Chapter 126: How Would I Know That!? (1)
Tang So-yeol had to struggle for a moment, thinking she had misheard.
Nangong Bi-a said she had slept with Gu Yang-cheon, and said they had held hands while sleeping.
But she might get pregnant...?
Tang So-yeol had to wonder if those words were a metaphorical expression.
What if "only held hands while sleeping" actually meant "not only held hands while sleeping"? Wait a minute.
Grabbing her mind that had been shaken by the shock, Tang So-yeol, who barely came to her senses, asked Nangong Bi-a.
"Unni, so... hands... that... that thing..."
The problem was she didn't know how to ask. Tang So-yeol found it difficult to choose which words to use and how to ask.
She wanted to ask something, but at the same time she could feel her ears constantly burning.
After fumbling for a long while, Tang So-yeol finally squeezed her eyes shut and asked.
"...You mean you only held hands?"
"No."
At Nangong Bi-a's firm denial, Tang So-yeol bit her lip. So it was a metaphorical expression after all...
Tang So-yeol had to quickly calm the sorrow that was about to well up.
"We... hugged too..."
"Hmm...?"
"And cheeks... I think he touched them too."
Seeing Nangong Bi-a avert her gaze with a slightly flushed face as if embarrassed, Tang So-yeol's doubts were gradually turning into certainty.
Something was strange.
Very much so.
With a huge question mark, Tang So-yeol asked Nangong Bi-a with wide, fish-like eyes.
"...Other than that?"
"Other than that... should we do something more...?"
"..."
Tang So-yeol finally felt the misunderstanding clear up, and the heavy emotions that had been building up in her chest dissolve away completely.
Could a grown woman really be this ignorant about the ways of the world? She also found herself worrying about the common sense Nangong Bi-a ought to possess.
Does the Nangong family not give sex education?
Tang So-yeol herself had not only received education from the family but also 'voluntarily' studied this area separately, but getting pregnant from just holding hands while sleeping...
She'd rather say a phoenix and a stork mated, or a crow brought the baby. Getting pregnant from holding hands—it was an incredibly cute notion.
In the end, Tang So-yeol stood up and quietly took a seat next to Nangong Bi-a.
Nangong Bi-a had an expression that didn't understand why Tang So-yeol was deliberately coming next to her.
It was Tang So-yeol's own consideration. Next to them, the innocent-looking Wi Seol-a was watching with a face that said 'What's that?', so she didn't think she could bring herself to say it openly.
"Why... are you...?"
"Unni... you don't get a child from things like that."
She wondered if she should even say it, but she also wondered if it was right to just leave her be like this.
Tang So-yeol whispered quietly into Nangong Bi-a's ear. She picked out only the important parts of the 'knowledge' she knew and explained them step by step.
Would Tang So-yeol have known that she would explain it much more understandably than expected?
Thanks to that, Nangong Bi-a was able to experience a new world at the same time as realizing the truth that day.
It was a moment of accumulating knowledge.
I was only able to return to my quarters around evening. The time I was held up by Nangong Jin was longer than expected.
Thanks to that, the contract I wanted to make could proceed properly.
[I didn't know the Nangong child would accept it so easily.]
"Indeed."
Both the Old Lord and I couldn't help but have doubts about the fact that Nangong Jin would accept it so easily.
We packaged it as a contract, but the true meaning was a form of restriction. The characters written on paper had no practical effect, after all.
Even while walking, my body kept moving steadily. Because I had sat still for hours only moving my qi, my body had become somewhat dull. Placing a restriction on a Hwagyeong-level martial artist was no easy task.
[I didn't know you could even place restrictions.]
"It's just miscellaneous knowledge I picked up."
The restriction I use is a complex technique in a way, but it wasn't that grand of a technique.
Compared to the restriction Cheonma places, it was embarrassingly shameful to even call it a restriction.
Cheonma's restriction carries coerciveness. Even if the opponent reacts violently and tries to shake it off, they cannot escape from Cheonma's touch.
We called that a curse.
Conversely, what I use is an application of the method created by the Murim Alliance. Of course, you have to touch the opponent's body to place the restriction.
As I move my internal qi, the opponent also had to cooperate. Since the martial artist had to entrust the flow of their internal qi and the safety of their body to the one placing the restriction, it wasn't a highly efficient technique.
[So it's not a practically useful technique.]
"Yes."
Since it's created through mutual agreement, its efficacy is on the high side, but it can't be used coercively as a restriction.
Thanks to that, I had to spend a long time finding common ground regarding the restriction. The duration of the restriction, its purpose, prohibited matters, and so on.
"While talking as if you'd give everything for the sword technique, you sure negotiated fiercely."
Since it was placing a restriction on her body, from Nangong Jin's position, it must have been something that required a long period of deliberation.
In the end, she did place the restriction on her own body though.
The original purpose of modifying and creating the framework of this restriction was not for binding or oppression, but for resolve.
- We will not betray each other.
- We will not resent each other.
- We will trust each other.
It was created by a close friend to survive in that damned demon realm. Thinking back on it, in that demon realm-like space, that restriction didn't work.
But people are funny like that; thinking it was placed, I came to believe it so. Right after I survived alone and escaped, and even now as I've lived on and turned back time, I had the illusion that restriction still remained in my body.
'It wasn't a restriction without actual efficacy though.'
It just didn't work in the demon realm; it worked properly outside.
I actually used it a few times.
Every time, the voice of the guy who created this restriction would come to mind.
-You'll die if you use this outside?
-You made it for me to use, so why the hell are you complaining now?
-I'm saying this because I didn't make it for you to use, you bastard...!
The person in question told me not to use it, but I didn't listen and consistently used it anyway.
It was the only restriction I knew how to use, so what could I do.
[Even if you call them a half-wit, they're a child who reached Hwagyeong. Shouldn't you first check whether the restriction is working properly?]
The Old Lord spoke as if worried, but from my position, I wasn't that worried.
Because I had placed another device while placing the restriction on Nangong Jin's body.
'I didn't think I'd use demonic qi like this.'
If possible, I didn't want to use it, but given the situation, it didn't seem like a time to be picky about means and methods.
I slightly drew out the demonic qi that was being purified in my body after eating the Red Color Flower and implanted it into Nangong Jin's body.
It wasn't demonic qi at the level of gnawing away at the Sword Empress's body, but just enough energy to tie the restriction more strongly.
If the restriction is released, the demonic qi implanted in Nangong Jin's body will disappear, so I can figure it out immediately.
In Cheonma's case, if the demonic qi disappears, he'd be able to sense it even from afar, but that much was beyond me.
"The other problem is on the First Elder's side."
After successfully placing the restriction, the first thing I asked Nangong Jin was about the conversation with the First Elder. I needed to know what was discussed at that time.
Given the person she was, I thought there might have been some talk of behind-the-scenes scheming, but funnily enough, she said no such talk occurred.
- It was exactly as I said, a conversation. No particularly political discussion took place.
The First Elder was also a figure recognized in the Central Plains, if not as much as the Second Elder, so it wasn't strange for her to meet with Nangong Jin.
However, if only a proper conversation took place, there was a problem of timing.
The fact that Nangong Jin was away right around the time problems occurred with the servant.
The thought that the First Elder created that opening wouldn't leave my mind.
"If we say the First Elder is connected to that bastard."
Would there be a reason for Father to leave him be?
Father couldn't not know. Most things that happen in the Gu family end up reaching Father's ears.
I hoped it wasn't the case, but if the First Elder was indeed involved in the matter.
I had to consider the need to move things up a bit.
The First Elder's death, that is.
[Even if you do that, would there be no problem?]
"There wouldn't be none."
The First Elder also had his role as the First Elder. Not the position or influence the old man held within the Gu family, but in accordance with the flow.
The first reason I had just stayed still even knowing that the First Elder was pulling behind-the-scenes schemes was that Father hadn't stepped forward first.
And the second was that I wanted him to at least keep his position for a few more years. After that, even without paying attention, the First Elder would meet his end on his own.
He'd be consumed by his own ambition and become ashes.
It was like that in my past life too.
"I don't have certainty so I can't overturn things, but I should at least go give a warning."
[You endure well. It seems like you want to kill him inside.]
"...Please don't casually pry into someone's heart. And would it be appropriate for someone from the Daoist sect to speak so harshly about life?"
[Child, do you know what I came to realize while fighting in wars?]
"What is it?"
[That those who must be killed, must be killed.]
I stopped walking at the Old Lord's cold voice. It was too rough a thing to say for a Daoist who makes plum blossoms bloom.
[I won't say anything about you changing your mind to save the child named Je Gal-hyeok. I also cannot say that judgment was wrong. But that doesn't make it otherwise.]
"I understand what you mean."
[War is originally like that. Child, you've experienced it too, so I think you'd know well, isn't that so?]
So as not to leave future trouble. Leaving it and then having something blow up later, regretting it would be too late.
And like the Old Lord said, having experienced it more than anyone, I could empathize all the more. It might be words thick with killing intent and barbed for a Daoist to utter, but speaking from the position of a martial artist and the hero who saved the Central Plains, it was highly realistic.
Still, it wasn't time yet. First, I had to create a justification that would allow me to do so.
"Don't worry. I have no intention of just watching."
The separate request I made to Nangong Jin was also for this purpose.
If it's not a tiger but merely an old dog guarding the house baring its worn fangs.
They need to be pulled out, teeth and claws both.
I was thankfully quite the expert in this area.
When I entered my quarters, I got a somewhat bustling feeling. It was dinner time, but should I say there seemed to be more people than usual?
'No, there actually are quite a few more?'
People I hadn't seen before were visible here and there. Especially, several well-trained martial artists were also deployed. Looking at their clothes, they seemed to be people from the Tang family.
As I entered, Wi Seol-a came running as if she'd been waiting. She looked ready to wag a tail she didn't have, so I naturally reached out my hand first.
To pat her head.
"Young Masteer!"
"You're heavy, so don't think about jumping into my arms."
"Ah... I'm not heavy!"
Wi Seol-a, who had visibly lost some weight without me quite noticing, probably wasn't heavy. Thanks to that, looking at her cheek fat that had now decreased the pleasure of touching, I felt truly regretful.
As a substitute, I had to at least stroke her hair vigorously.
"Why are there so many people?"
"The young lady and the pretty auntie came!"
"...Hmm?"
The only person Wi Seol-a could call 'young lady' was immediately one person.
'So Gu Ryeong-hwa came.'
It seemed Gu Ryeong-hwa, who was living in her personal quarters, had come to visit. But what about the pretty auntie...
With a sudden passing thought, I asked Wi Seol-a just in case.
"You... don't tell me by 'pretty auntie' you mean the Sword Empress?"
"Hmm? That's right...! Pretty auntie."
"Did you perhaps say that in front of the Sword Empress too?"
"Yes, she said she felt good! She even told me to keep calling her that!"
She felt good. She did?
No matter how I looked at it, it didn't seem like a title that would feel good to hear.
'If the person herself says it's fine, then is it fine?'
It didn't seem like Wi Seol-a got in trouble, and the Sword Empress seemed to have said it was okay, so I suppose I could let it pass?
Thinking that while stroking Wi Seol-a's hair, Hong-wa appeared and pulled Wi Seol-a away.
"Eep!"
"Seol-a! The Young Master must be tired, you shouldn't bother him."
At Hong-wa's words, Wi Seol-a sullenly stepped back.
I wasn't bothered. Rather, fiddling with her hair would have been more helpful for relieving fatigue.
I withdrew my hand that had been awkwardly floating in the air from patting Wi Seol-a and asked Hong-wa.
"Is perhaps Miss Tang here?"
"Yes, Young Master. She came with Miss Nangong."
Since the two of them, Nangong Bi-a, were close, it made sense for them to meet, but was there a need to come into my quarters together?
"The youngest miss and the Sword Empress are here as well."
"Ah, I heard that. What did they come for?"
At my question, Hong-wa tilted her head slightly.
"Well, you said you'd have dinner together today, Young Master..."
"I did?"
Did I?
I think I did say something about having dinner together sometime, but was that today?
I'm sure we didn't set a date.
Since I was planning to go see the Sword Empress once more anyway, it was rather fortunate if anything. While I was thinking, Hong-wa spoke up with a somewhat worried expression.
"Young Master..."
"Hmm."
"Miss Nangong's expression didn't look very good."
"Why? Is her body unwell?"
"No, it didn't seem like that."
"Alright, I'll ask her separately."
It was only slightly strange that the servant was concerned about the Nangong bloodline, but recalling that Nangong Bi-a occasionally conversed with Hong-wa or asked her something in depth, it was understandable to some extent.
'Her expression isn't good, huh.'
Nangong Bi-a rarely showed changes in expression, and even when she did, they were so subtle that others could hardly notice. If Hong-wa could notice it, just how bad was it?
Wondering if there might actually be something wrong with her body, I opened the room where Nangong Bi-a was said to be with somewhat faster steps.
As soon as I opened the door, I could see Nangong Bi-a flinch.
Tang So-yeol was also in the room, and perhaps they were sharing some secret, both of them were visibly startled when I appeared.
"Miss Tang, you're here."
"H-hello, Young Master Gu..."
"What brings you here? Is it perhaps because of the matter from your previous visit?"
"Ah, it's not that. Bi-a unni asked me to have a meal together..."
"Here? Together?"
"I-is that... not okay?"
"...No, it's fine."
Even though I said that, ever since I realized Tang So-yeol had feelings for me last time, there was a somewhat uncomfortable feeling. I had no idea how to act around her.
'I would need to have experienced someone looking favorably upon me first.'
It might feel uncomfortable because it was such an unfamiliar emotion in that regard.
[To put it differently, it means you'd only notice if it's someone at the level of that Tang family child.]
'You always have to add a comment at times like this.'
[It's the joy of my life.]
I let out a small sigh and asked the two who couldn't manage their expressions.
"You both looked extremely startled earlier. What were you talking about?"
"Ah... n-nothing. We weren't talking about anything! Right, unni?"
"Y...yeah."
Why were they acting like that? Anyone could tell there must have been something.
Moreover, they were so focused that they didn't even notice a first-rate martial artist approaching the door.
I first examined Nangong Bi-a.
True to Hong-wa's words, her expression was clearly different. Even her face and ears were red, looking quite flushed.
I immediately approached Nangong Bi-a and asked.
"Is something wrong with your body?"
"N...no... I'm fine."
"No you're not, you don't look fine."
"Really... I'm fine, just... a little further away..."
She seemed to have severe heat, so I tried to touch Nangong Bi-a's forehead with my hand.
It was a contact I'd made several times before, so I didn't hesitate. I thought Nangong Bi-a would also expect that.
Smack!
"Hmm?"
But apparently not.
Nangong Bi-a knocked my hand away. Then, as if surprised herself, she covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes wide. Seeing Nangong Bi-a make such a startled expression was truly a novel experience.
"Was touching your forehead uncomfortable? Tell me."
"No... It's not uncomfortable... I was just startled..."
"I don't think I did anything particularly startling... If your body's not well, I'll call a physician."
"It's a bit hot today..."
"...You do know it's autumn right?"
For her to say it's hot—even I, who trained in fire arts, was going around saying the cool weather felt pleasant, and she says it's hot.
When I looked at her with a subtle expression, Tang So-yeol quickly interjected.
"U-unni must have trained earlier, so she's a bit hot. Right?"
"...Right."
It seemed like Tang So-yeol was speaking on Nangong Bi-a's behalf, but for that to be the case, her attire was quite neat.
Even her face looked different from usual, as if she had applied some powder, though not as much as during the engagement schedule. If so, it meant she hadn't been training.
I could have thought that far, but I didn't bother bringing up a counterargument.
It seemed like some kind of secret, so it felt wrong to press further.
"Understood. I'll tell the servant to prepare more food."
"Thank you."
"Ah, and the Sword Empress will likely join us for the meal. Would that be alright with you?"
"O-of course. I came uninvited anyway, so even if someone else is there..."
Tang So-yeol, who had been speaking excitedly, paused for a moment and asked me back.
"Wait a moment, Young Master Gu."
"Yes?"
"...Who did you say you're eating with?"
"The Sword Empress."
When I said that, Tang So-yeol's expression changed strangely. As if she had heard something wrong.
Seeing Tang So-yeol, who had been trying hard to maintain a demure demeanor, break slightly, I wondered if I had said something wrong and retraced my words.
"Did you perhaps not know the Sword Empress was staying at the Gu family?"
When I asked Tang So-yeol as if she didn't know that.
"How would I know that!?"
Tang So-yeol shouted in disbelief.