An Unexpected Sparring Request
“Hey, Baekri Hyeong.”
“...”
“Oh? Look at this. When your heavenly elder sister asks a question, you don’t even answer?”
“That… I had my own circumstances.”
“You had plenty of time to prepare, didn’t you? Besides, isn’t it common knowledge that men take less time to get ready than women?”
“My apologies.”
Baekri Hyeong had been so absorbed in training the Azure Dragon Sword Art that he had lost track of time. In the end, he joined the welcoming party for the Jegal Clan without even having properly washed. Baekri Hyang watched her younger brother’s disheveled state, and one corner of her mouth twitched. She had clearly told him to go wash and prepare first. Yet here he was, rushing over in sweat-soaked robes, looking utterly frantic. If this were not an official occasion, she would have smacked him on the head.
“The Patriarch of the Jegal Clan, Jegal Jincheon, is entering!”
Before long, the Jegal Clan’s procession appeared and crossed the threshold of the Baekri Clan. Baekri Hyeong, who had not expected the Patriarch himself to come, wore an expression of utter dismay. If I had known the Patriarch was coming, I would have gone to wash immediately. Why didn’t anyone tell me? He wanted to complain, but the situation made it impossible. Baekri Hyang had only mentioned that Jiryong was coming; she had not said a single word about the Patriarch. Yet when he looked at her face, it was clear she truly had not known either.
Baekri Hyeong bowed as deeply as possible, trying to hide his appearance. The young master of the Baekri Clan appearing before another clan’s Patriarch in such a state… He could only hope he would not be called forward.
“We welcome the Patriarch’s visit. I am Baekri Hyeok, Patriarch of the Baekri Clan.”
“I am Jegal Jincheon, Patriarch of the Jegal Clan. It has been a long time, Patriarch Baekri.”
“Indeed, it has. And this child beside you…”
“I offer my greetings to the Patriarch of the Baekri Clan. I am Jegal Jinho, the young master of the Jegal Clan, also known by the title Jiryong.”
“So that child has grown so much. We sincerely welcome the Jegal Clan’s visit.”
When Jiryong Jegal Jinho offered a cupped-fist salute, Baekri Hyeok returned it. Jiryong Jegal Jinho. During the war against the Heavenly Demon Cult, he had served as the Murim Alliance’s military strategist, deploying troops with ruthless efficiency that sacrificed many lives for victory. Yet Baekri Hyeong did not hate him. At the time, he had believed that any sacrifice was necessary to stop the Demonic Cult. Ironically, history had proven that belief wrong. Such a strategy might have worked when the Alliance still had enough forces to spare, but as the war intensified, it became impossible to employ. In a way, Jiryong bore much of the blame for the Murim Alliance’s rapid decline. Still, Baekri Hyeong held no grudge. If Jiryong had not taken the strategist’s position back then, the Alliance would have fallen even faster.
“Come to think of it, our clan also has someone to introduce.”
“Is that so?”
“Not long ago, we formally appointed our young master. Remarkably, he proved his abilities before the elders.”
“A young master acknowledged by all the elders… Could you introduce him to me?”
“Of course.”
Wait, hold on, Father. Your son is covered in sweat right now. You’re going to introduce me like this? Baekri Hyeong wanted to shout it out loud, but one glance at his father’s gaze told him this was no place for jokes. In the end, he had no choice but to step forward. Baekri Hyang could only sigh at the sight. To think she would have to present her brother before the Jegal Patriarch in such a state. Even she thought her father had gone too far.
“It is an honor to meet you. I am Baekri Hyeong, who has recently been appointed young master of the Baekri Clan.”
“A pleasure. I am Jegal Jincheon. However… why are you dressed like that?”
“I was holding a sword until just moments ago. If I had known the Jegal Clan was arriving, I would have prepared properly… I can only apologize for my shabby appearance.”
“Not at all. A true man must devote himself to training. Isn’t that right, Jinho?”
“Yes… Patriarch.”
Was it his imagination, or did Jegal Jincheon’s words carry a tone of scolding toward his own son? Regardless, Baekri Hyeong did not speak again after that. The Jegal Clan was not called the Divine Strategists for nothing. As a young master, it was not easy to speak first.
“Let us move inside. A banquet has been prepared, so let us set aside our burdens and enjoy the evening meal.”
“We are deeply grateful for Patriarch Baekri’s hospitality.”
Baekri Hyeong sensed the atmosphere growing awkward and suggested they move, which Jegal Jincheon accepted. This allowed Baekri Hyeong to return to his place.
“I told you to prepare properly and come.”
“…I did not expect Father to summon me so openly.”
“Enough. Time has been made for you anyway, so go wash up.”
“Yes. I will go ahead.”
Baekri Hyeong still did not know why the Jegal Clan had visited the Baekri Clan today. However, with his observational skills, he could guess the topic. Judging by the large amount of gold that had arrived with their procession, it was likely a legitimate trade between the clans. They wouldn’t make me eat with them too, would they? He intended to wash just in case he was called again. But if he had to dine with the Jegal Clan, that would be… less than ideal. He hoped he could eat dinner separately. With that wish in mind, Baekri Hyeong let out a deep sigh upon being summoned and headed to the banquet hall.
And there, someone greeted him warmly.
“Over here, big brother!”
“Sister? Why isn’t Father here…”
Baekri Hyeong quickly scanned the banquet hall. On the left sat only Baekri Hyang, with an empty seat beside her—his seat, no doubt. Across from them, Jiryong stared intently at Baekri Hyang with a flushed face. The moment Baekri Hyeong saw the person beside him, he forced his unmoving lips to open.
“Um, might that person be…?”
“Ah, my apologies, young master. The introduction is late. Greet him at once.”
“Ah, hello! I am Jegal Yujin!”
“…I am Baekri Hyeong, young master of the Baekri Clan. A pleasure to meet you, Lady Yujin.”
“Y-yes!”
How could he ever forget that face? Jegal Yujin. The youngest daughter of the Jegal Clan, the only woman in her generation within the clan to have devoted herself to martial arts. Beyond that, the relationship between Baekri Hyeong and her was something he could never forget, no matter how much he wished to. After the Murim Alliance’s collapse, she had served as the strategist for the band of wanderers he had formed. Later, while working together, she had sacrificed herself to save him from a trap and met her death. How could he ever forget the resolute expression she had shown at that moment? To encounter such a precious bond at such a young age… Her innocent face lacked the bloodshot eyes that had always accompanied her in the past. That bright child must never face the reality of sleep deprivation in the future. That was why he trained his swordsmanship every day. Of course, since this was their first meeting in this life, he could not act familiar. After a simple greeting, Baekri Hyeong took his seat beside Baekri Hyang.
“You should have washed up earlier, you fool.”
“I was too absorbed in the sword. What could I do?”
“It seems your younger brother holds great affection for you, Lady Hyang.”
“Yes, well… I suppose so.”
Jiryong, eager to impress Baekri Hyang, seized the moment to open the conversation. Baekri Hyang gave an awkward smile, as if finding him uncomfortable. Oblivious to her feelings, he began chattering away.
“—And so this body—!”
“Brother. It seems Lady Sword Phoenix is quite uncomfortable.”
“Hmm. Is this body making you uncomfortable, Lady Hyang?”
“Uncomfortable? It is simply that hearing someone weaker than me talk about how they subdued someone else is… somewhat amusing.”
“Ahem! I have been terribly rude to Lady Sword Phoenix, who is unmatched among our peers with the sword. I apologize.”
“It is fine. More importantly, your younger sister seems quite perceptive, doesn’t she?”
“…Does she?”
Baekri Hyang, no longer wanting to hear Jegal Jinho’s stories, changed the subject. Fortunately, he was not entirely without tact and naturally shifted to talking about his sister. It was only natural for someone who had fallen first to be attentive.
“Thank you for the praise. Our Yujin may not match me, but she is truly a clever child.”
“O-oraboni…”
“Is that so? Our Hyeong is the kind of absurd fellow who boasts that he will surpass me in about four years.”
“Oh ho, surpassing the Sword Phoenix. The young master’s ambition is remarkable. This body shall support the young master’s dream.”
“Thank you.”
Baekri Hyang had naturally turned the conversation to paint Baekri Hyeong as a fool. To bring up someone else’s resolve while praising another’s cleverness… Of course, Baekri Hyang had said it half in jest. Then, Jegal Yujin, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up.
“Might I ask… Young Master Baekri Hyeong, could you spar with me?”
“Pardon?”
“I beg of you!”
She had suddenly requested a spar. Is this how the conversation was supposed to go…?