Ep491 - I Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel.

Sweet Words and Flattering Speeches. Everything he did was for this goal. Performing tasks that typically merited lower-ranked disciples, just for the chance to see her. Relaying the daily activities of Baek Woojin, all part of the elaborate pretense to entice her. His supposedly convincing words were just a prelude. He assured her that if she cooperated, no troublesome rumors would escape to the outside. Moreover, she was a merchant. To her, who valued rational transactions above all else, it seemed a reasonable opportunity. “It’s alright.” She promptly declined Tak Ilwoo’s proposal. There was no particular reason. “I trust my guardian.” She trusted him. Baek Woojin. She knew him better than most, having been saved by his hands. She understood what kind of person he was. In even more perilous situations than this, he had protected her and her family. “Heh heh... a pity. I thought we’d have a fruitful conversation, Miss Geum.” Tak Ilwoo clicked his tongue in disappointment, turning away. At that moment, she believed his schemes had ended, but it was merely the beginning. The next day. “I heard today as well that young master Baek didn’t leave the master’s quarters. At this rate, who knows when the culprit will be caught....” And the day after. “It seems like young master Baek is struggling. Among the disciples, there’s talk that he’s given up and is just stalling in the master’s quarters....” The attempts to sway her continued. But she remained unbothered. Baek Woojin does not engage in meaningless actions. Clearly, he stayed in the master’s quarters because there was crucial work to be done there. On the third day. “Here’s your meal, Miss.” A young girl in tattered monk robes, not Tak Ilwoo, brought in her meal for the day. It seemed he had finally given up. As she received the meal with a lighter heart, the young girl spoke. “You must have had a tough time because of our master, right?” “Eh.” Geum Yeoul was startled. Could this adorable young girl really be Tak Ilwoo's disciple? “Are you a disciple of Elder Tak?” The girl nodded energetically. “Yes, that’s right! I’m Honghwa, the youngest of master’s five disciples.” “Ah... You’re Miss Hong, then.” Geum Yeoul forced a smile as Honghwa chatted away. “Our master gave you quite a hard time, didn’t he?” Geum Yeoul gestured defensively, unable to badmouth the master in front of his disciple. “Oh, not at all.” “Come on, I was sent here to win you over.” At her candid words, Geum Yeoul’s brows furrowed slightly. “He gave such an order?” “Yes! He said that since I’m your age, you might be more inclined to open up, and he instructed me to ensure you change your mind.” It was puzzling. If those were the master's orders, she should adhere to them. “Then why are you telling me this...?” When she asked, Honghwa kept her bright smile as she replied. “Though everyone accuses Baek Woojin of trying to kill our sect leader, I don’t think that’s true.” “Really...?” Geum Yeoul asked again, wide-eyed. After all, wasn’t he the suspect pointed out directly by the sect leader of Hwasan Sect before he lost consciousness and fell? And yet, a disciple didn’t believe that? It was curious, wasn’t it? To this, she answered: “Well, he is the Celestial Sword God! The hero who fought against the cult leader and saved the martial world! Such a person wouldn’t harm a fellow sect member, right?” It was indeed a logical point. Perhaps the other disciples, seeing their sect’s leader severely injured and unconscious, had forgotten this fact. But at least Honghwa seemed to remember the essence of the matter. That was probably because.... “I actually admire the Celestial Sword God a lot.” The confession, laced with shyness, likely explained her perspective. “Isn’t he amazing?! With his handsome looks, towering height, and martial skills rivaling the Three Supreme Masters...!” “Oh... yes.” “And that’s not all! Just examining the journey he’s taken....” She recounted his feats one by one. Actions befitting a hero, without a doubt. “He was particularly remarkable that time! When he faced the Sky Demon on the plains, he said: ‘Let my comrades go, and I shall follow your will!’ and was taken by the Sky Demon....!” Honghwa, lost in excitement, finally clasped her hands over her mouth, realizing her oversight. “Oh...! I’m, I’m sorry. I got a bit carried away.” Geum Yeoul waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, it's nothing! I'm just glad to finally meet someone who believes in my guardian.” “Hehe... I feel the same way. There's no one in our sect who respects the Celestial Sword God as much as I do. Everyone just adores the Plum Blossom Sword Master.” “Haha... Well, for most disciples of the Hwasan Sect, becoming the Plum Blossom Sword Master would be the ultimate dream.” “Yes, that's true. But I want to reach further! I want to be a hero like the Celestial Sword God, traveling all over the mainland!” “Haha... I’m sure you can, Miss Hong.” “Do you really think so?!” “Yes, absolutely.” The two shared a cheerful and animated conversation. In the isolation of the dungeon, the accumulated tension and anxiety were momentarily alleviated. * * * The day had improved, albeit slightly. Being imprisoned in the underground cell felt less lonely now. And it was all thanks to Honghwa. “Hehe, what a delightful child.” A child who fervently admired the man she loved. The girl who started bringing her meals on behalf of Tak Ilwoo had a passion for expressing her admiration, and Geum Yeoul found it genuinely entertaining. But that wasn't all. “Greetings, Miss.” In the evenings, the presence of Song Heeyeon, who appeared silently in the thick shadows, provided her with much-needed support. “Oh, Miss Song…!” Song Heeyeon would update her on what Baek Woojin was currently doing. Unlike Tak Ilwoo, who only presented meaningless moments to try and sway her, Song Heeyeon detailed Baek Woojin’s efforts with the sect leader. And thus, Geum Yeoul learned. That Baek Woojin was exhausting himself to treat the sect leader. “Has he spent the entire day treating the sect leader again?” “Yes, that’s right.” “Is there any sign of improvement?” “Yes. It seems it will be resolved within a day or two.” Song Heeyeon, having diligently answered her questions, then asked in turn: “Has anything happened to you, Miss?” Geum Yeoul playfully rebuked Song Heeyeon with narrowed eyes. “Oh, come on. I told you to just call me sister.” "…I’m not quite ready for that." Flustered, Song Heeyeon mumbled, her cheeks reddening. Likely feeling unworthy of the title, as she wasn’t yet recognized as Baek Woojin’s woman. She didn’t want more women around him. However, Song Heeyeon was an exception. Hadn’t she stayed by Baek Woojin’s side far longer than herself? Thus, Geum Yeoul hoped. ‘I wish she would accept it soon.’ For the day to come when she could truly call her a sister. Even though Song Heeyeon had been with him first, Geum Yeoul was the one acknowledged first as his woman, and thus, she believed she ought to be the elder sister. Perhaps. She smiled secretly and answered Song Heeyeon’s inquiry from earlier. “Nothing much today either. I just chatted with Honghwa as usual.” “Oh... So the young lady who admires... er, the young master?” “Yes, that’s her! She really admires my guardian. You wouldn’t believe how much she respects him. Which of his feats was her favorite again…?” She shared with Song Heeyeon the stories she had exchanged with Honghwa. Clearly, she had missed having someone to talk to during her confinement. Song Heeyeon understood her longing and stayed, listening patiently until late into the night. “And then... and then... yawn....” Until Geum Yeoul yawned more than twice during her tales. The following day, feeling a sense of release after pouring out her heart, Honghwa came as usual with her meal. While they were talking, Honghwa spoke with a worried voice. “Sister… Do you think Baek Woojin will soon capture the culprit and prove his innocence?” “Of course! Why, are you starting to have doubts?” Startled by the playful question, Honghwa quickly waved her hands. “Oh, no! It’s just... I've heard that the sect leader’s condition is worsening. I'm worried that if something happens to him, Baek Woojin will be wrongfully blamed.” Honghwa was truly concerned. For both her sect’s leader and the respected Baek Woojin. Seeing the young girl burdened with such deep worries at her age, Geum Yeoul sympathized and gently stroked Honghwa’s hair as she shared part of what Song Heeyeon had told her. “Don’t worry, Honghwa. My guardian will soon heal the sect leader.” “Heal him...?” “The truth is, he’s been working tirelessly to treat the sect leader.” “Really?” “Absolutely! It’s a tough task, and he mentioned needing a day or two of full concentration, but he’s confident that, if uninterrupted, he can successfully heal him.” “Oh! I’m so relieved!” Honghwa’s bright smile returned at her words. Geum Yeoul continued to pat the girl’s head as she listened to Honghwa’s chatter. * * * The night had settled deeply. In Tak Ilwoo’s study, where the lights were still burning late, his youngest disciple, Honghwa, came to deliver news. “Master, I’ve finally discovered what Baek Woojin is doing in the sect leader’s quarters.” “…Is that the truth?” “Yes! He’s treating the sect leader.” Tak Ilwoo sighed at the revelation. “That’s hard to believe. While the sect leader’s wounds didn’t instantly kill him, they’re severe enough that recovery should be impossible.” “I’m not sure of the details... but it’s certain. He’s planning to focus entirely on this for the next day or two.” Having relayed everything she heard from Geum Yeoul, Honghwa continued with a sly smile. “If there’s any interference from the outside, he’ll be in serious trouble.” Hearing this, Tak Ilwoo lightly stroked his prized beard and sighed once more. “Well... that’s quite the predicament. If there’s a sudden attack, it’ll be a real disaster.” Gradually, a subtle smile formed on Tak Ilwoo’s lips. Honghwa mirrored his mischievous grin and responded innocently. “Wouldn’t it be?” Author's Note I apologize for the delay. Due to relatives visiting at different times during the Chuseok holiday, I was constantly occupied. Moreover, I’ve been working late into the night recently, and after drinking a bit, I ended up falling asleep immediately, waking up around evening; With the Chuseok holiday now over and the day after tomorrow, I'll be able to write in a friend’s borrowed workspace again, so I’ll be able to serialize more diligently. I’d appreciate it if you could be patient and understanding of the unstable serialization times until then. I look forward to seeing you in the next chapter. Thank you always for reading. Have a peaceful night. (_ _)