angry? Or should I tell you not to lie?

“… ??”

The correct answer was, I didn’t understand what was being said. If it were a cartoon where the head was slightly tilted to the side, it would look like there would be a lot of question marks above the head.

“What do you mean, man?”

“Literally, I am a man.”

“Boy?”

“Man.”

aha. So Baek-hyang shook her head several times. I’m a little uneasy about whether he really understands that he looks somewhat dazed.

“So it depends?”

“Where are you looking at while talking!? You can tell when you see this!”

“No, I thought it was that kind of hobby… .”

I guess I didn’t understand it properly. I spoke at length about the fact that I was originally a man, but due to the influence of potential, I had the body of a girl.

“So please be careful about what you wear and what you talk about.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite feel like you were a boy. Behavior or something like that… .”

“Do you look like a girl like that?”

“Look. It’s time to grab the cup.”

aha. I’m talking about holding your little finger outstretched. I definitely developed that habit as soon as I got into this body.

Maybe he’s mistaken because it hasn’t been long since he saw me. If you look at me for a longer period of time, you will be able to discover my masculine attitude. Because the kids in my class did the same.

When I said that, So Baek-hyang gave me a very suspicious look.

“It’s been almost two weeks since we met, right?”

“? yes. Why is that?”

“… no. Because it could be my mistake.”

I questioned her a few more times, but So Baek-hyang refused to tell me any more. What is it, it’s so bland.

“Anyway, you don’t have to worry about me taking Hwain away. I actually want to help you.”

Based on So Baek-hyang’s standards, the biggest rival is turning into the biggest ally. I thought she would definitely be happy, but So Baek-hyang’s expression still remained doubtful.

Oh, it was a method that worked right away during Kang Seo-yoon’s time.

“Suspicious.”

“Suspicious, what is it?”

“They tell me not to worry about Hwain being taken away. Why are you so interested in Hwain’s dating situation?”

“!?”

Oops, I was caught off guard and ended up looking surprised.

Of course, the reason he is interested in Hwa-in is because he is the main character of the original novel, but this cannot be said directly. What excuse should I make for this?

“You’re friends, right? I don’t want my friend to get caught by a strange woman… .”

“I mentioned citizenship?”

… Well, it would be hard to find a more snobbish reason than that. And I guess I also realized that it was strange.

“I heard it from Hwain. He said you covered me even when I had a fight on the first day. Have you ever met me before?”

“No, I’ve never been like that… .”

“Then why did you trust me and protect me?”

The siege of So Baek-hyang became even tighter. You are one of the original heroines and you and Hwa-in should be together, but seeing you bickering will make Hwa-in’s image worse!

── I want to say this, but it’s like a chimney. Ugh, Fine guy. You’re saying such nonsense for no reason.

When I remained silent, So Baek-hyang said, ‘Maybe…’ .’ He said this with a meaningful expression. Will I get caught? What did you know about So Baek-hyang?

“Since you can’t date Hwain, are you trying to date me instead?”

It wasn’t. It missed the mark.

“I’m a man!”

“That’s what I’m saying. I’m a man, I can’t be with him, so you can do it instead… ! Same feeling. How about it?”

“How are you sleeping? It’s a complete mess. Haven’t you watched too many dramas?”

“There is no man who looks like you in reality.”

So Baek-hyang complained so much, but she is still here. Also, this world has transformation magic and camouflage magic, so if it’s just appearance alone, there may be quite a few of them.

“Are you really a man?”

“That’s right.”

“Hmm, yes.”

After saying just that, So Baek-hyang became less talkative. Do you still not believe it? But even if I wanted to convince you, there is no direct evidence that I was a man.

I was thinking the same thing, maybe I should ask Changhyuk to forge one next time. Suddenly, So Baek-hyang’s head lowered.

“What’s wrong, what’s wrong?”

“It’s just that I suddenly felt ashamed of my actions… .”

… That’s right. In particular, I still can’t forget coming out of the bathroom half-naked. Of course, it doesn’t mean anything strange.

When I see So Baek-hyang covering her bright red face with her hands and looking quietly embarrassed, I somehow feel sorry for everyone.

“I can’t get married anymore.”

“Well, I’m sorry… .”

“Then will you take responsibility? All you have to do is take a picture of the marriage certificate and become a citizen.”

“That’s not possible, because my family register is listed as a woman.”

“Of course you’re lying about being a man, right?”

After that, questions and excuses continued, but the purpose of the conversation was still achieved. Wouldn’t this have been a pretty meaningful lodging event?

Still, let’s be more careful next time so that we don’t break the heroine’s flag like this again.

*****