Whirlwind (1)
Yeon Hojeong turned away with a face that said everything was a hassle upon spotting Jegal A-yeon.
It was understandable to feel awkward, but Jegal A-yeon didn't mind in the slightest. If anything, her face lit up with delight.
"How've you been?"
"It's only been two days."
"I'm just that happy to see you."
He couldn't fathom what kind of bond made her so thrilled. Yeon Hojeong said to Paeng Daeho,
"Anyway, sorry for the intrusion."
"Huh? Oh? Uh? Ah! N-no problem! It's not like it wears out or anything."
"Right."
"Y-you're leaving?"
"Yeah."
"……W-well, take care. See you later."
With that, Yeon Hojeong headed into the lodging. Just as Jegal A-yeon opened her mouth to call him again,
"Miss."
"Yes?"
"You should secure your lodging now."
"Uh, but my luggage is all with Joon anyway. I was just gonna grab some tea with my friend……."
"Miss."
"……."
"……."
"Fine, fine, I get it."
The middle-aged warrior bowed deeply and respectfully.
"I overstepped my bounds. My apologies."
"Nah, it's fine! I remember Father's words. Hey, Joon! Pick out a nice lodging for us!"
"Of course."
"Eek!"
"Ow! Why, why're you doing that?! My hair's all messed up!"
"It's 'cause I love you, you punk."
"Love my ass! It's just you being mean! Hey, but why're you being mean?"
"……."
"……Alright! Let's go find a place to stay! Come on, let's go!"
As the Jegal siblings started to move, Jegal A-yeon suddenly glanced at Namgung Hyeon.
"Oh? Brother?"
Namgung Hyeon said with a slightly awkward expression,
"It's been a while."
Jegal A-yeon bowed gracefully. It was a completely different demeanor from how she treated Yeon Hojeong or Jegal Jun.
"How have you been?"
"Well enough. And you?"
"Yes."
"……."
"Then, see you later."
Jegal A-yeon's formality was impeccable. Anyone would call her the refined daughter of a prestigious house. Yet there was an inexplicable awkwardness in the air. It didn't look comfortable for her to put on such airs with others.
With that, the Jegal siblings went off to find lodging. Namgung Hyeon's gaze deepened as he watched Jegal A-yeon walk away.
Back at his quarters, Yeon Jipyeong was already there.
"Brother?"
"You're back."
"You didn't answer when I called, so I got worried and came in."
"Good call."
"But did Jegal sister and Joon come too? I heard voices from over there."
Yeon Jipyeong's senses were sharp indeed. Unless he'd focused deliberately, it wasn't a distance where he'd catch voices from the gate.
"Yeah."
"That's great. Having familiar faces around puts me at ease."
"Nervous?"
"……A little?"
Honest kid. Yeon Hojeong chuckled and jerked his chin toward the window.
"They're settling in the west building. Go have some tea."
"What about you, brother?"
"I'm good."
Yeon Jipyeong scratched his head.
"Brother, can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"Do you not like Jegal sister?"
Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.
"Nah? No real feelings either way."
"I see."
"Why?"
"Nothing. Just... you seem to keep your distance from her, like before."
"No reason to hate her, but no reason to like her either, right?"
Yeon Jipyeong's face went blank. It sounded illogical yet made perfect sense. But he'd never seen someone define relationships so cleanly.
"W-well, I'll be off then!"
"Go on."
Once Yeon Jipyeong left, Yeon Hojeong sat by the window. She must've been glad to see him. Looking down, he spotted Yeon Jipyeong's retreating figure already heading out.
He looks happy.
A faint self-reproach settled on Yeon Hojeong's face.
I wouldn't have let that happen before.
It was too long ago for clear memories. But back at past later-generation summits, he'd thoroughly hated his brother. He'd probably been too busy watching Yeon Hojeong's mood to befriend others.
I won't let that happen again.
That was why he kept distance from Jegal A-yeon too. Jegal Jun was wary of him, but she wanted to tear down those walls. He was grateful, really. Even as his lifesaver, not many approached so casually—it was a blessing.
That's why Yeon Hojeong guarded against others. Or more precisely, against himself.
Not this time. I won't fail.
Yeon Jipyeong bounding off full of joy. He didn't want to cast fear or emptiness over that lively back. Not just his brother, but anyone dear to him—he refused to show them a horrific future.
……At least until the Three Sects chaos erupted. If possible, even after.
Enemies are everywhere.
You couldn't afford carelessness when you didn't know who they were. In that light, judging the Paeng family so soon might be premature.
Yeon Hojeong sat cross-legged on the floor. His half-lidded eyes gleamed hard and dark as steel.
"Best if even the Nine Great Clans stay away."
An hour later.
"Young master. The summit has begun. Everyone's to gather at the main banquet hall."
"Moyong and Myeong houses?"
"They just arrived."
* * *
"Long time no see, brother."
"Wahahat! It's been forever! A whole year, right?"
"Seems like it."
"Man! Just one year, and you've gotten even prettier!"
"You've both bulked up more too?"
"We eat well."
"Hohoho!"
"And your swordplay's gotten fierce."
"……I didn't wanna hear that."
Entering the outdoor banquet hall, the Paeng brothers immediately caught the eye. Their massive builds and booming voices that shook the heavens drew every gaze.
But Yeon Hojeong's eyes didn't linger on Paeng Daeho or Paeng Manho. They went to the woman chatting with them.
Moyong!
She looked not yet twenty, a fresh beauty. But the true energy hidden in her body was extraordinary. Her potential surpassed even the Paeng brothers.
And Yeon Hojeong knew exactly what that power was—and who she was.
Moyong Gun's daughter.
Moyong Yeonhwa. The heroine of her generation who'd led the Moyong house in the Martial Alliance Leader's stead. Her talent was so outstanding that even Moyong Gun acknowledged it, politics aside.
Yeon Hojeong turned away. Back when he ruled Heukje-seong as the Black Emperor, they'd clashed endlessly. But that wasn't important now.
First, the Myeong house…….
Then,
"Looking for someone?"
Yeon Hojeong turned. Jegal A-yeon stood there smiling.
"You made it."
"……I said it before, but your speech sounds like some old geezer."
"Whatever."
"Again with that."
Yeon Hojeong scanned Jegal A-yeon's outfit.
"What's with the getup?"
Jegal A-yeon smiled. Her ever-bright smile carried an odd bitterness.
"Pretty flashy, right?"
The first time at Choseong-ru, and when entering the manor, her clothes had been plain. Her stunning looks made them seem ornate, but they were really just practical, high-end activewear.
Not now. Her lavish palace attire was stunning. Fine emerald-green silk embroidered with red plum blossoms suited her bright, refined beauty perfectly.
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
"Looks good."
"Really?"
"Yeah, suits you."
Jegal A-yeon studied his eyes. They were clear—too clear and emotionless, exerting a subtle pressure.
But her expression brightened. She'd heard "pretty" her whole life, often laced with jealousy or desire. This plain praise from an outsider was new.
She couldn't help feeling good.
"Right? It's a bit much, though……."
"Not really."
"R-really?"
"It's not like you're draped in gold. Plenty flashier than you out there."
True. In the black path, many overdressed beyond their station to flaunt power and wealth, gathering forces.
Compared to that, Jegal A-yeon's was downright modest.
A comfortable smile spread on her face. Quick-witted people managed expressions well, but she wore her feelings openly.
"There's a spot over there. Let's sit."
"Pass."
"Come on, don't play hard to get from a good seat. Let's grab a drink."
Yeon Hojeong paused before responding to her persistence.
Fair point.
If some house plotted to wipe out the Yeon family here, their heir would know—and watch him and Yeon Jipyeong closely.
No need to act suspiciously.
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
"Fine."
"Hehe."
"Don't stick so close."
"You're so prickly."
"Quiet."
"Doesn't that personality tire you out?"
"If it did, I wouldn't live like this."
"Hm, true."
"So back off. You're hot."
"It's this chilly, and you're hot? Plus, with your level of martial arts……."
Jegal A-yeon coughed, realizing her slip.
"Sorry. Was that too much?"
Her tact was impeccable. She didn't think he hid his skills, but knew he hated bragging.
They sat. The pre-made food was a bit cold but tasty. Yeon Hojeong poured her cup first. She smiled and filled his.
"Can I ask something?"
"Go ahead."
"Are all Yeon family martial arts that strong?"
"Jegal family's no slouch either."
"Ah? So it's not the arts, but the person?"
Spot on. She read intentions well.
Jegal A-yeon giggled.
"Subtly bragging? Fair, you've got the goods."
"Not brag-worthy."
"Humble?"
"Serious."
She read sincerity in his face. He truly believed his skills unremarkable.
Gazing at him, she asked,
"Wanna get stronger?"
"Every warrior's dream."
"True. So your dream's to be the world's best?"
Yeon Hojeong's lip curled slightly. A faint smile, but heavy with meaning.
"Might as well aim top if you're gonna be strong."
"……Yeah."
Mumbling unconsciously, Jegal A-yeon nodded again.
"Right. Better top dog than middling. Or rock bottom."
She beamed.
"Lucky you. Having a dream."
Not quite world's best, but he let it slide.
"No dream?"
"Me? Hmm!"
She bit her lip, pretending to ponder.
"You're so mature. Never really thought about dreams."
"Not thinking about dreams make you a kid?"
"Huh, never saw it that way."
She nudged his arm with her elbow.
"Talking to you makes me feel like a real kid. And I've never been called dumb."
"Cut the nonsense and pour."
"Huh? When'd you drink?"
"Hand over the bottle."
"Got it! Lemme pour! You're so impatient. No toast, just chug."
One drank stone-faced, the other chattered and laughed. A common sight, but their vibe was different—casual, unpretentious. Man and woman sharing drinks, easy and familiar.
The later-generation heirs glanced over. Whatever the reason, a beauty laughing brightly, exchanging cups. And the youth beside her was sharp-featured, handsome enough.
The scene stirred odd feelings. As if this banquet had its own stars.
How much time passed?
"Looking real cozy."
Yeon Hojeong and Jegal A-yeon turned. Dang Yangseon approached with hands behind his back, smirking.
"Lonely without friends. Mind if I join?"