506 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.506 The Third Trial - 12 What kind of nonsensical misunderstanding is this? The relationship between Gi Mun Hyang Joo and me involves too many secretive stories, intertwined with the poisons of the Sacheon Danga and the illegitimate child of the Danga Lord, which seems to have given rise to this unbelievable misunderstanding. It might also be because Gi Mun Hyang Joo looks like she is in her late twenties. Still, considering our relationship, she is like a grandmother to me. Even though Gi Mun Hyang Joo found it absurd, she knew that strongly denying it would only make it more fodder for gossip. She saw me off as if to dismiss me. “In the end, a problem erupted.” I sighed deeply upon returning to the mansion and muttered. Of course, the rumors from the pleasure quarters weren't the real issue. I followed every instruction she gave me completely. Gi Mun Hyang Joo, it might be troublesome for you, but please handle it on your own. The problem I faced was an entirely different matter. And it was a serious one. “What happened to your room?” Jeon Gil San asked, bewildered, staring at the section of my room where the wall had completely collapsed. “A log fell on it.” It was the same log that sent an assassin flying through the air. No matter how sturdy you build a house, it can't withstand an ambush formation created with great care by Jegal Saega’s youngest. “What? Are you saying some lunatics assaulted you with a log?” “No, the log was launched.” “What are you talking about?” I can't believe it myself, so don't expect further explanations from me. Where exactly in the room was a log stored? If Jegal So-jeo had enough budget and time, she might install a mechanism within the mansion to launch something like a lion robot or anything similar. I subtly glanced at Jegal So-jeo. “Aah... Ah...” Jegal So-jeo was at a loss for words, staring at the final wall barely holding its shape before it toppled over. “Well, something like that happened.” Though my life was spared, she doesn't need to feel too guilty. Camping is popular these days, so why not think of it as camping at home? “It’s completely barren. Where are you going to sleep?” “For the time being, I’ll stay in the annex.” I have endured forced homelessness while wandering the martial world, but a warm indoor space seems better than camping. Since the main building only has my room and Jegal So-jeo’s room, my only option is Hayeon Sojeo’s annex where she used to stay. “Is that okay?” “Well, I can’t exactly sleep while feeling the autumn air. They say they'll ensure strict security with the existing guards at Nae-won, so I’ll have to trust them this time.” Though a bit cramped, it shouldn’t pose a problem. “I-I’m s-s-sorry...” “There’s no need to worry too much. A house can always be repaired. The important things are safe.” I stopped Jegal So-jeo from apologizing any further with a smile and approached my desk to open a drawer. “What are you taking out?” “Something to work on during my two-week break.” I pulled out a thick stack of papers. “Oh? Kang Gong Ja-nim, that wouldn't happen to be..." As expected of Jegal So-jeo. She realized what it was in a glance, her eyes widening in surprise. “Yes, it’s the draft of the fourth volume of Danga Poongwoon.” “Wow! Is Hopil Jagnim returning?” “I postponed Danga Poongwoon because Mankeum Jeonjang acquired the Daeseok Library. As soon as the successor trial ends, I'll prepare for it right away.” Even the successor of Mankeum Jeonjang is taking an exam to write novels, so it’s about time. “Ha... really now.” Gilsan looked over my manuscript, sighed as if finding it hard to believe. “Why? Are you still surprised I’m the author, Hopil?” “No, I just can't believe you still haven’t written the fourth volume when it’s been so long since the third was released.” I could see Gilsan’s gaze piercing through me with a look of exasperation. “…” “Ah…” "Well... it's not like I was just idling. I've written Pungun Hyupgaek Jeon, managed my business, took exams, fought life-threatening battles...” And I was quite busy with my romantic endeavors too. Yes, it might be my fault that I haven't written the fourth volume after publishing the third at the beginning of the year, but still. I've written three volumes if you count this year's work. While there are web novelists who write one chapter a day, back in the day, authors who released a novel every three to four months were considered diligent and industrious. It’s unfair. “The readers of Daseo Hoe must be waiting indefinitely.” “Ugh!” The readers are waiting. My feeble excuse was immediately shut down. “Actually, I-I also really want to read the fourth volume soon.” Even Jegal So-jeo! She too couldn’t resist saying a word as an avid reader. “I’ll do my utmost to release the next volume as soon as I become the successor.” As an author who casually takes hiatuses and makes threats to readers, there's really no room for retreat. —— I finally had a leisurely day. After spending time writing my novel, practicing martial arts with Jo Cheol, and finishing dinner, an unexpected predicament arose. “Must you really do this?” In the small room, where I had come to sleep, a few sentries had already settled in even before I adapted to the unfamiliar sleeping arrangement. “Please act as if we’re not here and go about as usual!” The guards insisted on standing watch inside the bedroom. Even if my room’s security was breached while I slept, having three guards in this small space is excessive. “There’s no ignoring the presence of three people in a room meant for one.” “If it makes you uneasy, we can increase it to four!” To fit another person in this cramped space, they might need to work as a lullaby team. "We promise there won't be any further mistakes!” "Bear with the inconvenience for just two weeks, please!" "We'll ensure impenetrable security inside and out of the annex! Have peace of mind!" They sounded like they were proposing to have a drink party in a studio room, but promised to prevent any more mistakes with burning determination. It made it hard to refuse them. I guess there’s no choice. “I’ll be counting on you.” It's better than meeting a tragic fate while sleeping. ————— “Is Kang Gong Ja-nim feeling under the weather?” “Hey. What's with your face?” Not at all. “Last night, one of the guards protecting my room mentioned retiring in ten years and returning home. Another left his wife in Honam Province to come here to earn money, and the youngest guard appears to have budding feelings with a recent acquaintance from the hospital.” I think you're misunderstanding. Nurses are just naturally kind, especially to their regular patients. Smiling at someone doesn't necessarily signal romantic interest. "What?" "What are you talking about now?" "Getting all these stares from men is not something easy to handle." It had already been a few days. I was struggling to sleep. "Why not just send them away?" "It's not like the threat has disappeared completely. The chief of the guard asked for a chance to redeem himself; turning him away harshly feels too cruel." The captain of the guard has over twenty family members to support, including two wives and an elderly mother. If he loses his job, they'll all end up on the streets. "Still, that’s a bit much." "I thought I could handle it if I didn’t pay too much attention, but since someone intruded while I was asleep, it’s been hard to relax. My body tenses up, waking me at every little sound in the room." And why are their conversations so entertaining? It's like being forced to listen to a soap opera on a commuter bus TV. Every line sticks to my ears as I try to sleep. "What to do." "I’ll get used to it eventually and sleep through it." Whether it was my friends gathering every day in my studio for board games or impromptu parties, when you're tired, you end up sleeping no matter the circumstances. It'll be okay. —— "Kang Gong Ja-nim. The paperwork is sorted. Here you go." I ought to finish the paperwork by the morning. Now, what was it again? What was it I needed to get? "Kang Gong Ja-niim." I should write my novel by noon. Later, when Jo Cheol arrives… "Heyy, Kang Gong Ja-nim. Wake uppp." I should focus on my tasks. The work... What was I working on? "Hey! Kang Yoon-ho!!!" Jeon Gil San’s shout snapped me awake. "Oh! I dozed off for a moment. Sorry, what did you say?" It's been a week since the assassination attempt, and I'm not used to it at all. I turned and saw Jeon Gil San with a serious expression and Jegal So-jeo watching me with concern. "I called your name. Your name." "Kang, Kang Gong Ja-nim." "It’s fine. It’s just that writing with Jo Cheol and training has added to my to-do list. It’s not because I haven’t been sleeping." A lie. I've been struggling with sleep for a week now. 'Is it because of my wandering days in the central plains?' During the first year, I was so despised as a barbarian that I was grateful just to sleep in a shed. With wild animals, thugs, martial artists, and hostile locals to worry about, I always slept with one eye open, ready for anything. Back then, being on guard even when asleep was beneficial. The heightened senses I developed thanks to my breathing techniques would alert me before bandits or thieves could. But the current situation is troublesome. It seems that the assassination attempt has left me tense, reminiscent of my early wandering days. "You're lying. Hyangi, don’t you have any tricks up your sleeve? You're good with peculiar things." Unable to overlook my state, Gil San asked Jegal So-jeo. "A proper formation takes time. I could set up a simple one, but it wouldn’t be effective." Jegal So-jeo replied with a solemn expression, offering no real solution. "The formation used against the intruders last time also required extensive preparation." Deploying domains, crafting techniques—if only it could be solved by chanting "sweet sleep formation." If formations in martial arts were quick, it would transform into a supernatural battle series rather than swordsmanship. "In such a small room, even a simple formation feels inadequate. Installing mechanical traps could be safer, but that would take too long." There’s no need for her to hang her shoulders. I’m just too sensitive for a good night's sleep. "If Hyangi says so, I guess we have to wait until your room is repaired or the culprit is caught." "I’m fine. Missing some sleep doesn’t kill anyone." I said with a smile, brushing off their concern, but they looked even more worried. I need to get up. “Where are you going?” “It’s time for Jo Cheol to arrive. I need to get ready for training… Hmm?” Passing by Jegal So-jeo, my feet stumbled unexpectedly. “Kang Gong Ja-nim!” Jegal So-jeo quickly caught me. “I lost my footing, sorry about that.” I lost my balance and ended up embracing her. “Are you okay?” “Yes, I’m fine. Just let me stay like this for a moment.” A pleasant scent filled the air. The fragrance of hydrangeas slowly loosened the tension in my body. “Ah... uh... Kang Gong Ja-nim.” “Are you seriously going to sleep on your feet now? You don’t look fine at all. Hyangi, are you sure there’s no way?” “I said I’m fine.” I shook myself awake and stood upright. “There is one way for a comfortable sleep.” Jegal So-jeo muttered, rubbing the spot where my chin had rested. “There’s a way?” “Ah, well... no, it’s nothing, actually.” Jegal So-jeo turned her head away, her face flushed. “Hyangi, if there’s a method, just say it. Your fiancé is struggling here.” “Well... but… it's my fault, after all. Still… no, it’s not possible.” What could it be? It's probably something inconvenient. Jegal So-jeo sat in the corner holding her head, clearly conflicted. “If it’s troublesome, you don’t have to tell me.” I barely kept my balance, leaning against the desk. “He's going to collapse at this rate.” “I said I won’t.” Jegal So-jeo scrutinized me as I supported myself against the desk, seemingly deciding on something. “Umm, Kang Gong Ja-nim!” Jegal So-jeo stepped forward and bowed, her face bright red. “Yes.” What kind of solution could it be? Jegal So-jeo’s back of the head trembled. Her ears turned crimson. As I awaited her answer, she finally looked up at me. Why do her unsettling eyes keep wavering? Jegal So-jeo finally revealed her solution to me. "Wo-would you like to sleep in m-my room?" “…What?” ....... (to be continued)