Chapter 25

Euiran and Euimook stared at each other, curious as to why Wan’s mood had sunk so suddenly. Having finally noticed his stern expression, Euiran tried to break the tension with a smile. “I heard that you also have a son. His name is Namgoong Ryuchung, is it not? He’s already well-known as an incredible prodigy. If he had met our children, I’m sure they would have become friends. How nice would that be!”
“I’m not so sure. Ryuchung only bothers with children in his league.”
Euiran’s smile froze in place at the implication that her children were not part of that league. Everyone looked at Lord Wan in shock, but he simply picked up his teacup coolly.
Her eye twitched with anger as she tried her best to continue the conversation. “Ah... Haha. Master Ryuchung must certainly be as great as they say he is. You must very proud of him.”
“I suppose so.”
“Likewise my sons, Pyo and Ak, are so diligent with their training that they’ll soon be reaching the third level of the Effortless Elevated Technique.”
When Wan didn’t respond, Euiran let out an Ah! as though she had been struck with inspiration and added, “Euigang achieved level three at the age of eight. My twins are now seven years old!”
It was the wrong thing to say. Lord Wan gave the twins a deliberate look up and down and let out a mocking laugh. Euiran’s face turned red at the blatant disrespect. Even Aide Jang, who’d been standing on the other side of the pavilion, winced out of embarrassment.
Euimook cut in, attempting to alleviate the situation. “I’m sure that’s hardly impressive for someone such as yourself, who was but twenty when he attained the level of master and became known throughout the land.” He laughed awkwardly. “But the twins are serious about the sword. If you were to grant them some instruction, I’m sure it would be of great help.”
He flicked his eyes toward his son, who immediately shot up and gave a martial salute to Wan. “If my senior will honor me with his tutelage, I will engrave his teachings into my heart.”
Wan gazed at Myung for a while before finally turning toward his friend. “Shouldn’t you be by Yeon’s side?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ve yet to see you take a single bite. If you’re so worried that you can’t even eat, go back to her side.”
Euigang’s plate was completely clean, unblemished by even a single crumb. When he tried to object, Euimook stepped in. “I see I was being inconsiderate of you, Euigang. I’ll take extra care here, so don’t you worry. Stay by Yeon’s side.”
“Brother,” Euigang protested.
After a brief exchange, Euigang was practically pushed out of the garden. Normally, he would never have excused himself in such a manner, but he was too distracted by the fact that, unlike her cousins, his daughter was currently dining alone.
When Wan saw that Euigang was finally out of earshot, he slowly opened his mouth. “I’m used to these kinds of situations.” He glanced at Myung and the twins. “Everyone always wanted the same thing. The backing of the Namgoong clan. Is that what you want?”
Euimook was at a loss for words.
Of course he was right. Aide Jang said in a warning tone, “Deputy Namgoong.”
Wan smirked and turned his head to look at the little girl who sat by Myung’s side. “Your name is Baengri Ri?”
“Huh? Yes.”
“Let me ask you one thing.”
“Ye-es...” Riri cast her gaze about for help. She wasn’t sure what was happening. All she knew was that she’d been told over and over that Namgoong Wan was an important guest, so she had to be on her best behavior.
“Did you like the flower?”
“Flower...?”
The color drained from Myung’s face. He tried to step in. “She did! The peony sure was pretty, wasn’t it, Riri?”
“Huh? Ah... Ye-es.” Riri spoke hesitantly, bewildered by her brother’s behavior. Myung shivered at the sudden, eerie chill that crept over him as he turned back toward Lord Wan. The moment their eyes met, Myung’s legs shook and his back was drenched in a cold sweat. He didn’t dare interrupt again.
Lord Wan turned to Riri again. “Let me ask you one more thing. What was the color of the peony you received?”
Riri stared blankly back and forth between her father, brother, and Lord Wan. “Peonies are white.”
Wan laughed cynically and rose from his seat. Myung dared not look at him. Wan turned toward the twins and slowly asked, “Didn’t you say that you were taking the flower to your ill cousin?”
The twins met Lord Wan’s gaze and finally realized what was going on. The boys looked at each other frantically with pale faces.
Euimook, sensing that something was off, interrupted. “What are you talking about? Please, calm down.”
“Calm down? I tried my best to hold back, but I’m done now. You’re Baengri Myung? I’ve heard a bit about you. The eldest grandson of the Baengri family, sensible and righteous. Ha! What a joke.” Wan turned toward Jang Seokryang and bowed to him courteously, but his expression was anything but respectful. “Forgive me for my rudeness, Aide Jang, but it seems you should focus on the clan’s internal affairs first. If the descendants of the Baengri clan were to continue to indulge themselves in such deceit, I fear the Baengri name will be tainted sooner rather than later.”
No one said anything.
Wan headed toward the exit but stopped momentarily in front of the twins. “When your arms aren’t even capable of carrying a flower, how could you wield a sword? You’d be lucky not to buckle under its weight.” The twins quivered in fear. Wan glared at them coldly. “Pathetic. Don’t ever show your faces before me again.” He stalked out of the pavilion.
Euiran, who’d been staring blankly after him, slammed down on the table as she shot up. Plates shattered and lukewarm food rolled across the beautiful pavilion floor. “Th-th-that lunatic! He’s completely out of his mind!”
Gritting his teeth, Euimook glared at his son. “Baengri Myung, come with me this instant.”
Aide Jang buried his face in one hand and quietly retreated from the pavilion. He waved his hand in the air, and one of his subordinates appeared instantly. He commanded the prostrated man, “Find out exactly what happened between Lord Wan and the children, and... Contact Lord Baengri immediately.
“What should I tell the master?”
“What should you tell—! Tell him it’s a complete sh*tshow!” Aide Jang let out a pain-filled moan as he rubbed his forehead. “Damn it. Lord Baengri is going to kill me...”
* * *
It’s impossible to sleep restfully when you’re uncomfortable. I dozed off and woke up multiple times after Lord Wan infused me with his inner qi. I had even skipped dinner because I had no appetite.
So thirsty... It was around the tenth time I had woken up when I decided to get up from bed for a glass of water. It must have been before dawn, as the moonlight shone faintly through my window.
When I got up, I fell back in shock after I saw a giant shadow next to my bed. The shadow took hold of the teapot and offered me a cup.
“Father…?”
“Did I frighten you?”
“What time is it? I thought you were going to the dinner party.”
“It’s around midnight.”
I thought I had slept for a long time, but the night was still young. I gulped down some water and realized that something was wrong. “Where’s Lord Wan?” At his silence, I nudged him again. “Father?”
“He’s... staying in an inn.”
“Huh?”
He left the huge Baengri clan compound behind to go to an inn?
Father let out a suppressed sigh and sat on the bed. He didn’t seem to want to talk about Lord Wan. “How are you feeling?” he asked.
“I’m fine.”
“You always say that.”
Surprised by his low, despondent voice, I looked at Father. But I could only see his silhouette in the darkness.
I don’t smell any alcohol on him... I was worried that perhaps he was angry. I’m fine, so of course I say I’m fine. Wouldn’t it just be a bother if I complained it still hurt? The pain was nothing compared to before, anyway.
Father finally broke the silence and stretched his hand toward me. Lost in thought, I was taken by surprise and ducked away from his hand.
Seeing my father go still, I did my best to come up with an excuse. “Th-there was a bug.”
“A bug?”
After a momentary shuffling, the room lit up. Father came toward me with a glowing lamp. “I don’t think there are any bugs here.”
“I must have been mistaken...” I flinched when a large shadow in the shape of a human hand loomed over me. I thought I’d kicked this habit. The reaction had been reflexive, my caution heightened by the darkness.
My father, unknowing of my inner thoughts, lowered the lamp and stroked my hair back. I felt too guilty to look at him.
“Yeon.”
“Yes?”
“I need to visit the Namgoong clan compound.”
I clenched my hands discreetly into fists. Finally...!
The Namgoong clan. No—the Divine Physician, to be more precise. Father was not the type of person to speak lightly of the Divine Physician, especially to his young daughter. He was probably going to be visiting him before actually making it to his supposed destination. That’s what he did last time, too.
But in my last life, I had missed out on this golden opportunity right before my eyes. Not this time. Full of hope, I looked up at Father, but to my surprise, his expression was rather grave.
What’s the matter?
He wasn’t explicitly frowning, but somehow he seemed really angry, just as I picked up from hearing his voice earlier. “It’ll take some time to get ready. I need to pack, check on your condition, and pay my respects to your grandfather, and it should take at least a few days. Now, go back to sleep. Sorry for waking you.”
He got up as soon as he finished talking. But instead of leaving, he lingered for a moment. “What’s wrong?” His gaze was directed at my grasp on the end of his sleeve.
“Um, uh... Well, uh...” I was surprised as well. I had only grabbed on reflexively. But, his face...
His expression told me that he was barely suppressing his anger. How long had it been since I had seen such emotion from him? I knew I couldn’t send him away like this.
“Yeon?”
I had to say something. I repeatedly opened and closed my mouth before I finally mustered up the courage to tell him, “D-don’t go.”
“Hm?”
I hesitated for a moment before I closed my eyes and spoke, choking on the words. “It’s s-scary to s-sleep a-alone...” I lowered my head to hide my face.
Crap, crap, crap! I screamed internally, wishing that I could just disappear into a hole. It was just as embarrassing as the day I first pestered him to hug me.
By the time the silence grew to the point I thought I might lose my mind, I heard a sound that made me doubt my ears—laughter. My eyes went wide as I registered my father’s ringing laughs. Then, with a hint of joy lingering in his voice, he said warmly, “You’re afraid to sleep alone?”
“Huh? Y-yes! I don’t like it.”
“I was just like you when I was your age.”
“You were?”
“I was. All right then. Shall we share the bed?” He lay down next to me. I darted my eyes around in panic until a hand patted me as if urging me to sleep. I forced my eyes shut, but it was rather uncomfortable sleeping with someone next to me after sleeping alone for so long.
Yes… Uncomfortable… Sleep…
***
Euigang gazed at his daughter who was now sleeping soundly, her earlier fidgeting long forgotten. Almost inaudibly, he murmured, “I will move heaven and earth if I have to… I will heal you, no matter what.”

Chapter end