Ch 369 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Episode 10 As Do Mun's martial artists entered the mansion, they were greeted by a thick fog that rendered visibility impossible. Mu Han found it peculiar for there to be such thick mist in broad daylight, especially since the weather had been clear before entering the mansion. Though dense morning fog was common in Hubei—the provincial capital through which the Yangtze River flows—this was extraordinary. Even when they tried to disperse it with their hands, the mist stayed intact, concealing even those standing beside them. While all of Do Mun's martial artists were bewildered, someone finally managed to figure out the origin of the fog. "A formation! Damn it! It's a formation by the Je Gal Family!" It dawned on the martial artists of Do Mun that they had underestimated the capabilities of the Je Gal Family's youngest daughter, who had ensnared them in this predicament. "It was a trap...! Gah!" The sound of a martial artist, the first to breach the door, having their throat pierced, echoed sharply in the ears of everyone present. "Damn it! The Man Geum Jeon Jang's fighters are lying in ambush within this formation!" "Retreat! Get out and regroup!" "I can't find the exit! It was right behind me!" "I climbed over the wall, but now there's no wall behind me!" Merely a few steps inside, it felt as if they had stepped into another dimension. Panic-stricken voices erupted everywhere. "We're already inside the formation! Once you're in, you can't escape! Keep your wits about you!" Once trapped in the formation, the only way out was through the life gate or by destroying the caster or the object projecting it. Retreating was futile; calm and steady progress was the only way to survive. Though, keeping calm didn't guarantee they could unravel a formation created by the Je Gal Family's direct lineage. "You're all so damned scared of mere fog...! Gah!" Another of Do Mun's martial artists lost his life. "Gather where you hear my voice! Spread out and you're dead! Damn it! Is the fog swallowing sound too?" The martial artist shouted orders, but his voice dissolved into emptiness. The Man Sang Gi Yeon Hon Mu Jin isn't just a simple fog-emitting formation. The water mist blocked sight and smell first. As the haze thickened, it gradually stifled sound. The stronger the formation grew, the more it consumed the senses and erased the enemies' perception. "Damn it! I can't sense a thing! Whoa!" Do Mun's martial artist barely twisted his body to evade a sword lunging from close range. "Unbelievable!" Even if trapped, he didn't believe the attack was too large to avoid. Utilizing the rebound from his waist, he thrust his sword with full force where the throat should be. "Guh!" "I got one... But what is this! Why are you—" Before his eyes lay a fallen comrade, clutching his throat. How could the attacker be one of their own? Completely baffled, the martial artist couldn't comprehend. "It was definitely a Man Geum Jeon Jang fighter. Could this formation disguise even ally from foe?" It was astonishing—a formation that turned those trapped into foes. Realizing he entered a point of no return, the martial artist understood the dim prospect of surviving. "Damn you, Je Gal Family...! Grrr!" The final wails of the martial artist, who tried to cling to reason, didn't take long to be silenced. Despite their desperate resistance, the full scope of Je Gal Family's direct descendants' formation was just coming to fruition. ** "So this is Je Gal's Man Sang Gi Yeon Hon Mu Jin. Impressive." To call it anything less would be injustice; the Je Gal Family's formation excels in ensnaring and overpowering adversaries. "I knew you were preparing diligently for this proposal, but still, it's overwhelming." "I didn't realize Je Gal's formation would be this powerful either." Listening to the dwindling cries from the living room, I nodded in acknowledgment. Setting up the formation around the mansion was a task planned long before. Anticipating the reckless advance of Do Mun towards the mansion, we began preparations slowly after revealing Ha Yeon So Jeo's identity to Je Gal So Jeo. We expedited the formation about ten days before the main ceremony. I had thought it would only support the Man Geum Jeon Jang fighters. Never expected they'd turn on themselves within it. Impressed, I turned to Je Gal Hyang. "Heh. Since you gave me plenty of time, Young Master Kang." Seeming pleased by our surprise, Je Gal So Jeo fanned herself with a mysterious fan. "Is everyone in the Je Gal Family this proficient?" Perhaps such mastery of formations was a given in the Je Gal Family. "Uh, well... my mother had no patience for idleness, so some effort had to be shown at least." Embarrassed, Je Gal So Jeo fidgeted with her hands. "Ah, so you diligently followed your mother's advice." Though I've never met her, I could imagine a mother scolding her child lovingly while envisioning a screen-smitten smile. It seems Je Gal So Jeo is the kind of daughter who'd improve her grades at the mere warning of losing computer privileges. "Uh, well... I like reading novels and drawing, but doing both takes a lot of time. With formations, you set them up and... not much attention is needed." So she optimized for stealthy indulgence? "Haha, but still, you must have practiced hard." "Later, even mom caught on, making it tricky. I simply resolved not to be caught and ended up practicing even more." A guide to enjoying hobbies within the Je Gal Family: Practice formations so stealthily that not even the martial artists can detect them. Her dedication is commendable. It’s like a top student casually announcing they'd mastered both current and 30-year-old anime series while excelling in studies. "We've cleaned up. Most of those keeping watch outside have been dealt with. Please step outside into the courtyard." In the brief time we chatted idly inside, the Chief Guard announced the end of the assault. --- By now, the fog had cleared. Once all the intruders were subdued, the fog lifted. As I stepped into the inner courtyard, I saw guards dragging the bodies outside, making sure all was secure. "Thank you for your efforts." "To think they dared to attack a mansion guarded by Man Geum Jeon Jang. Seems the outlaws have grown reckless." "Perhaps their grudge from the Nok Cheong Pyo Guk incident drives them." I casually ground a tuft of green hair beneath my boot on the courtyard floor. I couldn't mention the truth about Mu Yeong Sin Tu and Ha O Mun. I stuck to the story I'd told Man Geum Jeon Ju before—that it was Nok Cheong Pyo Guk's revenge. Thankfully, it seemed like Do Mun had prepared the hair to link it back to Nok Cheong Pyo Guk intentionally. "Indeed, it's no wonder they remain cautious whenever Po Kwae is involved with martial artists." "I feel heavy-hearted for those who were injured because of me." I sighed softly and bowed toward the martial artists carrying off the bodies of the assailants. "No worries, we just did our job. But you, Young Master Kang—no, Po Kwae Kang—resolved what no one else dared to handle. Truly a just action." Po Kwae is not a powerful official. It's not a post with rank or prestige. It's a frontline position that battles crime directly. Who would want to get involved with martial artists and risk beheading for scant pay? It's easier to extort the hapless merchants instead. The reason my actions in Mu Han were the talk of the town was that, despite being a mere Po Kwae, I actively involved myself in martial artists' affairs and resolved conflicts. "I merely did what was necessary." "Mu Han is abuzz with talk of Po Kwae Kang these days. There are always those who become jealous and spiteful when one does what's right. Don't feel too guilty." As I looked around, I noticed that the martial artists from Man Geum Jeon Jang were bowing slightly to me. "I am simply grateful for your kind words." Greeting the Chief Guard, I glanced around as the outer courtyard doors swung open with force. "Let go, let me go!" "We caught the one trying to escape!" Two guards hauled in someone who appeared to be with Do Mun. His face seemed familiar. "A face I recognize." I remembered. He was one who had stood behind Do Mun Hyang Ju. "Kang Yun Ho! You dare to trap us in this snare!" "Have you ever blamed the fire for the moth that flies into its flames?" "Because of you, our plans!" If your plans keep failing, it's time to cut your losses. Continuing to raise the stakes thinking you'll win eventually is what leads to ruin. "If there’s another crazy plan, I’d love to know about it. Is running your only option now?" "Hmph! Just kill me!" The Do Mun officer, his face contorted in anger, turned away, offering no more words. "Not quite the words I'd expect to hear from a bearded elder." Even if a noble knight, unscathed by defeat, uttered them, I wouldn't sympathize. "Let's handle this ourselves, since it's a matter of the martial world." Though I considered interrogating the Do Mun officer myself, I decided against it and nodded. I wasn’t skilled at extracting information, and forcing a tight-lipped adversary to speak would take more time than I had. I glanced towards the sun's direction and spoke. "The sun will set soon." The sun was already poised upon the western sky. "Yes, it'll be night before long." With dusk approaches the night and the ceremony where we’ll inaugurate Do Mun Hyang Ju, a moment we've eagerly awaited. As the previous representative, I must also head to the prearranged meeting place. Ha Yeon So Jeo seemed absorbed by her thoughts as well, murmuring at the setting western sky. "Je Gal So Jeo." I turned to Je Gal So Jeo, who was also watching the western horizon. "Yes?" "It might be best for you to return to Man Geum Jeon Ju's mansion for now." "What?" Understandably, Je Gal So Jeo seemed surprised. She might have thought I was suggesting she step back now. But that wasn't my intent. "I’m concerned about leaving the mansion unattended. Given what's happened here, who knows what might occur in our absence." I pointed to the bloodstained inner courtyard as I spoke. Once Ha Yeon So Jeo is inaugurated as Do Mun Hyang Ju, everything will be settled. We need to eliminate all potential variables and secure our victory. The Do Mun Hyang Ju, cornered like this, might turn desperate enough to use Je Gal Hyang as leverage. We have to be cautious about any unforeseen situations. "...You'll return, right?" Je Gal So Jeo asked with a trembling voice. “Of course. Once today's matters are concluded, we’ll return to our routine as usual." "…" Je Gal So Jeo did not immediately respond, nor did she nod. Her eyes wavered between me and Ha Yeon So Jeo, as if she had something to say. I watched her open her mouth several times, only to close it again, finally slumping her shoulders in defeat and lowering her gaze. "Uh?!" What’s going on? Ha Yeon So Jeo suddenly pulled me down by the ear, bringing her lips close to whisper. "Are you really going to be so oblivious? Je Gal So Jeo seems anxious." Anxious? Why? Pondering for a moment, I looked at Je Gal So Jeo, whose demeanor was akin to a puppy fearful of being abandoned. Ah. ‘I stayed at your mansion for Ha Yeon So Jeo’s sake.’ Various reasons played a part, but the main one was to protect Ha Yeon So Jeo. Je Gal So Jeo must have caught on, even if she was initially fooled. Once today is over, Ha Yeon So Jeo’s issues will be resolved. We’ll no longer need to live together. By suggesting Je Gal So Jeo return to the mansion, it might have sounded like I was declaring our cohabitation would end here. ‘I promised to take responsibility, but perhaps she felt neglected.’ She might have felt isolated, unable to voice it. Perhaps she feared I’d ignore her once this was over. No matter the case, her anxiety was understandable. "Je Gal So Jeo." How could I ease Je Gal So Jeo's anxiety? After a brief moment of contemplation, I approached her. "Wha? Wha—G-G-G-G-Gang Gong Ja?!" Je Gal So Jeo's flustered voice reached my ears. No wonder she was surprised. I had wrapped her in a hug. "Je Gal So Jeo." I called her again, this time with affection. “Huff.” I could hear Je Gal So Jeo's heart pounding hard. "When I return, let's go on an outing together. We'll talk leisurely about novels, too." Holding her gently, I whispered softly in her ear. “R-r-really?” She must have been truly anxious. Her trembling against my chest spoke volumes. I cradled her gently and stroked the back of her head. The scent of hydrangeas drifted softly between her delicate figure. She seemed fragile enough to shatter if I held her too tight. "Yes. I'll come back safely." I wanted nothing more than to stay like this, embracing her. It took immense willpower to finally let go. “Y-y-yes. P-p-please come back safely.” "Please take care of Je Gal So Jeo. I’ll be back from my Po Kwae duties." I glanced at the Chief Guard nearby, conveying that I was entrusting her care. “Ahem. Understood.” Perhaps I was being a bit over-affectionate. The martial artists looking my way had expressions tinged with envy. "Hahaha." "Ha Yeon So Jeo. Time to move. Ha Yeon So Jeo?" I turned my attention to Ha Yeon So Jeo, leaving the melting Je Gal So Jeo behind. "……." Why such the pouty face? "If we don’t want to be late for the meeting, we should leave now." "L-let's go quickly!" Having snapped back to reality, Ha Yeon So Jeo nodded and turned away. "Let's hurry." The sun seemed to congratulate us for thwarting Do Mun's schemes, hastening its descent toward the western horizon. Finally, the long-anticipated night was upon us.