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Chapter 118: A Bet, Shall We?

“Shall we make a bet?”

Before long, Nangong Bi-ah and I were eating the atmosphere like stale rice.

Normally, a conversation like this would be filled with etiquette and cheer, but instead, it felt like we were thrown into a battlefield with a sharp tension hanging in the air.

“How have you been?”

“Oh, I’ve been well.”

We exchanged light pleasantries. Up to this point, everything was fine.

A greeting is something you usually do, right?

But then came the problem.

“I’m glad to hear that. From your complexion, I thought you might be going through some troubles. Was I mistaken?”

I swallowed hard at my father’s words. There seemed to be nothing wrong with what he said, yet the expression and tone in my father’s voice clearly indicated it wasn’t a friendly concern.

It was just Nangong Jin’s usual arrogant facade being pulled down. Without batting an eye, Nangong Jin retaliated.

“And you, Gu Clan Leader, seem to have a rather unpleasant gaze. I thought your mood might be off, but then I realized that’s just the way your eyes look. What a relief.”

Ouch. Their words were brimming with hidden thorns, and they weren’t even trying to hide them half the time.

In a situation like this, you’d think I could bear with it…

I was especially flustered because it was the first time I’d seen my father speak to someone like this. He usually wasn’t like this.

Nangong Jin continued, not yet done with his observations.

“If it’s not your usual expression, could it be that you’re troubled by some issues?”

“What issues are you referring to?”

“Well, perhaps family matters or something of that sort?”

‘…Look at this guy?’

Nangong Jin was slyly trying to undermine my father and was using me as an excuse.

After all, I was the only fool causing trouble within the Gu Clan. Sure, my elder sister, Gu Huibi, was well-known for her terrible personality, but she had the talent and skill to back it up, so it was understood.

But what about me?

I wasn’t famous, and since I wasn’t desperately trying to make a name for myself in the realms, things had been relatively quiet.

Certainly, this had happened because I wanted it that way, but to have this thrown back at me…

My father raised an eyebrow slightly at Nangong Jin’s remark and took a sip of his tea.

Is he thirsty?

‘That doesn’t seem right.’

My father’s lips slightly curled upward. It was hidden behind the teacup, but I could see it.

That was definitely not a smile of a loser. After finishing his tea, my father said,

“If that’s your definition of a problem, then it is indeed a problem.”

Nangong Jin attempted a shallow smile at my father’s words, but his expression understandably soured with what followed.

“Our foolish son, being young and reckless, has caused quite a stir with the Dragon Prince. Allow me to apologize on his behalf.”

‘Wow…’

I couldn’t help but be impressed internally. My father could be quite sharp when he wanted to be.

To interpret that statement, it meant, “Are you aware that my son beat up your son, who’s much younger than him?”

It’s almost like my father was saying, your son is nothing but fodder.

“I’ve heard the Dragon Prince resembles Lord Nangong, so I worry he might have been hurt by this incident.”

You too, huh?

It seemed like a jab back at me.

Crack-!

As expected, a cracking sound came from the dining table where Nangong Jin was seated. I would likely be replacing it soon.

Looks like the servants had more work ahead of them.

“Oh… Lord Gu, you haven’t changed a bit.”

“Thank you for your kind words. It seems Lord Nangong hasn’t changed much either…”

A charged moment seemed to flow between them, like an unknown current weaving through their conversation.

[So that’s where your presumptuous tone came from… found its origins here, huh.]

‘…’

After hearing Shin Noya’s words, I couldn’t easily argue back. It surely must not be true.

I hadn’t grown up well enough to resemble my father and our relationship wasn’t exactly the best. Conversations with him in my previous life were extremely rare.

I might have been told I resembled him in appearance, but I’d never heard anything about my personality.

It was probably because I constantly heard that I should at least bear some resemblance to my father.

This weighed significantly in the reasons I had faltered.

‘In the end, it’s just an excuse after all.’

All choices were made by me. And I was responsible for them as well.

I wanted to acknowledge that part for sure.

Anyway, both my father and Nangong Jin seemed intent on continuing their mental sparring, oblivious to stopping their trivial exchanges.

Amidst all this, I felt the atmosphere growing increasingly awkward, so I decided to slip in a comment. If it went on like this, it might never end.

“Um… don’t we need to talk about the engagement?”

As if hearing my words, a brief silence fell between the two of them. Soon after, Nangong Jin cleared his throat before changing the subject.

“What… would be a suitable timing?”

“Do you have a time in mind?”

It was as if their earlier bickering was some kind of play, and suddenly they were discussing plans casually. Were they distinguishing between public and private business?

[Though it seems they’re already confusing the two… right?]

‘…Exactly?’

Anyway, I wondered if they finally planned to proceed properly. After all, I was the clan leader, and they wouldn’t try something too outrageous here, would they?

“First of all, we can choose any time for the ceremony. The marriage can happen later, as long as it’s not too delayed. After all, my daughter is of age.”

I nearly flinched at the sudden mention of marriage. Though Nangong Bi-ah was considered late by the standards of distinguished families, in the martial world, it wasn’t really too late.

Especially for a swordswoman like Nangong Bi-ah, it would be expected for her physical aging to be slower, and considering her talent, she could have postponed it indefinitely.

‘She surely knows that, right?’

Considering Nangong Jin’s caliber, it was unlikely he was unaware of the skill Nangong Bi-ah possessed with her sword. Yet he seemed a bit anxious.

‘Is there a reason he feels the need to expedite the marriage?’

Could there be issues within the Nangong Clan?

My father nodded at Nangong Jin’s words, then looked at me and asked.

– Do you desire it?

I had to hold back my eyes from widening. Just like that, a prompt.

Did he not think I wouldn’t be able to voice my thoughts?

Wondering how to react, I thought it was best to be straightforward since he probably already knew everything.

– I believe it’s a bit premature.

– I see.

Rather than being surprised that he asked for my thoughts, I was more astonished that he simply ‘asked’ for my ‘opinion.’

This was a first.

“Regarding the wedding, I would prefer it to occur after my child achieves the position of Lesser Clan Leader.”

“Does that mean it’s already confirmed?”

“Yes.”

My father casually replied to the bewildered Nangong Jin. The title of Lesser Clan Leader itself signifies the person who will inherit the future Clan Leader position.

Thus, until that title is acquired, it shouldn’t be carelessly discussed, but my father seemed to dismiss it like it was nothing.

That could indeed be a distinguishing feature compared to other clans.

“When exactly will that happen?”

“I think it should surely be after they pass 20 years of age.”

“That means the time…”

I tried to retort, but Nangong Jin stayed silent. He knew discussing timings wouldn’t yield good results.

It seems there was a reasonable cause; however, he wasn’t being too unreasonable. He understood it would be to his detriment if he pressed too hard.

Given he’s from the Nangong Clan, he likely vaguely understood what position I would inherit.

With a deep sigh, Nangong Jin said,

“…Fine, then when shall the engagement ceremony take place?”

“Since you have no preferred date, perhaps around next spring would be good.”

“Understood. I will discuss this matter with the Elders and send a letter accordingly.”

“May there be good outcomes.”

As we engaged in verbal sparring, I lost track of time, yet matters related to the ceremony wrapped up promptly.

The food arrived and drinks were being served for the Clan Leaders, but only Nangong Bi-ah was eating.

I felt it wasn’t the right atmosphere for me to eat, and my father was merely sipping tea, not touching any food.

Nangong Jin declared, “I have no interest in dining with uncomfortable company,” firmly shutting down the option.

Ultimately, it was only Nangong Bi-ah who was diligently wielding her chopsticks.

‘… In the middle of all this, you can still eat, huh?’

It might’ve been due to her oblivious nature, but she was eating somewhat more modestly than usual. Still, the fact that she could eat in such a situation amazed me.

‘Maybe it’s because she usually hangs around Wi Seol-Ah?’

That thought crossed my mind.

“Then with this, I’ll take my daughter back, knowing the next schedule will be in spring.”

At Nangong Jin’s words, Nangong Bi-ah abruptly halted her chopsticks. Noticing this, he glared sharply at her.

“I won’t allow you to be reckless any longer. Ordinarily, I would have punished you severely, but given the situation, I’ll let it slide this time. You understand this well, right?”

“… Yes.”

The girl who had been relishing her meal suddenly lost her appetite and halted her chewing. It was only natural for her lack of permission to accompany me on my escape to lead to this result.

However, seeing that gloomy expression tugged at my heartstrings.

[Feeling down…? From my perspective, everything appears the same, so what is it that’s making you feel down?]

Shin Noya remarked, seemingly unable to comprehend, but I could clearly see changes in her expression. In her eyes, mouth corners—those subtle distinctions were telling.

Despite stating she would accompany Tang Soyeol to the Dragon Meeting, it seemed Nangong Bi-ah had no further options left here.

As I quietly observed her, Shin Noya asked me,

[What do you plan to do?]

‘What do you mean?’

Hearing my words, Shin Noya partially chuckled as he replied,

[Don’t pretend like you wouldn’t know, you must have some plan in mind, right?]

While I did think of something in response to Shin Noya’s words, it wasn’t grand enough to be called a plan.

Just that based on the situation until now, I could gauge my father would let me slide if I just caused a little trouble.

[What kind of trouble are you thinking about?]

‘Nothing much.’

I thought about doing what I was best at.

‘I’m just thinking of causing a bit of a ruckus.’

The conversation ended there. Discussions about the schedule were simple. The engagement would take place in spring, while the wedding date would be arranged gradually.

It was clear there was no solid answer yet since Nangong Jin mentioned needing to discuss further with the Elders.

From that, one could infer:

‘The Clan Leader’s power isn’t that strong.’

The territory Nangong Jin controlled within the Clan seemed somewhat limited.

Despite the famous title of Wang of the Azure Sky Sword, it felt ironic.

When considering aspects like my engagement with Nangong Bi-ah, it highlighted how limited his decision-making power truly was.

‘Could it be an issue with the Heavenly Lord?’

As one of the Three Eminent Beings and the strongest martial artist with the current Nangong surname, he was the man who failed to prevent the downfall of the Nangong Clan and was killed by the Heavenly Demon.

‘Maybe that’s not something I need to worry about.’

After the meal concluded, Nangong Bi-ah stood up, following Nangong Jin.

Her gaze was directed at me.

A look of disappointment, perhaps? Or was it one of apology?

Apologizing for not being able to accompany me? Or leaving me behind?

Given the brief period we spent together, it hardly felt long enough to warrant such a sentiment.

She was simply feeling regret. That regret could have stemmed from the affection she might have toward me, or perhaps it was due to her hard-won freedom.

What mattered was that she was directing such an expression toward me.

And I felt bad, but…

I had no intention of letting her go now.

Shin Noya, with a smile reflecting my thoughts, asked,

[So when are you going to push her away?]

‘Right?’

How did it come to this? I realized human emotions were indeed fickle.

I didn’t want to hold on to something I’d soon lose, yet now that it was within my grasp, I didn’t want to let it go.

Arrogant, cunning, and petty, wasn’t it?

‘I know this, but…’

Just then my father stood up, and I picked up a dumpling in front of me.

It was my first meal of the day.

Chewing on the dumpling, I said,

“I’m thinking of indulging a bit.”

Shin Noya remained silent over my words.

I guessed it wouldn’t matter, whether he did or didn’t respond.

As the conversation concluded and night fell, Nangong Jin, after receiving reports from the martial artists, ended the schedule prematurely and headed to the detached house.

His face was heavily wrinkled with a fierce scowl, embodying the wrath of the Nangong Clan’s Dragon Qi.

‘… A man trying to act tough.’

He knew who the true master of this land was, yet Nangong Jin was still willing to show some consideration.

He endured unnecessary disputes and tolerated the troublemaker from the Gu Clan whenever he rampaged around.

Even someone as arrogant as Nangong Jin was subtly grateful for the burdens that the Gu Clan bore.

Still, this had crossed the line.

Bang-!

The entrance to the detached house swung open violently as Nangong Jin arrived.

“…!”

He hadn’t even moved close to the detached house when the heat wafting in from afar brushed against his nostrils.

Nangong Jin was unable to help but widen his eyes in shock.

Inside the detached house lay countless Nangong Clan martial artists, unconscious and sprawled on the floor, while those still conscious were merely capable of retching on the ground, barely holding onto their sanity.

“This…!”

As Nangong Jin’s ferocious anger threatened to erupt, his gaze landed on someone. The master currently ruling the detached house, the source of the blazing heat.

From the center of the inferno, a pair of red eyes gazed back at Nangong Jin.

With a familiar sense of existence, Nangong Jin trembled involuntarily.

‘… Gu Cheolun?’

No, it wasn’t Gu Cheolun at all. But he certainly resembled him.

Not as a toothless brute, but the once-feared Flame Ghost, Gu Cheolun.

The fiery figure addressed Nangong Jin,

“Welcome, Lord Nangong.”

It was a thin voice. A young boy’s voice that still hadn’t fully gone through puberty.

Though he already knew who it was due to the reports, Nangong Jin was unwilling to believe it.

That such an absurd being had been born into the bloodline of the Gu Clan.

“Given the current situation is a bit unusual, I hesitate to say this…”

The flames seemed to dim down.

‘…No, they aren’t dimming.’

The heat, alongside the terrifying flames swirling around, was returning to the boy’s body.

As all the heat evaporated, only the boy remained at the center.

Gone was the black hair seen earlier, replaced by a fiery crimson mane, and the familiar red eyes that resembled Gu Cheolun now flickered back to life.

“Shall we make a bet?”

Gu Yangcheong grinned at Nangong Jin.

 

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