Chapter 125: How could I have known that?!
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 125: How could I have known that?!
Tang Soyeol wondered if she had misheard.
Namgung Bi-ah had just said she slept with Gu Yangcheon while holding his hand. And now she was suggesting she might bear his child…?
Perhaps it was metaphorical, Tang Soyeol thought. When Bi-ah said she "slept with him while holding his hands," maybe she meant that holding hands was part of sleeping together. Recovering from her shock, Tang Soyeol began to question her.
"Sis, are you saying your hand… um… the…"
The problem was, she didn't know how to ask. She struggled to find the right words, feeling her ears burn red. After a long, stumbling pause, she finally managed:
"...So you slept together only holding hands?"
"No."
"...!"
Tang Soyeol bit her lip. So it wasn't entirely figurative after all. She tried to hide her plummeting mood.
"I-I also hugged him…"
"Hmm…?"
"And… I think I touched his cheek, too."
Namgung Bi-ah spoke while avoiding eye contact, her cheeks slightly flushed with embarrassment. Seeing this, Tang Soyeol felt she was getting closer to the truth.
It was strange. Very strange.
Tang Soyeol widened her eyes. "...What about after?"
"Is… there more to do after that?"
"…"
Realizing she had misunderstood, Tang Soyeol's mood improved considerably. But could a grown woman really be so ignorant? How much didn't Namgung Bi-ah know?
Did the Namgung Clan not provide any education on such matters? Tang Soyeol had not only received instruction from her own clan but had also studied further on her own. To hear that babies were conceived by holding hands was…
Honestly, it would have made more sense if she said a phoenix, a stork, or even a crow had delivered the baby. The idea that babies came from holding hands was just that absurd.
Finally, Tang Soyeol stood up and moved to sit right next to Namgung Bi-ah. The sword-obsessed girl looked puzzled by her friend's sudden proximity.
Tang Soyeol was trying to be respectful. With the innocent Wi Seol-Ah sitting nearby, she couldn't bring herself to speak bluntly.
"W…What's wrong…?"
"Sis… Babies aren't made like that."
She wondered if it was her place to say it, but she couldn't just leave Bi-ah in such ignorance. Leaning in, Tang Soyeol began whispering into her ear, explaining everything she knew on the subject.
Was Tang Soyeol aware she was rather good at explaining things?
That day, Namgung Bi-ah learned the truth and was introduced to a whole new world. It was an eye-opening experience.
* * *
I wasn't able to return to my residence until dinner time. Namgung Jin had kept me much longer than anticipated.
On the plus side, we managed to finalize the contract.
[I didn't expect that Namgung child to accept so easily.]
"Neither did I."
Both Elder Shin and I were perplexed by Namgung Jin's ready acceptance of such terms.
I called it a contract, but it was more of a Shackle. A mere piece of paper wouldn't be effective, so something more substantial was necessary.
Clomp.
As I walked back, I kept my body moving. Sitting for hours, doing little more than circulating my Qi, had left me stiff. Imposing a Shackle on a martial artist at the fusion realm was no simple feat, either.
[I didn't expect you to know how to place a seal on someone.]
"Just something extra I picked up in the past."
The sealing technique I used was somewhat complicated, but not particularly impressive. It was nothing compared to the seal the Heavenly Demon could cast.
The Heavenly Demon's seal held immense power. Once placed, escape was virtually impossible. That was a true curse.
In contrast, the seal I used was similar to those employed by the Murim Alliance. It required physical contact during the casting, and the target had to consciously guide their Qi in harmony with the caster's. Because of these stringent requirements, it wasn't very practical.
[So it's not really usable in a life-or-death situation.]
"Right."
It was effective once established, but it wasn't much of a seal in the traditional sense since it required the target's cooperation. That's why we spent so long discussing the terms: the duration of the Shackle, its purpose, and other details.
"He said he would do anything for the sword, but he still had plenty to say."
It was understandable. Having a seal placed on oneself is no small matter, and given his position, Namgung Jin had to consider it carefully. Nonetheless, he went through with it in the end.
But I hadn't learned this Shackle to use as a weapon or a tool for coercion. I used it to build trust.
To not betray.
To not hold grudges.
To believe in each other.
This Shackle was created by a friend so that we could survive the damned Abyss. Thinking back, it didn't even work properly there.
Yet, ironically, we humans continued to believe it was effective simply because we chose to believe. Even now, after surviving the Abyss and living in this different timeline, I sometimes wonder if that seal is still on me.
The seal does work.
It just didn't work in the Abyss. Outside that hell, I've used it many times.
And every time, I remember his voice—the man who created it.
-I swear I'm gonna kill you if you use this outside of this place.
-Why bark at me when you made it for us to use?
-I'm saying this because I didn't make it for you to use it, you dimwit…!
He told me repeatedly not to use it, but I used it to the fullest without listening. How could I not, when it was the only seal I knew?
[Even if he's only half-complete, he's still reached the fusion realm. Shouldn't you verify if the seal is actually working?]
Elder Shin's comment was alarming, but I wasn't worried. While casting the seal on Namgung Jin, I had done something else to his body.
I never thought I'd use my Demonic Qi this way.
If possible, I'd rather not use it, but I wasn't in a position to be choosy. I channeled a small amount of the Demonic Qi—currently being purified after I consumed that flower—into Namgung Jin's system.
It wasn't enough to harm him like it did the Sword Queen, but just enough to reinforce the Shackle. Once the seal dissipates, so will the Demonic Qi, and I'll know when that happens.
The Heavenly Demon could sense the disappearance of Demonic Qi from a great distance, but I lack that ability.
"Another problem is the First Elder."
The first thing I asked about while placing the Shackle was Namgung Jin's conversation with the First Elder. I needed to know what they discussed.
Given the First Elder's suspicious nature, I expected some underhanded plotting, but oddly enough, Namgung Jin claimed they discussed nothing of consequence.
- It was just a friendly conversation, like I said. We didn't talk much about politics.
It wasn't strange for the First Elder to speak with Namgung Jin, as he was a well-known figure, though not as famous as the Second Elder. But if Namgung Jin was truthful about discussing nothing major, a problem remained: Namgung Jin's absence from the scene of the incident involving my servant.
I wondered if the First Elder had been the one to set that stage.
"If the incident is truly connected to the First Elder…"
Was there a reason my father didn't act against him?
There was no way Father was unaware if this had happened. Ultimately, everything within the Gu Clan was reported to him.
I prayed it wasn't the case, but if the First Elder was behind it, I wouldn't be surprised. I had to consider whether 'that' should happen sooner.
The death of the First Elder…
[Even if that happened, would all the problems be solved?]
"Probably not."
The First Elder played a unique role. Not just his position within the Gu Clan, but his significance in this timeline.
The reason I hadn't acted, despite knowing his misdeeds, was primarily because my father did nothing. Secondly, I wanted him to remain in his position for another two or three years. After that, the First Elder would meet his end without my intervention—consumed by his own greed and ambition.
That's what happened in my past life.
"Since I can't be sure, I can't act recklessly. I suppose I should go warn him."
[You're quite good at holding back, huh? You seem like you want to kill him on the inside.]
"…Don't rudely pry into my emotions like that. And since when does a Taoist speak so carelessly about taking lives?"
[You brat, do you know what I learned after the war?]
"What?"
[Those who deserve to be killed, should be killed.]
I halted my steps at Elder Shin's cold words. They were far too brutal for a Taoist.
[I won't comment on you trying to fix that Zhuge Hyuk kid; I can't say that was wrong. But I'll tell you when I think you're making a mistake.]
"I understand what you're saying."
[That's what war is, kid. I thought you'd know, having experienced it yourself.]
No loose ends. He was warning me that it would be too late for regrets if something happened because I didn't finish the job. And as Elder Shin said, I could relate to his words more than anyone. They might sound harsh coming from a Taoist, but they were realistic for a hero who saved the world after a war.
But now wasn't the time. I first needed a valid reason to act.
"Don't worry. I'm not just going to sit idly by."
That was why I had made an additional request of Namgung Jin.
If an old dog like the First Elder dared to bare his fangs, I would have to pull them out—whether they were teeth or claws.
Fortunately, I was a professional in that department.
* * *
When I arrived at my residence, it seemed unusually loud. Even for dinner time, there were more people than usual.
Wait, there actually are more people.
I saw faces I didn't recognize. Well-trained martial artists were standing guard, their attire marking them as members of the Tang Clan.
Wi Seol-Ah ran to me as soon as I entered, as if she'd been waiting. I reached out to pat her head as she bounded toward me like a puppy.
"Young Masterrrr!"
"Don't think about hugging me; you're heavy."
"I-I'm not heavy!"
She probably wasn't, as she had indeed lost weight. Because of this, touching her thinner cheeks didn't have the same satisfying effect as before. I patted her head despite my disappointment.
"Why are there so many people here?"
"Young Miss and a pretty aunt came!"
"…What?"
There was only one person Wi Seol-Ah would call 'Young Miss.'
So Gu Ryunghwa is here.
It seemed Gu Ryunghwa, who was staying in a separate guest house, had come over. And what did she mean by 'pretty aunt'…?
A sudden thought crossed my mind. I asked Wi Seol-Ah just to be sure.
"You… You weren't referring to the Sword Queen when you said 'pretty aunt,' were you?"
"Hmm? Oh, I was! Pretty aunt."
"Did you say that to her face?"
"Yesh! She said she liked it and told me to keep calling her that!"
She said she liked it…?
It didn't sound like a fitting title, no matter how I thought about it.
Well, I guess it's fine if she herself said she liked it.
Wi Seol-Ah hadn't done anything wrong, and the Sword Queen approved, so I decided to let it go.
As I was patting Wi Seol-Ah's head, Hongwa appeared and gently pulled the girl away.
"Kyaa!"
"Seol-Ah! You shouldn't bother the Young Master when he's tired."
"Okay…"
Wi Seol-Ah turned away, disappointed. Still, it didn't bother me; even touching her hair made me feel better.
I withdrew my awkwardly hovering hand and asked Hongwa, "Did Lady Tang come?"
"Yes, Young Master. She came with Lady Namgung."
With Namgung Bi-ah? That makes sense, they're friends, but why come here?
"The Lady of the house and the Sword Queen are also here."
"Oh, right, I heard. Why did they come?"
Hongwa tilted her head slightly. "Uh, they said you invited them to dinner today…"
"I did what?"
Did I?
I felt like I'd suggested having dinner together sometime, but was it today? I was sure we hadn't set a specific date.
It was fine, though, since I planned to see the Sword Queen soon anyway. As I was thinking, Hongwa spoke in a worried tone.
"Young Master…"
"Yeah?"
"Lady Namgung's expression… didn't look too good."
"What? Is she sick?"
"No, it didn't seem like that."
"Hmm, alright. I'll go ask her myself."
It was rare for a servant to worry about a young lady from another clan, but understandable since I'd seen Hongwa and Namgung Bi-ah speak occasionally.
Her expression didn't look too good, huh.
Her facial expressions rarely changed, and when they did, few people noticed. For Hongwa to see it, the change must have been significant.
Concerned she might be unwell, I quickened my pace.
The moment I opened the door, I saw Namgung Bi-ah flinch. Tang Soyeol was beside her, and they both started, as if caught in a private conversation.
"Lady Tang, you're here."
"Hello, Young Master Gu…"
"What brings you? Oh, was it because of your previous reason for visiting?"
"Oh, no. Sister Bi-ah said she wanted to eat with us…"
"Here? Together?"
"Is that… not possible?"
"…No, it's fine."
I said it was fine, but I couldn't help feeling a little uncomfortable, knowing Tang Soyeol had feelings for me. I didn't know how to handle it.
I've never had to deal with someone having a crush on me before.
She was being quite obvious about it. The novelty of the situation made me uneasy.
[To put it another way, it takes a Tang girl like that for you to finally notice.]
Why do you always chime in when I'm thinking about these things?
[It's the joy of my life.]
I sighed and addressed the two girls, who still hadn't composed themselves. "You both seemed very surprised when I came in. What were you talking about?"
"N-Nothing! We weren't talking about anything! Right, sis?"
"Y-Yeah."
Their behavior was suspicious. Anyone could tell they were discussing something. They must have been deeply engrossed, since first-rate martial artists like them hadn't even noticed me approaching.
I first looked at Namgung Bi-ah. As Hongwa had said, her expression was unusual. Her face and ears were slightly flushed.
I approached her. "Are you feeling alright?"
"No… I'm fine."
"No? You don't look fine."
"I'm… fine… Please, step back a little."
She seemed feverish, so I moved to place my hand on her forehead. I didn't hesitate; I'd done it before and thought nothing of it.
Slap!
"Hmm?"
I was wrong.
Namgung Bi-ah slapped my hand away. She seemed as surprised as I was, covering her mouth with wide eyes. It was a novel sight to see her so shocked.
"You find it uncomfortable for me to touch your forehead? You should have said so."
"No… It's not uncomfortable. I was just surprised…"
"I don't think I did anything shocking… I can call a physician if you're unwell."
"Today is just a bit hot…"
"…You know it's already autumn, right?"
Even I, with my body tempered by Flame Arts, felt the chill. How could she be hot?
Seeing me look suspiciously at Namgung Bi-ah, Tang Soyeol interrupted. "S-Sis must be sweating from training earlier! Right?"
"…Yeah."
It seemed Tang Soyeol was speaking for her for some reason. That said, Namgung Bi-ah's clothes were impeccably neat. She even looked different, wearing light makeup—though not as much as on the engagement day—which suggested she hadn't been training.
That was my thought, but I didn't press further. They clearly had a secret, and I decided to let it be.
"Alright. I'll tell the servants to prepare more food."
"Thank you."
"Oh, by the way, the Sword Queen will be joining us. Is that okay?"
"O-Of course! I came unannounced, so I have no right to—"
Tang Soyeol, who had been replying cheerfully, suddenly stopped. After a brief pause, she spoke again.
"Wait, Young Master Gu."
"Yes?"
"…Who did you say we were eating with?"
"The Sword Queen."
Tang Soyeol's expression shifted strangely, as if she couldn't believe her ears. I noticed her posture falter.
"Did you not know the Sword Queen was here at the Gu Clan?"
"How could I have known that?!" Tang Soyeol shouted back.