Chapter 215: Omen. (2)

The sunset sky.

The sky, slowly dyeing itself crimson, and her hair, reflecting the bright sunset glow. It looked just like blonde hair.

The reason I was flustered was none other than this. Along with her gaze, which was coolly subdued unlike usual. The way she called me was, in another sense, far too familiar.

-Old Master.

Just like how she used to call me in my past life.

‘Did I hear that wrong?’

But it was too clear to be mistaken. And it couldn’t be a dream. I could only stare at her, Wi Seol-ah, with trembling eyes.

“You…. What did you just say….”

My voice stammered slightly, completely flustered. My heart was in turmoil.

Perhaps.

Just perhaps.

The thought that maybe Wi Seol-ah had also traveled back in time like me. I couldn’t control my heart, which was racing wildly.

‘If, if that’s the case, what would you do?’

Just as I was about to ask, I thought that internally. What would I do?

‘Then what would change?’

Clunk. I felt my body freeze stiffly. What bloomed softly within me was undoubtedly fear. What if, what if she had memories from my past life? Was that what I feared?

‘Yes.’

The sins I committed. What if she remembered them all? What if that meant we couldn’t have the relationship we have now? That’s what I fear right now.

‘You damn idiot.’

To be worrying about something like that now. It wasn’t enough to blame my thoughts on my regressed body. I’m just a lacking human. I just don’t want to keep admitting it.

As if suffocating, unable to finish the words I was about to speak. I quietly looked into Wi Seol-ah’s eyes.

‘What should I say.’

If that were the case.

What words should I utter?

Ten thousand thoughts flashed through my mind at once. But in the end, I couldn’t say anything, and only silence remained.

Then.

Zzuru-ruk-

Tears flowed from one of Wi Seol-ah’s eyes. Unusually, the tears flowed from only one side, not both. The tears, along with Wi Seol-ah’s beauty, exuded a special aura.

“No…. That…why…!”

Of course, unlike that, I couldn’t help but be severely flustered. Why was she crying all of a sudden? Even though we had been together for quite a long time. Someone else’s tears are always difficult to handle. Especially Wi Seol-ah’s tears.

As I fumbled around helplessly, whether it was regression or whatever, Wi Seol-ah looked at me and opened her mouth.

“…Why…. Did you leave me behind?”

Her voice was filled with tears.

Seeing that, I actually thought it was a relief. At least it didn’t seem like Wi Seol-ah had traveled back in time with me.

‘Is she simply hurt?’

Along with her expression crumbling bit by bit with her tears. Her sniffling showed the current Wi Seol-ah.

“You took Older Sister….”

Crying as if she was going to die of disappointment, it was clearly the current Wi Seol-ah. Seeing this, I didn’t know whether to call it a relief. Or whether to say it wasn’t entirely good because I had to comfort her.

“…I didn’t take her. She followed me.”

“That’s cruel! Anyway…anyway! You went together…!”

Who knew she would chase after me?

‘I was the one more surprised.’

Who knew she’d suddenly reach her peak and chase me all the way to the Dark Night Palace?

Honestly, there were so many excuses I could have made, but

“Really…. You’re too cruel.”

Leaving Wi Seol-ah crying in front of me, I couldn’t say everything I wanted to. I wasn’t in a position to be confident.

‘…Keu-ng.’

Especially since I ran away, seemingly abandoning Wi Seol-ah at the end. I had somewhat expected this outcome when I returned, but…

[So you’re saying you expected it but didn’t worry about it.]

‘…I did worry.’

It’s just that there were too many pressing matters, so it was pushed back a bit.

“Why…. Aren’t you going to scold me?”

“Huh?”

Wi Seol-ah said, wiping her tears. I had to wear a puzzled expression. Scold me for what?

“Calling me Master…. Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“Ah?”

The fact that the title she used to call me just before was different.

-Old Master.

Was she asking to be scolded for that?

“…What is it? Do you want me to scold you?”

Did Wi Seol-ah have such a preference…? If so, she’s very different from what she looks like.

Wi Seol-ah frowned slightly and said, “It’s not like that….”

“Then what is it.”

Wi Seol-ah didn’t answer and quickly turned her head. It was as if she was showing me that she was completely sulking.

“…That.”

What should I say? I pondered for a brief moment. But seeing her turn her head and wipe her tears. In the end, there was only one thing I could say.

“I’m sorry.”

I said to Wi Seol-ah, my voice seeming calm but not quite.

“I’m sorry for leaving you behind.”

I apologized again, just in case she hadn’t heard.

“It wasn’t for any other reason; it was just that the situation was dangerous, so it was awkward to bring you along.”

The reason I could bring Namgung Bi-ah along. Wasn’t just because she followed me. It was because she had become a martial artist at her peak. If she had reached that level, at least I could worry a little less.

At my words, Wi Seol-ah asked.

“…Because I’m weak?”

“That’s right.”

I answered honestly. It wasn’t a place where I could wander around taking care of Wi Seol-ah. I didn’t want to take Wi Seol-ah to a place where who knows what might happen to her.

Fortunately, Wi Seol-ah didn’t seem too shocked. She just tried hard to wipe away her flowing tears. She didn’t show any other reaction afterward. Wi Seol-ah, who had been quietly moving her lips, carefully brought up words she had been holding back.

“I… I hope you don’t get hurt, Young Master….”

“I’m healthy. You can tell just by looking.”

“But why do you always come back injured…?”

“…”

Was that so…? At least I don’t think I got hurt this time. Although I almost did.

“I… I’ll work hard.”

“What do you mean ‘work hard’? You’re already working hard.”

At least, that’s how it seemed to me. Perhaps she didn’t like my words. Wi Seol-ah yelled out.

“There are things like that…!”

As if saying, ‘You wouldn’t know.’

Could it be sword skills she was referring to? Although Wi Seol-ah still carried a wooden sword, looking at her sword path earlier, she didn’t seem to be doing particularly well. I don’t know much about swords, but that didn’t look like a normal way to do it.

‘Then it seems Sword Master isn’t teaching her.’

At least, Sword Master wouldn’t have taught her like that. Even from my perspective, it was vastly different from how the past-life Wi Seol-ah performed. Or perhaps, should I say it was somewhat similar? It was hard to explain. It felt subtle rather than just crude.

“So, Young Master…. Can’t you not leave me behind anymore?”

It seemed that was what she ultimately wanted to say.

“I was very scared….”

I didn’t ask what scared her. Because somehow, it felt awkward to hear the answer.

“…I’m sorry.”

I didn’t say I wouldn’t. That would be a lie. I had no intention of pushing Wi Seol-ah into dangerous situations in the future. It’s just…

‘I can’t just let her do nothing like this.’

I knew the Heavenly Demon was already on this land. Moreover, having missed the Heavenly Demon along with the Dark Night Palace Lord. I couldn’t just leave Wi Seol-ah in a peaceful world as if nothing happened.

‘…Even if I don’t want her to wield a sword.’

She needs to be able to protect herself at least. Even if she isn’t the Divine Sword who ran on the front lines carrying all expectations and burdens like in my past life. Just enough to protect herself, at the very least.

For that, it would have been best if Sword Master stepped forward, but Sword Master wasn’t doing so.

‘What is he thinking?’

I couldn’t know. I never thought Sword Master would truly live his life as a retainer for the Gu family. It’s unclear why he’s staying with the Gu family in the first place. I don’t know why the current Sword Master isn’t letting Wi Seol-ah wield a sword.

‘Something seems to be going on.’

I knew there were circumstances surrounding the elder called the Three Venerables, but now, I needed to know those circumstances in detail. Especially considering the Heavenly Demon I saw in the Mud Mountain Range.

Remembering the sword-wielding child from that time. I looked at the sniffling Wi Seol-ah before my eyes.

‘She’s a different person.’

She is definitely a different person. Even if her smile is similar. Even if the aura she gives off is strangely similar. You and that person are different.

‘Even if I can’t say there’s no connection.’

I had to think that much clearly.

“Young Master.”

“Hm?”

“You’re thinking about something else again, aren’t you…?”

“…No. I’m not.”

I was caught. This habit of falling into thought often could be disastrous if it showed in battle. It was a habit I absolutely had to fix. Though it wasn’t exactly easy.

“Really? You’re not lying?”

“…Of course. I’m not.”

“No, that’s the face you make when you lie, Young Master….”

“What, what kind of face is that?”

“A really weird face.”

“…?”

Where did that tearful voice go? This part was said with such a firm voice. How cruel.

After that, Wi Seol-ah sniffled a few times. The sky, gradually turning into night, caught my eye. The weather was also getting colder accordingly. I don’t feel the cold much, but Wi Seol-ah wouldn’t be able to handle it, so we should head down soon.

“Let’s head down now. It’s getting cold….”

Deok-seok.

I was about to say we should go, but suddenly Wi Seol-ah came closer and hugged me tightly. I tried to urge her that we needed to go down quickly, but hearing her quiet sniffling in my arms, I couldn’t open my mouth and ended up stroking Wi Seol-ah’s small back. Infusing it with warmth so she wouldn’t be cold.

As I stood still, Wi Seol-ah’s grip tightened on me. It felt like she didn’t want to let go, but

‘Her strength… is much greater than I thought?’

Wi Seol-ah’s pressure was at a level where my ribs would be strained if I endured it any longer. A normal person without inner energy might have actually been crushed.

“Let’s really head down now. Hongwa will get angry.”

Not at me, but at you.

“…Ugeu-ng.”

“You mean you understand…?”

As if confirming, Wi Seol-ah nodded in my arms. Is this enough? I really hope so.

“Let’s go.”

“…Neng.”

I held Wi Seol-ah’s hand in case she stumbled. Perhaps it was the weather, but her hand felt particularly cold. I slowly moved my feet before it got darker. Throughout the descent from the mountain, Wi Seol-ah didn’t say anything to me. She just quietly sniffled.

At that moment, I… Wi Seol-ah’s hand, which had been gradually warming up even without me giving her my heat. It bothered me.

---

By the time Wi Seol-ah, who had finally descended the mountain, was caught by Hongwa and being scolded. Even though she knew Gu Yangcheon had returned to the Gu family, Tang Soyeol was still outside the family estate. There were many things she wanted to say to Gu Yangcheon immediately, but due to the unfolding situation, there was something she had to attend to first.

This place was a marketplace in Shanxi. It was where Gu Yangcheon occasionally bought snacks whenever he went out.

‘…Hoo.’

While it was true that it had quite a few people and was bustling year-round, it wasn’t the biggest street in Shanxi. Being in the vicinity of the Gu family, it might be the safest place in Shanxi. In the center of such a street, Tang Soyeol had to let out a sigh as she looked at a building under construction.

‘…They’re really building it?’

It was probably the site of a large inn. It had been demolished unnoticed, and a much larger building was being constructed. And not just any building, but one for a famous merchant guild.

Tang Soyeol knew about this guild. Not only had she heard through correspondence, but it was also a reasonably well-known place in the Central Plains, so she couldn’t not know. The building currently under construction. Was none other than that of a guild operated by the Moyong family, the victors of Liaodong.

As she stood watching such a large building being constructed. Someone spoke to Tang Soyeol.

“You came early.”

“…You summoned me.”

“That’s right. I summoned you, Young Lady.”

A woman fitting the cold spring night weather. The Snow Phoenix of the Moyong family. Moyong Hi-ah spoke to Tang Soyeol. Moyong Hi-ah, who didn’t quite match the weather, covered her face with a pretty fan and said with a smile.

“Still, I didn’t mean for you to come right away.”

“Really?”

“…Perhaps there was just a tiny bit of that intention.”

Her subtle movements were incredibly alluring, even to Tang Soyeol, a woman herself. A swamp one couldn’t escape once fallen into. In Tang Soyeol’s eyes, Moyong Hi-ah was such a woman.

“So, Young Lady Moyong, may I know why you summoned me…?”

Although she was flustered upon receiving the letter. Since it was Moyong Hi-ah, Tang Soyeol didn’t refuse. The reason her voice held a slight bitterness now. Was simply because she hadn’t seen Gu Yangcheon despite his return.

Did she notice that? Moyong Hi-ah’s eyes curved like crescent moons.

“Please, come inside first. It’s cold outside.”

“Can I go in?”

“Of course, they said the first floor was already finished.”

Finishing her words, Moyong Hi-ah moved her steps inside the building. Tang Soyeol watched the woman’s retreating back. Suddenly, Moyong Hi-ah stopped and looked back at Tang Soyeol, adding one more thing.

“Don’t worry. It’ll be good news for you too, Young Lady Tang.”

“…Yes?”

As if she would tell the rest of the story inside. Moyong Hi-ah then entered the building.

“…”

Tang Soyeol hesitated for a moment before following her into the building. And then, the conversation between the two women continued late into the night.

---

Past the Hour of the Boar (roughly 9-11 PM). The Gu family head’s study still had its lights on.

It was because Gu Cheol-un had many things to handle. The matters Gu Yangcheon had left unfinished. The martial arts alliance moving to wrap things up with the Dark Night Palace. Including the whereabouts of the escaped Palace Lord. On top of that, matters concerning Gu Huibi, and the business dealings conveyed by the Moyong family. The letters piled on his desk were higher than ever.

Having left the family estate and moved around for quite some time, he should have been exhausted. Gu Cheol-un’s expression remained impassive. He just silently continued his work.

Sa-rak- Sa-rak-

Inside the room, only the lit candlelight. And the sound of turning letters filled the air.

As he repeated the same motion for such a long time.

Ut-teuk-

Gu Cheol-un, who had been repeating his actions, suddenly stopped. He then cleared away the things piled on his desk. And changed his posture slightly. A guest had arrived.

“Come in.”

Deu-reuk-

The door to the head’s study opened, and someone entered.

“Sorry for the late hour.”

“Not at all.”

The guest who arrived at dawn was none other than Sword Master. Gu Cheol-un looked at Sword Master, who had arrived so suddenly. His already haggard face seemed even more worried, and perhaps as a reaction, Sword Master’s usually firm aura felt slightly disturbed.

The reason Sword Master came to Gu Cheol-un at this dawn hour. Gu Cheol-un had already guessed it.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t help with what happened.”

“It’s alright.”

Gu Cheol-un knew that Sword Master wouldn’t intervene in matters concerning Gu Huibi. Sword Master had been working tirelessly, knowingly or unknowingly, all this time.

Gu Cheol-un asked, looking at Sword Master.

“The reason you’ve come to see me is because the preparations are now complete, isn’t it?”

To the calmly asked question. Sword Master slowly nodded his haggard face.

“…That’s right.”

A strangely quiet night. In the empty dawn where not even a single night insect chirped. Sword Master spoke without opening his closed eyes.

“As soon as the preparations of faith are complete…. I think I will leave.”