Chapter 226
226th Episode
Was it because of the suffocating atmosphere?
I had the illusion that the surrounding sounds were fading away.
After exchanging glances with Songhwa, who was catching her breath with a troubled expression, I soon realized that it wasn't an illusion, but that the surroundings had actually become quiet.
People's gazes were focused on us, both inside and outside the inn.
It was Jin-sung who broke the awkward silence.
He seemed to know the man, as he slowly clasped his hands in greeting.
"It's been a while."
The man, also clasping his hands, raised his chin and replied.
"I didn't expect to see the Sword Dragon here."
"Nor did I. It doesn't seem like the appropriate place to exchange pleasantries. Would you mind stepping aside for a moment?"
"That would be difficult. This is a moment I've been anticipating for a long time."
The man refused outright and smiled.
If he knows Jin-sung, is he a Martial Artist of the Alliance?
Curious about his identity, I glanced at the man. Judging by his flamboyant hair ornaments and martial attire, he seemed to be from a wealthy family.
If he knows me, is he a martial artist from a prestigious clan? But I really don't remember seeing that face before.
Where did I see him? It's unlikely I met him at the Tang Clan. Did I even greet him when I went to the Alliance?
While I was rummaging through my hazy memories, I heard whispering from behind.
"Isn't that the Divine Dragon and the Sword Dragon? What's going on? Are they going to fight?"
"Shh, be quiet. This is all within earshot of the Martial Artists."
Divine Dragon and Sword Dragon?
...Divine Dragon?
Could it be, is that Namgung Hwi?
Yang Gyo-jin, who had been staring intently at the two, also said with amazement.
"Oh, if you're both Dragons, then this one must be the Divine Dragon? I can tell just by looking at his face. They said he looks like a gigolo, and it's true."
"Don't say it so loud, you idiot."
I poked Yang Gyo-jin in the side and swallowed hard, glancing at the man's expression.
Then, the man, meeting my gaze, replied kindly.
"It's alright. It's not like it's wrong."
Fortunately, he didn't seem offended by Yang Gyo-jin's words.
I nodded with a dazed expression, and the man smiled, his eyes crinkling.
Overlaid on that smile was the face of the young boy from my memories.
It's really him. His smile is exactly the same.
Perhaps my surprised expression looked strange, as Namgung Hwi laughed brightly and clasped his hands.
"Do you remember me now? Let me reintroduce myself, Young lady. I am Namgung Hwi of the Namgung Clan."
"It's been a long time, Young Patriarch. I apologize for not recognizing you right away, I was flustered."
"Hwi."
"Yes?"
"Please, call me Hwi."
His voice, asking me to call him by his name with a bright smile, rang out clearly.
"Perhaps I have done something to offend you, Young Patriarch..."
"Hwi."
"Yes. Young Master Namgung. I..."
"It's Hwi, I tell you."
I was speechless at his crestfallen expression.
Have I ever called this guy by his name? I don't think so...
Why does he look so disappointed? We were quite close, but am I forgetting something?
No. We only went for a few walks and visited the night market once.
As I stood there blankly, Songhwa hurriedly interjected.
"Alright, everyone. Drawing attention at the entrance of the inn is enough for now. We don't know what kind of rumors might spread, so shouldn't we move somewhere else first?"
Only then did I notice the onlookers gathered outside the inn and the Jeomsoi hovering around us, unsure of what to do.
Feeling awkward, I asked the Jeomsoi.
"Are there any private rooms available?"
"I, I'll go check right now!"
The Jeomsoi, bowing deeply at my question, rushed inside with a clatter.
Clicking my tongue, I looked back and forth between Jin-sung and Namgung Hwi and said.
"If there are no empty rooms, it would be better to move somewhere else, as Dojang Songhwa said. Standing here like this is a bit... Oh, Uncle?"
While looking around, I made eye contact with Uncle Geun-myeong, who was standing on the railing of the second-floor stairs. He gestured to us.
"Hey, bring them up here."
At the same time, the gazes that had been focused on us scattered in an instant.
I felt a little sad at the sight of people desperately avoiding eye contact with the Tang Clan's Elder.
The notoriety of the Green Robe was much greater than I had thought.
\ \ *
After safely escaping the gazes of the people and taking a breather, I moved to a private room, only to face a new challenge.
"Um, Young lady Dang? I'll be going now..."
"Stay. It'll be awkward if Dojang Jin-sung is alone."
"It's just as awkward with me here, but... I understand."
Songhwa gave an awkward smile and was sweating profusely.
"It's a good room, befitting the Young lady's discerning eye."
"I didn't choose it."
Namgung Hwi sat comfortably as if he were in his own home and smiled whenever our eyes met.
"..."
Jin-sung's expression was calm, but he seemed somewhat displeased.
"Oh, I smell alcohol. So-hye, can I drink this?"
"Don't touch anything. That's Poison."
"Okay. Then where's the alcohol?"
"You said you couldn't drink because you needed to loosen up your body. Wait, I'll get you some tea."
"Okay."
Even Yang Gyo-jin, who didn't care about the atmosphere at all, just said whatever he wanted.
I had no idea how to deal with this unfamiliar and uncomfortable combination.
Damn it. What should I do?
It was such an awkward situation that I wanted to follow Uncle Geun-myeong, who had left to give us space to talk comfortably.
Songhwa also seemed uncomfortable, as his body kept turning towards the door.
"Where are you going?"
Whispering as I grabbed Songhwa, he erased his smile and mouthed the words.
'Young lady Dang, please save us. I need to quickly get Great Senior Brother away from here.'
'Why? Did Dojang Song-gwang do something wrong?'
'Uh, ha... No, it's nothing.'
He hesitated, then sighed and straightened his posture.
His slumped shoulders looked a little pitiful, but I had no intention of letting him go so easily.
If Songhwa left, I would definitely not be able to handle the situation alone.
I pretended not to notice and got up to take out the tea set.
"Um, so... I'll make some tea. Mo Bong Tea is fine with everyone, right?"
"It's fine, Young lady."
"Yes."
"There are five people, won't there be enough water? Should I go get some water?"
"There's enough water, just stay here, Dojang."
"So-hye, make mine cold."
"There's no ice. Just drink it as it is."
"Okay."
"Then I'll get some ice...!"
Songhwa's eyes, desperately shouting, were glistening with tears.
This guy really wants to leave.
I looked at him with sympathetic eyes.
"Alright, Dojang. I'll ask you for a favor."
"Yes. Thank you, Young lady."
His expression brightened in an instant, and he left the private room faster than the speed of light.
Yang Gyo-jin, tilting his head, watched me take out the tea leaves and then spoke to Namgung Hwi.
"Hey, Divine Dragon, right?"
"That's what people call me."
Namgung Hwi's lips seemed to tremble slightly as he replied, but Yang Gyo-jin didn't care and asked.
"Where did you meet So-hye? Did So-hye give you a ride in her carriage too?"
...Gyo Jin-ah. I don't just give anyone a ride in my carriage.
"I lived with Young lady Dang at the Tang Clan when we were young."
"Really? So-hye, I want to go to Sichuan too. I want to see the Tang Clan."
"Don't. You'll get poisoned too. After seeing Sama Sohyeop tremble at the sight of a Green Robe, you still want to go?"
I stopped Yang Gyo-jin and strained the tea leaves, feeling inwardly flustered.
But it was awkward to step forward and correct him, saying that we had only seen each other for a few days.
I figured that my faint memories were a deeply impressive memory for him.
I thought he would forget it quickly, but it's unexpected. Maybe it's because he's an adult now, he seems to know how to be polite.
Smiling appropriately, I placed the teacups in front of everyone and spoke to Jin-sung.
"Please have some tea, Dojang Jin-sung. How was your Secluded training? Did you achieve anything?"
"It's not something great enough to be called an achievement, but I've refined my Martial art move a little."
"Really? I'm looking forward to it. You'll give me a chance to broaden my knowledge directly, right?"
"Of course, Young lady."
Jin-sung's lips loosened as he nodded.
"Did Sword Immortal Elder come with you as well?"
"Yes. He came with me. My master is at the Alliance."
"I'd like to pay my respects to the Elder, so if you're free tomorrow, would you like to go with me?"
"Yes. I'm free. Should I come to pick you up in the afternoon?"
"Yes. The Elder came all the way to the Tang Clan last time, but I wasn't feeling well, so I couldn't properly greet him. It's been bothering me."
"My master won't mind, so don't worry about it. More importantly, are you feeling alright?"
"Did you hear it from the Elder? I'm fine. I'm all better."
As I waved my hand, Yang Gyo-jin blinked and asked.
"Were you sick?"
"A while ago, a few years ago. It wasn't a big deal. I'm fine."
The smile disappeared from Namgung Hwi's face at my answer.
Just as I was about to change the subject to break the strangely awkward atmosphere, the door burst open.
At the welcome sound, I smiled brightly and waved my hand.
"You're here?"
"I heard the kids came to play. It's bustling."
Grandfather's eyes, looking around the room, were full of life.
Namgung Hwi, who knew Grandfather's face, also got up and clasped his hands, and Jin-sung, sensing the atmosphere, bowed politely.
But Yang Gyo-jin was different.
Yang Gyo-jin, looking back and forth between Grandfather and me, jumped up and approached Grandfather.
Then, he knelt down and matched his eye level with Grandfather.
I urgently reached out to him, knowing that he had clearly misunderstood something.
"Gyo Jin-ah, wait a minute...!"
