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Chapter 660: Hands Off.

A subtle airflow slipped through the tense silence.

The sharp, grinding blades stretched out in all directions.

They looked unstable and somewhat amateurish, but there was no doubt.

‘Heart Sword.’

A state of Divine Sword Unity. This was part of Heart Sword.

What had been invisible now came into focus.

If this had happened before, I might have wondered if such a thing existed, but now it was all too clear.

The blades filling the inn were just that.

Suuuuu.

The air swirled with the scent of flowers.

As I inhaled, I lifted my head to see a woman standing before me.

Her shining golden hair cascaded past her waist, and she bore striking eyes, resembling those of a certain someone.

Even though she wore a somewhat mismatched red martial robe, her dazzling features made it impossible to ignore.

Moments ago, while admiring Bi-hyeonhwa, I thought, ‘At least it’s nice to look at,’ but that thought was completely wiped away by her beauty.

A dedication to loveliness.

The face that had once struck me as absurdly beautiful in childhood had blossomed as she came of age.

‘A flower.’

A lovely flower that seemed to embody eternal spring.

A flower capable of capturing everyone’s gaze had bloomed here.

I rolled my eyes, assessing the scene around me.

The glances that had once been directed at Bi-hyeonhwa had long been stolen away.

The patrons of the inn were too busy staring, completely entranced.

With adorable eyes rarely wide open in sharp focus, they exuded an unwell vibe.

Even that sight seemed rather amusing to me, but I was sure it wasn’t to the Bi-hyeonhwa beside me.

I subtly drifted away from Bi-hyeonhwa.

As I did, the energy that had been vibrant around us diminished slightly.

“Ugh… Huh…!”

Only then did Bi-hyeonhwa begin to breathe heavily, clearly struggling to catch her breath.

Watching this, I withdrew my hand that had almost reached for her neck.

‘That would have been a disaster.’

Thank goodness. I almost couldn’t hold back and was ready to kill her, but I managed to refrain.

It truly was unbearable; I felt sick.

I secretly waved my hand, barely stirring the air.

Whoosh—!

The energy swept across the inn.

Others likely wouldn’t have noticed, but the sharpness of the energy warranted a tidying up.

As soon as I filtered it out and sent it out the window…

I turned to Bi-hyeonhwa, trembling with fear.

“It seems my guest has arrived. I can’t see you off. It was a pleasure.”

As I flashed a grin, Bi-hyeonhwa jerked up and dashed out of the inn like an arrow.

I couldn’t help but let out a laugh at her comical exit.

‘In my lifetime, I’d see her in such a state.’

She was one of those I felt regretful for not killing in my previous life, though I hadn’t cared much for her.

Even without me, she was bound to meet a miserable end.

‘What exactly was her final moment like? I heard she was caught by the Green King.’

There was no need to look any further.

Among the madmen of the Demonic Sect, the Green King’s group was a den of crazy folks who would tear her apart.

And a beautiful woman from the Righteous Faction was captured?

The thought of her ending was not something I wanted to imagine.

Though Bi-hyeonhwa had just disappeared, the rest of the patrons continued to gaze in this direction.

They seemed utterly unconcerned that Bi-hyeonhwa had bolted out. I felt an exaggerated sigh escape me.

It seemed the atmosphere had intensified.

I recalled the woman watching me.

A golden-haired beauty. Wi Seol-Ah.

‘…It feels like it hasn’t been much longer than a year since I last saw her.’

It was around the time I left the Gu Clan, so that timeline fit.

Indeed, it felt like barely any time had passed.

‘What’s with her looking so much more vibrant?’

In that short time, Wi Seol-Ah had blossomed even more.

She had matured considerably since I last saw her both in face and form.

‘Has she grown taller?’

Something about her seemed slightly taller than before.

Surely, she must’ve been eating well. She appeared to be doing just fine…

“You… don’t you remember what I told you to do when I went outside?”

“…”

At my abrupt reprimand, Wi Seol-Ah froze and avoided my gaze.

Heh.

At the same moment, I sensed a pulse of energy.

The faintly leaking energy enveloped Wi Seol-Ah’s body.

As a result, her presence significantly diminished.

It seemed she was actively trying to hide her existence.

“Ugh…?”

“Ah…!”

Surrounded by an inexplicable, melancholic groan from the patrons nearby, I noticed they all looked perplexed and yet filled with an innate desire to see more.

It was funny how only one person could have such an effect, and yet she wasn’t any sort of fairy.

‘She wasn’t like this before, was she?’

It felt like her allure had intensified compared to when I left.

‘Her realm seems to have grown, perhaps that is the cause.’

Before, it didn’t seem to touch the realm of the heart at all.

“…Take a seat for now.”

“…”

With my words, Wi Seol-Ah, who had diminished her presence, cautiously sat opposite me.

She wore a slightly annoyed expression, which made me smile slyly.

“It’s been a while.”

“…Yes.”

Her voice had a slight edge, which only added to the absurdity.

I raised my hand.

“Ah, um… yes!”

At my call, Jeomsosoi approached with a dazed expression.

Moyong Hi-ah had suggested opening a peculiar inn with some financing, and it certainly was unique.

‘To think Jeomsosoi would don silk clothing.’

She even looked somewhat decent by her standards.

I briefly wondered if she had brought one of the male entertainers along.

However, despite that, Jeomsosoi couldn’t tear her eyes away from Wi Seol-Ah, and I frowned.

“Ugh…!!”

Only then did Jeomsosoi quickly divert her gaze.

“Three of the largest servings of plum tea.”

“Th-three cups? Is there another party joining…?”

“No, she’ll drink it all. Three should be fine, right?”

“…”

Wi Seol-Ah nodded.

It seemed she wasn’t feeling well. Under normal circumstances, she would’ve ordered at least five cups, but now she was settling for three.

“…Huh?”

Jeomsosoi had a confused expression, but she hurriedly vanished into the kitchen since it was an order.

I cleared away the plum tea that Bi-hyeonhwa had left on the table.

It still smelled unpleasant.

After dispelling some of the aura, I glanced at the silent Wi Seol-Ah.

“It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“Yes….”

“When was the last time you ate?”

“I haven’t eaten yet….”

“Oh? Shall we go eat then? There’s a food stall outside selling chicken skewers.”

“Uh, I…!”

Seems I sparked her interest, for Wi Seol-Ah eagerly went to speak but abruptly changed her expression.

“I…I don’t want to eat.”

Her voice was heavy with disappointment.

I couldn’t help but laugh at that.

As expected. I was relieved she was still like this.

Tap, tap.

I patted the seat beside me.

“Come here.”

“…”

“Quickly.”

At that, Wi Seol-Ah made a pouty face and got up to sit beside me with a thud.

I gently stroked her hair.

Wi Seol-Ah didn’t resist my hand.

“How did you get here?”

“…I walked.”

Her curt reply prompted me to pinch her lips.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Ugh…!!”

“Do you even know how shocked I was?”

The moment I felt her energy for the first time, my breath hitched!

This was not an aura that should be felt here.

I nearly bolted outside in a panic.

But against the rising energy heading my way, I forced myself to hold back.

“How did you arrive?”

“…”

Tap, tap. Wi Seol-Ah poked my hand, still gripping her lips.

As I slowly released my grip, she replied.

“Um, the Clan Leader said to come with him, so I came along.”

“Hmm?”

My eyes widened at her words.

‘My father went with you?’

So, he had arrived in Hanam?

That made me surprised.

‘…Why?’

I had no clue why things had turned out like this.

Of course, it wasn’t that strange considering the incoming crowd.

Just looking outside, I could see individuals from clans and sects not usually found in Hanam strolling about.

It had been years since the alliance held a festival.

Despite the unrest caused by the Red Demon Beast, they were adeptly managing the situation.

If the alliance was throwing a festival, it meant something.

‘It’s proof that there won’t be any problems in the future under their management.’

Moreover.

With the proper martial arts tournament and the establishment of the Divine Dragon, many influential figures had gathered.

The presence of prestigious clans indicated a gesture of goodwill towards the Martial Alliance.

‘This was a clear show of support for the Martial Alliance.’

It was a time when all sorts of people were converging, but…

‘…my father, why is he here?’

It was rather odd for my father, who rarely visited Hanam unless there was some special occurrence.

Whether or not he summoned my clan was uncertain.

Even if he did, I wouldn’t have expected him to come to the martial arts tournament.

“…”

I felt slightly flustered.

If he had indeed just arrived, it would imply he had set out some time ago.

That being the case…

‘…it means he wasn’t in Mount Shan when I last saw him.’

He must have been summoned en route.

That explained his peculiar reaction earlier, didn’t it?

‘Did he even bring Wi Seol-Ah along?’

What on earth was he doing here?

‘Surely, he wouldn’t suddenly want to befriend the Martial Alliance…’

I couldn’t quite grasp the reasoning behind it.

“Plum tea is served.”

As I wrestled with my thoughts, the plum tea was promptly delivered.

I offered a cup to Wi Seol-Ah. “So, where’s Father now?”

If he had just arrived, he should be heading directly to the Upper House.

That was what I expected to ask, but…

“The Clan Leader hasn’t arrived yet.”

“Hmm?”

“He mentioned he’d be a few days late due to business. So, I arrived first.”

“Business?”

In the meantime, I recalled Lady Mi saying she’d be out for a few days.

Could it be related?

‘…I’m not worried about anyone who might face trouble out there.’

But it certainly gnawed at me.

‘Anyway.’

I cleared my mind and looked back at Wi Seol-Ah.

She was quietly sipping her plum tea, so I pinched her cheek lightly.

Even while savoring it, her furrowed brows remained unchanged. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“What’s bothering you?”

“…Nothing of the sort.”

“But how come you’re pulling that face after not seeing me for so long?”

As I teasingly pointed it out, Wi Seol-Ah’s eyes sharpened even more.

“Exactly… it has been a while…”

She seemed to be struggling to voice her follow-up thoughts and abruptly turned her head away.

‘Hmm.’

This seemed like it would last a bit longer.

Ordinarily, Wi Seol-Ah didn’t sulk this deeply, but this time it seemed a bit more serious.

I scratched my head sheepishly.

“Well, is there something hurting?”

“…No.”

“You seem to have lost a bit of weight. Are you eating well?”

“Yes….”

“I see you’ve become prettier, that’s obvious.”

“…!”

“You should put on a bit of weight.”

She had become so incredibly beautiful.

It would surely draw too much attention, I thought I might need to do something.

But then…

“…”

“Hmm?”

Was it just me, or did Wi Seol-Ah’s ears seem a bit red?

What was that? Why?

‘Did she soften a little from being sulky?’

It felt odd, as if something had changed without me doing anything. Could it be because she enjoyed the plum tea?

Maybe delicious treats truly were the answer.

“Shall I order more rice cakes then?”

And thus I asked, thinking I had discovered the key.

This might be an inn, but it was a place with more snacks than drinks.

Moyong Hi-ah had designed this place knowing that female patrons would spend more money.

But…

“Ah, no, I’m fine. I don’t need to eat.”

“…Huh…?”

Wi Seol-Ah outright rejected the rice cakes. That was surprising.

I wondered if she was still sulking, but the corners of her mouth were slightly lifted.

She was clearly in a good mood.

But I couldn’t pinpoint the reason for it.

“Uh… okay then.”

As I observed her sipping tea with graceful movements, I quietly engaged her.

“So, why aren’t you asking me about that girl?”

“Pardon?”

Wi Seol-Ah widened her big eyes in confusion.

Her expression screamed she had no idea what I meant.

“Why aren’t you asking who that woman was?”

“Ah.”

‘Ah,’ indeed.

Had she forgotten right after being furious just moments ago?

“I’m okay now.”

At her reassuring words, she tilted her head.

“You’re okay?”

“Yes. I’m fine now. I don’t think I’ll be seeing her again.”

“Uh…?”

Wi Seol-Ah nodded.

She truly seemed to have lost all interest.

Just moments ago she appeared ready to kill, yet now it was as if she was void of curiosity.

You’d think she would at least ask why I approached her.

Admittedly, I would have found it bothersome to explain, but her lack of inquiry felt oddly disappointing.

Even amidst this.

‘…When did she finish all that?’

It seemed she had hardly said a few words, yet all three cups of plum tea I had given Wi Seol-Ah were empty.

I could’ve sworn she was only starting the first cup.

How had she managed that?

Amazed, I gently stroked Wi Seol-Ah’s hair.

As I slowly pet her, I noticed something familiar.

It was the hair accessory I had gifted her.

I often wondered why both Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah wore such cheap things.

‘Maybe I should find one for her later.’

While I was lost in those thoughts, Wi Seol-Ah was looking at me.

When I met her shining gaze.

“Oh, right. Prince.”

“Hmm?”

Looking as if she had momentarily forgotten, Wi Seol-Ah spoke up.

“I missed you.”

“…”

“I think I haven’t said that yet.”

Without realizing, I tensed up.

My body froze.

It made responding even harder.

“…Um, me too.”

I awkwardly managed to stammer that out. I needed to say something.

At that, Wi Seol-Ah broke into a radiant smile.

Seeing that, I thought to myself.

‘It seems I really need to find something soon.’

Her smiling face was devilishly beautiful.

If this kept up, I felt like I might get intoxicated by her allure before anyone else.

In the back alleys of Hanam.

Amidst the crowd bustling through Hanam, the quickest path to the Martial Alliance was oddly quiet even during the day.

Given that an incident had occurred here just a little over a month ago.

The Alliance had taken measures to block ordinary people from passing through there.

With martial artists from the Alliance patrolling regularly, it wasn’t a place for commoners to wander.

In one of those aloof alleys…

Crick…

A woman was hastily walking along, biting her nails in distress.

Fear and rage twisted her pretty face.

‘…I’ll kill her. I’ll kill her for sure.’

The woman was none other than Bi-hyeonhwa.

She could no longer contain her surging fury, veins standing out in her eyes.

‘How dare…!!’

Bi-hyeonhwa recalled the woman who had appeared belatedly, scowling fiercely.

Not only had she drawn away all the attention directed at her, but she had also openly mocked her arrogance.

Additionally…

‘That face.’

Just seeing it flooded her with a sense of defeat.

It was the face of the girl who was hailed as the beauty of the Martial Alliance and the most beautiful in Hanam.

The unnamed woman had given Bi-hyeonhwa an insurmountable despair.

‘That useless male is the same as well…!’

The very man she had tried to entice without a care, now seemed unaffected.

Why was he acting so normal?

‘Is that because of that girl?’

With a more radiant flower beside him, perhaps he thought nothing of her.

She resented him deeply.

Though she thought about extending a hand towards someone who appeared passably strong, how could she allow the mere thought of her seductive charm to be brushed aside just to feel dirty?

Bi-hyeonhwa clenched her fists, trembling with rage.

‘I’ll kill her.’

She would do whatever it took to eliminate her.

Even if it meant exposing herself to the elderly lords back at the investigation department.

The image of her broken self, terrified and scampering away filled her mind.

Moreover, the sheer inferiority she felt upon witnessing that woman’s flawless beauty surged through her.

It was unbearable.

Thus, she decided she must take care of that woman.

If she couldn’t kill her, she would at least mar her beautiful face beyond recognition.

That beauty had no place in her vicinity.

No prettier flower must bloom where she stood.

‘She must be crushed.’

Before that radiance spreads any further, she had to trample it down.

Such thoughts consumed her.

With her mind half-lost to rage.

Bi-hyeonhwa moved with purpose back to the Martial Alliance.

Just then, as she hurried back, a sound echoed.

Plop.

Somewhere, a droplet of water dropped.

Thud, thud—!

Someone appeared behind Bi-hyeonhwa, swiftly stabbing her in the back.

“…Kuh!?”

All at once, her body stiffened.

It was a pressure point strike.

Around her, patrols were making rounds. With just a few more steps, the Martial Alliance was right there.

In a moment of vulnerability, someone had managed to execute a pressure point technique on Bi-hyeonhwa.

As she struggled with the sudden shock, slowly affixed with fear, she began to roll her eyes around.

“Hmm?”

Someone appeared before her from behind.

But there was no sound from their footsteps.

That only heightened her terror.

“…!!”

As Bi-hyeonhwa confirmed the person standing before her, her eyes widened.

The one who had struck her was a woman with long, light blue hair flowing down to her back.

She was cute, with a petite frame and familiar features that Bi-hyeonhwa recognized well.

“Hello there.”

“…!”

The woman with emerald-colored hair, Tang Soyeol, spoke to Bi-hyeonhwa.

Naturally, Bi-hyeonhwa couldn’t reply, but Tang Soyeol didn’t seem to mind at all.

“It’s been a while, sister.”

Swish.

Tang Soyeol’s fingertips brushed Bi-hyeonhwa’s neck.

Pressing down.

A trickle of blood lightly flowed from the punctured skin, and with that, Bi-hyeonhwa felt fear well up in her eyes.

Observing Bi-hyeonhwa’s terror, Tang Soyeol said, “Shall we talk for a bit? I have something to discuss with you.”

“…”

“If you understand, move your eyes up and down. Oh, and if you don’t want to, you can move them left and right.”

Just as Bi-hyeonhwa was about to uncontrollably move her eyes side to side…

“However.”

Tang Soyeol added, “If your reply doesn’t please me, I’ll pluck out your eyes.”

“…!”

“Your chances are two. I’ll take one out for each eye.”

“…”

Despite the cute tone in her voice, the words were chilling.

Instantly, Bi-hyeonhwa’s eyes darted up and down.

Seeing that, Tang Soyeol remarked.

“Glad to hear that. I was worried about getting blood on my clothes…”

She smiled as she caressed Bi-hyeonhwa’s cheek with her hand.

 

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