Chapter 80 On a night when the full moon hung bright and round.
A presence drew closer through the darkness. The rough breathing that had approached from afar stopped before Yeo Il, and silence lingered for a brief moment.
"Is that you, Brother Jeok-myeong?"
No answer came, yet Yeo Il naturally spread her arms.
"If you've arrived, please carry me at once. It's a bit chilly, and today has been nothing but tiring matters. I'd like to leave a place like this as soon as possible."
It was a shameless lie. But Namgung Jeok-myeong, who had only belatedly heard the news and come to retrieve Namgung Soyo, would know nothing. That was precisely why Yeo Il had named him.
As if kneeling before her, Namgung Jeok-myeong's voice—tinged with the cold air—sounded close at hand.
"...You were truly confined here alone?"
The place where Yeo Il had been sitting was the same abandoned house where she had reunited with Jin Myo. Whenever the wind descended from the mountain and slipped through the broken wooden beams, a desolate wail echoed.
"Yes. Can't you tell?"
"You're far too calm for me to believe it."
With a sigh, he lifted her onto his back with practiced ease. Then, cautiously—
"Did you truly see Cheonmyeon Magwi?"
"I'm not certain, but perhaps it was a fake? For someone as infamous as Cheonmyeon Magwi… they were utterly helpless against a female swordswoman and then disappeared. What of Daoist Bang Woo?"
"He is not in good condition. But not enough to warrant grave concern."
"That's a relief."
Namgung Jeok-myeong fell silent for a while, then spoke in a bitter tone.
"From some point onward, the wounds on your body never seem to cease."
When they stepped beneath the red lantern glow of the inn, the bloodstains on her collar and the torn sleeve must have caught his eye.
Concerned, he set her down briefly in a dark alley and removed his outer robe to drape it over her shoulders.
"My fortune hasn't been very good this year, it seems."
"...I'm sorry, Soyo."
"For what?"
"I should have paid you more attention. Without realizing it, I assumed you would manage anything on your own."
As she climbed onto his back again, Yeo Il swallowed a hollow laugh.
Is he soft-hearted, or does he truly think I'm frail?
To be regarded as powerless was a blessing. It meant she had hidden her true identity well.
The more Namgung Jeok-myeong lowered his guard, the better for her. There would be more to use.
"Will today's events become known?"
"No. Nor will they in the future. The martial arts tournament will be halted before the day ends, to prepare for contingencies."
So it had come to that.
"I would prefer Brother Hui-myeong not learn what happened to me. Please inform Daoist Bang Woo as well."
"Knowing Bang Woo's temperament, I wonder if he can accept his mistake being concealed."
"If he can't, what choice does he have? He'll be burdened with unerasable guilt. If I ask, he'll have no choice but to comply."
He let out a dry laugh.
"You truly are astonishingly cold. Just when one forgets, you remind them."
"That's how I am."
"Is that so...."
"I trust no one."
Trust only oneself.
That was a sentiment she most wished to leave with Namgung Jeok-myeong.
It's good that he's easy to use.
But if he alone grew attached, only to be betrayed and deepen his resentment, that would be troublesome.
In that regard, Bang Woo seemed to have eased his vengeful heart toward Wolgeom Ilsal. The Daoist teachings suited him well.
No.
Perhaps time itself was the answer.
"The tournament is halted? Perhaps that is for the best! I've been watching the night sky these past days, and an ominous star has been rising. I tell you, had the tournament not been postponed, disaster would surely have struck!"
"So Aunt can read fortunes as well?"
"How could I possibly discern Heaven's will? Though, Jeok-myeong, there is a household I wish to introduce you to. Their long-serving maid can truly read the cosmos—"
"Let's go inside first. Hui-myeong, Soyo, you two should also rest."
After saying so, Namgung Jeok-myeong embraced Namgung Hui-myeong and Yeo Il in turn, patting their shoulders. When it was Yeo Il's turn, he whispered softly,
"Bang Woo asked me to convey this to you. He seemed quite apologetic."
He pressed a thin letter into her hand, then tactfully guided Danri Mokran away.
Servants began gathering to move the luggage, but Namgung Pae was nowhere to be seen.
Soon, a couple of servants around Seol-yeong's age approached Namgung Hui-myeong.
"You've returned, Young Master! We were startled you arrived so early. Our Third Young Master isn't one to fall out of a tournament so quickly… Something must have happened at the Murim Alliance."
"Mind your own business and move the luggage."
"But Young Master prepared for days! Don't be too disheartened. Even stars have their time to shine. Yours simply hasn't come yet."
"I know. After moving the luggage, bring water. I'll loosen up a bit."
After the announcement of the tournament's cancellation.
Namgung Hui-myeong, who had worn a drained expression for half a day, now seemed somewhat recovered. There was no secret method—Namgung Jeok-myeong had personally trained him these past days to console him. As a result, Hui-myeong's resolve to refine his sword was fiercer than ever.
"Hey, insolent attendant. Make sure Soyo takes her medicine. If you see anyone suspicious, report to me immediately. Understood?"
"Yes."
When she returned to her chamber, servants were still arranging her belongings. Yeo Il handed the letter to Chang-a.
"Chang-a, will you read it?"
"Yes."
She expected a clear, gentle voice.
Instead, a low, playful one sounded.
"'Namgung Soyo, I shall come to apologize without delay. This time I will certainly keep my promise, so please wait…' Hmm. Rather forward, isn't he?"
"Apologize? Did something happen between you and that rigid Daoist?" Seol-yeong asked curiously.
"It's nothing much. A common matter between a man and a woman."
Chang-a's cheeks flushed.
"B-Between a man and a woman…!"
"I don't know what happened, but I feel a bit sorry for Daoist Bang Woo."
Fanning the letter idly, Jin Cheong-ak smiled faintly.
"Of course you would. Poor Bang Woo. I wonder when he'll realize he's been thoroughly used."
"If you keep your mouth shut, he never will."
"Really? He didn't seem that dull. Shall we make a small wager?"
"No."
"If I lose, I'll grant Namgung Soyo any one wish she desires."
Such a generous condition was unlike miserly Jin Cheong-ak. Yeo Il frowned.
"You obey me anyway."
He smiled and shrugged.
"If you believe so, I have nothing to say."
After a brief silence, Yeo Il turned her head and said coolly,
"The wager lasts while I remain in the Namgung Clan. I'll offer similar terms. But only for something I deem worth granting."
A groan followed.
"Isn't that unfair? Setting aside the conditions, you could quit playing the illegitimate daughter tomorrow and end it."
"If you dislike it, forget it."
Jin Cheong-ak tried for quite some time to persuade her to set a clearer period—"at least one season, or until the end of the year"—but ultimately gave up and accepted the wager.
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