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chapter 25
Mu-wol and the Elder’s eyes immediately turned toward me. I spoke in a soft, polite tone.
“Thank you for always looking out for me. But I’m fine for now. I’m curious about what you’d like to tell me, Elder.”
“…But—”
“If you’re really worried, Mu-wol can stay by my side, right?”
“What?”
The Elder, who had been smiling in triumph, was suddenly startled by my words, while I let my eyebrows droop.
“You see, ever since earlier, I felt my chest might burst with anxiety, thinking I might make a mistake in front of you. I think it would be much easier if Mu-wol were beside me. Would that be difficult?”
“…Haha, you needn’t worry so much, Sonjeo. You’re not such an extraordinary person that you need to be nervous.”
“No.”
I said it seriously.
“Since we were children, we’ve grown up hearing stories of the Gu-pa disciples defeating evil. Especially you, Elder, who have spent so many years pursuing righteousness. So naturally, we can’t help but look up to and respect you.”
“…Ahem.”
“That’s why I really want Mu-wol to be by my side. Would it be inappropriate to say this in front of him?”
“No, not at all.”
Good. Almost won him over. Whatever the Elder was about to say, having Mu-wol present would make him speak as objectively as possible. I quietly celebrated in my mind—but a sharp gaze from the side made me aware of someone else.
“….”
Even without looking, I knew. Mu-wol was staring at me intently, like a cat watching a bird outside the window.
‘Did I overstep?’
Still, I didn’t want to upset either of them. I smiled innocently, showing that I had no bad intentions, and Mu-wol’s lips curled slightly.
Compared to his usual smile, it wasn’t much, but strangely, he seemed happier now.
I wanted to observe that expression a little longer—but as if nothing had happened, Mu-wol wiped it from his face entirely. What a shame…!
I sighed inwardly, only to feel a sharp gaze head-on. Turning my head, I saw the Elder’s eyes wide with surprise.
“…Mu-wol, you—”
“Elder.”
Mu-wol smiled gently, as usual, and made a request.
“Would you please start explaining now? My future wife should know what she needs to.”
‘Yes, that’s the most important thing right now.’
Suddenly nervous, I quickly adopted a serious expression, signaling that I was ready to listen. The Elder, who had quietly observed us, finally spoke.
“…What Sonjeo must know is—”
“Yes, what I must know is…?”
“…”
The Elder moved his lips a few times, then lowered his head.
“That disciple has prepared something for you.”
“…For me, not Mu-wol?”
The Elder nodded.
“After the wedding, could you come with Mu-wol to the Volcano Sect?”
“But the Volcano Sect is a closed door school, isn’t outside entry restricted?”
“That’s true. But there are many beautiful places nearby. Through the embassy, we could send you there—but I want to show you a landscape the disciple’s master also liked.”
“…It’s such an honor.”
‘He was originally going to tell me something else.’
Earlier, it had clearly been about Mu-wol’s past. He even almost sent Mu-wol out to explain it. But now, he was speaking like this.
‘He must have changed his mind about us… maybe he’s fine with the marriage.’
I was very curious about what past events he had intended to tell, but I decided to remain silent for now. He didn’t seem in a mood to explain. Instead, I asked:
“The Volcano Sect is in rugged mountains. Could an ordinary civilian like me manage to get there?”
“Haha, why worry about that? You have a dependable husband by your side.”
“Elder….”
Still, I felt a little excited. Riding on Mu-wol’s back would be reassuring. I glanced at him, but his expression wasn’t normal.
“…What do you mean?”
Mu-wol, who usually maintained at least some courtesy, openly showed his hostility, glaring at the Elder.
“This is the first I’m hearing of this. What did the master leave behind?”
“…Just a few ornaments. You haven’t visited the Volcano Sect in a while, right? While strolling there again—”
“Why are you telling me such an important thing only now?”
Mu-wol cut the Elder’s words like scissors.
“You said before that the master left nothing for you.”
“….”
“Then how…?”
Mu-wol couldn’t continue, clenching his fist. The Elder spoke gently.
“It wasn’t left for you. It was left for ‘your wife.’”
“Did the master leave anything else for someone other than me?”
“…No.”
The Elder shook his head slowly. But Mu-wol couldn’t bring himself to believe it.
“This is utterly unbelievable.”
Seeing that Mu-wol refused to let go of his hostility, the Elder looked at me.
“Then see it with your own eyes.”
“What do you mean?”
“With a Sonjeo, of course.”
After another cup of tea, the Elder prepared to leave, saying farewell.
“Sonjeo, please take good care of Mu-wol.”
“Please take care on your way, Elder.”
The Elder also spoke to Mu-wol beside me.
“See you next time, boy.”
“…Farewell.”
Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and asked:
“Have you heard the news?”
“News about the Demon Cult?”
“So you’ve heard. Their movements are unusual these days. Be careful.”
“Please take care as well, Elder.”
Mu-wol inclined his head stiffly. The Elder departed with Jin Jae-hoon following, leaving just the two of us. Mu-wol turned his head as if apologetic.
“…I’m sorry. I, as a guest, caused so much trouble.”
“Why say that, Mu-wol? I actually enjoyed it thanks to the Elder.”
I tried to sound cheerful, but Mu-wol didn’t speak. His mood seemed too low even to manage his expression, so I quickly clung to him.
“Shall we take a walk?”
“…You seem tired. Are you sure?”
“Of course.”
I started walking ahead. Mu-wol followed slowly, listening to the sounds of insects before lifting his head.
“The clouds are hiding the moon. What a shame.”
“….”
“Mu-wol.”
I stopped walking and turned toward him.
“After today, I want to know more about you.”
“…Sonjeo, I—”
“But it’s not because I’m curious.”
At that moment, the wind blew and the surroundings brightened. The clouds hiding the moon moved, revealing Mu-wol’s face fully.
His face was so delicate it looked as if it could shatter at the slightest touch, like dried leaves. I continued speaking as I looked into his abyssal eyes.
“I just want to be careful not to do anything you dislike.”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
His voice was as rough as his gaze, but I didn’t mind.
“I mean I want you to tell me which parts of you I should avoid touching.”
“….”
“You said it yourself. Being with me makes you comfortable. I want to continue making you comfortable.”
“…Why do you go so far for me?”
I spoke playfully, sensing Mu-wol’s mood soften slightly.
“You could say it’s similar to why I don’t want to become irresponsible. And if you’re going to tell me, could you please just say it quickly?”
I placed my hands gently over my chest.
“I’m terrified that I might hear you already have a family, debts, or other obligations.”
I wanted to avoid a marriage scam at all costs.
