I stared down at the garment in my hands and spoke plainly.
“I don’t really have anywhere to wear something this nice.”
“Oh, how could you say that? You can wear it when you go out with me! We’ve already received so many invitations for outings together.”
Moyong Sohae clearly had no intention of backing down. She actually looked like she was about to cry, insisting she wanted to give me this dress as a gift. I couldn’t for the life of me understand why she’d asked me to pick out clothes for her only to insist on handing them right back to me.
“…Fine, do whatever you want.”
It was annoying, so I just let her.
Still, I felt a bit bad taking it outright, so I picked out a dress for her too. It wasn’t quite as spectacular as my first choice, but it had plenty of colors woven through it. No fancy feathers this time, but the deep purple skirt was studded with what looked like real pearls, so it would glitter nicely when she walked.
Sohae tried to refuse, but I shut her down with a firm, “I’m buying it.” Not that I’d be paying. I jerked my chin toward the shopkeeper.
“Take the money from over there.”
From that soft-looking coin pouch belonging to the Young Master.
I happily bundled up my stack of practical clothes and left the shop.
Sohae picked up her new dress by the fingertips and practically tossed it at her servant. Rich girls were really something else. Just flinging expensive clothes around. I suppose serving them required pretty impressive reflexes.
Having secured my haul of comfortable training gear, there was only one thing left I wanted to see.
“Sister, since we’ve walked quite a bit already, why don’t we stop to rest at a tea house? There’s a new one nearby that’s supposed to be—”
“Nope. I’m going to look at weapons. If I’m done first, I’ll come find you, so go sit in a tea house and relax.”
Not like my tongue can even tell tea from water anyway. And what was the point of sitting across from her with nothing to say? Plus, I’d snacked so much on the way here that I wasn’t even hungry.
“…Weapons? But there are already so many in the clan. And how could a lady personally go to such a rough—”
Sohae seemed a bit flustered. Yeah, I guess for a fancy girl like her, it probably did look weird to stroll into a weapon shop. I couldn’t exactly picture it either.
But who cares?
“I don’t need a break, so whoever does can go rest. Hyangah, you too—if you’re tired, head to the tea house. Same goes for the Young Master. Oh, but give me the coin pouch first.”
It seemed the only one who truly needed a rest was Moyong Sohae. Me? I found it remarkably easy to do exactly what I wanted the moment someone told me I could. But delicately raised Sohae apparently didn’t have that kind of shamelessness.
“Th-then… maybe I’ll take this chance to tag along and see what it’s like.”
I told her several times she didn’t have to come, but she insisted. Her steps were way slower now, probably because her legs felt like lead.
Moyong Muhyeok led us to a shop he often visited. The first floor was a forge, with the second and third floors set up like a showroom for various weapons and throwing tools. Apparently the Moyong Clan ordered blades in bulk from here.
I half-listened to his explanation, taking in the forge. It seemed each blacksmith specialized in different types of weapons. You could tell just by looking at the tools and projects at their anvils.
They looked skilled enough. Could I pay them extra to secretly craft something for me? Once I escaped, I wouldn’t be able to use Moyong Clan swords anymore.
“Shall we go up and have a look?”
Muhyeok held his hand out kindly. I dodged him like he was a flying insect and bounded up the stairs on my own. I had two perfectly good legs.
His hand hung awkwardly in the air until Sohae took it instead.
“Thank you, Young Master. You’re so very thoughtful.”
Her sweet little voice sounded shy. Muhyeok looked a bit reluctant but still managed a short, “Mhm.”
Upstairs were ordinary swords, sabers, bows. I usually adjusted my sword length, but could use a standard blade just fine.
Actually, forget that—just seeing all of this made my heart race. So much more interesting than that damn dress shop. At least I understood the value of these.
“Truthfully, the blades commissioned specifically for the Moyong Clan are of much higher quality than what’s displayed here. I’ll see to it personally that your sword is made to the finest standard, so there’s no need to waste money today. Just take a look.”
Holy shit. He’d actually make me one?
“When?”
“Hm?”
“When will you have my sword made? Can you do it quickly? Like, right away? Actually, perfect—let’s put in the order today.”
Muhyeok seemed a bit taken aback. Was I showing too much excitement?
But I really needed my own sword. I rattled off instructions so we could order it immediately.
“I’m on the short side, so the blade shouldn’t be too long. If you can blend steel and tamahagane, that’d be best, but if sourcing is tough, just use steel—thin out the blade so it’s not too heavy. Ah, and the grip should be etched for better hold…”
The room went quiet again. I had enough sense to notice. I awkwardly patted Muhyeok’s stiff shoulder.
“…You know, that’s just what I’ve heard is good. I’m sure you’ll handle it. Anyway, I’d really like my sword soon… please, big brother.”
I batted my eyes up at him. Still no reaction. Damn it—was my charm wearing off already? I poked my cheek with a finger like I’d seen people do.
“You’ll put in the order, right?”
Like magic, Muhyeok’s face melted into a sloppy grin. If his earlier expression was dough, this was someone pouring boiling water on it and stirring wildly.
“Of course! Our Ahwa is so devoted to her training—how could I not help? I’d get you ten, no, a hundred swords if you wanted. Anything you desire.”
Don’t regret those words later.
“Then, if I see something I like upstairs, can I buy it too?”
“Of course, of course!”
Perfect. With his permission, I practically skipped up the next set of stairs humming. From experience, I knew the top floor would have unusual or dangerous specialty weapons.
I should pick something easy to hide on me. Until my swordsmanship was back to a decent level, I needed at least one way to keep myself alive.
The moment I arrived, I could practically feel my blood racing like a waterfall. This was it.
Morning stars, whips, throwing discs, even water knives designed for underwater use!
I leaned in close enough to practically lick the display when Sohae’s nervous voice broke in.
“T-to think such things exist… how frightening.”
She was actually trembling. That’s what you get for following along when I told you to wait at the tea house. Some people just don’t listen.
Oddly enough, Hyangah seemed pretty intrigued for her first time seeing this stuff. She was studying a small dagger carefully, so I peeked too. Not that lethal, but useful for protecting herself. Smart girl.
Meanwhile, Muhyeok hovered nearby to nag.
“Many of these weapons are dangerous and unsavory. They’re ill-suited for someone just beginning her training. I’ll find you far rarer treasures, so—”
“I’ll handle it.”
“…Very well. Then at least pick something that isn’t too risky. Ah, how about this cai dai? A ribbon whip—quite popular among ladies.”
He held it out, and I gave it a dubious look. I’d never carried something like that before. But honestly, it seemed fairly standard—and the more weapons on your person, the better. Could be useful.
“Fine. I like it.”
Muhyeok’s face lit up. But for me, this was just the start. I inspected everything carefully, quizzing nearby staff on details.
Sohae let out a weak moan.
“To think people actually use such things on one another…”
Wasn’t she from a martial clan? She sounded like some mountain hermit monk. Ah—probably from spending too long in that convent. Her servants fussed until shop workers brought over a plush chair.
Sohae sat down, sighing.
“Open a window. I can’t stand this stench of dust and iron…”
A servant hastily opened a small window, which overlooked a dingy alley. Definitely the sort of place that would turn sketchy at night. I glanced out, oddly nostalgic.
Plenty happened in alleys like that. Sometimes you had fancy clients meeting lovers, sometimes there were shady deals—or a few “reasonable” beatings.
“Oh.”
Exactly like what I was seeing right now.
Not lovers, but definitely shady. Broad daylight too—bold bastards.
The real fun part? I wasn’t the only one watching. Farther off on a rooftop, someone else was studying them. Dressed like any ordinary merchant, but when I squinted, something about his shape and face was strangely familiar.
Given how bad I was at remembering people, if even I recognized him… he was probably from the Moyong Clan.
Or maybe it was Dang Iheon. If that was him, then this shady deal might be the one the Dang Clan had been tracking.
Could it really be that?
My palms actually sweated at the thought, even though it wasn’t my problem. If it was that deal, shouldn’t someone be busting them right now? What the hell was that observer waiting for?
I completely forgot about weapons, peeking repeatedly through the window. One of the guys dealing below suddenly looked up and locked eyes with me.
I jerked back, but he’d seen. When I checked again, they were scattering in a panic.
I snatched up the nearest weapon—a wrist crossbow called a plum blossom dart launcher—and fired. The dart slammed into one guy’s knees, dropping him. He’d crawl, maybe, but wouldn’t get far.
The other bastard was too quick. But then someone blocked his escape.
Dang Iheon. After a brief exchange, he easily subdued the man. Almost disappointingly easy.
I found myself letting out a relieved breath. At least they’d caught both. I quickly pulled the window half-shut before Dang Iheon could look up.
When I turned, Sahyeon was staring at me from far closer than I expected. I actually let out a startled little gasp and stepped back.
“Wh-what the hell.”
💟 Translator Notes 💟
Tamahagane = traditional, ultra-pure Japanese sword steel, used for forging katanas and other high-quality blades.
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