MTLNOVEL Chapter 174
I thought Jin Ga-young was a considerate and kind-hearted woman.
Today, for the first time, I realize that it was merely my misconception.
“Where are you going, sir?”
“Surely, you’re not planning to stay alone? It’s so quiet. Why don’t you walk with me?”
“…There’s a woman’s scent on your shoulder, sir. Whose scent could it be? Hong Ryun? Jade Flower? Or… your ex-wife…?”
Could Jin Ga-young be this possessive?
She has always been kind to me and respected my freedom, so I never knew.
“Haa… Sir… I can’t let go of you, can I?”
Just let go, Ga-young.
“If I take my eyes off you for a second… who knows, maybe some alluring things will gobble you up entirely. Ahaha.”
Who’s talking about eating whom?
Since I mentioned traveling together with Soeun Yu, Jin Ga-young has been like this. Clingy, refusing to let go.
And then…
“Excuse me, sir… I’ve prepared some snacks…”
“Sir! I’ve roasted some chicken legs in case you’re hungry! Please have some!”
“Sir…”
“Sir! Please take a look at my Moon Technique! I tried doing what you told me!”
Every time Yu Soeun tries to approach me, Jin Ga-young interrupts.
Oppressed by Ga-young’s intensity, Soeun helplessly retreats to a corner.
Seeing this happen repeatedly makes it impossible to simply stand by anymore.
I know Ga-young has feelings for me, but I already have a wife.
If Ga-young’s affection for me was merely that of a respectful ‘uncle,’ it wouldn’t have been an issue. Now I understand – she likes me romantically.
Her love goes unreciprocated, so her jealousy grows stronger.
Coinciding with the rekindling of my ties with Yu Soeun has reignited a fire in Jin Ga-young’s heart.
-tsk tsk tsk, looks like you’re in a tough spot.
Woo-yong Jin’s teasing voice rings out.
“This situation seems more difficult than wartime.”
-I understand. Our granddaughter isn’t exactly known for her mild envy.
“Did you behave like this when you were younger, sir?”
-I? I used to have three wives and seven concubines! Women would flock to me naturally!
“…”
-What, what? That skeptical look! How dare you doubt me!
“Honestly, ahem.”
Though Jin Woo-yong was one of the Ten Great Warriors, can women really have followed such a cantankerous character?
It’s hard to believe. No, it’s simply unbelievable.
“Troubled? About women’s matters?”
“Yes… That’s correct. It feels too cruel to harshly send them away…”
-What’s there to worry about? Just take them all. They say heroes are also hedonists!
“…I must maintain my integrity. How can I take other women while having a perfectly fine wife?”
-What nonsense. You don’t even see your own wife as a romantic partner.
“…”
That’s the truth.
“Uncle, I’ve practiced the moon technique you taught me last time… Would you take a look?”
Jin Ga-young approached me and spoke.
Upon close inspection, she seemed different from usual – her head slightly bowed, cheeks flushed.
Her lips were cherry red, her usually flawless white skin even whiter, yet tinged with pink, resembling a masterpiece painting.
“Did you put on makeup?”
“Y, Yes?”
“Sweat will make it smudge during practice… Why did you bother?”
“Still… I wanted to look good for you…”
The problem is, we need to practice martial arts now. What’s makeup got to do with martial arts training?
“You look beautiful even without makeup…”
“…What did you just say?”
“I said you look very beautiful without makeup.”
“Uuuu…”
Jin Ga-young emitted a faint whimper like a little puppy, her entirely red face turning away shyly towards the Moonlight Division weapon.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve practiced at Taewon Jin Clan’s training grounds. Reflecting on my search for Ee-sanghwan in Mucheon Valley over the past four years, it’s clear how many events have unfolded.
Most importantly, having my wrongful accusation cleared over the past four years is a pleasure that will be hard to match.
Of course, the happiest event has been reconciling with Yu Soeun.
“Hehe… Uncle called me pretty…”
Turning her beet-red face away from me, Jin Ga-young swung her Moonlight weapon around awkwardly.
Preoccupied with other thoughts, her posture was clumsy yet she continued practicing as if not noticing.
I had taught her the Yin Light Moon Technique recently at Jin Woo-yong’s request, yet not only did she fail to grasp its subtleties but her stance was completely off.
She’s too distracted. The worst thing to have during martial arts practice is distraction.
“This won’t work.”
Thud.
“?”
Holding her vigorous Moonlight weapon, I spoke. Jin Ga-young looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“That’s enough for today.”
“But… I can still do more! I’m not tired!”
“It’s not about physical strength. You’re clearly unfocused. If you continue, your internal energy might reverse and lead to madness.”
“Ah…”
Even if she wishes to continue practicing, I must stop her. She’s in a dangerous state right now.
“We’ll continue next time. That’s enough for today.”
Speaking so harshly, Jin Ga-young’s spirit seemed to droop as she lowered her head.
“But… if not now…”
“Yes?”
“Never mind. Could you promise to take a look next time?”
“Yes, I promise.”
With just that one promise for the future, Jin Ga-young immediately brightened up.
At that moment, a woman’s voice came as the door opened.
“Master, is there anything you’d like to eat?”
It was Yu Soeun’s voice. She entered the training hall carrying a whiff of food, likely having been cooking.
“Master, what’s that supposed to mean, my lady?”
“I’m preparing dinner and just wondered if there was anything you’d like to eat… You’d have to inform me so I know what to cook.”
“Y, You… You cheeky…”
Seeing Yu Soeun, Jin Ga-young immediately snapped. Meanwhile, Soeun glanced at Ga-young briefly before shyly looking my way.
Given Soeun’s naturally meek nature, she can’t possibly defeat Jin Ga-young. Best to help her avoid this situation for now.
“Anything would do. Just have whatever prepared as usual. Or, how about we cook together?”
“Wh, What?! How could my lord’s hands get dirty with water…”
“I wouldn’t mind cooking together… But if that’s your preference, then I shall leave it to you. Please take care of dinner.”
“Yes! I won’t disappoint you, my lord!”
Yu Soen clenched her fist to show her determination.
Eavesdropping on our conversation, Jin Ga-young quickly placed her Moonlight weapon down and eagerly spoke up.
“I’ll help! I’m good at cooking!”
“It’s not necessary that you…”
“No! I can’t let the food that uncle will eat be prepared alone!”
“Umm… wouldn’t the master lose his dignity if he cooks? The servants might gossip…”
“Isn’t that the least of our concerns right now!”
Jin Ga-young rolled up her sleeves and followed Soeun out. With their enthusiasm, tonight’s dinner should taste quite good.
Unintentionally left alone, what should I do now?
How about a light stroll? The air feels good.
Decided. Let’s take a walk. The sun is slowly setting, creating a beautiful sight. Let’s enjoy the view.
Just as I was about to leave the training hall where I had been standing alone, setting this peaceful plan.
Thud.
A sound of footsteps came from quite nearby.
Even if I wasn’t paying close attention to my surroundings, it’s impossible someone with average martial skills could approach within this distance without me noticing.
“Benefactor.”
“Hong Ryun, what is it?”
Sae-ryun Hong. One of the top five martial artists in the world, and a prodigy who entered the Flower stage at a young age.
The only genius I recognize as surpassing Namgung Su-a, who suddenly opened her martial arts talent four years ago, and Jade Flower from Wudang.
“About what?”
“?”
“Isn’t this the first moment we’re truly alone together after all this time.”
Thud.
Sae-ryun Hong took another step towards me.
Instinctively, I took a step back sensing some danger.
Thud.
But Hong took another step forward, as if refusing to allow me to distance myself.
“Thinking about it, it’s such a simple issue.”
“Ryeon, calm down. Your eyes seem somewhat… distracted…”
“I am the Pavilion Master of the Killing Pavilion, the one and only king of assassins in the world.”
“…Ryeon?”
“Why should I fight on the same level as those women? Why should I compete with them?”
Thud.
Hong took yet another step forward. I prepared to step back…
Thud.
But the wall blocked my retreat.
Meanwhile, Hong Ryun kept moving closer.
“As long as I’m overwhelmingly ahead of them…”
Before I knew it, she was right in front of me.
No time to block.
No chance to push away.
Surprising me, Hong Ryun moved close enough to touch.
“Wouldn’t they know to step away on their own?”
She extended her hands and gently wrapped them around the back of my neck, like an agile snake.
The crimson light of the setting sun illuminated.
Making Hong Ryun’s pink hair shine with an ethereal luster.
Standing against the red sky, Hong Ryun looked into my eyes and whispered:
“Benefactor…”