639 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"Jegal Hyang cannot leave the Jegal Clan until she reaches the appropriate level." "What?" I couldn't believe my ears when I heard what the Elder said. All I could see was Jegal Hyang decked out in a bunny costume. Of course, if the precious daughter of the Jegal Clan went around in such an outfit, it would certainly shock many. But being unable to leave the Jegal Clan? "Jegal Hyang cannot control the 'Sanhwasa Jikdo.' It's not just a Bope that shows illusions; it's a Bope that overlays illusions on reality. We can't predict what might happen, so how can she go out?" "Won't it be the same whether she stays in the Jegal Clan or goes elsewhere if something happens? Is there a specific means to handle it?" To confine her just because it's dangerous? No matter how much Lady Jegal likes staying indoors, this seems too harsh. "There are ways to prevent major problems from occurring. You're aware of it too." "I'm aware of it?" "The Peach Blossom Spring (Dosanghyang)." "But isn't the Peach Blossom Spring where the problem occurred?" Resolving an issue at the very place it originated? I couldn't understand it at all. "Hyang is like a water jar that lost its lid right now. If we can't stop the water from flowing out uncontrollably, what do we do?" "You throw the entire water jar into a lake." "Exactly. Soon, Hyang's quarters will be moved to the Peach Blossom Spring. With it being filled with spiritual energy, it will be a great help in her training." It's a training method possible only because it's the Jegal Clan. I finally understood the reason she can't leave the Jegal Clan and nodded in agreement. Alright. There's not just a method but also a perfectly tailored training location. As the Elder mentioned, no significant problems will befall Lady Jegal. Except for the reason the Elder deemed it an issue for me. "How long will it take?" YW9peUx5cktZYXhyU2hzY1VsMkQ0WVA2R0ZTZWNoY2VENm5IWlRBMm84VTdFM0I1dGRCMFd2QnB2eTI1dmJVZQ "......" A heavy silence settled in. As expected, there was no immediate answer. "How long do you think it will take for Lady Jegal to control the 'Sanhwasa Jikdo'?" "......I can't predict." "Elder." "He is the first owner of a Bope to appear since the Heavens' Gate was closed." "Didn't you say there was a way?" "It's true that the Jegal Clan has studied and utilized the power of Bope for over a thousand years. But it was always about borrowing a part of the Bope's power or mimicking it. No one has ever been the complete master of a Bope." My words got caught in my throat momentarily. There are methods and means for training. However, it's uncertain when the day she will reach her goal will come. Which meaning: "What will happen to my marriage with Lady Jegal?" This question could nullify all my efforts in an instant. "It could happen as soon as tomorrow. Or... it might take a lifetime." The Elder merely turned his somber gaze upon me. ——— "Son-in-law. It's almost noon; shouldn't you open the window?" "Mother-in-law..." In the dimly lit room, after the Elder had offered his heartfelt consolations and left, I was pondering over the matters concerning Lady Jegal when my mother-in-law entered the room. "Did you hear the news?" She sat down on a chair next to the bed, looking at me with concern. "......" "You've heard, it seems." What should I say to Mother-in-law? How should I convey the current situation? After some contemplation, I finally voiced what was on my mind. "......I believe it's my fault." "A man who risked his life to save my daughter shouldn't say such things." She chuckled softly, refuting my words kindly. "I should have insisted that the door be opened. I got swept up in the moment and failed to prevent Lady Jegal from becoming the master of the 'Sanhwasa Jikdo.'" The owner of the Bope. I should have anticipated problems arising. "When things go wrong, regret follows in all forms. Look at me. Do I look like I blame you?" "Mother." Turning my gaze to my mother-in-law, her expression was that of a mother concerned about her child speaking in such a pitiful tone. "My daughter returned safely. Our son-in-law did absolutely nothing wrong. You are to be praised for so many things. Do not even entertain the thought of feeling unnecessary guilt over this." "......" "Cheer up! My husband is searching for a solution, so surely..." Indeed, she was as incredible as ever. Lady Jegal truly has a wonderful mother. Her voice was so encouraging that it was awe-inspiring. Hence: "No, I've not been dwelling on guilt." As an aspiring son-in-law, I had to display my resolve. I shook my head slightly with a small smile. "Son-in-law?" Mother-in-law's eyes shifted from worried to surprised. "Regret isn't late until you've tried everything you can. Is Hyangae up?" It's easy to torment oneself with blame, but giving up is premature. Now that I'm aware of the issue. "Oh... she was waiting for you." "I'll be right back." Having thought of a solution, it was time to act. ——— "Hyangae." I promptly headed to Lady Jegal's room. "Ack! Hold on... Ah!" When I entered, Lady Jegal turned her head in fright. Water droplets, losing to inertia, scattered brilliantly in the winter sunlight. "Were you crying?" "Oh, no, no! I just woke up!" Lady Jegal fervently denied, yet her rubbing her face against the blanket didn't go unnoticed. "I've heard everything." As I slowly sat on the bed, Lady Jegal kept glancing at me furtively. Her puffed-up eyes were somewhat amusing, yet they tugged at my heart. "Were... you disappointed?" "I'm angry." I responded firmly. "What?" "That wretched 'Sanhwasa Jikdo.' It should have come with instructions and warnings." To the perplexed Lady Jegal, I grumbled away. "Ahah!" "Are you feeling better?" There's no reason for me to get gloomy too. I asked with a bitter smile. "I heard that using a clone can make me sleep all day again, so I resisted the urge to go meet you, Gaga. Now I'm feeling a bit better." "......" Her attempt to sound cheerful made me instinctively reach out toward her face. "Gaga?" Her face was gaunt, her eyes swollen with heat. Should I share this sadness with her? Or just smile it away, pretending everything's fine? As I stared into her trembling blue eyes, I decided to confess what's truly in my heart. "I still feel this is my responsibility." "What? No, no, no! Becoming the owner of the Bope is a great blessing to Kangho. It might be tough because of the training, but it shouldn't take too long. Hopefully." As she babbled on in a fluster, I slowly shook my head. "That's not what I mean. It feels like all of this is my destiny." It's not about blaming myself. I just wanted to share my innermost thoughts with my beloved. "Destiny?" "With Hwarin, and Hayeon Sojeo, it seems there's a force of destiny that I can't resist, no matter how hard I try. I feel like Hyangae is impacted because of me too." A destiny that cannot be defied. Training. Separation. It all felt eerily familiar. How is today different from the time with Hwarin? I pondered over and over. Was Lady Jegal truly the heroine? Was she somehow tied to the Sanhwasa Jikdo in a storyline unbeknownst to me? There's no way to know. The one who defies fate. Was I once again lacking? Only regret and longing remain. "......A person who transcends the will of the Heavens." "Hyangae?" Lady Jegal tenderly caressed the hand touching her face, looking at me intently. "The one who rides against the strong currents of destiny. Wasn't it you, Gongja Kang, that the Sanhwasa Jikdo spoke about?" "......" I neither confirmed nor denied. "Just as I thought." We merely exchanged conversations through our gaze. "I've tried my best to survive. But as I swim against the tide, I feel like I'm losing precious hands along the way." It's not just the sorrow of Lady Jegal staying behind to train. From the trials at the Ten Thousand Gold Battlefield to the Hundred-Faced Fox, the Jegal tests, Jegal Seollok, meeting with the Tang Family, and finally Sanhwasa Jikdo. No matter how hard I've strived, the ending seemed so futile, leaving me feeling utterly powerless. "Gaga......" "I worked tirelessly. From being a small bookstore owner in Eui-chang, I've become the renowned novelist Hopeel, known everywhere in Hu-an, the capital of Hu-bei province. I even became famous as Hopeel Kang, the distinguished detective, and scion of the Ten Thousand Gold Battlefield." "I've witnessed it all by your side." "But. But. It seems I still fall short." Such is the cruel twist of fate, leaving me to laugh bitterly. I know. I need to become the most well-known person in the world. I need to amass wealth so my woman will not suffer. I'm supposed to be the one who saves the heroine as the one who defies fate, but if missing out on stats means I always have to see my beloved go away, it's just too cruel. Such a harsh destiny. "......Being beside someone who goes against the strong currents of destiny." With a consoling smile, Lady Jegal spoke to my quivering self. "Lady Jegal?" "Capturing that sight is surely as great a feat as depicting the landscapes of the celestial realms." "That is......" "Oh, it’s not like I’m trying to act all confident or anything! Sanhwasa Jikdo did ask me to be its owner and said those things. There must be a possibility in me, right?" Just like the elders said, it won't take too long. There's no need to be so sad. Lady Jegal’s desperate attempt to comfort me. "Surely, it must be." "I must have been greedy. To aim for being the first wife, putting you at risk like that. Perhaps destiny is playing a prank on me, telling me not to get ahead of myself. So, so......" Her fingertips felt a hint of moisture as they touched her, the dam of repressed sorrow on the brink of bursting. "Hyangae." "You've done all you can, Gaga. So there's no need for guilt." Even then, she was the one comforting me, not herself. I wish I could embrace Hyangae right now. To lick each other's wounds, to offer the comfort only lovers could bring, to curse this harsh destiny that loomed over us and steal a moment just for ourselves. But. "Yes, I came to do all I can." Because I will continue to do so. For now, I'll hold back. "What?" I looked at Lady Jegal, who was understandably confused. No matter how many times I saw her, she was the face of a lover I adored. "Hopeel, Yunho Kang, will be a bit different." I've lived my life earnestly. Truly, I have relentlessly pushed myself. Merchant Hopeel Kangmo. Owner of the bookstore in Eui-chang, Yunho Kang. Yet I failed. But. This time, it’s a little different. No, it will be different. [You'll need this in the future. Take it.] A golden light emanated from my body. Drawing out the energy that has been boiling within me since coming back to this world. "Ah?! Is this the Sanhwasa Jikdo?” "No, it's my power." The golden energy. The power of stars. It's still small, only illuminating around me. Only showing the way. But it shines. The feeble light coursed its way against the current with such difficulty, with such desperation. But now. "The light?" "Let's go together, Hyangae." I at least had the strength not to let go of my lover's hand.