Chapter 21
Chapter 21
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: I Spent a Night with the Murim Alliance Leader's Youngest Daughter
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, the long-awaited letter arrived.
Not just one, but several.
There were letters from not only Namgoong Hyeok but also others mixed in.
"Just when the hell are you coming back? I can't practice at all without you. Seeing that bastard Hwang Bo-chung getting all excited pisses me off. Hurry back as fast as you can!"
The letter in an elegant calligraphic script was from Namgoong Hwan.
Old man, can't you hold out even that long before causing trouble again?
"Brother-in-law. I miss the days we sweated together. Do you know how many new recipes I've developed while you've been away? Look forward to it. When you return, I'll treat you to a feast that'll break the table."
A letter from Namgoong Hyu that reminded me once again of my karma.
I should tell him this time when I get back.
That chicken breast is actually a delicious ingredient.
"That's enough. You caused this mess because you couldn't control one kid? Ridiculous, but given that family, it might be possible. We'll talk details in person. And..."
The boldly scrawled letter was from Namgoong Hyeok.
It ordered my return.
Just like that, come back?
Of course, checking the end of the letter revealed instructions completely opposite to that.
"...Since you're already out, I'll give you one more mission. Go visit Immortal Sima Hyung who resides on Mount Taibai. Tell him I sent you, and he'll understand. I'll reward your efforts generously."
Mount Taibai was in Shaanxi Province.
Connecting the Moyong Family, Namgung Family, and Shaanxi formed a large triangle.
So, don't return directly—take the long way around.
'This guy's ruthless too.'
I knew Namgoong Hyeok was trying to keep me away from Yeonhui. But to this extent?
If it was urgent, he could've just sent someone else.
Maybe I should just say screw it and disappear.
'If he says go, I go.'
What choice did I have when the Murim Alliance Leader, head of the Namgung Family, and unrivaled under heaven Namgoong Hyeok gave the order?
Actually, it was good.
I could think things over during the time.
'But... Sima Hyung?'
Sima Hyung.
One of the Five Great Eccentrics of the martial world, right?
I'd only heard rumors, so details were fuzzy.
The last letter was from Yeonhui.
Even after the long journey, a fresh fragrance wafted from it.
"Brother. It's already been a month since you left. Time has never dragged like this in my life—it's bewildering. The days with you flew by in a blink... I'm barely holding on looking at the ornament you gave me. What if it wears out from staring every day? (Omitted) Lately, I spend my days imagining what we'll do when you return. Come back soon."
It was quite long.
Each character carefully written one by one.
Imagining Yeonhui trying to write prettily made me smile.
"You're not eyeing some other woman, are you? I trust you. After all, you held me and promised before leaving. Of course, no woman could resist you. Be careful. You're so kind, just offering goodwill, but I'm afraid people might misunderstand and flock to you. So... (Continued on next page)"
By the end, the smile faded.
It felt a bit heavy.
The Yeonhui in my memories was brightly laughing.
It wasn't guilt.
I was innocent.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "We started with a shameful matter and end with another. I'm sorry, young hero."
"No, I'm the one who should apologize."
The issue with Moyong Cheon resolved more smoothly than expected.
I'd beaten him unilaterally, but it was in the form of a spar, and Moyong Cheon—who should have reflected—had picked a fight again.
Plus, no one could defend him for defying the family head's orders.
'Moyong Guk's the only one who lost face.'
Moyong Guk had been ready to break limbs to stop it.
I'd readily accepted his words and wrapped things up because I trusted him.
Whether me beating Moyong Cheon again or Moyong Guk breaking his promise, we were both in a bind.
"Don't worry I won't tell the Namgung Family."
"How could I think such a thing."
"I've never felt wanting during my stay with the Moyong Family. Thanks to the family head's care. Yi Se-woong doesn't forget favors received."
Moyong Guk looked utterly drained, like a matchstick burned to white ash.
He was a man of honor.
Seemed the shock of not keeping his word hit hard—especially over his son.
"Why not give me a crate of that snow plum preserves? Take it and figure out the secret recipe."
"Pardon?"
"I still can't forget the taste. Even if it's a specialty, a crate should be fine, right?"
Moyong Guk stood there blankly.
When I grinned and spoke, his mouth finally curved into a smile.
"One crate? I'll load up a whole cart!"
"Whoa, won't it spill on the way? You weren't planning this, were you?"
"Why say it like that!"
The martial world is smaller than you think.
A few connections, and everyone knows everyone.
Socializing appropriately was key.
And seeing a big guy moping was hard.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I didn't need to pack much.
Body light for a long trip.
Internal energy sustains only so long.
Lugging baggage risks bandits.
"Why refuse?!"
Moyong Guk took my joke seriously, which flustered me a bit.
He even offered a cart and horse.
Finally dissuaded him with the excuse of carrying to Shaanxi.
"Already preparing to leave?"
"Planning to depart at dawn."
As I finished packing, Moyong Hye visited.
"Too bad. A bit more time, and you'd have fallen for me."
"......"
"Kidding. No need to stiffen up like that!"
When I stayed silent, she laughed as if hating the quiet.
"Young master, thank you for everything."
"What for?"
"Thanks to you, I stayed comfortably. Great views, delicious food."
"And?"
"No getting lost. Do I have to list it all?"
"Sounds good to me. Why?"
Moyong Hye replied primly.
Without her, explaining the Moyong Cheon mess would've been messy.
Whatever her feelings, I was grateful.
"Young master. Ever heard of a flower that blooms only in the snowfields?"
"Does that exist?"
"No romance. It's just a saying."
Hmm, hmm.
Moyong Hye cleared her throat and recited a poem.
They say no flower stays red for ten days,
> but this flower knows spring breeze every day.
"A verse from 'Moon Rose Before the Lattice'."
"You know poetry?"
"Sword masters aren't forbidden from culture."
Monthly rose, blooming once a month through all seasons.
"Well... more accurately, a flower that doesn't wilt even in snowfields."
"Why monthly rose suddenly?"
"A gift."
Moyong Hye pulled a small sachet from her sleeve and handed it over. Inside were processed monthly rose petals. It recalled the rose scent from our first meeting.
"No special meaning. You came to this far land—no liquor to give, but a token's fine, right?"
"......"
Drops of lingering attachment.
She'd pursued boldly, yet sent me off cleanly.
Anyone could see it as a lover's token.
"Young miss, this is......"
"Shh. No more words."
As I started to speak,
Moyong Hye raised a finger to my lips.
"I won't ask you to look at me. But remember me at least?"
"......"
"You kept refusing. I understand. So, keep this as a memento. Can't you?"
Voice so soft, focus needed to hear.
Dew at her eyes seemed ready to fall.
Couldn't brush her off.
"Do whatever—keep or toss!"
She placed the sachet in my hand like discarding trash, then smiled.
Her farewell.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ 'A letter?'
Three days after Yi Se-woong left.
Moyong Guk felt the absence of his rare guest.
Entering the family head's quarters for business, he spotted a letter on the table.
"To my beloved father."
Neat handwriting on the envelope.
Undoubtedly from Moyong Hye.
Ha ha, Hye too. What's with the sudden letter?
If she had words, they could've talked over a meal.
Leaving a letter meant...
Something private?
'Not about Cheon, I hope?'
Family nonetheless—he just wanted harmony.
With light heart, Moyong Guk opened it.
"Setting off in search of love."
The contents shocked him.
Moyong Hye, twenty-four.
Eloping for marriage.