Chapter 368: Leaving the North Sea
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 368: Leaving the North Sea
"Shall we load this as well?"
"Load everything."
The members of the Alliance moved busily, beginning to pack the wagons. They were preparing to set off for Sichuan once again.
"Hahahaha! We’re finally heading back to Sichuan."
One of the Alliance warriors let out a boisterous laugh.
"Are you really that happy?" another warrior nearby chimed in.
"Of course! Don't I have a brood of children and a wife like a fox waiting for me?"
"Who knows? That fox-like wife of yours might be sharing a bed with some other fellow while you're away."
"Hey! Watch your mouth, man!"
"Hahahaha, I’m just joking."
The faces of the Alliance warriors were bright with excitement. They had been away on this mission for over a month, and everyone was buzzing with anticipation.
However, not everyone shared that radiant expression. While some rejoiced, another was drenched in sorrow.
That person was Bukgung Yeon.
Squeeze.
Bukgung Yeon tightly gripped Sun-woo’s hand. The thought of letting him go like this was unbearable.
"……Yeon-ah."
Sun-woo called her name softly.
"……"
Despite his call, Bukgung Yeon remained silent, offering no answer. Sun-woo looked at her with a pained, sympathetic gaze.
Slowly, he opened his arms and pulled her into a hug. He could feel her warmth spreading through his body.
"……Can’t you stay?" Bukgung Yeon asked, her voice thick with sorrow.
"……I have to go."
"……I know. I know, but… the desire to keep you here just keeps surging up."
Bukgung Yeon looked up at Sun-woo, her eyes clouded with sadness.
"I keep… I keep getting greedy. I find myself wishing we could just live here in the North Sea together forever."
"……I’m sorry."
Sun-woo apologized. He didn't want to leave the pregnant Bukgung Yeon behind either. But in Sichuan, there were other women waiting for him anxiously. He couldn't simply abandon them.
"……Why are you apologizing, Sun-woo? It’s my fault for being selfish…"
"…No. It’s not your fault."
Sun-woo lowered his head.
"…If you leave now… when will I see you again?" Bukgung Yeon asked, her eyes trembling.
"…I promise I’ll be back within six months."
"…Really?"
Bukgung Yeon’s eyes sparkled through her tears.
"Of course. It’s my child. I have to be the first one to hold them when they come into this world."
"…That makes me happy."
Bukgung Yeon managed a bright smile. Sun-woo pulled her into an even more tender embrace. They shared their warmth, and after their lips met, they began to share a deep, lingering kiss. It was a scene of intense passion.
"Hmph."
From a considerable distance away, Neung So-hwa watched the scene with a look of extreme discomfort.
"Are you angry?"
Seol-hyang, standing beside her, asked with a mischievous grin.
"It’s not so much anger as it is… honestly, it’s unpleasant to watch."
"You’re being surprisingly quiet about it, though."
"Is this not Bukgung Yeon’s farewell? How could I be so cruel as to ruin that? Even if she isn't a woman I particularly like, I didn't want to spoil her moment of parting."
"Ooh, Sister Neung, you’re more mature than I thought."
"More than you thought? Does that mean you’ve considered me childish until now?" Neung So-hwa asked, looking genuinely shocked.
"I suppose so?" Seol-hyang replied with a playful smirk.
"How insolent! It seems I must re-establish my dignity before you!"
"Oh, come on. Didn't we agree to be like sisters?"
"And yet you seem to abuse that fact quite often!"
"It’s just your imagination. Don't be so angry. Would you like some sweets?"
"Stop treating me like a child!"
Neung So-hwa and Seol-hyang continued their bickering.
After some time had passed, Sun-woo bid his final farewell to Bukgung Yeon and departed the North Sea with the Alliance warriors. Bukgung Yeon could only stand there, her eyes filled with sorrow, watching them until they disappeared from sight.
*
Rattle, rattle.
The carriage pushed through the snowy path, moving roughly along the road. Sun-woo stared blankly out the window, his expression heavy. Even a glance was enough to see the deep sadness etched into his features.
"Brother."
Seol-hyang, sitting across from him, called out.
"……Yeah."
Sun-woo replied listlessly.
"What are you staring at so vacantly?"
"Just… I wanted to look outside."
Sun-woo’s dejected response made Seol-hyang feel a pang of sympathy. She could empathize with his feelings about leaving a pregnant lover behind.
"Don't worry too much. Sister Yeon will be fine."
"But… a pregnant woman needs someone to look after her and help with things…" Sun-woo said, his face full of concern.
"Brother, she’s the Ice Palace Master. There are people lined up to serve her," Seol-hyang said, looking at him as if he were being ridiculous.
As the ruler of the North Sea, how could she possibly lack for servants? She was in a position where she could command the entire village if she wished. Why was he worrying about such things?
"…It’s not just that."
"What else are you worried about?"
"An expectant mother needs to eat plenty of good food, but resources are scarce in the North Sea… What if she goes hungry?"
"Do you think the North Sea Ice Palace is some kind of slum? It’s the wealthiest place in the North Sea. You don't need to worry about that. And even if the worst came to the worst, Sister Yeon would never starve. She’d probably hunt a wolf and eat it herself."
"I suppose so… but still, I feel so guilty for not being there during such an important time. Besides, it’ll take another six months just to get back."
"It’s not like you’re parting forever."
"Still, my heart feels heavy. Like something is stuck in it."
Sun-woo continued to mope. Despite Seol-hyang’s constant reassurances, his anxiety wouldn't subside. A persistent sense of unease rose within him, fueling an internal conflict. He was torn between the necessity of returning to Sichuan and the urge to turn back and stay in the North Sea right now.
"Sigh."
Sun-woo let out another deep sigh.
"Sun-woo."
Neung So-hwa’s voice rang in his ear.
"Yeah?"
Sun-woo turned his head toward her.
Flop.
Suddenly, he felt a warm sensation against his face.
Stroke, stroke.
He felt Neung So-hwa’s soft hand gently stroking his hair.
"Do not be anxious," Neung So-hwa said, cradling Sun-woo’s head against her chest. "Though I may not be fond of her, the Bukgung Yeon I know is a woman stronger than anyone. She is not so fragile that you need to worry this much."
Neung So-hwa spoke in a gentle tone. She meant it. Although they were rivals who got along like cats and dogs due to their personalities and their shared love for Sun-woo, she inwardly acknowledged Bukgung Yeon’s strength. The Bukgung Yeon she knew was strong—stronger than any woman she had ever seen. She wanted Sun-woo to realize that.
"If anything, it is Bukgung Yeon who should be worried about you. You are far too delicate."
"…………"
Hearing Neung So-hwa’s words, Sun-woo felt relieved, yet his pride felt a bit stung. He couldn't help but think that she could have left out that last part.
"So, do not worry. To me, your concern seems utterly pointless. It is like a tiny ant worrying about the health of a giant bull."
"…………"
Sun-woo was speechless. He felt like he had suddenly become something insignificant. He decided right then and there that he needed to reach the Profound Realm as quickly as possible, if only to earn the right to worry.
"…Thanks."
Cradled in Neung So-hwa’s arms, Sun-woo expressed his gratitude. Even if his pride had taken an unintended hit, he recognized this as her own way of comforting him. After all, it was born out of her affection for him.
"It is nothing. I am merely stating what I observed."
Neung So-hwa waved off his thanks, but a smile played on her lips, suggesting she wasn't displeased. She began to stroke Sun-woo’s hair even more gently. Sun-woo, finding the sensation pleasant, stayed quietly in her embrace and enjoyed the touch.
"Excuse me."
Seol-hyang’s voice cut through the air.
"How long are you two going to keep doing that?" she asked mockingly.
"Until I am satisfied," Neung So-hwa replied calmly.
"And when will that be?"
"I cannot say. Perhaps when the sun goes down."
"That means you’re going to do that all day!" Seol-hyang raised her voice in protest. She had no desire to keep watching such a sappy display of affection.
"Tsk." Seol-hyang clicked her tongue.
"Sohwa… that’s enough…" Sun-woo said softly.
"Sun-woo! You need not pay any mind to Seol-hyang’s complaints! She is merely jealous!"
"Pay some mind to me!" Seol-hyang shouted, clearly annoyed.
Sun-woo gently pushed Neung So-hwa away and slowly lifted his head.
"Ugh… Seol-hyang, you are far too jealous." Neung So-hwa shot a reproachful look at Seol-hyang. Seol-hyang, of course, just let out a scoffing laugh.
"Anyway, Brother," Seol-hyang said, looking at Sun-woo.
"Yeah?"
"What are you going to do?"
"About what?"
"About Sister Neung."
"I suppose I’ll have to start by introducing her to the others."
"Do you think the Tang Clan Head will just sit still? From his perspective, you’ve essentially dumped his younger sister for a woman with better status."
"Take that back! Sun-woo is not with me because of my status! He is with me because he loves me!" Neung So-hwa interjected, flaring up.
"It’s just a figure of speech. I know the truth, so I can understand, but to an outsider, you look like nothing but a playboy. On top of that, you got Sister Yeon pregnant. Doesn't that make you a playboy in anyone's eyes?"
"…………"
Hearing Seol-hyang’s sharp words, Neung So-hwa fell silent. She realized the girl wasn't entirely wrong.
"…Master will be fine," Sun-woo said cautiously.
"Really? I expected the Tang Clan Head to be coughing up blood from all seven orifices in rage…"
"He’s not as narrow-minded as you think. I’m sure he’ll understand me."
Sun-woo spoke with an air of certainty. He was confident. After all, he was the Tang Clan Head and the Tang Clan Head was him—what was there to understand or not understand? He could just let it slide.
"Then what about the female martial artist, Tang Seo-yoon?"
"…………"
Sun-woo fell silent at that. He was certain Tang Seo-yoon would have plenty to say. She would surely scold him, claiming he had dragged the Tang Clan’s honor through the mud.
"…I’ll just have to deal with it," Sun-woo said, his voice lacking confidence.
"Do not worry! I shall go and persuade her myself!"
"But Sister," Seol-hyang asked, looking curious.
"What is it?"
"Is it really okay for you not to return to the Imperial Court?"
"…………"
Neung So-hwa fell silent. In truth, she should have returned. She needed to report Lee Yeon’s absence to the Imperial Court and protect it against any hidden forces that might strike during the vacuum he left behind.
"I will stop by Sichuan to pay my respects and then head there immediately. Do not worry too much."
"No, I’m not particularly worried, but I just wondered if someone who is supposed to protect the Imperial Court should be away for this long."
"You need not worry about that either. Due to my Qi Deviation, I was never of much help to begin with. The Emperor was aware of that and increased the number of guards."
Neung So-hwa spoke in a calm tone, beginning to rationalize her decision. She told herself the Imperial Court would be fine without her.
"Aren't you being a bit too relaxed?"
"It is fine. The Imperial Court does not yet know of Lee Yeon’s treason. If I arrive before that news spreads, there will be no problem."
Neung So-hwa spoke nonchalantly. By thinking positively, she didn't feel a great sense of crisis.
"Sister," Seol-hyang said with a sly smile. "Do you really hate the idea of parting with Brother that much?"
"…It is not that! I simply wish to follow the proper procedures you mentioned!"
"You mean the declaration of stealing someone's fiancé?"
"Do not put it that way!" Neung So-hwa raised her voice, flustered.
"It’s not wrong, though, is it?" Seol-hyang teased.
"Sun-woo has simply found another fated connection!"
"That’s a shame. His original connections are going to be very sad."
"How can you say such things!"
"What did I do?" Seol-hyang asked innocently.
Soon, the carriage was filled with the sounds of the two women bickering. Sun-woo watched them and let out a small chuckle. Seeing them argue like this for the first time in a while reminded him of when they first headed toward the Ice Palace.
'At least it won't be boring.'
He thought to himself that the journey back wouldn't be dull at all. Resting his chin on his hand, Sun-woo quietly watched their squabble.