Childhood Friend of the Zenith
chapter-225

After Moyong Hi-ah left Gu Yangcheon to go back to her place, she suddenly stopped walking on the night path and curled up on the ground.

“Huff… Huff…”

As she breathed out heavily while holding her stomach, her face turned red for some reason.

“Are you okay, my lady…!?”

Her servant, who was waiting outside, came closer to check on her, but Moyong Hi-ah pushed her away, saying that she was fine.

“I'm fine… I'm just not used to it yet.”

“Huh?”

The heat that flowed inside her body was a new and strange sensation for Moyong Hi-ah.

The heat that pushed away the coldness that wrapped her body for an eternity, while also warming her body was too strange of a sensation for her.

…It's warm.

She wasn't cold.

This was something that Moyong Hi-ah had always desired.

She was having a hard time getting used to the immense amount of heat that she got at once.

“Phew…”

But that didn't matter to her because she felt so much joy that she didn't know what to do.

She didn't know if it was joy from her coldness being pushed away or excitement from feeling warmth for the first time.

…But as expected, he was the answer.

Whichever it was, it was something she wished for.

“…Hey.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“I think I need to say another thing to the clan.”

“Huh? The clan? Didn't you say everything you needed last time?”

The deal made with the Gu Clan.

It was led by Moyong Hi-ah, and something that Moyong Clan's Lord didn't approve of no matter what, but Moyong Hi-ah was able to get approval after convincing him that she might be able to fix her condition.

This was also the first time that Moyong Hi-ah requested something from the clan Lord with a business related to her condition.

Thanks to that, she was able to get approval, but the clan Lord told her to bring the True Dragon to him, saying that he wanted to see what kind of a person he was.

Of course, she didn't tell Gu Yangcheon any of this.

“…I think I'll have to talk about engagement.”

“E-Engagement?”

The servant's face turned pale white after hearing Moyong Hi-ah.

Because judging by what she was talking about, it was obvious what Moyong Hi-ah wanted to say.

“My lady… Are you perhaps?”

“Yes.”

Moyong Hi-ah nodded after hearing her servant.

Moyong Hi-ah's face was red when she answered, and because of the heat, her ears were also red.

Moyong Hi-ah spoke while staring at her servant.

“I'll have to cancel it.”

The matter she had to cancel.

She was referring to the secret engagement made with Namgung Clan.

****************

As soon as the sun came up, I got up and escaped the room.

My body felt exhausted for some reason, but it probably wasn't because I didn't get enough sleep.

It was simply because I was mentally exhausted.

“…I feel like I'm going to die.”

After dragging my creaking body outside,I saw the three intruders who were sleeping in the corner of my room.

In the corner, Wi Seol-Ah and Tang Soyeol were sleeping while using Namgung Bi-ah's stomach as a pillow.

After seeing such a sight, I laughed.

“I told them to go sleep in their own rooms.”

Last night, it took me hours to explain everything to Namgung Bi-ah after being dragged away by her.

It wasn't a conversation that should have taken that long, but it took way too long for me to explain and convince her why I had to do such a thing.

Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah seemed like they either understood or gave up halfway, but Tang Soyeol seemed like she was digging deeper into what I was saying.

It was rather a hassle.

Why do I have to explain all of this?

While I had that thought, I couldn't complain and had to explain everything to them thoroughly.

Most of what I said was that I couldn't reject that much money, but in reality, the Moyong Clan's offer to the Gu Clan was so shocking.

Even Tang Soyeol couldn't help but nod her head.

Her eyes look a bit strange.

Tang Soyeol, who was listening to my explanation, had very strange eyes, but since I knew that Tang Soyeol usually had weird thoughts, I let it go.

“Young Master.”

As I was embracing the sunlight on the living room floor, Hongwa appeared and greeted me with respect.

“Did you have a good night?”

“…Does it look like it?”

“…”

It seemed like it didn't look that way even to her eyes, because Hongwa slightly avoided eye contact.

Even after seeing the three girls who were sleeping in my room, Hongwa didn't say anything.

Maybe she got used to it because Namgung Bi-ah sometimes intruded into my room, or I let Wi Seol-Ah in because she stubbornly asked me for it.

Though of course, when she noticed that Wi Seol-Ah was in the bunch, she frowned a little.

It seems like she'll be scolded again.

Wi Seol-Ah not backing down despite being scolded so many times was rather fascinating.

Maybe she also had a stubborn personality like I did.

“We'll be preparing a meal. Should we prepare for the others as well?”

“…Yes please. Oh, and there's something I want to ask.”

“You may.”

“How were they able to come inside?”

“Pardon?”

Wi Seol-Ah was one thing, but because Namgung Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol entered my place like nothing was wrong, I asked Hongwa about it.

To be honest, I let Namgung Bi-ah do whatever she wanted since she was like a stray cat, but because Tang Soyeol was a blood relative of a noble clan, it was hard for her to come without approval.

It seemed like my question sounded strange to her.

After all, Hongwa answered after showing a confused reaction for a moment.

“Did the Young Master not approve of this…?”

“…Since when?”

“Lady Namgung and Lady Tang said… that you definitely did.”

After realizing that something was wrong in the middle of her words, Hongwa flinched.

“I'm sorry. I should have checked properly.”

It seemed like she let them enter after just believing what the two girls told her.

Was it because I always gave them a pass despite them intruding like that?

“…I'm sorry.”

Hongwa's expression looked as if she was about to jump off any moment.

After seeing her like that, I briefly told her it was okay with my hand gesture.

“It's okay. I'm fine with it, but did the Tang Clan also approve?”

That was the problem more than anything.

Namgung Bi-ah was an exception, but would Tang Clan really sit still and do nothing if they found out that Tang Soyeol was in my house?

If the Poison King found out, he wouldn't sit still.

It seemed that way no matter how much I looked at it.

Because the members of Tang Clan were staying at a different guesthouse in Gu Clan, they would know that Tang Soyeol disappeared.

And since she usually was with Namgung Bi-ah in my house, they would also know that she was here.

…I just hope that there isn't any problem.

Tang Soyeol herself told me that she had a way, but I didn't know if that would really work against the Poison King.

She probably doesn't know how much her father loves her.

The fact that the King who reigned over Sichuan was only gentle to his daughter.

Tang Soyeol probably didn't know that.

“Let me know what kind of a reaction their side showed.”

“Understood…”

“And don't worry too much as I'll make this matter something that I approve of.”

After hearing my response, Hongwa opened her eyes slightly wider, lowered her head, and left.

“…Hmm.”

After Hongwa left, I sat on the floor and thought.

Is my closed-door training after noon?

I had to enter closed-door training after noon and stay there for two months.

Then, I had to join the Fifth Swordsmen Army on the battlefield.

Since I had to waste time, I wondered if something would happen.

Was there something that happened in the upcoming years?

The biggest event that would happen a few years later was the destruction of the Black Palace.

I wondered if anything else would happen since the Palace Lord had escaped.

But I don't know what he's planning.

I also saw the Heavenly Demon's existence with my own eyes.

I didn't know what the situation was.

But I can't change anything in my current state.

So, for that matter…

It seems better to use the Hao Clan than the Beggar's Sect.

I had a relationship with Chuwong, but I couldn't use the Beggar's Sect to get information just because of him.

The Beggar's Sect was allied with the Murim Alliance.

If the Beggar's Sect got information on something, it would probably share it with the Murim Alliance first.

But I can't fully trust the Hao Clan either.

But I felt they were a better option.

Do I have to use Elder Mook somehow to get what I want?

That thought crossed my mind, and I glanced at the seal in my pocket.

Elder Mook gave it to me.

He told me to use it if I wanted to learn something.

…But how do I use this?

I tried using Qi, hoping it would activate like the Marble of Celestial Captivation.

I tried rolling it around.

But it didn't seem to work that way.

And it's made with that old man's energy.

That bothered me a bit.

But I couldn't throw it away.

But what if I did throw it away?

Maybe he could get it back since it was made with his energy.

As I observed the seal, wondering how to use it…

Ssss.

I felt someone approach me from behind.

Soon, two white hands wrapped around me.

“Oouugh…”

She made silly noises as if she was still asleep.

But I knew who it was when I heard her voice.

“Why are you clinging to me as soon as you wake up?”

“Oough…”

As expected, it was Wi Seol-Ah.

“I'm tired…”

“Then sleep more.”

“I can't…”

“Why?”

…Was she hungry?

It was almost breakfast time.

I was about to tell Hongwa, thinking Wi Seol-Ah was very hungry.

But Wi Seol-Ah, who was hugging me, whispered quietly.

“…Young Master is leaving today.”

“Oh.”

Was it because I entered closed-door training after noon?

I chuckled and replied.

“What do you mean I'm leaving?”

I had to stay there for two months, but the closed-door training place was in Gu Clan.

I wasn't leaving the clan.

“…But still.”

She hugged me tighter.

I felt her emotion of not wanting to let me go.

It made my heart tingle.

“I-Is it possible… for me to go with you?”

“I've never heard of someone entering closed-door training with another person.”

“B-But I can train too…”

Wi Seol-Ah said nonsense.

“Ahh…!”

Wi Seol-Ah's hands suddenly let go and the feeling on my back disappeared.

I looked and saw Namgung Bi-ah pulling Wi Seol-Ah away.

She rubbed her tired eyes.

“Stop.”

“But Sis…”

“…He's uncomfortable…”

“…”

Wi Seol-Ah closed her mouth after hearing Namgung Bi-ah.

Feeling bad at Wi Seol-Ah's sobbing face, I was about to say something, when…

“I'm fin-“

“…You be quiet too…”

“Yes ma'am.”

But I couldn't talk back to Namgung Bi-ah. She still wasn't happy about what happened yesterday.

I hadn't seen Namgung Bi-ah in a bad mood for a while.

And I knew she didn't listen when she was angry. I shut my mouth with Wi Seol-Ah.

I read the room and saw a green squirrel approaching. She rubbed her eyes as if she just woke up.

Tang Soyeol saw me and was shocked. She tidied her clothing.

She didn't know she fell asleep here.

“W-What do I do, what if I snored…?”

“You didn't snore that much.”

“Did I snore…!?”

“Just kidding.”

She did snore, but I didn't mind. It sounded like a cub growling.

“M-My first night with you is spent like that…”

I ignored Tang Soyeol, who was melting down.

I spoke to the rest.

“…Let's eat.”

They nodded their heads.

Breakfast was important.

****************

It was noon.

I finished my meal and prepared. I headed to the training area.

“…You enter this place.”

“Do you think I'm going to die? What's with that reaction…”

“It's because I'm worried you might cause trouble inside.”

The Second Elder still had bandages. He hadn't fully recovered.

He dragged his sick body to send me off.

Gu Huibi came too, but she didn't speak to me for a few days.

“Sister.”

“…”

She was unresponsive.

I was annoyed and asked.

“Why are you sulking?”

“Who said I'm sulking, do you want to die brother?”

“Calm your eyes.”

“My eyes are always this fierce.”

That was true.

I checked Gu Huibi's condition.

The Demonic Qi had disappeared, and she was recovering.

The Immortal Healer secretly asked me if I did this.

I told him it wasn't me.

“…Eat well.”

She snuck in those words. I smiled and felt speechless.

“There's only Bigu there. What do you mean eat well?”

“But you won't eat if no one takes care of you.”

“Do you think I'm a child? I'll eat when I'm hungry.”

What did she mean by taking care of me? I wasn't a three-year-old.

What time did she think this was?

She wasn't satisfied with my response.

Gu Huibi turned her head and went to her house.

“Whatever, do as you please. Sister is leaving.”

“Okay.”

“You don't stop me. This is why there is no point in raising a child.”

Gu Huibi left angrily.

The Second Elder sighed.

“What did you do this time, for Huibi to act like that?”

“…I didn't do anything.”

I didn't do anything.

I made her healthier by absorbing the Demonic Qi in her.

Why did she always act like that to me?

“The Lord of Gu Clan won't come.”

“I know.”

I knew better than anyone that father wouldn't come for this.

It didn't affect me much.

“…Young Master.”

Wi Seol-Ah ran to me with a sobbing face and hugged me.

“You're crying again?”

“I-I'm not crying…”

“…Then don't wipe your nose on me.”

My chest was drenched. It must have been my imagination.

“Eat well. I'll be out soon.”

“…Kay.”

I patted Wi Seol-Ah's head.

Wi Seol-Ah didn't finish her food earlier when we ate.

She wasn't in the mood.

…The almighty Wi Seol-Ah is not finishing her food?

It was a strange feeling because I knew it was because of me.

It wasn't anything special.

I patted Wi Seol-Ah's head and looked at the others.

“Why are you all gathered here when this isn't anything special?”

“…Have a good trip…”

Namgung Bi-ah waved her hand to me.

Her eyes looked a bit sad, but I must have mistaken it.

Tang Soyeol had a lot to say, but she didn't say anything.

I waved my hand briefly and spoke.

“Muyeon.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

I spoke to Muyeon, who I saw for the first time in a while.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you…”

Muyeon lowered his head after I congratulated him.

He had reached the Peak Realm while I hadn't seen him.

I knew that because he told everyone happily.

…He even bragged about it to the Sword Venerable.

Muyeon's mouth was light, contrary to his heavy atmosphere.

I stared at him and spoke.

“Do the thing I requested you to do while I'm away.”

“Yes. I will do it without any mistakes.”

“Alright, but don't work too hard.”

Gu Ryunghwa didn't come here to say goodbye.

“…Sigh, this is why there's no point raising a child.”

I mumbled while thinking about Gu Ryunghwa. The Second Elder gave me a strange look.

I didn't know what he was thinking, but his expression bothered me.

“I'll be going now.”

I left the others behind and moved. Two months would pass quickly.

There was no need for an emotional farewell.

And I'm going there to get punished.

There was no need for everyone to get emotional for a punishment.

“…Young Master!”

Wi Seol-Ah called me from behind before I entered.

“Hmm?”

“Y-You better come out as soon as possible, okay…?”

I couldn't control that.

“…I'll try my best?”

“Don't forget about me, okay…?”

“What do you mean forget, do you think I'm a goldfish or something?”

I couldn't forget anything in two months.

She spoke with a sobbing voice, despite my response.

“Promise me…”

She held the accessory I bought her tightly.

She looked pitiful.

Was it because I spent too much time with her?

Nothing would happen because I was away for some time.

“Yeah. I won't forget about you, so don't worry.”

“…Kay.”

She smiled after hearing my response.

I turned away from her and stepped into the space.

Slam-!

I heard something close behind me when I entered.

It was probably the entrance.

It's hot.

The dark space was narrow.

It was filled with heat that made me sweat.

It was a closed-door training place for the Gu Clan's blood relatives. It produced an absurd amount of heat.

There was water and some Bigu in a corner of the room.

It was enough for half a year, not just two months.

I sat on the floor without hesitation.

Blaze.

I closed my eyes and grew flames.

I couldn't waste two months.

And there was something I needed to check.

Hey.

I whispered in my mind.

It wasn't to call Elder Shin.

He wouldn't answer.

After all, I had asked him not to before entering.

I know you're awake, so respond.

My mind reached deeper.

It dug into the bottom.

I could say I sent these words into my dantian.

I won't give you food if you don't respond.

I wondered how deep I had to dig for this bastard to respond.

But as if lured by the thought of food.

[…Grr.]

I heard the growling of a beast from the darkness.

I hid my nervousness.

I didn't know what this bastard was.

Ever so carefully…

Shall we talk?

I faked a smile and spoke to the tenant of my body.