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Chapter 6
After parting ways with Nanhyang, I returned home. But the house felt like a celebration. My parents were so happy that they didn’t know what to do.
“Not only with the Namgung family, but now you might have a connection with Baek Mu-wol as well! This must be our lucky year!”
“See? Jin-han has a real talent for persuading people!”
“……”
I stood at the door, quietly watching them. My older brother really is amazing. He has earned my parents’ recognition through his own abilities.
I also want my parents’ approval. I clenched my sleeve tightly as I watched. That’s when my parents finally noticed me.
“Oh, our daughter is here?”
“How long have you been standing there? You should say something when you arrive.”
“I couldn’t bring myself to interrupt, seeing you both so happy. Is there some good news?”
“Hoho, Jin-han’s inn will be hosting Baek Mu-wol.”
“I know that. I was there with my brother at the time.”
“Really? Then do you know that he even had a meal together with Baek Mu-wol?”
“……Ah, I thought they were just having tea, but a meal too, huh.”
“Impressive, isn’t it? The inn is packed with guests. Everyone wants to see him even once.”
“They say many people started learning sword because of Baek Mu-wol. That’s why everyone wants to meet him.”
“I’m a little worried, though.”
“Worried about what?”
“Last martial arts tournament, the eldest son of the Namgung family barely lost to Baek Mu-wol. I hope Jin-han being friendly with him doesn’t cause any trouble……”
Of course, it’s Mother, worrying again. I reassured her.
“The Namgung family’s head isn’t that petty. Besides, I heard that Namgung Yu-woon and Baek Mu-wol get along very well. Baek Mu-wol always greets him with a smile. If they didn’t get along, people wouldn’t say that.”
“Where did you hear that?”
Gathering information is a basic skill for a proud daughter. I held my mother’s hands.
“Someone told me. So don’t worry, Mother. Everything will be fine.”
Mother looked at me with tears in her eyes and held my hands tighter.
“Thank you, my daughter.”
“So, Mother, how about I pick a gift for the Namgung elders myself?”
“No need. Your father will choose something nice.”
“But it’s my responsibility. Isn’t there something I can do?”
Mother looked genuinely puzzled.
“Do you really need to do anything?”
“……”
I silently stared at her. Father seemed to feel the same way, even though he didn’t say it. Mother brushed my hand gently.
“You don’t need to do anything. Just being here is enough. Why do you insist on doing more?”
“Oh, okay. Thank you for thinking of me.”
Then Mother said her usual line—the one I liked the least.
“Go inside and rest.”
“Yes, Mother.”
I bowed politely and left. Walking down the hallway, my steps grew faster on their own. I was practically bouncing with energy. Words I couldn’t speak in front of my parents tangled on the tip of my tongue.
“No, Mother, Father. I am not enough yet. I want to be the proud daughter who first learned warmth from you. I want to be someone you can boast about without hesitation. Like my brother. I’ve seen you hesitate every time someone asks about me.”
I really didn’t understand. Why does my family always stop me from doing anything? They won’t let me learn martial arts or help at the merchant guild.
All I can do here is idle. If I stay longer, I’ll waste away completely. The thought stopped me in my tracks.
Do they dislike seeing me improve? My previous life’s family was just like this.
I remembered sneaking in practice once and getting caught.
“So-jin, I told you to stop!”
“Just a little more… huff, I feel like my stamina will improve if I run a bit more.”
“You even fainted yesterday! Go inside and rest now.”
I shook my head at the memory. No, people who truly love me wouldn’t behave like that.
Then why won’t they let me do anything? I tried thinking it through carefully… no, I shouldn’t. I don’t want to doubt my family unnecessarily. My heart was racing with guilt.
As I tried to calm myself with deep breaths, I sensed someone nearby.
“Miss.”
I slowly turned my head. Ye-han was peeking from the corner, looking at me. His usual expressionless face in the dark was a little unnerving.
“What are you doing there?”
I forced a smile as my heart raced. Ye-han tilted his head like an owl.
“I was just thinking.”
“That’s good, then.”
He pressed my back with both hands.
“Let’s go to your room. I’m worried about you catching a cold.”
“It’s not that cold.”
He repeated the same words again.
“Let’s go.”
“……Okay.”
I ended up being pushed to my room. I changed into comfortable clothes and let my hair down, lying on the bed. But Ye-han didn’t leave—he sat in a chair and took out his embroidery.
He planned to stay until I fell asleep. I stared at him for a moment and asked,
“What are you stitching this time?”
“Peony flowers.”
“Wow, that will be beautiful. Will you show me when it’s finished?”
“Of course. You’ll be the first. Ah, Miss.”
He asked while carefully stitching the fabric.
“You’ll take me with you when you marry, right?”
“Of course. Who else would I take?”
“……”
“Why the sudden question?”
“I don’t want to be apart from you. I want to stay with you.”
“Really? That makes me so happy. Then let’s stay together.”
I immediately sat up and smiled brightly.
“Forever.”
“No, that’s a bit too much.”
“Hey, so strict.”
The next day, I heard that my brother hadn’t returned home all night.
“Does anyone know where Brother is?”
“No, he isn’t at the inn either. This has never happened before……”
My devoted brother usually sends a servant to inform us if he can’t come home.
After calming my parents, I rushed to the inn. It was packed with guests again.
“Who last saw my brother here?”
“I don’t know. There are too many guests to remember.”
I wanted to gather the staff and ask, but there were too many people. Even Jeom So-i, who was talking to me, barely had time.
Where could my brother have gone? This world is dangerous—what if something happened to him?
I was pacing when a guest suddenly grabbed Jeom So-i.
“Excuse me! Is it true that Baek Mu-wol is staying here?”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“Which floor, which room? I must meet him!”
Seeing the sword, this guest must be a martial artist too. Jeom So-i answered, looking decades older.
“I’m very sorry, but he asked not to be disturbed.”
“How can that be! Step aside, I’ll find him myself!”
I quickly stepped in front and bowed.
“I’m sorry, So-hyeop.”
“Don’t just apologize—tell me where he is. I’m not plotting anything, just seeking advice before the tournament!”
I looked up at the guest.
“I’m truly sorry.”
The guest lost his fierce expression, unable to meet my eyes.
“Uh… no need to be sorry.”
“This is an inn, so guests’ convenience comes first. So-hyeop knows this, so please understand our situation……”
Before I finished, the guest’s face turned bright red.
“Well, if that’s the case, I have no choice. I’ll leave!”
“Thank you for understanding!”
The guest left at once. Luckily, he didn’t seem experienced with women.
Jeom So-i sighed in relief.
“Thank you, Miss. I was worried the inn would collapse with so many guests.”
“Baek Mu-wol must be tired too. So many people show up suddenly wanting a duel. Wait—”
I remembered my parents’ happy faces when they said my brother had eaten with him yesterday. He might know my brother’s whereabouts. I asked urgently,
“Where is Baek Mu-wol now?”
Jeom So-i, still pale, snapped back to attention.
“You mean him…?”
“If you don’t know, at least tell me the last place he was seen. My brother could be in danger. Remember anything!”
“Well… that is…”
Jeom So-i, sweating, said,
“Behind you, Miss.”
“Eh? What—AHHH?!”
I screamed like never before, my legs giving out. A strong arm caught me. Baek Mu-wol stood behind me, looking a little embarrassed.
“I deliberately made my presence obvious, but you didn’t notice.”
“……Baek Mu-wol.”
“I apologize for startling you, So-jeo.”
Like before, my face instantly burned red.
