Isipguho removed her splint, swinging her sword with pride as she shouted.

"Samsipho! Let’s spar!"

And so, I obliged.

Isipguho was left crawling on the ground after getting thoroughly pummeled by my wooden sword.

"Why... why are you even stronger now...? I’m at the pinnacle too... I can even generate sword aura...!"

"This is the reward for risking my life in battle."

"I also risked my life, you know?!"

I had finished preparing to leave. But just before departing the Sama family estate, a guest arrived.

It was Nohacheon, the Soul-Severing Sword.

He came with his disciple and requested to see me. The moment we met, he greeted me with a deeply bowed head.

"I misunderstood you. I wronged you in a way that cannot be taken back. I apologize."

I had already heard about the situation from Samaak. The Soul-Severing Sword had been deceived, and even the faction he belonged to, the Nachal Sect, had failed to grasp the truth behind these events.

"It’s fine. The Nachal Sect was merely answering a call, weren’t they?"

"...Ahem. You have a fine character. There’s no unnecessary pretense in your words."

Nohacheon’s hand briefly brushed against my arm.

"...Elder?"

"You’re well-tempered. Your foundation is solid. Jinmyeong, are you watching? With a foundation like this, the body responds even when pushed to its limits. This isn’t something that can be achieved with talent alone."

"Yes, I’m watching, Master."

Guk Jinmyeong.

The disciple of the Soul-Severing Sword looked at me with an intense gaze. There was no outright hostility, but something ambiguous lurked behind his expression.

"Samsipho, what kind of relationship do you have with Isipguho?"

"...? She’s a comrade."

"Is that all?"

"Yes. That’s all."

"I see."

Guk Jinmyeong’s expression eased slightly. Puzzled, I asked.

"Why do you ask...?"

"We cross swords often, so I was curious."

"Didn’t Isipguho remove her splint just yesterday?"

"We exchanged many words before. It’s called nongeom—a debate of the sword. Its sharpness is no different from sparring, so calling it ‘crossing swords’ isn’t wrong, is it? It also means that I’m close to the lady."

"...Fair enough."

There was a subtle barb in his words, though I couldn’t quite figure out why. I replayed the conversation in my mind, wondering if I’d done something wrong.

Nohacheon, who had been examining my muscles, turned his head suddenly.

"I hear that within the Blood Demon Unit, once you meet the qualifications, you can leave and seek other opportunities."

I nodded. Nohacheon continued in a low voice.

"When that time comes, do you have somewhere to go? I may look like this, but I lead the Amsa Division of the Nachal Sect. If you wish, I could arrange a position for you."

"I appreciate the offer, but I have somewhere else to be."

"Where?"

"I’m bound to Ilma."

I stopped there, unable to mention Cheonma.

Nohacheon nodded, a complex expression on his face.

"I understand there’s a deep connection between you and Ilma. I suppose there’s nothing I can do about that... But."

His tone trailed off, and his hand suddenly gripped my shoulder.

"Are you the disciple of Cheonhyeol Inma?"

"...No, I’m not."

"Do you have another teacher?"

"I... don’t?"

"Does the Soul-Severing Sword interest you?"

"The Soul-Severing Sword?"

"Yes! The Soul-Severing Sword! It’s the perfect blade for someone persistent like you. I’ve never seen anyone as tenacious as you! It’s as if the Soul-Severing Sword was created for you! It suits you perfectly!"

His grip on my shoulder tightened, and his eyes burned with intensity.

"If it’s you... perhaps you could reach its peak!"

"S-ss... Master?! Didn’t you say I was your heir—"

"I can have two disciples! Jinmyeong, you’ll still be the senior disciple. He’ll just be a junior under you!"

"Junior... If he’s a junior, then... wouldn’t that bring him closer to Isipguho—"

Guk Jinmyeong’s gaze sharpened as well, and he grabbed me alongside his master.

"Samsipho. The Soul-Severing Sword is the ultimate sword technique. Learning it would do you no harm."

"Exactly! Well said! We need talents like you! If you ever lose ties with Ilma, would you consider coming to the Nachal Sect? I’ll always have a position ready for you!"

"P-please let go of me—"

"Samsipho. It’s an incredible opportunity for you. The direct guidance of the famed Soul-Severing Sword—where else would you find such a chance?"

"Yes! That’s it! Keep persuading him, Jinmyeong! I’ll personally speak to the Nachal Sect Leader. A talent like you would be welcomed with open arms!"

"P-please—!"

The commotion finally ended after some time. Unable to convince me, Nohacheon clicked his tongue in disappointment.

"That’s a shame. May I ask why?"

"I cannot call you my teacher, but there is someone I hold in my heart as a master."

I thought of Ilma.

I smiled faintly as I reflected on my relationship with her.

"I’ve already learned someone else’s sword. How could I dare to covet the Soul-Severing Sword? It would be beyond my place. Please understand."

"...Hah. If only I’d found you sooner."

Nohacheon patted my shoulder.

"If you’re that resolute, I won’t push further. But I’ll prepare something for you as an apology. When you have time, come see me."

"An apology...?"

"I’m not inviting you to the Nachal Sect. I’ll simply prepare a gift as a token of my regret. After all, even though we crossed swords, now that the misunderstanding has been cleared, there’s no reason we can’t have a good relationship."

Nohacheon smiled.

"I like people like you. I admire martial artists like you. Even without a formal bond, it’s a blessing to form a lasting connection with someone like you. If you ever need me, call for Nohacheon of the Soul-Severing Sword. Beyond the apology, I’ll step forward for you."

"...Thank you."

It was an invaluable gift—establishing a relationship with the Soul-Severing Sword of the Nachal Sect.

Guk Jinmyeong also offered me a courteous bow.

"Samsipho. I look forward to our next meeting."

"Likewise, Guk Jinmyeong."

"If you ever visit the Nachal Sect, please bring Isipguho along as—"

"That’s enough."

"Yes, Master."

Nohacheon dragged his disciple away. Later, I found Isipguho and mentioned Guk Jinmyeong’s name. She shuddered violently.

"He keeps pestering me to spar with him. He got cut by me once, so why is he so fond of it?"

"Isn’t that a sign you’re close?"

"Close? I hate him. And he always stares at the wrong places when he sees me. His eyes are practically oozing with lust."

Isipguho spat beneath her mask with a disgusted expression.

"Are we leaving tonight?"

"It’s best. We’ll slip out under the cover of darkness."

"Shouldn’t we inform the Sama family before we go?"

"They’re busy enough already. No need to make things worse for them."

"Hmm..."

Isipguho smiled faintly.

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Alright then."

Night deepened as we stepped out together.

It was a quiet night, the air completely still. The estate seemed to be asleep, and the outside world was equally silent.

Isipguho glanced back at the residence behind us.

"I’ve grown attached to this place. It’s a bit sad to leave."

"That’s true."

We looked back at the estate for a moment before moving on. Between the buildings we passed, many windows still glowed with light.

"They’re still busy, I see."

"I heard that once this is over, Cheonakmun’s assets will be transferred to the Sama family."

"What happened to Cheonakmun’s leader?"

"I heard he’s also being investigated by the Sahyeoldae. The Sahyeoldae is practically a one-man enforcement agency. The surrounding sects must respond immediately when summoned by

the Sahyeoldae. Refusal would be an act of rebellion against the Sect Leader. And given their individual power, they could wipe out an entire sect on their own... Cheonakmun’s leader wouldn’t

dare run away."

Isipguho clasped her hands together and bounced excitedly.

"Ahhh… Ilma-nim turned out to be even cooler than I imagined. Even though I couldn’t see her face under the mask, her voice and presence were exceptional!"

"…Was she different from what you thought?"

"It felt more real, you know? Seeing her smack the back of your head so effortlessly… I was moved. To handle a man so roughly like that! She’s definitely my role model. Haa... haa… I must become friends with her!"

"Are you that happy about me getting hit on the head?"

"Yes. It was extremely satisfying to watch."

"......"

"You’re not sulking, are you?"

"I’m not."

"You’re totally sulking."

"I’m not sulking."

"Come on, look ahead."

Isipguho raised her hand and pointed forward.

"Someone’s waiting for us."

"……?"

It was the main gate of the Sama family estate.

Standing where only the gatekeeper should have been was someone else.

"Samsipho."

A tall figure leaned casually against the wall, wearing black martial robes and looking visibly tired. The lord of the Sama family gazed up at the moon awkwardly before clearing his throat.

"Where did you learn this ridiculous habit of sneaking out like a stray mutt next door?"

"……"

I glanced sideways. Isipguho whistled under her mask.

"Oops. Who would’ve thought that muttering to myself would reach the ears of the Sama family head?"

"......."

"What? People make mistakes, don’t they?"

I sighed and stood in front of Samaak.

"I thought you were busy, so I intended to leave quietly."

"Is that proper etiquette?"

"I don’t know much about etiquette, having been raised without it."

"…You little punk."

Samaak smirked and handed me something.

"What’s this?"

"It’s liquor. Sip on it if you get bored on the road."

"The path is rough. I shouldn’t drink."

"Then crawl. With how crooked your life already is, a little stumble won’t make it worse."

The sarcasm was as sharp as ever. I smiled faintly and tucked the box into my bag.

"Where are you headed?"

"I plan to return to where I came from."

"…I see."

Samaak looked off into the distance, clearing his throat a few times before speaking again.

"How old did you say you were?"

"I’ll be twenty-six soon."

"Click. Such a young brat."

"I heard you’re only a year older than me."

"One year is still older, you punk."

Samaak stepped aside.

"Get out of here."

"…Yes."

As I walked past him, I turned to glance back. His expression looked a little bitter. I smiled softly.

"Samaak. I hope everything you pursue goes well."

"Hmph. I don’t need your concern. The Sama family will become the greatest of the noble houses and regain its former prestige. And…"

Samaak frowned.

"And stop calling me Samaak. Address me properly."

"…Excuse me?"

"Call me hyung."

"…Hyung?"

"That’s right. Now get out of here, you lousy bodyguard."

Samaak let out a laugh.

"If you ever need a meal, come back. Even if you have nowhere else to go, come. The Sama family doesn’t forget its debts. You saved the entire family, after all…"

For the first time, I saw a new expression on his face.

The corners of his mouth softened ever so slightly into a smile.

"If you ever need help, call me. You damned little brother."

The unspoken meaning was clear.

He was offering to treat me as family.

I couldn’t find words for a moment. Isipguho chimed in.

"What about me?"

"You’re still here?"

"Ah, damn it! Why did I even save you?!"

"I’m joking. You can come back too… if you want."

"The tone is completely different!"

Watching them, I couldn’t help but laugh. I chuckled so hard I had to stop for a moment, then pulled the liquor bottle from my bag. I uncorked it, lifting my mask just enough to down about a third in front of Samaak.

The taste was exceptional. It wasn’t just ordinary liquor—it had a depth that passed smoothly down my throat. A taste that carried respect.

I held the remaining bottle out to Samaak.

"Have a drink, hyung."

"…Tch."

Samaak took the bottle and drained the rest without hesitation.

"The elder drinks first, you idiot."

"I was never taught that."

"Figures. You’re a piece of work… Hey, girl."

"I’m not drinking from the same bottle as him."

"Then pour it on your head or something."

"…Just this once. Sigh."

Isipguho sighed, lifted her mask slightly, and finished the bottle cleanly. Samaak took the empty bottle and nodded.

"Isipguho. Samsipho. What are your real names?"

We exchanged glances. I hesitated, unsure whether to reveal it or not.

Seeing our hesitation, Samaak clicked his tongue.

"You fools. Do I look like someone who’d go around blabbing your names? I have no reason to, and I don’t care to."

"Can’t you say that more politely?"

"Me? Why would I? I’ve lived like this my whole life. It’d be stranger to change all of a sudden. You want me to treat you with a fake smile? Fine, I’ll do that."

"If you’d just stay quiet…"

Isipguho sighed and finally spoke.

"Baek Mae."

"And you?"

"……"

…Here, it should be fine.

After a brief moment of hesitation, I opened my mouth.

"Jeok Woon."

"Jeok Woon? Red cloud, huh. A strange name for a strange guy."

"Hey! That’s rude!"

"Are you his wife or something?"

"W-what did you just say?! Ha! Unbelievable!"

"You didn’t deny it."

"Wh-what are you talking about?! Ha! Seriously, this is ridiculous!"

Samaak shook the empty bottle.

"Jeok Woon. Baek Mae. I’ll remember those names. This bottle will sit on the highest shelf in my room. As long as I’m alive, it’ll stay there."

"......"

"If you ever need money, just ask. I’ll send some your way."

Samaak turned and began to walk off. A few steps away, he glanced back at me.

"Don’t go too far."

It was a clean farewell.

And so, I responded in kind.

"It’s been a pleasure, hyung."

"…Hmph."

Samaak walked away again.

This time, he didn’t look back.

"You’re the most foolish bodyguard I’ve ever hired. You don’t belong in the main sect."

"......."

"But still."

His hand waved lazily as he disappeared into the night.

There was a slight awkwardness to it.

"It wasn’t so bad, Jeok Woon."