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Chapter 128: Where Did It Go? (1)

Where could it have gone?

Meal times, thankfully, were peaceful.

I did get hit by Gu Ryeonghwa, but it was bearable, and I was able to quickly clarify the matter regarding the poison that Tang Soyeol had hastily gifted me.

Of course, even after explaining, I couldn’t avoid the ambiguous smile of the Sword Demoness.

It seemed that Tang Soyeol genuinely respected her, as he meticulously recited each of her achievements.

He even managed to turn her ears red by quoting her famous quotes.

‘My plum blossom will not yield to evil! Really… the Sword Demoness was quite the romantic character.’

Thanks to that, I couldn’t help but withdraw a little, but it was a rare chance to see her flustered expression.

The meal ended quickly.

It seemed the Sword Demoness was not displeased with Tang Soyeol, as she engaged him well in conversation.

However, Gu Ryeonghwa’s gaze directed at Tang Soyeol was quite fierce.

[She had a gentle puppy-like face, but when she gets angry, she turns into a wolf.]

‘So, you’re saying I’m the praying mantis and that child is the wolf? This is a bit discriminatory.’

[Looks like you’ve eaten your conscience along with your meal…]

Was it the feeling of being robbed of a mentor? It felt like the distance between the two was significant.

After finishing the meal and drinking tea, we finally took our leave.

Tang Soyeol seemed to want to stay longer for various reasons, but the Sword Demoness didn’t seem to be in a condition to do so.

How should I put this? The Sword Demoness appeared a bit fatigued.

It wasn’t just me; Gu Ryeonghwa seemed to notice as well, taking little efforts to care for her.

In the meantime, I observed Nangong Bi-ah, who was quietly nibbling on her food.

Wi Seol-ah was chattering away beside her, but it seemed like Bi-ah was still lost in another world.

“Are you feeling any better?”

I asked the Sword Demoness, who was about to leave.

“As you see, thanks to you, I feel healthier than before.”

Even I could tell the Sword Demoness had regained much of her health, but…

“Is something wrong?”

Her expression wasn’t very pleasant. The Sword Demoness seemed startled by my question.

It looked like she was wondering how I knew, so I kindly explained.

“Your expression looks quite troubled.”

“….It seems it shows a lot.”

“Yes.”

Could it be she was trying to hide it? If that were the case, the Sword Demoness was not someone who should tell lies.

If it’s so obvious, what would she be trying to conceal?

“Your younger sibling is very worried.”

“….I see.”

Gu Ryeonghwa was fidgeting behind me, looking only at her mentor.

Seeing that, the Sword Demoness gave an awkward smile.

“I was trying not to worry anyone, but it seems I’m too late.”

“Is there something wrong?”

It didn’t seem to be a physical issue, but had something happened recently?

“It’s fine. This will all pass naturally.”

Avoiding the question, the Sword Demoness thanked me and approached Gu Ryeonghwa.

As the Sword Demoness stroked her hair, Gu Ryeonghwa smiled brightly.

It was nice to see her transform back from a golden wolf to a little squirrel.

“Uh… Gu Gongja.”

Turning at the voice that came from beside me, I saw Tang Soyeol.

“I was so happy to be able to share a meal like today…!”

“Not me, but you enjoyed dining with the Sword Demoness?”

“Uh… No…! That’s not it! Well, sort of but not exactly.”

Her flustered reaction to my wordplay was a bit amusing, and I chuckled lightly.

Tang Soyeol paused for a moment at that and then asked me.

“Did you just laugh?”

“Uh?”

“Prince, were you laughing at me just now?”

“No… Yes, if I offended you.”

“No! It was perfectly fine!”

With those words, Tang Soyeol beamed, her smile so innocent that it made me inadvertently pause.

It was a smile I felt I had seen before. It resembled the one Poison Empress used to wear.

It might be the same person, but the weight of their smiles differed.

The Poison Empress had a deep, heavy, tired smile, while this one was purely joyous.

[Do you regret it?]

‘What a sudden and out-of-the-blue question.’

I replied playfully to Noya, but I could sense some seriousness in his tone.

[That seems to be the case.]

‘No, I don’t regret it.’

Ending the life of the Poison Empress with my own hands? That was something that had to be done.

Not for me, but for her sake.

It had to be done at that time.

“C-Could you invite me again next time?”

At Tang Soyeol’s question, I nodded.

I hesitated slightly, but she smiled as if it didn’t matter.

“We can’t do it with just the two of us, right?”

“Ah….”

“I’m sorry! I got ahead of myself, didn’t I? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to…!”

With that exclamation, she shoved something into my hand and dashed away like a whirlwind.

In my hand was a small vial, and shaking it revealed a sloshing sound.

“…What kind of poison is this again?”

I was now fully convinced it was poison. It felt just like when she had given me poison before we parted.

The issue was what purpose it served.

For now, I tucked it away inside my clothes. I could just ask about it later.

After sending everyone off, I asked my attendant to organize things and then took a short stroll outside.

The scenic route in the Gu clan wasn’t particularly beautiful. At least when my mother was present, it seemed to have been well-tended.

But now, it hadn’t seen a hand in a while.

“Young Master, what kind of flower is this?”

Wi Seol-ah, who was walking alongside me, asked.

It was a pretty white flower, though I couldn’t recall its name.

“White Young Flower.”

Nangong Bi-ah, who had quietly followed from behind, whispered.

“Wow, you know the name of flowers?”

That was rather surprising.

Of all people, Nangong Bi-ah knew the name of this flower. She continued looking at the flower Wi Seol-ah was admiring as she spoke.

“It was my mother’s favorite flower.”

As she said so, she approached the flower and gently sat beside it.

“…It’s blooming here too.”

Carefully touching the flower, she turned to me with a question.

“Can I take this…?”

“Why would you take it? To cultivate it?”

“Yes…”

It wasn’t much to give away a single flower, so I nodded.

Nangong Bi-ah picked a single White Young Flower and tucked it into Wi Seol-ah’s hair.

“Uh?!”

As Wi Seol-ah reacted as if to question what was happening, Nangong Bi-ah gently stroked Wi Seol-ah’s hair and said,

“It’s pretty… My mother used to do this often.”

Seeing Wi Seol-ah blush brightly made Nangong Bi-ah smile back softly.

[It seems pretty things bring out a glow.]

‘You’re being unusually sentimental.’

[Hehehe…]

After softly petting Wi Seol-ah for a moment, she carefully dug up another White Young Flower from the roots to not damage them.

Though Nangong Bi-ah’s fair hands got dirty from the soil, she didn’t seem to mind.

“It seems you’re feeling better now.”

I asked, recalling the flushed face she had earlier.

“…Yes.”

Nangong Bi-ah nodded quietly. Her ears were still a bit red, but was it because of the cold breeze, or did the earlier situation leave an impression?

“I’m fine now… probably.”

Her voice was whispering softly in the wind, still shy.

“…Do you know…?”

Nangong Bi-ah asked.

“Children… don’t just come from holding hands.”

“What?”

“…I just thought I’d point that out.”

What was she suddenly talking about?

After saying that, she walked ahead, her steps slightly quickening.

“Young Master, it’s cold! Let’s hurry!”

As I stood there in a daze, Wi Seol-ah took my hand and pulled me along.

By the way, starting from this day, Nangong Bi-ah didn’t take afternoon naps in my room for quite a while.

A day passed, and I visited Nangong Jin.

Since it was the scheduled meeting, I went right after finishing my morning training.

As expected, Nangong Jin was swinging his sword in the detached house designated for training, just like before.

The somewhat empty surroundings were probably because the Nangong Clan’s martial artists were still in recovery.

“I’ve intercepted a talk with Elder Lee.”

Nangong Jin, who had been energetically swinging his sword, spoke. It seemed he was sharing the arrangement I had previously requested.

“It should be this evening.”

“Understood.”

It wasn’t anything major I had asked for.

Just that if Elder Lee seemed to want something, notify him of that.

“Are you not returning to the clan?”

“There’s something more important than clan matters, so it’s fine.”

“…Alright.”

Originally, after the engagement ceremony, I was supposed to return to the clan with Nangong Bi-ah.

But I was caught here and unable to leave.

‘Technically, it’s not that I’m not leaving.’

What’s with that sword…

[What do you mean ‘that sword’? You, who knows better than anyone about the greed of a martial artist… tsk.]

The refined sword leftover from the legendary Thunder Qi Sword, the legacy of Nangong Ming. It was a peculiar matter indeed.

Why hasn’t it continued? Why did the Nangong Clan forget about their sword?

It was strange that even a degraded sword still rules as the first in the swordsman aristocracy, yet the questions couldn’t help but arise.

“Are we done?”

“Yes.”

Having waited a few days, Nangong Jin began pressing on.

We couldn’t just let this matter go on with the Golden Binding hanging over us.

“I hope you can keep your word.”

“…Don’t worry.”

We exchanged words about various matters, but the most important part was just one thing.

Once I realized this…

I would also teach Nangong Bi-ah.

Nangong Jin didn’t seem to have a very good reaction on this part.

What’s the harm in imparting enlightenment to the bloodline?

In the end, I persisted, and we reached an agreement that enlightenment would only be given to ‘Nangong Bi-ah’.

Isn’t that laughable?

From the start, I had no interest in others; I just needed to teach Nangong Bi-ah.

Yet, Nangong Jin insisted that he wouldn’t teach other bloodlines.

Why? Why put that kind of condition?

Many thoughts crossed my mind regarding Nangong Jin’s intentions, but the most probable assumption was that he wanted to solidify his position as the clan leader.

To be able to employ something one cannot use, or that they don’t know how to use effectively…

If the clan leader, of all people, were to wield the clan’s sword, what would it say about its value?

‘To draw a line even against one’s own flesh and blood…’

Even though it might have been an instruction to me, it was very much akin to a trade-off.

Above all, since it was something I could convey to Nangong Bi-ah, I didn’t mind.

And as I looked at this matter, I wanted to understand why Nangong Bi-ah chose such a path.

Not as the Demon Sword Queen but as the current Nangong Bi-ah, that’s not something she would do.

“I have two things to say.”

I didn’t wield a sword.

Noya had said previously that it wouldn’t be possible for a while; it was too dangerous to let me handle a weapon that I couldn’t even use.

Noya had remarked that merely conveying the words would suffice.

[Nangong’s sword is like a wave.]

‘A wave, huh?’

[Yes, it’s like the branch connecting food to food, but it’s awkwardly and finely severed, causing it to be unfathomable.]

‘Are you saying that I can bridge such a thing with mere words?’

[I don’t know; I’m just relaying what that guy said.]

‘That’s such an irresponsible claim…’

[Nangong’s sword is filled with his enlightenment. If the Nangong child fails to grasp anything from it, then that’s the end.]

‘And if he fails to learn anything and comes to take it out on me, what should I do?’

[I’d say hide behind your father.]

‘…Damn it.’

At my age, run to my father for help?

No… while I may be young in this life, I still have a conscience.

[Didn’t you originally have none? And now you ask where your dignity is.]

‘…’

As I adjusted my breathing, Nangong Jin opened his ears with a glimmer in his eyes.

It was a tremendous burden seeing a man of my father’s age directing such twinkling eyes toward me.

All I was doing was transmitting the wisdom of Shin Noya.

“The sword of the Nangong Clan resembles that of a wave. Though it lives its life like a flash of lightning, if we were to pick, it would resemble a wave.”

Enlightenment is inherently abstract.

It’s more so for a sword mastery seeking to achieve a state of unity between body and sword, like the Divine Sword Unity.

It’s an area where ninja sword masters, including the former Demon Sword Queen, and other great sword masters would reach.

There’s also an area known as the Mu-Do but that feeling seems distinct.

As I said before, all I was doing was regurgitating Noya’s wisdom.

I was merely following her inexplicable commands to stretch out my hand.

“…When dealing with thunder energy, one should focus on swift and quick strikes, but…”

Yet, it wasn’t completely abstract, as fragmented bits of knowledge about wrist problems related to swordplay were exchanging.

The comments regarding actions were Noya’s personal embellishments.

The issue was.

‘It seems to be helpful somehow.’

Whether wave or lightning, wood or forest, speaking of Nangong’s sword would only be futile as I stood clueless.

I was unaware of the experiences and meanings he gathered while swinging that sword.

Though the explanation was far from over, Nangong Jin’s gaze changed.

He slowly closed his eyes.

Did he gain something?

But to call it enlightenment, a notion like that did not particularly arise in me.

[Looks like he’s not a complete fool after all.]

‘I hope that wasn’t too much.’

[He didn’t tell you everything out of consideration for your position. The child of Nangong won’t obtain everything anyway.]

I understood Noya’s willingness to pass on his friend’s sword and therefore didn’t object strongly as it went by.

The silence lasted for only a moment.

Nangong Jin soon opened his eyes again and immediately began swinging his sword.

Swish! Swoosh!

The subsequent sword moves seemed nearly unchanged from before, but something had subtly shifted.

[Looks like he successfully stepped on a wave.]

Though Noya added that remark, I couldn’t personally feel the significant difference.

But it was clear something had changed. That was what mattered.

Nangong Jin, who had merely been swinging the sword for merely a half-moment, stopped and whispered softly.

“…Thank you.”

He was dripping with sweat, a martial artist who had reached a significant realm.

“Did you gain something?”

“Barely… just a little.”

Nangong Jin continued on, indicating it would likely take a long time to truly absorb what he had acquired.

“I might have to abandon everything I’ve trained my whole life…”

It meant he had to change movements he had cultivated for dozens of years.

Still, was he really considering training in the first place? Wouldn’t the time be better spent solidifying the clan leader’s seat?

[Can’t you see? He’s already captivated.]

Looking into Nangong Jin’s eyes was filled with heat.

[It’s small, but you can clearly see a difference. Once he understands that difference, he’ll know how incredible the end is, so it’s too late to retreat now.]

‘Why do sword wielders have to be so abnormal?’

[It’s not a matter of sword mastery; you bastard.]

‘Why are you getting all defensive as if you’re not one of them?’

The realm didn’t change, and neither did my energy flux.

I simply discovered a slight difference in how one should swing the sword.

Moreover, it was said the use of this would take at least a few years.

If that’s the case, isn’t this poison? To me, it seemed like that.

During the interval, I double-checked the traces of demon energy in Nangong Jin’s body.

Just in case he might turn back if he achieved something.

“Do not forget the promise.”

…

…

…

……

Nangong Jin, whose fervor had not yet cooled, nodded slightly.

His expression was brimming with the desire to swing the sword even more right away.

After confirming the Golden Binding once more, I closed the door and left.

This wasn’t about simply sharing what little I knew; it was meant to be several meetings with him.

Would this process benefit Nangong Bi-ah’s life?

While it might not be an overwhelming help, perhaps it could create a small change.

Such futile expectations wandered through my mind.

“Speaking of which… Noya.”

[What is it?]

“The things you were telling Nangong Jin earlier…”

The discussions not directly connected to the actions but to the abstract parts.

I had heard those topics mentioned before.

“…Is what was left behind by the Thunder Qi Sword true?”

[Yes, the words from that troublesome guy are accurate. He was going around boasting about how incredible his sword is.]

Who in the world would brag about their enlightenment in such a way? It felt like an exaggerated claim.

The important thing was whether or not those words were genuinely what the Thunder Qi Sword left behind.

[Then why do you ask?]

“It’s nothing. Just thought I’d ask.”

The reason for asking was simple.

The previous Demon Sword Queen seemed to have mentioned something similar. In fact, it was word-for-word identical.

When was it? Probably when I had been inquiring about the unity of body and sword.

The Demon Sword Queen had certainly said she learned in that way.

– As you said…

– …What do you mean? I can’t understand a word of it.

I had asked because I didn’t understand such nonsense.

The Jiangong Bi-ah showed me the sword of Nangong Clan, which clearly resembled the swordmaster of the former Demon Sword Queen.

Yet, the current Nangong sword did not match.

Though I couldn’t be sure about the current profound peak of the Nangong Clan, Nangong Jin didn’t seem to be capable of using that sword.

Moreover, it appeared he did not grasp the issues the Nangong sword carried.

If that’s the case, who taught the former Demon Sword Queen that sword?

If it wasn’t the current Nangong Jin, then who could it possibly be?

I thought the former Demon Sword Queen’s skills had risen so high that she transcended a chronic issue and re-established the sword path herself.

Now looking back, it felt somewhat estranging.

Was that also a coincidence?

Somehow, I felt it wasn’t.

The place I headed directly afterward was the detached house where Nangong Bi-ah was.

Since most of the Nangong Clan martial artists were bedridden, the guards at the detached house were half-gua and half-people from the Gu Clan.

How ironically poetic that is.

As I reached the entrance of the detached house, I intended to ask the attendant waiting at the front to relay my message.

Suddenly, from the opposite side, the door opened, and Nangong Bi-ah popped out.

“…You came…?”

“How did you know I was here?”

Was she looking out the window?

For someone who should’ve been sleeping, her expression seemed a bit duller than usual.

“Were you asleep?”

“No…”

I didn’t come with a particular goal in mind; I just felt concerned about her state from yesterday.

“Did you eat?”

“…I haven’t eaten.”

“Then let’s eat together later.”

The accessory I had given her was still doing a great job of holding her hair back.

Did she wear it often?

Thinking that way filled me with a slight sense of pride that wasn’t entirely appropriate.

“Is your body…”

“…I’m fine.”

“Then can I touch your forehead?”

Recalling the incident from before, I inquired first this time.

[What a pathetic question to ask…]

‘Noya…’

[What?]

‘Nothing.’

[Nis… that’s embarrassing!]

Though I hadn’t said a word, Noya was flustered.

I truly didn’t say anything at all.

Upon hearing my request, Nangong Bi-ah hesitated and took a small step back.

Did she not want me?

“If you dislike it, I won’t ask again…”

“…Do it…”

Nangong Bi-ah said, her voice slightly trembling. Was it such a difficult request?

Whatever the case, I granted her wish and moved closer, placing my hand on her forehead.

“…Your forehead is hot.”

It felt warm when I touched it, but it was steadily rising in temperature.

At this point, it was a sure thing; something was definitely wrong. How could a first-rate martial artist suddenly have such a high fever?

I really wanted to drag her to Shin Yi right away.

Just as I was about to jerk back, Nangong Bi-ah placed her hand atop mine, holding it there.

“It’s fine… I’m really fine now…”

Saying that, she grabbed my hand, and we naturally walked together, hand-in-hand.

I didn’t ask what was happening. With her fair face becoming redder, it was well understood.

‘Not long ago, she didn’t seem to be embarrassed by such things.’

Had she mistakenly eaten something at some point? Nangong Bi-ah spoke while letting the breeze cool her face.

“Do you want to go… eat?”

“Where, your room?”

“Ah, no! My room is…”

Her voice rose a little too high, clearly flustered.

What’s this? She casually infiltrated my room, yet now pushes away in this manner?

Curious if she hid something in her room, I almost thought about entering but sensed it would genuinely anger Nangong Bi-ah.

Nangong Bi-ah getting angry…?

‘That does pique my curiosity a bit.’

Having never seen it, not even in my previous life, it lingered on my mind.

Just as I was lost in thought, Nangong Bi-ah hurriedly tugged at my hand, leading me along.

I walked half-dragged by her without even thinking about pulling my hand away.

In the meantime, I could nearly hear Noya cursing me.

I followed along willingly, hand-in-hand.

Later, I learned through the attendants that several bedding items supposed to be in my room had gone missing.

It seemed they were somewhat valuable, and the attendants looked distressed, but after a while, they resumed their duties as if nothing had happened.

Perhaps they felt as though something good had happened to them.

Though they were items that had long seen wear, I wouldn’t mind losing them.

But where on earth did they go?

 

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