Baekmae chattered away.

“So…”

She spilled out the stories she had been holding onto. It felt so good that she might just float away.

Was it because the food was tasty? Or was it the bustling atmosphere she enjoyed?

…Actually, she knew.

Baekmae sipped her drink and casually glanced at the person sitting opposite her.

They were wearing a mask that covered their face but had taken it off after booking the room.

She cleared her throat for no reason. Humming, she shoved food into her mouth.

Was the atmosphere different now?

Or was it just the same as before?

Something had changed, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Yet, there was one thing she could understand.

They had become even more handsome in her absence.

…Seriously.

Before, they were just passable, but now it was different. Their skin was smooth, and the gaze that lingered upon her seemed deep enough to make her dizzy.

And what about their jawline? Was it just her imagination, or had they lost some weight? It seemed like a good thing…

Perhaps their previously sharp impression was now softened?

Were they not on guard because she was right in front of them?

…Hmm…

Baekmae subtly frowned. She pretended to look down at the floor.

“There’s something on the chair’s floor. It’s kind of scratchy.”

“Should I call a waiter to change it?”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll just move.”

She discreetly shifted her seat. It creaked a little, but she still managed to take the spot next to Jeok-un.

“…Is this okay? I mean, I’m fine with it, but if you’re not okay with it, I can sit elsewhere…”

“Want to eat this?”

“…Yes!”

That was strange.

She wasn’t the type to act this clingy.

Baekmae chewed the food, continuing the story she had started.

Jeok-un, who had been quietly listening with a soft gaze, smiled.

“You’ve worked hard.”

“…….!”

Why did that one phrase make the solid resolve she had wobble?

Baekmae subtly turned her head away, mumbling in a somewhat husky voice.

“It… wasn’t a big deal… so… how was it for you, brother?”

“I…”

Just as the long-awaited tale was about to spill forth, someone knocked on the door.

“…Excuse me, if it’s not a bother… older brother…”

Older brother?

She glanced up at Jeok-un. He wiped his face.

“Ghostly figures… how…”

“Do you know them?”

“They’re my younger siblings.”

“Younger… siblings? So, you mean, I’m not his only sibling?”

“No. That’s right. But those over there are… um… should I say juniors? Is it okay to join?”

To be honest, she didn’t really want them to join.

But she also didn’t want to seem petty in front of him.

“Well, I don’t mind… but you’re not using any inpi myeonggu, right? Is that okay?”

“It’s fine. They’re trustworthy. I know their faces.”

“Hm…”

With a creak, the door opened, revealing two people.

Baekmae blinked at the unfamiliar faces. A big man met her gaze and hurriedly introduced himself.

“Hello! I’m sorry for the intrusion! But, when my older brother suddenly disappeared, I thought something had happened…”

“It’s okay. I was just hiding because of a mission.”

“Se-senpai… I was worried.”

“It’s my fault for not informing you in advance. Sit down.”

The tearful gaze of a woman with her hair tied up caught Baekmae’s attention for a moment.

A woman?

Her tone naturally became sharper.

“Who are you?”

“Oh, sorry for the late introduction. I’m Yeon Guang, a member of the Thunder Corps.”

Yeon Guang.

That name sounded familiar. She had heard it was once stagnant but was now regarded as one of the formidable late-comer powers. What was the nickname again, the ‘Thunder Sword of the Second Era’…?

Then who was beside her?

“I’m Seo Cho-hee from the Bukmun family.”

“Seo… Cho-hee?”

The Bukmun family?

That was one of the prominent families! Did that mean she really came from there?

And Seo Cho-hee was known as the ‘Blood Queen’ for her mastery of poisonous swords?

“I’m Baekmae… but brother, what is this about?”

“These are related to the story I was going to tell.”

“……?”

Jeok-un casually continued his tale.

He spoke of the Fengma Cave, the Ear Sword, and meeting Master Guigok Yajang.

In fact, in between, he mentioned being involved with the Shinwon Jin Clan as well.

Baekmae’s expression faltered. Wait, what?

Did she just hear something wrong?

“So, you fought and defeated Jin Wi-lyang, the bloodline of the Shinwon Jin Clan? You even severed one of his arms?!”

“At that time, you could say my brother… wow!”

“Are you crazy?! Hey! How could you do something like that?! How are you planning to handle the aftermath?!”

“The Leader of the Fokma Clan personally notarized it. Jin Wi-lyang did something wrong. So, there won’t be anything particularly to worry about…”

“No matter what, it’s too risky! It’s not just any clan, it’s the Shinwon Jin Clan! You just committed a major incident!!!”

“Wait a second…”

“You fool! What kind of trouble have you caused?! Say more! That’s not the end of it!”

Suddenly, loud noises erupted outside. It sounded as if someone was arguing.

A familiar scent floated in. A pair of eyes peeked through the slightly opened door.

“… I swear I heard a familiar voice!”

In walked a doll-like girl, sticking close to Jeok-un. The small space beside him that she hadn’t claimed earlier.

Baekmae exploded.

“Who the heck are you to just come in here?!”

“…Ryeong-ryeong?”

“Another person you know?! And even…!”

She was beautiful.

No, wait, why was she so stunning?! And why was her chest so big?! It was almost on par with hers…?!

The pink-haired girl that clung to him smiled brightly. She crossed her arms and used her remaining hand to grab some food.

“Let’s order something more if this isn’t enough.”

“W-who is she?!”

“…Um… So…”

Another story unfolded. The tale of Ansasugwi, the great strategist who wreaked havoc in the Akmin area, was nonchalantly passed around like a heroic legend.

“Ah, Ansasugwi?! The master of martial arts?! The one famous for leading several rivers? That’s dangerous! Brother! That’s dangerous!!”

“It couldn’t be helped.”

The girl casually asked.

“Who’s next to you?”

“Next to me is…”

Jeok-un smiled slightly.

“She’s my beloved younger sister.”

“…Uh!”

That made her happy. That was the only thing that did.

But she didn’t like the way those eyes slightly narrowed at that statement. The woman’s instincts were set ablaze.

Oh, right. She had put on makeup. She had even manicured her nails…

A scent of perfume? She pretended to hold him nonchalantly, but her ears were red?

…Ah.

So that’s how it was?

Baekmae smiled sharply.

“Yes, I’m your brother’s closest younger sister. I’m Baekmae. Sister.”

“…Sister?”

“Oh. Aren’t you older? I’m sorry. You look ‘older’ than me, so… It was my mistake.”

“No, it’s fine. You’re probably right. That’s more likely…”

The girl introduced herself as Ju Ryeong-ryeong and giggled, resting her head sweetly on Jeok-un’s shoulder.

“You look way younger than you are.”

“…What did you say?!”

“Hmm? Oh, did I hit a nerve?”

“Hit a nerve? Who wouldn’t?! Aha, I totally didn’t! Not even a bit!”

“Is that so… or not.”

Jeok-un looked embarrassed.

“Ryeong-ryeong, I can eat by myself.”

“Don’t want to eat?”

“…No, I’ll eat.”

Was he blatantly wagging his tail?!

Just as Baekmae was about to spring up, another loud noise drew her attention.

The door creaked open again.

“Ryeong-ryeong, I told you to hold your position, so what are you doing? You can’t just go in anywhere… huh? Why are you here?”

“Danhwa.”

Another woman.

But…

What a face. Was his mission just to hang around beautiful women?!

“What the hell… what is going on…?!”

“Your friends are… this is Heukdanhwa…”

“Heukdanhwa… Seob Honyohee?! The infamous rumored main character?! Why is Seob Honyohee here?!”

“Shouldn’t you reach out after a day passes? Should I be chasing you around?”

“I’m sorry, I completely forgot in my excitement to see some familiar faces.”

“Next time, you should tell me where you’re going. Got it?”

“Yes.”

She grumbled naturally. Baekmae growled.

“Hey… who are you to talk to my brother like that?”

“Then who are you?”

“I’m Baekmae. I’m my brother’s most beloved younger sister.”

“Oh, really? You’re precious? Hm…”

Heukdanhwa smirked.

“I’ve heard a lot about you from Ju Ryeong-ryeong. Isn’t that right? Or maybe not? The meaning of being ‘precious’ to a younger sibling could be different from that of a ‘female friend.’ Isn’t that right? Ju Ryeong-ryeong?”

“What—what?!”

Ju Ryeong-ryeong chuckled. Exchanging glances with Heukdanhwa, she gently leaned her head on Jeok-un’s shoulder.

“Not even close.”

Seeing the sudden alliance, Baekmae’s eyes fluttered unnaturally.

Are they now… teaming up to attack me?

They outnumbered her. But she had her bond with Jeok-un. She wouldn’t be easily pushed down. Of course not.

From the beginning…

What had this man been doing to end up entangled with so many beauties like this?!

“The scent is coming from here. No one can hide from this Black Wind’s keen nose.”

“Me, the one with their spirit carrying extra for seeking those in need. Let’s have lunch here.”

“It looks delicious.”

“I never called you! You crazy woman! Get lost!”

“I’m only going to see my disciple.”

“Then pay your share!”

“Me? Why?”

“Let’s just throw down already!”

Again, the door swung open with a bang. Overflowing with a crowd, Baekmae’s eyes twitched once more.

Two sturdy-looking men and two slender women. Among them, a small girl quickly scanned the surroundings.

With a blank expression, she hopped onto Jeok-un’s lap.

Baekmae held her neck.

“…Um, may I ask who you are?”

“Leader of the Wima Sect? Aren’t you coming down?”

“L-Leader?! The Leader?! And if it’s the Leader of the Wima Sect…?! No way… Are you really the Nine Heavens Jade Woman?!!”

“That’s right.”

The Leader of the Wima Sect nodded. Baekmae almost foamed at the mouth.

“Why are you involved with the Leader of the Wima Sect?! What on earth?!”

“Because of some happenings in Akmin…”

“Akmin… Akmin… Akmin…”

Baekmae hesitated to ask.

“Was Jeok-un there, where they said the Blood Demon descended?!”

“…….”

“Don’t tell me… did you even clash swords?!”

“…….”

“Why can’t you answer me?!”

The Leader of the Wima Sect bit into some food.

“So it seems this is a familiar face. Jeok-un was quite impressive. He even defeated the Blood Demon… I witnessed the blood-soaked battle in the dust pit myself. It was the essence of a warrior…”

“B-Blood Demon?!! Hey, you crazy man!!!”

 

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