Chapter 812: Where is my son?

After finishing my conversation with Mukyeon, I selected the personnel for the expedition and immediately went to find Iljangro-nim.

I explained the situation to Iljangro-nim for future reference.

“So. You’re saying you have to go to Sichuan.”

I nodded and replied.

“Yes. It seems that way.”

“My, you certainly move quickly.”

“It just… turned out that way.”

Upon hearing that I had to go to Sichuan before returning to Shanxi, Iljangro-nim let out a hollow laugh. It wasn’t strange for him to find it odd, considering I was spending more time wandering outside than at home.

“If you want to do it, I won’t stop you…. But are you alright?”

“…Mm.”

At Iljangro-nim’s words, I scratched my cheek. His question of whether I was alright wasn’t just that.

“The other elders might cause trouble.”

It was almost time for me to take the position of So-gaju. At a time like this, suddenly declaring I’d be doing Daeju-il and wandering outside, it was natural for there to be backlash.

“Well, I suppose that can be handled somehow.”

I wasn’t too concerned. No matter how much the elders protested, the ripple wouldn’t be significant.

There was just one issue.

“However, what do you think, Iljangro-nim? Would it be right to just go to Shanxi?”

The point was that Iljangro-nim’s opinion seemed rather important. So, as I asked with some tension, Iljangro-nim said:

“Does it even matter what you ask after you’ve already gone and done it?”

“…”

That was quite a valid point.

“If you want to do it, then do so. After all, you’re the one who will have to bear the consequences.”

He was indirectly telling me it wasn’t a good choice. I knew myself that this probably wasn’t the best option. Seeing my slightly displeased expression, Iljangro-nim let out a sigh.

“What’s with that face? Surely you weren’t expecting this old man to bear it for you? You weren’t, were you?”

“It’s nothing like that. Besides, even if I asked you to bear it, you wouldn’t, would you?”

“Of course not. Tsk tsk. Why would this old man do that?”

That was also true. If you cause trouble, you bear the consequences yourself. This was no different. Whether it was the elders’ backlash. Or pushing myself too hard time-wise. The repercussions at the end would be solely mine to embrace.

‘That’s why it’ll be hard to drag this out any longer.’

There were many things to consider, and precious little time. That was the reason I had to push myself even harder.

Just then.

“Alright, that’s all fine. Whatever you want to do, do it diligently. But you know.”

“Yes.”

“You still need to pay attention to certain things, don’t you?”

As he spoke, Iljangro-nim pointed somewhere. Following his finger, my gaze landed on something.

“….”

Someone glaring here, looking thoroughly displeased. It was the fourth child of the Gu family. Gu Ryeonghwa.

“I hear you haven’t shown your face once since arriving here. Is that true?”

“Well, I’ve been a bit busy…”

I knew Gu Ryeonghwa had arrived with the Mount Hua Sect. I knew it, but I hadn’t exactly gone to see him. I had too many scheduled events. More importantly.

‘I forgot.’

…Yeah, I forgot.

The day Yeongpung came and mentioned Gu Ryeonghwa. I had said I’d go see him then too…

‘…I don’t think I went after that?’

I probably didn’t. That must be why he’s making that face. His expression is practically dripping with spite. But since I seemed to be the one at fault, it was hard to even look at him directly. I could only manage quick, furtive glances.

Looking at Gu Ryeonghwa like that, he seemed much more mature than the last time I saw him. His height didn’t seem to have changed much… but his aura felt different.

‘Hmm.’

Has he gotten a boyfriend?

I unconsciously clenched my fist.

‘Who’s the bastard?’

I suddenly wondered, what kind of son of a bitch could it be. Ah, I was just curious. I wasn’t planning on doing anything.

‘There was that weirdo with the strange eyes when I visited Mount Hua Sect last time….’

Could it be him? He seemed to be among the third-generation disciples…

‘Yeah, it’s natural to date.’

Knowing wouldn’t change anything, but I was genuinely just curious. Isn’t it natural to be curious about the love life of one’s own bloodline? Even though I wouldn’t do anything even if I knew…

‘As long as I don’t do anything.’

Accidents can happen coincidentally. Yeah. Absolutely.

‘So, maybe I should just find out his name.’

“…Cheona.”

‘I can probably find out his courtesy name from Yeongpung… and once I know that… I can tell Nari to get someone to-‘

“Yangcheona.”

“Yes?”

Lost in thought, I snapped back to attention at the call.

“What’s wrong?”

“What do you mean, what’s wrong?”

“You have the look of someone about to drown someone. Please relax your face, it’s scary. With that scowl, you look like a ghost…”

“…”

Hearing that, I almost spat blood. Calling me a ghost? How could the person who called me his grandson say something so hurtful?

“…I was just spacing out for a moment.”

“If you space out twice, someone’s going to die.”

“…”

Enduring the continued barrage, I finally stood up. If I listened any longer, I felt like I’d get an anger-induced illness. As I stood up, I sensed a reaction from the person in front of me. It was Gu Ryeonghwa. He seemed startled, perhaps thinking I was approaching him.

‘Ugh.’

It was true that I had intended to approach him anyway. It would be strange not to go now, after everything.

“Hey.”

Startled.

At my call, Gu Ryeonghwa flinched violently. But his expression remained unchanged.

“Hey.”

When I called again, his eyes narrowed slightly, and his closed lips parted.

“…What.”

At least he answered. That was a relief. His voice sounded quite unpleasant. It was obvious he was answering reluctantly.

“Are you mad?”

“No.”

“Don’t lie. Seeing your puffed-up cheeks, you’re definitely mad.”

“…Th-this is just swelling.”

“Swelling? Why? Did someone hit you?”

Who’s the bastard? I could rip out his joints and pickle them.

“…Hit? What are you talking about. It’s nothing like that.”

“Fine, whatever.”

I said dismissively and casually sat down beside him. As soon as I sat, Gu Ryeonghwa shifted slightly away.

“What is it?”

“What do you mean, what? I’m just sitting next to you.”

“Why are you sitting here? Go away.”

“I’m using my own butt to sit here, who are you to tell me?”

“This is my spot.”

“Why is this your spot? If anything, it’s Madam Mi’s spot.”

“…”

Gu Ryeonghwa shut his mouth tightly. In fact, the quarters where the Gu family members were currently staying belonged to Madam Mi. Besides.

“Aren’t you from the Mount Hua Sect? If anything, the spot I’m claiming…”

“I’m leaving.”

“Just kidding, just kidding.”

He tried to get up immediately just from a little teasing, so I grabbed Gu Ryeonghwa and made him sit back down.

“I was just trying to lighten the mood.”

“Oppa tries to lighten the mood like this…?”

“Why? Isn’t it fine?”

“…I pity the older sisters.”

“…”

What did that mean…? I felt a pang in my chest. Anyway, I managed to keep Gu Ryeonghwa seated, and we sat there in silence for a while. As moments passed.

“Um. I’m sorry.”

I awkwardly offered an apology first. At my apology, Gu Ryeonghwa looked at me.

“Sorry for what?”

“For saying I’d visit but not actually visiting?”

“…Hmph. I don’t really care about that.”

Doesn’t care? Bullshit. His face clearly showed he felt better after the apology. I couldn’t help but wonder who he took after to be such a bad liar.

“It’s… because I was busy, not because I didn’t want to see you…”

Trying to seize the moment and add an excuse.

“I know.”

“Huh?”

At that, Gu Ryeonghwa said:

“I know. That you’re busy, Oppa.”

“…How do you know?”

“Everyone in Hannam probably knows how busy you are? I keep hearing people say they saw you everywhere. Just how much are you running around?”

“…”

…Was I? I didn’t feel like I was running around that much, but apparently, there are occasional sightings.

‘If that’s the case, I need to be more careful.’

I needed to be more mindful. There were more eyes on me than I expected.

“So…. are you okay?”

Gu Ryeonghwa asked me.

“Huh? My body?”

I wondered what he was talking about.

“…I heard you were injured. Are you okay?”

“Ah.”

He must be talking about the time with the Baekgeup monster.

“As you can see, I’m fine.”

“…”

I answered, but Gu Ryeonghwa just kept looking me up and down with suspicious eyes.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Are you really okay?”

“I told you I’m fine! Look, if I were hurt, there’s no way I could be walking around like this…”

“Then why didn’t you come see me?”

“…I was… well, it definitely still hurts a bit.”

“…”

“…”

I avoided his gaze. It felt like I’d fallen into a trap. This kid has gotten much smarter while I wasn’t looking. As I hesitated, unable to answer, Gu Ryeonghwa sighed and said:

“Forget it…. It’s not like I particularly wanted to see you anyway. I was just asking. I didn’t really want to see you that much either.”

Then again, when did we ever get along well? It was understandable, so I nodded.

“Despite that, they say you came looking for me right away when they heard Yangcheona was injured.”

“Now, Elder-nim! What nonsense are you spouting?!”

From behind, Iljangro-nim chuckled and added more. Gu Ryeonghwa shouted back, his face flushed crimson.

“Wh-when did I ever? I didn’t…!”

“Oh? Despite that, the servants said…”

“Elder-nim…!”

“Hmm. Yes. It seems this old man must have misheard.”

“…”

Iljangro-nim eventually backed down from Gu Ryeonghwa’s outburst, changing the subject. But it was too late.

‘…When did he come?’

I hadn’t heard anything about this. Hearing the words, I looked at Gu Ryeonghwa. Gu Ryeonghwa, his face red, was busy avoiding my eyes.

‘Hmm.’

It seemed true. Perhaps because of that, a slight sense of guilt welled up inside me. The reason I didn’t see him when he came was obvious.

‘I was unconscious for a while. And when he came, Gu Ryeonghwa probably didn’t get let in.’

At the time, Moyong Hi-ah was taking care of me while I rested, so she might have known if he came. But the fact that she didn’t pass on the message.

‘Was it Gu Ryeonghwa’s wish?’

It seemed likely.

“If you came, why didn’t you come see me?”

“…I told you, I didn’t come see you?”

Seeing him pretend otherwise, it seemed he was determined to deny it to the end. So, I didn’t push the issue. Besides, since I hadn’t visited him either, why would I interrogate him?

“Right, you didn’t come see me.”

“You don’t look like you believe me?”

“I believe you.”

“Okay…”

And then, silence fell again. It was a silence we were accustomed to. Our relationship had become more accustomed to silence than conversation. We couldn’t go back to how things were, and simply not exchanging hateful words was a significant change. As I thought this and took a breath.

“Hey.”

Gu Ryeonghwa suddenly spoke to me.

“I think I’m going back to Shanxi.”

“What?”

My eyes widened. Going back to Shanxi?

“Not permanently. I plan to spend the remaining time in Shanxi…. Um, Madam Mi wanted that too, and the Sect Leader granted permission.”

Ah, so it wasn’t a permanent move. It seemed like just a break for the rest of the year. But one thing surprised me.

“Madam Mi wanted that?”

“Huh? Yeah.”

It was about Madam Mi.

“You… talk with Madam Mi?”

“Huh? Uh-huh. Sometimes?”

That was unexpected. I thought Gu Ryeonghwa didn’t talk to Madam Mi at all. But he did, even if only occasionally. As I was surprised by that, Gu Ryeonghwa looked at me strangely instead.

“Why are you so surprised…?”

“No, it’s just… surprising. You….”

I thought you’d hate Madam Mi. I swallowed the unspoken words. He left because he hated his home. If he found freedom in leaving, then that was enough. I had thought so until now. As I stared strangely, Gu Ryeonghwa spoke, his gaze lowering slightly.

“I don’t hate her.”

“…”

I hadn’t spoken the unspoken words, but Gu Ryeonghwa seemed to know what I was trying to say.

“…It’s not like she did anything specific. We’re just a bit awkward and distant. Isn’t it the same for you, Oppa?”

“…”

“And besides, if anyone should hate, it should be her hating us. But…”

Gu Ryeonghwa hesitated before adding:

“She doesn’t hate us. So, there’s no reason for us to hate her…?”

Hearing his words flow so naturally, I unconsciously swallowed.