Chapter 117: Let's Make a Bet. (2)
After conveying everything I needed to tell Dang So-yeol and parting ways, I went to look for the Divine Physician. Dang So-yeol had asked if I wanted to have lunch together, but...
Since it overlapped with the schedule my father mentioned, I declined due to time constraints.
Truthfully, it wasn't without some discomfort.
The shadow that fell over her face as she immediately drooped at my refusal caught my eye, but there was nothing I could do about it.
I headed to the small annex within the estate.
The Divine Physician's annex wasn't too far from the medical hall, and it was somewhat smaller compared to the other guest annexes.
Originally, the largest annex had been prepared, but upon seeing the house, he reportedly threw a fit, saying he had no intention of living in such a place.
'Whatever.'
Having traveled together from Mount Hua to Shanxi for a few months, I came to understand the Divine Physician's personality to some extent.
He seemed like a foul-tempered old man full of complaints, but he had a soft heart and couldn't pass by someone in pain more than anyone else.
One day during our camping trip, one of the servants got his hand full of thorns while working, injuring his flesh.
The servant didn't pay it much mind, saying it happened often, but it was the Divine Physician who yelled that it would be a big deal if left like that.
To get some medicine, or bring a bandage. As if he couldn't stand the sight of a wound...
Though his grumbling was harsh, the nagging repeated until the servant's wound was completely healed.
For the number one physician in the Central Plains to make such a fuss over a servant's shallow wound, how burdensome must it have been for the servant.
I heard later that he even got to ride in the carriage, so he tried to do something in return.
Perhaps because such incidents repeated a few times, by the time the journey was nearing its end, many people actually came to follow the Divine Physician as a person.
The Divine Physician told them not to cling to him because it was annoying, but it seemed he secretly liked that people were fond of him.
It was just that his signature stubbornness hadn't disappeared, that's all.
I arrived at the annex where the Divine Physician was staying. When I arrived, he was outside, seemingly drying medicinal herbs.
Noticing me, the Divine Physician asks.
"What brings you here?"
"Just dropped by."
"Weird fellow, aren't you busy?"
"What would I be busy with at home? I only eat and shit."
"Why would a fellow who only eats and shits come here then."
Just from our banter, I could somewhat feel how much closer I'd gotten to the Divine Physician. Originally, we weren't close enough to have this kind of conversation.
The Divine Physician stared at me for a moment, then frowned and said.
"What did you stuff your face with overnight again?"
"...How did you know?"
"How could I not know? With your energy changed like that, there's no way I wouldn't notice."
Normally, not noticing would be the standard...?
Grasping an opponent's qi itself was normally impossible if one's martial arts realm was low, but the Divine Physician was uniquely capable of this.
Of course, I wasn't sure how far he could perceive, but perhaps it would be impossible for realms higher than this.
'It seems he can't sense the demonic qi, though.'
He seemed to have noticed the part where my energy increased from eating the flower, but it looked like he still didn't know about the demonic qi.
"...Well, want me to examine your body?"
At the Divine Physician's question, spoken as if doing me a favor, I let out a snort of laughter.
"Are you sure you're doing that for my benefit?"
"What? Of course I'm doing it for your benefit, do you think I'm doing it for mine?"
"Please wipe the curiosity from your eyes first before you speak."
"...Ugh."
The moment he realized I was alive and well despite harboring multiple energies within my body, the Divine Physician would examine my body at the drop of a hat, as if I were some newly discovered wondrous creature.
Since it was none other than the Divine Physician examining me, I often entrusted my body to him, thinking anything was fine.
However, exhausted by him coming to examine me time and time again as if conducting research, I had been keeping some distance lately.
"Why are you being so defensive? You came here hoping for this too, didn't you?"
"You're quick to notice..."
"Stop spouting nonsense and come sit down."
"Yes."
I carefully sat next to the porch and extended my hand according to the Divine Physician's instructions.
He checked my pulse, and his hands moved here and there along the acupoints of my body. It didn't take very long.
"Every time I look, it's an amazing body. This shouldn't be possible..."
As always, the Divine Physician fell into thought after finishing the examination of my body.
From the Divine Physician's perspective, it must be wondrous that the violent internal qi formed by the Gu Family's mental method and the faint aura of Dao qi were coexisting without exploding.
'I wonder what his reaction would be if he found out there are three energies including the demonic qi.'
If he were to find that out, he might get even more fired up and explore my body.
Is this the curiosity of a physician, or something else?
"How is it?"
"Your energy has increased significantly. The instability from when I first saw you is gone, so there shouldn't be any problems."
"That's a relief. I was worried about what I'd do if I was treated as terminally ill again."
"What did you eat this time to make your body like this? Did that Dohwa fellow get you something?"
"...Something like that."
Since I obtained it from around the Mount Hua Sect anyway, it wasn't entirely wrong.
I always observe my physical body and check my internal qi, but the one who could more accurately examine me physically was ultimately a physician.
Fortunately, the number one physician in the Central Plains was near me, and the Divine Physician also seemed interested in my physical condition, so it was a good exchange.
Around when the examination was completely over, I asked the Divine Physician.
"Is there any discomfort in your stay?"
"Where would there be discomfort? Compared to a shack with bugs crawling out, I'm thankful."
"You say that, but I heard you asked to change your annex."
"We don't even work, so you think it makes sense for me and Hyuk to use that big house?"
"Even so, word spread in just one day that you've been going to the medical hall from time to time to help the physicians."
"...Who's the loudmouthed bastard."
I held back the laughter that was about to burst out at the Divine Physician's immediately crumpling expression. Anyway, despite looking stubborn, he was a kinder old man than anyone else.
How did someone like him ever leave the physician circles? As if to voice the Divine Physician's thoughts, Elder Shin spoke up.
[He probably valued his own convictions more than fame.]
'That's a difficult way to put it.'
[Come to think of it, it's a value that not only physicians, but also martial artists should prioritize above all else.]
It might vary from person to person, but Elder Shin added that.
Convictions over fame. While I could understand Elder Shin's words, it was also an impossible story in the current murim.
One learned martial arts for fame, and as their achievements grew higher, fame followed behind them.
Rather, there were many who honed their martial arts to chase after the fame that came first.
"Please make sure to eat your meals properly. You're not young anymore."
"Why is a brat worrying about a physician's body? I take better care of myself than anyone, so get rid of your useless worries."
"You skip meals every day, how well can you possibly be taking care of yourself?"
"Look at this punk, the guy who only shoved dumplings in his mouth every day—should I give you a lecture about that too?"
"...No."
"Tsk. The examination is over, so go out and see Hyuk before you leave."
At the Divine Physician's words, I asked with a look what he meant. The Divine Physician put away the herbs one by one and said.
"Since entering the Gu Family, he seems to be disappointed that he can't see you often."
"Who would he miss?"
When it came to Zhuge Hyuk, the Divine Physician's words felt somewhat surprising.
The relationship that had been re-established as much as with the Divine Physician was with Zhuge Hyuk. It was also because I had intentionally tried to get closer to him.
Zhuge Hyuk was also the person most different from his past life. The large burn scars on his face were like that, and he was a man who showed various expressions and tirelessly ran his mouth.
The current Zhuge Hyuk was a completely different person.
He had as little change in facial expression as Namgung Bi-a, and he couldn't speak, practically a mute. He communicated through short and simple sign language or by writing on the ground, but even that wasn't very long.
Following the Divine Physician's words, I left the annex and looked for Zhuge Hyuk. Finding him wasn't very difficult.
Since he had said that cooking was his hobby and dream, all I had to do was look in places related to that.
Sure enough, I was able to find Zhuge Hyuk chopping vegetables in one of the spaces in the annex.
"What are you doing here?"
At my voice, Zhuge Hyuk quickly turned his head. Then he put down the kitchen knife he was holding and made a gesture.
Having seen it a few times, I could tell. That roughly meant 'Hello, hyung.'
"I told him to rest as a guest, but he starts making something as soon as he arrives."
Zhuge Hyuk's words that cooking was fun were true. He actually made things following the servants even during the camping trip.
His skills were even good, so we ate deliciously. At my words, Zhuge Hyuk made various gestures, then finally picked up a stick.
Although the floor wasn't something that could be written on, if I focused my gaze, I could roughly tell what he was trying to say.
-It's fun.
"...I'm sure it is. What are you making?"
-I don't know. But this is delicious too.
"Is it another dish you created in your head?"
-Yes.
Often, Zhuge Hyuk cooked however he wanted without adhering to recipes. Because of that, there were many times the food was ruined, but also many times it was a success.
Recalling the food that got a good response during the camping trip, I said.
"The one you made with fish last time was pretty good."
-The fried one? Or the boiled one?
"The fried one."
-Should I make it for you now?
"No, it's fine. I'm just saying it was delicious. I have something to do for lunch anyway, so I have to go."
-Then I'll make it for you later.
"...Uh, um... Okay, I'll come look for you again later."
Normally, he would have refused, but Zhuge Hyuk was the type who enjoyed making things for others.
It seemed he obediently wanted to make something for me this time too, so I didn't decline.
[Do you believe that child now?]
Elder Shin suddenly asked.
Knowing fragments of my memories, he must be asking carefully about Zhuge Hyuk as well.
To Elder Shin's question, I answered.
'No.'
I could say it firmly. That I didn't fully trust the guy.
However, a small part of me had also grown to trust him.
If he wished to live differently, a faint hope—not quite a hope—had emerged that maybe that child could change as well.
That was why I hadn't taken action yet.
And, I hoped I wouldn't have to take action in the future either.
I said to Zhuge Hyuk.
"I said I'd eat with Ryeonghwa later, so make something for us then."
...
Zhuge Hyuk, who was about to write something, flinched. I definitely saw it. Zhuge Hyuk's body stiffened at the mention of Ryeonghwa's name.
"You little... Hyuk, your ears seem to have turned red?"
At my words, Zhuge Hyuk hastily covered his ears. Even his pupils were shaking erratically. That's an act too, right? It must be an act.
Zhuge Hyuk made careful gestures and wrote something on the floor.
--- When...?
"..."
It seems it wasn't my imagination after all. This guy was definitely a dangerous one.
After teasing Zhuge Hyuk a bit more, I said goodbye to the Divine Physician and headed to the center of the Gu Family estate. Since it was an important discussion, they would definitely hold it there.
Sure enough, as I walked, unfamiliar faces caught my eye.
They were probably people from the Namgung Estate.
When I arrived at the entrance, the people of the Gu Family bowed their heads and cleared the way for me.
On the way, I was even caught by a servant and semi-forcibly changed my clothes.
I had intended to just go in comfortable clothes, but apparently that wasn't acceptable.
'It seems I'm not the last one to arrive.'
It seemed Namgung Jin and my father hadn't arrived yet, and only Namgung Bi-a was sitting alone. Thinking it was rather comfortable, I opened the door and went in.
"Since when have you been..."
And then I had no choice but to stop moving as if my body had broken down.
A pure white flower was sitting there.
As if I wasn't the only one broken, Elder Shin spoke in a slightly trembling voice.
[...With looks to that extent, I dare say it could be called sorcery.]
Sorcery, I'm not sure if it really has that much effect on a man.
Even if she had gone out casually with a just-woke-up look, she should have worn a veil, but the dolled-up Namgung Bi-a possessed more than necessary destructive power.
Even I, who had seen her face so much that I was now somewhat used to Namgung Bi-a's face, was at the point of catching my breath at her current appearance.
As I stared blankly, Namgung Bi-a's eyes turned to me.
"You're... here?"
"...I'm here."
Even as I looked with trembling eyes, my gaze headed toward Namgung Bi-a's lips.
I had been a bit worried since she was injured on that side earlier, but fortunately, the wound seemed minor and had already scabbed over.
As I examined her face, Namgung Bi-a spoke.
"Seol-a was looking for you."
"Ah, right. I went out without telling her."
Since I left my quarters during the day without leaving a message, it seemed Wi Seol-a was looking for me. I hadn't returned to my quarters and went to Dang So-yeol, then to the Divine Physician, and then here.
'I'll have to go find her later.'
Thinking that, I sat opposite Namgung Bi-a. However, I couldn't dare to look at her face and just pointlessly stared at the teacup placed in front of me.
'I'm going crazy.'
What kind of stupid behavior is this? I can't look because she's pretty? Even while cursing myself, it was hard to easily lift my head.
Perhaps sensing that, Namgung Bi-a asked me.
"Is it weird...?"
"Huh?"
"...Am I... weird?"
Her voice carried a hint of disappointment. Only then did I slightly raise my head and meet Namgung Bi-a's eyes. They looked somewhat anxious.
That innocent and apathetic-looking girl was feeling so anxious over something as trivial as me not looking at her.
Even though I didn't understand why, at this trivial matter, something bubbled up from within me for no reason, my thoughts and body showing such contradictory reactions.
"...Not weird."
"Then?"
A small expectation.
A very small expectation appeared in Namgung Bi-a's eyes. I felt like I knew what she was hoping for without even asking.
Originally, she seemed to live without knowing she was pretty, but recently, it seemed her thoughts had changed and she started to realize to some extent how outstanding she was.
With those looks, it would be stranger if she didn't know.
Unable to withstand Namgung Bi-a's persistent gaze, I spat out the words with a sigh.
"You're... pretty. A bit nice-looking."
At my words, Elder Shin, who had been holding it in, finally speaks to me.
[Did you have to add that pathetic afterthought?]
'...You're telling me.'
[What do you mean 'nice-looking'? A guy who's supposed to be scheming is this pathetic; you were like fire when beating up those kids, did someone splash water on you now?]
'Please stop hitting me. It hurts.'
I brought it up and glanced at Namgung Bi-a as if checking her reaction. Because even I thought it was a bit off.
But contrary to my expectations, Namgung Bi-a was smiling as if she was delighted.
"I wanted to hear that."
She says that and smiles radiantly.
As if smiling was no longer awkward for her, she smiled radiantly at me.
Funnily enough, the damn emotions piled up in my memory are washed away by that simple action.
They won't be completely washed away.
Because I can't forget the you of the past either.
Very suddenly, the words I said to you in the past came to mind.
-You resemble the moon.
At that time, it didn't hold any special meaning.
The Demonic Sword Hou had fairly pale skin, and since it was night, moonlight was soaked into his blue-white hair.
Simply that. It just looked like that for a moment, so I said it.
I remember you standing still for a long time after hearing my words.
What were you thinking?
Now that it's come to this, I wanted to ask. What were you thinking then.
There was so much I wanted to ask. But now I can no longer ask any of it.
I tried not to get entangled with you in this life, but somehow it got really tangled up.
"This is because of you."
"Huh...?"
I shamelessly shifted the blame. Not understanding what I meant, Namgung Bi-a answered with a blank expression.
Seeing that, I chuckled.
After chatting like that for a while, a servant announced that my father and Namgung Jin had appeared.
I adjusted my posture a bit.
It was quite an important schedule, after all.
'...Originally, I planned to run away.'
Coming this far, I was a little surprised at myself for half-admitting it. Had I given up?
[You just thought she was pretty and accepted it with a 'thank you', that's all.]
'...'
I felt a bit resentful of myself for not being able to deny Elder Shin's words.
And so, the discussion between the Namgung Estate and the Gu Family began shortly after.
I was immediately able to realize one fact.
It was something I had expected before, having a feeling it would be the case.
It was something my father remained silent about when I asked, but now I could know for sure.
That my father and Namgung Jin definitely had a terrible relationship, that was for certain.