Chapter 394: I Don’t Feel So Good. (1)

Mi Hyoran liked to dream.

Unlike the current messy, topsy-turvy situation, the world seen in her dreams reflected brighter, more brilliant times.

Although the nightmares she sometimes had were agonizingly painful, dreams still showed her the happiest times.

On the other hand, she also felt dreams were sad.

Dreams that showed only the happiest moments, moments she couldn’t experience now, would leave her dazed with a deep longing upon waking.

It was like that now, too.

Mi Hyoran knew she was dreaming. She couldn’t possibly not know.

After all, a friend she could no longer see standing so vividly before her could only happen in a dream.

-It’s a flower, a flower!

-Kyaaaak! It’s a bee!

-Hyoran! Biyun, run!

-Cheonhui! Put that down!

…

Actually, she realized suddenly, this might not be a scene she particularly wanted to see.

Nevertheless, she didn’t look away.

-Hyoran?

Amidst the near-chaotic situation, the white-haired woman approached, a smile playing on her lips.

It was a radiant smile, as always.

Even Mi Hyoran, who was often described as cold, even ruthless, felt something frozen within her melt just a little when faced with that child’s smile.

She was that kind of charming child.

Perhaps that’s why the man also smiled at her.

-Hyoran! It’s a flower!

How could someone smile so happily while thrusting forward a flower that was clearly no ordinary bloom? Mi Hyoran’s personality made it difficult to comprehend.

Mi Hyoran accepted the flower the woman offered.

Seeing it, someone expressed disgust.

-Miss Mi! That’s a poisonous weed! Throw it away immediately!

She was a cold-looking beauty dressed in light blue martial attire, with black hair.

Despite possessing an icy, frost-like impression, her personality was the complete opposite-fiery.

Bai Feng Moyong Biyun. That was the name she went by.

At Moyong Biyun’s words, the white-haired woman spun around and changed direction, heading towards Moyong Biyun. Upon realizing this, Moyong Biyun started screaming and running away.

-Is this kid crazy! No! Leave the bee behind!

-It’s a flower!

-I know, so don’t come any closer!

Watching this, Mi Hyoran covered her face with her fan and chuckled.

Although it felt like a trivial play, seeing them like that provided a sense of stability.

Thinking thus, Mi Hyoran looked at her hand.

In her hand was an unknown white flower, given by the white-haired woman. Moyong Biyun had called it poisonous and told her to throw it away.

Mi Hyoran knew well that this flower wasn’t poisonous. She was certain that child would never give her such a thing.

Carefully placing the flower inside her robes, she thought.

-I’ll have to find out the flower’s name later.

Was it because she particularly liked the flower?

The thought crossed her mind that maybe she’d try growing it someday, if the time was right.

Afterward, Mi Hyoran calmly took in the scene unfolding before her.

A cloudless sky and a wide, sprawling forest. Butterflies seen only occasionally, and the chirping of insects from the woods.

If someone were told that this seemingly peaceful scene was the ‘Demon Realm’, would they believe it?

They wouldn’t.

Not least because Mi Hyoran herself couldn’t believe it.

This place, the Demon Realm that so many feared?

Wondering how she ended up in such a place, she wasn’t overly worried, despite the circumstances.

That was how it was back then.

Was it because she was young, or because she didn’t care about anything as long as she was with them?

Looking back, the current Mi Hyoran would surely say it was the latter.

No matter what happened, she believed everything would be alright as long as she was with them.

It was a time when she was swept up in a naive romanticism completely contrary to her nature; ironically, it was that time she missed, which led her to dream like this.

That’s why she felt sad.

Knowing she could never see this sight again made it even sadder.

The current Mi Hyoran also knew.

That the moment she was experiencing now was a dream.

That’s why she was trying to take in as much as she could.

Because it would be a small comfort in the days ahead.

Just then, Mi Hyoran saw the white-haired woman, who had been chasing Moyong Biyun for a while, suddenly approach her.

-Hyoran.

The woman called Mi Hyoran’s name.

Her shimmering white hair and purplish eyes, bordering on pink, were like jewels.

-Are you happy?

Mi Hyoran flinched at the woman’s words. Her own reflection in the woman’s eyes looked quite surprised.

-What…

-As long as Hyoran is happy, that’s all that matters. Are you happy, Hyoran?

Could she hear things like this only because it was a dream?

As a strange emotion stirred within her, Mi Hyoran realized she couldn’t give any answer.

The question of happiness.

She could at least say ‘no’, but conversely, Mi Hyoran found it difficult to recall what happiness even was.

What is happiness?

It was something she’d been thinking about often lately; perhaps that’s why she was hearing this even in a dream.

And from her friend, no less.

Mi Hyoran remained silent for a moment, then after a brief pause, she spoke to the woman.

-I’m trying to be happy.

Then, she asked the question back.

-Were you happy?

The woman smiled at Mi Hyoran’s words. No answer came.

She knew.

That the woman wouldn’t answer.

After all, this world was merely a memory Mi Hyoran had conjured because she wanted to see it.

As Mi Hyoran tried to take in the world again, brushing aside her disappointment, the white-haired woman spoke.

-It’s not your fault, Hyoran. So you can be happy.

-…!

Mi Hyoran froze stiff at the woman’s words.

It felt strangely out of place for a dream.

The moment Mi Hyoran looked at the woman with trembling eyes and reached out her hand.

[Sect Leader-nim.]

A voice cutting through from afar invaded Mi Hyoran’s ears.

At that moment.

Mi Hyoran had no choice but to wake from her dream.

---

When Mi Hyoran opened her eyes, a dark ceiling greeted her first.

It seemed the night wasn’t over yet. Mi Hyoran confirmed this and slowly sat up.

“…”

Despite having just woken up, Mi Hyoran’s eyes were clear. This stemmed from her resolve to always maintain composure, at least outwardly.

Even if her insides were in turmoil, her exterior must remain sharp.

It was one of the ironclad rules for the leader of a merchant guild.

Mi Hyoran sat up, shook her head slightly, and tried to organize her thoughts.

‘…What kind of dream was that?’

She felt like she’d definitely dreamt something, but she couldn’t recall it. It felt like an important dream…

An undeniable sense of regret welled up, but Mi Hyoran pushed it aside and glanced sideways.

“What is it.”

Beside her, a man clad in black clothes and a mask knelt on one knee, facing Mi Hyoran.

It was Mujin, her bodyguard.

“…A guest has arrived.”

“At this hour?”

“Yes.”

Mi Hyoran frowned at Mujin’s reply.

A guest arriving this late meant they had visited rudely, without prior notice.

Such people were among the types Mi Hyoran, who valued planning, disliked the most.

The reason Mi Hyoran didn’t get angry was Mujin himself, who had bothered to wake her despite knowing all this.

If he went out of his way to wake her and announce a guest, it meant this guest was important to Mi Hyoran.

Knowing that, she didn’t press the matter further.

“Where is the guest?”

“…They are waiting outside.”

Mi Hyoran nodded at Mujin’s words and walked outside.

She needed to compose herself and then find out who this visitor was.

‘Who could it be.’

Someone who would seek her out at this hour.

A few individuals came to mind, but none were people Mujin wouldn’t stop.

Knowing that, Mi Hyoran couldn’t help but wonder.

Just who had come to see her?

Kiiik.

She stepped outside the door.

The first thing she saw was a lake. A small lake belonging to the lodging separately provided by the inn.

The lake reflected the full moon hanging in the sky.

What a lovely view, Mi Hyoran thought.

Only then did Mi Hyoran realize someone else was looking at the lake besides herself.

“…Ah?”

As soon as she confirmed it, Mi Hyoran reacted.

Although hidden by shadows, Mi Hyoran could tell.

Her identity.

“Ahaha.”

The person, sensing Mi Hyoran had recognized her, burst into laughter.

Her characteristic cheerful, high-pitched laugh.

“How…?”

Hearing that much, Mi Hyoran became even more certain.

That this person was who she knew her to be.

At Mi Hyoran’s unusually flustered voice, the other person awkwardly scratched their cheek and started approaching.

The shadows concealing her figure dissipated, revealing the person’s identity.

It was a woman wearing light blue martial attire, still possessing shimmering black hair.

Being born a warrior, she hadn’t aged much, unlike the ordinary Mi Hyoran.

That, as a woman, was enviable and, at the same time…

…seeing her looking like she did back then made Mi Hyoran recall those nostalgic times.

“Miss Mi.”

“…”

Mi Hyoran’s pupils trembled at the address, unheard for at least a decade.

“It’s been a long time.”

Mi Hyoran’s shoulders stiffened at the awkward greeting.

Seeing Mi Hyoran stiffen, the woman, whose tension was palpable…

A member of the Moyong clan, a rival for the same man in the past, and also a friend.

Bai Lian Sword Moyong Biyun.

Moyong Biyun spoke, looking at the stiff Mi Hyoran.

“Can we… talk for a bit?”

Her voice seemed somewhat shaky.

Mi Hyoran looked at her, speechless for a moment, then gave a slight nod.

And so, the two went inside the lodging.

---

“I’m sorry.”

The apology came out of the blue while I was eating breakfast.

I looked at the person offering the apology while stuffing a handful of dumplings into my mouth.

A woman notable for her black, shoulder-length bob, dressed in black martial attire.

It was Peng Ahui.

“Wh-what are you saying?”

“…Sorry for interrupting your meal. Can you finish eating first…?”

At those words, I roughly chewed and swallowed what was in my mouth, then asked her again.

“What are you talking about? Why apologize all of a sudden?”

I asked why she was acting like this, showing up unannounced this morning, and Peng Ahui avoided my gaze as she spoke.

“I heard there was a bit of trouble between you… and our Guild Master.”

“Ah.”

Is she talking about yesterday?

It seems she’s referring to the friction with the Peng Guild Master that happened last night on the Hanan street…

Even hearing the reason, I had to tilt my head in confusion.

“There wasn’t any trouble involving me, though?”

If there was trouble, it was with Gu Yeonseo. If an incident occurred, it was with Bai Lian Sword.

It wasn’t a major issue involving me, but…

Despite my words, Peng Ahui continued speaking with a displeased expression.

“I apologized to Miss Gu too… I’m sorry.”

It seems she even went to see Gu Yeonseo.

Is Peng Ahui cleaning up the mess her father, the Poison King, made? Just looking at this.

‘This kid seems fine… I don’t know why that old man is like that.’

It was truly strange how his children seemed fine, given the Poison King’s temperament.

In my opinion, Peng Ahui was the closest to being normal.

Peng Woojin… well, he wasn’t exactly normal, but at least he wasn’t a foul-tempered person like the Poison King.

Recalling that, I said to Peng Ahui.

“Like I said, you don’t need to apologize to me.”

“…Okay.”

Despite my words, Peng Ahui’s expression didn’t improve, but what could I do?

“He’s not… he’s not usually like that. His condition has just worsened recently.”

Peng Ahui spoke as if making excuses.

I inwardly agreed with her words.

As far as I remembered, when the annulment of the engagement between the Gu and Peng families was discussed, if the Poison King had been his usual self, it would have been a huge mess, but things somehow went smoothly.

It seems something’s been wrong with him lately.

‘I’m not particularly curious about that.’

It was their family matter, none of my business.

At best, I’d just have to be careful to avoid further friction.

‘If I get involved with him again, I’ll probably get annoyed too.’

From my experience dealing with those kinds of people.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to tolerate his temper for long. If I got involved with the Poison King again, I’d end up snapping at him before I knew it.

After all, it would obviously be troublesome if I clashed with the head of one of the Four Great Families.

If I couldn’t stand it, avoidance was the best policy.

In that sense, from my perspective, the Poison King was no different from shit.

Because you avoid shit because it’s dirty.

“Don’t worry about it. Just eat your food.”

“…”

“I can tell you skipped breakfast.”

“I can skip meals sometimes…”

“You’ll collapse like that. Sit down and eat, quickly.”

I meant it sincerely. I’d seen too many people who collapsed because they didn’t eat properly, letting it pile up.

It’s foolish to starve yourself when you have food available.

As Peng Ahui hesitated even after my words, Tang Soyeol and Wi Seol-ah, who were nearby, pulled Peng Ahui down to sit.

For reference, Namgung Bi-ah was still asleep in her room.

Moyong Hi-ah hadn’t shown up yet.

‘I should probably see her soon.’

It was almost time to ‘ignite the passion’ in Moyong Hi-ah. Moyong Hi-ah should know that better than anyone, so she’d probably come on her own, right?

…But if she didn’t come.

‘Will I have to go find her?’

Honestly, I didn’t want to. If I went, it was obvious Bai Cheon Sword Master would be hovering around Moyong Hi-ah.

Thinking of that made me sigh involuntarily.

‘Why are all these old guys picking on me?’

For some reason, the heads of the Four Great Families were all eager to devour me.

Namgung Jin had a different meaning now, but Bai Cheon Sword Master was genuinely out to get me, and the Poison King’s gaze towards me was quite unsettling.

In that regard…

‘At least the Poison King…’

Maybe he’s relatively okay?

Thinking that, Tang Soyeol seemed somewhat different.

Sure, she has weird eyes and tastes, but otherwise, she’s within the normal range, like Peng Ahui.

Just as I was about to nod, recalling that, Tang Soyeol looked at me and spoke, perhaps sensing I was thinking about her.

“Oh, right, Young Master Gu.”

“…Uh, yeah?”

As I flinched and looked at her, like a thief caught red-handed.

Tang Soyeol smiled brightly. Her usual expression.

“There’s something I need to discuss regarding the Sichuan trip.”

Ah, it’s about the Sichuan trip. That’s a relief.

It was about time, I thought, and just as I was about to reply…

“Because of that, my father wants to meet you, Young Master Gu. Are you free today?”

“…”

Tang Soyeol’s words made me involuntarily clamp my mouth shut.

The father she was referring to was the Poison King.

…The Poison King wants to meet me?

An inexplicable chill ran down my spine.

Tang Soyeol continued.

“He said he’d prepare the meal on our end! That he’d find a delicious place!”

“…Ah…”

The Poison King is preparing a meal for me.

There was nothing inherently strange about what she said.

But for some reason, perhaps because of his epithet, a sense of unease washed over me.

It must be my imagination, right?

It had to be.