Do You Know the Saber? - (7)
Once the quiet breakfast had ended, everyone who had heard that the young master of the Paeng Clan was nearly there gathered on the first floor of the pleasure house, lightly enjoying tea.
Paeng Yudeok, Hwangbogi, and Eun Yakbyeok sat at a separate table sipping their tea, while Eun Gwanyeong clung to Wi Ilcheong’s side. Baekri Sohyeon sat behind Dokgo Ryeong, arms wrapped around her.
“…Ryeong Mae. Are you okay?”
“Huh? About what?”
“…You didn’t thrash around even when I hugged you today.”
“Ah… I’m just a bit tired.”
“…”
Watching Dokgo Ryeong look somehow drained of strength, Baekri Sohyeon felt a twinge of guilt.
…Something must have happened after that conversation yesterday.
Ever since Wi Ilcheong had suddenly spoken about “love,” and then left the room first thing in the early morning, both of them had been like this—Dokgo Ryeong and Wi Ilcheong alike. Both were noticeably wilted.
The reason for Wi Ilcheong’s dejection was easy enough to guess. The common sense he had believed in all this time had been shattered; the shock must have been considerable. It had to have been severe for him to sleep alone last night without embracing either Eun Gwanyeong or Baekri Sohyeon. That alone told her how deep the blow had struck.
But Dokgo Ryeong ending up like this was a little unexpected even for Baekri Sohyeon.
…Ryeong Mae must feel something for Brother Wi as well…
When Baekri Sohyeon lowered her gaze, all she could see was the back of Dokgo Ryeong’s head, somehow drooping. She lifted a hand and gently stroked Dokgo Ryeong’s hair. The other woman raised her head.
“…What?”
“Mm. Nothing.”
Hoping Dokgo Ryeong would recover her spirits soon, Baekri Sohyeon continued to stroke her hair with soft, careful fingers. After enjoying the touch for a moment, Dokgo Ryeong caught her hand.
“…Hey, Dull-witted.”
“Hm?”
“I’ve got something to ask.”
“What is it?”
“…My chest’s been hurting since yesterday.”
“How?”
“…It aches deep inside, like something’s poking it.”
“…”
Hearing those words, Baekri Sohyeon’s own chest ached in sympathy.
…Ryeong Mae really does care for Brother Wi…
Without answering, she simply hugged Dokgo Ryeong tightly.
“…What the fuck. I told you to answer me.”
“It’s nothing. Ryeong Mae, it’ll get better soon. Time will take care of it.”
“No, fuck… I don’t think that’s it…”
“I’ll comfort you until then.”
“Comfort? What the hell are you—”
Just as Dokgo Ryeong was about to thrash and call it nonsense, someone entered the pleasure house.
“…Everyone’s gathered here, I see.”
“Kwahaha! Come here, my son!”
“Have you been well, Father? And…”
Matching his massive frame, the newcomer offered a hearty laugh as he greeted them.
“It is an honor to meet you all. I am Paeng Munhwi.”
The moment she laid eyes on Paeng Munhwi, Eun Yakbyeok’s face twisted.
Ah, damn it. That Blade Immortal bastard really…! Who the hell is deceiving whom here…!
Paeng Munhwi was far more decent than she had expected. He retained the open-hearted boldness of a Hebei man without letting it tip into something that burdened others. Every gesture carried courtesy, and simply watching him left one with a strangely comforting feeling. He was the sort of man who naturally drew people in—that was Paeng Munhwi.
How on earth did a normal child come out of a father like that?
Eun Yakbyeok quickly turned her head to check on Dokgo Ryeong. Fortunately, the woman showed no reaction. Not yet, at least.
“Kwahaha! Well? Daughter of Dokgo Jin.”
“What about it?”
“My son. Doesn’t he catch your fancy?”
“Fancy, my ass.”
Dokgo Ryeong gave Paeng Munhwi a once-over.
Decent build, looks like he can handle a blade well enough. And…
“Huh?”
She suddenly shot to her feet.
“Hey… you.”
“Yes?”
“That saber… Let me see that saber.”
“…”
Paeng Munhwi glanced at his father, who gave a small nod.
“…As you wish.”
He unstrapped the saber from his back and handed it over. Dokgo Ryeong took it.
“Whoa… shit… Are you kidding me? Made of cloud iron?”
“Kwahaha! So Dokgo Jin’s daughter likes blades. Looks like I brought the wrong gift.”
“What martial artist hates blades?”
Dokgo Ryeong examined Paeng Munhwi’s saber with feverish intensity.
This light? And the edge is still sharp as hell…
For a moment she thought of the Demon-Slaying Saber she had left behind. It had been a crude, massive greatsaber, but even so it had been forged of black iron. Right now she had no choice but to use the soft sword Wi Ilcheong had given her, yet if her body would only allow it she always longed for a familiar saber. And the one in Paeng Munhwi’s possession fit her heart perfectly.
She asked,
“But… doesn’t the Paeng Clan prefer heavier sabers?”
“That is true, yet I believe that if a light saber can still carry sufficient weight, it makes no difference.”
“Cutting power would be a bit lacking, though?”
“In exchange one gains speed. My training is still insufficient; when I use a heavy saber too many openings appear.”
“If a weapon can cover your weaknesses, that’s good too. Damn… nice blade. Glad I got a look.”
“Would you like it?”
“Huh?”
Dokgo Ryeong stared at him in surprise. He answered with an easy laugh.
“From the look of things, young lady, you are someone who understands the saber. If it can be used by such a person, I can think of nothing better.”
“Ah… no… This is made of cloud iron.”
“As you said, our family ideally uses heavy sabers. I had been considering changing blades soon. Once I do, this one will no longer see use—a pity. In that case, better it be wielded by someone who knows the saber.”
Looking at Paeng Munhwi, Dokgo Ryeong felt her chest twinge again.
Ah, fuck. This bastard’s actually pretty decent?
She had come in loaded with negative assumptions simply because he was Paeng Yudeok’s son, yet meeting him face-to-face he turned out to be quite all right.
“Hey, Blade Immortal. Can I really take this?”
“Go ahead. It’s my son’s decision; I won’t interfere.”
“Heh. Thanks.”
“However, young lady, there is one condition.”
“Huh?”
Paeng Munhwi looked at Dokgo Ryeong and said,
“Would you walk with me a while and talk?”
“Ugh…”
When she made an openly disgusted face, he added,
“Haha, no need to avoid me so. I simply wish to speak a little about the saber.”
“…You’re not gonna start spouting that ‘Do you know the saber?’ bullshit too, are you?”
“…Our family does go a bit overboard in that regard. I won’t push too hard. It’s simply that I’ve never met a female saber user outside the family before. There are things I’d like to ask.”
“…What do you want to ask?”
“Truthfully, my younger sister has hit a wall lately and I want to help her… but a woman’s body and a man’s body are different, are they not? So I hoped to seek advice.”
“…”
Dokgo Ryeong still did not lower her guard. Paeng Munhwi held out his hand.
“Then I’ll take the Meteor Saber back—”
“I give damn good advice, actually.”
“Is… that so.”
“Let’s go! Better head to the manor, right? I wanna swing the blade a bit too.”
“…Yes.”
Dokgo Ryeong strode ahead in high spirits; Paeng Munhwi followed after her.
Watching the two leave, Eun Yakbyeok opened her mouth.
“What a cunning old fox you are, Blade Immortal.”
“Hm? Me?”
“…That saber. I’ve never seen it before. I remember Paeng Munhwi originally used a larger one. And anyone can tell it was forged for a woman.”
“Kwahaha. I did snatch it away in a hurry—it was meant for my daughter.”
“Elixirs, a fine blade… just how much preparation did you make?”
“All of it.”
The Blade Immortal grinned, baring his teeth.
“I, you see, sincerely covet Dokgo Jin’s daughter.”
“…”
Eun Yakbyeok drained the tea in her cup and rose from her seat.
“I’ll be going first.”
“Kwahaha. Do so. If something good comes of it later, I’ll be sure to invite the Hao Sect Leader.”
Listening to the Blade Immortal’s mocking voice, Eun Yakbyeok turned her head and began chewing her lip.
Ugh…! Just when the guest and Young Master Wi were getting along so well…!
She had underestimated the Blade Immortal far too much. She resented herself for having grown a little lax, distracted by Dokgo Ryeong’s cute appearance. And the timing of the rift between Dokgo Ryeong and Wi Ilcheong was exquisitely unfortunate.
The one who can solve the problem is Young Master Wi, yet…
She glanced back to check Wi Ilcheong’s complexion; he still wore a gloomy expression.
This is so frustrating I could die!
She did not particularly like Wi Ilcheong. But Dokgo Ryeong was especially adorable when she was with him. Moreover, if someone as emotional as Dokgo Ryeong stayed by Wi Ilcheong’s side, perhaps he too might change a little. Even if Dokgo Ryeong and Wi Ilcheong never ended up together, she had hoped that change would benefit Eun Gwanyeong and Baekri Sohyeon—so her expectations for Dokgo Ryeong had been high.
I have to do something…
Eun Yakbyeok chewed her lip, thinking hard.
Something… ah!
Something flashed through her mind. Her steps, which had been heading toward her private chambers, spun around and started upstairs instead. She beckoned a nearby disciple with a gesture.
“What is it, Sect Leader?”
“Do you have a vertical flute?”
“We do.”
“Bring it at once.”
“Yes, understood.”
As the Hao Sect disciple hurried off to fetch the flute, Eun Yakbyeok fixed Paeng Yudeok with a confident glare.
You said you’d do everything you could, Blade Immortal? So will I.
Eun Yakbyeok had no intention of sitting still and taking it. The Sound Venerable’s yin arts that could suppress not only a person’s emotions but even their very spirit—if she put her mind to it, she too would use everything she possessed.
“Hoo…”
Clap clap clap.
Watching Dokgo Ryeong swing the saber, Paeng Munhwi applauded from the side.
“Truly magnificent. I am sincerely impressed. How can a single strike be so clean?”
“It’s nothing special.”
“Nothing special? Saber users of the martial world would praise you as the reincarnation of the Hell-King Saber Guest!”
“You’re making a fuss…”
Dokgo Ryeong brushed off the praise with a half-hearted reply.
You little shit, how many years do you think I’ve been swinging a saber?
She looked anew at the blade in her hand.
Meteor Saber.
True to cloud iron, it was light yet sturdy, and the balance was excellent. The cutting feel lacked a bit of weight, which was slightly disappointing, but it swung well even with her current body, so her mood improved.
Should I try a bit of the Saber of Asura Rakshasa?
Even if Paeng Munhwi saw it he probably wouldn’t recognize it, and she still had a little yang energy left in her celestial gate point; if she drew on that she ought to be able to perform two forms or so.
“Young Lady Dokgo.”
“Hm?”
“Have you any thought of visiting our family?”
At that moment her chest twinged again.
…Fuck, not this again.
Ignoring the aching pain in her chest, she said,
“…Why would I?”
“I wished to ask you to teach my sister a thing or two. As a fellow woman and a saber user, I believe you could be of great help to each other. And I personally have an interest in you as well, Young Lady Dokgo.”
“Interest, my ass…”
“I shouldn’t have spoken in circles. I have fallen for you, Young Lady Dokgo.”
“Crazy bastard.”
Even when she spat the curse, Paeng Munhwi’s expression did not change in the slightest.
“At first I thought little of the match my father arranged. I had no particular feelings either. Yet once I actually met you and spoke with you, I decided there could be no better woman.”
“Haa… fuck. Why is every single bastard around me out of his mind?”
“…Do you dislike me that much?”
The instant she heard those words, Dokgo Ryeong’s chest twinged once more.
…Did I catch some disease or what?
Just as she was about to tell him to stop spouting nonsense and drive him off, the sound of a vertical flute began to drift from afar.
“…Hm?”
The mere sound was so plaintive it needlessly unsettled her heart.
“Young Lady Dokgo, please give me a chance.”
“No, what the hell are you talking about… If you’re gonna be like this just take the damn saber back, you bastard.”
“…Young lady. I will absolutely not give up so easily.”
“Crazy bastard. You wanna get hit once before you leave?”
“That would be fine as well. How about a spar instead?”
“Oh? Feeling confident, are we?”
When the green brat proposed a spar first, Dokgo Ryeong’s eyebrows lifted slightly.
I can use yin energy too, so there’s no way I’d lose.
Paeng Munhwi showed no sign of backing down easily.
Well, like father, like son, I guess.
She tossed the saber back to him and said,
“Let’s do it this way. If I win, stop pestering me. It’s annoying as hell. And I keep the Meteor Saber.”
“And if I win?”
“You decide. There’s no way I’ll lose.”
“…Even that overflowing confidence is charming.”
“Kwahaha! Crazy bastard. You really are the Blade Immortal’s son.”
Dokgo Ryeong loosened the soft sword at her hand and let it hang free. Using the Moon Shadow Divine Art, she began to draw up the yin energy of the Ten Thousand Years Ice Jade seated in her lower dantian, little by little. The mournful melody that kept reaching her ears was a little irritating.
“Are you ready?”
“Of course.”
“Shall I yield three seconds?”
“Bullshit.”
“Then… I shall go first!”
The moment Paeng Munhwi charged in—
“Bring it!!”
Dokgo Ryeong drew up her internal energy and swung the soft sword.
…Huh?
Dokgo Ryeong collapsed.