Chapter 68 Judging by the faint ticklish sensation against her skin, Bang Woo's gaze seemed to remain fixed upon her face.
"…There is a little over one gak remaining before Hui-myeong's match begins. I intend to rest briefly somewhere less crowded until then. Would that be agreeable?"
She nodded.
After a short silence, Bang Woo spoke again.
"Would you care to take my arm?"
This time, she shook her head and pointed ahead. She would walk first, and he could follow behind.
"You cannot see ahead—how do you intend to follow?"
"Well."
Though clearly unconvinced, he began moving at a very slow pace.
Yeo Il followed naturally behind him.
If he quickened his steps, she matched his speed. If he halted abruptly, she stopped as well. Walking with her eyes closed while tracing another's presence was as effortless as breathing; there was no hesitation.
Apparently, it did not appear so to Bang Woo.
"Forgive me, but that will not do. Since it is I who hold Lady Namgung's hand at present, do not be startled."
Without further warning, he grasped her left hand and placed it firmly upon his arm.
That was slightly unexpected.
His arm is higher now.
Bang Woo, blessed with an innate martial physique, had already possessed a body nearly complete as a warrior when they first met. Yet now he seemed at least two spans taller.
Slightly taller than Namgung Jeok-myeong, perhaps about the same height as Jin Cheong-ak.
Misinterpreting her silence, Bang Woo lowered his voice further.
"I understand that you may find me uncomfortable. I apologize for my brusque manner on the first day. My disposition is not naturally gentle, so please do not take it to heart."
It seems you are the one taking it to heart.
She nodded vaguely.
Bang Woo then proceeded to walk at an extraordinarily, remarkably, exceedingly slow pace—like one escorting a five-year-old child.
Perhaps he was especially careful because she was blind and mute.
Despite appearances, Bang Woo was compassionate.
He could never look away from small, fragile creatures and had taken in numerous orphaned wild animals.
[Senior Sister Yeonwu. Why did you not save it?]
[Save what.]
[The fledgling hawk with the broken wing I had been tending for half a month. I do not know what beast caught it, but it was found mutilated in the snow. You must have heard it crying…]
[So it is my fault?]
[…That is not what I mean. But I—]
[…]
[You knew I had been caring for it… If only you had gone to check once—just once—]
[…]
[…]
[Bang Woo. Are you crying?]
He was not sobbing outright, but a clear droplet clung to the end of his thick lashes. It was absurd.
[…Senior Sister is too cold. I know I am little more than a burden, but would it hurt to be a little less heartless?]
[Why do you repeat to me what the other senior brothers always say to you?]
[What they say is irrelevant. What matters is you and me.]
He could beat his fellow disciples without blinking, yet shed tears over a bird he failed to protect. The more she observed him, the more curious he seemed.
[Fine. I will check next time.]
[…That is a promise.]
[Yes.]
[Your word is not easily trusted. Please write a pledge.]
[You are troublesome.]
Compared to then, the present Bang Woo was noticeably more mature and flexible.
It was evident simply in the way he dealt with others.
"Bang Woo! I wondered where you disappeared to after your match ended… and now you appear with a beauty I have never seen before? Have you had a sudden change of heart? I thought my eyes deceived me."
"Do not make a fuss over trivial matters. Lady Namgung will feel uncomfortable."
The Bang Woo of the past would have humiliated the speaker without hesitation. Now he merely rebuffed him moderately. A marked improvement.
At that moment—
"Lady Namgung, do you remember my voice?"
A young yet resolute tone. The name surfaced instantly.
Tang Maeryeong, Head of the Sichuan Tang Clan.
Nod.
"That is fortunate. It may be sudden, but I have something I must convey to you. Might you spare a brief moment?"
Before Yeo Il could respond, Bang Woo stepped forward.
"That will not be possible, Clan Head."
Tang Maeryeong replied coolly to his firm refusal.
"Not possible? What do you mean?"
"I promised Namgung Hui-myeong that I would protect Lady Namgung. Therefore, whatever business you have must be conducted before my eyes."
Given Tang Maeryeong's fiery temperament, she might well have taken such boldness as an affront.
"…If protection is your concern, it cannot be helped."
Unexpectedly, her response was compliant.
Such was the effect of having once coughed blood.
"Then I shall transmit my words to Lady Namgung through sound transmission while you observe. That should suffice?"
"Sound transmission? …Very well."
Why go so far as sound transmission?
[Lady Namgung. Though sudden, if agreeable, I would like to invite you to the Tang Clan.]
"..."
[Do not worry about the recent matter. I do not mean an open invitation. In early autumn, my birthday banquet will be held. If you attend with the Namgung brothers, it will not appear unnatural.]
There was indeed reason for secrecy.
"Manufacture?"
Surely for the antidote to Hongyu incense.
[…Embarrassingly, yes. I wish to request your assistance in producing the antidote to Hongyu incense.]
As expected.
After brief consideration, Yeo Il answered,
"I will consider."
[I understand. Naturally you must. I promise you two things. The Tang Clan will ensure that no harm befalls you, and we will offer the greatest compensation possible. I hope you will reach a favorable conclusion.]
Nod.
[…But are you well?]
Tilt of the head.
[Bang Woo, I mean. From your expression, he appears somewhat uncomfortable. Though I may seem thus, I am still a woman and can read the atmosphere between a man and woman.]
Since Yeo Il had merely followed quietly, Bang Woo must have been the one displaying discomfort.
What expression had he been wearing?
[Bang Woo is a martial artist of admirable character, but from a woman's perspective he can be somewhat… no, quite difficult. If you are too uncomfortable, I could summon Namgung Jeok-myeong—]
Suddenly, Tang Maeryeong's transmission cut off.
Not only hers. Bang Woo also halted his breath; tension radiated from him.
"Someone is dead!"
A frantic voice rang out from somewhere within the Murim Alliance.
"Someone… someone is dead! Someone help—there is more than one!"
Ragged breathing punctuated the cry.
Tang Maeryeong spoke coldly.
"It does not appear related to the martial competition."
"We should confirm it directly."
"That would be wise. I shall first inform the Alliance Leader. Lady Namgung, leave her to me—"
"Lady Namgung will remain under my protection. That will not be necessary. I entrust matters to you, Clan Head. …Lady Namgung, pardon me."
Cutting off Tang Maeryeong's offer without hesitation, Bang Woo lifted Yeo Il lightly into his arms and began running at full speed.
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