788 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The moment I heard those words, I couldn't quite believe what I was hearing. “It sounded like he said it's off-limits…” Although Elder Il Jang was whistling and avoiding eye contact, I was sure that's what he said. “Off-limits?” Whether it's out of bounds or not doesn't matter. The difference in terminology isn't important. What's critical is that this directive pertains to Elder Il Jang. "If so... by whom?" Judging by his words, it seemed to be the Martial Alliance, but no matter how much I pondered, I couldn't understand. "Why would Elder Il Jang...?" How did that old man end up in such a predicament? That was the biggest issue for me. Of course, he’s a man whose fiery personality and troublesome nature are well-known even within the sect. “Your expression is quite odd. Are you thinking ill of this old man?” “No way.” He was perceptive too. At least, he wasn't someone who lived committing sins. “…?” I paused for a moment as memories from childhood began to resurface. Suddenly, a dizzying sensation hit me. It felt like those were memories I didn’t want to remember. If it was that man, well, it might be possible. But a suspicion lingered. Still... "No matter how severe it was." For the Alliance to make such a judgment, it would have had to have been a significant incident. To reach the level of being barred, it would have been nearly impossible if it wasn’t something of a nefarious nature. If one is a warrior, it implies belonging to the unorthodox. If another group has been banned, it suggests they distrust and avoid the Alliance. For the Martial Alliance to prohibit access to a region carries that connotation. "Could Elder Il Jang...?" A renowned elder and master known for his noble martial arts being prohibited from accessing Hanam? What on earth would have prompted such a thing? Moreover, for something like this to happen and not be classified as nefarious, plus never having heard about it, was odd. “Elder Il Jang... what exactly did you mean just now?” “What are you referring to?” “What you just mentioned.” “So... what was it?” “You said you've been barred from Hanam…” “What are you talking about?” “…” I see. Seeing Elder Il Jang's reaction, I nodded. "Are you really going to play ignorant?" He decided to play coy, acting as though nothing had happened. Did he really think I would just let it go? "Just now, you said—" There was no way I could let it slide. Determined to dig into the truth, I tried to pinpoint Elder Il Jang's words. “You were barred from entering...” “That reminds me, Yangcheon. If you were to take the position of the clan leader, what would become of the young successor?” “…If he couldn’t, it wouldn’t be surprising, right?” “Right?” “Yes, absolutely.” “Hahaha!” “Hahaha…” I quickly changed my words mid-sentence. “This cunning old man….” Indeed, no one could outdo Elder Il Jang in craftiness. Though he seemed unaware, Elder Il Jang clearly understood my concerns and subtly warned me that if I pried too much, he would retaliate. “Damn it.” Because of that, I had no choice but to stay silent for a while. Even after a long time apart, he was still a difficult person. Thump. Thump. He continued to pat me on the shoulder with his large hand. “You look well, I'm pleased to see it.” “…I’ll ask anyway.” “Hmm?” “If you’re barred, is it really okay for you to be here…?” I wouldn’t ask why he’s barred, but whether it was acceptable for him to be here still needed asking. Wouldn’t it cause problems? I asked out of concern. “Hmm? Ah, hahahaha! No worries.” Elder Il Jang laughed heartily as he replied. "As long as I’m not caught, isn’t it fine? Hahahaha!" “...” Hearing that, I immediately massaged my forehead. “Ugh. That doesn’t sound reassuring at all.” No words. How could he be like this? Talking with him only increased my anxiety. "Sigh…." Unable to hold it in, I let out a deep breath, when suddenly, a sharp pain spiked in my back. Thud! “Ouch!?” “Tsk tsk, why is a young man sighing with such concerns?” “...” It's because of you. I couldn’t say that aloud, so I merely shook my head slightly. In any case. “That’s that... Did you come just to see me?” Were the incidents with the hundred-ranked monster and the change in my alias the real reasons? I asked out of curiosity. “Well, that wasn't the main reason, but it’s a significant part.” I felt a subtle sense of relief at Elder Il Jang’s response. While it played a role, the main reason lay elsewhere. I focused on his words. "Yes, that makes more sense." From Sanseo to Hanam, the distance and the time it would take for the information to reach him. Considering that, it didn't make sense for him to rush here immediately upon hearing the news. While it was theoretically possible... "Elder Il Jang is, after all, a master of lofty martial arts." If he exerted himself, it wasn’t impossible. Especially since Elder Il Jang’s martial arts allow him to push his body to its limits. Given that, it wasn't entirely out of the question. “…I hope it wasn’t the case.” I hoped Elder Il Jang hadn't pushed himself just to get here. That’s why I felt relieved by his answer. “Do you know how shocked I was when I came here? Scaring an old man like that, really.” He ruffled my hair once again. By now, there probably wasn’t a hair on my head left unruffled. "It's nothing serious.” “Nothing serious, huh! You brat…!” “So, why did you come? Can you tell me that first?” Cutting off what seemed like a long story, I asked Elder Il Jang. His face frowned into his usual fearsome expression, and I instinctively flinched. Was he going to be angry? Preparing to possibly dodge, I was taken aback. “…It’s nothing major.” Fortunately, Elder Il Jang didn’t get angry and began to explain to me in a slightly displeased tone. “There’s an old geezer who insists I accompany him, you see.” “What?” “It seems like his mind is slipping, staying locked away in his room all the time. He said he needed an escort or something.” “…?” The more I listened, the more my expression twisted. No matter how I tried to make sense of it, it wasn't easy. So someone asked him to come along… because they needed an escort? Elder Il Jang, of all people? Dragged into such a role? “That sounds utterly insane.” If that’s not craziness, then what is? Elder Il Jang is one of the few figures whom even my father dares not cross lightly within our house. Even though my father is officially above him as the patriarch, they respect each other, and there's no condescension. Even after all the chaos and raising me, a direct blood relative, in his own way, Elder Il Jang has maintained his esteemed position, demonstrating his strong standing. And now he’s supposedly providing escort services in Hanam? “What kind of nonsense is that?” “No matter what, an old man like him should be gracefully aging. Yet, he’s only become more stubborn… Tsk tsk tsk. It's no wonder his daughter dislikes him so much.” “Elder…?” “Anyway, that's how it is, so let's get going.” “…And suddenly, what's become urgent? Moreover, where are we headed?” Even though nothing had been resolved for me, Elder Il Jang was keen to take me somewhere suddenly. Of course, I showed my resistance, refusing to go. “Huh?” “Don't ‘huh’ me. Where are you trying to drag me off to all of a sudden?” “Oh, nothing much. That old fellow wanted to see you. We might as well go say hello since we’re here.” “You speak as if we’re just going out for a meal. Why would I meet someone I don’t even know?” From what I gathered, it seemed Elder Il Jang brought this person along. The fact that this person wanted to meet me seemed odd enough, but I saw no compelling reason to comply. Especially when I had so many things to attend to today. I hadn’t even seen my little ones; I simply didn’t have time for casual encounters. I was thinking of steadfastly refusing when Elder Il Jang continued, “About not knowing... Well, technically, yes, but it’s not entirely true either.” Elder Il Jang stroked his chin thoughtfully as he spoke to me. “To put it precisely, he is your grandfather.” “…What?” Hearing that, my expression twisted further. The mention of my grandfather didn’t bring back good memories for me. --- As noon passed, it became a clear daytime. Hanam. Amidst the region managed by Baekhwa Trading Company. There, along what seemed like a well-maintained path, but more like a hill, someone was strolling. There were two people, both women with long hair, each possessing striking beauty. One had black hair with a slight red hue and was clearly uncomfortable with the situation, her expression consistently showing displeasure. Beside her walked another woman with black hair, seemingly uninterested in her companion's reactions and more intent on taking in the surrounding scenery. As they walked, one of them suddenly stopped. “…Why on earth did she summon us, really?” One of the women, Gu Hee Bi, voiced her anxiety. “Really. Why did she call us? Did I do something wrong? I don't think so… Nothing I’ve done wrong should be found out, right?” Nervously, Gu Hee Bi continued biting her nails in a frenzy. Seeing this, the other woman took her arm. “Sister, don’t bite.” “Yes… you're right.” “Calm down.” “…You seem pretty calm, sis.” “…Am I, though?” Gu Hee Bi's words were a lie. The other woman knew. Ever since they received the message that morning, she had seemed shaken with a pale face. “Really, I'm fine… truly.” She tried to smile, but her scrunched-up lips told a different story. “Okay.” The woman nodded, choosing not to probe further. If she says it's fine, then it is—no need to question it further. “It’ll be alright... It’s going to be okay, right? Or will it not?” “Should we head back home?” “No… if we turn back now, we might actually die.” “Why?” “Remember what you told me before?” Gu Hee Bi touched her arm, as if experiencing chills. “There are exactly two things I'm afraid of in this world.” Just two. Gu Hee Bi feared only two things, and one of them was— “An angry mother.” “Your mother?” “Yes, she’s truly terrifying when she’s angry.” Even imagining it was scary. Despite having never learned martial arts, Gu Hee Bi always turned into a frightened mouse in front of her mother, Mi Hyoran. “…There was a time when I got into trouble while playing with my younger brother.” Her brother, her one and only brother. Eager to show him a good time, she had gone too far, and they ended up rolling down from a high place. Gu Yangcheon, terrified, had said he didn’t want to, but Gu Hee Bi egged him on, claiming it would be fun. —I’m scared, sis. I don’t want to… Aaaaah!— She didn’t know at the time. Gu Hee Bi often landed gracefully from high places, so she believed Gu Yangcheon would be able to as well. Sadly, Gu Yangcheon wasn’t able to. As a result, he landed hard and ended up with a scar on his face. If they hadn't treated him immediately, it might have left a permanent scar. Fortunately, Gu Yangcheon received good treatment, and there were no further issues... ‘…Except.’ Their mother, Mi Hyoran. Having heard the news, Mi Hyoran dropped everything and returned to the clan. She inspected the wounded Gu Yangcheon and called Gu Hee Bi to her in secret to talk about the situation. ‘…Urgh…’ Remembering that day, Gu Hee Bi shivered. That day was hell. Gu Hee Bi learned that day what it means to kill a person with words. Not only did she hear a list of over a hundred to two hundred reasons why it should never have happened. She also received a chilling warning about what would happen if it happened again. In the months that followed, she lived a life of strict education to correct her flawed concepts. Even their stern father stepped in to ask Mi Hyoran to ease up. There was nothing more frightening than an angry Mi Hyoran. Gu Hee Bi’s lasting impression was that above all else, an enraged Mi Hyoran was terrifying. Typically, when Mi Hyoran was angry… ‘…And she sends a letter like this.’ Instead of coming herself, she would summon me. To come and be scolded. It was as if she wanted me to mentally prepare in advance. Knowing this, Gu Hee Bi's mind raced. “…Really, what could it be…?” What trouble did I get into? No, more precisely, which trouble has been discovered? The more I thought about it, the dizzier I got. ‘There are too many.’ The number of issues I've caused is overwhelming. Was it because I crushed that young master’s manhood when he was being lecherous? Or maybe it was because I burned the hair of that obese merchant who forced himself on his attendant—I’ve heard he had some ties with the Baekhwa Trading Company. If not that… ‘Did they find out I secretly sold the porcelain vase my mother cherishes…?’ It wasn’t easy to pinpoint. There weren’t just one or two incidents, and what if it wasn’t just one, but all? ‘All of them?’ What if everything was uncovered? That would really be a death sentence. Should I just run away? Yes, that would be the right move. Gu Hee Bi, having made up her mind, immediately turned around, but— “Young miss.” “…?” Her steps came to an abrupt halt; she had already reached her destination. The person who had noticed her was already there to greet her. Seeing him, Gu Hee Bi forced a crooked smile. “…Haven’t seen you for a long time.” “Have you been well?” “…Of course….” “I’ll be guiding you from here.” “Oh, well. It seems like I might have left something behind, so I was thinking of going back for it…” “Oh, is that so? My lady is waiting for you. It seems you’re a bit late, and I was given the task of bringing you in… but I suppose if you must…” “Let’s go.” It seems running away wasn't an option after all. Gu Hee Bi’s expression turned pale as she followed the guide, a sense of resignation setting in. As on the way in, the inside of the residence was even more meticulously maintained. It felt as if it was meant to celebrate a journey's end. “Haha.” “Pardon?” “It’s nothing. A butterfly’s funny appearance just made me laugh.” “A butterfly… you say?” “Yes.” Though it was a strange response, the servant didn’t press further. As they resumed their walk, Gu Hee Bi glanced to the side. White buds peeked from the bushes scattered around. “...” Gu Hee Bi cast a glance at them. She couldn’t quite remember their names. Though they weren’t flowers her mother, Mi Hyoran, favored, she raised them the most. Gu Hee Bi knew these flowers were favored by someone. -Our Hee Bi is so pretty; this suits you too. Yeonseo, would you come here too? The person who lovingly tucked a flower by her ear with a warm yet cool touch. That person loved these flowers. The corners of the estate bloomed with them. Strangely, all of these flowers had been removed from the clan's home. Seeing them invoked deep thought. “Young miss?” The servant called, prompting Gu Hee Bi to turn her head hastily. “I’m coming.” She brushed away her thoughts and moved forward, but— “...” The black-haired woman following behind also paused to look at the flowers. Despite Gu Hee Bi moving ahead, she focused intently on the blooms. “...” Absorbing every detail, she eventually turned and followed Gu Hee Bi. --- Finally, they arrived inside the residence. As they approached, Gu Hee Bi's expression soured, but there was nothing she could do. From the moment the servant knew she was here, it meant she was already in Mi Hyoran’s grasp. Running away now would only end worse for her. If caught later, the scolding would be more severe. ‘Yes.’ If she was to be reprimanded, better it be now. Surely she wouldn’t kill her own daughter. Thoughts like these reassured Gu Hee Bi, and she nodded to herself. “Well then, I shall take my leave.” “Couldn’t you stay a little longer…?” “Pardon?” “No, it’s nothing…. Never mind.” She contemplated holding onto the servant a bit longer, but it seemed petty, so she refrained. The bewildered servant left. In that slightly desolate space, Gu Hee Bi looked around. It was always the same, a spacious and solitary abode. Though not the main residence, all Mi Hyoran's abodes had this atmosphere. Large enough for someone else to join, but unwelcoming by demeanor. Despite Mi Hyoran’s disinclination to host or welcome others in her usual manner, all her homes felt like this. As a child, she thought maybe her mother liked such houses, but as she grew, her perception shifted. Perhaps there was a reason. Gu Hee Bi often pondered such things. “…Where would mother be?” She swallowed dryly and looked around. Facing her mother felt like approaching the underworld judge. With a tense demeanor, Gu Hee Bi scanned her surroundings with anxious eyes. Then— -…take this… -Mmm! Voices reached her from not so far away. ‘Is it over there?’ Following the sound, Gu Hee Bi moved. The voices grew clearer, indicating she was on the right path. -This is good, too-! -Oh, is it? I’m glad. -Mm! -Then, why don’t you try this one too? -Mm! It’s delicious! -Hoho. You’re eating well. ‘Huh?’ Gu Hee Bi’s face tensed slightly. Something felt off. ‘There are two voices.’ Why were there two voices in what should be her mother's solitary place? And one belonged to a child. The tone seemed vaguely familiar, oddly provoking a desire to tease. The other voice, well— -Darling, you shouldn’t be making a mess with your food. Come here, let me clean you up. -Okay. “...” She recognized it as her mother’s voice, but Gu Hee Bi couldn’t readily believe it. ‘What’s going on.’ Such a gentle and tender voice was not one she ever heard from her mother. Even the conversation seemed different. Really? And who’s this person with such a demeanor? ‘Impossible.’ The same woman who would lecture on etiquette for spilling food? How could she use such a tone? No matter how she considered it, the situation made no sense. Gu Hee Bi nervously took a step forward as she listened. -Can I have more of this, Madam? -Of course, would you like something else as well? -Yes! I like you, Madam! -I told you not to call me that, remember? -Oh, right. Before she knew it, Gu Hee Bi had reached the door. With trembling hands, she grasped the knob. Creak-! The once closed door swung open. At that moment, “Grandma, I like you!” “Yes, I like my grandchild too…” Inside, Mi Hyoran, who was laughing with a child in her arms, locked eyes with Gu Hee Bi. “...” “...” A silence settled over them, staring at each other wordlessly. For Gu Hee Bi, it was a different kind of hell.