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chapter 11
It was the first time that being complimented didn’t make me happy.
But I’m the proud daughter of my parents and the reliable younger sister of my older brother. I could handle this much. I shyly covered my mouth with my sleeve and said,
“Even a humble person like me… how could I be such an ugly flower…”
“Where else could there be! Here she is!”
A brief silence fell. Behind me, one of So-hyeop’s friends anxiously held his forehead.
I was equally dumbfounded. Hey, if you agree with him, what am I supposed to be? Just an ugly flower? I couldn’t believe it.
When everyone silently stared at So-hyeop along with me, she realized her mistake and waved her hands frantically.
“No! I didn’t mean you’re an ugly flower…! That’s not it…! Haha!”
“It’s fine. I think I understand what So-hyeop means.”
“Oh, that’s a relief…!”
Relief? I began to step back slowly.
“Then I’ll take my leave now…”
“Wait, So-jeo!”
So-hyeop urgently stepped in front of me.
“Would you care for a cup of tea? I’ll treat you!”
“Thank you, but I already had tea earlier…”
“The tea here is surprisingly good, haha.”
“This is my brother’s inn, actually.”
Another silence. So-hyeop broke out in a cold sweat.
“I meant that although the exterior is modern, the tea has a classic taste.”
I smiled politely and bowed.
“Please, enjoy your stay at our inn with your friends.”
“So-jeo…!”
“Stop that and come here!”
Her friend finally dragged So-hyeop away. Phew, I thought, finally some peace. But then, another So-hyeop appeared in front of me.
“Hello, So-jeo. I don’t belong to any school, but—”
Someone save me. I wanted to end the conversation using the excuse of waiting friends behind me, but if I did, people might accuse me of snubbing someone without a school.
I definitely did not want to hear, “See? That’s why your marriage with the Namgung family failed, tsk tsk.”
While struggling in this never-ending self-introduction swamp, a familiar voice called out:
“Isn’t that So-jin?”
It was my older brother. I brightened instantly and turned.
“Finally here, bro—?”
Standing next to him in the inn was So-hyeop Baek Mu-wol. Her presence was overwhelming.
“So-hyeop, it’s an honor to meet you!”
“I heard you were staying here, but I never imagined I’d actually see you!”
All the young martial artists who had been focused on me immediately gravitated toward So-hyeop. A halo seemed to glow behind her as she smiled kindly among them.
How can she always appear and help me whenever I’m in trouble? I stared at So-hyeop in awe.
“Oh my, she’s really magnificent…”
“My heart is racing.”
I wasn’t the only one dumbstruck. My friends, who had been waiting for a chance to save me, clung close to me, admiring So-hyeop’s beauty.
And it wasn’t just her looks. Her character was excellent, too. Feeling a bit proud, my brother gently grabbed my shoulder.
“So-jin.”
“Ah, brother.”
“Did something happen?”
“No, it’s nothing significant…”
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Jinhan Gongja.”
My eyes widened. Baek Mu-wol So-hyeop had already maneuvered through the crowd and was walking toward us.
How did she get out so quickly? I prided myself on my social skills, but next to her, they seemed worthless.
‘Oh no, I might start to admire her.’
How happy her parents must be. She truly seems like the perfect child everyone wishes for. I clutched my fists tightly.
“So-jin So-jeo, you’re here too.”
“Hello, So-hyeop Baek Mu-wol. We meet again.”
“Perfect timing. I was about to have tea with Jinhan Gongja. Would you like to join us?”
Gasp. Someone drew a sharp breath. I forced an awkward smile.
“Ah, I already have plans with friends…”
“Oh, right! I left my utensils at home!”
“What? Are you serious? How could you leave something so important?”
“Let’s go get them!”
“My dear So-jin is too fragile like a delicate flower. You just stay here, hehe…”
Suddenly, my friends busied themselves, leaving only me behind in the inn. They had vanished, despite earlier wanting to greet So-hyeop. My heart swelled at their consideration.
Jinhan Gongja gestured toward me.
“Let’s go, So-jin.”
“Yes.”
The three of us went upstairs. I briefly explained what happened over tea, and they both looked troubled.
“You must have been quite surprised, So-jeo.”
“Yes, very much so. But something feels strange.”
Perhaps it was the young martial artists, eager to interact with me.
“Could it be the rumor about the brief marriage talks with the Namgung family?”
“That’s likely.”
My brother muttered seriously.
“They may not be capable of joining the Namgung family, but they probably thought, ‘She’s a good candidate for a bride,’ and acted boldly. Martial artists are usually too busy training to find a bride.”
“I see…”
While I wondered whether to be happy or not, Baek Mu-wol So-hyeop spoke with a concerned expression.
“It’s best you don’t go alone for now, So-jeo.”
“…I suppose that’s wise?”
Since Anhui is part of the Namgung territory, no one would act overtly bad, but caution doesn’t hurt.
“You should hire a few more trustworthy guards.”
“But that would cost a lot…”
My brother shot me a glare, telling me not to worry about such things. Still, I didn’t want unnecessary expenses because of me. It never hurts to save.
I was about to argue that the current guards should be enough when…
“How about this?”
Baek Mu-wol So-hyeop suggested.
“Stay with me for now.”
“…Yes?”
“You’ll be safer with me. Of course, if it’s inconvenient, I understand.”
This person… is she serious? My face instantly flushed.
Finally, the martial arts tournament began. And…
“Look, that’s the famous So-jin So-jeo.”
“Wow, she’s beautiful enough to attract the Namgung family. And her family is wealthy too?”
“Even before the Namgung talks, she was a top bride candidate in Anhui. After what happened recently, her heart must be hurt. I want to comfort her.”
The men’s admiration began. At first confusing, now I clearly understood how troublesome and unpleasant this was.
I’m pretty, but not stunning. I’m not harsh enough to intimidate strangers. My family is wealthy, but not prominent. And with recent troubles, there are plenty of openings for them.
My traits were enough to make men who spent all their time swinging swords think, “Ah, I could try to win her over.” Just then, another man approached.
“Excuse me, are you So-jin So-jeo?”
I didn’t know his intentions, but they didn’t look good. I nodded from my seat.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“I knew it! You’re as delicate as the rumors said. May I sit next to you?”
“Sorry, that seat is taken.”
Before I could answer, a gentle voice spoke from behind the man. He frowned, turned, and froze.
“Eeek, Baek Mu-wol So-hyeop…!”
“Do you need to speak with So-jeo?”
“No, no!”
The man quickly ran away. What a mess. I glared at him and then turned. So-hyeop approached me.
“Someone else tried to approach you while you were away. How can you go anywhere feeling safe?”
Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
“I must never leave So-jeo’s side.”
How can she say that with a straight face? I almost wavered again but replied smoothly:
“So-hyeop, you seem very responsible.”
“I promised to protect you first.”
She looked at me warmly and whispered:
“Don’t worry, So-jeo. As long as I’m with you, nothing untoward will happen.”
“So-hyeop…”
My heart tightened. She turned her head slightly and said:
“And Jinhan Gongja, don’t worry. You don’t look well.”
“…Haha, no worries. I feel reassured thanks to So-hyeop.”
Jinhan Gongja awkwardly smiled and sat beside me. Baek Mu-wol So-hyeop sat next to him.
The onlookers who had been so interested now looked disappointed.
To anyone watching, So-hyeop appeared closer to Jinhan Gongja than to me. Her protection felt like a kind favor to a friend’s sister.
Perhaps it was consideration for my engagement. Today again, I couldn’t escape So-hyeop’s warm care.
‘But why do I feel a bit disappointed?’
Shouldn’t I be happy? I’m watching the martial arts tournament with my one precious brother. But instead, it feels like I wanted to be alone with Baek Mu-wol So-hyeop. Why?
Finally, I realized:
‘I just wanted to ask how So-hyeop grew up.’
