642 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"Has Jegal Sojeo not returned yet?" After hearing more about the recent activities of Uigakju and Hwa-rin, I sought out Jegal Sojeo's residence. "She is still in the main hall. Please, go in." It seems the meeting is dragging on. With Jegal Sojeo's recovery and news about Hwa-rin, there must be a lot to discuss. "Please let her know I'll be in the garden." Though my fatigue had subsided, minor muscle aches remained. I decided to take a stroll and headed towards the nearby garden. As soon as I entered the garden, I heard the sound of sweeping. Perhaps the snow that fell briefly last night was being cleared by the maids. Every time I visit a grand house, I realize how much effort goes into maintaining a garden. Hardly anyone walks around when it's cold, so the effort seems doubled. As a guest, I should at least enjoy the scenery. Feeling the cold winter wind brush against my cheeks, I took in the winter view of the garden. "Hwa-rin's prowess has increased..." The white mist of my breath scattered in the cold winter air. It reminded me of Hwa-rin, who handled poison dance like her own body, and I smiled wryly. Hwa-rin's ten years have suddenly shrunk to five. "It wasn't in vain, was it?" Fate-changer. The time when Hwa-rin overcame a barrier coincided with when I began making a name for myself at Mu-han. This year, my efforts have influenced not only Ha-yeon Sojeo and Hyangmae but other women as well. My hard work wasn't in vain. These encounters might not remain in vain for long. I looked again at my breath, letting out a smile. "Gagaahaa." As I considered heading back, a voice that lifted my spirits immediately sounded from behind. "Hyangmae, did the family meeting go well?" "Oh, uh, yes." Why does Jegal Sojeo subtly glance at me? That’s the face she makes when there's something she hesitates to say. "Did you hear the news?" "About the Tang family fiancée raising her prowess out of anger?" "It's not necessarily anger; it means she worked hard." "Ye-yes, that's probably it, right?" Perhaps it was because I heard about Hwa-rin’s temperament. Jegal Sojeo trembled like a prey animal afraid of an approaching predator. "It could very well be true." Her expression was too cute, so I replied teasingly with a mischievous smile. "Aah... What do I do... Ah!" Jegal Sojeo was so adorable when flustered that I cupped her small face with both hands. Hyangmae’s cheeks were cold enough for my warmth to seep through. Once Jegal Sojeo's trembling subsided and a blush touched her face, I said to her: "We might not have long until Hyangmae introduces Hwa-rin." That day might come much sooner than I think. "..." Jegal Sojeo looked at me with trembling eyes, saying nothing. "Hyangmae?" "Oh, you must promise you'll be by my side when that time comes." "Of course. You also must protect me if Hwa-rin tries to confront me." "Haha." We vowed to stay alive together, sharing a small laugh in each other's company. "Were there any other discussions during the meeting?" "They mentioned it might take some time to acquire the Baopei." "I should've asked Yeo-wa Nangnang for a bit more strength." Even if it’s Jegal Sojeo's specialized Baopei, did they really have to make me a shut-in unable to leave the smaller realm? I shared my regret. "Oh, no... You might receive divine punishment for that." "Your father promised to do his best. Though it may be difficult to return to Mu-han together, there shouldn’t be any major issues." I wonder how long building the newlywed house will take. Since it's being built on the expensive Mu-han land, it should be as grand as possible. Why build ten bedrooms? To spend enjoyable time with Jegal Sojeo, of course. Would twenty be possible by any chance? Just in case. I'm making it a house that prepares for the future. "Ahaha..." While planning this hopeful future, Jegal Sojeo turned her head, laughing awkwardly, as if she had something to say. "Hyangmae...?" "Actually, there's something I told my mom and dad." "What did you tell them?" What could it be? Hyangmae's expression was serious. Jegal Sojeo took a moment, swallowing her words as if contemplating, looking between my eyes and the ground. I was ready to hear whatever she had to say. As I waited patiently as usual for her to speak, she finally clenched her hand and proclaimed with difficulty: "Gaga. I'm going to train a little more before I leave." ** "More training?" I expected this, but it hurts. Jegal Hyang found it hard to see her beloved's troubled expression. However, she needed to say it since she decided. She continued with difficulty. "I want to stay in the paradise and train a little longer." "Is it because of the newlywed house construction? Did they mention it might take longer than expected?" "Noo, that's not it." Jegal Hyang shook her head. "Then, what for...?" His tone demanded an explanation. It didn't make sense to stay after going through so much effort. If Jegal Hyang were in Kang Yunho's shoes, she wouldn't understand either. I need to explain properly. Jegal Hyang decided to confess her feelings to explain why she needed to stay. "It doesn’t feel fair." "Fair?" "The Tang family's fiancée is training hard to return to you, and I feel like a coward." "Coward? That's not..." Jegal Hyang shook her head vigorously. "No, that's not what I mean. What I mean is, I want to stand proudly. I don’t want to claim a place beside you just for being the only one who stayed." Of course, I still plan to enjoy living happily in the newlywed house with Kang Gongja. Jegal Hyang was determined not to blurt out her true intentions. "Hyangmae..." I want to stand proudly. “Tang Hwa-rin and Im Ha-yeon. Even Kang Gongja’s other fiancées are working hard; I don't want it said it was just because I happened to be nearby.” “I asked, and they said that even if we build a newlywed house, the training effects are better here in the Paradise.” “I prefer having you by my side, Hyangmae.” 'I like it too.' Huh. I almost answered right away. The determination I barely held onto was fiercely shaken by my fiancé’s words. But no, I can’t give in. Jegal Hyang tightly held onto her wavering heart and began to explain why she wanted to remain. “It’s not just because of training.” “It’s not about training?” “I want to take bridal lessons too.” Jegal Hyang confessed her hidden, embarrassing desires. “All of a sudden?” “Well, I’m a part of the Jegal family after all. I can't even make kimchi dumplings better than Ha-yeon Unnie.” “Ah…” 'I’m not giving up on being Kang Gongja's first wife.' I no longer feel inferior to other women because I understand Kang Gongja’s feelings now. But I don’t want to just stay complacent either. “I also want to always be by Kang Gongja's side. But as a wife and a warrior, I feel inadequate right now. So…” Jegal Hyang looked silently at her lover for a moment. The only woman who recognized her. Her soulmate. Her lover spoke towards her. Yet there were things Jegal Hyang hadn’t told him either. 'You’re the only one who really saw me.' A little girl inside a box. A girl wanting to be loved but not knowing how to love. Kang Gongja was the one who found her. He opened the box and reached out. Now she knows how incredible her fiancé is. How much he loves her. So, it was time for her to confess to her fiancé. “I want to be a woman who isn’t ashamed in front of you.” ** I felt as if I’d been hit. Just when we could finally return together, she wants to stay to take bridal lessons. What should I say to her decision? I considered her feelings for a moment. I want to tell her to come with me. To say she’s already enough. But. If she feels truly insufficient deep down. If she really wants to meet the qualifications. If it’s not that she can’t follow, but that she needs time for self-improvement. “If that’s your wish, Hyangmae, then I’ll wait for you.” I could wait for Jegal Sojeo. “Gaga!” “Surely you don’t plan on making me wait too long, do you?” If she tells me to wait for five years, I might get upset. As I exaggerated, Jegal Sojeo laughed brightly. “Oh! Of course not! I’ll come whenever I’m satisfied with myself! In fact, it might not take long. So, uh, uh?” No need to hear more. I cut off those lips that stirred my heart. “Ohh. Heh, heh.” The day was cold, but our breath felt warmer than ever. “Hyangmae.” “Yes?” Somehow, her eyes, filled with longing, drifted towards my lips. “Now that I think of it, I've taken your first kiss twice.” “Oh? T-that's right! Haha.” “If we went together, we could do even better things every day.” Though I knew it wouldn’t sway her, I added the words with a tone of longing. “Should we just go together?” “…” “Sorryyyyy. That was such an indecisive thing to say.” “Haha. I imagine your father and mother must have been quite surprised by your words as well.” “Oh. That’s... actually, they were more surprised by something else I said.” “…?” Jegal Sojeo scratched her head before turning to me with an apologetic expression. “My father is eager to marry us soon, given everything he’s heard. And you’ve gained his full recognition, so there might never be a better opportunity than this.” “…What?” *** “Kang Yunhoooooo.” A furious shout echoed from the main hall of the Jegal family residence. “L-lord?” “Dear, please, calm down.” “That’s right. It’s important to remain calm in times like this.” “Get a grip!” “Do I look calm-able!!! Kang Yunhoooo! That cursed boy! How could there be another fiancée!!!”