Abolition of the Wicked - Chapter 17

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#Chapter 017

“I… that is… you wouldn’t believe me if I said I was just a talented fortuneteller, would you?”
Geom U-bin’s suspicious gaze remained fixed on Seo Seok-san’s face.
Even for someone as quick-witted as Seo Seok-san, there was no explanation that could satisfy Geom U-bin.
Someone once said that truth was always the best recourse, but this time it was the only option available.
“You’re saying that Yeon Geum-hong followed me?”
“Not followed—protected, I mean. It seemed odd that Seoseong Jangga would suddenly send you on a delivery run. So Geum-hong slipped away to keep an eye on you. You told her to stop the shadowing, but this was a special circumstance……”
“That’s all right.”
“Really?”
“Having someone worry about me like that… it’s a good thing, isn’t it?”
“It certainly is.”
“But I don’t like being treated like a child by the disciples.”
“I understand. From now on, I won’t—I mean, there will be no more shadowing at all, not even a hint of it.”
Having made his promise, Seo Seok-san asked in a quiet voice.
“By the way, Geum-hong mentioned that Namgung Hye-yeon seems rather fond of you.”
“She’s just a friend.”
“Where in this world does a man and woman have a friendship? Unless they’re the sort of friends who… well, never mind that.”
“The sort of friends who what?”
“Never mind—that’s not what matters now. In any case, the daughter of the Namgung Clan would be perfectly acceptable. The daughters of the Namgung Clan have long been renowned for their beauty and wit. As one of the many women who may come to your side in the future, she’s hardly a poor match.”
“How could I possibly keep company with so many women? You’re impossible, Master!”
“There’s a saying that a hero is not shamed by having three wives and four concubines. With you, even seven would scarcely be enough. Hehehe! If your first match begins with a daughter of the Namgung Clan, it’s not a bad start.”
“Do you really think Namgung Hye-yeon likes me?”
“Of course! What woman in this world could refuse you? Trust me—I’m an expert. Now, shall we run through that one more time?”
“If I play the reed flute one more time, my lips will split open. I’d rather hear your playing instead.”
“If you insist.”
Seo Seok-san began to play his reed flute.
As warmth washed through Geom U-bin’s chest, his eyes slowly closed of their own accord.
He didn’t even notice his body leaning back.
Seo Seok-san’s music wrapped around Geom U-bin like a warm blanket, guiding him toward the land of dreams.
Something thick rose in Seo Seok-san’s chest as he watched Geom U-bin sleep—a single tear trailing down the sleeping boy’s cheek.
“Ah, what sad dream must he be having, to weep like that?”
When he thought about it, none of them knew anything of Geom U-bin’s past. What could an eight-year-old boy’s history possibly hold that was remarkable? The Bloodwind Four Lions had never pressed him to speak, and Geom U-bin was not one to chatter.
The Bloodwind Four Lions’ own childhoods were hardly happy, but at least they had each other.
‘We’ll protect you now, brother.’
Seo Seok-san’s hand wiped away Geom U-bin’s tears.

***

Every time the inn door opened and someone stepped inside, Namgung Hye-yeon’s eyes turned toward them, only to fall away in disappointment.
‘I should have asked him what time exactly.’
She’d said something vague about lunchtime, so there was no way to know when Geom U-bin would arrive—or if he would come at all.
“Miss, you must be famished. Shall I order some food for you?”
At the words of Jang Se-jeong, her escort, Namgung Hye-yeon shook her head.
“No, I’ll wait a bit longer.”
Jang Se-jeong, who belonged to Seoseong Jangga, one of the three major vassal families of the Namgung Clan, had been specially assigned to escort Namgung Hye-yeon on this occasion.
Though only thirty years old, his mastery of the sword technique already surpassed the current head of Seoseong Jangga. It was for this reason he had been granted the honor of protecting the Namgung Clan’s precious treasure.
As Namgung Hye-yeon’s stomach rumbled audibly, the door suddenly opened, and she instinctively turned to look.
“He’s here!”
The high note escaped her before she could stop herself, and Namgung Hye-yeon quickly clapped her hand over her mouth in embarrassment.
“You’re already here? Have you been waiting long?”
“No, we only just arrived. Right, sir?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Hello. I’m Geom U-bin.”
As Geom U-bin bowed respectfully, it was Jang Se-jeong who looked taken aback.
“I’m Jang Se-jeong, assigned to protect the young miss.”
“Please, make yourselves comfortable. What will you have?”
Namgung Hye-yeon, asked the question, answered, ‘I was waiting for you to arrive before I ordered.’
“Oh my, what an honor—the young lady’s long-awaited guest has arrived.”
Seo Poong-sik, oblivious to the tension, blurted out the truth. Geom U-bin greeted them warmly and ordered several dishes.
“Isn’t that too much?”
“Try a bit of everything. My treat today. Consider it atonement for making you wait so long.”
“But I just got here!”
“Prickly, aren’t you? And so proud.”
When the server brought tea, Geom U-bin first poured a cup for Jang Se-jeong with elaborate courtesy.
“Please, enjoy. It’s not expensive, but the fragrance is quite lovely.”
Gracious as she was to Jang Se-jeong, she poured carelessly for Namgung Hye-yeon with one hand, sloshing tea over the rim.
“You’re being awfully rough with me, aren’t you?”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“You’re all courtesy toward my bodyguard, but not toward me.”
“You’re my friend, and she’s my elder. Of course I must show proper respect to someone older.”
Namgung Hye-yeon was already irritated that her early arrival had been discovered, and Geom U-bin’s cutting remarks only made it worse.
“So you’re saying I lack propriety?”
“I don’t think that’s quite it. You’re a bodyguard, after all. But I wouldn’t say your manners are particularly refined either.”
“What? Are you insulting me?”
“Not at all. You asked, and I simply told you what I observe.”
“What would you know about me!”
Geom U-bin regarded Namgung Hye-yeon with a steady gaze.
“Sigh……”
Geom U-bin exhaled a pitying sigh before speaking again.
“Do you truly believe you’re polite?”
“Yes, I do!”
“Very well then. If that’s the case, I can ask you plainly. Tell me—what remains of you if we strip away the Namgung Clan?”
“What? You don’t know me. I have talent in the Martial Arts, and I’m renowned as a genius in poetry, calligraphy, painting, and scholarly pursuits!”
Jang Se-jeong, unsure what to do, jumped in to support her.
“That’s right. The young lady is counted among the foremost talents of the Namgung Clan.”
“There, you see?”
“But all of that exists only because you are the Patriarch’s daughter. That’s precisely why I’m asking—what would be left of you if we removed the Namgung name?”
Namgung Hye-yeon’s brow furrowed in confusion. It was a question she had never heard before, and naturally, one she had never contemplated.
If the Namgung name were taken from me, what would I have left?
She wanted to protest, but nothing came to mind.
“Let me tell you. Strip away the Namgung name, and what remains is nothing but a rather pretty ten-year-old girl.”
“A—a ten-year-old girl? Are you finished?”
“No, one more thing. I believe propriety is what distinguishes a person from a beast. That’s why I’m offering you this counsel: become someone with better manners.”
The teacup in Namgung Hye-yeon’s hand trembled, and its contents splashed across Geom U-bin’s face.
“How dare you lecture me! Lecture me! I was kind to you, and now you think we’re equals? I am Namgung Hye-yeon, daughter of the Namgung Patriarch! You’re nothing but a servant girl hawking ale!”
Namgung Hye-yeon shrieked and stormed out of the inn with angry strides.
Fuming all the way to the carriage, she glanced back at the inn’s entrance.
Part of her had hoped—but no, Geom U-bin had not followed her.
She’d barely taken several steps before her anger evaporated, leaving regret in its wake.
‘I didn’t need to throw tea on her. It looked hot—I hope she’s all right.’
It was not what she meant, not truly.
Anger had made her lash out without thinking, and the most contemptible words she possessed had spilled from her lips.
“Young lady.”
“Y-yes?”
“If you were to go back now and reconcile……”
“Didn’t you see that wretched girl lecturing me about things she has no right to lecture about!”
“W-well, yes.”
“She’s no scholar or authority figure. There was no need for her to speak to me that way. Agree?”
“Of course.”
“Horrible person. Won’t even chase after me.”
Namgung Hye-yeon wrenched open the carriage door.
“I’ll never look at that girl again!”
Having left Namgung Hye-yeon with both anger and regret, Geom U-bin calmly wiped her face at a table in the inn.
“Why did you fight with your friend? You should get along.”
“Children grow through their quarrels. Hehe!”
“By the way, the food we ordered has arrived…… Should I pack it up?”
“No need. Someone will be joining us, so just bring it out.”
“Huh? Who?”
“They should be here soon.”
“All right, understood.”
After sending Seo Poong-sik away, Geom U-bin spoke into the empty air.
“I know you’re there, so stop hiding, you lot.”
There was no response.
“Should we throw out all the food and leave?”
At that, members of the Bloodwind Four Lions began filing through the inn’s entrance one by one.
“Wonderful! Master has finally reached the level where he can sense our presence! Remarkable!”
As Do Pyeong-su babbled on, Geom U-bin let out a quiet laugh.
“My skills aren’t quite at that level, I’m afraid. I simply guessed you’d all be watching, as you normally do.”
While they talked, the dishes they’d ordered began arriving in succession.
“Ah, the golden-braised fish — my favorite.”
“What? The glazed shrimp balls are here too. I love those.”
“Fragrant pork with eight treasures? That’s exactly what I like. And Jang Man-dok, they have the eight-jewel vegetable medley you prefer.”
It was as though the meal had been ordered specifically for the Bloodwind Four Lions. Do Pyeong-su voiced his wonder.
“Master, even while meeting with a woman, you remembered to order our favorites. I’m deeply moved.”
Seo Seok-san clicked his tongue at Do Pyeong-su.
“Tsk, tsk! Surely the master wouldn’t do something so deliberate?”
“Then you’re saying it’s just coincidence that he ordered all these dishes?”
“It doesn’t feel like pure coincidence, but……”
Seo Seok-san, who had been studying Geom U-bin’s expression, suddenly went wide-eyed.
“You planned to dine with us from the start! That means this is the Bad Man Strategy!”
“Bad Man Strategy? What’s that?”
“You deliberately angered Namgung Hye-yeon of the Namgung Clan and drove her away!”
“Why would I do something like that?”
“Heh, heh, heh! The world of masters is beyond what the unskilled can comprehend in a lifetime. Who is Namgung Hye-yeon? She’s the precious treasure of the Namgung Clan, beautiful, and rumored to be a prodigy besides. It’s no wonder male flies swarm around her from all directions, isn’t it?”
“I suppose that’s true.”
“The truth is, our master is so exalted that he shouldn’t even dare look upon a daughter of the Namgung Clan. But does Namgung Hye-yeon understand that? For now, for whatever reason, she shows interest in the master, but they only meet sporadically — maybe once every few months.”
“The distance from Anhui Province to here is considerable, so frequent meetings are difficult. So what?”
“When lovers are apart, their hearts drift apart too. And as time passes, Namgung Hye-yeon will surely meet other men she can see more often. You can’t blame the girl for gradually forgetting the master, even if it speaks to her poor judgment.”
Do Pyeong-su still didn’t understand.
“But what does angering Namgung Hye-yeon and driving her away have to do with any of that? If it’s doomed anyway, are you saying the master wants to end things now?”
Seo Seok-san let out a deep sigh.
“That’s exactly why you’ve never managed a proper romance.”
“Who says I haven’t had romance! The women I’ve met so far, just the number of……”
Yeon Geum-hong murmured.
“He’s digging himself a grave. Absolutely digging himself a grave.”
“Never mind my romantic entanglements. Master, do you truly have some other intention behind this?”
“It’s nothing so grand.”
Geom U-bin scratched his head and added,
“I simply hoped that I might become a better person.”
“Ah! Just as I’d expect from our master!”
Seo Seok-san spoke with even greater admiration.
“At eighteen, I came to understand this: treat someone with genuine sincerity. And since the other person is a precious treasure, that only matters more. Namgung Hye-yeon will likely not forget the master for at least three years.”
Yeon Geum-hong asked in a quiet voice.
“To say such things…… does that mean the master has taken a liking to Namgung Hye-yeon?”
Geom U-bin scratched his head.
“It’s not quite that. Meeting her doesn’t seem like a bad thing. She’s kindhearted, after all. Still, I feel I owe an apology to the teacher who taught me to play the reed flute.”
“Not at all! I should blame my own dullness for not recognizing such a noble purpose.”
The meal was pleasant.
They were chatting and eating happily when someone approached their table.
When they turned to look, they saw a man in his mid-thirties with a sword at his side, and Dong Chang-min, the young lord of the Dongsi Doga.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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