382 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.382 Twin Moon - 11 "This is where they're holding the ceremony to appoint the leader of the Twin Moon faction." Following Ha-yeon, we arrived at a location for the Twin Moon leader's ascension ceremony, and it was quite an unexpected place. "Isn't this the pavilion we've visited a few times?" This is the pavilion we usually came to for nighttime strolls or when she ran away from home. Though it had been a hideout for thieves. I thought if you said "Open Sesame," it would reveal a secret place that drops 40 points off a detective's record. "Indeed. How coincidental." "So, even in Twin Moon, they recognize the scenic value of this pavilion." Climbing onto the pavilion roof and gazing around, the view was wide open, making it an optimal vantage point for both scouting and strolling. "It seems we have some time left." Perhaps we came too early. The sun was gently lying down over the Yangtze River, like a child cautiously testing the water with their toes. "Do you know any details about the ascension ceremony?" "I heard it's like an exam of sorts." "Surely not? They wouldn't change things last minute, would they?" Like a professor suddenly throwing an unscheduled pop quiz, saying it would affect your grade, it leaves a bad taste. "It seems routine, just like the Demonic Cult's ceremonies. It's more ceremonial than an actual test." More like a thieves' version of a self-introduction at the start of a school year. While self-introductions can be awkward, as long as you avoid saying, "I have no interest in ordinary humans," or, "If there are any future beings or superhumans, let's be friends," you can enjoy a trouble-free life as a thief. "Are you anxious?" Ha-yeon's face was visibly tense. Whether it's a test or ceremony, reaching the last step might just be unavoidable. "Not to that extent, no." "Or perhaps you're feeling a bit... due to Lady Zhuge...?" "I'm not offended by things like that!" Ha-yeon replied to me with an incredulous look. "That wasn't my intention, really." I joked to lighten the mood even though I knew it was a touchy subject. "Lady Zhuge has been very patient because of me too. She's not someone who wouldn't compromise over such a trivial matter. In fact, if you had done nothing more than exchange a few words, I would've had something to say about it." In Ha-yeon's eyes, you could see the remnants of her apology toward Lady Zhuge. "Haha. Is that so?" Even I've noticed that the two have grown closer recently. The awkwardness between them seems to have disappeared, and they now appear like sisters to an observer. "It's just..." "Just what?" "I can't help the feelings that naturally arise..." Ha-yeon murmured, looking slightly embarrassed as she stared at the roof. "Hahaha." "Ugh! This is why I didn't want to say anything." Ha-yeon's face was slightly flushed as if she had fallen victim to my antics. "Come here. Let's sit and watch the sunset until it's time." I patted the left side of the roof, inviting her to sit next to me. Ha-yeon alternated her gaze between my seat and me, sighed deeply, and then naturally sat down beside me. Before long, Ha-yeon's head was resting on my shoulder while my hand naturally found its place around her waist. ** The sun was setting. The two of them basked in each other's warmth, watching in silence as the sun disappeared. They could have exchanged many words, but they chose not to. Being in the same space and sharing the same time silently with a loved one. It's one way to dispel the tension and fear filling one's heart and replace it with satisfaction and happiness. "I've seen the night view here, but it's my first time watching the sunset." The man commented only when he noticed the faint smile on the woman's face. "It's my first time too." The sunset painted the Yangtze River in shades of red, the sunlight flickering beautifully over the flowing waters. Im Ha-yeon engraved this unforgettable scene in her memory, leaning against her lover's shoulder. "It's finally over." It had been a long path. From the courtesan house to the Tea Book Pavilion in Yichang, to Mu Han Guest House, and through the life of the Shadowless Divine Thief. The journey to shed the status of a courtesan was coming to an end. "It's only the beginning." Im Ha-yeon lifted her head slightly at the reassuring touch on her hand, only to find him looking at her with his usual comforting smile. "The beginning...is it?" "The life of Im Ha-yeon and mine only begins now." "Oof." How does he always manage to say things that penetrate the heart so easily? Even though a blush-inducing arrow of pink affection struck her heart, it didn't matter. Her heart was already a target for this one man. "It's thanks to you I made it this far." "It was you, Ha-yeon, who made it here." When the sun sets and night arrives, an end will come. But it won't truly end. The sun will rise again. Even after discarding the status that troubled her for a lifetime, her lover would still be by her side. Im Ha-yeon interlocked her fingers with his gently to feel his presence. She leaned in, as if to listen to the rhythm under her head resting against his chest, comforted by the quick beat. "Meeting you that day was the best fortune of my life." The first man she met when, trembling in fear, she ventured out into the world for the first time. The man who first extended his hand to her. Even when she rejected it, he would casually laugh it off and extend his hand again. The man who kindly brought her meals, gave her gifts nonchalantly, and taught her how to live in this world. It was all thanks to this man. Perhaps her entire life was meant for her to meet him. Im Ha-yeon looked up at the man firmly settled in her heart. "I was able to make it this far because of you, Ha-yeon. But the last step remains." We still have a bit of time left, and a better atmosphere would be nice. His knack for stirring emotions and slipping away is either natural or deliberate. But it doesn't matter. She had wandered, worried, pained, and loved him for so long. Now she knows how to get what she wants from him. Im Ha-yeon, with a slightly disgruntled expression yearning for affection, opened her arms to him. "I'm jealous too. Hold me." He looked at me in surprise, then chuckled and opened his sturdy embrace to hold me. I should have asked for a hug sooner. Im Ha-yeon savored being in his arms. ** Am I feeling nervous after all? Well, it makes sense. Her firm yet gentle shoulders trembled slightly, a hint of anxiety. “Hmm…” Perhaps feeling a bit steadied, she naturally moved away from him. “Hmm?” “Somehow, I feel like I can understand Lady Zhuge's heart.” Ha-yeon turned her head, her voice dripping with wistfulness. “Lady Ha-yeon, there's only one trial left.” “Yeah.” Ha-yeon nodded, then looked up at me. Her blue eyes, as vast as a clear sky, filled my entire view. The pink-haired Shadowless Divine Thief, known for her striking beauty in Hubei, gazed at me. An extraordinary beauty that's hard to get used to. Beauty that should have crowned her as Hubei's finest courtesan, now solely admired by my eyes. “Do you remember what happened on the roof before?” Without realizing, I reached out, gently caressing her cheek. “You mean when we admitted there were too many issues between us to give a clear answer?” "I gave an answer not long after, though. But I mean what we said after that." There was something we intended to do after confirming each other's feelings. “After that? Ah?!” Did she realize? Ha-yeon's blue eyes widened momentarily. “Have you remembered now?” Referring to that time when we almost acted on our bursting emotions but stopped due to a misunderstanding made hilariously clear. I asked her with a slightly mischievous smile. “W-w-what about it?” Ha-yeon stammered, watching as my face drew closer. Did you think I only wanted to hold the hand of the woman I gave my heart to? After confirming our feelings, why wouldn't we even hug? 'Once our restraint breaks, it'll fall apart endlessly.' Jokingly, as if teasing, I replied, resisting the strong urge to express affection for the sake of her future. The barrier was there because troubling matters piled up, but only one hurdle remains. We were close enough to feel each other's breath. With sincere affection, I proposed: "There's an incantation of courage we use in Joseon. Would you like to receive it?" “How long does it take?” “As long as you wish, Lady Ha-yeon.” “Then... make it last.” It didn't take long to embrace each other's breath. *********** “Ahem.” The seemingly unending incantation of courage continued until an awkward cough signaled the inevitable interruption. Both already knew that someone from the Twin Moon was nearby—a reality not lost on either of them. Yet, their intense moment of passion required nothing less than a direct intervention. Despite the shared longing gazes over their glistening lips, the time to halt had come. "......" The lovers didn't need to exchange words; their faces, flushed as red as the sunset, spoke volumes. "It will commence as soon as the sun sets. Lady Proxy, please follow someone to the ceremony site." Without speaking, it seemed they might engage in more than just the ceremony. The Twin Moon officer wisely kept his opinion to himself. “Lady Ha-yeon.” "I've received enough courage. Please wait for me." “I'll be waiting.” Kang Yunho nodded, then followed the Twin Moon members away. She had received ample courage. Im Ha-yeon didn't need to watch Kang Yunho's departure. It was time to look ahead. -------------- “The ceremony will commence.” Feeling as though she were walking on clouds. At this moment, Im Ha-yeon felt as if she could tread the skies as she thoughtfully caressed her lips. “Who?” By now, darkness had fallen over Mu Han. On the roof of the pavilion, apart from a familiar officer, stood ten skilled martial artists. "These are the ten most skilled in agility from the Twin Moon, each donning a white headband, ready to roam Mu Han's night," the officer remarked. As he said, the warriors had white headbands adorning their heads. “What should I do?” “Seize their white headbands. Once taken, they will immediately pledge allegiance.” “There aren’t any conditions for passing?” “None. If you fail to capture any headbands by sunrise, the new Twin Moon leader would only invite distrust instead of allegiance.” There is no failure, only a demonstration of the new leader's ability before the officers. “Does it start right away?” "With the flip of a coin, all present will begin. Lady Twin Moon shall act as soon as it lands on the ground." Im Ha-yeon stood on the roof high enough to overview Mu Han. She had to wait for the coin to reach the ground, a window in which the experts of agility would vanish into the night. Capturing even one would be a miracle. Failing to capture any won't matter much. However, proving the new leader's capabilities will be ideal. Indeed, this was a test worthy of the Twin Moon's traditions. “I have a question.” Scanning the surroundings, Im Ha-yeon addressed the officers. “Ask away.” “How many were captured by the previous generation?” The previous Twin Moon leader, also the former Shadowless Divine Thief, referring to her father. “Eight. The most in Twin Moon’s history.” Capturing even two or three in a metropolis like Mu Han would be miraculous, yet the predecessor managed eight. That’s why despite the ten-year absence, Twin Moon members remained loyal, awaiting his return. “Is that so?” Im Ha-yeon nodded, a smirk playing at her lips. “Do you intend to challenge the previous generation?” Several officers frowned at her smug expression, voicing their skepticism. "He was a legend within the Twin Moon. Being his daughter doesn't equate to matching his grandeur." "I acknowledge the Lady's prestige, yet remember it was her lineage that allowed such acceptance." “Our new Twin Moon leader was chosen after ten years. Show some respect!” “Hmph!” --- **Terms and Names** 1. **Twin Moon (투문)**: Referred to an organization or faction. The original term "투문" was interpreted as "Twin Moon" to fit the context of a name for a martial arts clan or group, which aligns with the narrative tone and style. 2. **Courage Incantation (용기의 주문)**: A metaphorical expression for a shared intimate moment, taken as an "incantation" due to the cultural context of conveying romance and courage; "주문" means spell or magic words. 3. **White headband (흰 머리띠)**: Translated literally as "white headband," representing a particular challenge in a martial arts trial commonly used in such literary settings. Additional Context: - This passage dealt with personal growth and facing challenges, both emotionally for Im Ha-yeon and in proving her abilities as a coming leader. The poetic language reflects traditional martial arts novel motifs with modern relational aspects. The setting and structure echo established wuxia or martial arts narrative styles, integrating romantic development within a martial context. Most of the Twin Moon's officials agreed to Im Ha-yeon's leadership, but their loyalty to the former leader hadn't diminished. Im Ha-yeon didn't even consider responding to those remarks. Instead, she simply closed her eyes. Like someone calming themselves before the final challenge. Some were impressed by the new leader's composed demeanor, while others lamented over what they perceived as a lack of respect for her father. A hush fell over the pavilion as one of the officials, having completed all preparations, raised the coin. "Let's begin." The coin flipped into the air. Just like the waters of the Yangtze River cutting through Mu Han in steady flow, officials surged from the pavilion like waves driven to move forward before being swept away by the currents behind them. Listening intently to the coin's descent, Im Ha-yeon fell into reflection. 'What if... what if I hadn’t met him?' She would have been captured as a runaway courtesan. Unable to prevent the ruin of the Twin Moon leader, she would have spent her life running. And then? Would she have accepted her life as a courtesan? No. She would have cursed and cursed her own fate. Perhaps, clueless about anything, she might have turned to thievery to escape her lot as a courtesan. Both a lowly courtesan and a thief, loathing herself for becoming what she despised. Im Ha-yeon was right. That was her fate if she hadn't met Kang Yunho. However, she was different now. She had cleared the misunderstandings about her father. No longer a despised thief, she became a righteous outlaw. Facing dangers with her lover, she came to cherish everything she learned. The current Im Ha-yeon was a warrior free from all confusion. "Then, let me ask." The coin was still in the air. "The questions are over! It has already begun!" A long yet brief lingering moment. As the coin clattered to the ground, her eyes, now accustomed to the darkness, fluttered open. The feet of a woman freed from confusion moved. "W-what?" Already, a headband was clasped within Im Ha-yeon's hand. "If I capture them all before dawn, then the ceremony begins immediately, right?" A single flower bloomed under the moonlight, overwhelmingly beautiful. A flower that, under other circumstances, might never have blossomed. The Shadowless Divine Thief. Im Ha-yeon. The acknowledged talent of the Shadowless Thief made the woman’s steps incredibly light. --- **Terms and Names** 1. **Yangtze River (장강)**: Retained as "Yangtze River" based on its geographic relevance and widespread recognition as an important river in Chinese culture. 2. **Righteous Outlaw (의적)**: Originally "의적," indicating someone like Robin Hood—a thief with noble motives, reflecting Im Ha-yeon’s transformation. 3. **Warrior (무인)**: Translated from "무인," a martial artist embodying both skill and principle, highlighting Im Ha-yeon's growth. The passage reflects themes of identity, transformation, and empowerment, central to martial arts literature. Moments of introspection interwoven with action grant depth to the characters. The narrative affirms that courage and a single fortuitous encounter can redefine destiny, embodying the ethos of Murim lore.