Roses and Onions (1)
After thoroughly shaking up Myeol Ji-ryun, Baek So-cheon headed straight to Je-gal Hyeon. He was in his office within Hyun-cheon Pavilion.
"What brings you here?"
"Sorry to bother you so late, but I have an urgent favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"Please look into any signs of internal strife in the Blood Cult. And if there are, find out the situation."
Baek So-cheon relayed exactly what Myeol Ji-ryun had told him earlier.
"Ah, so that's what happened. Understood. I'll look into it right away."
"Thank you."
As he bowed politely and turned to leave, Je-gal Hyeon stopped him.
"Care for a drink? It's been a while."
"Sure."
Since reconciling with the Alliance Lord, he'd neglected his time with Je-gal Hyeon. With so much happening, it was unavoidable, but today he shouldn't have just made a request and left—he should have suggested a drink himself first. His busy mind had caused him to overlook too much.
I'm still far from where I need to be.
He felt it keenly: being a master of martial arts didn't make one a master of life or relationships. If anything, obsessing over one thing often left other areas in shambles.
"I hope I'm not holding up a busy man."
"Not at all. I was hoping to share a drink with you anyway, Strategist."
"Is that so? Haha."
Je-gal Hyeon laughed heartily, clearly pleased. And yet, Baek So-cheon hadn't even spared time for a single drink.
The two shared drinks right there in the office. Come to think of it, Je-gal Hyeon lived, ate, and slept at the Alliance. He had private quarters in the inner hall.
"Isn't it uncomfortable living at the Alliance?"
"I'm used to it now. Anywhere else feels more inconvenient."
"I'm worried it might wear on your health."
"I may look like I'm creaking along, but this old body is still spry."
But seeing him today, Je-gal Hyeon's hair was as white as fresh snow. Had it always been this white? The thought arose naturally. The first time he'd met Je-gal Hyeon, he'd been a vigorous middle-aged man.
Time has flown by like this.
They chatted about this and that as several rounds passed.
As a pleasant buzz set in, Je-gal Hyeon asked cautiously.
"If we avert this war, do you plan to leave the Alliance?"
The fact that "no" didn't come immediately was answer enough.
"As I thought."
Figuring such an opportunity for honest talk might not come again, Baek So-cheon opened up.
"I'm sorry to say this, but since it's come up, I'll be frank. As you know, I've spent my whole life tied to the Alliance. Once this is over, I want to leave and live freely."
He envisioned roaming the jianghu to his heart's content, then opening a small tea house like Daroo in a scenic spot. A place filled with the aroma of tea, free from rowdy drunks. Open when he felt like it, close when he didn't. Just watching people come and go, unbound by anything.
If that grew boring, he could start anew under a different identity—maybe as a merchant, aiming to become the jianghu's greatest trader. And when that palled, shake it off and move on.
That was the life Baek So-cheon craved. One unattached to anything. One with nothing set in stone.
How could Je-gal Hyeon not understand? He'd spent his life bound to the Murim Alliance too. He'd felt the same at times. But fear always held him back.
Could I really survive well outside the Alliance?
That thought had always shackled his ankles.
He knew better than anyone how hard change was, how terrifying it was to challenge a new life.
Baek So-cheon made his request.
"When the time comes, please help me."
When the Alliance Lord tried to hold him back, he wanted support from the side.
He felt he, of all people, had to understand Baek So-cheon. He knew better than anyone the ache of wanting to leave.
Yet Je-gal Hyeon raised his cup and said,
"I can't promise that. I'll hold onto you even tighter than the Lord."
Just thinking of parting with Baek So-cheon filled him with regret. Perhaps more than the Lord himself.
Knowing this response was far more precious than a simple agreement to help, Baek So-cheon smiled faintly and clinked cups. The liquor was bitter yet sweet.
Just then, a shooting star streaked across the distant sky beyond the window.
Baek So-cheon closed his eyes and made a wish.
For the first time in ages... perhaps the first time ever, he made a wish just for himself.
Cheon-geuk sat by the window, gazing at the night sky.
Dong-seong stood behind her, reporting Alliance news.
"They're holding a martial tournament at month's end."
"Oh?"
"Yes. Inviting all the renowned masters for an official duel."
"It'll draw a huge crowd."
"Yes, indeed."
"Have all our top assassins stand by on alert."
"Everyone?"
"Call them all in and wait."
"Understood."
This tournament would decide if war broke out between Black Heaven Alliance and Murim Alliance. It was framed as a fight over a woman, but ultimately, it held the fate of the jianghu in the balance.
"Shall we have a drink?"
Mention of Baek So-cheon made her miss him. She'd been holding back the urge to see him.
"No alcohol yet. It could aggravate your wounds."
At Dong-seong's objection, Cheon-geuk replied,
"Then you all drink. I'll watch. At least let me spectate."
"Lord, that'll only make it worse for you."
"Fine. Guess I'll go visit the elder."
"She's probably asleep by now."
"Too bad."
Then Seo-seong stepped forward.
"Join us for a drink. I think even you could manage a sip, Lord."
"You think?"
Cheon-geuk beamed.
Seo-seong prepared a simple spread.
Meanwhile, worried transmission began among the four guardian assassins.
-The Lord seems off.
-Agreed. She's changed somehow.
-She doesn't look upset, though.
-That's what makes it unsettling? She's grinning like an idiot.
-Aftereffects of the injury?
Seo-seong, who'd been listening, chimed in.
-The Lord will be fine.
-Why?
-Just a hunch.
Seo-seong filled four cups to the brim, but only a third for the fifth.
"Alright, cheers everyone?"
The five raised their cups.
After sipping, she said,
"I slept with him."
Pfft!
Dong-seong spat out his drink.
The three others, excluding the already-suspecting Seo-seong, were stunned.
Cheon-geuk smiled.
"You guardians need to know, so I'm telling you."
The three were at a loss for words.
Seo-seong said to her,
"Congratulations, Lord."
"Is this something to congratulate?"
"Absolutely. It's the most congratulations-worthy thing since I started serving you."
"Thanks."
To the other three, Cheon-geuk said,
"I admit I like him. No need to worry. I know who I am."
She walked to the window.
"So I won't get greedy."
It was right then.
Buk-seong, the quietest of the four guardians, spoke up abruptly.
"Be greedy."
Everyone stared in shock.
"I don't know about other assassins, but you deserve happiness, Lord."
It was as if he'd saved his words just to surprise them today.
Cheon-geuk smiled at him, then gazed back at the starry sky.
"I don't need to be greedy. I'm already this happy."
Just then, a shooting star trailed across the distant sky.
Cheon-geuk and the guardians clasped their palms to their chests, making wishes in their hearts.
One wished for the four; the four wished for the one.
The next night, Myeol Ji-ryun visited Baek So-cheon again.
"May I come in for a moment?"
"Of course."
She entered his home and looked around the room.
"Nice atmosphere in here."
"It's often empty, so it feels a bit hollow."
"I love how clean it is."
Sitting down, she asked,
"Got any liquor? Mind if we share a drink?"
"Sure."
Baek So-cheon fetched the bottle. In the meantime, Myeol Ji-ryun slipped off her outer robe.
Beneath was a revealing outfit exposing her cleavage, thighs, and slim waist. Her makeup was heavier than yesterday.
Baek So-cheon poured her a cup.
"I agonized all night. Wondering what exactly Hero Baek wants. Couldn't figure it out."
"Reach a conclusion?"
Myeol Ji-ryun stared at him intently.
"What do you think?"
"Pardon?"
"I'm asking if you find me attractive as a woman."
"You're beautiful."
Her lips parted slightly, eyes heating up.
Baek So-cheon sensed her seduction attempt. Her outfit screamed intent.
But regrettably, her advances were rebuffed at the gate.
"Any man who marries you would be happy."
"Thank you."
Mentioning another man in this situation was polite rejection.
Hurt pride stung Myeol Ji-ryun.
This eunuch bastard! Acting superior without even inner power! Just wait—someday!
Nursing her wounded ego, she pulled out her second card.
"Just in case, and it might be rude..."
"Go ahead."
"Is what Hero Baek wants... money?"
Baek So-cheon replied calmly,
"Why would that be rude?"
"Pardon?"
"Isn't it the best way to gauge sincerity? If the amount's right, money's fine."
Contempt flashed in Myeol Ji-ryun's eyes.
"You're really nothing like the rumors."
Even after yesterday's explanation, she didn't get it. Contempt was for those who exploited others without cost.
Baek So-cheon didn't explain again. She'd been raised without grasping such mindsets.
Watching Myeol Ji-ryun reminded him of Cheon-geuk. One raised in luxury, the other thriving despite the worst.
Myeol Ji-ryun pulled an envelope from her bosom.
Inside were bills of exchange—thirty for ten thousand nyang each.
Three hundred thousand nyang!
An unimaginable fortune.
"Is this enough to prove my sincerity?"
"State your terms. Then I can judge."
"Fine. Two conditions. First, defeat Yeom Sa-won in the duel."
"Agreed."
"Second, after he steps down, stay in the Murim Alliance a while longer. You don't have to marry me. Just until he gives up on me. Deal?"
Baek So-cheon nodded.
"Very well. I accept."
They shared the last cup, and Myeol Ji-ryun rose.
"Win for me."
Baek So-cheon took the bills straight to Je-gal Hyeon.
Handing over one, he said,
"Find out when and where this was issued."
"Got it."
Je-gal Hyeon tasked Sa-ma Il-jung with getting the info fast.
"What's this about?"
"From Myeol Ji-ryun."
"Her?"
"Something bothered me."
Soon, Sa-ma Il-jung reported back.
"It's not from Central Plains. Issued at a Continental Branch outpost beyond the border."
"So she cashed it before coming here."
"Yes."
In other words, she'd planned to splash big in the Central Plains. Bringing this sum with just two escorts into enemy territory? And this might not even be all she had.
Baek So-cheon revised his view of Myeol Ji-ryun.
"Thought she was a rose fleeing the cold to a greenhouse. Turns out she's an onion weathered in field winds and rain. Need to peel back more layers."