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

The youngest daughter of the Martial Alliance Leader and I spent a night together. Chapter 61 > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Repository Where to go. Leaving the decision to the two of them turned out to be a problem. "How about looking around the market?" "Ugh, I hate crowded places." "People don’t keep talking about Anhui Province for no reason. The market here is on a different scale than the one on the outskirts." "I looked around last time, and it didn’t seem like much." Ah, Master as always. He never cares about whether or not a place is crowded. "Where would you like to go?" "How could I choose a place when I know nothing about this area?" "Then wouldn’t it be better to first visit a place I recommend?" All it takes is getting him some delicious snacks, but I wonder why he's being so particular today. "It would be nice if it has a beautiful view." "Then... perhaps the lake would be fitting. Let's head to Soho." "Now that I think about it, I am a bit hungry. Should we go to the market instead?" "Ugh...!" It was just opposing for the sake of opposition. Yeon Hee trembled as if trying to stifle her frustration. Master turned his head so Yeon Hee wouldn’t see and laughed with a mischievous face. “Where would you like to go, Ga Ga?” Yeon Hee asked me for help. She had such a pitiful look on her face as if she’d burst into tears any moment. Cute. If I teased her just a little, she’d become even cuter. But joining in might actually sulk her, so I held back a bit. “We can go to both.” “What?” “We can take a look around Soho first, and when we get hungry, head to the market and eat something there. Isn’t that sensible?” “Ga Ga…” It was a clear solution. If you’re conflicted between two options, isn’t going for both the optimal choice? Zap. Master’s stare was intense. “Blinded by a woman... Ignoring your master completely, I see.” Despite that sharp look, it couldn’t be helped. Master could leave after a few days, but I’d be the one facing the aftermath. * Soho was a lake not far from the Namgoong family's residence. Enveloped by flowers and trees, while not as splendid as the manor’s garden, it was a favored spot for Yeon Hee. “Ga Ga, look over here!” “Huh?” “They’re in full bloom already!” “Oh, right. Those flowers from before.” Yeon Hee spoke as she buried herself in a heap of flowers. If Master wasn't here, I’d tease her by asking where she hid, but with our grumpy audience, I didn’t have the nerve. “The last time you went on a trip, they only had buds... Seeing them now, it feels different.” “Time really flies.” “In fact, I’ve kept coming here even in your absence. Wondering if you’d return to see them bloom.” Yeon Hee had a nostalgic look. She seemed to reminisce about waiting for me. Then, alone, she burst into a soft laugh. “Do you remember what you said last time we were here?” “Oh, that.” “Say it once more!” Yeon Hee. I can say it as much as you’d like later. Would you mind waiting for now? “Ga Ga.” “...?” “Won’t you say it?” “You said the scenery of Soho was beautiful, it’s all nonsense.” At that moment. To be forced into professing affection in public. I almost pulled a ‘Namgoongjin’. Master was the one to save me. “I’m starting to feel hungry. How about heading to the market now?” “Shall we?” “Indeed. I hope the market lives up to its reputation.” “There’s plenty there that you’ll enjoy, Master.” “Tsk.” Yeon Hee clicked her tongue shortly, but it was inevitable. We had been chatting amongst ourselves, and Master seemed a bit sulky. * “This mooncake is definitely worth trying!” “Do you like it?” “Hmm, it’s most excellent.” Master nibbled on the mooncake with a satisfied expression. Of course, sweet things are the best way to appease him. In one hand, a candied fruit skewer, in the other, a mooncake. As if missing none, he savored the market. “Is it okay to eat so many sweets?” “Is there a problem with that?” “You might gain weight.” “Oh? Hmm, yes, one might worry so. However, it’s of no concern to me at all!” “?” Boastingly, Master pushed his chest forward. Luckily, Yeon Hee’s prepared clothes had some loose room. “Once you reach a level where you can control your body, you can eat sweets without worry. Isn’t it just like dispelling the effects of intoxication? Consider it an extension of that.” “That’s... that’s cheating!” “Honestly, even without expelling anything, I naturally have a disposition that doesn’t gain weight!” “What?! That’s unfair!” Oh, my. I thought Yeon Hee wasn’t fond of sweets. Never guessed she was concerned about gaining weight. “Yeon Hee. Don’t worry and just enjoy it.” “You’re not supposed to tempt me like that!” “You’re quite slim. A bit more weight would look good on you.” “Ga Ga…” Good grief. Such trivial words and she’s deeply moved. “Disciple!” “Yes?” “Those sweets over there look appealing!” Master just couldn’t bear to see us together for even a moment. Perhaps because he’d have to leave soon... “Here you go. Delivered attentively.” “Disciple, I’m short a hand!” “?” “Ah~” Wouldn’t letting go of one suffice? With eyes shut tight, Master opened his mouth. “Master, you need to maintain your dignity.” “How is it shameful for a disciple to pay respects to his master? You used to do this all the time, or is it because that kid’s watching now?” “No, it’s not.” “Then quit the chatter and serve me!” Unwavering as a statue, Master stood immobile. Seemingly determined not to budge until he was fed. With trembling hands, I inched the sweets closer to his mouth. “Mmm, mmm. Is this the honey-like taste because you fed it to me?” “Isn’t it sweet because it indeed has honey?” “Oh ho, how impudent!” Though a bit embarrassing, as long as he enjoys it, that’s what matters. “Ga Ga!” “Yes?” “I-I’m out of hands too!” Yeon Hee's cry was as if pleading for attention. Holding snacks she somehow managed to gather, she looked at me with her mouth open. "Ah~" "The taste gets spoiled when it’s chewed! Forget the sweets, feed her some candied fruit!" "Ugh!" Master dismissed my hand movement and shoved the candied fruit into Yeon Hee’s mouth. Didn’t he just praise it moments ago…? "What are you doing?!" "Ha ha. Flirting right in front of my eyes? Such lack of manners! At least 10 years early!" "You were the one to receive it so openly!" "Then why don’t you be the master, then? Hahaha!" Master teased Yeon Hee and ran off to the other side. Yeon Hee desperately chased Master, trying to catch him. But there was no way she could reach him. It was like a child trying to twist an adult’s wrist. I was regretful at seeing him squander the skills he honed, but I guess… If it meant their relationship had gotten better, that’s all we could ask for. * "Isn't it too early to return?" "It's sufficient. It sounds grand, but it’s not much different from other provinces." Judging by how he indulged earlier, he seemed well pleased. Thanks to my extensive experience, I chose not to comment further. "And while it’s nice to gallivant, you should have a look around the Namgoong estate." "Here?" "Yes. It’s where you'll be staying for a while. Can't just take the Martial Alliance Leader’s word for it." "You’re always so skeptical." "Anyone can make claims. If everything promised was achieved, wouldn’t you have already surpassed the Martial Alliance Leader and become the world’s best?" "Why bring up childhood stories all of a sudden?" I will conquer the world in ten years! A youthful declaration buried deep in my past. Why exactly was Master dredging up those buried memories? Moreover, bringing up such topics would only... "Ga Ga's childhood…" "Curious, are you? Thanks to me, he became a much better person. You wouldn’t even recognize him now. He once seemed capable of killing with just his gaze…” "Master?" "Please, tell me more!" Yeon Hee's eyes sparkled as she clung to Master. Unthinkable, given how they were at each other's throats like enemies earlier. "Hehe… Doesn't my story inspire respect?" "Yes, yes!" "That’s it for today! If you keep well-behaved until our next meeting, I’ll share more." "Oh, come on! That’s not fair!" Thank goodness. Good thing Master was only teasing Yeon Hee with no malice. At least, I hope that’s the case. "Brother-in-law! There you are again." "Oh, Brother. Were you training again? Incredible resilience!” “Can’t slack for a day! And that person with you…?” “Did Father mention him? This is my Master.” While roaming with the two, we encountered Namgoong Hyu. He was with a host of relatives, all appearing weary and exhausted, their looks seemingly blaming me. Fortunately, they averted their gazes at Namgoong Hyu's gesture. "Good day, sir! I’m Namgoong Hyu!" "Ah, yes. A young man full of vigor." "Thank you. I once wondered who trained such an excellent person as my brother-in-law, and I've heard it was all thanks to you, sir! Haha!" "He’s one to make flattery sound like praise. Are all the people in this house as courteous?" "I’m overwhelmed by your compliments." Though they hadn't known each other long, they hit it off immediately. Anyone could mistake them for having been together longer than I've known Master. "One can tell a lot by just one glance. The Martial Alliance Leader has raised his offspring well indeed." "I told you not to worry." "Everyone except for you." "I can’t hold it in any longer!" After Namgoong Hyu left, mentioning other obligations, Master and Yeon Hee had another brief spat. After separating from Yeon Hee, the Master took a further look around the manor. Then he shared his observations with me. "This place is good. This is quite satisfactory." "Were you truly content?" "It’s simple without being shabby, and luxurious without being ostentatious. I understand the hostess' character well now." Master's expression was full of contentment as he spoke. "The servants also have a lively air about them. That's not something easily feigned." "Exactly. So why put yourself through the trouble…" "Watch yourself! They wouldn’t be cautious unless I at least pretended to inspect things." Anyone might think I was living off the family without dealing with anything. Master continued to fret over matters concerning me. "This will do. I could leave as soon as tomorrow." “You could stay a few more days, you know.” "You really do say things you don’t mean." Was I caught? "What choice do I have? You need to go. I can’t exactly cling to you." "Then there was no need to speak of it, was there?" "I know you’d feel a certain way if I didn’t." "Impressive. You’ve improved in my absence. There's less fun in teasing now." Though his words carried a jokey tone, I could sense his deep regret. "Even student surpasses the teacher, they say." "Far from it!" If I were to show disappointment now, it'd likely delay his departure. So I let it slide as a joke.