Chapter 10
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: The Reclusive Expert Appears (4)
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"...W-what should I call you?"
Zhuge Ji-yeon kept peeking at me nervously, speaking in full honorifics every time.
I flashed a satisfied smile, tucked away the jade plaque, cleared my throat with a hem-hem, and prepared my introduction.
"This lady is Seo Ha-yeon of the Righteous Sects! My age is still shy of thirty, so keep that in mind."
"...Ah, yes."
Her expression twisted at the part about being under thirty.
But I decided to let it slide.
"Your father is doing fine, right?"
"Ah... yes."
I nearly couldn't hold back after she spouted that nonsense about Qi Circulation Lunch.
But in the end, I spared her.
She was receiving treatment in the next room over right now, after all.
Snow Python:Is that what you call holding back?
The Snow Python kept sending me sound transmissions.
Her cute whispering voice was nice and all.
But whispering via transmission right in front of someone was rude, so I held my tongue.
"Call me Lady Ha-yeon."
"...Yes."
"Keep using honorifics, since it seems I'm older than you."
I gave her a bright smile as I said it, and only then did Ji-yeon's expression relax as she nodded vigorously.
The person who had just woken up shouldn't overdo it, so I quickly laid her back down and delivered the news with a smile.
"Young Lady Zhuge, you've been set to attend the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament with me, so feel free to rejoice."
"...Pardon?"
Ji-yeon couldn't hide her bewildered look.
It had to be from sheer delight.
I mean, who wouldn't be thrilled to have a reclusive expert stronger than her father join her at the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament as a spectator?
Especially since she'd earned the recognition.
I beamed and said we'd be in each other's care, wished her a good night, and rose from my seat.
Ji-yeon didn't say a word until I left.
"She must be too moved for words, Snow Python."
Snow Python:Lady Seo...
The Snow Python called my name as if she had no clue, then fell silent.
Snow Python:I wonder what dinner will be tonight.
She just changed the subject.
The herbal medicine room was thick with the scent of potions.
The aroma of traditional remedies wafted gently, tickling Ji-yeon's nose.
Her body had recovered enough to move.
The pain had subsided considerably, so she sat up and stared blankly at the ceiling.
'...There were no other options, I suppose.'
Born into the clever Zhuge family, Ji-yeon naturally understood her father's intentions with ease.
"Father made the final choice, then..."
She didn't think he'd sold her off or anything like that.
The trip to the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament with her was probably the old monster's proposal, and Father couldn't refuse.
Ji-yeon nodded and took a deep breath.
She could already feel the piercing glares from the renowned masters and young prodigies of the Righteous Sects prickling her skin.
After the Righteous-Evil War, red eyes and red hair like the Blood Demon's—who led the Evil Alliance—were taboo.
"...To claim Righteous affiliation with an appearance like that."
She had plenty to say, but Ji-yeon decided to visit Hyun-deok first.
No matter how perceptive she was, she couldn't know all of Father's intentions or eavesdrop on their entire conversation.
Ji-yeon nodded and started to step forward.
"Please tie your robe before going out, young lady."
"Ah... thank you, old man."
"Yes."
Her robe had come loose while she was resting, so she tied it back up, cheeks flushing.
She tidied herself, let out a whoosh of breath, and asked the physician again.
"Where is Father right now?"
"In the next room."
"Thank you."
"You're not asking about the young master?"
The physician tilted his head curiously.
Ji-yeon smiled brightly in response.
"Big Brother... well, he's probably fine."
"What a touching sibling bond."
"Haha..."
Ji-yeon scratched her head sheepishly, bowed politely, and headed to the next room.
There she saw her father, engrossed in reading several books spread out beside him as he lay there.
Hyun-deok hadn't even noticed her arrival and was deeply absorbed in his texts.
And beside him sat her mother, wearing a gentle smile as she peeled a red apple.
Ji-yeon bowed her head, and her mother returned a warm smile.
Her mother's eyes were red and puffy—she'd clearly been crying a lot.
Feeling a twinge of guilt, Ji-yeon fidgeted before looking at her father.
'Good, he's okay.'
There didn't seem to be anything wrong with Father's body, which was a huge relief.
Ji-yeon herself still felt a bit of tangled qi in her meridians.
But confirming Father was unharmed made her happier than anything.
"Family Head."
Called by his title, Hyun-deok set his book aside and slowly sat up.
"It's just your mother, me, and you here. You can call me Father, Ji-yeon."
He urged her to speak casually.
But Ji-yeon nodded and sat in the chair beside him.
"...Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, much better."
Seeing the color return to his face, Ji-yeon felt reassured.
'Father's a swordmaster at the Flower Realm, one of the pillars of the Martial Alliance. He wouldn't go down that easily.'
As his still-inadequate daughter, Ji-yeon relied on and respected her father greatly.
In a way, it was only natural.
With that thought, she spoke up.
"How strong is the benefactress, exactly?"
"......"
Benefactress.
The term for that girl who resembled the Blood Demon.
She didn't really seem like a girl, but she looked the part, so it'd do for convenience.
"Stronger than the Martial Alliance Leader."
"...That's why she took the plaque."
"It was more like she half-forced it from me."
Her father wore a bitter expression.
Looking at him, Ji-yeon kept her face neutral.
'She took the position on her own whim...'
Peerless experts were truly incomprehensible.
Only the Nangong Sword Sovereign made any sense.
"Were you looking through those books for records on the benefactress?"
Ji-yeon pointed at the books to ease her frustration a bit.
Hyun-deok nodded.
She wanted to ask if there were results, but his darkened expression suggested there weren't any.
After that, Ji-yeon heard various updates from her father.
She reported that her body was well enough for the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.
And that she'd been ordered to ride in the carriage with the benefactress and provide various guidance on the way.
"I'm sorry."
She also took in the sight of her father apologizing, despite having done his utmost for the best outcome.
"There's no need for you to apologize, Father."
"......"
"Yes, this isn't something you should apologize for."
Her mother chimed in prettily, offering a neatly peeled red apple with a smile.
Hyun-deok smiled sheepishly in response.
"Oh..."
The Zhuge Family had given me a rather lavish guest room.
"Please rest well, Benefactress."
"Yes, thank you."
The maid bowed and left the room.
Now alone in the guest quarters, I leaped onto the bed in front of me.
-Thud!!!
"......"
Snow Python:L-La-Lady Seo, are you alright?
The Snow Python, asking if I was okay.
I nodded, unable to hide my disappointment.
"...The bed's too hard."
Well, there were no modern mattresses here.
I sighed, wondering why they were so meticulous about these details.
"Still, this body's pretty tough. It barely hurts."
Snow Python:Hee-hee, you could be a bit more grateful.
"No way. I wanted to start from third-rate."
Snow Python:That'd take you ages just to change the Central Plains martial world.
The Snow Python sounded pitiful, as if telling me to speak sense.
Honestly, it hurt my feelings a little.
"...Don't look at me like I'm that pathetic."
I pouted and said so, and the Snow Python hesitated before climbing onto me to apologize.
"I'm the master here."
Snow Python:Y-Yes, you are.
"So praise me a little."
Snow Python:Got it. Sorry.
The Snow Python climbed onto my head and rolled around cutely, as if trying to stroke me—but it just tickled, drawing a giggle from me.
"Anyway, I wonder how much of a mess the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament will be..."
I flopped onto the bed and groaned at the thought.
I really didn't want to go.
Honestly, I kind of liked this family's Zhuges.
I didn't care for their sorcery-like tricks despite being a martial clan.
But I could overlook that much.
The other clans and sects, though? Terrifying.
For starters, the Zhuges had called Wudang's Taiji Sword, Taiji Subduing Sword, and even Cloud-Stepping Stride demonic sorcery of the Evil Factions.
And the Mount Hua novel I'd read up to chapter 10? Total chaos.
"Haa..."
I'd agreed to participate because the Zhuge Family Head threatened that I absolutely couldn't refuse.
But I worried I'd lose my temper while spectating and jump into the arena.
"Snow Python... mind telling me what's changed?"
She paused for a moment, cleared her throat, and spoke.
Fire Whispering Mist Dew Rain
"......"
Waiter
"Kugh..."
Qi Circulation Dinner
"Kwaaaagh..."
Army Faction Bayonet Technique 1st Form: Stance, 2nd Form: Thrust, 3rd Form: Right Thrust, 4th Form: Left Thrust
"Kwaaaaaagh!!!!"
I suffered internal injuries.
"Wh-what's wrong, Benefactress?!"
"Ah..."
Had I screamed too loudly? The young master came rushing in, drenched in cold sweat.
As if he'd been waiting nearby—he bolted in the instant I yelled.
I flashed him a bright smile.
"Di-dinner is... when...?"
"...Qi Circulation Dinner isn't ready yet."
"......"
I promptly lost consciousness.