Chapter 33
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: Return - 1
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The beggar looked utterly bewildered but didn't say anything more. Or maybe he just had nothing to say? I didn't have much to add either, so I kept quiet.
"...What's with this atmosphere? Didn't I just say something cool?"
"I wouldn't call any part of it cool, but... anyway... I'll make sure to pass the word to the Martial Alliance. Though I can't guarantee Heavenly Martial Hall won't get involved."
Sword Heaven belonged to the righteous factions. That gave her considerable influence in the righteous Martial Alliance, but the evil Four Black Alliances would only view her with even greater hostility.
They might even misread her interest in this incident as a sign that something big was brewing there and send even more people.
"Well... nothing we can do about that. If the Lord of the Four Black Alliances decides to step in after seeing me involved, that'd be perfect."
Joo Hyo-cheong, the Evil King—one of the current Eight Great Heavens of the Nine Provinces and Lord of the Four Black Alliances.
In the novel, like the Sword Saint, he was only name-dropped without any notable feats.
But in this reality outside the novel, his name alone was a massive threat.
If a man like that showed up in Sichuan, it couldn't get any better.
From his perspective, he wouldn't be thrilled about the Blood Cult either. Blocking their moves would align perfectly with his interests.
Yu Ye-ryeon seemed to have thought that far ahead too, so she didn't pay much mind to his warning about the evil factions possibly stirring.
She was right.
The Blood Cult issue transcended the divide between righteous and evil factions.
"Well, if you put it that way... And?"
"That's all from me. Jin Hyun, anything you want to ask?"
Ask something? I already knew the locations of most spirit herbs, so did I really need the Beggars' Sect's help?
I had other curiosities, but in the current situation, there was no need to pry. Getting help from the Beggars' Sect wasn't easy anyway—it was better to save those questions for later.
"May I ask later?"
"Of course. If something comes up, come to Hapbi and look for Shadowless Wanderer Gang Gyu."
"Shadowless Wanderer?"
A name I'd never heard before. Since he wasn't in the novel, I looked puzzled, and he clutched his face.
"Unbelievable. To think there's a martial artist in the world who doesn't know Gang Gyu the Shadowless Wanderer..."
"Sorry. I'm not well-versed in the ways of the martial world."
"Fine. As long as you know now."
He didn't look fine at all, but what could I do? I watched him take bites of the dishes, then called the maid.
Maybe because the room had gone from just the two of us to three? The maid looked quite startled but didn't ask questions.
She simply took the remaining dishes at my request to pack them up and headed down.
"Tch. Oh, and Jin Hyun. You should start being careful soon."
"Why's that?"
"You're sticking out among the later-generation disciples. You and Sword Heaven say you're not in a master-disciple relationship, but plenty of people already think you're her student."
True, even the Namgung Family had assumed that.
"Even if you don't join Heavenly Martial Hall, their later-generation disciples will come seeking you out. It's a sad habit of martial artists."
"To see who's stronger?"
"Exactly. And word is you took down Paeng Yu-seok too? The young experts from both righteous and evil factions will come calling... Stay on your guard."
"Got it."
The idea of the novel's main and supporting characters coming to find me didn't spark any fear.
If they came, I'd just fight them. Simple as that.
Grinning at me like that, Shadowless Wanderer Gang Gyu scooped up the packed dishes with practiced ease and leaped out the window.
His lightness skill carried him away in an instant—he clearly wasn't someone to underestimate.
"Shadowless Wanderer... What does he do?"
"One of the Martial Alliance's protectors. No need to overthink it."
She shrugged it off casually.
A protector of the Martial Alliance was someone worth paying serious attention to...
"The important thing is what's happening in Sichuan. You said a massacre would happen there, right?"
"Yes. And in the process, Joo Yuri—the daughter of the Lord of the Four Black Alliances, who was visiting on a mission for Heavenly Martial Hall—dies."
The investigation team from Heavenly Martial Hall, made up of elites from the Martial Alliance and Four Black Alliances, falls into a trap set by a Blood Cult protector. Most end up as his meal.
The sole survivor is from the Martial Alliance side.
That's why the evil factions harbor massive grudges against both the righteous factions and the Blood Cult.
The Blood Cult was one thing, but their grudge against the righteous factions? The reason was ridiculous.
You righteous folks are the ones who insisted on sending that joint team. We can never forgive you. With that flimsy excuse bordering on nonsense, tensions between righteous and evil factions plummeted.
Many died or were injured in the aftermath, and the Blood Cult absorbed all that blood and resentment to use as materials for building their tower.
In short, preventing it ahead of time would weaken the Blood Cult and the Blood God.
"I see... Should we just kidnap her outright?"
"If things go well this time, Joo Yuri won't have any reason to go to Sichuan. If not, we'll try something else."
"Mm. Fair enough. We'll watch the situation... You're going too, right?"
"Yes. I have to."
It was a chance to take down a Blood Cult protector.
With my detailed knowledge, it made sense for me to go. Yu Ye-ryeon smiled faintly at me, took a sip of tea, and picked up the box.
"Alright! Shall we take it right now? Take it and head back. I want to get home quick and eat the food you made."
"Can't we head back in the evening?"
Even if I'd finished my business at the Namgung Family, vanishing without a word felt rude.
At the very least, I should say goodbye properly.
"Do we really need to bother with that?"
"Observing etiquette is important. Especially when we're seeking their cooperation."
Maybe because of her ties to Namgung Cheon, Yu Ye-ryeon looked reluctant.
But duty was duty.
"I'll make something delicious when we get back. I found some good ingredients in Hapbi."
"Ooh? What're you making?"
"You'll have to wait and see... Well, I'll be off then."
"Sure~. Have a safe... Wait."
"Yes?"
As I paused, Yu Ye-ryeon stood, pulled me into a tight embrace. A pleasant fragrance tickled my nose, her warmth enveloping me all at once.
"What are you doing?"
"Just... you know. Something like this. Mm. Yeah, that should be enough."
What was that about? I checked myself over, but nothing seemed different.
If anything, her perfume lingered on me.
"I've always thought so, but your scent is really nice. What perfume do you use?"
"Not telling~."
She stuck out her tongue playfully, shooing me off with a wave.
No answer? Oh well. After a quick farewell, I headed back to the Namgung Family.
"You're back?"
Passing through the main gate, there stood Namgung Hye—arms crossed, sulky-faced, lips pursed slightly.
She looked in a foul mood as she approached, then stopped dead.
"...What's that smell?"
"Hm? Oh, probably Sword Heaven's fragrance."
Damn, good nose.
I figured it would've faded by now, but she caught it anyway.
Staring at me intently, Namgung Hye pulled a small bottle from her sleeve. A subtle mint scent wafted from the fine perfume.
Only after spritzing it all over me did she seem relieved and ask her question.
"Sword Heaven rarely comes to Hapbi. What happened?"
"A few things came up. More importantly, the patriarch should be in, right?"
"Father? Why him?"
"Time for me to head out."
"...Ah."
I'd grown used to staying at the Namgung Family lately, but my base was Sword Heaven Manor.
At my mention of returning to Jinhyu—a few days' ride from Hapbi—Namgung Hye's face darkened.
"What, sad to see me go?"
"I'd be lying if I said no... Ugh, who'll make Western candy for me now..."
"I'll make some batches and send them over."
There were merchant caravans and escort agencies passing through Jinhyu on their way to Hapbi.
Especially Cheoyou Escort Agency in Jinhyu—they handled protection for those heading to Hapbi. Sending via them wouldn't be bad.
"Or... could I just come pick them up myself?"
"That's fine, but why go to the trouble?"
It was still a few days' ride even on horseback.
"...Why? Am I a burden?"
Her voice started to grow misty. Saying yes would make things exhausting.
"Not at all. I was just worried you'd tire yourself out. From my side... it's not a bad deal."
"Huh?"
"We're friends, right? I'd be grateful if a friend visited often."
"F-friends?"
"Yeah. My first friend ever. No bragging, but I don't have any others."
Especially not in this world. So, making Namgung Hye—who'd gotten this close to me—my friend felt natural.
"Uh... Hate it?"
"N-no? I mean... your first friend... It's not bad..."
Arms still crossed, head turned as she mumbled to herself, Namgung Hye let out a deep sigh.
"Haa... This is fine for now, huh?"
"What?"
"Nothing. Okay. Friends. Friends are great."
Her face lit up with a smile in an instant as she took a light step closer.
A fresh, clear fragrance wafted strongly. Different from Yu Ye-ryeon's, but hers was nice too.
"Since we're friends... this much is okay, right?"