“Heavens! Sain is buying candied fruit!”
Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang were peeking out from an alley, secretly watching the two.
“The shopkeeper saw Sain’s face and is so scared his hands are trembling as he hands over the candied fruit.”
Geom Muyang laughed silently. Of course, it was an exaggerated remark meant to be funny, but one thing was certain. At the very least, Bi Sain and candied fruit did not go together.
“Could those two be….”
Geom Muyang didn’t finish his sentence, but Geom Mugeuk knew exactly what his older brother was curious about.
“They’re not dating yet.”
“How do you know?”
“If they were, he would’ve bought one and they would’ve shared it.”
The candied fruit Bi Sain had bought had over ten pieces skewered on a stick. It was enough for two people to share, yet Bi Sain had bought two and was handing one of them to her. Even the manner in which they gave and received it was extremely polite.
“Here you are.”
“Thank you.”
Han Seol took the skewer of candied fruit.
“This is my first time eating this since coming to the Central Plains.”
In truth, it had been a very long time since Bi Sain had eaten candied fruit as well. He felt like he had eaten it when he was little, and then never again. He couldn’t even remember when he had last had it.
Han Seol took a bite of the candied fruit.
“It’s delicious.”
The two started walking again as they ate.
A smile formed on Geom Mugeuk’s face as he watched them. Watching the two walk beneath the sunlight, they looked so fresh and wholesome.
Of course, it was not an easy relationship.
The North Sea Ice Palace was a sect closer to the orthodox faction.
It might not be to the extent of the successors of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Martial Alliance, but the relationship between the successor of the North Sea Ice Palace and the successor of the Demonic Path Alliance was likewise not one that could easily be joined.
*Good luck, friend.*
Of course, the words that came out of his mouth were the exact opposite.
“So while I was fighting with my life on the line and bleeding, you were enjoying romance in the spring breeze?”
“You didn’t put your life on the line, though? You didn’t spill a single drop of blood.”
Geom Mugeuk pretended not to hear and moved quickly.
“Hyung, this way.”
Geom Mugeuk moved as swiftly as if infiltrating the Alliance Lord’s residence of the Demonic Path Alliance.
“I need to hear what they’re saying!”
Geom Muyang quickly followed Geom Mugeuk. There was truly never a dull moment with his younger brother.
The two found another place to hide and concealed themselves.
In the past, he had spied on the two walking with Jin Hagun, but today he was spying on them with his older brother.
“Look there. He’s subtly blocking people with his body so they won’t bump into Lady Han. Hey, friend! You can’t do that! You have to act indifferent! Women like bad men!”
Geom Muyang’s reaction, on the other hand, was different.
“What’s wrong with you? It just looks nice.”
Geom Mugeuk glanced at his brother.
Geom Muyang was watching the two with gentle eyes. Judging by his expression alone, he seemed to be recalling an old love.
Come to think of it, had his older brother had a woman he liked?
Given his personality, he wasn’t someone who would talk about such things. He would have to be several times closer than they were now to hear that story.
Indeed, the same was true of Bi Sain over there. He had only realized it clearly because he had been caught red-handed like this today—Bi Sain wasn’t someone who easily revealed his feelings.
“It might just be that he’s treating her well because she’s the Young Palace Lady of the Ice Palace, not because it’s romance.”
“Look at their gazes and tell me. That bear-like bastard over there is head over heels right now.”
At his younger brother’s words, Geom Muyang observed the two’s gazes. While Han Seol was looking around here and there out of curiosity, Bi Sain was looking only at her. And whenever Han Seol glanced at him, he instantly turned his head elsewhere.
“The speed he turns his head is like lightning. He could probably dodge my sword.”
Unaware the two were spying on them, Bi Sain was dedicating his entire attention to Han Seol. Until she returned, he considered her safety his own responsibility.
He had been truly delighted when Han Seol came to find him at the main stronghold of the Demonic Path Alliance. She had said she would come, but he had thought she might not.
Would she really come all the way to the Demonic Path Alliance to find him? But she had come to find him just as promised.
Bi Sain treated her as an honored guest.
He showed her around not only the main stronghold of the Demonic Path Alliance but also various areas within its territory.
Then a situation arose where Bi Sain had to return to the Demonic Path Alliance due to urgent matters.
At that time, it was a situation where they naturally should have parted.
*“If you would wait for me, I shall finish my business and return. There is a place I very much wish to show you.”*
He had been saving the most beautiful scenic spot to show her last, so he regretted having to send her away without seeing it. He didn’t know when she would come to the main stronghold again. No, it would likely be the last time.
Honestly, he didn’t have high expectations. She had already seen many places, and more than that, he would need over twenty days to finish his work and return.
It was an unreasonable request, but she readily agreed.
*“Yes, let us do that.”*
Han Seol waited for Bi Sain to finish his work and return.
Bi Sain was more deeply moved by her waiting than by her coming to find him. Later, if the chance arose, he wanted to ask her.
Why, and with what heart, she had waited for him.
Thus the two were able to stand side by side before that beautiful waterfall.
Just as they had seen the last scenic spot and were truly about to part, he received contact from Geom Mugeuk. Thanks to that, his connection with her continued here in Wuhan.
“If the crowds are uncomfortable, we may enter an inn or tavern.”
If there were too many people there as well, he intended to simply rent out the entire place.
At Bi Sain’s words, Han Seol shook her head.
“No, looking around is more fun.”
The streets of Wuhan were filled with all sorts of merchants who had gathered from across the Central Plains for Jin Hagun’s celebration banquet. Thus there were many sights one wouldn’t normally see.
“I truly am seeing the Central Plains to my heart’s content this time.”
She hadn’t known her trip to the Central Plains would become such a journey.
She had visited the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and even toured the Demonic Path Alliance. That alone had been an incredible journey, yet now she had come before the main stronghold of the Martial Alliance.
If she had the chance to tour the main stronghold of the Martial Alliance this time, she would become the only martial artist in the history of the Ice Palace to have visited the main strongholds of the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions.
“If you come to the North Sea next time, I shall guide you.”
Bi Sain was surprised by the unexpected proposal.
“May I truly go?”
“Of course.”
Bi Sain wanted to climb the snow-covered mountain with her.
At first, he had been drawn to her because her appearance was his ideal type.
But after spending time with her this time, he had grown fond of her personality as well.
She didn’t act overly familiar, yet she didn’t keep her distance either. He liked that appropriate sense of distance she maintained in dealing with people.
*Come to think of it, meeting Lady Han was also thanks to that friend.*
Had it not been for Geom Mugeuk, she would never have come to the Central Plains in the first place. Geom Mugeuk was the one who had created the beginning of this relationship.
At first, he had thought she interacted with him because Geom Mugeuk was there.
But Han Seol moved independently of Geom Mugeuk.
She came to find him at the Demonic Path Alliance, waited for him there, and came to Wuhan with him like this.
That made him more grateful, and his heart leaned toward her more.
But he didn’t reveal such feelings of his. He didn’t want to burden her.
Bi Sain spoke to Han Seol.
“If you are hungry, there is a place called Wuhan First Restaurant at the end of that road. The cuisine there is quite special, so let us dine there.”
“You must come to Wuhan often.”
In truth, Bi Sain had only been to Wuhan once before. And that was when he was very young.
What business would the successor of the Demonic Path Alliance have in Wuhan, where the main stronghold of the Martial Alliance was located? Even the Thirteen Wolves of the Demonic Path were currently waiting on the outskirts of Wuhan.
He had come because he was invited to a gathering of friends; Wuhan was not a place one could enter carelessly.
“No. Instead, I studied a bit.”
At his words that he had studied, a slight smile formed on Han Seol’s lips.
“It just so happens that I have a subordinate from this place.”
There was someone among the Thirteen Wolves whose hometown was Wuhan. However, he had left so long ago that he was of no help at all.
In the end, Bi Sain requested information from the Evil Shadow Pavilion, the Demonic Path Alliance’s intelligence organization.
He asked them to tell him the best restaurants and worthwhile sights in Wuhan.
This was likely the first such information request since the Evil Shadow Pavilion’s establishment.
In any case, he couldn’t possibly say that he had gone that far to find out, so he said he had heard it from a subordinate.
Han Seol looked behind her and spoke.
“I am fine, but the two of you must be hungry.”
She walked over to the Hanbing Twin Swords who had been following behind. The two of them were taking in the streets of Wuhan after a long time. This place had changed, that place had changed—they were sharing old stories about how much had truly changed.
“Please go to Wuhan First Restaurant down there and eat first. We shall look around a bit more and then go there.”
Sa Han, the husband of the Hanbing Twin Swords, said they couldn’t do that, but he was dragged by his wife, So Bing, toward the guesthouse. He received a scolding to read the room.
At that moment, Bi Sain sharply turned his head.
He had felt someone watching him. But there was no one where the feeling had come from.
“Is something wrong?”
“It is nothing. Come, let us go.”
From behind the cart where Bi Sain’s gaze had rested a moment before, Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang’s heads popped out.
“Sly bastard! You even took care of the obstacles so you could be alone together.”
“I think Lady Han was the one who sent them away just now.”
How could Geom Mugeuk not know? Han Seol also had some feelings for him, which was why she was walking with him like this. If he were someone she disliked, she wouldn’t have stayed with him for a day, no, not even an hour.
“Sain is taking out his money pouch again. He never buys me a single meal, but he spends money like crazy.”
This time he was buying something else for her. He was buying a tassel to decorate her sword scabbard.
“If you’re going to buy it, buy a pair—two of them! Sigh, but he doesn’t have that kind of sense.”
Then Geom Mugeuk let out another sigh.
“Ah! I can’t stand it.”
“Why?”
“He just tried to tie the thread onto her scabbard and their hands brushed.”
“That can happen.”
“Yes, and at that thing that ‘can happen,’ Sain’s face turned red.”
Geom Mugeuk was reading every single expression of the two using his Divine Eye Technique.
“These days, acting innocent like that doesn’t work!”
“Either treat him like a clueless simp or a playboy. Pick one.”
Meanwhile, Bi Sain and Han Seol went to where people were gathered.
“Step right up! Hit the center with the throwing knife and win a prize!”
The prizes stacked beside it were dolls. There were martial artist dolls holding swords, and animal dolls like dragons and tigers. There were cloth dolls, and also ones carved from wood.
Seeing her gaze linger on the dolls.
Bi Sain stepped forward without a word.
“How much is the entry fee?”
Bi Sain paid the fee and stepped forward. Doing this kind of business in front of the Martial Alliance? And in front of the Martial Alliance where martial artists swarmed no less.
Bi Sain took the throwing knife as if to say what else was there but to try, and lightly threw it.
Thwack.
The moment he threw the first knife, Bi Sain tasted the bitterness of the world.
The knife had not hit the center.
*Impossible!*
Bi Sain paid the entry fee again and received another knife.
This time, when he calmly examined the knife, it was a defective product with poor balance.
As if a defective product could stop him from hitting the target? He was Bi Sain.
Swoosh.
He missed.
“No, this….”
Flustered, Bi Sain paid the entry fee again.
He didn’t know what principle was at work, but these knives seemed designed so that throwing them properly would absolutely miss. The higher one’s martial arts, the harder they were to hit with.
Watching him attempt once more, Geom Mugeuk sighed.
“Ah! He’s going to lose all the points he’s saved up until now.”
Continuing was a problem, beating up the shopkeeper for fraud was a problem, and giving up and leaving was also a problem.
Geom Muyang agreed with Geom Mugeuk’s sigh.
But he also understood Bi Sain’s heart. In front of the woman he liked, how could he stop even if his pride was wounded?
It was when Bi Sain failed for the fifth time.
Han Seol pointed at one of the dolls. It was a small bear doll in the corner.
“I want that one.”
Flames ignited in Bi Sain’s eyes.
Throwing, and throwing again.
Finally, on the tenth try!
Thwack!
The throwing knife accurately hit the target. Among the knives, some that flew properly had been mixed in. The shopkeeper wasn’t a complete fraud after all.
The shopkeeper brought the bear doll with a grin.
“Congratulations, martial warrior!”
Bi Sain did not get angry. He spoke to the shopkeeper with a tone that was half-joking, half-serious.
“Don’t do this business in front of the Demonic Path Alliance. You’ll be stabbed to death before you even get to ten tries.”
The shopkeeper answered with a bright smile.
“That’s why I only do it in front of the Martial Alliance!”
Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang had already come close enough to hear their voices and were hiding.
Geom Mugeuk whispered to Geom Muyang.
“Seeing him say that even after looking at that face, the shopkeeper’s got more guts than the masterminds we fought.”
Geom Muyang nodded as if in agreement.
Bi Sain dusted the bear doll clean and presented it to Han Seol.
“It’s so cute. Thank you.”
Han Seol smiled as she received the doll.
Thus, with a doll in one hand and candied fruit in the other, Bi Sain and Han Seol passed by in front of where the Geom brothers were hiding.
Watching them let the pair pass while crouching behind the cart to hide, Geom Muyang asked with a curious expression.
“Why are you just letting them go? I thought you were going to startle them.”
He had thought they had approached so closely precisely for this moment.
“I was going to.”
Geom Mugeuk’s gaze turned to Han Seol.
There had been various reactions she could have had a short while ago. She could have told him to stop and leave, or waited patiently, or gotten angry at the shopkeeper for cheating.
But instead, she had said she wanted the doll.
Geom Mugeuk thought that choice had been the best one for both Bi Sain and her. She hadn’t poured cold water on the moment; rather, she lifted the mood.
A wise choice that ended that moment without making anyone feel bad.
“I’m letting it go today for Lady Han’s sake.”
Of course, there was a condition attached.
“Only for today!”
“Then what about tomorrow?”
This time, Geom Mugeuk’s eyes gleamed toward Bi Sain.
“Coming here in secret! I put up with the candied fruit, but a bear doll? This I cannot stand.”
There was no doubt it was the gaze of someone plotting something.
Geom Muyang inwardly offered condolences to Bi Sain.
*Since I probably won’t be able to protect you, I’ll apologize in advance.*
Absolute Regression, Episode 675