Chapter 56
56
Deokju, excluded from the Energy Barrier, looked at me with a flustered expression. He fidgeted with his throwing knives, at a loss for what to do.
He seemed to be agonizing over whether to recklessly break the Energy Barrier, which would involve me, or to remain still.
I exchanged glances with Deokju and bit the tender flesh inside my cheek.
I tried to gauge whether the poison in the bracelet was enough to subdue Hwahong, but I couldn't be sure.
No, I didn't even know if poison would work on Hwahong.
As my hand stealthily moved towards my sleeve, Hwahong spoke gently.
"I have no intention of harming Young Miss. How could I lay a hand on Choryeon's lovely daughter? I simply wanted to offer a warm cup of tea."
"It doesn't seem like you're saying that after separating me from my Bodyguard."
"Ah, if this Hwahong has made Young Miss uneasy, I apologize. I had something I wanted to hide from Young Miss's Bodyguard, so I had to resort to such measures."
Hwahong, with lowered long eyelashes, placed a Teapot on a small brazier.
"Because it's a private matter?"
"Indeed."
As the water bubbled, the spout of the Teapot emitted hot steam.
I waved my hand at Deokju.
It's. Okay.
Deokju's eyes softened at my lip movements.
However, he didn't put the throwing knives away. He seemed unwilling to let go of his tension.
Despite Deokju's sharp vigilance, Hwahong only smiled as if nothing had happened.
He leisurely brewed tea and placed a warm cup in front of me.
"Please, have it while it's warm, Young Miss."
Of course, I only pretended to drink and put the teacup down. Hwahong laughed as if he expected it.
"Your strong sense of caution also resembles Choryeon. She wouldn't drink any tea that wasn't made by me."
Hwahong's eyes, searching for Choryeon's image in me, became wistful. It wasn't a pleasant gaze.
I stated firmly.
"I am not Choryeon."
"...If I have offended you, I apologize, Young Miss. This Hwahong was momentarily lost in memories and committed a discourtesy."
Hwahong, who apologized neatly, clasped his hands together.
I carefully examined his hands. His hands, fair for his age, showed no signs of Martial Arts training.
However, he was a master who deployed an Energy Barrier that Deokju couldn't penetrate. He must be using a different weapon instead of a sword.
As I busily rolled my eyes, Hwahong chuckled.
"You're curious about where my Inner Energy comes from, aren't you? I cultivated Sound Art. I may not have the nimble body of a Martial Artist, but I've gathered quite a bit of Internal Qi for a courtesan."
"Is it alright for you to tell me that?"
"There's no reason why not. Since Young Miss already suspects me, it's better to be honest to gain Young Miss's trust, wouldn't you agree?"
What good would it do for the Pavilion Lord of a Moon Scent Pavilion to gain my trust?
I frowned and looked at Hwahong. He wore an inscrutable expression.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through my mind, and my eyes widened.
The identity of a courtesan, which no one would suspect. A suspiciously enormous amount of Inner Energy. Sound Art, not used in ordinary Martial Sects.
I wiped the sweat gathering on my hands onto my knees and asked.
"Is the Pavilion Lord a member of the Lowborn Sect?"
Hwahong's eyes changed at my question.
Lowborn Sect.
This Martial Sect, using the characters for 'low' and 'dirty', was an information organization founded by those considered insignificant in the Martial Arts World, such as thieves, pickpockets, courtesans, coachmen, and servers.
It was also considered a rival to the Beggars' Sect.
If the Beggars' Sect did business based on information gathered by beggars begging outside, the Lowborn Sect did business based on information gathered by its members while doing business and transporting passengers.
Due to its nature, the Lowborn Sect often had more detailed information than the Beggars' Sect.
No matter how skilled a beggar was, they couldn't eavesdrop on conversations inside inns or Moon Scent Pavilions.
Therefore, to obtain accurate information, it was necessary to compare and verify the information from both the Beggars' Sect and the Lowborn Sect.
Namgung Hwi always compared information from both sides before acting.
I tried to recall the vague contents of the novel.
What was the Lowborn Sect's treatment in <Namgung's World>? I remember the Lowborn Sect Leader was a woman.
Judging by his ability to freely manipulate the Energy Barrier, I figured Hwahong wasn't in a low position either.
Hwahong's eyes curved prettily, as if amused by my changing expression.
"You are quick-witted, Young Miss. I hoped you would recognize me and plotted a sly scheme, but I am delighted that you recognized me so quickly."
"Why does the Lowborn Sect want me...?"
"We couldn't miss the opportunity to create a connection with the Tang Clan."
"I believe my brothers visit often."
"You say amusing things. Young Miss knows better than anyone what kind of people your brothers are."
"A good-for-nothing and a tone-deaf fox."
"...Young Miss, you have a very direct side to you?"
Hwahong giggled as if my words were funny. But I couldn't laugh along.
His attitude, as if he had known me for a long time, was only unsettling.
I fiddled with the teacup and took a deep breath.
Why is he telling me this? Since my mother had a connection with the Moon Scent Pavilion, he thought he could get some crumbs if he made connections?
But even so, there was no reason to reveal that he was a member of the Lowborn Sect on our first meeting.
If it was revealed that the Pavilion Lord of the Moon Scent Pavilion was a member of the Lowborn Sect, no Martial Artist would want to go to that Moon Scent Pavilion.
Does he want to bring me into the Lowborn Sect? Or perhaps Choryeon was also a member of the Lowborn Sect?
Hwahong answered as if he had read my thoughts.
"You misunderstand. How could I ask a Young Miss from a noble family to join the Lowborn Sect? And Choryeon was an ordinary Artisan Girl. This Hwahong didn't want her to get her hands dirty with blood."
"If you don't want anything from me, why are you revealing the Pavilion Lord's identity? What if I spread rumors?"
"Because you are Choryeon's daughter."
"...Pardon?"
"Because you are Choryeon's daughter, I am letting you know that I have the ability to help you. It shouldn't happen... but if you ever lose your place, come to the Moon Scent Pavilion. This Hwahong will help."
A chill ran down my spine at the meaningful words.
He was saying that the Tang Clan might abandon me.
"The tea has gone cold. I'll pour you a fresh cup."
Hwahong, who had nonchalantly emptied my teacup, poured new tea. I looked straight at him and asked.
"Is that the Lowborn Sect's opinion, or the Pavilion Lord's opinion?"
"Both. Young Miss was registered in the Tang Clan under the protection of the Poison King. The moment the Poison King leaves his seat, it's only a matter of time before you become a dog chasing a chicken."
"Then what do you think I should do to secure my place in the Tang Clan?"
"It's impossible."
Hwahong shook his head as if there was no need to even consider it.
"It's not a problem that can be solved by Young Miss's will. The Tang Clan is a closed-off clan. Even talented individuals who are not direct descendants are only there to assist the direct descendants."
He elegantly sipped his tea and continued.
"For example, Seventh Elder Dang Geunmyeong is like that. He is the most skilled Martial Artist among the current Elders, but no one recognizes him because he is not of the bloodline. They only treat him as the Poison King's servant."
Uncle Geun-myeong, he was skilled enough to be recognized by the Lowborn Sect. He's so versatile.
"Young Miss may be different since you inherited the Patriarch's blood, but it will be a thorny path. Unless you become an absolute master who has conquered the Jianghu."
"So you're saying there will eventually come a time when I need a new identity."
"You are very perceptive."
I can't believe everything Hwahong, whom I met for the first time today, said.
However, there was no disagreement that Hwahong's judgment, who had seen and heard more than I, who was isolated in the detached palace, would be more objective.
Even from the outside, it meant that it would be difficult for me to survive without Dang Jung's shadow.
There was a reason why Grandfather was pushing my training so hard.
As my expression hardened, Deokju, who had been anxiously circling around, mouthed something. He seemed to be asking if I was okay.
"Well, I think that's enough small talk. Shall we talk about something else?"
Hwahong, glancing at Deokju, clapped his hands and withdrew the Energy Barrier.
Deokju, who rushed over, examined me.
"Are you alright, Young Miss?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. It wasn't a big deal."
Deokju, who grabbed my shoulders, had beads of cold sweat on his forehead. He looked unusually surprised.
He remains calm even when Dang Young-ho tries to tear him to death. I'm touched, Deokju.
"Your concern is excessive. Is there anyone in this Sichuan land who would dare to lay a hand on a member of the Tang Clan's bloodline?"
Hwahong covered his mouth and laughed mockingly, and Deokju glared at him sharply.
"Pavilion Lord, do not trifle with Young Miss."
"Trifle? I was merely telling her about Young Miss's birth mother. Isn't that right?"
"That's right, Deokju. Um... that... my mother was good at painting."
Deokju sighed softly at my vague words. It seemed like he was willing to let it go without telling Grandfather.
"Since we're on the subject, shall I show you Choryeon's paintings?"
"I was just saying... no, I'd like that."
Hwahong, who nodded at my answer, gracefully lifted the hem of his skirt and stood up.
"Choryeon was exceptionally good at painting wisteria. The colors were so beautiful that they seemed to have a fragrance."
"I see."
"Young Miss must also have a talent for Poetry, Writing, Art, and Painting. Young Miss's birth mother was one of the most renowned Artisan Girls."
If he saw my squiggly handwriting, he wouldn't be able to say that. Even Dang-un, who desperately tried to correct it, seemed to have given up these days.
As I recalled Dang-un's faint smile, I tore at my hair at the belated thought that flashed through my mind.
Ugh, I didn't tell Dang-un I was going out! He'll be waiting!
"Young Miss, are you really alright? If you're not feeling well, we can leave right now..."
"Deokju, I didn't tell Brother Dang-un that I was going out. I'm going to get scolded, aren't I?"
"..."
Deokju quietly nodded.
