Chapter 163: One More Layer of Rose-Colored Glasses
Chapter 163: One More Layer of Rose-Colored Glasses
Geom Mu-geuk stepped into the Main Hall.
Clean-shaven and with his hair neatly styled, he wore a splendid new set of martial robes beneath a flowing long gown. With every step he took, he drew the gaze of everyone in the room.
It wasn't just because he was handsome. He possessed a mysterious aura that pulled people in—a sense of ease found only in those nearing the ultimate principles of martial arts. He radiated a noble, enigmatic atmosphere that no one could replicate.
Jin Ha-ryeong did not recognize him. The moment she saw him, a feeling of pure admiration welled up inside her.
He’s stunning!
He truly was. If someone were to ask her what kind of man she liked, she felt she could simply point at him and say, "That man right there."
She wasn't the only one thinking this. The women stared at Geom Mu-geuk, completely entranced. It wasn't just the women, either; the men were equally captivated.
"Who is that?"
"I don't know. Who is he?"
"I've never seen that Young Hero before."
"He’s so handsome!"
Whispers broke out openly across the hall.
Capturing everyone's attention, Geom Mu-geuk walked toward where Jin Ha-ryeong and Jo Sin were standing.
Why is he coming toward us? Ah, is he an acquaintance of Jo Sin?
As she was wondering, Geom Mu-geuk greeted her first.
"So, you came as well, Miss Jin."
Jin Ha-ryeong flinched in surprise.
He knows me? Who is he to act so familiar?
His voice sounded familiar, but even after hearing it, she couldn't place him. The difference between the Geom Mu-geuk she had known until now and the man standing before her was simply too vast.
"Don't tell me you don't recognize me?"
Even then, she truly didn't. She thought he might be someone with a similar voice, but the idea that they were the same person didn't cross her mind at all.
"Who are you?"
"Didn't you tell me to let you know if anyone bullied me? How are you going to help me if you're like this? You might not recognize me and join in on the bullying instead."
Jin Ha-ryeong’s eyes widened. Those were the exact words she had said: Let me know if anyone bullies you. Tell them the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Leader is your friend.
"No way... You!"
"That's right. It's me."
Jin Ha-ryeong let out a sharp scream before she could stop herself.
"I'm not sure if this is something to scream about, but yes, I am Geom Yeon."
Looking at him again, those clear, deep eyes—eyes that didn't belong to a mere servant—definitely belonged to Geom Yeon.
A shiver ran through her body. The hair on her arms stood on end.
It was heart-fluttering enough to have such a handsome man standing so close, but to think this man was that same servant, Geom Yeon?
She asked in a trembling voice, "What happened?"
"I shaved my beard and tidied my hair. I bought some new clothes, too."
Jo Sin, standing beside them, was equally bewildered.
He was so shocked and flustered that he couldn't even react. He just stood there, blinking vacantly.
At first, he hadn't recognized Geom Mu-geuk either. As someone who took great pride in his own appearance, he felt an instinctive rejection whenever he saw a man more handsome than himself.
Because of that, he had been in a foul mood from the moment Geom Mu-geuk appeared.
It was annoying enough that someone more handsome than him was attending the banquet, but his nerves were on edge when the man started walking toward him and Jin Ha-ryeong. What the hell? Why is this bastard coming this way?
But what? This guy is that guy? That filthy servant is this man? No way! There's no way!
Jo Sin almost screamed and spat out a curse.
That bastard was this handsome?
This completely ruined his plan. He had intended to strip away the mystery and reveal the mundane, but instead, a true sense of mystery had emerged. What made him even angrier was the fact that he had been the one to pay for this transformation.
Geom Mu-geuk greeted Jo Sin, who was standing behind her.
"Young Master Jo here gave me money to buy some clothes."
Jin Ha-ryeong looked at Jo Sin with a surprised expression.
"Is that true?"
"Ah, yes. That's right."
Jin Ha-ryeong misunderstood the situation.
"Oh, so you really did intend to apologize. To be honest, I didn't believe you. I'm sorry."
"No, it's fine..."
Jo Sin truly felt like he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
He immediately sent a voice transmission to Geom Mu-geuk.
— You bastard! Get out! Get out of here right now!
He meant for him to leave the banquet hall, but Geom Mu-geuk acted as if he had been told to step away from that specific spot and walked toward the other Rising Stars.
"Oh! There are so many expensive and rare dishes. May I eat as much as I want? Ah, there's liquor here too. The aroma is excellent."
Everyone watched his every move. Geom Mu-geuk didn't seem burdened by their gazes at all. He ate the food with gusto and drank the wine. His actions were natural, as if he were the protagonist of the event.
Jin Ha-ryeong approached him as if possessed. Cursing under his breath, Jo Sin followed.
"You really seem like a different person."
"It's because I usually walk around looking so disheveled."
"Why didn't you dress like this before?"
"What reason does a servant have to dress up?"
Seeing the sparkle in Jin Ha-ryeong’s eyes as she looked at Geom Mu-geuk, Jo Sin grew desperate.
This isn't right. This isn't right at all!
He had to change the situation somehow. He had tried to peel off her rose-colored glasses, but it looked like an even thicker layer was being applied.
Jo Sin sent an irritated voice transmission to Geom Mu-geuk.
— You son of a bitch! Why did you show up looking so damn good!
Geom Mu-geuk looked at him. His gaze seemed to say, You're the one who told me to dress up, and Jo Sin had no rebuttal.
Besides, he hadn't even done much. He had just shaved, tidied his hair, and bought new clothes. Yet, despite that, Geom Mu-geuk was radiant.
Jo Sin had to drag Geom Mu-geuk down somehow.
"He really dressed himself up to look good for our Miss Jin."
"Yes, I put in some effort to look my best."
Perhaps because it sounded like he had dressed up specifically for her, Jin Ha-ryeong’s cheeks flushed slightly.
Jo Sin burned with anxiety at the sight.
Dammit! Not this either.
It was supposed to look awkward, as if he were trying too hard. But this servant looked like someone who was naturally suited for such high-quality clothes.
Furthermore, he didn't act shy about it, openly admitting, "I dressed up for the banquet." That honesty only made him seem more confident.
"By coincidence, your robes are the same color as Miss Jin's, as if you matched them."
"So they are."
Unable to stand the sight any longer, Jo Sin sent a voice transmission to one of his followers, telling him to strike up a conversation with Jin Ha-ryeong.
While Jin Ha-ryeong was occupied with the greeting, Jo Sin pulled Geom Mu-geuk into a corner.
"You crazy bastard! Do you want to die?"
"What's the matter?"
"Do you want to get your hundred thousand taels by making Miss Jin lose interest in you today? Or do you want to lose the money and die by my hand? It's up to you."
"So, what should I do?"
"You have to do things that make a woman lose all affection! Act arrogant, pick fights with others, and act like a messy drunk! Got it?"
Jo Sin never imagined such words would come out of his mouth. Had he ever tried to degrade someone so pathetically before? Usually, he would have just killed them.
But he was desperate now. He had to humiliate the man before the new infatuation took root. He was irritated to the point of explosion.
"Then give me the money first."
"What?"
"Give me fifty thousand taels now, and I'll do it. Give me the other fifty thousand when it's over."
"You little...! Do you want to die?"
Jo Sin raised his hand as if to strike him, but Geom Mu-geuk didn't flinch.
"That's how business works. I have to make a living too."
"You greedy piece of trash!"
Just then, Jin Ha-ryeong began walking toward them. Jo Sin lowered his raised hand and reached out to adjust Geom Mu-geuk’s clothes instead.
"Our Young Hero servant really does look like a different person."
Geom Mu-geuk replied, "As I said before, it's all thanks to the Young Master."
"To be honest, I gave you that money for Miss Jin's sake."
"You truly are broad-minded and wonderful."
Geom Mu-geuk didn't hold back his praise for Jo Sin.
Jo Sin felt an uneasy sensation, as if he had opened something that should have remained closed. However, he couldn't back down now.
Jo Sin changed the subject.
"Our manor intends to make a significant investment in the Murim Alliance this time."
As Jo Sin began to talk business, Geom Mu-geuk stepped aside.
Jo Sin worked hard to brag about his family and wealth, but Jin Ha-ryeong’s gaze kept drifting toward Geom Mu-geuk, who was talking with other Rising Stars. When a female martial artist listening to Geom Mu-geuk burst out laughing at something he said, Jin Ha-ryeong clenched her fists.
How could Jo Sin not notice her feelings?
Even though he had stopped talking, Jin Ha-ryeong was only looking toward Geom Mu-geuk.
Jo Sin’s expression hardened.
Jin Ha-ryeong suddenly felt a chill and turned her head. Jo Sin was staring at Geom Mu-geuk in silence. The image of the snake she had sensed before resurfaced in her mind.
"It's a shame for such a man to be a servant. Don't you agree?"
"What can be done about the fate one is born with?"
Regret was evident in her answer. Jo Sin was truly furious now.
That bitch! To ignore me to this extent?
A senseless rage surged within him. He sent another voice transmission to the Rising Star he had ordered to talk to Jin Ha-ryeong earlier.
— Provoke him into a duel and fight that bastard. When you hit him, don't hold back. Break him.
The Rising Star who received the transmission was Ho-yeong.
Ho-yeong was an ambitious man who wanted to grow his family's influence by getting on Jo Sin's good side. Therefore, he didn't hesitate to accept the order.
Ho-yeong asked Geom Mu-geuk, "Seeing as you carry a sword, have you learned martial arts?"
"I have."
"How does a servant learn martial arts?"
"It's because my master is a great person."
"Then may I learn a move or two of the martial arts passed down by that great person?"
Everyone looked on with curiosity.
When Jin Ha-ryeong tried to stop it, Jo Sin said to her, "Aren't you curious, Miss Jin? To see what kind of martial arts that servant has learned and how much?"
Of course, Jin Ha-ryeong was curious, but her worry outweighed her curiosity.
"Still, he wouldn't be a match for the Rising Stars."
"Martial Artist Ho is from a prestigious family; he won't hurt the servant."
At that moment, Geom Mu-geuk said to Ho-yeong, "Using swords might lead to injuries, so let's compete with fist and foot techniques."
"Fine."
Ho-yeong was inwardly incredulous. He hadn't expected the man to agree to fight so readily.
I'll make sure to break something.
If he broke an arm or a leg while making it look like an accident, Jo Sin would be more than satisfied.
"Then, please go easy on me."
"Very well. To think I'd end up sparring with a servant in my lifetime. What a wonderful day."
Ho-yeong was letting his guard down. To show any sign of tension would have been embarrassing for him.
Geom Mu-geuk dodged Ho-yeong’s punch. He didn't dodge it gracefully; he barely avoided it, nearly falling over in the process. Laughter erupted from around the room.
Ho-yeong’s fist flew again, and this time, Geom Mu-geuk dodged by rolling on the floor. Ho-yeong, who was cornering Geom Mu-geuk like a hunter, looked around and laughed.
"This is really too easy—"
"Watch out!"
The moment he turned his head at someone's shout—
Thwack!
Ho-yeong was sent flying by Geom Mu-geuk’s fist. He had taken a direct hit while his guard was down. Furthermore, as he fell, he smashed into a table, and the food on it splattered, ruining Jo Sin's clothes.
Jo Sin, who was already fuming, finally exploded.
"Goddammit!"
On the other hand, Geom Mu-geuk ran over to check on the fallen Ho-yeong.
"Fortunately, he isn't seriously injured."
The contrast between Geom Mu-geuk, who checked on his opponent's injuries first, and Jo Sin, who screamed profanities because food got on his clothes, made Jo Sin look pathetic. Though no one said anything, the looks they gave him were filled with contempt.
But what made him even angrier was that Jin Ha-ryeong didn't even care about him; she was only looking at Geom Mu-geuk.
"I'm sorry, I got a bit carried away in the heat of the moment."
Geom Mu-geuk apologized to the watching Rising Stars.
Jin Ha-ryeong stepped forward on their behalf.
"There's no need to apologize. It's the fault of the one who didn't focus on the duel."
Everyone nodded at Jin Ha-ryeong’s words. At the very least, in this duel, Ho-yeong had been caught off guard, so they couldn't blame Geom Mu-geuk for the surprise hit.
Jin Ha-ryeong bid farewell to Jo Sin.
"Well, I'll be going now. Come on, you too."
Jin Ha-ryeong led Geom Mu-geuk out of the banquet hall. From behind them came the sound of something shattering. She didn't know what had been broken, but she knew exactly who had broken it.
Geom Mu-geuk walked back with Jin Ha-ryeong along the moonlit path. She was worried about him again.
"You've become even more of a target because of this."
Then, Geom Mu-geuk suddenly said, "Hey, friend."
Jin Ha-ryeong was startled.
"Why are you so surprised? Didn't we agree to be friends?"
"No, we did."
"Friend. You are the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Leader, the Beauty of Hubei, and a candidate to win the Young Dragon Tournament. You're at your best and most impressive when you're haughty and elegant. This constant worrying doesn't suit you."
After a brief pause, Jin Ha-ryeong spoke.
"Then can I really trust you? Can you promise me that you won't get killed miserably by a guy like that and leave me with a lifetime of guilt?"
"I can."
"Really? How can I believe that?"
"Because we're friends. Try believing in your friend's words."
"You said I suit being haughty and elegant, but I'm not that kind of woman. I'm timid, I overthink, I worry a lot, and I have many regrets. I don't like meeting people, so I don't even know how to deal with being hurt. So... don't you dare shock me later."
"Alright, I won't."
It was absurd, but she found herself trusting his words. There was no basis for it, yet she believed him.
This time, Geom Mu-geuk spoke.
"In return, you make me one promise too."
"What promise?"
"If something strange or incomprehensible happens in your life, you must come and tell me."
He wasn't just talking about the current business with the Heavenly Mandate Society. He was also talking about the time when the signs of the disaster that would one day strike the Murim Alliance began to appear.
"A moment like that in my life..."
No matter how much she thought about it.
"Is right now, isn't it?"
Geom Mu-geuk replied with a faint smile.
"Yes. If something strange and incomprehensible like right now happens, you must. Now, let's head back."
Jin Ha-ryeong silently watched Geom Mu-geuk’s back as he walked ahead. A thought suddenly occurred to her: perhaps, as he said, it would be fine to stop with the needless worrying and show the world the haughty and elegant Beauty of Hubei.
She began to walk toward Geom Mu-geuk, who was waiting up ahead, asking if she was coming.