Chapter 22: Move for me.

“Oh, that.”

The Young Master stroked his beard at my question.

“It’s no big deal. The Clan Leader decided to hold this banquet to see the skills of the children who’ll carry the Baek Clan’s future.”

“Oh.”

“So, a small sparring competition is planned.”

That’s what today’s event is about.

‘The bearded old man planned something interesting for once.’

I nodded, picturing the Baek Clan Leader.

I call him that flippantly, but he’s no ordinary person.

He’s over seventy, yet as a high-level martial artist, he doesn’t look it at all.

His presence is so commanding that the one time I met him, I was terrified out of my wits.

He didn’t do anything to me, but there’s an inexplicable chill that envelops you in his presence.

Maybe… unease?

He’s the kind of person who lets his children fight and scheme like this.

Clear water upstream keeps the downstream clean.

As the Clan Leader, he should maintain order, but by tolerating this power struggle, he’s letting the clan descend into chaos.

I don’t understand why he allows it, so after witnessing three years of this infighting, it feels unsettling.

As I clicked my tongue inwardly, the Young Master continued.

“The Clan Leader said he’ll personally award a treasured sword to the winner, but… it’s not exactly a tempting prize, is it?”

“Yeah, true.”

“It’s for the trainees who’ve been practicing since childhood, so I didn’t think you needed to worry about it.”

He was being diplomatic, but he meant my skills weren’t enough for the competition.

‘Hm…’

Catching his meaning, the three of us—excluding the Young Master—exchanged subtle glances.

It wasn’t unreasonable for him to think that.

He believes my talent as a martial artist is mediocre.

My constitution is quite unique.

According to Baek Tae-rin, I’m highly sensitive to qi…

But that’s a secret known only to the four of us.

We decided it could be dangerous if word got out.

‘Lately, too many people have been poking at me, and it’s annoying…’

Like the Young Master’s brother earlier, openly provoking me.

I don’t care if they target me, but they keep dragging Baek Yeon into it.

That’s been grating on me, but what can I do?

Getting worked up would only make things worse.

‘Yeon… wouldn’t want that either.’

With an unspoken agreement to stay quiet, we nodded slightly.

Yeah, living peacefully without getting tangled up with anyone is best.

“Let’s head in now.”

Reaffirming my simple wish, we started moving again.

—

What’s my level in the Central Plains?

I once asked Song Hwa and Baek Tae-rin.

Having never fought in a real battle, it was hard to gauge my true skill.

For once, they agreed.

There’s probably no one my age who could match me.

Hearing that, I was honestly thrilled.

It meant I had the potential of a wuxia novel’s overpowered protagonist.

In this situation, a typical kid would revel in their talent and chase after advanced techniques or swordsmanship.

But I’m not a typical kid.

I’m a reincarnator who knows the martial world too well.

So… I didn’t act recklessly.

I know, from both reality and novels, how talented people can fall apart.

Without a solid foundation, you’re bound to crash.

I deliberately stuck to the basics—Wolbaek Swordsmanship and Baekhon Heart Method—focusing on mastering them rather than moving to something new.

I didn’t want to end up spouting clichéd lines like, “How did I end up like this?!” after losing to some diligent prodigy.

Anyway, why am I bringing this up?

“For a wench like you to be called a Baek Clan swordsman alongside me—it’s a disgrace.”

“…”

Because this brat in front of me is pissing me off.

‘…How did things end up like this?’

I half-listened to his tirade, rolling my eyes.

The Baek Clan’s banquet was, as always, dreadfully boring.

The only silver lining was that Yeon’s reputation as a vicious lunatic kept people away.

The three of us—Yeon, Song Hwa, and I—grabbed a spot, nibbled on the feast, and planned to slip out early…

‘Ugh.’

I stepped away to grab some food I wanted, and this kid caught me.

“For a talentless wench like you to be granted Baek Clan swordsmanship is absurd…”

I didn’t recognize his face, but his tone told me who sent him.

Definitely the Young Master’s brother. It’s their style.

‘How do they raise kids there for a ten-year-old to spew this crap…?’

It was borderline offensive, but it’s a miracle someone as kind as Baek Tae-rin came from that family.

“…Wench, you dare ignore me?”

“Ugh, stop with the ‘wench’ nonsense. Got a rag in your mouth or something?”

“…What?”

I waved him off.

“Don’t ruin a good day by buzzing around like a pest. Shoo. You’re not a dog, so why come barking on command?”

“Y-You… how dare you!”

The kid’s face turned red as he shouted.

Oh, I hit a nerve?

‘I win.’

In a war of words, the first to lose their temper loses.

No need to entertain him further.

Brushing past the nameless kid, I headed back to the food.

“…Hah! No wonder, with a wench like you as her aide, her level’s clear.”

“…Hah.”

If he hadn’t said that.

Grab!

“…Ugh.”

I seized his collar.

Both of us are kids, not fully through puberty.

He doesn’t yet have the physical advantage of a grown man.

So, lifted by the collar, he could only flail and choke.

I glared at him, muttering.

“Keep pushing my buttons… If you want to mess with someone, mess with me. Why drag the Young Lady into it?”

Once or twice, I can brush it off like a dog barking.

But honestly, I was pissed.

It’s infuriating that they keep targeting someone as unfortunate as her.

And this clueless brat mouthing off? Even more disgusting.

Grit!

I tightened my grip.

“A self-proclaimed Baek Clan swordsman who doesn’t know his place and insults his master?”

“L-Let go…”

Let go?

You were all talk before—now you want mercy?

“Seoran.”

“…”

A familiar voice brushed my ear.

I reflexively loosened my grip.

The kid, freed, clutched his throat, gasping, and fled.

Ugh, damn it…

I sighed in frustration and glanced back.

“…You must be tired. Why’d you come over, Young Lady?”

“Just because.”

Baek Yeon, now beside me, reached out and took my hand.

The coolness of her touch calmed my heated head.

“Was that brat picking a fight with you?”

“…Yeah, kinda.”

Her gaze seemed to demand more, so I hesitated before speaking cautiously.

“I don’t care if they pick on me. Well, I do, but it doesn’t hit hard, so it’s fine.”

“Mm.”

“But… those bastards keep dragging you into it while targeting me.”

I’d been holding back for a while.

My temper would’ve exploded long ago, but I knew it’d only complicate things.

Still, every time it happened, one thought lingered.

“It feels like my presence is hurting you…”

“No way.”

She cut me off, shaking her head.

“You’re my strength, always.”

That’s kind of her to say, but…

“…Still.”

She smiled faintly, as if pleased.

“So, what do you want to do?”

Her hand gently brushed my cheek.

It was cool, yet somehow warm.

Maybe that’s why.

“…I don’t want you to be disrespected just because you took me in.”

Like I was entranced, I voiced the truth buried deep inside.

“You want to show them?”

I nodded.

“Even if it puts you in danger?”

Her question was like a test.

I answered without hesitation.

“That’s fine.”

Her smile deepened at my immediate reply.

“Then do as your heart tells you.”

“…”

“For me… move, Seoran.”

Her voice was filled with an unidentifiable heat.