The Ignored Granddaughter of a Murim Family - Chapter 317

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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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Side Story: Chapter 11
I nearly rolled across the floor laughing, my voice ringing out.
“I don’t know what you’re misunderstanding, but like I said before, I went to the sea alone!”
“What?”
Ah, so that’s why his expression was so subtle when I said I came alone earlier? I thought he was pleased because I fell into the water!
“Yes, I did like you. But back then, you didn’t like me much.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Well, there was only one time you ever paid me prolonged attention, and even then, it wasn’t because you liked me.”
“You’re saying I didn’t like you?”
Namgung Ryu-cheong’s expression was one of disbelief.
“That’s right!”
“…That’s a lie.”
This was starting to feel a bit frustrating. After all the times I chased after Namgung Ryu-cheong’s heels! And all the harsh words I heard in the process!
“It’s not a lie! What would I gain from lying here! Yes, I avoided calling you Cheong? It’s true I didn’t call you that because of memories from before when I called you that way! But that was something I did on my own!”
It was an embarrassingly dark chapter from my past, but once I spoke it aloud, it seemed like nothing at all.
Upon hearing my story, Namgung Ryu-cheong’s complexion changed. He seemed at a loss for words.
I smiled softly and spoke.
“From now on, when such thoughts arise, don’t keep them bottled up—tell me.”
“….”
“Though I’ve liked you many times over….”
I paused for a moment before continuing.
“The Namgung Ryu-cheong I like most is who you are now.”
I reached out and gently touched the corners of his eyes, which had taken on a slight redness.
“Because only you look at me with eyes like these.”
And then I called him the way he had always wanted.
“Cheong.”
Namgung Ryu-cheong exhaled a breath close to a sigh and leaned his face against my hand. I felt warm moisture dampening my fingertips.
“Yes.”
Now I could be certain. Even if I called him Cheong, the old memories could no longer overshadow what we are now.
* * *
Namgung Ryu-cheong and I returned to the Inn. The harbor had been empty, which was fine, but as we entered the street where the Inn stood, there were quite a few passersby, which made me feel somewhat… embarrassed.
And on top of that….
“No, Ryu-cheong. Why do you emit such killing intent every time you encounter someone?”
He hadn’t even drawn his sword, yet his aura was as if he would gouge out his opponent’s eyes at any moment.
“I’m regretting it right now.”
“Regretting what?”
“Things like that exist.”
Since I wanted to hurry back and wash up, I didn’t ask further and entered the Inn.
The innkeeper, who had been tallying accounts at the entrance, looked as though he might faint upon seeing us enter.
“G-Guest?”
“I went to see the harbor and got my foot stuck in the sand… haha.”
“Oh my! Please wait just a moment! Let me dry you off with this towel. Towels! Bring several large towels!”
“Ha, haha.”
I laughed awkwardly and dried myself just enough to stop dripping before heading up to the guest room.
Namgung Ryu-cheong said something to the innkeeper and followed the attendant in a different direction. It seemed he couldn’t bathe with me since there was only one room.
I requested a bath and clean clothes to change into, and fortunately, hot water arrived without much wait.
“Ah, wonderful.”
Though the seawater hadn’t been cold, sinking into the hot bath made all the fatigue drain from my body.
Splash, splash. The water’s surface rippled and settled with each of my movements. The boisterous chatter from the first floor echoed through the walls.
At some point, I must have drifted off to sleep. When I came to, the water had grown lukewarm.
‘Oh, I’ve been in here too long.’
As I hurriedly rose from the tub, I heard the guest room door open.
I wrapped a towel around myself and spoke as I emerged from behind the folding screen that had been shielding the bath.
“The bathwater is fine now. The clothes are on the table by the window…”
I saw Namgung Ryu-cheong and froze in place.
“…”
“…”
I could see his eyes trembling violently. He seemed utterly speechless.
On the table in front of Namgung Ryu-cheong lay the clean clothes I’d requested from the Original Employee. He must have come and gone while I was asleep.
Goodness. I’d fallen asleep without even noticing the Original Employee come in and leave. I suppose my nerves really have loosened considerably.
At that moment, Namgung Ryu-cheong turned his head sharply. His neck and ears were flushed a vivid crimson.
“I, I thought you were already finished bathing…”
“Oh, I accidentally fell asleep.”
“Ah… I see.”
“…”
“…”
In the awkward silence, I heard water droplets falling from my body onto the floor.
I spoke first.
“Could you, um, step back for a moment? The clothes are on the table.”
“Ah, I’ll bring them to you.”
Namgung Ryu-cheong said this and picked up the clothes, then immediately looked regretful.
He neither set them down nor approached me, instead turning his gaze away with a determined expression and stepping back. Yet, as if wanting to distract himself, he asked a question.
“You didn’t know I came in?”
“…I thought it was the Original Employee.”
“You come out like that when the Original Employee arrives?!”
In that instant, Namgung Ryu-cheong involuntarily turned his head toward me, then froze.
I felt water droplets trailing down my body.
Namgung Ryu-cheong suddenly jumped back and crashed hard into the table.
I cried out in alarm.
“Are you alright?!”
“Wait! Don’t come in.”
Namgung Ryu-cheong cried out urgently and stumbled backward.
“I’m fine.”
That sounded like something nearly shattered. Are you really okay?
Namgung Ryu-cheong kept his head lowered as he made his way toward the door.
“I’m going out for a bit. Make yourself comfortable.”
* * *
Watching him flee the room like a hunted animal, I thought he’d take a walk around the village and return. But Namgung Ryu-cheong remained stationed before my door like a palace guard, unwilling to leave his post.
I dried myself off, dressed, and then gave my cheeks several sharp pats to compose myself.
Steadying my nerves, I cracked the door open and peeked out.
“I’m ready now. Come in.”
But Namgung Ryu-cheong neither entered nor met my gaze. He opened his mouth, then cleared his throat awkwardly, his voice dropping to a low murmur.
“Well, ahem. I think it would be wise to be more careful going forward.”
Was that really why he’d been standing there before the door like that?
When I didn’t respond, he pressed on as if urging me.
“From now on, always check who’s entering. Understood?”
“I understand. But won’t you come inside the room? Come in and tell me.”
“I’ll step out for a moment.”
“Where are you going?”
“Just a brief walk.”
Only then did I realize Namgung Ryu-cheong had no intention of returning to the room.
He’d been standing guard at the door to warn me about being careful, and perhaps to prevent anyone else from entering. And now that his purpose was fulfilled, he was anxious to slip away.
His restlessness made it clear he wanted to escape this place as soon as possible.
I narrowed my eyes slightly and smiled.
“Then I’ll come with you.”
“That’s—!”
Namgung Ryu-cheong trailed off in surprise.
Of course I shouldn’t go with him. He was going to cool off his heated mind.
He’d probably stay out all night and only return at dawn.
I spoke with a hint of disappointment.
“You don’t want me to? Then I suppose there’s no help for it. Let’s go separately. I wanted to take a walk anyway.”
“What?”
I looked at him as if questioning his dangerous tone.
“Why? Don’t you trust my abilities?”
Regardless of my skill level, any man with common sense wouldn’t allow a woman to walk alone in the middle of the night. But Namgung Ryu-cheong knew better than anyone that he couldn’t stop me by saying he could go but I couldn’t.
Namgung Ryu-cheong deliberated with a stern expression, then reluctantly entered the guest room as if he had no choice.
“You said you were going for a walk?”
“I knew you’d do this.”
With his head lowered, Namgung Ryu-cheong seemed somewhat dejected, and perhaps anxious as well.
I decided to stop here and not tease him any further.
Just as I thought this, there came a knock on the door.
“Are you there?”
It was the Inn Attendant’s voice.
“What is it?”
“The food you ordered, ma’am.”
When I opened the door, the Inn Attendant entered carrying a tray.
As I looked at him with confusion, Namgung Ryu-cheong offered an explanation.
“You mentioned feeling hungry on the way here.”
“Ah.”
The Inn Attendant set down the food and spoke.
“Oh, fortunately the clothes fit you well.”
“Yes. Ah, but did you only leave the clothes behind?”
“Ah yes, yes. You were sleeping so soundly, and it’s dangerous to approach a sleeping martial artist too closely—you never know what might happen. Haha, and just then your husband was heading to the guest room, so I thought he could wake you!”
“….”
So that’s what had happened.
After pondering for a moment, I glanced at Namgung Ryu-cheong and spoke to the Inn Attendant.
“Could you bring me some alcohol as well?”
“What kind would you prefer?”
“Just something decent with a bit of strength to it.”
Soon the Inn Attendant brought the alcohol, and I sat across from Namgung Ryu-cheong.
“….”
“….”
Yet neither of us reached for our cups.
With my keen senses, I could hear my heart pounding distinctly. I could also tell that its rhythm was different from usual.
Certainly, I hadn’t intended for this at first. But without realizing it, my hand moved slowly from the wine cup toward Namgung Ryu-cheong’s forehead.
I brushed back his still-damp hair and touched his ears, flushed a delicate pink.
As my hand descended across his cheeks and jaw, his neck, shoulders, and collarbone, Namgung Ryu-cheong seized my wrist firmly.
Namgung Ryu-cheong exhaled roughly and spoke.
“…Stop here.”
“Do you dislike me touching you?”
“….”
His gaze, which had stubbornly avoided mine, now looked at me with resentment.
In that moment, a strange, exquisite satisfaction rippled through me from my lower back to the crown of my head.
Just as I could hear my heartbeat, Namgung Ryu-cheong must also be hearing mine.
Feeling his gaze burn like fire, I whispered in a languid voice.
“You know, there’s one thing I haven’t done with the other ‘Ryu-cheong’ that I’m certain of.”
“….”
Receiving his gaze as if entranced, I laughed lazily. The wine bottle remained unopened, yet I felt as though I were intoxicated.
Soon Namgung Ryu-cheong closed his eyes tightly.
“…I’ve lost.”
A moment later, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the Hall.
Side Story 1: End.

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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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