The Heir's Sudden Outing
Uniform grayish-white flagstones covered the ground evenly, while an array of high-quality weapons hung from plaster racks. This was Namgung Wan's private training yard.
In the lingering chill of the morning, plumes of white steam rose from Namgung Wan's body as he trained. Someone approaching registered in his heightened senses while he focused through the morning session, but he ignored it and pressed on. Yet even after about an hour, the presence lingered without departing, forcing him at last to halt his sword.
Catching his breath, Namgung Wan called out, "What is it?"
A reply came from beyond the training yard's entrance. "The little madam has arrived."
"......The wife?"
Namgung Wan carefully returned his sword to the rack, then shrugged on his loosely draped outer robe and stepped outside.
The little madam, waiting beyond the yard, widened her eyes slightly at the sight of him. "My, at least wipe off your sweat before coming out."
"No need. I'll head back in soon. What brings you here?"
Namgung Wan gestured for the servant politely offering a towel to step back.
"Hoo, I knew it would be like this."
At her sigh, Namgung Wan furrowed his brow. The little madam continued, "Isn't today the day we have lunch as a family? If I hadn't come, you'd have forgotten again, buried in your training."
Twice a month, Namgung Wan, the little madam, and Namgung Ryu-cheong were supposed to share a meal together—an effort by the little madam, who rarely saw them all gathered amid their busy schedules. But the agreement was broken like clockwork, every time.
"Ahem."
Namgung Wan cleared his throat awkwardly and snatched the towel the servant offered again. "Let's go."
As the little madam shot him a glare and turned to lead the way, her maid hurried up. "Madam, Gu-sa has come."
Gu-sa was Namgung Ryu-cheong's personal servant. Namgung Wan and the little madam's expressions hardened.
Lips pressed tight, the little madam strode forward. Gu-sa, standing just outside the wall encircling the yard, bowed deeply as she approached. "Greetings, madam."
"What is it? Is Ryu-cheong skipping the meal again?"
Her tone began calmly but sharpened toward the end.
Gu-sa glanced nervously before replying, "Yes, but......"
"Another tantrum. Again!"
Namgung Wan, following behind, cut in with irritation.
Flustered, Gu-sa stammered, "Young master, it's not that......"
"What's not! No need to take your master's side! How does that boy keep tormenting his own mother like this! Where is Ryu-cheong? Take me to him at once!"
Gu-sa jumped in alarm. "Aigoo, no, that's not it. Please calm down, young master. I have something to tell you......"
"Take me there!"
A soft sigh escaped as a pale hand gripped Namgung Wan's arm. "Enough. Ryu-cheong has his worries these days. Leave him be. Gu-sa, you go too. Make sure he eats properly."
Gu-sa felt like bursting into tears right there from sheer frustration.
After several rounds of commotion, he finally managed to explain the real reason for his visit. "The young master sent me to ask for permission to go out with Little Miss Baek Ri and Little Miss Seo."
Namgung Wan and the little madam stared in shock.
"What did you say? Ryu-cheong wants to go out?" Namgung Wan echoed in disbelief.
The little madam murmured blankly, "Isn't this the first time he's ever said he wants to go out on his own?"
"What the hell did that kid eat?"
Snapping out of it at Namgung Wan's mutter, the little madam turned to Gu-sa. "Of course, tell him it's permitted. When does he plan to go? We must prepare at once—his outing clothes, some pocket money. Oh, and a little something for Little Miss Seo and Little Miss Baek Ri too......"
As she rattled off plans with sparkling eyes, Gu-sa rolled his eyes helplessly before venturing cautiously, "Um, madam."
"Yes?"
"......They've already set off......"
"What?!"
Namgung Wan bellowed in exasperation. "You came for permission? Why is it after-the-fact notice! Who gives permission like this?!"
"Sh-should I tell them to come back?"
"No need," the little madam said firmly.
But her face softened with longing as she murmured, "He could take it slow......why the rush......"
Gu-sa gave an awkward smile. The little madam waved him off and turned to Namgung Wan. "Still, this is wonderful. Ryu-cheong actually thought to go out."
Namgung Wan, still scowling deeply, nodded grudgingly.
Something occurring to her, the little madam spoke up. "Oh, there was something I meant to ask."
"What?"
"Didn't you once ask Great Hero Baek Ri to take Ryu-cheong as a disciple? How did that go?"
"......It fell through awkwardly."
He had originally planned to use the Manshin-ui card to treat Yeon-i, then ask in return for him to teach Namgung Ryu-cheong. But Yeon-i had nearly died instead, and even Manshin-ui perished.
Namgung Wan involuntarily recalled that grim scene—the deafening roar, mounds of earth cascading over the ruined village, no chance even to react......
Shaking off the memory, he continued, "Besides, Yeon-i gave me something far too precious. Asking her to handle Ryu-cheong on top would make me a man without shame."
"Something precious?"
"......"
Namgung Wan clamped his mouth shut. The little madam didn't press and changed the subject. "But it doesn't have to be as his official master, right?"
"......"
"Even if not a master, wouldn't it be nice if the great hero stayed on at the Namgung household?"
"Yi-gang has his own home—he even has quarters at the Murim Alliance. Why would he stay here, abandoning the Baek Ri clan?"
"Still, at least float the idea."
Gazing into the distance for a moment, she added, "I've heard some things myself. It wouldn't be a bad proposal for him."
At that, something stirred in Namgung Wan too, creasing his brow slightly. "......I'll mention it. But I can't promise anything."
The little madam smiled, satisfied.
The two slowly walked away from the training yard.
"Tomorrow, I must visit the temple and pray to Buddha for Little Miss Baek Ri's good fortune."
"......Didn't you do that last time?"
"The more often I pray, the more my wishes will reach him."
"Do as you like."
"Oh, right. We should bring Little Miss Baek Ri along. She can tour the temple and get some fresh air."
"Sounds good."
Namgung Wan's gaze caught Gu-sa receding into the distance. He halted. "I'll step out for a bit too."
"Pardon?"
"Sorry about lunch."
Leaving the little madam behind, Namgung Wan hurried off.
Moments later, he approached the Namgung household's main gate, his bamboo hat pulled low. The guards spotted him and bowed respectfully.
His steps were swift, as if urgent business pressed, though he refrained from lightfoot technique to preserve some dignity.
Such was Namgung Wan's haste—until he spotted the figure ahead and came to an abrupt stop.
Sensing the presence, the other turned as well.
No words were needed; they knew each other's destination.
"Palbulchul."
"......Where are you headed?"
"......"
"Let's go together."
Namgung Wan and Baek Ri-gang departed the Namgung household side by side, escorted by the gate guards.