IBTYDOTCID – Chapter 83

“…My lady, um… did you eat some kind of poison mushroom or something?”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“You’re scaring me.”

What the—? I blinked and turned to look at Hyangah. She flinched and stepped back again.

“You keep smiling…”

“Me?”

I’m smiling? No way. I’m not exactly known for my cheerful demeanor.

I reached up and felt around my mouth. Huh. My lips really were pulled up. When the hell did that happen?

I forced the corners down. But Hyangah just shook her head, looking spooked.

“That’s even creepier. I take it back. Just… smile. Go ahead.”

“Should I?”

I let my lips do whatever they wanted. Sure enough, they curled right back up on their own.

Hyangah eyed me suspiciously.

“Did someone praise you during training? You seem… really happy. Like, too happy.”

“Hmm. Praise, huh…”

Thinking back, it wasn’t praise at all. More like a good old-fashioned scolding.

‘Your sword flailing like that—it’s like a dog seeing snow for the first time.’

‘But puppies… are cute?’

‘It means get your shit together!’

‘Oh.’

Okay, yeah. Maybe I’m acting a little weird. Not my usual self.

They say a beauty capable of toppling nations is one who’d make even a king forget his kingdom. So really, doesn’t that mean even kings can toss all responsibility out the window if they’re properly love-drunk?

I’m not a king. I’ve never even seen one. I’m just a two-bit martial artist. So if I lose control of my damn lips over a kiss, sue me.

…Not that I’m saying Sahyeon’s that kind of breathtaking beauty or anything.

Although… maybe? He is ridiculously pretty when he smiles. Bright, elegant, annoyingly lovely…

Hyangah, seeing me drift off into space again, gave up on her interrogation and left with the laundry. Said to call if I needed anything.

Which left me feeling vaguely embarrassed. This is not who I am. If I keep this up, the whole Moyong Clan’s going to think I’ve lost my damn mind.

Especially after that whole month when everyone thought Sahyeon was dead—I was seriously on edge. Half-dead myself, probably. And now I’m walking around all smiles? They’re definitely going to assume I’ve cracked.

“Pull yourself together. Control. Do you wanna die? Get it together!”

I barked at myself. Then glanced at the mirror—and fuck me, the corners of my mouth were creeping up again. This mouth is goddamn insubordinate.

Just then, Hyangah came back and knocked.

“My lady, it’s Hyangah. May I come in for a moment?”

“Huh? Did you forget something? Come in.”

She opened the door before I’d even finished talking. Her face looked weirdly bright, like she was trying not to look excited.

“My lady. The Clan Head is asking for you.”

“Father?”

“Yes. He probably wants to talk about the upcoming trip.”

“Trip…? Oh, right.”

That’s right. We’d decided to take a family trip over the summer. Lady Eon—my mother—doesn’t tolerate heat well or something.

“If you’re packing, it’ll take time, so you’ll need to let us know soon what you’ll need, okay?”

“I mean, it’s just a trip. Toss in a few outfits and call it done. No need to make a whole thing—”

“There you go again, saying things you don’t mean. Come on, get going. Everyone’s waiting.”

She genuinely thought I was just being polite. But really, my luggage is always embarrassingly light no matter how long the journey. Then again, Hyangah’s never seen that side of me. I guess it did sound like an empty formality.

“Alright, alright. I’ll go.”

“Yes. Oh, and if there’s any snacks you want for the road, make sure to tell us early! If you wait too long, we won’t have time to prepare them, alright?”

I let her chatter fade out about eighty percent as I left my quarters.

Apparently Hyangah had good reason to rush me. Everyone else in the family was already gathered at Moyong Wi’s quarters.

Now that I think about it, I always seem to show up last. And not one of them ever scolds me for it.

Seriously, my whole family’s weak for me. Pathetic little youngest-daughter syndrome.

“You’re here. Come sit.”

“Must be rough in this heat.”

“Would you like some tea?”

“Shall we bring you shaved ice?”

“Snacks…?”

They all jumped in at once, eager to dote. But I didn’t even blink. Just raised my hand to stop them and cut in.

“When do we leave for the trip?”

That brought the mood down. Lady Eon, ever the calm one, spoke first.

“We’re leaving in four days. It’s a bit sudden, but it’s the only time that works. Hyangah will help you pack—she’s very thorough.”

“Right. She’ll do fine.”

I nodded in full agreement. Knowing her, she’s probably already started packing.

“There’ll be eight of us, so we’re minimizing the number of attendants and porters. Don’t want to draw attention. But if there’s anything you need, just say so—we can bring it.”

“Okay… wait. Why eight?”

“Hm? No one told you?”

Moyong Wi looked confused. Which confused me. We’ve got six: Clan Head, Clan Matron, Young Master, the twins, and me. So who…?

“Sorry we’re a bit late.”

“Oh, just in time. Come in and sit.”

I turned at the voice—and blinked. It was the Dang siblings.

Dang Choye smiled politely at me as she bowed to everyone.

“We were just telling Yeonhwa the two of you would be joining us.”

“Yesterday’s lantern festival kept us busy, and we forgot to mention it.”

“Not a big deal. These things happen when you’re having fun.”

Moyong Muhyeok smiled gently and nodded. Moyong Cheon, of course, looked grumpy as hell, but he clearly knew about it.

Great. So I’m the only one who didn’t know.

“Well, they’ve been helping us out quite a bit, so I thought this would be a good way to thank them—and give them a break.”

Moyong Wi smiled. Ever since the poisoning incident, his attitude toward Dang Iheon had thawed dramatically. Understandably—he’d played a huge role in solving it.

Plus, the whole family still thinks I’m in love with Dang Iheon. They probably assumed I’d be thrilled.

“It’s an honor to be included in such a meaningful journey.”

Dang Choye responded gracefully. Dang Iheon smiled like he meant it. The vibe was suspiciously wholesome.

Honestly, I didn’t mind them coming. Probably made the trip more fun.

But there was one big issue: this wasn’t just some open-invite group trip. It was a family trip. And they’re not family.

If Dang Iheon keeps inching his way in like this, it’s going to get harder and harder to bring up breaking off the engagement.

My chest felt like a stone had settled in it. I’d already decided not to run away—so eloping my way out of this engagement was off the table. And meanwhile, he’s winning everyone over.

Also, I really need to let Sahyeon know about this trip. Especially about Dang Iheon coming along. God knows how he’s going to take that.

“Yeonhwa, is something bothering you?”

“Worried we’re cutting too many porters?”

Moyong Wi and Moyong Muhyeok asked almost in unison. I flinched and looked around. All eyes were on me.

“Oh… no, nothing like that. Just… remembered something I need to bring.”

I blurted it out. Not that I wanted to bring something. More like… someone.

“Tell us.”

“Well, it’ll be about a month-long trip, so I don’t want to fall behind on training. I’d like to bring Elder Jegeom with me.”

“Excellent. What a diligent, admirable mindset. Our Yeonhwa’s commitment to training will make the Moyong Clan’s name shine even brighter. I’ll personally ask Elder Jegeom.”

“Haha…”

Since I was on a roll, I decided to add one more name.

“And I’d like to bring Hyangah. She’s always taking care of me—this could be a good break for her.”

“Yes, of course. Anyone else you’d like to bring?”

Moyong Wi asked, beaming. Everyone was watching me with interest, but I couldn’t say the name that popped into my head.

I hesitated, then shook my head and avoided their eyes.

“Just those two.”

“Alright. Elder Jegeom usually avoids trips like this, but I’ll do my best to persuade him.”

“If you tell him it was Yeonhwa’s personal request, I’m sure he’ll consider it. She is his only disciple.”

Moyong Muhyeok smiled. Clearly proud of how well I’d bonded with my master. Sitting next to me, Dang Choye leaned in and whispered.

“I’m glad we’ll be traveling together. It’s just a group trip—don’t worry, there’s no pressure. Okay?”

She must’ve picked up on my hesitance. She’s perceptive and considerate like that. I hadn’t exactly looked thrilled.

I nodded, a little sheepish.

“Of course I’m happy. I think we’ll have fun.”

“I’m really glad to hear that.”

The conversation turned to what we’d do on the trip, what places we’d stop at, all the usual excited chatter. We had dinner together, and only after that did I return to my quarters.

The very next day, Moyong Muhyeok personally delivered the news that Elder Jegeom had agreed to come. It was the best possible outcome.

Now all that was left was to tell Sahyeon.

But he didn’t show up. Not even once. And I had no way to reach him.

In the end, I left a note.

Going on a family trip. Soheung Temple. —Moyong Yeonhwa

Hopefully that’s enough. If he shows up and finds the note, at least it’s just one wasted trip.

I tucked the letter under the neatly arranged teacups on the table.

They said they were keeping the group small, and sure enough, it wasn’t anything flashy. But Hyangah was still flitting around like mad, shoving last-minute items into every pocket and pouch she could find.

“Hyangah. Pack things we can eat and use up. That way we’ll have less to carry back.”

“You’re so naive. How are you going to survive with just a few accessories and outfits? You said you were planning to train too—we need to pack extra!”

“I’m not taking accessories. I won’t even wear them.”

“Then why are you bringing me? You’re not gonna wear me either.”

“….”

I choked for a second, and she skipped off to gather more things.

I sighed and climbed into the palanquin. I’d be sharing it with Dang Choye and Hyangah.

Dang Choye was already inside, beaming. She wore a light, loose dress that would be easy to move in.

“They say Soheung Temple has a statue that connects people by fate. Have you heard of it?”

“A fate-connecting statue? That’s a first.”

“You write someone’s name on a paper, tie it with red string, and leave it at the statue. If your wish is sincere, the child statue will be moved and tie your fates together.”

I barely managed not to laugh. Bet the red string costs money, too.

I mean, Buddha’s not farming rice for these monks. They’ve gotta earn a living somehow.

“Is there someone you’d like to be tied to?”

When I asked, Dang Choye shook her head without hesitation.

“I’m actually thinking of praying not to be tied to anyone.”

“Honestly? Same. I’m curious how that’d work.”

The look on her face screamed “no marriage, ever,” and I couldn’t help but smile. Then she turned to study me.

“Yeonhwa. How about you?”

“…Huh?”

“Is there someone you’d want to be tied to, even in your next life?”

I flinched. Couldn’t come up with anything fast enough. Thankfully, Hyangah clambered in right then, apologizing for the delay and flustering the whole mood.

“Let’s go.”

Moyong Wi’s voice rang from outside, and the palanquin shifted.

We were moving. But my heart was already restless.

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