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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 117
Chapter Title: Chapter 117
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Returning to the pavilion, Seolhwa informed Yugang of the news and immediately began to prepare.
There was no reason to refuse Moyong Yeonhwa's invitation. She was also curious about Namgung Ung's condition.
‘“I’ve just come from telling the family head that I’m giving up the position of young lord.”’
Namgung Cheonghae had said this a few days ago, having visited her abruptly.
She had heard rumors about the purge of Yeon Soran and those who had sympathized with her.
It was thanks to Yeoyul, who was excellent at picking up rumors everywhere and recounting them in meticulous detail.
Even so, Namgung Cheonghae had thoroughly informed her of their crimes and the punishments they received.
When he spoke of his former wife's involvement in the incident eight years ago, his voice and expression clearly revealed his apology and shame.
Seolhwa knew why Namgung Cheonghae had bothered to visit her personally, especially when she was so young.
It was because she had been the one to inform Namgung Cheonghae about the relationship between Yeon Soran and the Yellow Dragon Chief, inciting the purge.
‘“Though I didn’t know Yeon Soran was a Hyeolgyo operative.”’
When she heard that news, she thought it fortunate that she had told Namgung Cheonghae about their relationship.
After her people were injured due to the Yellow Dragon Chief's betrayal, Seolhwa resolved not to keep even the smallest danger by her side.
‘“Even so, it’s true that things escalated more than I expected.”’
Not only the Yellow Dragon Chief and Yeon Soran, but also the elders and sword commanders.
Namgung Mucheon, who had drawn his sword, showed no mercy.
Seolhwa, too, truly felt how terrifying the decision of one called the Sword Emperor could be.
‘“Thank you. And… I am sorry.”’
Namgung Cheonghae, having finished all he had to say, left those words behind and departed.
Only the tea in the untouched teacup remained, growing cold in his place.
That was the end of it. The news regarding Namgung Cheonghae's family.
She heard that neither Namgung Cheonghae nor Namgung Ung had emerged from their residences. Yet, Namgung Ung had responded to Moyong Yeonhwa's invitation.
‘“If it’s Namgung Ung…”’
She could vividly imagine what he must look like now.
Seolhwa let out a short sigh.
“Wow! You look so beautiful, Young Miss!”
Yeoyul, who had just finished preparing Seolhwa, clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling.
“I did it myself, but… truly… truly…”
“Thank you, Yeoyul.”
Seolhwa quickly made her escape before Yeoyul could get too carried away.
“W-wait! Young Miss! You need to take your outer robe!”
Yeoyul quickly chased after Seolhwa and helped her put on her outer robe just as she was about to leave the pavilion.
Though she found the outer robe uncomfortable, she obediently accepted it. Just then, she felt an intense gaze.
…
Unbeknownst to her when he arrived, Yugang was standing at the bottom of the stairs, gazing intently at her.
Yugang, too, was wearing clothes prepared by the Namgung Sega instead of his training robes. The clothes he had arrived in were torn and unwearable from the battle at Surochae.
The blue-hued silk garments suited him remarkably well. Anyone who didn't know him might have mistaken him for a young master of the Namgung Sega.
It seemed to be due to his naturally honest and bright impression.
“When did you get here?”
“…Huh?”
Seolhwa descended the stairs and approached him.
Only then did Yugang snap out of his daze.
“Oh, uh, just now. I just…”
“I heard you’ve been going to the training grounds lately, saying your body's recovered a bit?”
“My body felt a bit stiff. I just did some light stretching.”
“Why don’t you stop bothering the physicians at the Medical Hall?”
“…Me? I haven’t bothered anyone?”
“Rumor has it the Medical Hall physicians have been searching everywhere for a vanished patient.”
It seemed they hadn't considered the patient might have gone to the training grounds, so they searched all over the family estate.
Yugang’s monstrous recovery ability was one thing, but the fact that he sought out the training grounds as soon as he felt a little better showed he was no ordinary training fanatic.
“Gasp.”
Yugang gasped, seemingly unaware of that part.
“What if your wounds open up again on the way to Hwasan? If you delay us, can we just leave you behind?”
Yugang's mouth fell slightly open. His lips, which had been fumbling for words, closed, and he eventually bowed his head deeply.
“…Sorry. I’ll be more careful from now on.”
He had probably just moved lightly because he felt better, but he obediently admitted his mistake.
“Good thinking.”
Seolhwa smiled faintly and walked past him.
Ryeon, who had been waiting ahead for the two of them, gave Seolhwa a thumbs-up.
“But hey!”
Seolhwa turned around at the urgent call.
A strikingly different scene from what she had seen from the top of the stairs came into her view.
A massive pavilion, silhouetted against a darkening lavender sky with dark clouds drifting idly across it.
And Yugang, standing at the spot where the lights of the pavilion and the path converged.
“You’re really beautiful today.”
Yugang chuckled, a bright smile gracing his face.
That smile, against the darkening sky, was as bright as the dazzling lights.
Seolhwa briefly thought that the converging lights were blinding her.
* * *
“Wahahaha! I made these because I heard you like them!”
A large plate was placed in front of Seolhwa.
Seolhwa, who had been staring at the unknown objects for a moment, asked Cheongsan.
“What is this?”
“Can’t you tell by looking? It’s Tanghuru!”
“…This?”
“Yeah! Well, it wasn’t that difficult! Just marinate them in syrup! Wait for them to harden! I used especially large fruits because you like them!”
As he said, the Tanghuru on the plate featured fruits ranging from small grapes and strawberries to apples, pears, and persimmons.
Imagining him, with his large physique, meticulously making these….
Seolhwa picked up the smallest grape among them and took a bite.
Crunch.
‘…Do I need to use internal energy to eat this?’
‘Is this some kind of dining table training?’
Thinking that, she quietly put down the rest and even spat out what was in her mouth when Cheongsan wasn’t looking.
Seolhwa pushed the plate away and looked around at those gathered.
Seolhwa and Yugang, Hwarin and Cheongsan, and Soyak were invited and seated. Beside Soyak, Namgung Ung could be seen.
Seolhwa observed Ung closely.
He laughed and reacted to the cheerful conversation, but somehow, he seemed to lack energy.
Whenever his eyes met Seolhwa's by chance, he would startle and avert his gaze, but it didn't seem to be out of shyness like Hwarin.
‘“Just as I thought.”’
Seeing Ung’s reaction, Seolhwa let out a soft sigh.
After finishing their meal in a harmonious atmosphere, Yugang left, offering to escort Jin Soyak, while Seolhwa headed to her residence with Ryeon first.
“S-Sister!”
She didn't need to turn around to know who was calling her. She had somewhat expected it.
She nodded to Ryeon, who then moved a short distance away to wait.
Seolhwa turned to Ung.
“What is it?”
Perhaps surprised by her nonchalant reaction, Ung's face flushed with dismay.
“I… well, that is…”
“If you’re thinking of apologizing, don’t.”
Ung flinched and stepped back.
The thought, 'How did you know?' was evident on his face.
It was truly the exact reaction Seolhwa had expected.
Seolhwa let out a soft sigh, approached Ung, and took hold of both his shoulders.
Ung’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Ung.”
“Yes, Sister.”
“Don’t feel guilty for something that isn’t your fault. That’s not being kind, that’s being foolish.”
“B-but…”
Ung had heard. He had heard that his own mother was the one who had orchestrated the incident that Seolhwa had suffered eight years ago.
He had heard that Sister Seolhwa had left home and lived a difficult life for a long time. How could he not feel sorry when it was because of his own mother?
“D-don’t you… hate me?”
“No. I don’t hate you.”
“!”
“Honestly, I don’t hate your mother either. No, I don’t feel anything about her.”
In truth, while Namgung Cheonghae had bothered to come and tell her, she had no interest whatsoever in what punishment Yeon Soran received or what end she met.
“I have a lot of things to do.”
I need to learn martial arts from Seop Mugwang, organize the Namgung-breaking martial arts and hand them over to the Martial Arts Hall, and also pay attention to matters concerning Hwasan.
Although the rotten roots of the Namgung Sega have finally been cleared, the future won't necessarily change in the desired direction just because the Namgung Sega changes.
When the Hyeolgyo rebellion eventually breaks out, there are still many things that need to be done to fight on equal terms with the Hyeolgyo.
“I don’t have the luxury of resenting what happened eight years ago now, or individually hating every person involved. I’m already overwhelmed just trying to move forward. Do you think I’d have the time to hate you?”
Ung shook his head back and forth.
“If you have time to worry about such things, you should spend it on more sword training instead.”
“I-I haven’t neglected my sword training!”
“Then, how about we spar, like last time?”
Ung shook his head even faster.
“That… I’m not… mentally prepared for that yet…!”
Seeing his round eyes fill with dismay, Seolhwa let out a small chuckle.
Judging by his reaction, he thankfully didn't seem to be grieving too much over losing his mother.
No, he must be sad. It’s just that he’s likely grown accustomed to enduring it.
‘“Because even normally, it was obvious she only doted on the eldest.”’
What else could be the reason for this child to become so mature? His reactions, so accustomed to giving up and apologizing.
“Ung.”
“Yes, Sister?”
“Just keep growing like this.”
Keep growing well, like this, and become the talent who will lead this Namgung Sega in the future.
‘“He needs to build more confidence, but that can be developed over time.”’
Unconsciously, Seolhwa placed her hand on Ung’s head and gently stroked his soft hair.
‘Is this what it feels like when adults constantly pat one’s head?’
Looking at his clear, round eyes, she felt an inexplicable urge to imbue him with strength.
“Keep growing well. Alright?”
