Guess that’s what being from a royal lineage does for you, the Sharp-Crane King really knew how to make a splash.
I carefully wrapped up all the goods I’d righteously won and stashed them away. Couldn’t have someone snatching them off me, could I?
There were three prizes in total: a strengthening tonic to boost internal energy, an obviously high-grade spirit sword, and a sword ornament carved from flawless jadeite. Any of them would fetch a fat stack of silver no matter where you sold it.
“I truly appreciate it. I’ll put them to very good use.”
I grinned as I said it, and Sharp-Crane King let out a loud, hearty laugh.
“This king’s been bored out of his mind lately, and you’ve delivered such a spectacular show—I’m most pleased. I shall personally grant you a drink.”
A drink? My mouth watered on instinct. Just imagining it made my blood feel like it was flowing better already.
But just then, Sahyeon nudged my arm. I turned, startled, and saw him subtly shaking his head. Only then did reality hit me.
Right. I almost forgot—unfortunately, this pathetic body of mine can’t handle alcohol. And knowing the Sharp-Crane King, this wouldn’t be just any common swill. This would be the best of the best. And I couldn’t even taste it. Was there a crueler fate?
I swallowed my tears and turned him down.
“…Unfortunately, I’m still in training, so I’m abstaining from alcohol.”
“Oh? Not even a single cup?”
“No, not even a sip.”
Honestly, the idea that one sip might be okay kept poking at me. But I resisted. Make a scene here, and I might not live to see morning. I know how to pick my battles.
Sharp-Crane King stared at me for a moment, then gave this weird little smile and set the bottle down. Thank god he didn’t push it. I offered him a clean fist salute.
“Then I’ll take my leave. Wishing Your Highness good health.”
“…Yes. We’ll meet again.”
Sharp-Crane King slumped into his chair and waved lazily. Before he could change his mind and try to keep me, I grabbed Sahyeon and bolted out of the residence. The other martial artists were also being herded away by the guards.
Sahyeon casually put an arm around my shoulders and pulled me in, shielding me from being jostled by the crowd. It still felt weird, someone fussing over me like that—but right now, keeping the loot safe came first, so I appreciated it.
That’s when someone called out to us. More specifically—me.
“Excuse me.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you. No matter how I think about it, I swear I’ve seen you fight somewhere before.”
“That can’t be. I’ve been secluded in the mountains training, only came down today.”
I lied smoothly, flashing an unbothered smile at the middle-aged man eyeing me suspiciously. I felt Sahyeon’s gaze flick toward me, but I ignored it. Still, even with my excuse, the man didn’t look convinced.
“No, I’m sure of it. The more I think about it, you’re her. You’re Seol Danhae, aren’t you?”
Thud.
My heart plummeted. Shit. I wasn’t even using the same martial arts—how the hell did he recognize me? Was it something in my movements? Or had we actually crossed blades before?
I fought not to look at Sahyeon and kept my voice steady.
“I’ve heard the name Seol Danhae, sure, but I’m not her. I’m nowhere near that superior’s level. Still, I’m honored you think so highly of me.”
“You really mean that? Then why cover your face?”
“That’s my business. And think about it, man. What reason would Seol Danhae have to be here of all places? Last I heard, she was stuck in energy deviation and couldn’t move at all.”
I even picked my ear casually. The man kept tilting his head and asking where I was from. I played dumb and dodged every question. In the end, he had no choice but to give up and walk away.
I let out a slow sigh of relief and hurried my steps.
Once we were far enough away, I returned the hat I’d borrowed and took back the face veil from Sahyeon. As I slipped it on, I gave an awkward little laugh.
“Haha, unbelievable. Me, Seol Danhae? That’s hilarious. Just because I’m a woman in the orthodox clan—what, like there’s only one of us?”
I even grumbled a little louder than necessary. But weirdly, Sahyeon didn’t say anything for a long time. I kept sneaking glances at him, but that damn hat made it impossible to read his expression. Frustrating.
It got awkward to keep talking to myself, so I shut up too. We’d walked halfway back in silence before he finally spoke.
“You fought pretty well, my lady.”
“Hmm?”
“But next time, if you need something like that… just ask me to do it.”
Huh. Didn’t expect that out of Sahyeon.
I immediately deleted all the answers I’d prepped in my head for follow-up questions about Seol Danhae. My guard dropped a bit. I mean, come on, me being Seol Danhae? No one in their right mind would believe that.
“I‘m the one getting something for my brother, not you. And why would you, you’re still injured, remember?”
“……”
Sahyeon opened and closed his mouth like he couldn’t find the words. I was just honestly curious why he’d said that, but he looked like I’d stabbed him in the chest.
When I stared at him, he finally let out a sigh and said, almost as if he was talking to himself,
“What if a noble young lady like you got hurt doing something like that? What then? It’s not like you can’t afford to just buy it.”
“Hurt? You really think I’m that weak?”
“You could’ve run into someone stronger.”
He sounded uncharacteristically serious. I wasn’t even injured, and I’d scored some top-tier loot. But here he was, scolding me like I’d ruined everything. I felt a little awkward.
“You don’t usually treat me like a ‘noble young lady,’ though.”
“……”
“And so what if I did get a little hurt? I’ve got you, don’t I? You could just steal some medicine from the Medicine King’s Hall for me. Call it payback for that Gold Wound Balm I gave you.”
I grinned and gave his chest a playful little punch.
“Still thinking about stealing, huh? Ever since we met, you’ve been impressively consistent about having sticky fingers.”
Couldn’t see his face through the hat, but for some reason, his voice sounded a bit more normal than before.
“Let’s say I’m just good with my hands.”
We walked a few steps further, then I suddenly stopped. Now that I thought about it, it didn’t sit right to let the guy drag himself all the way out here while injured and not give him anything.
I had three items. Originally, I planned to give the ornament to Moyong Muhyeok, sell the sword for cash, and keep the tonic for myself… but plans could change.
“…Here. Take it.”
Choking back tears, I handed Sahyeon the sword ornament wrapped in silk. I’d give the sword to Moyong Muhyeok and keep the tonic instead. Big damn sacrifice.
Sahyeon blinked in surprise.
“You’re giving this to me?”
“Yeah. Hang it on your sword, sell it for food—do whatever.”
“This thing’s expensive. You sure you won’t regret it?”
“If you ask again, I will regret it. So shove it in your coat and make sure I don’t see it.”
God, I could live like royalty for months off that thing. Someone give me a trophy—I deserved a medal for this level of self-sacrifice.
Sahyeon kept fiddling with the ornament, like he couldn’t believe it was his. Poor bastard. Maybe he really had been broke before. He shouted out bids at the auction like a rich guy, but now I wasn’t quite so sure.
Made my heart twinge a little.
“…Thanks. I’ll take good care of it.”
“Care, schmare. If you need cash, just sell it. But don’t let anyone lowball you. Get a really good price.”
“Haha. Doubt I’d get scammed.”
“Hah! Says the info broker who doesn’t know jack. This world’s full of con artists. The second they see something valuable, they’ll pretend it’s fake and lowball you. Always be suspicious.”
I lectured him hard—couldn’t have him selling it cheap without knowing better. If that happened, I’d cry blood.
Then, out of nowhere, Sahyeon stopped and lifted his hat slightly. For the first time, his face was visible. He was smiling faintly.
“I meant I probably won’t ever want to sell it.”
Our eyes met. I was speechless for a second. I could see myself reflected in those dark eyes. Normally I’d look away, but weirdly, this time I didn’t. Just stood there, stunned.
Suddenly, Sahyeon reached out toward my temple. I flinched back like I’d been burned. There was a single hair stuck to his fingers.
God, I wanted to slam my head into a wall. What the hell was that? Why did I act so weird?
Luckily, Sahyeon didn’t tease me or laugh. He just covered his face again and stepped ahead.
I stood there a moment, watching his back. Lantern light from the night market flickered across him. For some reason, the image stuck in my mind.
I hurried to catch up. My chest felt weirdly light, like a floating lantern bobbing on water.
I figured we’d go back, wash up, and sleep. That’s all that was left. But just as we left the night market, Sahyeon and I exchanged a glance.
And the mood was totally different now.
“You think we’re being followed?”
“Yes.”
We strolled a few more steps, then—without saying who started it—we both launched into light footwork. Immediately, we sensed movement behind us—our pursuers in disarray.
The scenery whipped past at a blur.
“Up.”
At my word, Sahyeon grabbed my waist and launched me upward. I landed smoothly on the roof.
Heading straight for the Moyong estate would’ve been risky. We gauged the distance of the people chasing us and veered off, bypassing the estate. Then we dropped down into an alley.
I grabbed Sahyeon and ducked into the shadows. We stifled our breathing and erased our presence.
A moment later, low voices drifted from the direction we’d come.
“Damn it, they came this way.”
“They might’ve gone inside. Search everywhere.”
The quiet of night made their voices ring even clearer. I exhaled slowly through my nose, trying not to make a sound.
My breath nearly escaped, but Sahyeon quickly pulled me close, burying my face into his chest.
This bastard… yeah. Still solid as hell.
We stayed like that for a while. Eventually, the sounds grew distant. Guess the alley was too narrow—they passed us by without noticing. Amateurs. Definitely not pros.
Then Sahyeon whispered near my ear.
“They’re probably from the Sharp-Crane King.”
“Sharp-Crane King? Why?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
He gently moved me out of his arms, probably deciding it was safe now.
“The Sharp-Crane King is interested in you. It might be dangerous. Don’t use martial arts in public for a while.”
“So even hiding it, my skills were just too dazzling, huh?”
Tsk, tsk. I sighed and shook my head.
Sahyeon gave a sheepish laugh, like he didn’t know what to say. Then his face hardened.
“Or maybe… he just thought you were pretty and wanted to make you his fourteenth concubine.”
“…I am never seeing that bastard again.”
“Yeah. Don’t show him your face.”
Sahyeon nodded and peeked out of the alley. Seemed like the pursuers had gone.
“Let’s go.”
“Yeah. What a long-ass day.”
Fatigue hit me all at once. Judging by his face, Sahyeon was feeling it too.
But as we quietly headed back to the Moyong estate, a weird thought struck me.
Sure, the Sharp-Crane King probably just wanted to see what I looked like. But Sahyeon already knows what I look like. So when he told me not to show it…
…was that because he thinks I’m pretty?
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