Chapter 135: Let’s Bow Down. (2)

Let’s put our heads down. (2)

Around the time they returned after finishing their meal, the attendant, Sora, asked Moyong Hi-ah.

“How did it go?”

Her young lady, who had said she would proceed as planned, had returned, but judging by her expression, it didn’t seem like anything particularly good had happened.

“It doesn’t look like it was today.”

Sure enough. My prediction was correct.

“There was also a hindrance.”

“A hindrance?”

“Yeah. There was one tactless martial artist.”

Moyong Hi-ah thought of Gu Jeolyub.

His face was somewhat to her taste, but judging by his movements, he seemed to have some skill as well.

However, the situation just wasn’t good.

“Fortunately, it’s a day later than predicted.”

Based on the information, I had predicted it would definitely be today, but I wonder if something happened.

He hasn’t arrived at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering yet.

“Are you planning to do it tomorrow too?”

“Since the payment has already been made, I have to make use of it.”

Hwangbo Cheol-wi’s acting skills, which exceeded Moyong Hi-ah’s expectations, also aided her thinking.

Tang Soyeol’s intervention was also an unexpected part.

‘Why is that child already here?’

Poisonous Kite Tang Soyeol. He was famous for his kind face but mismatched personality, the treasured jewel of the Tang family.

To exaggerate, the way he applied pressure against Hwangbo Cheol-wi, who looked about twice his size, was… compared to when I met him before, he looked much more grown.

Because of that, Hwangbo Cheol-wi had to struggle to calm his rough insides.

And above all else.

‘Namgung….’

Among those who seemed to be Tang Soyeol’s companions, she recalled the woman wearing Namgung family attire.

Her pale blue-white hair and seemingly hazy blue eyes gave off a unique aura.

‘Was there someone like that in the Namgung family?’

If she were perhaps a blood relative of the Namgung family, only his older sister came to mind.

Since they apparently didn’t leave the family estate, information about them was quite scarce.

‘Why would someone like that?’

According to Moyong Hi-ah’s prediction, the Namgung family should arrive tomorrow.

If she were a blood relative, the group felt somewhat off.

I heard the Namgung family was pursuing an engagement this time, but…

Could that group then be the place pursuing the engagement with the Namgung family? Shanxi Gu, where Hu Xiep serves as the family head.

I heard that she was engaged to Hu Xiep’s son.

‘Then who among them could it be?’

Moyong Hi-ah recalled, feeling the cold wind seeping through the window.

The tactless-looking boy who tried to save her, and the person who was watching Hwangbo Cheol-wi.

Quietly and leisurely.

The boy who was alone and quiet amidst the complex atmosphere.

Moyong Hi-ah has great intuition. Much more so than others.

Having benefited greatly from this since childhood, she tended to be confident in her abilities.

Such intuition from Moyong Hi-ah was telling her to keep an eye on that boy.

The boy seemed to be trying hard not to look, eating the food placed before him, but… all his secondary glances were observing Hwangbo Cheol-wi’s movements.

As if ready to intervene immediately if any problem arose.

Meanwhile, the reason he wasn’t channeling his internal energy was likely one of two reasons.

One, perhaps he didn’t want to draw attention. Second, he was strong enough without needing to channel his energy.

‘…That’s unlikely.’

Even though Hwangbo Cheol-wi wasn’t yet skilled enough to enter the Dragon-Phoenix level, he was, after all, a member of a prestigious family.

Even I, known as Snow Phoenix, couldn’t face Hwangbo Cheol-wi without channeling my internal energy.

Moreover, from that distance, it was impossible to intervene.

“Young lady?”

“Sorry, I got lost in thought for a moment.”

Maybe it’s because there were more unexpected situations than I thought. I feel tired. At Moyong Hi-ah’s words, the attendant immediately said they would bring tea.

Moyong Hi-ah, left alone, whispered quietly while letting in the breeze.

“I hope tomorrow goes as expected.”

Situations that don’t go according to plan.

This was what Moyong Hi-ah hated the most.

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

Having spent about three years in the Demon Realm.

Half of the transferred personnel had died, and now everyone was growing weary.

Seeing the purple moon. Seeing the red sky.

Eating the flesh of monsters.

Even the hope of continuing to live was gradually diminishing.

-What did you just say?

A sharp energy swept through the space inside the cave. Wi Seol-ah did not draw her sword, but the internal energy she emitted was no different.

-It seems you don’t understand what I’m saying.

While enduring the chilling energy, Moyong Hi-ah didn’t change her expression at all.

Instead, she only hardened her determined expression.

-Then you expect me to understand that beggar-like talk?

It’s rare to see Wi Seol-ah raise her voice.

Especially reacting so intensely.

-Abandon our comrades? How do you expect me to understand that?

-If you can’t understand, what will you do?

-Snow Phoenix!

Despite Wi Seol-ah’s intense shout, Moyong Hi-ah’s expression was exceedingly cold.

-Young Sword Master, I understand you value justice and respect, but are you intending to lose everyone by sticking to your values even now?

-Even so…

-That means!

Moyong Hi-ah slammed the fan she was holding down onto the floor. It was already torn and worn out from the passage of harsh years.

-You only do that when there’s a way. Young Sword Master, you cannot bear everything.

-Then perhaps I…

-Do you think we can endure properly after losing you?

-…Snow Phoenix.

The personnel holding their breath inside the room could not utter a word. Although they understood Wi Seol-ah’s feelings, Moyong Hi-ah’s words were not wrong.

It was always like that. She never spoke incorrectly.

It was the same for her now.

-The hidden dragons enduring outside, and the others, are the same.

-So now, are you saying we should abandon Young Master Gu?

-Yes.

Grind.

At Moyong Hi-ah’s firm words, Wi Seol-ah clenched her teeth. She bit down so hard that a slight crunching sound could be heard.

Moyong Hi-ah’s gaze turned towards me.

-Young Master Gu.

-Why.

I looked at her and replied indifferently.

I knew better than anyone that this was the most fitting thing to do.

-I’ll hear your complaints later.

-When, after you die?

-Yes.

-Crazy bitch, look how firm she is.

I was so dumbfounded that I burst out laughing without realizing it. At this, Wi Seol-ah interjected, but…

-As expected… it won’t work. I…

-I’ll do it.

-… !

At my answer, Wi Seol-ah’s expression contorted.

-What kind of nonsensical talk is that…! If it’s not about succeeding, but about someone having to go…

-They’ll die.

At my answer, Wi Seol-ah pressed her lips together tightly.

Who wouldn’t know how many demonic beasts were arrayed outside and how the situation was unfolding? They were uncountable.

In such a situation, the hidden dragons and the others were barely holding on.

Wi Seol-ah was the same. She had been fighting until just before, only resting briefly to recover her internal energy.

-But is there anything wrong with what that crazy bitch is saying?

-Young Master Gu…

-Don’t rely on emotions just at times like this. If you’re going to resent someone, blame everyone else, not that woman.

Because I was also blaming my own weakness.

Wi Seol-ah often looked so weary when losing someone.

But what can you do?

-If it’s not me, everyone dies.

-I can play that role too.

-Right. Everyone else can do it besides me.

But among them, I was the one who would cause the least trouble if I died.

If Wi Seol-ah, the top combatant, were to die, the survivors’ hope would disappear.

In a situation like this, if even one more person were lost, we couldn’t fill the gap.

-We passed the point where everyone could push through together long ago.

-…

-Do you think I want to die? But we’re all going to die anyway.

By drawing attention, could these people escape alive? I wasn’t even sure of that.

Still, I have to do it.

I felt something in Wi Seol-ah’s gaze, but I turned my head away. The others who were holding their breath with me actually avoided meeting my gaze.

Whether that was due to guilt, or guilt over their own relief, I didn’t care.

-Three years, huh? You lasted a long time.

Inappropriately so.

They endured well in a situation where they should have died long ago.

Just the fact that I survived by stepping on those who wanted to live was already shitty, but…

now, I felt like I could finally let go of some of that.

-Hey.

-Yes.

Moyong Hi-ah was still looking at me. Her gaze was unchanged.

-…

-Don’t you have something to say?

-No, nothing.

At this point, it wasn’t my place to say anything.

If you asked if I resented Moyong Hi-ah, honestly, it would be hard to say I didn’t resent her at all, but I could understand her.

People really change a lot.

To understand that situation.

-I’m going.

At my words, Wi Seol-ah tried to reach out, but she couldn’t grasp me in the end. The situation where she could have grabbed me had long passed.

Moyong Hi-ah added no further words.

She’s always been that kind of person. If it served her needs, she was someone who would discard or accept without hesitation.

Yet, everyone didn’t hate or dislike her. The reason was simple.

She always placed herself within the framework she set.

Even in a situation like this, if the most unnecessary person wasn’t me but Moyong Hi-ah herself, she would have gone without hesitation.

However, that wouldn’t happen.

Snow Phoenix, hidden dragons, or Wi Seol-ah.

If even one of them collapsed, there was no way they could endure.

As I was about to move ahead, I asked Moyong Hi-ah something else.

-When you go back, are you going to keep doing pointless things?

-You’re suddenly asking strange things. Pointless things?

-Just answer.

-I will.

-That’s amazing. Do you know how utterly foolish that is?

-It’s just a necessary task.

-Crazy bitch…

I chuckled.

That was the end of the conversation. Because we had nothing more to say to each other.

After I chose sacrifice and ignored Wi Seol-ah, who had slumped down, and walked past.

The next time I met up with the group was about five years after entering the Demon Realm.

Back then, much had changed. Including the fact that I had survived.

And the fact that they were alive.

When we met again, there was no glorious reunion filled with tears.

Because I had to kill them all.

Late at night, with the moon having risen to the center of the sky.

The room assigned to me was a good one, spacious enough for one person.

“Posture.”

At my words, Gu Jeolyub hastily twisted his body. His strength seemed to have waned, as he kept losing his form.

“You’re channeling your internal energy? Do you want to die?”

“No…!”

Stealthily channeling energy from his dantian was obvious.

Gu Jeolyub, who was being punished, had his head pressed to the floor and was whimpering.

At first, he had made a displeased face, asking what he did wrong, so… I kindly made sure he showed a face I liked.

‘He might feel wronged.’

Of course, I don’t think Gu Jeolyub acted with purely bad intentions.

“Justice, good.”

At that age, it’s the driving force that makes one act thoughtlessly, causing many things.

In the future, with that driving force, one could become many things.

‘But that’s when you have the skill.’

Objectively looking at Gu Jeolyub, it’s true he’s outstanding for his age.

He wouldn’t lack the qualifications to be called a genius.

However, this world is vast, and there are many late bloomers.

Right now, Gu Jeolyub would lose even to Tang Soyeol, let alone Namgung Bi-ah.

“You, in that state, trying to save someone?”

“…Even if I lack strength, I was taught not to hesitate in saving the weak.”

“That’s a nice saying, but why did you smash my arm?”

“…That.”

“Right, I must have done something wrong.”

“Yes…”

“Yes? Yes?”

“Ah, no. First Young Master.”

It’s certainly a fine saying.

I could not dare say that saying was wrong.

The reason this era came about, and the reason the Heavenly Demon could die.

Were miracles formed by such righteousness.

Though I’m too busy trying to survive to do it myself, it’s something I can’t do.

“Then you should save the weak, why are you sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong?”

“What do you mean…”

Moyong Hi-ah is not weak.

It seems Gu Jeolyub hasn’t grasped that far.

“You tactless punk, why are you stepping up without knowing your place?”

“…”

There was a brief moment of silence, so when I looked back, Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah were looking at me with strange expressions.

“Why, what?”

“Noooo…”

“Yeah…”

What’s with that strange reaction…?

I turned my head back and looked at Gu Jeolyub.

“Did you think you were going to win earlier?”

“…”

“Judging by your reaction, it seems you thought so.”

Gu Jeolyub flinched. It was clear that he charged in because he thought he would win, judging by his actions.

“…Wasn’t I?”

“No, you would have won.”

He would have won, because Hwangbo Cheol-wi’s strength didn’t seem particularly strong.

Still, he wouldn’t have won easily.

Being full of youthful vigor is good, but you should have acted after assessing the situation.

“Then…!”

“Meddling is something you do when you can take responsibility for it.”

The things that would have happened if he had caused trouble like that.

The inn becoming a mess, and us, as companions, having to take responsibility. Potential trouble with the Hwangbo family, and if the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering schedule encountered problems, etc.

“Can you take responsibility for all of this yourself?”

“…”

“Know your place. Righteousness that you can’t take responsibility for should be practiced when you’re alone. If you don’t like that, get lost right now.”

It was a noble mindset that could make one a hero, but without the skill to back it up, it was meaningless.

It might be selfish and harsh, but driven solely by righteousness, there were countless people who burned themselves and those around them.

This damn Central Plains isn’t without such people.

And I knew that the ending for heroes wasn’t always happy.

“…I apologize. I will be careful.”

Stumbling, Gu Jeolyub got up.

His expression was still not good, and he looked like he didn’t understand.

In the first place, I wasn’t telling him to understand.

Rather, compared to someone like me, Gu Jeolyub probably had a finer mindset.

Right now, the fact that I almost got involved with Moyong Hi-ah didn’t sit well with me, so it wasn’t like I wasn’t taking it out on him.

‘What was she trying to do?’

Moyong Hi-ah wasn’t weak-willed, and the fact that she remained silent and still while suffering that treatment was even more surprising.

One could say it’s because she was lazy, but that’s something only someone with my personality could do.

‘[Yeah right, you staying still. It’d be a miracle if you didn’t break something immediately.]’

‘…As far as I know, in Moyong Hi-ah’s case, that wasn’t the case.’

Since she was a woman who used every possible means to get what she wanted, I wonder if such intentions were mixed in this time too.

‘What?’

What exactly was she trying to gain here?

Her sky-blue eyes, shining in the darkness, came to mind.

Recalling that, I felt inexplicably complicated, so I took a sip of tea.

While doing so, I glanced sideways at Namgung Bi-ah.

Earlier, Moyong Hi-ah flinched while looking at Namgung Bi-ah; that came to mind.

‘Seeing something like that, does it mean her objective is already set?’

Moyong Hi-ah’s objective. And her connection with Namgung Bi-ah.

Since she was so famous even from her previous life, it wouldn’t be strange if it were the same this time.

Moyong Hi-ah wanted to obtain a certain man.

What it was for, I don’t know.

Whether it was for love, or for some purpose, I hadn’t heard.

Even as time passed, Moyong Hi-ah’s objective didn’t change until the end.

Even while spending nights with me.

‘A pointless thought.’

Considering they say the memory of one’s first woman is not easily forgotten, seeing as there weren’t any particular feelings left, I wondered if it was a futile thought.

The fact that it wasn’t done out of mutual affection was likely a big reason, but…

‘Anyway, as long as I don’t get involved from now on…’

Then it’ll be fine.

I thought that would be enough.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Moyong Hi-ah.”

However, seeing Moyong Hi-ah smiling brightly since the morning, I immediately realized.

It was already hopeless.