Chapter 133: You Shouldn’t Mess With Them. (2)

…

You Shouldn’t Mess With Them. (2)

By the time we arrived in Hanam and entered the lodging, it had already become evening.

‘Bacheonmaru.’

Just by looking, it was a considerably large building.

I figured it was probably the largest lodging in this vicinity.

‘The Alliance must have splurged a bit.’

The Dragon Phoenix Gathering I participated in during my previous life also provided lodging.

However, they assigned rooms based on a first-come, first-served basis or the rank of the family or sect, so there were times I had to pay out of pocket because there were no rooms left.

Of course, if you were of the Gu family level, you weren’t at a disadvantage due to discrimination and could get a good room.

In front of the lodging, a member who appeared to be from the Alliance was checking the late-stage disciples.

“You may enter.”

However, the man took one look at Tang Soyeol and Namgung Bi-ah and let them in immediately, as if no confirmation process was necessary.

It seemed to be because of the characteristics that appeared for each family, as well as the characters clearly written on their clothes.

It’s not like the Four Great Families are called that for nothing.

“Gu Yangcheon of the Gu family of Shanxi… Confirmed. You may enter.”

While granting entry, I felt eyes looking at me strangely.

It wasn’t the slack-jawed gaze they had directed at Tang Soyeol and Namgung Bi-ah earlier, but rather faces genuinely looking at something curious.

[Is it because I look strange?]

‘…It’s probably just because it’s novel that I’m a young man from the Gu family.’

The name ‘son of the chivalrous hero’ and being Sword Peak’s younger brother must play a big part.

I also handed over the recommendation letter from Lord Pae, which I received from Elder Lee, but they didn’t seem to check it.

It could be because I already had an invitation.

‘This could cause trouble later.’

Actually, it would be better if they didn’t check it until the end.

No matter how poorly the Murim Alliance handles things, they will eventually check recommendation letters.

Since there are many crazy bastards among those with power, there are many who will get furious if they can’t show off their reputation.

“You can use the fourth room on the Taegeun Floor (太銀層).”

Following the employee’s guidance, I went up the floors of the lodging.

As I went higher, I could feel the difference in rank between floors.

Those two who went ahead would likely be on the highest floor.

‘Silver, huh? Not bad.’

As for me, as long as I could sleep, it was fine, and I actually preferred the lower floors closer to the restaurant.

As for Gu Jeolyeop, who came with me, it seemed they confirmed him with a recommendation letter since he didn’t have an invitation.

It was quite amusing how they looked back and forth between me and Gu Jeolyeop after seeing the recommendation written by my father.

“I’ll unpack.”

“I’ll leave it to you.”

Hongwa and Wi Seol-ah started unpacking as soon as they entered the room.

I took that opportunity to go outside and survey the lower floor.

There were still about seven days until the Dragon Phoenix Gathering began, and quite a few people had arrived early, not just me.

“…Hmm?”

Amidst it all, I noticed some eye-catching attire.

Young men in dark yellow clothes with rough-looking impressions.

They seemed to be members of the Hwangbo Family.

They were the first individuals from another family I had seen, excluding the Four Great Families.

‘Thinking about it that way, it’s quite a peculiar situation.’

The highest-ranking members of the prestigious families were all around, yet I hadn’t seen anyone else.

“Who could it be.”

Who among the late-stage disciples was from the Hwangbo side?

I racked my brain a little.

There definitely must be someone. Even if the Hwangbo Family isn’t on the level of the Four Great Families, they are still a high-ranking family.

Not long after, I recalled someone.

“Was it Mukgwon (默拳) over there?”

Mukgwon, who would later be called a rising master, was someone who began making a name for himself as a master by slaughtering demons with his fists at a young age.

Compared to the hatred and anger he expressed towards demons, his fists were not excessive and were quiet, hence he was called Mukgwon.

‘He eventually became a demon, though.’

It wasn’t just anyone; I remembered him because he was under my command.

Was his name Hwangbo Seon?

‘It seems he’s not among them.’

I don’t know his background, but I remember he was from a collateral branch.

It’s fortunate, if anything.

Meeting the people I encountered in my previous life again wasn’t exactly a pleasant story.

“Young Master! I’ve unpacked everything!”

I turned my attention to Wi Seol-ah’s shout from the room.

“Thanks.”

“Yes!”

“How long will it take to unpack your things?”

I asked Hongwa.

“Probably… I don’t have that much luggage, so it won’t take even an hour.”

“Then come down after you’re done, let’s eat together.”

“Ah… that.”

Hongwa chuckled somewhat unnaturally, so I looked at her, wondering if something was wrong.

“If we join your meal, you might receive unfavorable glances, Young Master. We’ll just…”

“Now, you say?”

“Huh?”

“Why worry about that now? I’m just saying let’s eat together.”

Indeed, it’s a place where all the prestigious families and renowned clans gather.

And because of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, they aren’t accepting other guests, so the attention would be different.

In the first place, dining together with servants might not look very good.

“I’ll handle it, so it’s fine.”

At my words, Hongwa eventually nodded.

In a way, it could have been an uncomfortable situation for the servants.

Honestly speaking, it was close to me imposing my will since my regression.

[There’s a somewhat selfish thought mixed in.]

‘Yes. That’s right.’

[Self-awareness of selfishness is a sin.]

‘I know that too.’

[…Hmm.]

Upon hearing my answer, Old Man Shin didn’t continue.

The meaning of his silence was that he didn’t approve, but it was like telling me to handle it myself.

After Hongwa left, I opened all the windows in the room.

It was for ventilation, and also to admire the falling snow outside.

Even though it was snowing this heavily, the streets of the county were bright.

Since it’s called the safest place in the Central Plains, it makes sense that such streets are maintained.

“Safe? Freeze to death.”

Knowing that its ephemeral name would crumble within just a few years, all I could do was laugh.

“I feel like drinking.”

It was a day I suddenly felt like it.

I didn’t drink much in my previous life either, but I did enjoy it in my own way.

[Why aren’t you drinking this time?]

“I have to hold back.”

I know my body isn’t exactly in perfect condition, so I’m trying to avoid creating any discord within it.

So, I’ll refrain from drinking for the time being.

“…Should I ask Tang Soyeol for some strong tea?”

Wouldn’t that be roughly similar?

With such thoughts, I went down to the lower floor.

******************

As I mentioned earlier, there were still seven days until the Dragon Phoenix Gathering began.

Because of that, it wasn’t a very crowded time.

Prestigious family members wouldn’t enjoy waiting, so those who are here now must be from quite far away from Hanam or have business in Hanam.

Thanks to that, it was still relatively quiet compared to the number of people visible.

Amidst them, I was puckering my lips with a frown.

“How is it?”

Wi Seol-ah scooped a handful of food onto a plate and asked, handing it to me.

“…It’s not bad, but the dumplings I ate in the carriage were tastier.”

Only after placing the plate in front of me did she get her own food.

Then, she took a bite and grinned broadly.

“It’s tasty though….”

“It is tasty, I’m just saying it’s relatively so.”

“Tea… shall I get you some?”

“Hmm? Yeah, thanks.”

Perhaps because Namgung Bi-ah slept so much? She seemed to have no appetite, just sipping tea.

“What about Miss Dang?”

“Unnie Soyeol said it would take a little longer! She has to reapply her makeup.”

“Ah… that… don’t mention it….”

“Ah!”

Wi Seol-ah covered her mouth, startled by Namgung Bi-ah’s words, but I had already heard it all.

Makeup… Does she really need to bother with that while eating?

As I pondered that question, Old Man Shin spoke as if amused.

[That’s just how women are.]

‘Don’t they do that?’

[…Those children don’t need to, so they can get away with it. That’s why I hate you.]

‘Last time you said you disliked me, now you’ve escalated to hatred….’

Isn’t the level of dislike escalating too quickly?

I picked up another dumpling and shifted my gaze.

“Why aren’t you eating.”

“…I am eating.”

I directed this towards Gu Jeolyeop, who was picking at his food.

“I called you here to eat, so why are you picking at it like that? Do you find the sweat and tears of farmers laughable?”

“Ah, no. I was just surprised because I didn’t expect you to call me to the table.”

“What makes you think it’s such a grand occasion to be called or not called.”

Why does everyone keep assigning significance to meal times?

Gu Jeolyeop hesitated and continued.

“You don’t like me, do you?”

“No, I don’t.”

“…”

“But what does that have to do with anything? Just eat.”

If you asked whether I liked him or disliked him, I disliked him.

If he had just come to pick a fight, I wouldn’t have thought much of it.

The problem was that he picked on Wi Seol-ah, of all people.

Honestly, perhaps because of that, I wanted to push Gu Jeolyeop around, make him stand up, push him around again, and again, but…

What Elder Lee told me lingered slightly in my mind.

-He’s a pitiful child.

That insignificant line of text settled bothersomely in a corner of my heart.

Tsk.

Since I’ve also experienced being caught in the middle and getting beaten up, I felt a bit sorry for Gu Jeolyeop, setting aside his personality or ideology.

‘That doesn’t mean I won’t push him around, though.’

Eating is eating, and what’s not is not. I carefully asked Gu Jeolyeop, who was cautiously putting food in his mouth.

“What did your grandfather tell you to do?”

“Yes?”

“What do you mean ‘Yes?’ ‘Yes?’ is basic. You’re supposed to watch me, but I have no clue what you’re supposed to be doing.”

“He didn’t specifically order me to do anything.”

Yeah, right.

I wish he could have calmed his trembling eyes before saying that.

Why is it that everyone around me can’t lie?

If you ask whether Gu Jeolyeop bothers me.

It’s not really like that.

If anything, I just feel a bit sorry for him.

He has talent, a handsome face, and a decent background.

It’s just that his circumstances aren’t very good.

‘Rather than someone harboring ambition being scary,’

It’s scary when the surroundings rot away.

That’s how Gu Jeolyeop looked to me.

“Figure it out yourself. If possible, make it obvious. If you get caught pulling any strange stunts, I’ll really break your arm next time.”

“S-stunts, what are you talking about.”

He’s still a child.

He’s treated as an adult, but he’s not of legal age; at best, he’s just an earnest boy.

As far as I could see, only Elder Il knew that.

As I watched him, something touched my lips, and I flinched back in surprise.

Upon checking, Wi Seol-ah was holding something up to my lips.

“Young Master. You need to eat your vegetables too.”

“…”

“Look, you ate everything except the vegetables…. Are you a baby, Young Master? Grandfather said only babies are picky eaters.”

“…I was going to eat them if you left them alone.”

“Liar! I’ve hardly ever seen you eat vegetables!”

Being treated like a child by Wi Seol-ah felt so unfamiliar and awkward.

In the end, I pretended to give in and shoved it all into my mouth.

[Heh heh, you were just calling that child a baby.]

‘…Life is truly arduous.’

Even as I steadily filled my stomach, I continuously scanned my surroundings.

If there’s one thing I learned from my entire past life, it’s that something always happens in buildings like these inns.

When people with some power gather, there are always those who can’t resist showing it off.

Especially young men full of vigor in the late-stage disciple age group.

‘So, I need to be careful not to get caught in the crossfire.’

I can’t cause trouble yet. If I’m going to fight, it’ll be seven days later.

So, I really hope nothing happens, but…

“Young Master, Young Master.”

“Hmm?”

“Over there….”

As expected, things never go exactly as I wish.

Following Wi Seol-ah’s words, I looked over and saw several people gathered around a large man dressed in yellow.

He’s quite large. Not as much as Elder Lee, but still.

‘Hwangbo Family?’

He seemed to be a late-stage disciple from the Hwangbo Family I saw earlier.

Who could it be? A blood relative of the family head?

I don’t know who the others are besides him, but…

Since they came for the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, they must be from notable families.

And amidst that group, I saw a woman who seemed to be suffering alone.

My mouth, about to take a bite of a dumpling, paused for a moment upon seeing her.

She wore a veil, so her face was hidden, and there was nothing to indicate which family she belonged to.

Her martial attire looked somewhat ornate, but it didn’t seem particularly expensive.

Perhaps due to the cold weather, she wore several layers of clothing, obscuring her figure.

However, the dangling earrings by her ears couldn’t be hidden.

My gaze was fixed there.

They weren’t ornaments meant to express her family or show something specific.

They were just earrings of a slightly unusual design, but they were identical to the earrings a certain woman wore until the very end.

‘…Has that crazy bitch come too?’

I put aside my momentary pause and immediately took a bite of the dumpling.

Even this fleeting hesitation might be noticed by that terrifying woman.

I forced myself to look away. There was no doubt it was her.

I was already certain.

I don’t know why a relative of the Four Great Families is here so early, but…

At the very least, I didn’t want to get involved with that woman here.

‘I expected to meet her at the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, but…’

Now that I’ve actually encountered her, various thoughts flood my mind.

Most of them were unpleasant thoughts.

“Which family’s young lady are you? My name is Hwangbo Cheolwi, would you like to have a drink together?”

To the invitation of the muscle-bound man who introduced himself as Hwangbo Cheolwi, the woman subtly showed him the wine glass placed before her.

“I’m already drinking, so I apologize, but perhaps another time.”

“It’s even better if you’re already drinking! Wouldn’t it be warmer drinking together on this cold night?”

“Again, I apologize, but I already have prior arrangements.”

She politely refused in a beautiful voice.

However, Hwangbo Cheolwi seemed unwilling to back down and instead pulled out a chair and sat down.

“I am Hwangbo Cheolwi.”

“…Yes, I heard you earlier.”

“You don’t know the Hwangbo Family?”

“I know. It’s a great place, isn’t it?”

Great? Bullshit. No matter what, could they be superior to the Four Great Families?

The veiled woman sitting opposite Hwangbo Cheolwi happened to be from a Four Great Family.

‘Does that boar have no brains?’

He seems to have already had a drink, but shouldn’t he at least be cautious when he’s at the Dragon Phoenix Gathering?

‘What is he going to do acting so thoughtlessly?’

It felt damn awful, like looking at my past self.

“Knowing that, coming on like this seems a bit much, doesn’t it?”

“…W-what do you mean?”

“Oh… your voice is cold, truly captivating. If it’s not too much trouble, could I perhaps see you remove your veil?”

“It is.”

Keeping my ears tuned to that direction, I continued eating.

From what I could tell, that Hwangbo guy seemed like he was attending the Dragon Phoenix Gathering for the first time.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t dare to pick a fight with someone of unknown identity.

That’s why I was worried.

Not about the woman pretending to be ignorant and weak, but about that chubby Hwangbo.

He picked a fight with someone he shouldn’t have.

What a pity.

‘Still, it’s better than it being directed at me.’

Pity is pity, but as long as the sparks don’t fly my way, there’s no problem.

“What are you doing right now!”

Fortunately, someone intervened, seemingly trying to mediate.

Getting involved there wouldn’t end well.

He must be quite the chivalrous type.

“…What are you doing right now?”

But that’s… one of our party…?

Hwangbo Cheolwi also turned his head this way at the shout.

From his instantly fierce expression, I realized the situation had passed a point of no return.

I looked up at someone with a dumbfounded expression.

He seemed to think my gaze was irrelevant.

A youth burning with chivalry in his eyes.

Gu Jeolyeop was shouting at that chubby Hwangbo.