Chapter 62
Chapter 62
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: Namgung So-yeon and the Black Moon Sword
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Namgung So-yeon - Black Moon Sword
Just as Namgung So-yeon was about to pay, a forgotten fact flashed through her mind.
She was currently skipping her lessons and engaging in outside activities without her father's knowledge.
To get the money, she would have to return to the clan’s main hall, but if she did, it was obvious she’d be immediately summoned by her father in the clan head’s quarters.
With nothing to offer at the moment, So-yeon broke into a cold sweat as she looked at the Black Moon Sword before her.
‘…I desperately want it, but I’m in huge trouble!’
Unaware of her predicament, Hyeon-a shot her a shrewd glance through narrowed eyes.
"This is a demonic sword that was *extremely* difficult to obtain. Even if I were to sell it, my heart wouldn't be swayed unless it was for an immense sum."
Seeing So-yeon flustered and speechless, Hyeon-a asked in a suggestive tone.
"Perhaps… you don't have the money?"
"N-No! I do! I do, but…!"
She was so flustered that her voice grew louder without her realizing it.
Normally, she would have confidently presented gold coins, or even gold ingots, and taken the weapon. But to make grand promises and then be unable to deliver was more than just a failure to buy a weapon.
It would make a mockery of her words and actions, of her proud declaration that she was a member of the Namgung Clan and would pay any price.
It would be a tremendous blow to her reputation. She couldn't bear such a shameful act.
As Hyeon-a casually reached to take back the Black Moon Sword, Namgung So-yeon grabbed her wrist.
"Hey, wait a minute!"
"Ma'am, this is rather troubling."
"No, I really have the money! I just don't have it on me right now! If you come to the Namgung Clan later…!"
"Shall we go together now, then? To be honest, I find your claim a bit hard to believe."
Hyeon-a knew So-yeon was the second daughter of the Namgung Clan, but she feigned ignorance to pressure her further.
She also knew So-yeon had snuck out of her home and thus couldn't go back with her.
"I-I can't do that! I'll come back tonight, no, tomorrow for sure…!"
"I plan to leave soon. I wander from place to place for my work."
"Can't you just wait? If you wait just one day, I'll give you a huge amount of money! I was even planning to give you gold ingots!"
Gold ingots were of immense value.
It was safe to say that virtually nothing in a common weapon shop was worth even a single gold ingot.
However, considering that the weapons made by the Heavenly Demon Cult’s possessed blacksmith were sold on the black market for far more, it was clear Namgung So-yeon did not yet grasp the true value of the Black Moon Sword.
"I'll pay you tomorrow, so please give me this weapon…!"
"Then how about this?"
Hyeon-a, disguised as a merchant, opened her eyes slightly and spoke in a captivating voice.
Her words made the agitated Namgung So-yeon focus.
She felt the atmosphere around them suddenly grow heavy.
Hyeon-a had subtly spread her energy, imperceptible to Namgung So-yeon, to make her concentrate solely on her.
"I will come to collect the payment when I next need it. What do you say?"
"You'll come when you need it? What does that…?"
"It's just as I said. It seems you're not in a position to pay for this weapon right now. I will come to collect when the time is right."
If she thought about it for a moment, something seemed off, but Namgung So-yeon, completely enthralled by the Black Moon Sword, didn't think deeply and immediately nodded her head.
"Yes! Alright! Let's do that! When you need it, come to the Namgung main hall."
"Hehe, I shall do just that."
Only after hearing So-yeon's answer did Hyeon-a release her hold on the Black Moon Sword.
As a thrilled So-yeon quickly picked up the sword, Hyeon-a handed her a scabbard crafted from ebony.
"Take this as well."
One look at the scabbard and So-yeon could tell it was of exceptional quality.
The materials appeared to be of a very high grade, and it was exquisitely and cleanly polished.
The ornamentation was not excessive; it was simple yet exuded a profound and dignified aura.
Thinking that the maker of the scabbard must have possessed incredible skill, she slowly accepted it.
So-yeon immediately sheathed the Black Moon Sword, captivated by the weapon’s heavy, dark feel.
"..."
Gazing at the sword with the eyes of a youth who had just fallen in love, So-yeon was so smitten with the demonic blade that she couldn't easily speak.
After a long moment of admiring the intricate decorations and the demonic sword itself, she felt like she could fly, knowing it was now hers.
"Are you that pleased with it?"
"...Yes, of course!"
So-yeon nodded repeatedly, her face beaming.
Hyeon-a then spoke, as if to warn her.
"There is one thing you should be careful about, however."
"A precaution?"
"That sword is a legendary demonic blade once used by a great fiend of the past. There's no telling what will happen if you become carelessly intoxicated by its power."
"Haha, don't worry about that."
So-yeon replied as if it were of no concern.
And for good reason—she was quite resolute when it came to superstitions.
Tales of madmen drunk on their swords or of haunted weapons.
She considered such things to be mere fiction.
Just then.
"Young Lady! Are you here?"
"The Clan Head is looking for you urgently!"
Hearing the voices of her clan's warriors searching for her, Namgung So-yeon quickly turned her head.
'Oh no, I'm in big trouble!'
"I-I have to go now. I will definitely pay for the weapon I received today, so please visit the Namgung Clan."
"Hehe, very well."
After saying this, Namgung So-yeon quickly slipped out of the tent.
Watching her leave, Hyeon-a spoke in a voice that was barely audible.
"Then, farewell, Lady Namgung So-yeon."
So-yeon thought she heard her name and turned her head once, but she quickly dismissed it as a mistake and headed toward the warriors who were looking for her.
***
"Young Lady, the Clan Head is truly furious."
"I-I know!"
"This time, you must explain yourself very well…"
"I'll handle it!"
Namgung So-yeon's joy at obtaining the Black Moon Sword was short-lived. Annoyed by the nagging of the Namgung warriors, she returned to the main hall.
Upon her return, the warriors in the estate bowed their heads and greeted her.
""Welcome back, Young Lady.""
Even though she often caused trouble in the family, their eyes held no trace of ill will toward Namgung So-yeon.
This was because the clan head, Namgung Cheon, though he scolded her for her conduct and speech, always acted with affection for his daughter, so the clan warriors did not dare treat her disrespectfully.
With a nervous expression, Namgung So-yeon hid her fear of a severe scolding from her father deep within her heart and headed for the clan head's quarters.
She fidgeted with the Black Moon Sword at her waist, trying to soothe her anxiety.
'Right. It's not all bad. I got this precious sword today.'
She took a deep breath and entered the clan head’s quarters.
A few steps down the corridor, she ran into the eldest son of the Namgung Clan, her older brother, Namgung Yeol.
So-yeon believed that while her brother always pretended to be dignified and proper in his speech and conduct, he was always looking down on and dismissing others behind that facade.
She felt he was especially blatant with this attitude toward her, the second daughter.
Because of this, she unknowingly scowled.
"Oh, my. If it isn't my troublemaking little sister, Namgung So-yeon. What sort of trouble did you get into this time to be summoned by Father?"
His tone was feigned concern, but his face was all smiles.
'He's definitely trying to tease me.'
She replied in an annoyed tone.
"You don't need to know."
"Hmm, I was on my way to the Council Hall for some business, and it's quite nice to run into you."
The Council Hall was where the clan elders held official meetings.
It was obvious that Namgung Yeol, a candidate for the next clan head, was saying this to flaunt his position.
'Otherwise, there would be no reason to say such a thing, knowing I'm on my way to be scolded by Father.'
Therefore, his words could be interpreted as follows:
(Unlike you, the problem child, I've been acknowledged by Father and the clan elders. Meanwhile, you've caused trouble again and are being summoned. What a pathetic sight.)
As this interpretation came to mind, Namgung So-yeon's expression twisted, and she replied fiercely.
"Yeah, must be nice. You have fun teasing me all the time, don't you?"
"Whatever do you mean, little sister? I'm just worried about you. (Yes, teasing you is hilarious.)"
He maintained a smile that could in no way be seen as that of a genuinely concerned person.
It was as if he was mocking So-yeon.
"Whatever. Just go on your way."
Having nothing else to say, she coldly walked past Namgung Yeol.
Watching her, he got in one last jab.
"Father seemed quite angry. Why don't you properly reflect and apologize this time? (You're dead meat with Dad now. Look forward to it.)"
His attempt to scare her made Namgung So-yeon shout back.
"Urgh! I told you I'll handle it myself!"
She didn't want to hear another word from her brother and quickened her pace.
'So annoying! Why is everyone in this family out to get me?!'
The provocations and ridicule from Namgung Yeol, who held the upper hand in the succession battle, were almost too much for her to bear.
"Sister, is that any way to speak to your older brother…?"
"Shut up! Always acting all sanctimonious while you do nothing but mock me…!"
'I don't even care about being the clan head…'
Namgung So-yeon just wanted an older brother who would understand and sincerely comfort her.
Lost in self-pity, she stomped toward the clan head's office.
Namgung Yeol gazed after her retreating figure, the smile he had been maintaining vanishing as he muttered to himself.
"...She's particularly sensitive today."
In the past, she used to play and talk with him quite well, but as they got older, he felt their relationship had gradually soured.
"I keep trying to get close to her again, smiling and talking to her, but she never reciprocates. It's hurtful…"
Namgung Yeol was wounded by the harsh words from his only younger sister.
"Maybe I should bring her some snacks next time. I remember So-yeon likes soft honey cakes."
Pondering how he could get close to his sister again, he resumed his steps toward the Council Hall.
"Still, I hope Father doesn't scold her too harshly… She's a soft-hearted kid, and when she gets hurt, it lasts for a long time."
He left the clan head's quarters with a worried expression.
That's right.
He was genuinely worried about Namgung So-yeon, without a hint of hypocrisy or ridicule. Her belief that he was mocking her was nothing more than a delusion of her own making.