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chapter 24
Just meeting Master Jin Jae-hoon would have been lucky enough, but to have someone as prominent as an elder from the Hwasan Sect show up… my heart raced even more.
I never imagined Mu-wol would have connections with the elder of Hwasan Sect.
When Mu-wol had sparred with Master Jin Jae-hoon, he’d seemed indifferent, almost like cattle to a chicken. I assumed he had no ties at all with the Hwasan Sect.
What if, like with Patriarch Namgung, their relationship isn’t good?
A heavy sense of urgency pressed down on me. These were Mu-wol’s guests, but this was still my home. We had to offer our greetings.
Yet my parents and older brother were all out. I was the only one here to receive them. I quickened my pace further.
“Have you informed Mu-wol?”
“Not yet.”
“Why not? Is he… bathing?”
“No. They said they wanted to meet you first, the young lady.”
My steps halted again. I mulled over Ye-han’s words, then pointed at myself with a finger.
“…Really?”
Ye-han nodded. An elder from Hwasan Sect had come without prior notice, and now they wanted to see me, a complete stranger? I could hardly believe it.
Of course, I’m delighted, I thought.
But this was no ordinary person—it was the elder of one of the major sects. Leaving a good impression could be a great boon to our family.
“Let’s go quickly. We can’t keep such honorable guests waiting.”
“Yes, young lady.”
“Oh, and after you see me off, don’t forget to let Mu-wol know they’re here.”
“Yes, I’ll inform Young Master Mu-wol of their arrival.”
Ye-han swiftly led me to the room where the masters were. Wearing my most polite smile, I stepped through the door they opened.
As Ye-han said, a silver-haired elder sat at the table, quietly drinking tea. Behind him stood Master Jin Jae-hoon, looking tense. I immediately bowed deeply.
“I am Han So-jin, second daughter of Han Rimsangdan. It is an honor to meet the masters of the Dae-Gwasan Sect.”
“…….”
“If it is not rude, may I ask your name?”
The elder stroked his beard, speaking softly.
“I am Cheon I-baek, elder of Hwasan Sect.”
Master Jin Jae-hoon quickly acknowledged me.
“I am Jin Jae-hoon, the second disciple of Hwasan Sect.”
I kept my head bowed.
“All the elders of my family are away, so I must convey my greetings in their stead. Please kindly forgive my imposition.”
“Forgive? That’s our words to say,” the elder said, looking apologetic.
“I know it is customary to announce one’s visit beforehand… but I had no other time today and came unannounced. I can only apologize to you. For an elder to act so impolitely… I am ashamed.”
“Please, say no more. Members of the Old Sect are always welcome.”
“Grateful for your words. But would you raise your head? I wish to speak properly with you, young lady.”
I slowly lifted my head. Master Jin Jae-hoon averted his eyes, blushing, while the elder chuckled warmly.
“Ha-ha, you seem as kind-hearted as your words suggest.”
“You flatter me.”
I replied humbly, taking a seat opposite the elder. He studied me once more, slowly.
It didn’t feel unpleasant. His gaze wasn’t critical, but more like that of a grandfather looking at a granddaughter he hadn’t seen in years—gentle and warm.
What kind of relationship does he have with Mu-wol to look at me so kindly?
Curious, I relaxed a little, noting that he seemed friendly with Mu-wol.
But the thought didn’t last. At some point, the elder’s face darkened. Carefully, he asked:
“I hear you are betrothed to Mu-wol… is this true?”
“It is.”
“Does that child treat you well?”
“Yes. Thanks to him, every day is joyful.”
“Who first proposed marriage…?”
“Mu-wol was the one who first proposed to me.”
“What?!”
His voice suddenly rose.
“Truly, he proposed first?”
“Yes.”
“Ha… what an astonishing thing. Has Mu-wol really changed at all, I wonder…?”
Curious about their past, I probed gently:
“You must have been quite close with Mu-wol from before?”
“Very close, ha-ha. Did Mu-wol not speak of us at all?”
“I’m embarrassed, but no. Ever since our engagement, things have been so busy I haven’t had the chance for a proper conversation.”
“You must have heard something.”
I was about to deny it again, but the elder’s expression suddenly hardened.
“…Not even a little?”
“….”
I racked my brain. At first, I thought he was upset that Mu-wol hadn’t mentioned me.
But before seeing his eyes clearly…
—You can’t even do this one thing properly?
His gaze was identical to that of my past family in my previous life when they were disappointed in me. Automatically, I defended Mu-wol.
“Now that I think of it, he said he wanted to speak after the martial arts tournament—could it be that…?”
The elder cut me off sharply.
“Whatever that matter is, it does not concern us.”
“Why are you so sure?”
“…I believed my future spouse would be different, but that hope was in vain.”
He turned to Master Jin Jae-hoon behind him.
“Jae-hoon, step outside.”
“Yes.”
Flustered, Jin Jae-hoon quickly exited. I wondered why he had come. Perhaps to meet Mu-wol, or merely to assist the elder.
But that was unimportant now.
I fixed my nervous gaze on the elder. He exhaled deeply, then spoke:
“There is something you absolutely must know. Long ago…”
Dr-reuk—
The door swung open without warning. My eyes followed it instinctively. Standing beside a flustered Ye-han was Baek Mu-wol. His hair, still slightly wet, tied neatly, and his expression as rigid as the elder’s. Bowing respectfully, he greeted:
“I, Baek Mu-wol of the martial world, pay respects to the elder of Hwasan Sect.”
“……”
“I was bathing and could not come sooner. Please forgive my rudeness.”
Rudeness? He had arrived this way out of consideration—wet hair dripping, still presentable to greet such esteemed guests.
Seeing Mu-wol, I turned back to the elder, who spoke in a complicated, subdued tone:
“Long time no see, Mu-wol. I apologize for arriving unannounced.”
“You should apologize to So-jin, not me,” Mu-wol replied.
“I already have.”
“…Let’s move somewhere else. We shouldn’t make So-jin uncomfortable any longer.”
Mu-wol stepped closer to me, bowing slightly.
“I am sorry, So-jin. You must have been put in an awkward situation because of me.”
“No, rather, I am honored to speak with the elder of Hwasan Sect.”
I stood.
“And there’s no need to change locations. I need to leave shortly anyway, so you can speak comfortably here.”
“Wait a moment, young lady.”
But the elder stopped me.
“I still have something to say to you.”
“Elder…”
Mu-wol stepped in front of me, speaking softly:
“Why must you do this?”
“Why? Are you afraid I might speak ill of you to your future spouse?”
“I don’t mind if you speak of me. I just don’t want So-jin to be embarrassed because of me.”
“Truly?”
“Then why would I lie?”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop. I gently took Mu-wol’s shoulder, feeling the tension.
“Mu-wol…”
