Chapter 48: I should go find that guy.

“…So, that’s the kind of relationship they have.”

Having heard the full story, the Young Master, Baek Kang, nodded calmly.

But no matter how composed he tried to appear, hiding his emotions completely was no easy feat.

“Thanks to that girl, Seoran… grit! Yeon’s life has been extended… grind! So I should be grateful, right?”

Despite his words of gratitude, the Young Master’s menacing aura was palpable as he clenched his fists, veins bulging on his muscular arms.

After all, there was a vast difference between a daughter’s close friend and her lover—a difference as wide as heaven and earth.

Fathers with daughters often see anyone dating their girl as a thief, and Baek Kang was one of the most notorious doting fathers in the martial world.

Already shaken by his daughter’s collapse, learning about her romantic life must have left him in a state that didn’t need much explanation to understand.

“Come now, Young Master. Yeon’s at an age where this is normal. If things had gone as planned, she’d already have a child by now.”

Physician Seo, a friend of the Clan Leader, could afford to throw out such a jab, but Song Hwa merely averted her gaze.

‘Sorry, Ran…’

I tried my best to keep it hidden…

Anticipating that Baek Kang’s gaze toward Seoran would grow much harsher, Song Hwa silently offered an apology that went unheard.

As the three continued their quiet conversation, a soundproof barrier naturally shielded their voices from the outside.

This was due to the sensitive nature of Seoran’s unique constitution.

But—

“Hmm…”

At this moment, in the Baek Clan, there was one being whose near-divine martial prowess could easily bypass such a barrier and hear everything.

Perched atop the roof of the Young Master’s quarters, the Primordial Divine Mother, Im Ji-yang, let out a soft hum.

“A rare Nine Yin Severed Meridians and an even rarer Yin-Yang Constitution coming together to create such a situation…”

Having overheard such an intriguing story, she was in high spirits.

Despite her youthful voice and appearance, she murmured in an old-fashioned tone, a sly smile tugging at her lips.

“Truly a fated pair ordained by the heavens. Destiny, indeed.”

Nothing was more entertaining than other people’s stories.

And a love story, no less?

What could be more fascinating than that?

Witnessing such a fated relationship firsthand lifted the Divine Mother’s mood considerably.

“Not bad. I’ve got a good idea.”

But separately, a new plan formed in her mind—a way to make Seoran her disciple.

If they loved each other so deeply, they’d surely do anything for one another.

While she didn’t particularly enjoy exploiting weaknesses…

The affairs of the Primordial Sect weren’t something she could handle based on personal likes or dislikes.

And so—

“…It’s been a while. I should pay that person a visit.”

Muttering softly, the Divine Mother slowly rose.

—

Thanks to Baek Yeon recovering quickly, the incident that night was dismissed as a mere mishap among the clan.

“…I’m so, so sorry, unnie. Sob.”

But regardless, Zhuge Bin’s guilt seemed immense.

The afternoon after Baek Yeon regained consciousness, Zhuge Bin came to our room, sobbing as she apologized.

“…”

Baek Yeon glanced at her, then at me, before responding in a flat tone.

“…It’s fine. I wronged you too.”

Her voice carried no trace of interest.

“I already have someone in my heart.”

Baek Yeon gently took my hand.

It was a clear declaration of who held her heart.

“And… knowing how you felt, I used you to provoke jealousy.”

It was cruel, but it was something she should’ve done the moment she realized Zhuge Bin’s feelings.

“I’m sorry. I can’t accept your feelings.”

Leaving room for hope in someone who loves you is far worse.

‘…Now I feel guilty too.’

As I averted my gaze, weighed by an inexplicable guilt, Zhuge Bin nodded slightly.

“…I knew. That you had someone in your heart.”

“…”

“But I thought… maybe I could change your mind… sob.”

Despite her stuffy nose from crying, she pressed on.

“It’s… too late, isn’t it?”

Her tender gaze met Baek Yeon’s, but Baek Yeon nodded without hesitation.

Oof… that’s cold.

…But seeing her cut things off so decisively made me feel good.

‘…I’m such a jerk.’

I sighed softly.

Falling in love… it seemed to inevitably turn you into a bad person.

Love, after all, is a selfish emotion.

—

“I’ll be back, Young Lady.”

“Okay… come back quick.”

“Hehe, I’ll finish as fast as I can.”

With Zhuge Bin and Baek Yeon’s relationship resolved, time passed, and guests from other clans began arriving.

Using the recent incident as an excuse, Baek Yeon skipped the clan gathering, leaving me to attend the banquet alone.

After all, I had to showcase my swordsmanship.

“That girl…?”

At first, the Baek Clan warriors demonstrated their sword techniques in unison…

But as the atmosphere heated up, they put me on the stage.

‘…Hoo.’

Alone.

I was nervous at first.

But the nerves soon faded.

It wasn’t a big deal.

I just performed the sword forms I’d learned.

Swish!

I even threw in some fake sword aura for show.

The people here were from great clans, with discerning eyes, so they’d know my sword aura was fake.

But it was a declaration of my potential.

“…Remarkable, wielding qi so skillfully.”

A sixteen-year-old reaching First-Rate, soon to touch the Peak Realm.

“Another star rises in the Baek Clan. A blessing for the orthodox sects.”

As I sheathed my sword, the expected murmurs erupted.

The faces of the usually self-important clan members were etched with near-shock.

“I heard the Divine Mother has her eye on her too. But she rejected her offer…”

“After the Sword Dragon, another prodigy in the Baek Clan…”

Thanks to my martial training, my sharpened senses caught every word.

‘…Ahem.’

I tried to suppress a smirk, keeping my face neutral.

Who wouldn’t feel good hearing praise?

“Hahaha!”

…Though seeing the Clan Leader laugh so openly was a bit annoying.

Since my master, Dowan, was the Clan Leader’s right hand, this was likely part of his plan.

I didn’t like it, but I’d benefited from his resources, so I couldn’t complain.

Soon after, I descended the stage and quickly left the banquet hall.

Dowan had given me permission in advance, so I didn’t hesitate.

The reason was obvious.

Those praising me and the Baek Clan to my face would try to poach me behind the scenes.

The Baek Clan had no intention of letting me go, so this was to keep me from being swayed.

‘…Ugh.’

Treating me like a tool.

This damn Baek Clan… nothing about it appealed to me except Baek Yeon.

Well, Song Hwa and the Young Master were exceptions.

And maybe the Baekryu Hall attendants too…

Lost in such pointless thoughts, I hurried toward Baekryu Hall.

“…Um.”

A familiar voice called from behind.

I stopped reflexively and turned slowly.

“I… have something to say.”

There was Zhuge Bin, her clothes disheveled as if she’d rushed out of the banquet hall too.

Hmm…

I rolled my eyes.

Honestly, it was a bit awkward.

Not because Zhuge Bin did something wrong.

I was angry at the time over the Baek Yeon incident, but after cooling off, I let it go.

She’d acted with good intentions, and it just went wrong.

‘Kids can be like that…’

I’m generally lenient with kids, so I’d cleanly forgotten about it.

…But.

The problem was my conscience.

When Baek Yeon used Zhuge Bin, I was angry.

But now I knew it wasn’t about her being used—it was because Baek Yeon let her intrude on us.

In other words, Zhuge Bin was never a factor.

Not to me, nor to Baek Yeon.

How could I face her shamelessly after acting so childishly as an adult?

As I hesitated, Zhuge Bin, now close, spoke haltingly.

“That time… I said harsh things. I didn’t know anything and said weird stuff…”

Her apology made me feel even worse.

‘Ugh.’

Sighing inwardly, I shook my head.

“No, I was childish too.”

“No, no! You weren’t childish. I was.”

“…”

God, my conscience is killing me.

As I stood speechless, she continued.

“You… helped unnie recover, didn’t you?”

“!”

Her words caught me off guard.

‘…How did she know?’

I narrowed my eyes at her.

That was a significant secret tied to my constitution.

Sensing my gaze, she mumbled softly.

“For unnie to recover so quickly… something else had to be at play. Medicine alone wouldn’t suffice.”

…Oh?

“And since it’s said she recovered thanks to the physician… the real reason must be a secret.”

I was impressed.

To deduce that from such scant clues.

Is this why she’s from the Zhuge Clan?

I neither confirmed nor denied, just stared at her.

After a brief silence, she looked up.

Her tear-streaked face met my eyes.

“…I take back what I said then. You… sob… you’re the one who suits unnie.”

“…”

“Please… take care of her.”

Tears rolled down her cheeks.

‘…Sigh.’

Sighing inwardly, I pulled out a handkerchief.

…Come to think of it, this was the same place.

Where Zhuge Bin grabbed me, claiming Baek Yeon was hers.

It was around the same time of night, but one thing was different.

“You’ll ruin your makeup.”

“…”

Unlike last time, she didn’t shy away from my touch.

Back then, she ran off before I could properly wipe her tears. This was much easier.

“…You know.”

As I gently dabbed her eyes, I spoke slowly.

“From what I’ve seen, the world is really vast.”

“…”

“But… even in that vast world, there are connections and destinies.”

She was crying, and as an adult, I felt I should offer some comfort.

“Someday, you’ll meet your own connection, Lady Zhuge Bin.”

“…”

“Someone who’ll cherish and… love you.”

That should be enough, right?

“So don’t cry like this. You’ll ruin your pretty face.”

I smiled lightly, patting her head.

“…Uh, u-um?”

“Hm? Are you okay?”

“N-No, it’s just…”

Her reaction was a bit odd, but I’d done enough.

“I’ll head out then. Oh, keep this. Wipe your tears and go back when you’re ready.”

“…Oh, um, thanks.”

I handed her the handkerchief and quickly left.

My hurried steps might’ve looked like I had urgent business.

But every moment was precious.

Since I couldn’t stop time… I had to cherish every second with Baek Yeon.

‘…Ah.’

I miss her already.

With a faint smile, I quickened my pace toward Baekryu Hall.

To the one waiting for me—Baek Yeon.