Ch 321 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Chapter 6: The Pink Letter A letter in pink. The meticulously colored envelope always stood out among the fan letters. Perhaps because it contained fan art that brought great joy to the author. Fan art so skillful that even renowned painters would be amazed. As time went on, the sender, dissatisfied with her portrayal of the characters' charm, sent increasingly higher-quality drawings, expressing her struggle. If one sent a thank-you note in response to each fan letter, there would be a need to write to all. Thus, it was better just to receive. If I ever mentioned to someone that I had sent a thank-you note myself, they would understand the skill of the sender of the pink letter. I looked at the woman standing there, her fists clenched tightly. The sender of the pink letter was Je Ghal Hyang. The heroine she showed the most affection for and sent numerous pieces of fan art was the beauty of Sichuan, Gu Suk Jeong. "What did you say?" Im Ha Yeon glared at Je Ghal Hyang, her expression hardening as if she had heard something unbelievable. "Hehe! Isn't it obvious that Lord Dang Jeong's rightful consort is the beauty of Sichuan, Gu Suk Jeong?" "Hm. There's another silly person here who just pushes for the beauty of Sichuan as the main wife." "Ha Yeon, your words are harsh." "Stay put, won't you? She's saying something incorrect right now!" It's not just any words, but wrong words. The situation doesn't look favorable. On one side was Je Ghal Hyang, who had sent over dozens of earnest fan art pieces of the beauty of Sichuan. On the other was Im Ha Yeon, who, finding her background similar to the famed courtesan of Hubei, had become an ardent fan. "It's not just because she's beautiful." "Isn't it?" "Gu Suk Jeong is not merely pretty; she's the reason Lord Dang Jeong polished his martial arts and his life's goal. Doesn't that make her the main wife?" "Hmph! That's typical Beauty of Sichuan logic. Lord Dang Jeong didn't love the real Gu Suk Jeong; he loved the fake version of her." "Fake, you say?" Je Ghal Hyang's eyes widened as she looked at Im Ha Yeon. "How much time did Lord Dang Jeong actually spend with Gu Suk Jeong? He liked his imagined version of her beauty. That's why he discarded her like an old shoe and left." "N-no, he promised to return!" Indeed, that's harsh. How can a protagonist abandon his heroine? "Ha! And what about Lady Du Eung Hyang? She didn't open her heart at first, but gradually, as she came to know Lord Dang Jeong, she opened her heart and they fell in love. Isn’t she the true consort?" Im Ha Yeon stepped closer to me, raising one corner of her mouth towards her. "T-true love feels like fate at first sight." Im Ha Yeon's firm logic was not easily countered by Je Ghal Hyang. "What did you say?" "That's what fateful love is. As if struck by lightning at first sight. Lord Dang Jeong and Lady Gu Suk Jeong promised eternal love to each other. What Du Eung Hyang has is just ordinary love." Je Ghal Hyang glanced at me shyly, then lowered her head, speaking timidly. "Th-that!" Has the logic of fateful love struck a chord? Im Ha Yeon's face, usually composed, showed rare bewilderment. "And Du Eung Hyang is also a courtesan..." "So what? Having emerged from her status as a courtesan, she'd now only focus on supporting Lord Dang Jeong, becoming the real mistress." "L-Lady Gu Suk Jeong, with the backing of her family, would do better in that regard." "Ugh!" "Besides, Lady Gu Suk Jeong is more beautiful." "Are you belittling the appearance of the famed courtesan of Hubei? How can any mere Sichuan local compete with Lady Du Eung Hyang, who was chosen from the ranks of the most beautiful women in the Infinite Pavilion of Courtesans?" Im Ha Yeon's gaze seemed to pierce through Je Ghal Hyang. "Hehe! But still, the beauty of Sichuan is what we're talking about." "The courtesan of Hubei is prettier!" Seems she's lost the battle of presence. Je Ghal Hyang may have had the edge in logic, but she couldn't overcome Im Ha Yeon's spirited argument. In the end, Je Ghal Hyang turned to me, seeking help with her eyes. "K-Kang Gongja, whom do you think is the rightful consort?" Lady Je Ghal, if you ask knowing my real identity, doesn't it become official? "Yes, what do you think?!" Im Ha Yeon turned to me, seeming unwilling to accept any opposing view. No matter whom I choose, it feels like the wrong choice. "Aren't we discussing who to draw next to Dang Jeong, rather than debating who the rightful consort is?" Let's try to change the atmosphere. "That's the same thing." "I think it's strange to draw someone who's not the main wife first." I glanced at the dissatisfied faces of the two women and chuckled softly. "I've already made my decision." In a situation where choosing any side could be disastrous, and it could lead to division. There's a solution to times like these. "Yes?" "Let's place the temptress next to Dang Jeong." There's no need to place a particular woman. I have to say, this is an ingenious decision. It's akin to Solomon's wisdom in saving a child from being split in half. As I wore a triumphant expression, the two women stood speechless, staring at me. What's wrong? "Is that... your preference...?" "Could it be that Lord Dang Jeong pursued the temptress for... that reason...?" What's with these unfounded misunderstandings? "He's the rival of Dang Jeong. Drawing two characters that span the entire series seems much better. For the first illustration, let's set up our Dang Jeong against the temptress." With a small sigh, I managed to bring some resolution to the two. ************************ "Line up! Line up!" "Finally, we can witness the grandeur of the Tang Family Wind in Infinite!" "My cousin who lives in Yichang kept raving about how seeing the Tang Family Wind is a life-changing experience!" "Finally, we get to see the Tang Family Wind in Infinite!" Opening day of the Daeseo Pavilion's Infinite Branch. Thanks to the renown of the Tang Family Wind and the extensive flyers distributed in advance, the branch was already bustling with people. "There's quite a crowd, isn't there?" A scholar pointed to the endless line, speaking to his friend. "We should have come later." Upon hearing the news, the scholar's friend, who had been sporting an apathetic expression, turned to him and said, "Isn't today the day they're unveiling Tang Family Wind? You were always singing about how you wanted to see it too. What's with the casual reaction?" "I already managed to get my hands on it and read it." "What?!" "My friend in Yichang got me the first three volumes, and I read them all." "You should've gotten one for me too!" "I can lend you mine since I'm done reading." "No thanks! Anyway, there's quite an impressive painting near the entrance." The scholar let out an awestruck sigh, looking at the large scroll inside the Daeseo Pavilion's entrance. "It's clearly Dang Jeong and the rascal justice thief! Did they hire a famous painter for this? It's impressive!" The friend, previously indifferent, exclaimed in admiration while inspecting the painting from various angles. "It looks like the line ends over there." "You stay here. I'm heading up to the second floor for a look at qipao-clad women and maybe some plum wine." "So that was your ulterior motive for coming along? Didn't we plan to enjoy it together?" "Think of it as me reserving us seats. I'll head up now." "That rascal! Next time, I'm not treating him to a meal." The scholar grumbled, watching his friend energetically march off, seemingly dismissive. He sighed, taking his place at the end of the line, waiting for his turn. Suddenly, the same friend returned with a huff. "What now? Why are you back?" "Can I stand next to you?" "Why the sudden change? Here for the book?" "They say they're holding a lottery for signed editions if you buy Tang Family Wind here!" "What! Signed copies by the Ho Pil author?!" "They're offering signed editions at the branch that no one's ever had! I can't possibly miss this chance!" "Sir, move to the back!" "I just asked my friend to hold my place for a minute! This is the spot! Sorry!" “Thanks.” "You'll be buying me an iced Americano later." The scholar chuckled, glancing at his friend. ************************ "The branch is bustling every day." On the tenth day of Daeseo Pavilion's branch opening, contrary to initial concerns, it was thriving. I reported this good news to Im Ha Yeon, who was unable to move around during business hours due to her duties. "The strategy with the signed editions worked brilliantly. Even those who've read it lined up to buy new copies. Can you really get the signed editions before the drawing date?" "I'd arranged for them beforehand. They won't be late." "That's a relief. But you left a little early today, didn't you?" "After the Ma-moon incident, it felt necessary to further hone my martial arts skills. I wanted to make time to train more with Miss Ha Yeon." I need to be prepared to escape if needed. "……” Im Ha Yeon. Why does she suddenly look so glum? "There's no need for such a serious expression; it was nothing. Thanks to you, my martial arts skills are rapidly improving." It's not your fault, after all. "Now I can match secret moves with fighting techniques." As I spoke lightly, her discomfort seemed to ease, and she smiled. "It used to feel like my upper and lower halves were moving separately. Recently, a breakthrough in harmony between the two present itself." The Shadow Divine Method is truly peerless in advancement. It complements the Dang family's martial techniques perfectly. "Ah!" As I discussed today's training plans with Im Ha Yeon, a familiar yelp came from behind. "Miss Je Ghal!" Did she trip while carrying that pile of papers? Papers and brushes were scattered around the fallen Je Ghal Hyang. "You've arrived." "I thought you weren't supposed to approach during martial arts training." "She probably just came to greet us during our break, so let's not be too harsh. Miss Je Ghal, let me help you pick these up." "Hmph!" Leaving the sulky Im Ha Yeon behind, I rushed over to Je Ghal Hyang and helped gather the scattered papers. "Thank you." "Miss Je Ghal, how's the work coming along?" Since she was drawing the official illustrations, I also requested her to handle illustrations for the beauty of Sichuan, the famed courtesan of Hubei, and the Azure-Purple Lilies. "You should come and see for yourself." "I'll come by to check after dinner, once today's training is done." "Hehe, alright." Is she thrilled about drawing the official illustration that Ho Pil's author acknowledged? With eyes full of determination, Je Ghal Hyang glanced at me before heading to her room. Shall we resume training? As I turned, Im Ha Yeon's lips were poised in a certain way as she looked towards me. "……." "Miss Je Ghal isn't walking around with malicious intent, so don't take it too personally." "Really?" "Ah!" Seems like Miss Je Ghal tripped again. "See?" "…Go help her." ************************ "Something feels strange." Something seemed off. Late at night, in the annex of the mansion. Unable to sit or lie still, Im Ha Yeon murmured restlessly. "Why does it seem like the distance between the two of them has lessened?" It's hard to describe, but it's clear. Kang Yun Ho and Je Ghal Hyang. The gap that used to exist between the two seemed to have narrowed suddenly. "And why does she look so oddly confident?" They both sensed a mutual attraction toward Kang Yun Ho, making Im Ha Yeon concerned. Using martial arts training as a pretext, she had been enjoying her time exclusively with Kang Yun Ho at the estate, slightly relishing Je Ghal Hyang's drooping expression. But lately, Je Ghal Hyang seemed oddly self-assured. Occasionally, she flashed a confident smile in her direction. It wasn't a cunning smile, nor was it puppy-like. It was more of a raccoon-like smile. It was oddly unsettling, leaving Im Ha Yeon unable to understand why she was smiling. "There's something they're hiding. But what is it?" What irked Im Ha Yeon more was Kang Yun Ho's evasive attitude. Even when asked, he wouldn't provide answers. He awkwardly shifted topics. Both seemed to be hiding something. Im Ha Yeon was convinced of that. What on earth could it be? Why did they exchange such meaningful smiles again today? Im Ha Yeon felt as if she'd climbed over a wall and didn't notice as her escape routes were quietly closing in. "Something definitely happened." Her female intuition sounded an alarm. She couldn't let it go. If she didn't know what it was, she needed to find out. After days of contemplation, Im Ha Yeon finally nodded to herself, reaching a conclusion. "I need to drop by." She knew how to alleviate her frustration. ————————- "Hehe. G-Gongja, you shouldn't. You really shouldn't. Hehe." What kind of dream is she having? Though she wanted to shake her awake and tell her to stop dreaming, she had to restrain herself. "I can't get caught." Im Ha Yeon was currently in Je Ghal Hyang's room. Amidst the chaos of the untidy room—despite Seon Bi having cleaned earlier in the afternoon—the room was littered with paper, brushes, and ink stones. Where could the clue be? In both tidy rooms and ones in disarray, Im Ha Yeon knew how to find her target. "Things that are frequently used yet precious… Found it." Within arm's reach, yet not something often sought after. Im Ha Yeon discovered what she was looking for at the very bottom of a desk drawer. [Exchange Diary.] A diary received from Kang Yun Ho, yet to be returned. Surely, it held the clues she sought. With a pounding heart, Im Ha Yeon quickly skimmed through the contents. What on earth had transpired between the two? Three days ago. A week ago. A fortnight ago. "What is this?" Upon reading two weeks' worth of entries, Im Ha Yeon was faced with a shocking realization. [I can't believe Gongja Kang is really Ho Pil, the author. It feels like a dream.]