Is This Child Yours?
Inside the Student Council Room of the Student Council Hall. Yang Seoran was sitting in the vice president's seat, which normally belonged to Namgung Mun, while the Sword Queen, On Ban-hui, occupied the president's chair. Sitting across from them, her eyes trembling like an earthquake, was Gongson Yeongji.
"My dear junior! Why are you so quiet?!"
"..."
"Seoran, stop. Pestering her won't solve anything."
"Understood!"
"And lower your voice."
"Yes!"
"..."
Despite being told to quiet down, Yang Seoran's volume hadn't decreased in the slightest. Watching her, On Ban-hui suppressed a rising sigh.
"Now then, your name is Yeongji, correct?"
"Yes, Sword Queen..."
"I am not asking you to drop out of the academy. I mean that once you graduate, you should come to the Sword Pavilion, just like my disciple Seoran here."
The reason On Ban-hui had ordered Yang Seoran to bring Gongson Yeongji was to recruit a rare talent.
The Gongson Clan uses the Scattered Halberd Sword Play, which relies on a long, heavy sword. But this child's frame is far better suited for fast and illusory swordsmanship than a heavy blade...
Speed and illusion were, of course, Sword Queen On Ban-hui's specialties. Her ultimate technique, the Red Butterfly Sword Play, incorporated both. She saw Gongson Yeongji's exceptionally slender frame as the perfect vessel to execute the Red Butterfly style.
Thus, she was offering her a position as an outer disciple of the Sword Pavilion, a common practice among prestigious sects.
"I have heard that, aside from your clan's complicated situation, you have reached a point where you cannot even focus on your studies here."
"That... has already been resolved, thanks to Chef Yoon's help..."
Though her voice trembled slightly at the end, Gongson Yeongji spoke with firm resolve.
Chef Yoon?
On Ban-hui looked puzzled by the girl's response. Of all people, she hadn't expected the name of the Three-Virtue Chef to come up here.
"Is this true?"
When On Ban-hui turned to Yang Seoran, the latter nodded vigorously.
"It was none other than the Head Chef who arranged for our junior to join the Dongdo Association!"
"And yet, my disciple did not utter a single word of this to her master."
"Ah, ah... It's not like that...!"
On Ban-hui, who had only heard that Yeongji had recently been bullied and subsequently joined the student council, glared at Yang Seoran.
"I thought my disciple had finally grown to care for her fellow students, but it turns out you were merely doing someone else's bidding. And a chef's, no less."
"The Head Chef is also a wonderful person who deeply cares for the children! He was the one who devised a way to protect our junior!"
A wonderful person?
That chef, who did nothing but grin mindlessly, was a "wonderful person"? On Ban-hui wondered if Yang Seoran's judgment of men had deteriorated so drastically in her absence. If she had to pick, the Mount Tai New Hero, Man Hanseok, seemed far more manly—even if he was still a green youth with peach fuzz.
Still, she had to admit the chef's scheme wasn't bad. Since academy staff couldn't directly intervene, bringing the child under the protective umbrella of the student council was a tactic frequently employed in the Murim. Minor sects often established ties with the Nine Sects and One Gang or the Murim Alliance to ward off harassment from petty unorthodox factions or rival clans.
"The Three-Virtue Chef employed a decent method. However, it is merely a temporary band-aid. He only helped you out of a fleeting moment of pity."
"Pardon?"
"His assistance is temporary, a passing kindness from a fleeting acquaintance. But our Sword Pavilion is different. If you become an outer disciple, you will gain another family."
On Ban-hui looked down at Gongson Yeongji with a gentle, warm smile.
"The current state of the Jianghu can be described as the calm before a storm. It may appear peaceful on the surface, but unorthodox factions and wicked villains are rising like wildfire. In times like these, is it not right for us to unite as one and stand against those insidious forces?"
"...That may be true, but..."
"As someone who has stood on the side of the weak, you should understand this better than anyone. In the end, it is only the strong who can protect the weak. Do you not wish to become strong yourself?"
Sweet, honeyed words. Desperate not to let such talent slip through her fingers, On Ban-hui tried to entice Gongson Yeongji with every persuasive argument she could muster. But the young girl wanted nothing more than to escape this room.
"Sword Queen, the thing is..."
"Speak freely."
As On Ban-hui stared intently, urging her to speak, Gongson Yeongji found herself utterly tongue-tied. No matter how gently she was told to relax, the Sword Queen was still the Sword Queen. To a mere first-year like Gongson Yeongji, her presence was overwhelmingly colossal.
"Do you not wish to join the Sword Pavilion?"
Unable to withstand the crushing pressure of the Sword Queen's aura, Gongson Yeongji squeezed out a response with great difficulty.
"To the Sword Pavilion..."
Just as she was about to say she would join—
Knock, knock.
"It is Yoon Gomyung, the Inner and Outer Dining Hall Master. May I come in?"
"...Chef Yoon?"
Before Gongson Yeongji could even stop herself, she called out his name. The door swung wide open, and Yoon Gomyung stepped inside.
"So this is where you were."
Seeing Yoon Gomyung enter with a reassuring, gentle smile, Gongson Yeongji nodded frantically. Though she had always found him warm and approachable, today, he looked exceptionally heroic in her eyes.
"So this is where you were."
I've been looking all over for you. Fortunately, thanks to Yang Seoran—who was practically a human GPS receiver—finding them had been a breeze. All I had to do was grab any random student and ask, "Have you seen Yang Seoran?" and the entire academy seemed to know exactly where she was.
"If you're going to take the kid, you should at least let me know beforehand, Lady Yang."
Since I couldn't exactly pick a fight with On Ban-hui, I addressed Yang Seoran, who was a much easier target. No matter how much guts I had, picking a fight with the Sword Queen was a bit much...
"I did leave word with a passing female student!"
"Without even mentioning where you were going?"
"A woman is entitled to at least one secret!"
"That's not a secret, that's practically kidnapping."
"It's not like that...!"
"Seoran. Things are getting unnecessarily complicated, so I shall speak on your behalf."
"Yes, Master!"
Just as Yang Seoran's logic was about to completely crumble, On Ban-hui intervened. Tsk. If I had pressed just a little harder, I could have quietly slipped away with Gongson Yeongji. Yang Seoran bowed her head and shut her mouth, and On Ban-hui immediately turned her gaze toward me.
"You barge in without even waiting for permission to enter."
"I was so worried about Yeongji that my hand must have moved on its own."
Normally, I would have tacked on an apology, but I didn't. Because I wasn't actually sorry.
"Now that you have confirmed Yeongji is perfectly fine, I must ask you to leave. We have urgent matters to discuss."
"I'm afraid I can't do that, Sword Queen."
"...And why is that?"
"Because Yeongji is holding onto my sleeve like this."
Gongson Yeongji was gripping the hem of my robe tightly, silently begging me not to leave. With her holding onto me like this, how could I possibly go anywhere?
"I doubt you called her here just to dote on her... Are you perhaps trying to recruit her into the Sword Pavilion?"
"..."
"I thought so. But shouldn't you at least have her guardian present before making such a proposal?"
At my words, the Sword Queen let out a scoffing chuckle, as if she found the notion absurd.
"You speak as if you are Gongson Yeongji's guardian. From where I stand, I fail to see even the slightest connection between the two of you."
"As a member of the academy staff responsible for the students' meals, surely I can show some interest in their growth. And if there's a child who is visibly struggling, what's wrong with slipping them an extra side dish now and then?"
"Are you admitting to showing favoritism to a specific student in your capacity as an academy staff member?"
"I believe it is also quite problematic for a staff member to use their overwhelming presence to pressure a specific student into joining their own sect."
The moment the words "staff member" left my mouth, On Ban-hui shot a sideways glance at Yang Seoran, not me. Naturally, Yang Seoran kept her mouth shut. Her expression practically screamed, How did he already know she was going to be the temporary East Hall Director?
"...You don't yield a single point, do you?"
"Thank you for the compliment."
The instant I said that, a flash of martial intent flared in On Ban-hui's eyes. Her gaze looked exactly like... a mother on the verge of snapping after her child talks back to her one too many times. But she quickly suppressed it. Instead, she spoke with a voice that carried a hint of begrudging amusement.
"I shall be frank. I am exceedingly fond of student Gongson Yeongji."
"And just how fond of her are you?"
"Enough to want to teach her the Red Butterfly Sword Play."
"...!"
Gongson Yeongji's eyes widened in shock at On Ban-hui's words. Wait, she was trying to drag the kid off to the Sword Pavilion without even telling her something this important first?
"I believed that student Gongson Yeongji was a talent best suited not for her family's Scattered Halberd Sword Play, but for the Red Butterfly Sword Play. I still believe so."
"Then you should have been honest with her from the start, instead of intimidating her until her hands were shaking."
"Head Chef! My master is simply terrible at dealing with young children! Please understand!"
Yang Seoran's defense of her master was almost tear-inducing. It certainly looked that way, but hadn't On Ban-hui raised Yang Seoran since she was a child? Seoran must have had a childhood too, so why was the Sword Queen so terrible at this that she had terrified Gongson Yeongji?
"Didn't you also grow up under the Sword Queen's care, Lady Yang?"
"Well, yes, because I was the one who could tolerate Master's personality!"
What on earth... So that was why their bond was so deep. It turned out their master-disciple relationship only existed because they were the only two people capable of tolerating each other's eccentricities.
"Since you, the Three-Virtue Chef, seem to understand my temperament and have come here acting as Gongson Yeongji's guardian, I shall ask once more."
On Ban-hui looked at Gongson Yeongji with a solemn expression.
"Do you have any intention of joining the Sword Pavilion?"
It probably felt like the ultimate life-or-death question, akin to "Do you like your mother or father more?" but there was nothing to be done. I gently placed a hand on Gongson Yeongji's shoulder and offered some advice.
"You don't need to worry about what I think. Take your time, think about it, and give your answer."
If I blurted out something like, How dare you try to take our Yeongji for free after I fed her all those precious elixirs! the poor girl would only feel a crushing sense of debt toward me.
"..."
Then again, she did just eat half of a Great Clarity Elixir, so maybe she should feel a tiny bit of debt. Ah, what was I going to do with this petty, narrow-minded heart of mine?
Unaware of my petty inner thoughts, Gongson Yeongji silently let go of my sleeve. Instead, she reached out and tightly grasped my hand. She must have been incredibly nervous; her palm was slick with sweat.
"To the Sword Pavilion..."
Gulp. I could hear Yang Seoran swallowing hard from where I stood.
"I don't think I will go..."
That's my girl. On Ban-hui's face fell, dripping with profound disappointment as she asked.
"Why have you made such a decision?"
"Because once I graduate... I will protect my clan with the Scattered Halberd Sword Play..."
"You could protect them just as well with the Red Butterfly Sword Play."
"Just as we defeated the northern nomads who tried to invade the Central Plains using the Scattered Halberd style... it must be the Scattered Halberd Sword Play to defeat those who seek to destroy our clan..."
Well said, Gongson Yeongji. Protect your clan with your own two hands. I was pretty sure that was the longest sentence I had ever heard her speak. How could a kid who usually mumbled in fragments speak so eloquently and logically?
It seemed On Ban-hui felt the same way. Whether she had a sudden realization upon hearing an eleven-year-old first-year speak with such conviction, or she simply gave up because of my glaring presence behind the girl, I couldn't be sure.
"Very well. I shall cease my attempts to recruit you to the Sword Pavilion. However, the Sword Pavilion and I will always keep our doors open for you. Come find us whenever you have need."
"Yes..."
Seeing that she was being let go far more easily than expected, Gongson Yeongji's face instantly brightened. Yes, children ought to grow up with bright smiles.
"You may leave now."
"Thank you, Sword Queen..."
Gongson Yeongji bowed politely and turned to leave the Student Council Room. I naturally prepared to follow her out.
"Three-Virtue Chef, wait."
Dammit.
"You stay."
"At least let me walk Yeongji back..."
"She is within the academy grounds. What could possibly happen to her?"
Escape failed. I knew this would happen. Every single Murim person held a grudge. Left with no choice, I sat back down in the chair Yeongji had just vacated. On Ban-hui glared at me with a chilling gaze.
"Three-Virtue Chef, I heard you do not belong to any of the Nine Sects and One Gang. Yet, rumors say you are quite close with the Little Heavenly Demon."
"What does it matter whether one is Orthodox, Unorthodox, or from the Demonic Cult? I am simply spending good times with good people."
"Even while knowing the atrocities the Demonic Cult has committed?"
"The previous leader of the Demonic Cult was the one who decapitated the leader of the Four Blood Alliance. The current leader, Heavenly Demon Seonwoo Dan, is also carrying on his legacy by doing good."
"I did not expect to find a man bold enough to defend the Demonic Cult right in front of me."
"It is not a defense, but an undeniable fact. Besides, it's not as if the Orthodox faction is filled solely with righteous and honorable people. If you attended the Chief of the Beggar's Sect's banquet, you should already know that."
An elder of the Kongtong Sect had openly insulted Seonwoo Seol by calling her a courtesan, and others had blatantly slandered the Demonic Cult's elder who came as an envoy. Even Mong Bullak, the Chief of the Beggar's Sect, had to bluntly tell them to shut their mouths.
"I haven't been in this world of the Jianghu for very long, but to me, the Jianghu seems like a shitt—pardon, a bad place that does nothing but pick fights with perfectly innocent people."
"A bad place that picks fights?"
"Starting from Lady Seonwoo—no, the Little Heavenly Demon—to the Mount Tai New Hero Man Hanseok, and Gongson Yeongji. All three of them have suffered deep wounds, both physical and emotional, inflicted by various martial artists. What sins did they commit to deserve that?"
Even my servant, Gye-yeong, lost his job because of those unorthodox thugs and ended up working under me. Orthodox, Unorthodox, Demonic Cult. Can't they just stop drawing lines and fighting? I honestly couldn't understand why they had to drag innocent children into their messes.
On Ban-hui shook her head at my words. I thought she was rejecting my perspective, but she merely let out a soft chuckle and clasped her hands together.
"I understand your sentiment. Regardless of Orthodox, Unorthodox, or Demonic, you simply wish to view people as people."
"...Yes. If I had to put it into words, I suppose that is it."
"Then, should you not demonstrate that resolve?"
"Pardon?"
What kind of petty tantrum is this now?
"They say a great tree does not sway, but it must still display its majestic stature simply by standing tall. If you wish to carry out your resolve, you must show whether you possess the strength to back it up."
If there was one thing I had learned during my time at this academy, it was that these absolute masters always reached the exact same conclusion. I asked, hoping my suspicion was wrong.
"Are you telling me to... prove my skills through cooking, or something along those lines?"
"You are quick-witted."
Now I got it. She wasn't asking me to prove my skills; she was just throwing a petty fit because I had ruined her disciple recruitment. Still, simply saying "No thanks" was difficult given her title as the Sword Queen, and Yang Seoran's eyes were already sparkling with anticipation at the prospect of tasting my food. But above all, it was a matter of pride. Backing down here would be no different from cowering before the Sword Queen.
"...Give me some time."
"Will a week suffice?"
"Yes. That should be enough."
"I shall look forward to it."
Of course, accepting this challenge meant my workload was about to increase again. Aaargh. Gomyung, oh Yoon Gomyung. Why do you always find ways to make your own life harder?