---

The Day of Arrival

Not much happened on the first day of my entrance. There was no training, and since we were slated for an adaptation period of about seven days, there wasn’t anything scheduled.

Since I hadn’t even been assigned lodging yet, I was simply a fresh recruit, nothing more.

They said the Martial Robes from the Blue Dragon Clan would be distributed in three days. Until then, it was as if I was treated like a chick, only allowed to peek around.

Especially on the first day, it was even more so.

To celebrate the newcomers, a banquet was held under the name of the Cheongyeol Sword Master.

Naturally, all the new recruits were present.

As for the others, unless they had tasks, the entire attendance was obligatory.

Ahahaha-!!

Loud laughter echoed through the banquet hall. Amid the raucous atmosphere, I found myself staring at the head table with a contorted expression.

Ahahahahaha–!!!!

Everything was great.

The banquet, the food, it was all lovely.

‘…Who is that person?’

I had to look at someone with a face full of disgust.

An elder at the head table was engaged in conversation with the Sword Master.

I was left speechless at the sight.

“I’m truly surprised to see you here, Elder.”

The Cheongyeol Sword Master said with a smile, causing the elder to return a slight grin.

“It’s wonderful to see such a bright face after a long time.”

“I’ve grown old too. Just your words are appreciated.”

The elder spoke casually with the Sword Master, as if they were close friends. Because of him, not only the newcomers but everyone in attendance was holding their breath.

And it was no wonder.

The elder was one of the heavenly figures of the Central Plains.

His title was Pejon.

That damn old man actually came here.

*

“Haha!”

As the Sword Master and Pejon exchanged conversations.

“…Why is Pejon here?”

“Is it really Pejon?”

Those attending the banquet were busily staring at the old man. It was only natural. He was one of the leaders of the righteous faction in the Central Plains.

Only three of them existed.

How many chances would there be to see one of the greatest martial artists up close?

He was a noble being, someone you couldn’t see anywhere.

‘Why is he here?’

I couldn’t comprehend why such an important figure would randomly crash the Blue Dragon banquet. I was utterly baffled.

‘This is seriously shocking.’

From the moment I opened the door, I was stunned. Pejon was sitting at the head table, and I froze like a statue.

According to the Cheongyeol Sword Master, a noble person had come to congratulate the newcomers.

‘That’s ridiculous.’

It was nonsensical.

Did I not know Pejon’s character? He wasn’t the kind of person to do such things.

He showed no interest in anything except for his own martial arts. He’s the kind of old man who obsessively chased the greatness of his martial arts.

‘Congratulate? Unbelievable.’

There’s no way he came to celebrate. The reason for his visit was obvious.

‘It’s because of me.’

He must have come to see me.

‘I thought I could let this slide.’

Pejon wasn’t the kind of person to give up easily. I knew that better than anyone.

‘But I didn’t expect it to go this far.’

Who would have guessed he’d barge into the banquet like this? Just as I was about to eat something amid the uncomfortable atmosphere—

“Baek Donggi.”

Do-yun, who had been picking at food beside me, called my name.

I didn’t respond and just glanced over.

“…Pejon is here.”

“I can see that.”

“It’s probably to see you, right?”

“……”

I couldn’t deny it. No one in this room believed the nonsense that he was here to congratulate the newcomers.

The rumors had already spread like wildfire.

The moment Pejon sought to take me as his disciple, the entire Martial Alliance found out. Given that situation, it was evident Pejon would show up.

Everyone knew, which is why I could feel their occasional glances toward me when Pejon was nearby.

But I ignored that too.

‘Sigh.’

This situation is tangled. Really tangled.

Why did that person have to entangle himself and become such a nuisance?

Tsk. I clicked my tongue while glancing at Pejon.

“……!”

Just then, he was looking at me too. Our gazes met, and my body stiffened for a moment. In that instant—

Snicker.

Suddenly, Pejon’s lips curled into a smile as he looked at me. What’s with that annoying smile?

I felt a surge of anxiety. Given his personality, such an expression likely masked some motives.

What’s going on? Why is he acting like that? Seriously, why?

As my anxiety peaked—

“You.”

Pejon suddenly pointed at someone. It wasn’t me.

“Uh? Yes, Elder….”

To my surprise, he pointed at So-i, who was sitting nearby with a lower rank, flinching at his call.

Pejon’s eyes swept over her gently.

Anyone would think he was ogling a pretty woman, but—

‘He was just checking her out.’

He was merely confirming whether she was a capable individual.

“It’s you.”

“Y-Yes…?”

“Maehwa Seon. You’re the disciple of that old man they say took you in during his later years. Am I right?”

“……Ah.”

Upon hearing his words, So-i widened her eyes and nodded.

“That’s correct. My name is So-i….”

“Hmm.”

He displayed a peculiar reaction, then soon smiled.

“You’re pretty capable. That old man found a decent disciple in his later years.”

“……! Thank you……!”

So-i beamed with joy at Pejon’s praise.

“Oh…….”

“Hi-ah….”

Her smile was so beautiful that the men around couldn’t help but admire her.

She truly was lovely.

Of course, from my perspective, it was somewhat unimpressive.

So, I attempted to eat more food.

“Excuse me, Elder.”

Suddenly, someone approached Pejon to speak with him. I was curious who it was when I saw.

‘Oh my.’

It was the Sword King… no, Sword Dragon Nangong Jin. He approached Pejon, casually initiating a conversation.

Pejon looked at Nangong Jin.

“Hmm.”

He frowned slightly at the sight of Nangong Jin.

“You are….”

“Nangong Jin of the Nangong Clan. I’ve heard a lot about you from my grandfather.”

“…….”

Grandfather. At that word, Pejon narrowed his eyes at Nangong Jin.

“You’re the grandson of the Heavenly Lord.”

Heavenly Lord.

Indeed, Nangong Jin was the grandson of the Heavenly Lord. I had almost forgotten that detail.

“That’s correct. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to humbly ask if I can pour you a drink…”

“No need.”

Pejon’s eyes gleamed with disinterest.

“Oh, but….”

“The Heavenly Lord doesn’t seem to have that great luck.”

“……!”

That was a very different evaluation from So-i’s.

It was the exact opposite. The words struck a visible crack on Nangong Jin’s face.

“Leave. I don’t enjoy alcohol poured by others.”

“……I understand.”

Nangong Jin turned away with a bruised expression. I scratched my cheek as I watched him.

‘…This is quite troublesome.’

It felt like watching the Sword King’s youthful failings. Not very enjoyable. Clearly, the individual involved wasn’t just a simple character, which made things somewhat awkward.

The problem here was.

“So,”

In this situation, Pejon called my name.

“Come over and pour a drink.”

“……Yes?”

Pejon spoke while looking at me. At those words, my face soured.

“Didn’t you hear me?”

“No, I think I heard you well, but it’s just such a strange request.”

“Why? I’m telling you to pour me some wine.”

“But you just said you don’t drink what others pour.”

“True.”

“Then why….”

“Because you’re not ‘others’.”

“What do you…?”

What kind of nonsense is this?

“Isn’t it different when it’s your disciple pouring the drink?”

Pejon said with a laugh, tossing out an outrageous claim. Everyone around inhaled at his words.

I was so dumbfounded I let out a hollow chuckle.

“Why? You don’t want to?”

At Pejon’s remark, I sighed.

“Yes.”

“……!”

Everyone around gasped in disbelief. The great Pejon—the very legend—was turned down so openly.

“I don’t particularly enjoy pouring drinks for others.”

“Ha.”

The table shook at Pejon’s laughter. My body trembled slightly from the momentum. Did I cross a line? Was Pejon about to flip out? Anxiety began to rise again.

“Still, you’re an amusing fellow.”

With that, the pressure dissipated.

Then Pejon stood from the table.

“Alright, this is fun. It wouldn’t be entertaining if it were too easy.”

“No… I wasn’t planning to—.”

“Now that I’ve seen your face, I’m satisfied. I’ll come again.”

“What do you mean you’ll come? Don’t come… Ugh.”

Before I could even finish my words, Pejon vanished. It happened in the blink of an eye.

Once Pejon disappeared, the banquet was engulfed in a massive silence.

He truly just up and left like that.

The bewildered attendees stared blankly, unable to utter a word. In the meantime, the Sword Master seemed to be holding back laughter.

That guy didn’t seem quite right either.

As I stared vacantly at the spot where Pejon had been, I felt a gaze on me from behind.

I turned my head, wondering who was staring at me so intensely.

“……”

As expected, there was someone glaring at me as if they wanted to kill me.

It was none other than Nangong Jin, the man who had just been humiliated by Pejon.

‘Ah.’

Looking at him confirmed my suspicions. Without a doubt, that person was the father of that Nangong trash… no, Nangong Cheonjun.

Furthermore, as I gazed into those heated blue eyes, I thought.

‘…This is going to be troublesome, isn’t it?’

I could tell that trouble was brewing sooner rather than later.

 

---