52 - Travelling Relationship (2) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

The convoy of the Unseong Courier Service was set to depart the following day. For Dang Hwa-Seo, who had no significant business in this city, the news was not unwelcome. Outside the city gates, Dang Hwa-Seo remarked to Mok Riwon, gazing at the large procession and the securely sealed cargo wagons in its midst. "We're supposed to travel for about ten days." "Ten days! Then, we are heading to Hobuk Province?" "Yes, there probably won't be any major issues. Bandits also think about their profit and loss, so they tend not to meddle with such a large caravan." "Isn't the Green Forest Faction around this area? They won't make a move?" "Well, they are still outlaws, after all." "Ah." Mok Riwon understood immediately. It seemed odd that the Green Forest Faction, always the villains in stories, would choose their battles based on the opponent, but then again, they were outlaws of the martial world. It was clear they wouldn't engage in activities that were unprofitable to them. "Hmm… so, no battles then." While peace was preferable, Mok Riwon couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed. After all, Wouldn't this mean he had no chance to step forward in a moment of crisis and wield his sword, just like the gallant knights he admired? "Even if it's a courier journey, there aren't often dangerous incidents like the ones depicted in stories. If there were, there would be far fewer people working in this profession." "I understand." Mok Riwon nodded, then crossed his arms with a determined face and said, "Still, accidents are unforeseeable! Now that I have joined this journey for a wage, I'll be on my guard with all my might!" Dang Hwa-Seo smiled softly and replied, "That's commendable. Truly an excellent mindset." "Hmph!" Pride washed over Mok Riwon's face. Watching this, Jegal San couldn't shake the thought that 'perhaps they are more suited to a mother-son relationship than that of lovers.' Then, as the drum sounded 'dong dong', the convoy leader called out, "Let us commence the journey!" And so, the journey began. * Two days into the journey. There had been no crises to speak of in the convoy. While it might have been expected, Mok Riwon, who had kept his guard up, couldn't help feeling a bit bored. However, from the perspective of the other warriors observing him, this convoy was something special. Why wouldn't it be? To a routine convoy, they had added Mok Riwon, the Silent Dragon. A newcomer who had defeated Namgung Jincheon, the Sword Dragon, who seemed unbeatable in this generation, and had won the Yu Bong Assembly was now among them. For them, there was no opportunity to be bored. "His aura is exceptional." "And not just that. Have you seen the expression of the Silent Dragon when he smiles? It's like he's a different person." "That's so unfair." "What can we do? Such is the world." He was a man who truly befit the word 'perfection'. Merely smiling made one feel like they were appreciating a magnificent piece of art, and his serious look when gazing into the distance could draw exclamations. Not only his appearance, but his martial prowess was exceptional, and being in his prime, it was inevitable for the other warriors to admire him. The reason for this misunderstanding was simple. It was a characteristic of the emotion called adoration. That one tends not to speak recklessly to the object of such feelings and thinks of any peculiar behavior in a favorable light. In other words, that was the message. "The Silent Dragon is blushing." "He's spending sweet time with the Poisonous Dragon." "It's only the Lonely Dragon who is suffering. Look at that grim face." The three were giggling over their nonsense, yet to others, it seemed only endearing. "Miss! I've just had a brilliant idea! About the hero in the sixth chapter of the Heroes of the Martial World! Perhaps he would be more suited to martial arts than magic!" "That's quite an interesting story." "Isn't it? If one needs to hide their strength, wandering with just their fists rather than carrying weapons makes more sense! If the hero truly existed, he must undoubtedly be a martial artist!" "Mister Mok has quite the imagination." "Isn't it plausible?" "It was an amusing thought." Mok Riwon rambled on, and Dang Hwa-Seo, finding it endearing, responded. Jegal San pondered the fundamental question of what in the world they were talking about. That marked the end of their dialogue over the past two days. Today, they continued to make such light conversation as they moved along. "Let's take a rest here! Prepare for camp!" The convoy leader shouted. Dang Hwa-Seo expressed her understanding with an "Ah". "It seems we're camping tonight. Well, it makes sense, given there's no village nearby to visit." "Camping... That has its own romance." "Is this romantic to you?" "Of course! I think there's romance in camping too! Sitting around a campfire, sharing stories with each other! And the friendship that flows with a sip of drink!" Mok Riwon's fist clenched tightly. His eyes sparkled brilliantly. "Romantic!" Mok Riwon was intoxicated by the idea of romance. Meanwhile, a few couriers approached them, offering, "We'll help you set up the tent." An offer to prepare their sleeping arrangement. As Mok Riwon was about to refuse with a smile, Jegal San spoke up before him. "Ah, thank you. I'll stay out of the way over there." "Yes." Mok Riwon was perturbed. It was because he thought it improper to shift his responsibilities onto someone else. Dragged to a corner by Jegal San, Mok Riwon finally spoke up. "Je, Jegal hyung, this isn’t right…" "This is how it should be, Mok-ahwu." "What do you mean?" "It’s for the best of us both." Dang Hwa-Seo answered his query. In a gentle voice, she explained further. "Didn’t Jegal mention it? Consider the weight that comes with the title of 'Dragon'." "Even so…" "For them too, it’s uncomfortable to let us pitch the tents directly. If we were to complain somewhere that 'Unseong Courier Service doesn’t even prepare sleeping quarters,' it would be troublesome for them." "But, I had no intention of…" "Even if you didn’t, their perception is different." Mok Riwon's brow furrowed. However, his expression was more puzzled than angry. "Different how?" "They don’t know us. Nor do they know you, Mok Sohyeop. Instead of explaining, you better get used to it. It’s inefficient to do it all by yourself and explain every time you meet someone new." At that, Mok Riwon reluctantly nodded. "Indeed…" It made sense. If the martial world held special feelings toward a 'Dragon,' and if they feared their influence, then such situations would arise wherever they went. Rather than explaining themselves and arguing every time, it was more comfortable for both parties this way. "...I’ve learned something new." Mok Riwon smiled bitterly. Somehow, he felt that the title of 'Dragon' wasn't as romantic as it seemed. Both Dang Hwa-Seo and Jegal San understood Mok Riwon. Being of noble birth themselves, they had always received such treatment, but there had been times when they too felt uncomfortable with it. "...Well, if it really bothers you, we can see about helping out." "That would be acceptable?" "There will be frequent camps from now on, as we won’t come across villages often. It’s far more appropriate to lend a hand when possible." At Dang Hwa-Seo's comforting words, Mok Riwon finally smiled broadly and grabbed her hand. "Thank you! You're truly unparalleled!" Flustered - Dang Hwa-Seo’s shoulders jerked. His voice was so loud that the couriers nearby gave a surprised 'Oh' and sneakily glanced at the two. Dang Hwa-Seo felt her face turn beet red. "Done, done for now… let’s talk later..." "Eh? Understood!" Mok Riwon let go of her hand with a beaming smile. Only then did Dang Hwa-Seo take a deep breath and composed herself. 'What was he thinking, springing this on me all of a sudden...!' It was an absence of malice paired with embarrassing innocence. As Dang Hwa-Seo was huffing to dissipate her flushed embarrassment, Jegal San stepped closer to Mok Riwon. In case of an unforeseen situation, he couldn’t quite dispel Dang Hwa-Seo completely but decided it prudent to give Mok Riwon a chance to escape, a gesture of his goodwill. * The moon had risen high. Tonight, the cloudless weather made the stars in the night sky shine even more brilliantly. On such nights, there was something Mok Riwon always did. It was practicing his sword dance. Unable to resist the urge for sword dance even while on the journey, Mok Riwon excused himself from the group and slipped away to a secluded area. There, he began his dance. Swoosh— The dark qi blade reflected the starlight. Thus, embroidering the void with its brilliant light. The movements were always too slow, yet there was one difference. The density of the qi. Mok Riwon's qi, having reached a zenith of its phase, had now become so dense it nearly obscured his visibility. As the sword dance continued, a smile appeared on Mok Riwon's lips. His thoughts had already forgotten everything around him, lost in swords and stars. How much time had passed? Immersed in his sword dance, Mok Riwon was startled by a sudden rustling noise and stopped his sword. "Who's there!" His voice came out sharp by instinct. The figure at the edge of his vision flinched with surprise. "Just a moment! I didn’t mean to spy! Sorry!" A man jumped up from between the bushes. Mok Riwon, recognizing his face, exclaimed in surprise. "...Aren’t you a courier?" A courier from Unseong, an elderly martial artist with white-flecked hair who certainly existed in Mok Riwon's memory. The man, not knowing what to do, explained to Mok Riwon. "So, sorry! I came out to take care of some business and was lured here by the startling light! I, I didn’t spy on the training! As soon as I got close, the great hero Mok Riwon noticed…" Babbling, the man’s explanation allowed Mok Riwon to belatedly calm his startled heart. "I see… My apologies. Perhaps, I made too much noise in such an open space." Spying on someone’s martial arts training was a deed punishable by death in the martial world. Although such a notion existed, Mok Riwon felt it wasn’t right to point fingers at someone practicing outdoors. "What’s your name?" "Kw, Kwak Chil..." Kwak Chil. Mok Riwon, upon hearing the name, brightly smiled and performed a formal martial arts salute. "Pleased to meet you. I am Mok Riwon." "I already know. How could I not recognize the Silent Dragon?" The man returned the salute weakly. Feeling somehow apologetic at his reaction, Mok Riwon tried to lighten the mood with his next words. "Pleasure to meet you, Master Kwak. Your name reminds me of a literary figure I greatly admire." "A literary figure?" "Yes. The literary figure I respect goes by the name 'Kwak Chil Pyo'." Startled- Kwak Chil's body shook slightly. Seeing his reaction, Mok Riwon's smile broadened. He thought perhaps Kwak Chil was also familiar with Kwak Chil Pyo. "Ah, you know? Of course! It would be strange not to know Kwak Chil Pyo! He is none other than the author of [Tales of Martial Heroes]!" The words were delivered with a beaming smile. At that, Kwak Chil's complexion began to visibly pale. "Is that so…?" His reaction was suspiciously evasive, but from his perspective, it was understandable. Why mention it? The third-rate courier of Unseong, Kwak Chil, was none other than the author who had laid down his pen over twenty years ago, the man behind [Tales of Martial Heroes], Kwak Chil Pyo.