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Chapter 125: It Won’t Happen That Way.

The day I first went to the underground of the Sega, I asked my father what all these were, and if humans were truly among them.

For what purpose was there this place underground in the Sega?

He told me—

– “They are all sacrifices.”

– “And we are the vessels.”

Vessels? For what purpose?

I didn’t understand, even when pulled by my father to open another door and face the truth.

Even then, I didn’t understand.

Later, when I faced the Heavenly Demon, arriving at the Demonic Gate and living a different timeline from others, I began to grasp it even just a little.

I could dare to say—

My father was wrong.

We were not vessels.

I couldn’t hold anything. In fact, I was so broken here and there that I didn’t seem like a vessel capable of holding anything at all.

I should have realized it sooner and accepted it.

There was no escaping from it, to begin with.

– “If you wish, I shall set you free.”

So, I shouldn’t have fallen for those words.

– “Is the burden heavy? If you wish, I can break it; it’s not hard for me.”

I shouldn’t have taken that hand. But at that moment, I didn’t know.

Naturally, it’s the expected outcome; I wasn’t sane enough to think of anything else.

Looking back now, it would be more accurate to say that the Heavenly Demon didn’t break it but rather bore it in my place.

Perhaps, just maybe, it was related to why I could travel back in time.

Such doubts arose.

Having fled without connecting the burden, could it be trying to make me pay the price?

“…”

I woke up from a long slumber.

I struggled to lift my heavy eyelids and finally opened my eyes. My head throbbed as if I had nightmares all night.

And perhaps, pressed by a weight, I couldn’t move my body easily.

“What…?”

Fortunately, it seemed I could still produce sound.

It was something easy enough to deal with, as pressing down with a weight doesn’t mean waking me up forcefully. But the strangely clinging sensation on my body confused me.

Something soft was touching my hand.

I shook my head at the tickling sensation on my nose. It was annoyingly familiar.

As I gradually regained my senses, I realized it wasn’t that I was pressed down but rather that my body was being embraced from both sides.

“…Huh.”

The tickling on my nose was hair.

Blue and white hair…? At a glance, there seemed to be some brown hues mixed in.

There was no need to think about it. The ones who would be in this position were already clear in my mind.

I struggled to move my fingertips, but they were held tight, feeling the soft warmth of their bodies with even the slightest movement.

Where am I…? Where am I being touched?

“Umm…”

Was it because I was attempting to move? The embrace tightened further on both sides.

‘…This is bad.’

How did it end up like this? I hurriedly tried to recall the events before going to bed yesterday.

I remembered entering the room, seeing Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah.

Nangong Bi-ah seemed to have said something when she saw me.

‘Ah…’

It clicked.

– “That’s right, father told me to come here…”

Why would a lunatic like my father send his daughter to my room late at night?

Of course, I was equally at fault for falling asleep despite being tired.

‘How am I supposed to get out of this?’

With my body tightly held like this, it wasn’t easy to escape.

[…What do you mean ‘escape’? Just stay still.]

I half-heartedly responded to Noya’s blunt voice.

‘You’re awake, then.’

[Am I waking? I don’t really sleep, you know.]

Indeed, he mentioned before that he never sleeps.

[You’re enjoying this soft and warm embrace, why would you want to leave?]

Once again sounding annoyed, Noya’s voice carried a sharp edge.

This isn’t something I’m enjoying, you know.

[Enjoying…!? What do you mean by “enjoying”!]

This old man is sharp…

‘Now that you mention it, I’m not enjoying this situation.’

[So you don’t like it?]

‘…’

[Hey, hey, my stubborn boy? Look who’s at a loss for words now!]

‘Old man…!’

In the end, I can only hit him with a glare.

Why’s he making such a fuss about my face every day?

Seeing me grimace, Noya, feeling confident, spoke up.

[Hmph, back in my youth, I wasn’t just sharp with my sword; even my nose was impressive enough for women from the valleys to line up from the mountain’s foot to the sect’s gate just to see!]

‘Then why didn’t you date any of them?’

[You punk….]

‘…What?’

I asked innocently, but Noya cursed at me and then vanished.

I tried calling him out several times afterward, but it seemed he was sulking, leaving me without an answer.

It felt like Noya’s tongue was getting sharper these days; was it just my imagination?

‘What should I do?’

Amidst everything, I felt a warm breath drawing nearer, as if someone was sleep-talking, getting even closer.

I felt like I shouldn’t let anyone see this, so I shut my eyes tight, mustering my strength to get up—

Drrring!

“Gu Gongja, I apologize for coming so suddenly…”

“Wha—”

“Ah.”

The one who burst in was Tang Soyeol. She immediately saw the situation and her face turned red; she quickly covered her face with her hands.

“Tang Soyeol…!”

“I- I’ll go outside, sorry….”

Without a chance to explain, she hurriedly closed the door and vanished.

Then, only embarrassed silence remained.

[Hehehe…!]

Only Noya’s quiet, mocking laughter echoed in my ears.

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As it turned out, I hurriedly got up and ran outside, but Tang Soyeol had already left the residence.

When I asked the attendant, it was said that she had some urgent business, but was it really that important?

There must have been a reason she came, but I had a priority to take care of.

Still feeling drowsy, I playfully flicked the foreheads of Wi Seol-Ah and Nangong Bi-ah, who looked dazed.

I almost smiled as I turned back to find both of them avoiding my gaze, but managed to hold it in.

[Why would you scold me when a thank you wouldn’t even be enough!? You useless boy.]

I let Noya’s words flow in one ear and out the other.

Leaving the residence, I headed straight to the medical room in Gu Clan.

More precisely, it was where the martial artists of the Nangong Clan were receiving treatment.

Of the martial artists I had put in a miserable state, it was only natural that their response to my appearance was less than friendly.

And among them, the one glaring the hardest was none other than Shin Yi, the healer.

“What on earth were you doing? Why is a child beating up full-grown adults… Tsk, tsk.”

“I’m sorry…”

It seemed even the words were oddly harsh, but since I had caused trouble, I had nothing to retort.

“You did it cleanly, though; that’s quite impressive. Was it sheer bad luck?”

In response to Shin Yi’s remark, I had nothing else to say but to keep silent.

“Even experienced torturers couldn’t do this as cleanly as you. Thanks to you, treatment was easier, but…”

“Is there no one left with aftereffects?”

“The one with a missing tooth will suffer for about three months, but overall, it won’t be a major problem. Your father paid a generous amount.”

That’s a relief.

What father mentioned about compensation must have referred to this very aspect.

There were likely Spirit Pills and other considerations beyond that.

“Thanks to this old man, I spent the night awake.”

“…Thank you.”

“The thanks are noted. Whatever your circumstances, you wouldn’t have acted thoughtlessly; it felt like you were bothered by sleeping for free, but this seems worth the meal.”

I turned my back on Shin Yi and headed towards those lying on the sickbed.

I couldn’t curse at my own bloodline, although I caught odd looks; I bowed my head in apology, and mentions of compensation lightened the mood a little.

I even caught glimpses of their mouths twitching upwards when they heard about the compensation.

I had come up with something a lot heavier.

It was worth it to have visited the head officer in the morning to find out about compensations for the victims.

The Nangong Clan had agreed to take external responsibility, and the Gu Clan had come to an implicit agreement to compensate the victims.

I wasn’t sure who was responsible for instigating this mess, but since both the Nangong and Gu clans had simultaneously requested information, I would have to wait and see.

I didn’t think they would be easily apprehended.

If the perpetrator possessed similar powers, that would be even more troubling.

Swish!

The sound of a sword slicing through air resonated clearly.

After meeting the Nangong Clan’s martial artists, I found myself half-dragged into the detached house for training. The one training with a sword was none other than Nangong Jin.

“You seemed busy yesterday.”

Nangong Jin asked as he looked at me.

“I had a few pressing matters to attend to.”

He had informed me earlier, and I had dashed into the Head House amidst our conversation, so it would be reasonable for him to feel angry.

However, he showed no signs of it.

[Doesn’t it look like he’s tolerating you? That’s how it appears to me.]

“…By the way, I heard your daughter was sent to my room?”

“Indeed.”

“Why did you do that?”

“Hmm…?”

At my question, Nangong Jin made a puzzled expression.

“Wasn’t it meant to encourage that bet we had?”

“What the crazy…”

I tried to protest, but then recalled I had spoken about wanting to “have” his daughter.

“I meant to show my willingness to agree to it.”

After all, she was still his daughter; it felt odd to say anything.

Considering what Nangong Bi-ah had done in her previous life, the father-daughter relationship didn’t seem that good, so I didn’t want to dig deeper.

Nangong Jin wasn’t exactly a good person either.

“The engagement is already half-affirmed; don’t you think the prince has feelings for my daughter?”

“This…”

While I could technically deny that, I chose not to.

After all, I already knew the answer to that one.

“So it’s true, given you aren’t denying it.”

Nangong Jin spoke dismissively as he continued his movements without pause.

The sound of the air cutting made Nangong Jin’s prowess feel more real.

Considering the opponent he was facing, it made sense; Nangong Jin was an exceptional martial artist worthy of the title Sword King.

Noticing my gaze, he spoke.

“Does it seem rare to you? Of course, it appears that way in your eyes.”

I hadn’t intended it in that manner; I was genuinely surprised.

The sword he was displaying was Nangong Clan’s pride, the Heavenly Void Sword.

For the record, it was also the swordstyle that had been shattered by Shin Noya’s strike.

[With so many openings visible, how can you expect to get past them?]

I asked while watching Nangong Jin’s swordplay.

“Would it be alright if you demonstrated it for me?”

Nangong Bi-ah might care less about showing her martial arts since her personality was eccentric, but Nangong Jin was different.

Especially for someone from a prestigious clan, they would generally hesitate to show their martial arts to others.

Upon my inquiry, Nangong Jin, who had been moving swiftly, halted and looked at me.

“There’s no reason to hide anything from you, Prince. I am actively seeking to obtain your sword as well.”

Indeed, the sword he had been wielding moments before seemed slightly different than last time.

It seemed like he was attempting to grasp those fine motions that Shin Noya had executed.

While it didn’t seem to go well, it was evident he was trying.

“So, is this why you brought me here?”

“Brought you here? If someone heard that, they could misunderstand.”

…Misunderstand? You were waiting right by the door as soon as I came out from the medical room?

Seeing the look on my face, Nangong Jin let out an amused scoff, as if he found it hard to keep from sighing.

“I mentioned it before to you, Prince, but I would kneel in front of you if it means obtaining that sword.”

Nangong Jin’s eyes were resolute. I could see why he was putting aside his arrogance and pride to act this way.

[Though the sign of enlightenment is precious, that child seems to be particularly impatient.]

That didn’t mean he was merely striving for enlightenment.

“Thus, I sincerely hope you can teach me… If you wish, I might even call you my master.”

“Let’s please avoid that.”

Imagining my father’s peer calling me ‘master’ sent a shiver down my spine.

Despite his constant pleading to teach him, I had no means to do so.

‘What am I even supposed to do?’

[Seeing you flustered brings me immense joy.]

‘Noya, have you completely lost it? Are you making such remarks thoughtlessly?’

[Can’t you tell?]

It seemed this old man knew something too.

His playful tone revealed the truth.

[While I don’t know everything about sword styles, I’m not just someone without knowledge. I can at least open the path a little.]

‘Are you considering teaching me that?’

[Let’s drop the jokes; if I say I’ll teach, then I must keep my word. Or is there something that comes to mind now, that’s bothering you?]

It’s not just one thing; I have an entire multitude of problems to deal with.

At least it was fortunate that there was something I could learn.

“Ugh…”

Nangong Jin’s expression feigned calm, but there was a mix of longing.

I felt that it was also due to me vanishing yesterday.

Was there something to be gained by teaching Nangong Jin? That became a question of its own.

In a way, it was a complicated matter that required deeper consideration.

I didn’t know, nor did I care, about Nangong Jin’s circumstances. I had thoughts to settle, but the biggest one was undoubtedly Nangong Bi-ah.

‘If it weren’t for that…’

Perhaps Nangong Jin could have forged several paths using the considerable amount of spirits he possessed.

However, the image of the woman I had held, my arms wrapped around her as she slept, flashed in my mind.

In her past life, she had massacred all of her bloodline. Even now, would she not lead to such a future?

I truly hoped that wasn’t the case.

If possible, I wished to prevent such an outcome from happening.

“Clan Leader.”

I spoke while looking at Nangong Jin.

“Shall we write the contract first?”

I attempted to smile cheerfully as much as I could. Upon seeing my grin, Nangong Jin frowned as if he’d seen something he shouldn’t.

…Why?

Just as Gu Yangcheong shared a warm atmosphere with Nangong Jin, Nangong Bi-ah had taken the opportunity to seek someone.

Next to her was Wi Seol-Ah. Usually, Wi Seol-Ah would chatter away by Nangong Bi-ah’s side, but this time she seemed tense, merely sipping tea placed before them.

While they spent time sipping tea, the door suddenly creaked open, and someone entered.

It was none other than Tang Soyeol.

Tang Soyeol cautiously walked into the room before being startled by the sight of Nangong Bi-ah.

“Sister… you’ve done your makeup?”

Her voice trembled with surprise.

Unlike last time, Nangong Bi-ah appeared to have touched up her makeup slightly.

With a lovely face like hers, even a hint of color made her glow.

“…A little.”

Nangong Bi-ah looked away shyly as she replied.

“What’s the occasion? Weren’t you the one saying how it was a hassle whenever I suggested you dress up?”

At Tang Soyeol’s comment, Nangong Bi-ah seemed flustered, avoiding her gaze.

“…Someone said I looked pretty…”

As she spoke, her ears turned increasingly red, betraying her embarrassment.

No one asked who that “someone” was; all three of them had a shared thought about one person only.

“Y-yeah. You look pretty… truly.”

It wasn’t a half-hearted compliment either; Tang Soyeol genuinely appreciated Nangong Bi-ah’s beauty.

In Anhui, she was far from being the best; Nangong Bi-ah could undoubtedly be described as an unparalleled beauty.

‘Yet there was another pretty girl standing next to her…’

Wasn’t she Gu Yangcheong’s attendant? The girl next to Nangong Bi-ah was also stunning in her own way.

Despite her youth, she had a beauty that would be memorable.

Could that be why Gu Yangcheong kept her around? Their relationship surely couldn’t just be master and servant.

That very scene I had seen in the morning popped into my mind.

With a flustered expression, Tang Soyeol brushed her cheeks lightly.

Even though she had somewhat studied about “those matters,” it was her first time seeing something first-hand, and she couldn’t manage her rational judgment.

Hiding the heat rising in her cheeks, Tang Soyeol asked,

“Ah, anyway. What’s the occasion…?”

After gathering her thoughts, Nangong Bi-ah looked serious as she replied.

“…I have something I want to discuss.”

With a serious look in her eyes, Tang Soyeol bit her lip, sitting stiffly across from her.

Tang Soyeol felt a bit of dryness in her throat and sipped the cooled tea.

“…I might be pregnant with that person’s child.”

Pffft!

As she attempted to take a sip of tea, the shocking statement made Tang Soyeol sputter it all out.

“Ah… it splashed…!”

“Ah, I’m so sorry!”

Wi Seol-Ah grimaced as the tea splattered on her.

“Sister… what did you just say?”

In response to Tang Soyeol, Nangong Bi-ah calmly continued.

“…We held hands while sleeping.”

“Wait a second…”

From Tang Soyeol’s perspective, that was something she didn’t want to hear. The feelings creeping up beyond embarrassment weren’t exactly the warm feelings one would hope for.

They felt cold and stark. Tang Soyeol didn’t want to feel anything like that towards Nangong Bi-ah.

 

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