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chapter 8
Today, I was suddenly insulted by someone I had just met for the first time.
It was something I had secretly thought about myself, but hearing it come from someone else’s mouth didn’t feel good at all.
Still, I had to endure it. If I got on the wrong side of the Namgung family, my life would become difficult. After steadying my voice, I spoke.
“…I know that I am lacking.”
“That’s fortunate.”
“But there’s no need to give me this. I will accept only your goodwill.”
“Please take it. Otherwise, I will feel uncomfortable.”
I kept refusing the pouch that Young Master Yuhan was offering me, then said,
“If you insist, then may I ask you just one thing in return?”
“…Very well. What are you curious about?”
“I’d like to know why you think so poorly of me.”
Something felt strange. My family wasn’t particularly prestigious, but if that had been the problem from the beginning, that elder wouldn’t have said he wanted to meet me.
Young Master seemed as though he had heard something unpleasant about me.
The marriage proposal might already be ruined, but if there was a misunderstanding, I had to clear it up. Otherwise, my entire family could be branded because of me. Gathering my courage, I asked, and he answered.
“I heard that two years ago, you threw a man into the river.”
“…What?”
The completely unexpected accusation froze me in place.
“We do not concern ourselves with commoners like you fighting or arguing in the streets. As long as you don’t cross the line, we don’t care what you do. But if you were to become part of the Namgung family, that’s a different matter. How could a woman behave so immodestly—”
Wow. What a fossil. I nearly blurted it out loud.
I pride myself on having adapted perfectly to this world, but I simply could not adapt to such outdated remarks.
But how did he know about something even I had nearly forgotten? Only my family and that man knew about it.
Then I remembered my older brother Jinhwan drinking all night with Young Master Yuhan. And he had told me not to be too hurt.
Did my brother tell him?
It didn’t seem likely, but it was better to be sure.
“How did you hear about that incident?”
“We investigated whether you were suitable for my elder brother. It seemed strange that a man who had once pursued you so passionately suddenly disappeared overnight. So I met him. And my intuition was correct.”
I was so glad I had asked. That bastard—he’d kept his mouth shut all this time because he was embarrassed to have lost to a woman, yet he spilled everything to Young Master Yuhan. He must have really hated the idea of me doing well. What a pathetic jerk.
I hurriedly protested.
“I had my reasons! I didn’t do it for no reason!”
“Yes, I know. I heard he pursued you fervently.”
“It wasn’t just pursuing. He stood in front of our house every night without moving. He threatened to kill himself if I wouldn’t meet him. I truly couldn’t endure it anymore.”
“A threat?”
Young Master Yuhan looked genuinely confused.
“How is saying he’ll die a threat?”
“…What?”
“If he had said he would kill you or your family, that would be a threat.”
He continued questioning me.
“Did he ever swing a blade in front of you?”
“…No.”
“Did he ever forcefully grab you?”
I shook my head again. As if he had expected that, he concluded,
“Then it’s practically the same as him doing nothing to you.”
I fell into confusion. Was it because he was a martial artist, and his standards were different? What if other martial artists thought the same way?
“In fact, you were the one who threatened him. He told me in tears that he was afraid you would really kill him.”
“…”
“My grandfather was deeply disappointed as well. The Namgung family always pursues righteousness. Someone who makes violent and reckless decisions cannot become part of our family.”
I felt tears welling up from the unfairness of it all. I could picture my parents’ faces, so happy at the thought of forming ties with the Namgung family.
For once, I thought I could be a daughter they were proud of. But everything had turned to dust—over something that wasn’t even my fault.
“Of course, I’m not saying that man did well. But neither did you. In my view, you are the same.”
Then what was I supposed to do? Gently comfort the man who harassed me and ask him kindly to stop? If I had, they would have accused me of leading him on.
Even in my previous life, awareness about stalkers came late—but wasn’t this too much?
Anger surged within me. Why did I have to be treated like this? Just because he was from the Namgung family?
Yes. In this world, that was enough.
I clenched my teeth.
Endure it. I’m an adult. Adults endure even when they have things they want to say.
I was secretly clenching my trembling fists and repeating that to myself when—
“Miss Han.”
A gentle yet steady voice called my name.
We both turned. Baek Mu-wol, who was supposed to be at the inn, stood before us. Young Master Yuhan, who had spoken so confidently just moments ago, turned pale.
“W-What are you doing here?”
“Young Master Jinhwan was worried about Miss Han, so I offered to escort her home.”
“My brother?”
“Yes. He was concerned someone might pick a fight with you on the way back.”
Baek Mu-wol looked at me for a moment, as if assessing something. Then he nodded slightly and murmured,
“I would be worried too. There are too many scoundrels in this world for someone as kind as you.”
“…Scoundrels?”
It clearly sounded like a veiled jab at Young Master Yuhan. His face twisted immediately.
“Are you saying that for me to hear?”
“What? Of course not.”
Baek Mu-wol widened his eyes innocently.
“A son of the Namgung family—especially Young Master Yuhan, who is known for his strong sense of justice—couldn’t possibly be the kind of rogue who detains a defenseless young lady in a secluded place.”
“…I’m glad you understand. We were merely having a private conversation.”
“Is it really a conversation if it’s one-sided?”
Baek Mu-wol smiled faintly as he delivered that direct blow.
Young Master Yuhan’s face turned red and blue. But he couldn’t get angry—if he did, he would truly look like a rogue.
“Then we’ll be going now. Miss Han must return home before it gets dark.”
As Baek Mu-wol began to lead me away, Young Master Yuhan suddenly spat out,
“In the upcoming martial arts tournament, my elder brother will definitely win.”
His fists were clenched tightly.
“You won’t be able to walk around so proudly for much longer.”
“I’ll be careful. Thank you for the advice.”
“You—!”
Young Master Yuhan fumed before storming off.
“Are you all right?”
I quickly wiped away my tears and nodded. Baek Mu-wol’s expression grew serious.
“I apologize. I followed because it bothered me that Young Master Yuhan ignored me earlier. I didn’t intend to witness you in a difficult situation. Did I overstep?”
“Not at all!”
“That’s a relief.”
His expression softened.
After thanking him and preparing to leave, two men passed by noisily. Baek Mu-wol moved closer and shielded me with his body.
“Look at them, in broad daylight…”
“Leave them be—it’s their good time.”
They whispered as they passed, but I didn’t catch the words.
Seeing him up close again, he looked even more handsome than from afar. His expression was gentle—yet somehow, I didn’t feel warmth.
Why?
He was being so kind.
Just as that question crossed my mind, the men disappeared, and he stepped back.
“I’m sorry for approaching you so suddenly. I thought you wouldn’t want others to see you like this.”
“Oh—yes.”
I bowed my head quickly.
“Thank you for your consideration. I was worried more rumors might spread.”
He looked at me quietly before speaking.
“I don’t know what Young Master Yuhan said, but don’t take it too much to heart. He has always treated everyone except his family without flexibility.”
I tried to smile to reassure him, but it had the opposite effect. Why is it that when someone comforts you, the sorrow bursts out?
The tears I had held back finally spilled over.
The tower I had built so carefully had collapsed in an instant. I covered my face with my sleeve.
“I’m sorry… I look so pathetic right now, don’t I?”
“No.”
His immediate denial made my eyes widen.
He stepped in front of me again, shielding me from view.
“Just cry as much as you want.”
“…Sir.”
“That’s the best way to stand up again.”
I wanted to slap myself for thinking earlier that he didn’t feel warm.
Who could be warmer than him?
Because of his sincere advice, I was able to cry to my heart’s content. And he stayed by my side the entire time.
