Chapter 33
Chapter 33
What am I thinking?' How could she compare a young man in his early twenties to the Yagul Clan patriarch? The absurd thought crossed her mind, but she quickly shook her head. Even so, she now perfectly understood why Lady Tanggo had praised him and extended an invitation. His skill surpassed even the most renowned musicians. "......" In this way, under Yagul Sohwa's intrigued gaze, the nameless wanderer's performance came to an end before long. The Melody Pavilion erupted in thunderous applause that seemed to shake the rafters. As the wanderer calmly returned to his seat and poured himself another drink, "May I join you for a moment?" Yagul Sohwa approached the man who had become the pavilion's star of the night and spoke. Yet even she was startled inwardly, despite taking the initiative herself. Her curiosity had piqued, but she hadn't planned to approach him so directly. Yet somehow, she had drawn near and opened her mouth without realizing it. This was a first for her, leaving her body stiff with half panic, half surprise. But words once spoken couldn't be taken back. All she could do now was await his response. "......" Yet the nameless wanderer remained silent, steadily pouring Baekhwaro. Was this a wordless refusal? Or was he some recluse who wouldn't even converse with the Seven Great Demon Clans? Her tangled thoughts churned her mind into chaos when the flow of liquor suddenly stopped. Drip. Drip. Drip. Tilting the bottle yielded only drops, so he called for the hall manager. "Manager." "Yes!" Geum Ansul hurried over in response. "Another bottle of Baekhwaro here." ...
Another bottle of Baekhwaro? Geum Ansul's eyes narrowed. No matter how masterful his performance or favored by the proprietress, downing two bottles when even she served them out sparingly with care—this crossed the line. This time, she couldn't allow it. Steel resolve set, Geum Ansul opened her mouth to firmly refuse. "I'm sorry, but that might be difficul—" "And one more cup." A cup? Did that mean he wasn't alone? The wanderer who had always sat by himself, suddenly sharing with someone...? "Gasp!" Only then did Geum Ansul glance at the seat across from him, nearly stopping her breath. No one working in the Melody Pavilion didn't know that face. "Pl-Please wait just a moment! I'll bring it right away!" With the Yagul Clan's young mistress seated there, what did a bit of liquor matter? Geum Ansul dashed off, clutching a bottle of Baekhwaro and an exquisite cup, returning like an arrow. She placed it politely before her and retreated a safe distance, as if fleeing. "Hm." Hyeok Mulin eyed the fresh bottle of Baekhwaro. He gripped the neck and turned to Yagul Sohwa. "Care for a drink?" "No reason to refuse." Yagul Sohwa accepted readily, her lips curving in satisfaction. Glug glug- As he poured the Baekhwaro steadily, her gaze fell to the cup. The liquor was pristine and clear, like dew captured in glass, mirroring her face within. He lifted his cup and drank; after watching a moment, she cautiously brought hers to her lips. Sip. As the liquor slid down, the tension she hadn't realized she carried began to melt away. And with it, her mouth slowly opened. "I never imagined you'd play a reply. Do you often enjoy performances like this?" "First time playing a reply." It had to be. In his previous life, he had only played alone in solitude. No one to play for, let alone reply to. "Really? Your first time?!" "Yes." His flat response contrasted with her startled exclamation. There had been no flaws or awkwardness—she had assumed vast experience. Yet this was his first reply, and to her no less. For some reason, it lifted her spirits immensely. Altogether pleased, her lips curved up as she fired off questions. "How long have you been playing?" "Quite a while. Far longer than you might guess." Hyeok Mulin thought back to his previous life, from middle age into his later years. But Yagul Sohwa, seeing a man her age, figured he must have started young. "Who taught you, then?" "No teacher worth the name." He learned on his own! To reach such heights through self-study. Unimaginable for someone of her noble lineage; she was nothing but astonished. And before her most burning question, she hesitated briefly. Then, steeling herself with a touch of nerves, she ventured it. "Then... what did you think of my playing?" Seeking someone's critique. How long had it been? At least since coming of age, it felt like the first time. Yagul Sohwa swallowed hard, awaiting his words. Soon, his lips parted. "Superb. You vividly captured and expressed the qin's subtle depth." "...!" "You grasped its long, resonant timbre precisely and elevated it, using the vibrations to full effect." His frank praise brought a blooming smile to her lips. Then, embarrassed by her own giddiness, she schooled her expression and cleared her throat. "Thank you. Yours was no slouch either." "Nothing difficult. I merely built upon your masterful prelude." His humility drew her admiration. With her top question answered, her tension vanished, and words poured out. "Do you own any instruments personally?" "None." "Can you play anything besides the pipa?" "A few, like the flute, but not many." "What's the most important part when you perform?" "Keeping the rhythm and flow intact matters, but above all, it's the listener's interpretation of the piece." "...!" "What story to tell, and to whom. Tailoring the performance to the audience's perspective comes first." "I think so too!" She nodded vigorously, her voice rising in agreement. "When preparing, I focus most on analyzing the counterpart, the venue, and the melody..." Elated, Yagul Sohwa chattered on. And the more they exchanged views with Hyeok Mulin, the more amazed she grew. 'Even back home, few can converse with me on this level...!' The deeper their talk, the more she marveled at his erudition in music. "You're the first I've clicked with like this." "Same here. A lifetime of solo performances—this is new, and quite enjoyable." "Hee hee. Then visit our clan sometime." "The Yagul Clan?" "Yes. I'll show you instruments not found here and introduce skilled performers. I'll inform the guards of your name and attire, so come to the main residence whenever suits you." Hyeok Mulin nodded readily to her invitation. "Very well. I'll visit soon, without refusal." "In that case..." She glanced around, covering her mouth with one hand as she whispered. "The eyes are turning our way, so shall we move somewhere quieter to chat?" "That would be best." Hyeok Mulin agreed and rose. They headed to a private room on the top floor. And until the starry sky faded into dimness, the man and woman's conversation continued late into the night, warm and lively.