Ak I-yeon's Revival
Ak I-yeon's revival turned Ak Wangjeo into a festival of joy. As the Ak Wang family's eldest granddaughter and the apple of her grandfather's—the future father-in-law's—eye, her full recovery and return to wielding inner energy was cause for celebration for anyone even remotely connected to the family. Moreover, Ak I-yeon had once been hailed as the top martial artist of her generation. From a national standpoint, an exceptional talent had risen once more. This wasn't just a family blessing; it was a national one.
"Congratulations. Even heaven must have regretted seeing you unable to hold a sword."
So I joined the Ak Wang family in sending teary cheers and encouragement. Yes, Ak I-yeon surviving qi deviation with her sanity intact was heaven pitying her. For a martial artist struck by qi deviation to make a comeback meant heaven cherished her talent. A warrior even heaven couldn't ignore—a true chosen of the heavens.
Ak I-yeon could surely reach the Hwagyeong realm someday.
"If I didn't die, it was thanks to Grandfather. If I kept my mind, it was thanks to my family. And if I rose again, it was thanks to you, my lord. I stood not by heaven's grace, but by the help of people."
Ak I-yeon beamed at my words, continuing on. She owed her recovery not to some unseen heavenly favor, but to her precious bonds.
"If heaven did intervene in all this, then you must be my heaven."
"Such embarrassing words."
"Good medicine tastes bitter, and truth grates on the ear. If my words embarrass you, it's because they're right."
Tricky logic, but I didn't bother arguing. Ak I-yeon had gently clasped my hand, her future father-in-law was wiping away endless tears, and Ak Wang watched us with a strange mix of gruffness and satisfaction. I had no desire to spoil the joy of those who would soon be my family.
"Han Un."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"We'll hold a banquet. I know you're busy with official duties, but as Yeon-i's fiancé, grace us with your presence."
"How could I leave now that I-yeon can wield a sword again? Nothing is more important. Worry not."
Ak Wang nodded, pleased. A banquet, huh.
I gave a wry internal smile. It felt like just moments ago I'd been dragged into a drinking binge with my future father-in-law and lost a whole day to the haze. Another banquet already?
Just hang in there a bit longer, my liver.
But this was a banquet I had to attend even if the sky fell. My fiancée's dantian had revived—what was a battered liver compared to that? A few spirit elixirs would fix it anyway.
"We'll send word to Giwangga separately, so rest easy until then."
"My thanks for your consideration, Your Highness."
Perhaps he'd heard how my liver had been tortured by his son-in-law-to-be, because Ak Wang told me to rest until the banquet. What a relief. Honestly, I wanted to catch more sleep. The alcohol that could intoxicate even a Chojeoljeong master was still making my head spin.
"My lord."
"Hm?"
As I bowed to Ak Wang and turned to leave, Ak I-yeon—still holding my hand—spoke up.
"If it's alright with you... shall we take a short walk?"
She shyly fiddled with my fingers as she asked. The sight chased away the lingering hangover in an instant.
"Let's go right now."
A walk-date with my fiancée, who could barely get out of bed? Only a madman would refuse. Hangover or mid-drink, I'd crawl on all fours if needed.
It wasn't a stroll through Kaepyeong's streets, though. Ak I-yeon had recovered her dantian and past martial prowess, but years bedridden didn't vanish overnight. Until her stiffened body fully loosened, staying within Ak Wangjeo was wisest—for quick response to any issues.
So our walk was in the rear garden adjoining her quarters.
- Kki-ing!
- Kki-ong~
The garden where Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i were prone to munching grass. The pair, who had been head-butting the ground, immediately greeted us upon our arrival. Then they circled Ak I-yeon excitedly, curious about her being outside the room for once.
"Hee hee, they're welcoming me?"
Ak I-yeon giggled at the spirit beasts' curiosity, reaching out to pet their heads. The sight warmed my heart. Ak I-yeon had always been confined to bed, reaching only through the window at best. Now she stood on her own two feet, petting Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i directly. How could I not feel emotional—
- Thump.
"Oh my?"
Kki-ing-i tugged at Ak I-yeon's hem with its mouth.
What the?
Caught off guard, I stared blankly. What did that mean? A display of antler-offering bravado?
- Kki-woong.
Soon Kki-ong-i started nibbling the other hem. Confusing. Deer mouths on sleeves wouldn't hurt, but why suddenly? They weren't the type for random antics. Sure, they'd caused chaos at Hengshan, but they'd been well-behaved since descending the mountain.
"Maybe because of the Azure Spirit Oil?"
"Azure Spirit Oil?"
I stroked my chin at her guess. True, they went wild whenever I pulled out the gourd of Azure Spirit Oil. It made sense they'd be drawn to Ak I-yeon, now 0.003% infused after consuming it during her dantian reconstruction. Nibbling clothes... maybe some energy seeped through her skin? Licking skin felt off, so hems instead?
Plausible enough.
They were consistent obsessives when it came to elixirs and energy. Azure Spirit Oil checked out.
"Off with you two."
But acceptance didn't mean tolerance. Who'd let two hefty deer slobber on his slender fiancée's sleeves?
"It's fine, my lord. It feels like they're celebrating me too, so I'm happy."
Still, I withdrew my hand at her protest. If she was okay, no need to force them away.
"And it's proof of my recovery, too."
"True enough."
They'd known she was ill and kept contact mild—rubbing faces on hands or light licks at most. Now they tugged hems and pulled. She wasn't a patient anymore; she was normal.
"My lord."
"Yes?"
"Thanks to you, I can become a first-rate martial artist again."
I knew that. Ak Wang had bellowed it like the house might float away.
"It's a bit short of the first-rate I was at peak's doorstep, but no matter. I've learned a martial artist mustn't rush, and that first-rate can be an eternal aspiration for some."
"Knowledge you could've learned more gently."
"But this way, I'll never forget."
Ak I-yeon smiled brightly and took careful steps away from me. One step, then another. Gradually distancing.
"Truth be told, I've longed for something since before. If chance came again, I wanted to roam the Central Plains with you. No obsessing over peak or super peak—just happy days together. That was my wish."
She spun around to face me.
"But for me, fresh with a sword again, to stand by your side would be greed."
"I'm fine with—"
"I heard the inspector escorting you has reached Chojeoljeong."
I nodded slightly.
"And you're at the cusp of peak yourself, first-rate's very edge."
"Overestimation. Barely scraping first-rate."
"I'm a martial artist again. I can tell your level."
Sneaky. Denying it would imply she wasn't fully recovered.
"You're first-rate's edge, your escort Chojeoljeong. No room for my entry-level first-rate."
She approached again, closing the gap.
"So, my lord. I'll grow strong enough to protect you. Stronger than you, so I can guard your side as a true warrior."
Her shy yet bold confession lifted my lips. Stronger than you, to protect your side. A confession worthy of an Ak Wang daughter.
"I'll wait a lifetime. No rush."
She returned the brightest, firmest smile. Somehow, seeing it convinced me she'd reach peak soon.
The banquet at Ak Wangjeo drew not just the Ak Wang family, but Giwangga too.
"I wondered what kept you after coming all the way to Kaepyeong without showing your face. Turns out you were doing something commendable."
My father patted my shoulder with a warm smile upon seeing me.
"Well done. A real man looks after his future wife."
"Just following your teachings, Father."
He burst into laughter at my flattery-laced grin.
"Where's Mother?"
"Your mother, well..."
Following his gaze, I saw Mother embracing Ak I-yeon, tears streaming.
"You've suffered so much. So much. To stand on your own two feet and greet us—what greater joy?"
The sight of my future mother-in-law cherishing her future daughter-in-law brought a smile. Of course, I pretended not to see Grandfather and Ak Wang bickering behind them. Life's too short even focusing on the good.