Chapter 16
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Frontier - 2
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I hadn't thought it was a joke, but I never imagined I'd end up resting this thoroughly.
Ever since returning to the manor, Yu Ye-ryeon hadn't said a word about training me. In fact, she was so insistent that she'd drag me back to my room whenever I tried heading to the training grounds out of lingering unease.
I kept wanting to train, but her ironclad vigilance left me unable to even properly grip my sword, let alone practice. It was driving me insane with frustration.
"Looks like you're itching so bad you can't stand it, huh?"
"I can't exactly deny that."
"How about we step out for some fresh air, then?"
After making Hina some Western-style ham steak and zoning out in my room, Yu Ye-ryeon struck up a conversation.
She grinned brightly, gauging my reaction, before suggesting an outing.
"Fresh air, eh... Where to?"
"There's a nice spot nearby. Let's take Hina along and head back for dinner at Jinhyu Tower. Sound good?"
"Sure."
Maybe I should whip up some decent snacks to eat on the way.
While Yu Ye-ryeon went to fetch Hina, I crossed my arms and pondered.
What would hit the spot... I've got most ingredients on hand, so it should be easy to make... Yeah, let's go with this.
I gathered the necessary supplies. By the time Yu Ye-ryeon returned with Hina, her eyes lit up at the sight of my haul.
"Whatcha planning to make out there?"
"Something simple and tasty."
"Ooh, now I'm excited!"
"Don't get your hopes up too high—it's just a light snack. How are you feeling, Hina?"
"Hee hee. All thanks to you."
She seemed in pretty good shape today.
Her bright smile made me glance at Yu Ye-ryeon. She looked thrilled that her sworn little sister was doing well—her smile was practically beaming.
"So, where are we headed?"
"There's a scenic spot just outside Jinhyu. We'll hang out there, then grab dinner at Jinhyu Tower. Cool with that?"
Jinhyu Tower was the biggest tavern-slash-restaurant in Jinhyu.
A tavern, though... I eyed Yu Ye-ryeon and Hina.
Yu Ye-ryeon might come off as fierce, but anyone could see she was a beauty. Hina, leaving aside her frail appearance, qualified as a stunner too.
This world was based on erotic martial novels. Wouldn't heading to a tavern stir up unnecessary trouble?
As I kept quiet, Yu Ye-ryeon smirked and ruffled my hair wildly.
"What's up? What're you thinking so hard about?"
"Nothing at all."
Well, even if trouble cropped up, the woman in front of me was one of the Eight Great Heavens of the Nine Provinces. No big deal.
Probably.
If it were just me and Yu Ye-ryeon, we'd walk or ride horses, but with Hina along, that was out of the question.
In the end, we rented a carriage.
"I'll drive."
"You know how?"
"What do you take me for?"
She hopped confidently into the driver's seat and took the reins. Hina smiled at me.
"I've ridden in her carriage a few times. She might not look it, but she's good, so no worries."
"Got it. Then..."
Hina climbed inside, leaving me wondering where to sit.
There was space next to the driver's seat, but was that okay?
"What're you mulling over?"
"Front seat or back."
"Oho~ Testing affection levels, are we? Well then, pick one!"
She patted the spot playfully with a grin. Affection test, huh.
Hina peeked out from inside, chuckling amusedly. Two beauties waiting on my choice? This was beyond me.
"Mind if I run alongside?"
"Coward."
"Coward."
No way.
"Kidding. Get in and keep Hina company."
Wearing her signature mischievous smile, Yu Ye-ryeon urged me inside. Was this fine?
But she insisted with no hint of joking, so I boarded the carriage.
"Alright! Let's roll!"
With her clear shout, the carriage lurched forward. Amid the jolts, I turned to Hina.
"First time sitting together like this."
"Yeah. Oh, I've always wanted to thank you properly. Maybe big sis set this up on purpose."
"No need."
"You made those Western candies last time... and whenever I miss home, you cook for me."
Ah, that. No biggie—it was just part of my deal with Yu Ye-ryeon.
"Mind if I ask something?"
"Shoot."
"How'd you meet Sword Heaven?"
"Haha... It was back in the West. I helped her when she was being chased. That's when she made me her sworn little sister."
Chased? Someone like Sword Heaven?
I pressed for details, and Hina bowed her head briefly, reminiscing, before smiling softly.
"She never told me the full story. Just that there were tons of them, and they kept coming back to life no matter how many times she killed them..."
Coming back to life no matter what.
"Were they wearing red robes, by any chance?"
"Oh? You know them?"
"Probably... Blood Cult protectors."
They appeared in the novel too. The Blood Cult's protectors were deathless freaks who'd hidden their hearts elsewhere, rising like immortals no matter the attacks.
Even protagonist Wi Cheonryong and his wives couldn't kill them outright—they had to dismember and seal them in pieces.
"Hiding Sword Heaven from Blood Cult protectors, though. How'd you manage?"
"Hee hee. I know a bit of barrier arts."
Barrier arts? What's that? Not in the novel.
I stared in wonder, and she lightly raised a finger. A subtle energy rippled around us.
"Call for big sis."
"Sword Heaven!! Sword Heaven!!"
I shouted toward the driver's seat visible through the window, but Yu Ye-ryeon didn't react. She couldn't hear at all.
"This a barrier?"
"Yep. Can't hold it long, though. Drains stamina like crazy..."
Whoa. Incredible. With this, you could escape any danger.
"You wanna learn it, huh? Hee hee hee. Sorry, can't teach it. Us elves are born with one unique ability. This barrier art's mine from birth..."
Like a constitution. Too bad.
Still, it'd be huge against the Blood Cult later.
"Cough! Cough!"
But there was a big issue. Even that brief barrier had worn her out—she started hacking.
Yin-Yang Severed Meridians. Without curing her chronic illness, her ability was useless in real fights.
"I've heard it's Yin-Yang Severed Meridians."
"...Yeah."
Her face darkened at the mention. I clenched my fist facing her.
"I'll cure you for sure."
"...Huh? Oh. Um. Suddenly?"
"Not sudden. Sword Heaven wants it too..."
While hunting spiritual herbs, I might snag ones for her condition.
If I'd joined Heavenly Martial Hall, no time, but now I was free.
Plenty of time to roam the continent and search.
"Your words alone mean the world."
Hina blushed faintly and bowed her head. Then the carriage halted.
"Already there?"
"Doesn't seem like it..."
Peering out, a few thug-looking bandits blocked the road, leering sinisterly our way.
"Been itching for action? Wanna give it a go?"
"Can I? You kept me from training during 'rest period'..."
"They're not even training dummies. Whatever, skip if you want."
"I'll do it."
First time gripping a sword in ages—no reason to refuse.
Four bandits, led by a burly bearded guy with a massive cleaver, grinned our way.
As I stepped down, the cleaver-wielder thrust out his gut and boasted leisurely.
"This one's the infamous plains bandit lord Wi Gyeon! No one in the Evil Faction doesn't know my name!"
"Jin Hyun."
"No title, huh, kid...? Ha! Fine by me! Brat! Ditch the carriage and ladies now, and I'll spare your life!"
Hm. Begging me to kill him.
"Back off quietly, and I'll settle for one arm."
"...You mad bastard! Boys!"
"Yeah!!"
"Rip this punk apart and drag that coachman here! Time to have some fun today!"
"Eek~! So scary~!"
I'm scarier.
I glanced at Yu Ye-ryeon, who clutched the reins while play-acting a pout, then gripped my sword. First draw in days, but the feel was just as before.
"Heh heh heh. Let this grandpa show you..."
One spearman sauntered over cockily, no guard or probe. Impressed by his bravado, I swung without hesitation.
"Guhk...!!"
The man clutched his throat, staggered, and crumpled. I silently watched the spurting blood, then beckoned the remaining three with my blade.
"Quit gawking and come on."
Your wish—death—granted.