Chapter 62
Chapter 62
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: Someday, Definitely
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We entered the inn. Leaving the clamor of the first floor behind, we headed straight up to the third floor. Without a second thought, we took the private room at the far end of the hall.
Wherever she went, Master's striking appearance drew every eye. Her jet-black robes and icy expression only added to her mystique, stirring the curiosity of every man around. To fend off the unwanted advances of those blind young masters in advance, a secluded space like this was essential.
The creaky wooden door shut behind us, and the two of us sat facing each other across a wide table.
An awkward silence instantly filled the private room.
This was the first time I'd been alone with Master in such a confined space since being dispatched to the Azure Dragon Squad. Of course, it made sense since I hadn't returned to the Healer Immortal Sect even once.
It felt strange. Like some eerie déjà vu from my school days, sitting alone in a room café with a terrifying teacher. My breath caught in my throat from the tension.
First things first—I should order.
"Master. Is there anything you'd like to eat?"
I opened my mouth cautiously.
Master didn't respond. She simply kept her head slightly lowered, fiddling with the crude wooden ring I'd slipped onto her finger earlier using her pale, slender fingers.
Guess that means I should just order for us.
I stood and opened the door to the private room. In the hallway, a server was bustling about, carrying food to other rooms.
"Hey! Hey, hey, hey!"
I waved him over, and the server hurried to me.
"Yes, sir! Ready to order?"
"Surprise us. Bring everything that's the most expensive and delicious here."
I slipped a few silver coins into his hand. His face broke into a beaming grin as he checked them.
"Right away, young master! I'll take excellent care of you!"
He bowed repeatedly before darting downstairs like an arrow.
The door closed again, and a heavy silence settled over the room. Master still hadn't taken her eyes off that ring.
Should I say something? Hmm... but I don't really have anything to say.
Ah.
Suddenly, I remembered something Jeogal Seo had told me before. That while I was away, Master had visited my quarters.
"Master."
I broached the subject carefully. Finally, her gaze lifted from the ring to me. Her cold eyes seemed to ask, 'Why are you calling me?'
"Uh... well, would it be all right if I asked whether... back when I was staying at the Healer Immortal Sect... if you ever visited my quarters while I was out?"
For a split second, Master's shoulders twitched ever so slightly.
Then her expression hardened into an icy chill.
"Why do you ask such a thing?"
Her voice was sharp. Was she angry? Ah, I shouldn't have brought it up. Should've just kept my mouth shut and stayed quiet. I'd tried to break the awkwardness and ended up nailing the coffin shut instead.
"Ha... haha... It's nothing. I just... suddenly got curious."
I laughed it off awkwardly. A frigid silence flowed between us once more. The ink painting on the wall scroll seemed to mock me.
And before long, Master spoke first.
"There's no rule saying a master can't visit her disciple's room... Ngh!"
Mid-sentence, Master suddenly let out a short groan and clamped her mouth shut. She'd bitten her tongue.
"Master! Are you all right?"
I shot to my feet without thinking. Master shook her head and forced a calm voice.
"I'm fine. I can stitch it up later."
Stitch it? Wait, biting her tongue required stitches?
"Master, if you don't mind, could I take a look inside your mouth?"
Master stiffened with a jolt. But after a brief hesitation, she slowly parted her lips.
I approached cautiously, leaning in just close enough to peer inside while keeping some distance.
Beyond her neat teeth, a bead of bright red blood welled up from the tip of her small red tongue. Fortunately, it wasn't serious enough to need stitches.
...Her mouth is pretty, too. The red tongue, white teeth, and even the deep, dark throat beyond. Hmm...
Oh no. I'd zoned out admiring her again without realizing it.
I snapped back to attention and focused my invisible power of suggestion. I recalled the time in the Secret Cave when I'd used area-of-effect healing on a bunch of martial artists. Directly suggesting to someone with Master's iron will was nearly impossible. But scattering a misty suggestion around the wound without targeting her specifically was different. The subtle power could seep in without resistance. If anything, it was similar to the XX King's judgment mechanics.
At my will, particles of suggestion in the air permeated Master's mouth. The blood stopped oozing from her tongue tip, and the small gash filled with fresh skin in the blink of an eye.
...Pretty.
I watched contentedly before quietly returning to my seat.
Master kept her head bowed, saying nothing. Her face was hidden by her raven-black hair, but she was surely displeased. I'd gotten permission, but still—a disciple peering into his master's mouth like that.
The silence between us grew several times heavier and more awkward than before.
To air out the stifling atmosphere, I stood and flung open the window.
A rush of market bustle flooded into the room. The lively clamor of voices, food aromas, and dusty air swept away the oppressive mood. Only then did my choked breath ease.
And with it came another conversation topic. This one should be safe.
I sat back down and carefully addressed Master again.
"Master. After I left for the Azure Dragon Squad... did Cheonha Young and that Black Elder ever come back to the Healer Immortal Sect?"
Master's fiddling fingers paused. She slowly lifted her head to look at me. Her dark eyes were calmly settled.
"...You mean the Heavenly Family girl."
She knew, after all. I leaned in to hear what she'd say next. But another voice cut in.
Bang!
"Sir! Your order's here!"
The door flew open, and the server from before strode in proudly, balancing a huge tray on his head.
This clueless idiot. Maybe I should take back that tip.
The server gleefully set down a feast of delicacies on the table one by one. Roasted meats dripping with fat, fresh sashimi, soups simmered with rare herbs I couldn't name. In moments, the empty table brimmed with splendor.
"Enjoy your meal!"
After unloading everything, he winked at me and sauntered out humming a tune.
...Whatever.
The door shut, leaving just the two of us. I schooled my expression and offered Master the food.
"Please, help yourself first. Master."
Master silently picked up her chopsticks. She plucked a glistening stir-fried mushroom and brought it to her lips. Her pretty red lips parted slightly as the food slipped inside. I stared blankly at her chewing before snapping out of it.
Hmm... I should eat too.
I grabbed my chopsticks and shoved some food into my mouth. Savory, salty juices flooded my senses. It was incredible. This was a high-class inn worth every coin.
Then, as Master chewed, she spoke softly.
"The Heavenly Family girl... she came."
"Pardon?"
I reflexively asked again. Master set down her chopsticks and continued evenly.
"After you left, she came to me asking after your whereabouts."
Master's story continued. Apparently, Cheonha Young had already sought help from her grandfather—the lord of the Healer Immortal Sect and the Healer Immortal himself. But as a member of the Murim Alliance, he flatly refused the request from someone of unknown origins, surely tied to the Demonic Cult.
"But the girl didn't give up. She said she'd return and left the sect. A few days later, she came to me. Of course, I refused as well."
Hmm. So it wasn't just me. Me, Master, and even Grandmaster Healer Immortal. The only thing we had in common was being physicians of the Healer Immortal Sect. Was she just collecting medics as a hobby?
"What on earth could they want?"
Master gazed out the window for a moment, then let out a small sigh.
"...Probably, someone they need to save."
Hmm. As I thought. What kind of horrific illness would drive her to seek out even the Healer Immortal himself?
I came to my senses to find Master had already set her chopsticks down completely.
"Done already?"
"Yes."
Her short reply came.
"Eat at your leisure."
But I couldn't do that. How could I keep Master waiting?
From that moment, I attacked my food with battle-ready chopsticks. I crammed in only the tastiest-looking bites. My face practically buried in the plate, so I couldn't see Master's expression. But I clearly felt her exasperated gaze boring into the top of my head. I felt like I might choke, but I stuffed myself anyway, filling my stomach nicely.
"Hup!"
I swallowed the last piece of meat and jumped to my feet.
"Master, shall we go?"
"...You can eat more."
"No! My stomach's about to burst!"
I patted my belly. I couldn't keep Master waiting.
We settled the bill and left the inn, strolling back into the market street. To aid digestion, we wandered the bustling stalls slowly. Compared to morning, there were far more vendors now, plenty to see.
How long had we walked? The sun was high in the midday sky.
Suddenly, Master stopped and spoke.
"It's time for me to head back."
"I'll escort you."
"No need. You did well today."
Master was returning to the Healer Immortal Sect. Curious, I asked.
"Ah... Are your affairs at the Murim Alliance concluded?"
"Yes."
She nodded. Then, gazing at me intently, she added,
"Thanks to you."
Hmm. I see.
Then Master spoke again, her tone hesitant in a way unlike her usual self.
"......I won't expel you."
Ah.
I breathed a silent sigh of relief. Thank goodness. Really. The worst-case scenario was avoided.
Master turned her head slightly and murmured in a mosquito-like voice,
"...But someday, I definitely will."
I doubted my ears for a moment.
"So, prepare yourself."
With that, Master spun on her heel.
Her jet-black robes fluttered in the wind, and in the blink of an eye, she leaped onto the rooftops and vanished into the distance. Impeccable lightness skill.
I stood frozen, blurting out to the empty sky where she'd disappeared.
"......Pardon?"