Chapter 252: The Lady of White Flowers Mi Hyoran. (2)

How much time had passed?

It hadn’t been long since I woke up.

Seeing the moon had risen, it was probably just past the Hour of the Rat (Jasí).

It was rather late for a guest to visit, but.

Namgung Bi-ah couldn’t say anything about it.

Because the other party was who she was.

“…”

As Namgung Bi-ah searched all around.

The woman sipping the tea she somehow found and brought out moved with full grace.

Despite the subtle traces of time, her appearance remained exquisitely beautiful.

Even the clothes she wore, just a quick glance told that they were no common attire.

The flowing silence was heavy.

What should I say to her?

Namgung Bi-ah resented her own lack of conversational skills.

While she hesitated and merely moved her lips.

The woman sitting opposite her broke the silence first.

“I’m sorry for visiting so late at night.”

The woman smiled slightly as she spoke.

The indefinable grace emanating from that smile made it even harder.

“Ah…. I… I was also training…. You don’t need to… mind.”

“Thank you for understanding. Training… Does 소저 always train at this hour?”

“…Ah, yes….”

“I see. How diligent.”

Saying that, the woman began scribbling something onto the letter she had taken out.

“…Training… night.”

It looked like she was writing something very important.

From Namgung Bi-ah’s perspective, she was incredibly curious, but couldn’t bring herself to peek.

Perhaps the woman noticed she was paying attention, as she soon looked at Namgung Bi-ah and gave a slight cough.

“I apologize. I had a bit of business to attend to.”

“Not at all….”

“For a title, may I call you Namgung 소저?”

Namgung Bi-ah nodded at the woman’s words.

She soon regretted it.

I should have answered instead of nodding.

Perhaps it was due to being too nervous, but it felt like my head had malfunctioned.

“For me, comfortably….”

The woman, who had started to speak, suddenly closed her mouth.

It seemed she had something she wanted to say, but it wasn’t coming out easily.

“…Mi Buin, yes. I think you can call me Mi Buin.”

“Yes….”

“I’m sorry for visiting late at night. I heard a member of the great Namgung family was staying here, so I wanted to take the liberty of speaking with you.”

Namgung Bi-ah nodded at Mi Buin’s words, but.

Was that really the reason?

It seemed true that she wanted to talk, but.

It didn’t seem like she came just because her surname was Namgung.

‘…Why?’

Namgung Bi-ah didn’t understand why she thought that, but.

Somehow, it felt that way.

If one were to call this a hunch.

It’s because I’ve usually never been wrong.

“Namgung 소저 has a rather calm demeanor.”

“…Ah.”

Was she perhaps indirectly saying I’m quiet and boring?

If that were the case, I wanted to change it somehow, but.

Namgung Bi-ah had no way to do so.

Because in reality, I was closer to that side.

“I wish my daughters… would resemble me in that aspect.”

“Yes…?”

Is this okay?

Namgung Bi-ah couldn’t properly understand the unfolding conversation.

What was happening?

Namgung Bi-ah tried hard to quell her nervousness as she observed the woman before her.

‘…The stench… is faint…?’

If one didn’t pay attention, it was almost non-existent.

This was partly because Namgung Bi-ah’s own level had risen, and things had changed.

Also, his level had risen, which improved things, but.

Nevertheless, it was still shallow.

Just that alone made Namgung Bi-ah feel somewhat at ease.

However, the silence continued.

Since Namgung Bi-ah, who had absolutely no conversational skills, couldn’t initiate a conversation to break the silence.

More than anything, I didn’t know how to treat the other person.

Gu Yangcheon was the child of a concubine.

And the person before Namgung Bi-ah was heard to be the main wife.

In such a complex relationship, what should I do?

A remark Gu Yangcheon made once came to mind.

-You need to study common sense a bit.

Is this also something that exists within the realm of common sense?

If so, I should have listened to him sooner.

If I had known I would face a situation like this.

“That child.”

Mi Buin broke the silence again.

Namgung Bi-ah had to brace herself at the words that reached her ears.

‘…What is it…?’

If she meant that child.

She was clearly talking about Gu Yangcheon.

What could Mi Buin possibly have to say to Namgung Bi-ah about Gu Yangcheon?

‘Bad…mouthing…?’

As the saying goes, when the main wife talks about the child of a concubine.

It was usually like that.

Based on what Namgung Bi-ah had seen and experienced, it was 100% like that.

Would she bring up Gu Yangcheon’s past wrongdoings, or even fabricate new ones?

If that happened, how should I react?

‘Should I… get angry…?’

If it were someone else, they would have drawn their sword without hesitation, but.

Now, I had to think.

If I acted rashly, he would bear the responsibility.

Even things that weren’t his responsibility.

Knowing that he would take it upon himself, Namgung Bi-ah had to think very carefully.

Because to be by his side, I mustn’t cause him any trouble, at the very least.

While extremely tense, I waited for Mi Buin’s next words.

“That child.”

“Does he treat you well?”

“…Yes?”

“Does that child treat you, Namgung 소저, well?”

It was such an unexpected question that my already dazed mind felt like it turned even whiter.

‘Treats… me well?’

I tried hard to recall in response to the question.

Lately, it’s gotten a bit better, but he used to avoid me when I approached.

He’d often disappear without a word after saying he wouldn’t.

And then he’d come back badly injured somewhere.

His way of speaking was harsh.

And he was oblivious….

‘…?’

The more I thought about it, the stranger it felt.

As Namgung Bi-ah’s expression grew increasingly odd, Mi Buin smiled slightly and said.

“I can tell from 소저’s expression.”

“…Ah…! That…”

It was a mistake.

I should have managed my expression somehow.

Namgung Bi-ah hated how weak she was in this regard.

“He’s a child full of thorns, as you can see.”

At Mi Buin’s words, Namgung Bi-ah firmly closed the mouth that was about to make an excuse.

“He’s a child who wears thorns to hide his own wounds, so please don’t hate him. It’s the fault of the adults, not the child…”

The words that reached her were as calm as before.

Her tone was filled with a chilling lack of emotion, but.

Namgung Bi-ah felt her tension involuntarily ease at the strange sensation emanating from each word.

The person she had first encountered.

And who seemed somewhat different from the person she had imagined.

“I apologize for intruding so late at night. I can’t take up more of your time, so I must be going.”

Mi Buin rose and gave a slight bow.

Namgung Bi-ah hastily rose as well, but Mi Buin gestured.

It was a sign that a farewell wasn’t necessary, but.

Namgung Bi-ah couldn’t just sit there.

Did she really come just for such a short conversation?

What did Mi Buin come to see in me?

Namgung Bi-ah, who was lacking in learning and talent, couldn’t know, but.

Somehow, I felt I couldn’t just let her leave like this.

“…He’s a… good person.”

At the words Namgung Bi-ah struggled to utter.

Mi Buin’s steps halted momentarily.

“소저?”

“Pretending not to care about anything, while trying to protect those around him.”

The stammering, clumsy words calmed down instantly upon mentioning Gu Yangcheon.

It was truly strange.

That I could change like this just by talking about him.

“…Even though he acts recklessly, ultimately acting for others.”

Of course, his temper was a bit bad, so things got violent, and.

Every single day.

Saying that life was bothersome, that he was selfish and would live for himself, yet.

Namgung Bi-ah knew his eyes were looking at those around him, not just herself.

Why sometimes, in the way he looked at me.

I couldn’t understand if guilt and regret were lingering, but.

Since he didn’t mention it first, I didn’t bother asking.

Whatever the case may be.

Knowing he cared about me was enough for Namgung Bi-ah.

“…He’s a good person.”

Even though I spoke clearly.

My conversational skills were still lacking, so I couldn’t convey the story I ultimately wanted to, but.

Mi Buin seemed lost in thought for a moment at Namgung Bi-ah’s words.

Then she gave the same faint smile as before.

“…Is that so.”

Saying that, Mi Buin slowly walked outside and disappeared.

Left alone, Namgung Bi-ah felt as if she had endured a sudden storm.

She could finally breathe, letting out a held-in sigh.

She would later say.

That day was the most nerve-wracking day of Namgung Bi-ah’s life.

---

I walked the night path.

The moonlight descended and held light, but the dim path made it hard to see ahead.

For an ordinary person without enhanced senses, it was the kind of level where finding the way without a light source would be difficult.

However.

Mi Hyoran walked the path calmly.

It was a path I had walked countless times, so I couldn’t not know it.

‘Flowers used to bloom on the left.’

Though they were gone now.

Flowers had bloomed.

I hadn’t memorized their names, but they were definitely white flowers.

Though it was overgrown with weeds due to lack of care, and the trees had grown unattractively.

Mi Hyoran didn’t interfere.

It was probably because she knew the reason why her husband didn’t manage this path.

It must be because he didn’t want to touch the garden she had been creating, even now.

‘Foolish person.’

That was the extent of Mi Hyoran’s thoughts.

Mi Hyoran, strolling slowly through the garden.

“Mujin.”

Suddenly, she opened her lips and called someone.

-…Yes, Sect Leader-nim.

Then, surprisingly, a voice came from thin air.

Unperturbed, Mi Hyoran asked in a calm voice.

“How was it?”

-…As the common talk goes, it seemed much had changed.

“For example.”

-The biggest example is, it seemed he noticed my presence.

At the words of the man named Mujin, a spark flickered in Mi Hyoran’s eyes.

He felt my presence, you say?

“Is that certain?”

-Yes. To be precise, from the moment he faced Sect Leader-nim, it seems he had already detected my presence.

From the point of entering Gu Yangcheon’s room.

Does that mean he noticed Mujin’s presence much earlier?

That child?

-Because of that, I couldn’t approach easily, but observing from afar. He seemed very different from before.

“…Hmm.”

Mi Hyoran let out a breath at Mujin’s words.

She tried to define the swirling emotions.

“Is it joy, or perhaps bewilderment? Or maybe, regret?”

It’s a difficult thing.

Emotions were still difficult things for me.

The child’s growth, which caught my eye, was concerning, and.

Whether he might have escaped his past wounds.

Couldn’t that also be called hope for Mi Hyoran?

This, too, was a story difficult to define in any way.

“Yes, he’s called the Azure Dragon, isn’t he?”

-Yes. I heard it has spread widely throughout the Central Plains.

I heard the news that the child had received a sobriquet.

I knew he was being talked about by many martial artists, and.

Furthermore, I knew he had taken root in the minds of many more people.

‘That child, you see.’

Unable to endure the wounds etched in his heart.

The child who was gradually being crushed.

When did he become like that? All while I was away, as if running away.

While Mi Hyoran was thus immersed in unknown sentiments.

‘…’

Mujin was recalling the previous encounter.

Although he hadn’t told his Sect Leader-nim.

Gu Yangcheon’s detection of his presence wasn’t just a simple sensing.

‘To think I’d actually be discovered.’

The moment he realized the other party had sensed his presence.

Just as he thought he should gradually increase the distance.

Gu Yangcheon sent Mujin a gaze filled with annoyance.

Their eyes met.

From that far distance.

And then.

[Hey, you’re incredibly annoying. Knock it off.]

How surprised Mujin must have been by the telepathic message that followed immediately.

‘…How?’

The Sect Leader’s son that Mujin last saw.

In my eyes, he was already so broken that he was beyond recovery.

Not his body, but his mind.

But now, how is he?

‘Shallow.’

Inversely proportional to the distinct presence felt.

It felt too shallow to grasp what kind of person he was.

This meant he was adept at hiding himself.

‘In just a few years, how on earth?’

Even if the Sect Leader had been away from the clan, it was only a few years.

Yet, the current Gu Yangcheon had changed everything about himself in that short time.

Could he really have done it all by himself?

‘Or perhaps with the help of another faction?’

Mujin instantly erased the thought that had entered his mind.

Because there was no way the Sect Leader wouldn’t know what I was thinking.

“I understand. You worked hard.”

-…Not at all.

Mi Hyoran, resuming her slow steps, decided to ask Mujin something else.

“Speaking of which. Is your son doing well?”

-Ah….

At Mi Hyoran’s question, Mujin reacted as if momentarily flustered.

It was because he hadn’t expected the Sect Leader-nim to remember this.

After briefly organizing his thoughts, Mujin replied in an embarrassed voice.

-It seems he is doing well.

And it seems he’s staying right beside the Sect Leader’s son, of all people.

Judging by his expression, he seemed relatively fine.

“…Then that’s fortunate.”

-Sect Leader-nim.

“Mm.”

-May I ask what became of the previous encounter?

At Mujin’s question, Mi Hyoran’s steps stopped abruptly!

“How curious, for you to ask me something.”

-…If perhaps, I have offended you, I apologize.

“No, there’s no need for you to apologize.”

Her expression changed.

The emotion that had momentarily graced Mi Hyoran’s face vanished.

She had returned to her cold expression.

“She doesn’t seem like a good child.”

This was her opinion about Namgung Bi-ah.

She was indeed a very beautiful child, but.

She seemed to have many lacking aspects for someone of a prestigious family’s bloodline.

Her talent was quite high, bearing the sobriquet Sword Dancer, but.

That wasn’t enough.

Because there are many talented children in the world.

In this regard, something else was more important than talent in martial arts.

‘I was prepared to intervene if necessary.’

The Namgung family.

Although it was considered the center of the four great orthodox families,

It was also a place entangled in countless dirty dealings.

How deep that darkness was, even possessing just a tiny fragment of it.

Was enough to use it to break off an engagement or apply pressure.

Let alone the Baekhwa Merchant Guild.

In these aspects, they possessed a great deal.

For someone like myself, who was poor at expressing things, this was all I could do for my children.

For Mi Hyoran, this matter too could have been completely severed if necessary, but.

-…He’s a good person.

At the words the Namgung family member uttered at the end.

Mi Hyoran temporarily set aside the thoughts she had been having.

“The child was lacking, but not bad.”

Having spoken, Mi Hyoran slowly moved her feet.

Mujin’s reply wasn’t heard, but she didn’t mind.

“…It’s still difficult.”

I wish I could do as much for my first or second child, but.

It was truly difficult to do so for the remaining children.

Because I don’t know if I dare to do so.

Because I wasn’t their biological mother.

Moving slowly, she looked again at the place she had been watching earlier.

The bushes where the white flowers had been.

“…”

Not so long ago.

Pushed by a friend’s hand on my back.

I remember the child approaching with a face full of fear.

His face resembled her husband’s.

Tears welled up in his eyes, which was quite amusing.

Extending a small, trembling hand towards me, the child had said.

-M-Mi Buin…. This…

What was held in his hand was a white flower.

It was a flower her friend grew in the garden.

Accepting the flower held in that trembling hand.

What did I say back then?

‘Did I say thank you?’

I couldn’t have said such warm words.

If, by any chance, I had said so.

The child wouldn’t have run into their mother’s arms, shedding tears.

“What a shame.”

Mi Hyoran, who uttered the words, didn’t know what was a shame.

It was probably just that the words came out in the moment.