60 - I Spent the Night with the Youngest Daughter of the Martial Arts Leader

I spent the night with the martial alliance leader's youngest daughter. Chapter 60 > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive The master had it all planned. When the master suddenly opposed the engagement, claiming it was a bad match and starting to belittle Yeon Hee, I was appalled. But it became clear it was all a ploy to provoke a reaction from Namgung Hyuk. Namgung Hyuk's expression gradually turned grim. It was frightening enough to make one wonder if he might challenge us to a deadly duel. Of course, if the two of them engaged in a martial arts duel, it would be thrilling... but it was not something that should happen during an engagement discussion. ‘This old man is quite ruthless.’ Given his personality, it wouldn’t have been surprising if he had immediately drawn his sword. However, Namgung Hyuk gritted his teeth, enduring the master’s provocation that seemed to mock, ‘Can you handle this?’ Just when I was wondering if he truly wanted to nullify the engagement, Namgung Hyuk finally snapped. “What? Lacking? Less than adequate? What’s wrong with our Yeon Hee! Do you think you could find such an excellent bride anywhere else?” Namgung Hyuk boasting about Yeon Hee was embarrassing even for me, who was not the subject of his admiration. Stars this, internal energy that, he spoke with not an ounce of shame in his serious expression, making Namgung Hyuk truly genuine. Thanks to him, it was entertaining to watch Yeon Hee. She was anxiously fidgeting for a different reason than before. Clenching and unclenching her fists as if contemplating whether or not to do something so unruly as to strike her own father. Her face reddened like a persimmon, and her body trembled. Honestly, she looked a bit cute. “Are you still going to say that this is mistreatment? Huh? Are you going to insist on opposing the engagement? Answer me!” By the time the conversation reached the point of how much his family cherished him, I was the one embarrassed. Sure, I knew the Namgung family treated me warmly, but hearing it directly from someone else was another story. “Continue to strive as you are. Who knows? I might just give my approval.” The master concluded with a mischievous smile. Namgung Hyuk stood there dumbfounded, frozen. Tsk, tsk. Losing control of his temper and making a rash outburst in a moment of rage. If he’d held back just a little, things would’ve gone his way. I understood his affection for Yeon Hee, but Namgung Hyuk was outmatched. Hmm. Why does this sequence of events feel so familiar? Huh? Why are my eyes filling with tears...? “Indeed, master. I’ve learned something again today.” “Fufu... When I’m truly involved, such things are nothing.” Namgung Hyuk had already left. It seemed the shame of having been provoked by the master and revealing his true feelings so openly finally caught up with him. He departed in a hurry, leaving only a brief farewell with a distraught expression. Yeon Hee, who had to hear it all right beside me, tagged along, saying she’d see me later. “Judging by the looks of it, it seems Namgung Hyuk himself has taken a liking to you.” “Is that so?” “Didn’t you notice? It’s obvious he’s wavering.” “Hmm…” “Simply, he's been deceiving himself because he cherishes his daughter too much. People are like that; their judgment clouds when it comes to someone they care for.” “You've experienced that yourself, haven’t you, master?” “That’s an insolent question.” The master raised his fist playfully. “It seems time has dulled your discipline, as it’s been a while since we met?” “Such a thing can't be true. I, as always, respect you wholeheartedly. My daily routine even includes bowing in the direction of wherever you are.” “If you’re sincere, why didn’t you know where I was, making me come find you first?” “It’s the thought that counts, the thought. Why would someone as understanding as you say such a thing?” “If you can’t even speak…” The master grumbled quietly, but there was a smile playing on his lips. Sometimes, this kind of blatant flattery works best. The more shameless, the better. “Anyhow, contact me again once an engagement date is set.” “You’re leaving already?” “I spent too much time finding you. You mentioned a recent encounter with the Ilwol Divine Sect?” “Yes. The Blood Demon Brigade was spreading the cursed blood magic. There was testimony suggesting a woman with a scorpion tattoo on her cheek was involved.” "...Seems she still hasn’t come to her senses. I’ll need to take her head the next time we meet.” The master spoke calmly. I inwardly wished for the Blood Demon Brigade's peace in the afterlife. “Stay a few more days.” “Hmm?” “Why don’t we go out together for a change of pace?” “A outing?” “Yes. I can hardly remember when we last went out together. You'll be busy again soon, take some time to relax before you leave.” “That’s quite a tempting offer.” That would be nice. The master nodded. He would likely be roaming the central plains again soon. As his student, I wanted to give him a small reprieve. * Baek Seorin was preparing to leave when she returned to her room. She hummed a tune, unable to hide her excitement. Knock, knock. Expecting it to be a servant, she called them in, but it was Namgung Yeon Hee who entered. “What’s this?” Yeon Hee had brought along a bundle of silk clothes. From the looks of it, they were made from luxurious materials. Of course, Baek Seorin wasn’t asking because she didn’t know what they were. “I heard you’re going on an outing with my father.” “And so?” “You’re spending time together for the first time in a while. I thought it might be nice to wear something pretty…” “Are you saying my clothes are like rags and unbearable to look at?” “That’s not what I meant?!” Despite trying her best to be considerate. Yeon Hee grumbled as she handed Baek Seorin the clothes. She was fun to tease. “Thank you.” “For what?” “Well, I thought you’d certainly oppose me.” “Didn't you charge in fiercely at first?” “That was!” “How cute.” So this means... You brought this as a bribe. “You’ve brought all this just to pay back the favor?” “You said when you want something, you should first show good manners!” I guess she took it to heart. It was meant to be a teasing remark. This was a side I hadn't seen before when she would fiercely rush at things. She was more delicate than I had imagined. “I didn’t expect you to go this far. I thought you disliked me.” “A master isn’t easily outdone by their disciple.” “……” “When someone like him finds you appealing, should I really oppose it? Only immature people do such things.” A master isn’t easily outdone by their disciple, huh. Isn’t it usually the one who falls in love first who loses? Yeon Hee didn’t bother to add that part. “You’re no different, are you?” “What?” “I think you know exactly what I mean.” Baek Seorin looked deeply at Yeon Hee, as if seeing right through her. Feeling like her feelings had been discovered, Yeon Hee grumbled unnecessarily. “One really can’t underestimate experience.” “You cheeky girl?” “It's a compliment, you know?” “Haha, if you’re going to put it that way, I have my own ideas too.” Baek Seorin spoke with her arms crossed. Her oddly relaxed demeanor seemed ominous. “I’d like to mention, it’s a bit early to express gratitude.” “Huh?” “I haven’t given my permission yet.” “?” “All I did was nudge the martial alliance leader forward... I’ve never actually said I approve of the engagement, have I?” It was a wordplay. Baek Seorin had orchestrated Namgung Hyuk’s declaration. It was practically akin to granting permission. Yeon Hee knew this; she realized it was said to tease her. Yet, she couldn’t suppress the trembling emotions swelling inside her. “And you seem to be under a slight misunderstanding. What I said to the martial alliance leader was the absolute truth without the slightest deceit.” “Wh-what?!” “My disciple just happens to be outstanding. If you want permission, you should also strive harder.” “How is that fair?” “It is, isn't it? Don’t forget that I hold the handle of the sword!” Baek Seorin’s declaration left Yeon Hee unable to retort. In that moment, the hierarchy was as good as established. “Remember, the engagement can still be overturned with just one word from me. Haha.” “Ugh…” “Still, your thoughtful gesture of bringing clothes deserves a bit of a reward. Would you like to come along?” Yeon Hee knew she should refuse if she didn’t want to get caught up in Baek Seorin’s schemes. But she preferred being with them rather than leaving Baek Seorin alone with her father... “I’ll help you dress first. It's more complicated than it seems.” “Mm, I’d appreciate that!” Just wait and see—I’ll get my revenge someday. Yeon Hee vowed, helping Baek Seorin change clothes, suppressing the feeling that she might have been played. * “How do I look?” “You look pretty.” “Is that all?” “Like a tiger with wings. Draped in silk, your beauty shines even brighter, master. It’s quite literally the finishing touch.” “Dear disciple?" “I mean it, you look beautiful. Might I lower your fist now?” She really was beautiful. The master, who usually insisted on plain clothes, was wearing something vibrant today. The colorful red silk complimented her blue hair perfectly, creating a striking impression. “It suits you well, truly.” “Is that so?” “Yes.” “That’s fortunate. It’s my first time with such clothes. If it wasn’t for that girl, it would’ve taken me an hour to put it on.” Of course. Somehow, it felt like Yeon Hee’s taste was woven into it. “Yeon Hee helped?” “Yes.” Regardless of the master’s plan, it almost amounted to speaking poorly of Yeon Hee right in front of her. Yeon Hee likely understood the dynamic, but human emotions aren’t so simple. I had been worried about that. “Thank you, Yeon Hee.” “It’s nothing. It’s only what I should do.” “Fufu. Your grace is admirable.” “…….” The two exchanged glances, and perhaps there was something that only women could understand between them. It was more amicable than expected, which was a relief.