A Dance of Pure Joy
Gok Yu-yang, who had been watching cautiously, quietly rose from his seat.
"Ahem! We have some business to attend to, so we'll head out."
It seemed the Bangju had taken a liking to Yu-seon.
Ak Mu-gil stood up as well. It was the first time he'd seen Mu Yun take an interest in a woman.
"I should get going too. There's some work waiting in my room."
A moment later, Mu Yun was left alone. He decided to share the truth—at least part of it. After all, she had shown him a dance worth that much.
"You're wondering why I'm doing this, right?"
"...Yeah, I am. Honestly, this is the first time anyone's asked something like that."
"I have a close friend. A rough guy like me, but out of nowhere, he tells me to learn dancing. You can imagine how absurd that felt."
"Why dancing all of a sudden?"
"You know the world we live in. He was telling me to live a little joyfully, even if just for a moment."
"Hoho! What a good friend."
"He's a nagging pain in the ass. Anyway, I told him I'd do it too. And that's why I'm here."
Yu-seon's eyes widened slightly.
"He learned it?"
"Yeah. When a guy who's lived even bloodier than me says that, it's hard to back out. So here I am."
Absurd imaginings swirled in Yu-seon's head.
"Then, by any chance...?"
"No! I just came to watch first. Honestly, your dance was excellent, but I didn't feel like learning it. Assuming that's all you've got to show."
Only then did Yu-seon understand the look in Mu Yun's eyes as he'd watched her.
So that's what it was.
With her suspicions washed clean, a smile tugged at her lips as she quietly closed her eyes. She hadn't chosen the path of a gisaeng, but dance had been her choice. The exhilarating thrill of that moment surged through her chest like waves after so long.
If only I could convey that!
After gathering her thoughts, Yu-seon quietly rose from her seat. This was a decision for both him and herself. It had been ages since she'd felt that spark she longed for again. Her body had been feeling a bit off lately, but not enough to strain herself.
"Give me a moment to change clothes."
"...Why change?"
Yu-seon looked at him with eyes burning hotter.
"Dance is the strength that keeps me alive. I'm going to show you that."
"...?"
A short while later, she entered not in her flowing skirt, but in light attire that clung just enough to reveal her figure's outline—perfect for showing every movement of her limbs and body. Unlike before, a subtle smile graced her lips.
As her briefly closed eyes opened, lively footsteps summoned the wing-like sweep of her arms.
Sararak!
Her elegant footwork skimmed the floor lightly, urging her steps onward. Bending and twisting at the ankles, her whole body danced through the air. Her rippling shoulder movements carried grace and spirit.
Seureureuk!
Mu Yun's breathing grew shallow as he watched.
It's different from before.
Her hands, flung out leisurely, became rolling waves. Lines traced the air following her flying fingertips. Scattered lines gathered into nonexistent petals, bursting open an immature bud.
Sararak!
A small exclamation escaped Mu Yun's lips.
Wonderful!
Not just the refined beauty. But what filled Mu Yun's eyes completely was her serene smile, as if she owned the world.
A laugh like flower petals swaying in green fragrance, a single flower drawn by her fingertips blooming on her lips. Her smile revealing white teeth carried the breath of spring. Something utterly absent before.
It's joyful.
No hardship or sorrow of the world could bury itself before that smile. Before he knew it, her upturned eyes sparkled like foam breaking on a river.
As a few more dance phrases flowed, the movements before him rippled into gentle waves. Arms spread toward the sky became a gesture linking heaven and earth. The lines scattered by those slicing arms were flying petals.
Sararak!
Mu Yun's pounding heart urged him on. Her smile piercing his chest fanned the flames. Follow the butterfly wings rippling in his eyes. Heave your shoulders, sway like leaves drinking the wind.
Excitement welled up naturally. Mu Yun's shoulders shrugged in response.
Swik!
His body lifted, limbs unsure how to move. His racing heart simply kept rhythm with the thrill he felt.
Only then did Mu Yun realize.
My body... wants to dance.
A moment later, as she finished her movements and caught her breath, her fine teeth gleamed clearly.
"Whew! How was it?"
Mu Yun had a question of his own first.
"And you?"
"I infused it with the thrill I felt when I first encountered dance. I hope you sensed it."
Mu Yun let her know it had come through straight and true.
"What I felt was right."
"I'm glad."
"I'd like you to come by sometimes."
Her heart was in those short words.
"Anytime for dance."
"...!"
Four months later. A small rumor spread through Chim-ju's marketplace.
"Did you hear that story?"
"What?"
"They say Cheong-ho Bangju has his eye on Yu-seon from Seonghwa-ru."
"That gisaeng Yu-seon?"
"He visits her every few nights."
"Really? Guess I gotta be careful going to Seonghwa-ru."
"That's why I'm telling you. Don't mess with her."
"Obviously. I don't have nine lives."
＊ ＊ ＊
A few days later, at Cheong-ho Bang's Bangju training grounds.
Ha Hu-jin lay sprawled on the ground, gasping for breath.
"Hah... hah!"
As the spar ended and tension released, pain flooded his body. A sigh full of emptiness escaped him.
Not even close to keeping up.
Four months ago, when he'd come back, he'd at least glimpsed the path ahead. Now, the growing gap was beyond measure.
An absurd thought even crossed his mind.
Did he get some spirit medicine or something?
Then a gut-twisting voice snapped him from his reverie.
"You've improved a lot. A few more months, and you could pick a fight with that guy."
Mu Yun nodded subtly toward the roof with his chin.
Ha Hu-jin's eyes narrowed.
"He's back? When?"
"Right after the spar ended."
"You're just gonna let him?"
"What, kill him?"
"At least keep him away. How long you gonna let this go?"
"I've dropped hints a few times, and he keeps coming—that means no ill intent. He hasn't blabbed about you sneaking around either."
"Still, he's Hao mun's branch manager's nephew. Word could spread anytime. Can't figure why you're so lenient with that sneaky bastard."
Mu Yun's lips curled up.
"I was thinking one guy like that around me wouldn't be bad."
"What're you on about?"
"He's complicated like you or me. But damn, he laughs well. I steal glances sometimes and learn a lot."
"...?"
Mu Yun had tracked Yeon Sa-gu after realizing he was being watched. He'd considered killing him at first, but after learning who he was and how he lived, he decided to leave him be.
He's someone I really want to emulate.
Across his past and present lives, there was one thing Mu Yun couldn't do. Casting aside worries now and then to truly savor the moment. For someone who'd lived a harsh life, it wasn't easy.
His occasional smiles carried hidden meanings more than pure joy.
But Yeon Sa-gu laughed genuinely despite his painful past. When he threw his head back and guffawed, he was the most carefree soul in the world.
Stealing those smiles sometimes drew similar ones on Mu Yun's own face. The real laughs he'd flashed lately while learning dance owed much to Yeon Sa-gu.
Knowing that, he'd decided to leave him alone for now. And from the impatience he sensed...
Soon he'll come on his own.
Ha Hu-jin dusted himself off and groaned.
"What the hell does that even mean."
"You'll see. Now go. I've got things to do."
"What've you been so busy with lately?"
"I'll tell you soon. Preparations are mostly done."
Ha Hu-jin remembered something he needed to report. He'd dug hard for months.
"Oh, right! You asked about the Chim-do-bang incident before?"
"Assassins?"
"Yeah. Not certain, but looks like the Seomun family was involved. That guy met with them often."
"The second young master?"
"Yep."
"Why?"
"No idea. Hard to dig deeper."
"...?"
Mu Yun couldn't help tilting his head. Same Honam region, but Seomun-ga was eight hundred li north—far away.
Honam's top martial house secretly targeting a minor unorthodox gang? And so far off?
It made no sense. But at least they weren't directly entangled—small mercy.
Meanwhile, atop the roof, Yeon Sa-gu scowled.
Today, he'd confirmed it for sure.
This energy! That bastard sent it.
He'd sensed similar qi a few times before but wasn't sure. Today, the tremor was unmistakable.
No wonder they fight half-assed when I'm around.
Word was Ha Hu-jin had broken through to Jeol-jeong after that incident months ago. Yet he always left with slumped shoulders. Clothes changed, but as a Jeol-jeong expert himself, Yeon Sa-gu could read the defeat on his face.
Getting crushed every time.
And the guy knew he was there but let it slide.
What the hell's this bastard's game?
He clearly hid his identity—bushy beard made his face unreadable.
Yeon Sa-gu's glare deepened as he stared at Mu Yun.
Think that keeps you hidden?
He was combing through every name on the Hao mun investigation list. Analysis would wrap in a month or two.
A guy acting all leisurely knowing he was watched.
Just wait. I'll shove it in your face myself.
Now curiosity mixed with rivalry.
＊ ＊ ＊
A few days later, evening in Chim-ju marketplace.
With work piling up, it had been a while since heading to Seonghwa-ru. Ak Mu-gil's gaping grin wouldn't close.
"Heh heh heh!"
"Drool much?"
"Who cares. Feels damn good."
Word had come that silver production was booming, trade lines reaching central Honam. Mining to sales—all logistics complete. He'd handed one-fifth of his share to his foster siblings.
"Money or Gok girl?"
"Both, obviously."
"Gok barely glances your way."
"She used to snort at me. Now she at least looks without frowning."
Only one thing to say.
"Good job, really. You're a total fool."
Ak Mu-gil glared.
Not words for a guy sneaking to Yu-seon at night.
"Not your place."
"What?"
"Yu-seon! You're the same."
"Pfft! Dog sees shit everywhere."
"Deny it? Then why nights or dawns?"
"You really don't know?"
"I do. Nights ain't just dance lessons. Heh!"
"Think what you want."
"Come on! What's shameful about it? Oh, early evening now—maybe not?"
"She said she's been unwell lately, so maybe not today."
"Whatever. Better rest when sick."
"...!"
＊ ＊ ＊
A moment later, Seonghwa-ru's third-floor VIP room.
Seonghwa-ru owner Ye Hyang trailed off with trembling breath. With a difficult guest, she had to play pitiful. Especially Chim-ju's top dog, Ha Hu family's young master.
"Young master, as I said, Yu-seon quit a few days ago. She's here only because her health makes it hard to move."
"Am I being unreasonable? I heard she's still on the registry."
"The county hasn't processed it yet."
Ha Hu-tae sneered mockingly.
"So? Too hard?"
"She's really unwell. Can't even sing, let alone dance. Why would I act like this before you otherwise?"
Jin Gye-chan beside Ha Hu-tae stepped in.
"Hah! Owner! This young master heads to Murim Alliance tomorrow for a long journey—we're holding a farewell party. You really gonna do this?"
As sub-leader of Seung-mun-jang hosting the event, Jin Gye-chan had to speak up.
Something's tangled, that's why.
He'd warned Ha Hu-tae about Yu-seon's situation at booking, but he was stubborn.
The others didn't know Ha Hu-tae's real aim here before leaving tomorrow.
A year ago, at a drunken gathering, eldest brother Ha Hu Cheon-gi let slip about the woman before them. Ha Hu-tae's meaningful smile revealed his intent.
Heh heh! Perfect for embarrassing him. I'm gone tomorrow anyway.
What Ha Hu Cheon-gi did with Yu-seon was typical gisaeng house fare. But exposed, it'd shame the young master heir. Perfect prank from afar, returning in two-three years.
Yesterday's rumor sweetened it.
And she's Cheong-ho Bangju's girl? Heh heh!
He'd come to mock them both.