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Chapter 126: How Would I Know That!? (1)

Tang Soyeol, in a moment of disbelief, thought she must have misheard.

Nangong Bi-ah said she had slept with Gu Yangcheong, claiming they held hands while they slept.

But could it be that a child was produced from that…?

Tang Soyeol wondered if that statement was meant to be metaphorical.

“Does ‘held hands’ mean… no, they must have done more than just hold hands.”

For a brief moment, as she steadied her shaken thoughts, Tang Soyeol finally asked Nangong Bi-ah.

“Sister, so… holding hands… that… that…”

The problem was, she didn’t know how to ask. Choosing the right words felt challenging, making her ears feel hot at the same time.

After a while of stuttering, Tang Soyeol finally squeezed her eyes shut and blurted out,

“…Are you saying you only held hands?”

“No.”

Nangong Bi-ah’s firm denial made Tang Soyeol bite her lip. So it really was a metaphorical expression…

Tang Soyeol immediately felt a wave of sadness wash over her.

“We… we hugged too…”

“Uh…?”

“And I think… I touched… her cheek.”

Seeing Nangong Bi-ah avert her gaze with a slightly flushed face, Tang Soyeol’s doubts transformed into certainty.

Something felt off.

Very, very off.

With wide eyes, Tang Soyeol pressed on, “…Is that all?”

“Is there more that needs to be done…?”

Tang Soyeol felt a sense of relief as her misunderstandings dissipated, revealing a clear mind from the growing messy feelings within her.

Could it be that a grown woman could lack such worldly knowledge? Tang Soyeol also felt a familiar concern about the common sense Nangong Bi-ah should have.

Did the Nangong Clan not provide sex education?

Tang Soyeol herself had studied that area ‘voluntarily,’ despite being educated in various subjects, thinking that a child could be conceived just by holding hands…

Wouldn’t it be more believable if a phoenix, stork, or crow brought the child? The idea that just holding hands could lead to a baby was downright adorable.

In the end, Tang Soyeol made her way closer to Nangong Bi-ah as if to offer comfort.

Nangong Bi-ah wore an expression of confusion at why Tang Soyeol had sat beside her.

But it was a matter of consideration. Next to her was the innocent-looking Wi Seol-Ah, who seemed to wonder, “What’s that all about?” so it wouldn’t be appropriate to speak openly here.

“Why…?”

“Sister… that’s not how children are made.”

She hesitated, wondering if it was right to speak, but leaving it like this didn’t sit well with her either.

Tang Soyeol quietly whispered in Nangong Bi-ah’s ear, carefully selecting bits of the knowledge she deemed important to share.

Little did she know, Nangong Bi-ah grasped the explanation far better than Tang Soyeol had expected.

Thanks to that, Nangong Bi-ah found herself realizing the truth that day, along with experiencing new aspects of the world.

It was a moment of knowledge being accumulated.

By the time evening rolled around, I finally managed to return to my residence. I lost track of time being ensnared by Nangong Jin longer than I had anticipated.

Thankfully, the agreement I wanted to proceed with was finally on track.

[I didn’t expect Nangong’s child to accept it so easily.]

“True enough,” Noya and I both found it hard to believe that Nangong Jin accepted it so smoothly.

Although it was masked as an agreement, it was essentially part of the Golden Binding technique. The words written on the paper were practically meaningless.

As I walked, my body kept moving steadily. Having sat still for hours, my body had stiffened somewhat. Binding a Transformation Realm Martial Artist was no simple task.

[I didn’t expect you to be able to enact a Golden Binding either.]

“Just some miscellaneous knowledge I’ve picked up.”

What I referred to as the Golden Binding could be complicated, but it was not a grand technique by any means.

Compared to the Golden Binding used by the Heavenly Demon, it felt shameful even to call it a binding technique.

The Heavenly Demon’s Golden Binding was coercive. No matter how violently the opponent reacted in a bid to shake it off, they could never truly escape its grasp.

That’s what we called a curse.

Conversely, what I employed was an adapted method invented by the Martial Alliance. Of course, to enact the binding, one would need to touch the opponent’s body.

As I moved, the opponent had to respond as well. Just like a martial artist placing their safety in the hands of the one binding them, it wasn’t exactly the most efficient technique.

[It’s not really a practical technique, is it?]

“Yes.”

Since it was something forged through mutual agreement, its effectiveness was decent, but it couldn’t be used forcefully as a binding.

That’s why we had to spend quite a long time finding a consensus on the Golden Binding’s duration, objectives, and restrictions, etc.

“They seemed to ask a lot of questions while pretending to give everything for a sword technique.”

Considering that it involved placing a binding on their body, it must have required considerable thought on Nangong Jin’s part.

In the end, he had put a binding on his own body.

The original purpose for creating this binding technique wasn’t to constrain or pressure but to establish resolve.

– We shall not betray one another.

– We shall not harbor resentment.

– We shall trust each other.

In order to survive in the accursed Demonic Gate, it was devised by a friend. Looking back, it was apparent that a binding of that sort wouldn’t work in a place like the Demonic Gate.

But amusingly enough, once someone thought they were bound, they tended to believe it.

After barely surviving and escaping, I would sometimes feel the illusion that the binding still remained on my body.

‘It wasn’t that it had no effect, though.’

It had simply not worked inside the Demonic Gate, but outside, it was still usable.

In fact, I had utilized it a few times.

Every time, the voice of the person who had created that binding echoed in my mind.

– If you use this outside, you’ll die?

– Why complain now after making it for you?

– I told you it wasn’t made for you, you idiot…!

Though the creator advised me not to use it, I paid no heed and kept employing it.

It was the only form of binding I knew how to use, after all.

[Even if you call it lame, it’s quite useful for someone at the Transformation Realm. Shouldn’t we start with whether it works properly?]

Noya expressed his concerns, yet I didn’t feel overly troubled.

I had placed another mechanism while binding Nangong Jin’s body.

‘Using Demon Energy in this manner was not my intention.’

If possible, I’d rather not, but at this point, it felt like I couldn’t afford to be choosy with methods.

I extracted a small amount of Demon Energy from my body that was currently being purified and planted it within Nangong Jin.

It wasn’t the same level of Demon Energy that had been gnawing away at the Sword Demoness’s body, but enough energy to fortify the binding.

If the binding were to be released, then the Demon Energy planted within Nangong Jin would vanish, making it identifiable at a glance.

In the case of the Heavenly Demon, losing that Demon Energy would allow them to sense it from afar, but I couldn’t manage that level of perception yet.

“The other matter is regarding Elder Lee.”

After successfully enacting the Golden Binding, my first question to Nangong Jin was about the conversation with Elder Lee. I needed to know what was discussed during that time.

Considering who he was, I wondered if anything nefarious had transpired, but amusingly enough, nothing of the sort had occurred.

– It was simply a conversation. Nothing political was discussed.

Although Elder Lee was renowned in the Central Plains, there was nothing particularly strange about him meeting with Nangong Jin.

However, if only trivial discussions had taken place, we’d face timing issues.

The fact that Nangong Jin had stepped away just as troubles arose among the attendants nagged at my mind.

“If Elder Lee is connected to them…”

Would there be any reason for my father to spare him?

My father would know, of course. Most happenings in the Gu Clan would invariably reach his ears.

I hoped it wouldn’t be the case, but if Elder Lee was indeed involved…

I needed to consider the necessity of moving ahead of schedule.

Such as having Elder Lee eliminated.

[Even if you were to do that, won’t that bring its own issues?]

“It’s not without risks.”

Elder Lee had his own role as well. Not just in terms of the position and influence within the Gu Clan he held as an elder but also based on the flow of events.

Tang Soyeol might have known that Elder Lee had been pulling schemes behind the scenes, yet my inaction stemmed from my father’s reluctance to step in first.

At the very least, I wanted Zhang Yu to maintain their position.

After that, I wouldn’t have to worry about Elder Lee meeting his end on his own.

He would inevitably become consumed by his ambition, just as he did in his previous life.

“I can’t be sure, but I can’t just turn it upside down without thinking first, and I should give a warning.”

[You seem to be restraining yourself even though you want to kill him.]

“…Please do not pry so carelessly into others’ hearts. And is it appropriate for someone of your background to speak so coldly about life?”

[Kid, do you know what I learned while waging war?]

“What is it?”

[The ones that need to be killed, must be killed.]

I halted my steps at Noya’s icy words. Those harsh words seemed excessive coming from a sage who blossomed plum blossoms.

[If you’d think the girl you want to save and shift your worldview isn’t something of a trivial thought, then that too seems unreasonable.]

“Understood.”

[War has always been like that. Kid, you’ve experienced this firsthand, so you should understand well, right?]

Don’t leave any loose ends. Once things spiral into chaos after leaving, regret comes too late.

And like Noya pointed out, having experienced it more than anyone else, I could resonate with his words. Perhaps they were sharp words for a sage, but given Noya was a martial artist and a hero that saved the Central Plains, they sounded quite realistic.

Yet it still wasn’t time. For now, I needed to create a justification for taking action.

“Don’t worry. I don’t plan on just standing by.”

The requests I made to Nangong Jin had only reinforced this idea.

If it’s just a house guard showing its old teeth, there’s no need to hesitate.

I’d have to pull out those teeth and claws.

At least in this area, it was fortunate that I had some expertise.

As I entered the residence, I felt a bustling feeling in the air. It was dinner time, but it seemed there were more people than usual.

‘No, there actually seem to be more.’

I noticed several unfamiliar faces. Especially, some well-trained martial artists were stationed around. Judging by their attire, they seemed to belong to the Tang Clan.

As I walked in, it was as if Wi Seol-Ah had been waiting for me as she rushed over with enthusiasm, tail wagging even though she had none, reaching out instinctively.

Just to scratch her head.

“Young Master!”

“Don’t even think about jumping into my arms, it’s heavy.”

“Ah… I’m not heavy!”

Sure enough, it seemed like Wi Seol-Ah had lost some weight without me noticing. So now looking at her chubby cheeks that had lost their touch was quite regrettable.

I decided to at least give her hair a gentle ruffle.

“Why are there so many people here?”

“A lady and a pretty aunt are here!”

“…Huh?”

The only person who could be deemed as a lady that Wi Seol-Ah referred to must have been one.

‘Gu Ryeonghwa must be here.’

It seemed like Gu Ryeonghwa, who was living in the personal quarters, had come to visit.

And as for who the pretty aunt was…

Just in case, I asked Wi Seol-Ah.

“Are you saying pretty aunt is referring to the Sword Demoness?”

“Uh-huh! That’s right…! Pretty aunt.”

“Did you perhaps tell the Sword Demoness that too?”

“Yep! She said it felt nice and asked me to call her that from now on!”

It felt nice? Did she really?

No matter how you looked at it, that didn’t seem like a flattering title.

‘If she’s fine with it, then it should be alright, right?’

With that thought, I continued to ruffle Wi Seol-Ah’s hair when Hongwa appeared and pulled her away.

“Hey!”

“Seol-Ah! The Young Master must be tired, so don’t bother him.”

At Hongwa’s words, Wi Seol-Ah sulked and stepped back.

I wasn’t truly bothered. In fact, I believed the act of running my fingers through her hair might have helped relieve some of my fatigue.

Pulling back my hand that had been hovering aimlessly, I turned to Hongwa.

“Is Tang Soyeol with them?”

“Yes, Young Master. She came together with Nangong Soyeol.”

With Nangong Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol close, it made sense they’d have met, but I found it odd that they felt the need to come inside my residence together.

“The youngest lady and the Sword Demoness are also here.”

“Oh, I heard that. Why did they come over?”

At my question, Hongwa tilted her head slightly.

“Um, Young Master had mentioned wanting to eat dinner today…”

“Did I?”

I felt like I had said something like that sometime, but was today that day…?

I was sure the date had been stable or something.

Since I intended to go see the Sword Demoness once more, it was indeed fortunate it had turned out this way.

While I contemplated that, Hongwa seemed somewhat worried as she spoke.

“Your Grace…?”

“Uh—”

“The expression on Nangong Soyeol’s face doesn’t look very good.”

“Why? Is she not feeling well?”

“No, she didn’t seem unwell, actually.”

“Hmm, alright. I’ll ask her separately.”

It was somewhat intriguing that the maid was concerned about a foreign clan’s child, but reflecting on how Nangong Bi-ah might sometimes converse with Hongwa, it was somewhat understandable.

‘She has a bad expression, huh.’

Given that Nangong Bi-A had a neutral expression most times, which was almost imperceptible unless drastic, just how bad must it be for Hongwa to notice?

Wondering if she might even have some physical ailment, I quickly made my way to the room where Nangong Bi-ah was.

As soon as I opened the door, I saw Nangong Bi-ah flinch as if startled.

Tang Soyeol was also sitting nearby and looked as if they were having some secret conversation that caused both of them to inadvertently jump at my arrival.

“Oh, Tang Soyeol is here.”

“Ah, hello, Gu Gongja-nim….”

“Is this a visit due to last time when you came and left?”

“Oh, not really, it’s just that Bi-ah asked me to have a meal together…”

“Here? Together?”

“Uh… is that not alright?”

“… No, it’s fine.”

Even though I said that, I felt a bit uncomfortable since I had learned about Tang Soyeol’s interest in me. I just didn’t know how to respond to that.

‘Someone must have felt a bit of warmth toward me at least.’

That kind of sentiment was wholly unfamiliar and thus felt uncomfortable.

[In other words, it means that child from the Tang Clan is well aware of your feelings.]

‘You always chime in with a remark during these moments.’

[It’s my source of enjoyment.]

I let out a small sigh and looked at the two who were failing miserably at managing their expressions.

“I noticed you two were surprised earlier, what were you talking about?”

“Ah… no. We weren’t talking about anything! Right, sister?”

“Uh… uh-huh.”

What was up with them? It seemed suspicious that they would react that way to something someone could easily guess.

Was it possible they hadn’t noticed me approaching until I got right to the door like a top-tier martial artist?

I first gazed at Nangong Bi-ah.

Sure enough, as Hongwa had said, her expression was markedly different. Her face and ears were flushed as if she were quite heated.

I approached her directly, asking, “Is there something wrong with your health?”

“Ah… no… I’m fine.”

“That doesn’t look fine at all.”

“Really… I’m okay… just a little… give me space…”

It seemed like she was blazing up with heat, so I reached out to place my hand on her forehead.

I had done this several times before, so I didn’t hesitate. I thought Nangong Bi-ah would be fine with it as well.

Slap!

“Hmm?”

But apparently that was not the case.

Nangong Bi-ah swatted my hand away. She seemed surprised at her own reaction, covering her mouth with widened eyes.

Seeing Nangong Bi-ah react this way was quite a novelty.

“Was touching your forehead uncomfortable? Just say it.”

“No… it wasn’t uncomfortable… just surprised…”

“I wouldn’t think I’d startled you at all… If you don’t feel well, I can call a physician.”

“It’s just a bit warm today…”

“… You do realize it’s autumn, right?”

It felt a bit warm for a practitioner of Fire Techniques like myself too, but to complain of the heat at a time like this was odd.

Noticing my peculiar expression, Tang Soyeol immediately jumped in.

“Sister must have been a bit hot from her training earlier.”

“… Right.”

Although it seemed like Tang Soyeol was trying to cover for Nangong Bi-ah, it didn’t quite fit her neat appearance.

In fact, she looked a bit different as though she had applied some powder on her face, making her appear notably better than usual. If that was the case, she hadn’t trained at all.

While I could come up with this line of thought, I held back from criticizing her further.

It felt a bit awkward to pry when it seemed to be a discussion about something secretive.

“Understood. I’ll inform the attendants to prepare a bit more food.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, and I believe the Sword Demoness will join us for the meal, is that alright with you?”

“Y-yes, that’s fine. I just came over without any prior notice, so…”

As she spoke pleasantly, Tang Soyeol paused for a moment and then asked me.

“Excuse me, Young Master.”

“Yes?”

“… Who will we be eating with?”

“With the Sword Demoness.”

Upon saying that, Tang Soyeol’s expression changed peculiarly, as if she had misunderstood something.

Noticing how Tang Soyeol, who was trying hard to maintain her dainty demeanor, had slightly broken, it made me wonder if I had said something wrong.

“Did you not know the Sword Demoness was staying with the Gu Clan?!”

When I asked Tang Soyeol if she hadn’t known, her response was one of sheer disbelief.

“How would I know that!?”

 

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