Childhood Friend of the Zenith - Chapter 659

Her gaze shifted around, scanning her surroundings.

A faint breeze carried the scent of flowers.

As she inhaled the fragrance, she lifted her head and saw a woman standing before her.

With shining golden hair cascading past her waist, eyes resembling his own.

Despite wearing a somewhat mismatched crimson robe, her dazzling features made it hard to ignore.

The sight of her appearance, which had just moments ago left an impression of “still worth looking at even after seeing the mysterious woman,” now completely erased that thought.

A dedication to beauty.

Her face, which had seemed unbelievably exquisite even in her youth, had blossomed into full maturity over time.

“A flower.”

A beautiful flower that always seemed to be in bloom like spring.

A flower that captivated the gaze of all who beheld it had bloomed here.

Her eyes scanned the surroundings.

The gazes that had been fixed on the mysterious woman moments ago had long been stolen away.

The onlookers lost themselves, their gazes fixed on her.

Her eyes, usually adorable, now sharp and emanating an unapproachable aura.

To my eyes, even that appearance seemed somewhat trivial, but it was probably not the case for the mysterious woman next to her.

She slightly distanced herself from the mysterious woman who had been holding her attention.

And then, it seemed that the energy that had been radiating all around began to diminish slightly.

“Ugh… Huh…!”

Just then, Bhyanhwa breathed roughly, as if finally able to breathe properly.

Seeing that, I withdrew my hand that was about to grab Bhyanhwa’s neck.

“I almost got into big trouble.”

Thank goodness. I almost couldn’t hold back and almost killed her, but I managed to save her.

It was really disgusting, I couldn’t stand it.

I subtly flicked my hand towards Bhyanhwa.

Whoosh!

A force emanated and brushed through the room.

Others might not have noticed, but the sharp energy was so intense that it was better to clear it away.

After sorting and sending her out the window.

I told Bhyanhwa, who was trembling, “It seems like my guest has arrived. I’m afraid I can’t see them off. It was a pleasure.”

She smiled slyly and as if waiting for it, Bhyanhwa suddenly got up as if shot and dashed out of the room.

Seeing her like that, it was so ridiculous that I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I never thought I’d see that woman end up like that in my life.”

She was one of the people I regretted not killing in my past life, but she was not someone I cherished.

Even if it wasn’t me, she had already met a miserable end.

“How exactly did the last moments go? I heard she was caught near the Nokwang side.”

If that’s the case, there’s no need to see more.

Among the members of the chaotic Ma Gyo led by Nokwang, who were all crazy killers tearing apart men and women, she was captured?

The end of that wouldn’t be something pleasant to imagine.

Although Bhyanhwa disappeared, people were still looking only at this place.

After the disappearance of the mirage, people still only had eyes for this place.

The mysterious woman with long green hair cautiously sat across from me, extinguishing her presence at my words.

Instead, it seemed like the mirage’s departure was of no concern. Watching this unfold, I had to let out a deep sigh.

In the meantime, things seemed to have worsened.

Recalling this, I gazed at the woman looking at me.

A blonde beauty. Wiesel.

“…It seems like it’s been just under a year since we last saw each other.”

It was around the time I left the capital and moved, roughly that long ago.

Certainly, it had only been that much time.

“Why are you growing up so fast?”

In that short time, Wiesel’s appearance had become even more radiant.

In the time I hadn’t seen her, her face and body had matured even more.

“Did you get taller?”

For some reason, it seemed like she had grown a bit longer than in her past life.

Is it because she’s been eating well? Anyway, she seems to have been doing well, but…

“Do you… remember what I told you to do when I went out?”

“…”

Suddenly pointing it out, Wiesel hesitated and averted her gaze.

Huff.

At the same time, I felt a presence.

A faint energy emerged and enveloped Wiesel.

As a result, Wiesel’s presence significantly diminished.

She had extinguished her own presence.

“Huh…?”

“Oops…!”

An unknown, pitiful groan was heard from the surroundings.

Along with expressions of not knowing what had happened, there was also a primal desire to see more.

Just being in front of her, and yet this level of impact, this is not just any human encounter.

“It wasn’t like this before.”

It seemed to have worsened compared to before I left.

“It seems like she has gained a lot of enlightenment, perhaps that’s why.”

Until I left, it didn’t seem to reach such extremes.

“…Just sit for now.”

“…”

The hesitant Wisella cautiously sat across from me, her expression shifting from annoyance to a forced smile.

“It’s been a while.”

“…Yes.”

Her voice sounded strained, even that was amusing.

She raised her hand.

“Ah, um… yes!”

Upon my call, Jemsoi approached with a puzzled expression.

Moyonghee said he would spend some money and open an unusual inn. It was certainly peculiar.

“He knows how to dress Jemsoi in silk clothes.”

Even Jemsoi, who was usually skilled, seemed to have brought someone among the men.

However, even such a Jemsoi couldn’t take his eyes off Wisella, so I frowned.

“Gasp…!!”

Only then did he hastily look at the menu.

“Three of the largest plum teas.”

“Th-th-three glasses, you mean? Or perhaps another member of your party is coming….”

“No, he’ll drink them all. Ah, three will be enough, right?”

“…”

Wisella nodded slightly.

She seemed a bit displeased. Usually, she would drink five glasses, but to say three was enough.

“…Huh?”

Jemsoi had a puzzled expression, but since it was an order, he hurriedly disappeared into the kitchen.

I cleared away the tea that had been placed in front of me.

The unpleasant incense still lingered.

After clearing my mind a bit, I looked at the silent Wisella.

“It’s been a while. How have you been?”

“Fine….”

“Have you eaten?”

“Not yet….”

“Really? Shall we go eat then? There was a street vendor selling chicken skewers outside.”

“Oh, to eat…!”

She seemed about to speak brightly, but hesitated and changed her expression.

“…No… I don’t want to eat.”

There was a sense of regret in her voice.

Seeing that, I burst into laughter.

Still the same. So I laughed thankfully.

Tap, tap.

She tapped my seat with her hand.

“Come here.”

“…”

“Quickly.”

In response to my words, she hesitantly got up with a stern expression, approached my side, and sat down with a thud.

I then gently stroked her hair with my hand.

She didn’t resist my hand.

“How did you get here?”

“…I walked.”

Grabbing her lips with a sharp response, I said, “I didn’t ask that.”

“Ugh…!!”

“Do you know how surprised I was?”

The moment I felt the energy for the first time, my breath stopped abruptly.

Because it was the kind of energy that shouldn’t be felt here.

I felt like leaving right away, but I endured the gradually approaching energy by force.

“How did you come here?”

“…”

Tap, tap. She touched my hand. I was still holding her lips.

When I gently let go of it,

“…Lady… asked me to come with her, so I came.”

“Hmm?”

I widened my eyes at her words.

‘You came with your father?’

Was that what she meant by “father” in Hanam?

I had to be surprised to hear that.

‘…Why?’

I had no idea why things turned out that way.

Of course, it wasn’t really strange.

Just by looking outside, you could see members of the Seiga clan walking around Hanam, which was rare.

It was a situation where the Maeng family was holding a festival after a few years.

In the midst of a festival being held in Maeng after several years, a situation unfolds that was not anticipated.

The outbreak of a red demon has caused a disruption in the era of peace, but the situation is being swiftly dealt with.

Here, the fact that Maeng is hosting the festival implies a proof that there are no issues in the world managed by Maeng in the future.

Furthermore, after several years, there is a significant flow of events involving the proper establishment of a martial arts society, rather than just a martial arts gathering, and the subsequent founding of the Shinryongdae.

The fact that the elites and prestigious families are coming here signifies a celebration of Maeng’s footsteps in the martial arts world, and an indication that they are aligning with Maeng’s intentions.

It is a significant display of siding with Maeng.

As such, it was a moment when all kinds of people were gathering, but…

“Why is father here?”

It was quite strange to see father here when, unless there was something special, he never came to Hanam.

Whether he was invited to Maeng or not, I don’t know, but for a nobleman who seemed unlikely to come even if invited, to come in accordance with the martial arts gathering?

“…”

I was slightly taken aback.

The fact that he should have arrived by now means that it has been a while since he left.

That means…

“…When I saw him in Bukhae, he wasn’t in Sancer, was he?”

It means that father was summoned during the journey.

His reaction was quite peculiar, was that the reason?

“Even brought Wiseol along?”

What on earth is the reason for his visit?

“He’s not here to become a close ally of Maeng now.”

The reason was not easily fathomed.

“Tea, tea is served.”

Just as I was pondering, a serving of plum tea followed.

Handing a cup to Wiseol, I asked, “So, where is father now?”

If he had just arrived, he might have headed straight to the upper area.

As expected, I asked while smiling.

“If the Lady hasn’t arrived yet.”

“Hmm?”

“She said she might be a few days late due to something in the middle. So, I arrived first.”

“Something?”

Something came up on the way. Suddenly, I remembered that Lady Mi also mentioned being away for a few days.

Could it be related?

‘…I’m not particularly worried about someone getting into trouble.’

It was a subtly concerning part.

‘Anyway.’

I cleared my mind and looked at Wiseola.

She was quietly sipping plum tea, so I lightly pinched her cheek.

Even as she drank deliciously, her slightly furrowed brow remained. With a smile, I asked.

“What didn’t you like?”

“…There’s nothing like that.”

“But you’re making that expression after meeting after a long time?”

Playfully pointing it out, Wiseola’s eyes became slightly colder.

“That’s because…. we haven’t met in a long time….”

Unable to say more, she quickly turned her head.

‘Hmm.’

This might take a while.

Usually, Wiseola doesn’t get too upset, but this time seemed severe.

I scratched my cheek awkwardly.

“Well, is there anywhere that hurts?”

“…No.”

“It seems like you’ve lost weight. Are you taking care of yourself?”

“Yes….”

“You’ve become prettier.”

…!

“I think you should gain a little weight.”

She had become excessively pretty.

If she continued like this, she would attract too much attention, so I felt like I needed to find something to do.

But.

“…”

“Hmm?”

Whether it was a misconception or not, Wiseola’s ears seemed slightly redder.

What’s wrong?

‘Why does it feel like your guard is slightly down?’

Even though I didn’t do anything, it somehow felt that way. Could it be because I drank some plum tea?

Perhaps the answer lies in enjoying the taste.

“Should I order more medicine for you?”

Thinking it might be the right answer, I asked Wiseola.

Although this is an inn, it’s a place with more snacks than alcohol.

It was designed by Moyonghee, who confirmed that female guests spend more money.

But.

“Oh, no. It’s okay. I don’t need to eat.”

“…Huh…?”

Wiseola refused the medicine. It was surprising.

I thought she might still be upset, but the corners of Wiseola’s mouth were slightly upturned.

It was clear. Wiseola was in a good mood now.

But, I didn’t know the reason.

“Uh…. yeah.”

Sipping the tea quietly, it looked refreshing even though I drank it slowly.

While watching her quietly drink her tea, I asked Wiseola.

“So, why didn’t you ask?”

“What?”

Wiseola opened her eyes wide and looked at me.

It was a face that seemed to not understand.

“Why didn’t you ask about that woman from earlier? Who she is.”

“Oh.”

‘Oh.’

Did she forget already after being so angry just a moment ago…?

“It’s okay now.”

At her reassurance, I tilted my head.

“Is it really okay?”

“Yes. It’s okay now. I don’t think I’ll see that person again.”

“Huh…?”

Wiseola shrugged.

She really seemed completely uninterested.

She seemed like she was about to kill me just a moment ago.

Isn’t it normal to ask why she approached me just now?

She might have found it slightly annoying to explain even if she had been asked, but not being asked made her subtly upset.

Even in the midst of it.

“…When did you finish it all?”

It seemed like she had just started on the first cup.

But now, all three cups of the plum tea I had given her were empty.

It didn’t seem like she had said much, but she had finished them all in the meantime.

It must have been very hot, how did she manage that?

Surprised and missing her, I slowly stroked Wiesel’s head.

As I carefully touched her hair, something caught my eye.

It was the hair accessory I had given her.

Both Namgoongbia and Wiesel, why do they wear such cheap things, I wonder.

“I should look into getting one later.”

As I was thinking that, Wiesel, who had finished all the tea, looked at me.

Meeting her shining pupils.

“Oh, right. Gongja.”

“Yeah?”

As if she had been blinking, Wiesel said to me.

“I missed you.”

“…”

“I haven’t mentioned it yet, so I thought I should.”

I involuntarily hesitated.

My body stiffened.

So it was even harder to react.

“Uh, me too.”

I managed to spit out with a creak. I had to say something in response.

Upon that, Wiesel smiled brightly.

Seeing that, I thought.

‘I really need to find something real.’

The smiling face was oddly beautiful.

At this rate, I felt like I would fall for Yanggubi first, not someone else.

******************

A back alley in Hanam.

While a dense crowd roamed around Hanam, the fastest route to the Murim League was quiet even during the day.

It was just a month or so ago that an incident occurred here.

The mere fact that ordinary people were blocked from coming and going here.

As there were unmanned patrols by the sect from time to time, it was a place where ordinary people did not usually visit.

In one alleyway.

Thud…!

A woman was swiftly moving, biting her nails.

A mix of fear and anger contorted her pretty face.

“…I’m going to kill you. I’m going to kill you.”

The woman was immediately intimidating.

Unable to contain her raging anger, her eyes were bulging with fury.

“How dare you…!!”

Intimidation thought of the woman who had suddenly appeared, her eyes glaring fiercely.

Not only had she attracted all the attention to herself, but she was also a woman who was relentlessly pressing and oppressive.

And there.

“That face.”

The very face that brought a sense of defeat the moment it was seen.

The woman, whose name was unknown, brought an unparalleled sense of despair to Intimidation, who was known as the flower of the sect and the most beautiful woman in Hanam.

“That worthless man is just the same…!”

The man who had been indifferent to her seduction.

Why was he pretending to be so composed?

“Was it because of that woman?”

Was it because there was a brighter flower that he didn’t care?

It didn’t sit well with her.

Thinking that he seemed like a decent man for the subject, she had considered reaching out once, but not only did he reject her seduction, he also made her feel so filthy.

Intimidation clenched her fist so tightly that it trembled.

“I’m going to kill you.”

She was determined to kill him no matter what.

Even if there was a reason to offer herself to the old masters at the Investigation Department, she wanted to deal with it.

She recalls the sight of herself falling apart in fear and running away in a disgraceful manner.

Moreover, there was a sense of inferiority upon seeing the opponent’s appearance.

Unbelievable.

So, somehow.

“Even if it’s just her.”

It didn’t matter if it was a man.

Honestly, there was no interest. Being overflowing with arrogance was her thing. Surely, there were more capable individuals among them.

Therefore, Bihyeonhwa resolved to somehow deal only with the woman.

If she couldn’t kill her, she had to at least scar her face deeply.

That face should not be here.

It means that a prettier flower shouldn’t be where she is.

“I have to trample her.”

She had to trample her before that brightness spread.

That was the only thought in her mind.

Already halfway distracted.

Gathering anger and inferiority in her nails, Bihyeonhwa takes a step forward.

At that moment when Bihyeonhwa was about to hurriedly return to Mureim.

Thud.

The sound of a droplet falling from somewhere was heard.

Thud!

Someone suddenly appeared behind Bihyeonhwa and swiftly stabbed her in the back.

“…Gah!?”

Her body stiffened momentarily.

It was a puncture wound.

The area was patrolled by the Mureim, and a few steps away was the location where they were about to return.

During that moment, someone stabbed Bihyeonhwa while she was frozen.

As Bihyeonhwa stood frozen, gradually overwhelmed by the sudden situation, her eyes rolling in fear.

“Ugh.”

Someone appeared behind her.

But no sound of footsteps could be heard.

That was even more terrifying.

“…!!”

The eyes of the observer, who confirmed the figure in front of them, widened.

The figure, who had dyed the observer’s blood, was a woman with long green hair that reached down to her back.

She had a slightly small stature and cute features, a person well known to the observer.

“Hello.”

“…!”

The woman with emerald green hair, Dang Soyeol, spoke to the observer.

Naturally, the observer couldn’t respond, but Dang Soyeol seemed unconcerned.

“It’s been a while. Sister.”

*Brush.*

Dang Soyeol’s fingertips touched the observer’s neck.

*Graze.*

As the nails touched the skin, blood flowed lightly, and the observer felt fear in their eyes.

Looking at the observer like that, Dang Soyeol said,

“Can we talk? I have something to discuss with you, sister.”

“…”

“If you understand, move your eyes up and down. Oh, if you don’t like it, you can move them left and right.”

At the moment when the observer unconsciously tried to move their eyes left and right,

“In return.”

Dang Soyeol continued.

“If I don’t like your answer, I’ll gouge out your eyeballs.”

“…!”

“You have two chances. Since you have two eyeballs, I’ll take them out one by one.”

“…”

Harsh words despite the cute tone.

Immediately, the observer’s pupils moved up and down.

Seeing that, Dang Soyeol said,

“Lucky. I was worried about getting blood on my clothes…”

She laughed as she wiped the observer’s cheek with her hand.