What the fuck is wrong with that bastard? Has he actually lost his mind?
A cold sweat broke out along my spine. If he draws suspicion, we’re screwed. What the hell is he doing? Did he eat something weird?
I darted a glance at Dang Iheon. He didn’t seem too concerned yet—probably because he’s never paid much attention to Sahyeon. But the guy’s sharp. If this keeps up, he might catch on.
“I’ve got an urgent matter to discuss, so I’m heading out.”
“An urgent matter?”
Ugh, stop interrogating me.
“If you’ve got nothing better to do, then, uh… the blankets. Yeah. Go wash all the blankets. Every last one. Got it? Let’s go, Iheon.”
I grabbed Dang Iheon’s arm and shoved him forward, dragging his gaze away from Sahyeon. As I glanced back, Sahyeon was still staring like he wanted to set me on fire.
“Yeonhwa, is it that urgent?”
“Huh?”
“Just wondering if we can slow down a bit.”
“Oh. Sorry.”
Only then did I realize I was still gripping his arm like a lifeline. I let go in a hurry. He rubbed his arm awkwardly but said it didn’t hurt.
When I looked back again, Sahyeon was gone. I kneaded the back of my neck and let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
“Didn’t expect to run into you, so I guess I got a little excited.”
“If seeing me makes you that happy, I’m glad too, Yeonhwa.”
Dang Iheon smiled that soft little smile of his. Honestly, no matter how many times I tell him off, he never learns. The guy’s got a perfectly decent face, and he still tosses sweet lines at a woman who’s not even his. I’ve told him before—words like that will get you punched.
But right now, I didn’t have the energy to scold him. I jerked my chin toward a quieter path.
“…Anyway, let’s go somewhere more private. What I need to say isn’t for other ears. Last time I passed the pond, it seemed pretty deserted. How about there?”
“Anywhere’s fine.”
We walked side by side. I kept wondering why the hell Sahyeon acted like that, but I forced myself to focus. Meanwhile, Dang Iheon kept rambling about the weather being nice, how peaceful he felt for once… I nodded along, but didn’t really hear any of it.
When we reached the pond, Iheon took out a handkerchief and laid it down for me to sit. I’d heard of men like that, but never had one do it for me. It caught me off guard.
“I could’ve just sat. You didn’t have to go that far.”
“Still, nicer to sit comfortably, isn’t it?”
“…Yeah. Sure. I guess.”
I sat, reluctantly. Dang Iheon sat down next to me like it was the most natural thing in the world. I guess we’ve gotten a lot more comfortable since that late-night shirtless sparring match. People bond through fists, after all.
The sun was still high, scattering gold across the water. It was almost too bright.
“So, what did you want to ask me, Yeonhwa?”
“Oh, I found out about this herb recently. I was curious. The Sichuan Dang Clan’s known for their medical skills, so I figured you might know something about it.”
“Hmm, I didn’t focus on medicine, so I only know the basics… but if I don’t know, I can ask Dang Ri. He’s better than me at that stuff.”
He smiled lightly. He said he only had surface-level knowledge, but I knew that was just modesty. He’s a frontrunner to be the next head of the Sichuan Dang Clan. Even a “basic” understanding from him would be leagues ahead of anyone else.
“It’s called motherwort. I know it’s commonly used, but I was wondering if a martial artist who took it long-term might suffer any side effects or… something like that.”
“Motherwort? Hm, yeah. Commonly used by civilians. It’s a cool-natured herb, but martial artists usually aren’t affected much. Who’s taking it?”
He gave a serious answer. I hesitated. Should I tell him everything?
If, by some cursed twist, Dang Iheon had been the one behind Moyong Muhyeok’s fall in my last life, I’d be handing the killer a progress report.
“…You don’t have to tell me if it’s complicated.”
That sentence decided it for me. Honestly, the Dang siblings had no reason to want Moyong Muhyeok harmed. And they didn’t seem like the scheming type, either.
“Actually, it’s the Young Master—my eldest brother. I think he’s been taking motherwort for quite a while.”
“Really? He doesn’t seem like someone who’d overheat easily.”
Shit, how the hell was I supposed to explain this?
Moyong Muhyeok’s going to be in danger soon, and I have this bad feeling about the motherwort. It just nags at me. I’m pretty sure someone’s going to use the banquet as a chance to strike.
But how am I supposed to say all that out loud?
“…It’s just that the banquet’s coming up. If he eats something that doesn’t mix well with motherwort, I was worried he might get sick or something.”
That was the best spin I could manage.
Thankfully, Dang Iheon took my bullshit seriously. He thought it over, then said,
“I don’t think it’s dangerous from what I know, but if you’re worried, I’ll keep an eye on what he eats and drinks during the banquet.”
“Oh… thanks. That’s really kind of you.”
“Honestly, I’m sure you’ve already thought of everything, Yeonhwa.”
See? That’s what I mean. He comes off aloof, but he’s surprisingly thoughtful. Always slips in just the right line to boost your mood. No wonder elders love him.
“Still, no need to stress. Your brother’s strong. Unless he uses an extreme yang internal energy technique right after taking it, there’s no reason he’d react badly.”
“An extreme yang technique?”
“Yeah. But the Moyong Clan doesn’t use fire-based attacks, so he probably wouldn’t be exposed to that kind of energy. But if it really worries you, I could ask Dang Ri—”
“Extreme yang!”
“Uh… what?”
A flash of realization punched me in the skull.
Back in the herb ledger, it looked like Moyong Muhyeok had been taking motherwort for a while. Whatever his reason, the cold nature of the herb had probably been building up in him little by little.
Sure, he’s strong and healthy, so it wouldn’t have caused issues… yet.
But during the banquet, he’d be eating all sorts of unfamiliar foods and drinking things he doesn’t usually touch. If any of those clashed hard with motherwort—
He wouldn’t die. But his body could weaken—just for a while.
And if someone was waiting for that window… they could strike. Or force him into retreat, or seclusion, or “recovery.”
I’d been fixated on figuring out how Moyong Muhyeok died. But maybe… he didn’t die at all.
“Shit. I think I got it all wrong.”
“Yeonhwa? What’s going on? Is something bad happening?”
“No, just—wait a second.”
In the past, Moyong Muhyeok had disappeared without a trace. Since no one found his body, people assumed he must’ve died somewhere. Or maybe fallen ill.
But now that I think about it… no one ever saw his corpse. No one knew for sure how he died.
Which means—he might not have died at all. Maybe something happened that forced him into hiding. Something that made it impossible for him to show his face again.
But if he didn’t even show up the day the Moyong Clan burned to the ground…
Then he must’ve been far away. Or… maybe worse.
“Oh, right! Dang Iheon!”
“Yeah, I’m still here.”
“Sorry. I got caught up in my own head and forgot you were there.”
I slapped my forehead in apology. Dang Iheon just laughed.
“It happens. But don’t punish your forehead for it. it’s fine.”
“No, seriously. Dragging you out here only to ignore you—rude as hell. You must be bored.”
“Hmm, I’m not bored.”
He lightly brushed the spot I’d been smacking with his thumb. His fingers were rough and calloused—it tickled a little. I flinched without meaning to. He pulled back, like it was nothing.
I scratched at the spot and asked,
“You that good at entertaining yourself?”
“Well, you were frowning so hard while thinking. It was kind of fun to watch.”
…Is he brain-damaged? What part of that’s fun?
Oh, right. He’s from the Sichuan Dang Clan. Their rules are strict as hell—he probably didn’t get a lot of chances to have fun.
“Well. If you enjoyed yourself, that’s fine. Everyone’s got their thing.”
“Yeah. Take all the time you need.”
Dang Iheon leaned his cheek onto his knee and just watched me. There was an unusual gleam of mischief in his eyes. It felt like my face was being worn down by his gaze.
Weirdly enough, it reminded me of how Sahyeon looks at me sometimes. The guys I knew in my last life weren’t this… cutesy.
And Dang Iheon—didn’t he used to be totally against the idea of marrying me?
If he kept staring like that, I’d never be able to think straight. I gave up, sighed, and stood up.
“If I remember anything else, I’ll let you know.”
“Okay. Want to go drink the tea now?”
“No. I’d rather organize my thoughts a bit more.”
“You could do that here.”
“You keep staring too much. I can’t concentrate. Thanks for today. Take care.”
I turned and walked off. Dang Iheon didn’t try to stop me or add any final comments. But I could feel his eyes on the back of my head the whole way.
What a damn weird day.
One guy who used to smile all the time suddenly wants to kill me with his eyes. Another guy who used to avoid me suddenly can’t stop smiling.
* * *
Since early morning, the entire Moyong Clan estate was in chaos. Not a single person was sitting still. Understandable—it was the Young Master Moyong Muhyeok’s birthday banquet.
Lanterns covered every inch of space from the front gate to the inner courtyard. The grandest hall was buried in flowers and ribbons. Food, sweets, and drinks were being prepared in endless supply.
Even I, fresh back from morning training, couldn’t escape Hyangah’s pestering. She roped me into getting ready for guests too.
“Every sect and clan’s sending someone! This is your moment to prove that you’re the most beautiful lady here, my lady!”
It’s not my birthday and it’s not a beauty contest.
I really don’t know why Hyangah is so obsessed with making me look good. I even have a fiancé—officially.
“Sure. Go for it.”
Still, I let her do whatever she wanted. I didn’t have the energy to argue. My head was too full—laser-focused on making sure absolutely nothing happened to Moyong Muhyeok.
No matter what happened in the past, this time, he wasn’t going to fall. I’d make sure of it.
As I ran through everything I’d prepared, checking for gaps, the sun began to set and the lanterns flickered on.
Guests flooded into the estate like ants.
Moyong Muhyeok’s birthday banquet… had begun.
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