813 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions The Childhood Friend of the Zenith (Cheonhajeil-in-ui Sokkupchon-gu / 천하제일인의 소꿉친구) Chapter 813 (813/820) Roll-roll-thud! A small bead rolled and plopped into the depths of my mind. Lady Mi does not hate us. That statement felt odd. Is that really true? My whole life, I'd been convinced that Lady Mi resented and loathed me. It was the only way I could make sense of the world. 'If not, then how could it be?' The reasons to dislike me outweigh any reasons to favor me. There are more reasons to push me away than to embrace me. Thus, it eluded my comprehension. "She doesn't hate me? How can you be so sure?" I asked Gu Ryeong Hwa, puzzled by her certainty about Lady Mi's feelings. With a slightly peculiar expression, Gu Ryeong Hwa replied, "Brother, don't you really know?" "Know what?" "How can you not know...? It's really sad for our sisters...." "Stop beating around the bush and speak clearly." "It’s just that it seems only you don't know, brother." Gu Ryeong Hwa frowned deeply. Though she seemed inclined to explain further, she paused. "...No, forget it." "What?" "I'm not going to tell you." "It's unfair to start saying something and then stop." "And you’re unfair saying you'd come but never showed up. I heard you even planned to visit Yeongpung Sahaji but ended up not going.... Who's calling whom unfair?" "..." Once again, I found myself at a loss for words. She became more adept at arguing as she aged. Damn it. With my tongue tied, I could only remain silent as Gu Ryeong Hwa sighed softly. “Enough of this.... Anyway, brother, what are you planning to do now? Are you going back to Shanxi (Sanseo / 산서)?” “…” “…You’re heading somewhere else again, aren’t you.” Her disappointed expression compelled me to speak hastily. “It's just because I have some matters to attend to. It's not that I don’t want to go back.... Really, it’s just that-.” “No need to make excuses. I know you’re busy, brother.” With these words, Gu Ryeong Hwa turned her head to look straight ahead. “You’re trying to capture that Heavenly Demon (Cheon Ma / 천마) or whatever, aren’t you?” “…” Her unexpected words caused my body to freeze momentarily. It was unforeseen that Gu Ryeong Hwa would mention such a thing. “I know. I am aware now that you've become an important figure to the people. That you are busy capturing those of the Demonic Cult (Magyo / 마교).” Without words to respond, I held my breath and kept silent. “They say you're being called a hero? Honestly, I don’t see any heroic features in you, brother.” Despite her incredulous tone, the corners of her lips curled up faintly. “Still, there’s a tiny bit of pride.” “…” “Don’t get any wrong ideas. It’s just a sliver. People keep praising how great you are, brother.... So just a little pride sprouted. Got it?” My expression must have looked strange; perhaps she misunderstood, as she kept denying it. What kind of face must I have made for her to react that way? Whatever the case, it was likely a misunderstanding. The expression I'm wearing now stems not from shame or disbelief. “Like I said, it's fine. Really.” It was embarrassment directed at myself. In this self-crafted scenario, the acclaim directed at me wasn’t truly mine. Yet. “Brother? What’s wrong?” “…Nothing. Just feeling a bit off in my stomach.” Hearing those words from Gu Ryeong Hwa, I found myself pleased, but that very fact nauseated me. ****************** The next morning. I arrived at my destination in light attire. After concluding my conversation with Gu Ryeong Hwa and further discussing with Elder Il (Iljang-ro / 일장로), I proceeded to Lady Mi. Technically, I intended to see Moyong Hee-ah, but she refused to meet me, still upset for some reason. Thus, I relayed the message through Lady Mi. She remained calm upon hearing I intended to visit Sichuan (Sacheon / 사천). Nevertheless. “Are you leaving the child here?” “What?” “I refer to the child.” “Oh.” She seemed to be referring to Ddolddol. I momentarily pondered. Does she want me to take it along to avoid the hassle of managing it? Believing this to be the case, I spoke to Lady Mi. “Leaving it with you would be bothersome, so I suppose I should take it-” “I didn’t express any inconvenience.” There seemed to be a hint of sternness. Perhaps just my imagination? “…Ah, is that so? Still, taking it with me seems—.” “With the responsibilities of the Murim Alliance keeping you busy, managing the child would be difficult. I will handle it.” “…” If she was going to decide, why ask...? I wanted to sincerely question her, but restrained myself since the outcome wasn’t unfavorable. Taking Ddolddol along would have been convenient, but the mission didn’t particularly require it. Moreover, with so many people, it couldn't be utilized. So, it was fine to leave it for now. The only concern was not knowing what mischief it might get into if left alone.... “Does it seem to be enjoying itself?” Ddolddol maintained innocent appearances, living comfortably. I’d heard it accompanied Lady Mi on frequent outings. “What exactly do they do?” What indeed. It didn’t seem like they were up to anything significant. Simply some clothes shopping and feeding, it seemed. “…Hmm.” Perplexing, but for now, I decided to let it be. As long as it was doing well, that sufficed. Thinking thus, I nodded. “The current issue isn’t about that….” I rubbed my chin, recalling Lady Mi’s father— the former leader of the Baekhwa Trading Company (Baekhwa Sangdan / 백화상단). “I needed to meet him again.” The previous leader of the Baekhwa Trading Company. An individual reputedly a direct descendant of the Gu family. I had questions for him, but. “He was gone.” Though I'd tried to find him while visiting Lady Mi last night, the old man seemed to vanish somewhere. Where could he have disappeared to? Did he really vanish? Perhaps Lady Mi didn’t want me meeting him and hid him away. Indeed, that seemed very likely. “But why?” Why does Lady Mi dislike her father? And if he is of Gu blood, why is the old man despised? The questions run deep. Elder Il assured it wasn’t problematic, but. “Aren’t you curious?” Even pretending not to, the curiosity lingered regardless. Translated and Implemented Instructions I was determined to find out as much as possible. For that, I had to. 'I must finish this quickly and return.' I intended to complete this task as swiftly as possible, hopefully. 'Before the season ends.' Now that autumn had just arrived, I aimed to conclude everything before its end. With such resolve, I turned around. Behind me stood a group of less than twenty, all tense and waiting. "Is everyone ready?" "…All personnel are prepared." Tang So-yeol (Dang So-yeol / 당소열), standing by my side, responded immediately to my brief inquiry. Her rapid response suggested she had anticipated the question and was ready. I resisted the urge to ruffle her hair, finding it endearing, because there were too many eyes watching. "Is that so? Then let's start-." I was about to report to Mok Yeon (Mugyeon / 묵연) for departure when— "Hmm?" I sensed someone approaching. Turning, I saw a group coming from afar. It wasn't a small group, and their garments were unmistakably familiar. Everyone else seemed to recognize them too, as they widened their eyes. "Isn't that <One Azure Sword> (Ilcheonggeom / 일청검)?" "That's the Azure Dragon Squad Leader!" Leading the approaching group was a well-dressed middle-aged man. It was none other than <One Azure Sword>, the Azure Dragon Squad Leader, reputed as the strongest among the squad leaders next to the current Sword Emperor. He was walking toward us with his subordinates trailing behind. Watching him, the others reacted. It wasn't surprising that the Azure Dragon Squad had shown up. We were already informed that this mission involved cooperation with the Azure Dragon Squad. Their appearance wasn't unusual, but— "Why would <One Azure Sword> come personally?" The fact that the Azure Dragon Squad Leader himself was here was an entirely different matter. "Isn't he here just to see us off?" "Would the Azure Dragon Squad Leader personally bother? Aren't they said to be quite distant?" "There were rumors of some friction between them, weren't there?" As the murmurs grew louder due to these slight rumors, I too stepped forward toward <One Azure Sword>. "Senior <One Azure Sword>." "Good to see you." <One Azure Sword> extended his hand casually as he spoke. I grasped it without hesitation. Smiling, I spoke while clasping his hand. "…I've heard you kindly offered your help, but I didn't expect you to show up personally." "Haha. With the Star Dragon Squad's first mission, I couldn't just sit idly by. I'm glad to offer my assistance even in this way." A gentle squeeze. The grip wasn't too firm, just enough pressure. "However, I was slightly concerned that it might burden the Star Dragon Squad Leader." "How could it be? I've heard much about your recent reputation, Senior. Having your support is reassuring." "That’s a relief to hear." Our exchange sounded endlessly warm. Those behind us, witnessing this, could only express their surprise openly. "Looks like they’re closer than we thought." "Why would the esteemed <One Azure Sword> ever have conflicts…." They started drawing their own conclusions from the situation. Their chatter was amusing, but I ignored it. The truth was that the atmosphere wasn't as warm as it seemed. 'This brat is already provoking me as soon as he arrives.' I went over <One Azure Sword>'s words, analyzing them. - Because it's the Star Dragon Squad's first mission, he couldn’t just stay still - He's here anxiously worrying that the mission will flop right from the start. - I was concerned it might be a burden to have the Star Dragon Squad Leader - He's implying that his presence might mitigate our inexperience, although it might be annoying. Even if I interpreted his intentions somewhat differently, that seemed to be his meaning. His few words contained quite a few concealed barbs. Annoyed from his opening move, I countered with my own remark. - I've heard much about your recent reputation, Senior. Having your support is reassuring - Referring here to his so-called reputation. <One Azure Sword> had not been completing many missions recently, and the associated losses were common knowledge. Mentioning such circumstances, it certainly wasn’t meant in a good way. "Haha." "Hahaha." Our laughter carried with it a hidden strength, our grip intensifying. The handshake went beyond ordinary pressure, venturing into the realm of subtle contest. Sensing this, I adjusted my stance slightly. Swoosh.... Predictably, I let go, as if startled, just as our internal energies lightly collided. Thump! The release of hands caused a shallow breeze, slightly stirring my hair. Simultaneously. "Star Dragon Squad Leader." "Yes." <One Azure Sword> addressed me. "If there's anything that concerns you, leave it behind." He smiled. "Our Azure Dragon Squad will sincerely support your Star Dragon Squad, and the mission will certainly be accomplished." There was a slyness beneath his confident tone. Normally, I would have felt insulted, but this time I managed to smile. "Concerns? I have none, surely." I had no worries. The reason being, I trusted this man known as <One Azure Sword>. We shared the same goal. "I believe in you, Senior." No matter the situation. "So let's put in our best effort together." I expected him to act in accordance with my wishes.