Chapter 13
Chapter 13
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Remember Today Well
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"It's true that Eldest Brother is rich, true that he's got real skills, and sure, his face isn't the greatest, but let's say he's handsome enough anyway. But we're brothers, aren't we? And what have we ever done for our little sister? Up until now, we've just had her slaving away in the kitchens like a cook."
"So?"
"Who knows when Eldest Brother might end up a beggar? Before that happens, let's buy our little sister some pretty clothes and nice accessories."
"Let's?"
"You buy them."
"What do you think, Yeol?"
"If I could, I'd do it. Our little sister deserves to be treated well by us, at least."
It had happened when they were all very young. The senior brothers had gotten into a brawl and been caught by their master, who gave them a thorough scolding. Back then, their little sister had clung to him, tears and snot streaming down her face, begging him not to hit her brothers.
After that day, the three senior brothers never fought again. They might've bickered with words, but they never balled their fists. And that wasn't all. If one of them caught a cold and took to bed, even as a child, she would insist on staying up all night to nurse them. Of course, she ended up dozing off partway through.
How could they not adore a girl like that?
Even Iron Mountain, who spoke so roughly, would ultimately do whatever Little Sparrow asked.
"Fine. Let's take Young Ki along too. We might dress like this, but we'll make sure those two are dressed properly."
"Exactly!"
Iron Mountain clapped his hands in delight.
And so, all five brothers, including Young Ki, headed out to the market.
Changsa Yeongtongga.
The busiest street in the heart of Changsa.
"This is it. The most bustling spot in all of Changsa. Everything here's twice as expensive as anywhere else, so only folks with real money gather here."
It was Iron Mountain's explanation, picked up from eavesdropping on local thugs when he used to run with them.
Even without his words, the grand, ornate buildings lining both sides of the main road were intimidating enough to make it clear this was a street for the wealthy. The outfits of the passersby alone set them apart.
Everyone was decked out in flashy silk robes and expensive-looking jewelry, as if showing off who was dressed the most extravagantly.
"That place there. The name says it all."
Iron Mountain pointed to one building.
It had a sign reading Beauty's Smile Pavilion.
"They say it's a place that makes beauties smile. Our little sister's not quite at 'beauty' level yet, but let's make her smile anyway."
"What's that supposed to mean? What's wrong with me?"
Little Sparrow bristled.
Iron Mountain pointed around with his finger. Little Sparrow followed it, looked at the women passing by, and deflated.
She'd dreamed of being a swordswoman, so she'd never cared much about looks. But seeing those passing beauties made her feel oddly downcast.
"Come on, fix yourself up a bit and you'll look like that. Don't get down. Let's go."
Iron Mountain slapped her slumped shoulder.
"I'm not down! With three senior brothers, what do I have to feel down about? Come on, Young Ki."
Little Sparrow grabbed Young Ki and marched off briskly, for show.
But when they reached the entrance to Beauty's Smile Pavilion, she couldn't bring herself to go in and just peeked inside. The items on display—ornate jewelry and luxurious silk garments—looked exorbitantly expensive at a glance. And the women inside, clearly customers, were all dressed to the nines, which made her feet stick to the ground.
Iron Mountain shoved Little Sparrow and Young Ki inside.
Right then.
A man who seemed to be a clerk had been watching them peek from the moment they arrived and came rushing over.
Little Sparrow flinched and halted.
"Welcome! Beauty's Smile Pavilion grants beauty to those unsure of theirs and haughtiness to those already beautiful. It seems we must bestow a haughty smile upon this young lady."
It was a lavish compliment, saying she was pretty enough already.
Little Sparrow blushed at the clerk's deep bow, while Iron Mountain bellowed with a grin.
"You brat! I almost snapped at you thinking you were gonna tell us to scram!"
"Heavens, no! If we turned away customers, the master would have our hides."
Little Sparrow glanced around the shop, her face reddening further.
Iron Mountain's loud voice had drawn even more stares.
The women inside whispered among themselves. Little Sparrow didn't need to hear it to know. Their tsking and head-shaking only shrank her back more. Then, sturdy hands gripped her shoulders.
"You're going to be a proud swordswoman. This is nothing. Just ignore them. And like you said, you've got three senior brothers."
Do Cheon's voice came softly.
Little Sparrow nodded. Do Cheon smiled gently and called to Iron Mountain.
"San."
"Yeah?"
"Go tell the head of Golden Flower Money House that I sent you."
"Got it!"
Iron Mountain's face lit up as he dashed outside.
A man who could summon the head of Golden Flower Money House.
The clerk stared in shock.
"Seeing how you treated us rags-to-riches without batting an eye, I want to boost this shop's sales big time."
"...!"
Not understanding, the clerk just kept staring politely. Do Cheon smiled softly and nudged Little Sparrow and Young Ki forward.
"Find the highest-quality outfits, five each for these two."
The clerk bowed deeply.
"Leave it to me."
"Senior Brother, five is too many."
"Should I make it ten?"
Little Sparrow said no more.
Eldest Brother was usually unflappable, but he could get stubborn in the oddest ways. And once he did, he wouldn't budge.
Same now. If she kept saying five was too much, he'd buy ten for sure. That really would be a waste. Little Sparrow took Young Ki's hand and followed the clerk.
"Get one fitted for Eldest Brother too."
Yi Yeol said, watching over Little Sparrow and Young Ki.
"Yeah, you and San too. And Master's and Uncle Master's."
"We have to pick carefully for Master. As sect leader, it needs to look dignified."
"You're right. But what do I know about that stuff?"
"I don't either."
"Ask that clerk after the kids are done?"
"Sure."
"Okay."
As the two murmured, Iron Mountain returned.
"Are you Young Master Do?"
A sharp-eyed middle-aged man who came with Iron Mountain asked cautiously. Do Cheon turned.
"I heard Sky-Spanning Gang Leader left a lot of my money with you?"
Mentioning the gang leader confirmed he was Iron Lion Sect's Do Cheon. Only then did Golden Flower Money House's head bow.
"Yes."
Do Cheon pointed to Yi Yeol as the man looked up.
"This is my junior brother. If he comes by, treat him like me and give him whatever he needs."
"Understood."
The head memorized Yi Yeol's face and bowed. Iron Mountain stepped forward slyly, but Do Cheon named someone else.
"Do you know Yoo Geon of Yoo Merchant Group?"
"Only the name."
"He's my friend. A man who's about to start something big. Help him with whatever he needs if he comes."
"It will be done."
As the head replied, Iron Mountain pointed to himself.
"Eldest Brother, what about me?"
"Oh! Right, you. Head."
"Yes."
"If this guy shows up, don't even give him dog shit. He treats Eldest Brother's words like dog shit."
"You bastard! When did I ever?!"
"Tsk tsk!"
Do Cheon shook his head. His speech habits hadn't changed despite all the nagging.
"It doesn't happen overnight."
Iron Mountain made a miserable face and gave up.
"Head."
"Yes."
"As you see, we're dressed poorly and here to buy clothes, but short on cash. That's why I called you."
"Ah, understood. Please wait a moment."
The head hurried inside, found the clerk, and pointed to Do Cheon while explaining. The clerk bowed at a perfect right angle in shock.
The head said a few more words and returned.
"Take whatever you need. We'll settle up here."
"I always realize there's a specialist like you for everything."
"Pardon?"
"Means thanks."
"Thank you."
"I'm grateful too. If you ever need muscle, go to Sky-Spanning Gang Leader first. If even he can't help, come to Iron Lion Sect."
"It will be done."
"Good. Back to work."
The head bowed and left.
"You two heard that? Pick what you like."
"How many?"
Iron Mountain's face had flipped instantly.
"Five."
"I'll wear 'em good!"
Iron Mountain zipped around the shop.
"Shall we pick some too?"
"Yes."
Do Cheon and Yi Yeol moved as well.
Iron Mountain was right.
Dressed in pretty clothes and flashy accessories, Little Sparrow's beauty shone through.
"Wow, is that really our little sister?"
"Yeah, she's really pretty."
"Hey, don't go wandering outside the sect looking like that."
Everyone stared at Iron Mountain's parting shot, wondering what he meant.
"Horny bastards won't leave her alone!"
"Always with the words!"
"It's not wrong, is it?"
"True, our little sister's pretty enough that it's not wrong, but do you have to say it like that?"
"How else?"
"Just say guys will chase after her."
"Same difference! Horny bastards either way."
"Anyway..."
Do Cheon started to say something but stopped.
The brothers looked great dressed up, lifting his mood. He vowed not to nag today and ruin the fun.
"Thank you."
Young Ki suddenly bowed deeply. Do Cheon patted his head.
"Want to go eat something tasty? What do you want?"
"Noodles!"
Young Ki beamed.
After the five brothers stuffed themselves with delicious food and returned, one man paced at the main gate.
It was Yeo Song-hae of Clear Dawn Escort Agency.
Iron Mountain spotted him from afar and sneered.
"Looks like he rushed over hearing White Sword Sect got wrecked. Tell him not to even dream of getting tangled with Su-a."
"Doesn't seem like it."
Yi Yeol saw it differently.
Iron Mountain looked again. Yeo Song-hae had spotted them but stood with hands behind his back, not looking anxious at all.
"What, he still doesn't know?"
"Probably."
If Clear Dawn Escort Agency knew White Sword Sect—who they'd tried to ally with even through political marriage—had knelt to someone, and that someone was Iron Lion Sect's top disciple, he wouldn't look so relaxed. That was Yi Yeol's judgment.
"You guys go in first."
Do Cheon said.
Yi Yeol nodded, Iron Mountain pouted.
"Watching him strut around clueless is kinda fun..."
"Don't overdo it. Still, Clear Dawn House stuck by the sect the longest."
Iron Mountain disagreed.
"You speak well. The only thing worth a speck of gratitude was back when it was Clear Dawn House. After becoming Clear Dawn Escort Agency, they treated us colder than outsiders. Especially that guy—he looked at us like bugs."
"Enough. Eldest Brother will handle it."
"Fine..."
Iron Mountain glanced at Do Cheon, who had the most reason to be angry and frustrated, and shut his mouth.
They reached the gate.
"You're back."
Yi Yeol bowed politely. Little Sparrow and Young Ki did too.
Yeo Song-hae ignored them, just tsking and shaking his head at their fine new clothes.
"Tsk tsk! No dignity! If you're poor, at least know to save."
"Damn, neck stiff as a board. And it's none of your business how we spend!"
Iron Mountain grumbled.
"What did you say?!"
Yeo Song-hae glared.
Just as Yi Yeol and Iron Mountain figured—clueless.
"Later, when you hear heaven and earth flipped, remember this moment."
"What the hell are you talking about?!"
"Can't understand bug talk?"
"You need a beating to wise up!"
"Beating, my ass."
"Go inside."
Do Cheon cut in. Yi Yeol dragged Iron Mountain in. Iron Mountain still got one last jab.
"Remember today! It'll be hilarious! Puahaha!"
"Those... pathetic things! That guy's gonna strip even the remaining Iron Lion Sect buildings bare."
"Thought you'd cut ties. What's this about?"
Do Cheon asked.
Only then did Yeo Song-hae turn to him.
Forcing calm, but wary and curious.
Swift Sword, Air-Grasping Object!
That was Yeo Song-hae's read on Do Cheon's skills. He'd seen him slice off Martial Sword Expert Yoo Ui-tag's arm in one stroke, so he couldn't speak carelessly anymore.
"Hmph. Things sorted with White Sword Sect?"
"Didn't they tell you?"
"Hmph, busy with escort business, haven't stopped by. Just passing through on urgent matters, got worried about you, so I dropped in."
"No need to ruin the wedding over it."
"Ah!"
Yeo Song-hae nodded knowingly.
Iron Lion Sect intact, Do Cheon casually wandering—he'd wondered. Now it made sense.
White Sword Sect feared demonic interference at the rumor-monger's wedding, so no blood was shed. That explained it.
Yeo Song-hae accepted Do Cheon's words, straightening from his slight hunch.
"Consider yourself lucky and don't act out again. Sparrows have their paths, phoenixes theirs. You've come back somewhat stronger—be content and stay quiet."
Yeo Song-hae turned to leave, steps light, satisfied with his conclusion.
Do Cheon watched, then chuckled.
"San was right. This'll be fun."