Chapter 137
“Also, Lord Commander’s gaze is so heartfelt, it even makes me feel heavy-hearted just watching.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
Doyul looked a bit embarrassed.
The League Master waved dismissively with a playful smile.
“No need to apologize. Actually, I should be recovering faster, but I can’t help but feel guilty.”
“In that case, you should rest for the day.”
The physician quickly advised.
“Hmm, I see.”
The League Master clicked her tongue briefly but did not voice any further complaints. She understood that her health had a significant impact on the League’s affairs.
“Oh, speaking of which, the teapot is empty…”
“I’ll ask someone to refill it immediately.”
Lord Commander quickly took the teapot and rose to his feet.
At the same time, Yerin and Doyul exchanged glances and stood up as well.
“Then we’ll take our leave.”
“You’ve worked hard.”
Even in her exhaustion, the League Master didn’t lose her smile.
However, Yerin couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness seeing that smile.
* * *
Outside the League Master’s chamber, Yerin and Doyul encountered unexpected news.
“Good heavens, is it Young Master?”
Jo Youngju had come looking for them.
“Big Sister!”
Considering the somber atmosphere at the League, Youngju didn’t jump in joy as usual.
Instead, she approached with swift steps and grabbed Yerin’s hand warmly.
“Big Sister, how have you been?”
Youngju’s smile was bright, but her emotions seemed mixed.
‘Meeting Big Sister like this feels incredibly overwhelming and joyful.’
However, knowing the League’s tense mood, openly expressing happiness seemed a bit restrained.
Moreover,
“I… heard about the situation in Tang Sect from Father. Are you okay?”
“Hmm, more or less.”
Yerin gave a bittersweet smile in response to Youngju’s cautious inquiry.
‘News spreads fast.’
After all, Youngju’s father, Jo Haseong, was a prominent figure not only within the League but also a renowned Bureau Chief of Jo Yangpyo’s Bureau, a well-regarded intelligence agency in the central plains.
With such information access, it was inevitable that Youngju would hear about events in Tang Sect.
‘In the original story, Jo Yangpyo’s intelligence network plays a significant role in assisting Doyul.’
Moreover, the recent scandal in Tang Sect was too major, and Yerin herself had made it public.
Therefore, it was no surprise Youngju had heard about it.
“Big Sister, stay strong.”
Youngju, glancing around nervously, clenched her fists in encouragement.
Yerin forced a brighter smile.
“Of course. Having you here gives me even more strength.”
“You’re….”
Youngju felt her chest tighten, her emotions overwhelming her.
Though Yerin’s involvement with Blood Sect had brought disgraceful circumstances, losing her father and older brother had left a deep void.
‘It must hurt a lot.’
Despite her composed demeanor, Youngju couldn’t help but feel sorrowful.
‘Even the League Master is bedridden now, and yet you’ve come all this way.’
‘Honor and compassion—you seem to embody everything a perfect noble would.’
Youngju folded her hands over her chest and gazed at Yerin with misty eyes.
“…how can Big Sister be so magnificent?”
“It means a lot that you see me that way.”
Suddenly, Yerin gave a playful smile in response.
‘Oh no.’
Youngju instinctively covered her mouth.
Lost in thought, her honest words slipped out without her realizing.
‘What if—oh, so embarrassing!’
Youngju’s face flushed red instantly.
“W-What? Pretend you didn’t hear!”
“Why not? I heard it.”
“But still!”
“You like your big sister this much, right? Admit it.”
The two were playfully bickering.
Eventually, it was Youngju who surrendered.
“By the way, Big Sister, I brought some snacks too.”
Youngju intentionally changed the subject.
Yerin had teased Youngju enough earlier, so she decided to go along with it this time.
“Really? That’s very thoughtful.”
“The League Master and Somi are getting some too, so I brought plenty. Let’s drink some tea together!”
As they continued their conversation, Youngju suddenly felt a sense of unease and tugged on Yerin’s sleeve.
“Um, Big Sister.”
Lowering her voice, Youngju whispered.
“Why is Lord Commander so quiet today?”
If it were the usual Doyul, he would have been upset the moment he saw Youngju, asking why she even came. Yet, after greeting Youngju, Doyul remained silent, lost in deep thought.
“Of course, I don’t care if Lord Commander is quiet or not, but something just feels off.”
Youngju added with a hint of playfulness.
“If Lord Commander’s condition is strange, it’s obvious that you’ll worry, Big Sister.”
Yerin quietly watched Youngju and then slightly narrowed her gaze.
“Thanks for worrying.”
“No, I’m not worried about Lord Commander! I’m worried about you, Big Sister!”
Youngju snapped back.
“Sure, sure. As if I don’t know how much you care about me, Youngju.”
With a nonchalant nod, Yerin glanced at Doyul from the corner of her eye.
‘…His expression really isn’t good.’
Ever since seeing the League Master yesterday, his expression had been dark.
‘Still, considering the League Master seemed a bit better today, I thought Doyul’s mood would improve.’
Slowly approaching Doyul, Yerin called out.
“Doyul.”
“Ah, yes.”
Doyul quickly straightened his expression and turned to her.
“Let’s go drink tea with Youngju. You’re coming too, right?”
“Of course.”
Doyul responded with a faint smile.
However, his smile seemed to lack genuine enthusiasm.
* * *
The three made their way to a side hall.
Youngju entered energetically and cheerfully called for ‘Myonyeonbingjung’.
“Somi!”
“Woof?!”
Startled by the sudden shout, Myonyeonbingjung jolted awake and jumped up from his nap.
“Woof woof!”
Myonyeonbingjung barked fiercely, clearly annoyed at being woken up from his deep sleep.
However,
“Somi, look at this.”
With a mischievous grin, Youngju held up a bag high, showing it clearly.
“I brought snacks for you!”
“Woof!”
Myonyeonbingjung quickly shifted his attitude, enthusiastically wagging his tail and eagerly accepting the treats. Yerin watched the scene with a somewhat irritated look.
‘Does he really think he’s a dog?’
Youngju puffed out her chest proudly and looked back at Yerin and Doyul.
“This is chestnut rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste, a delicacy that’s sold out immediately at every stall in the morning!”
– Alright, let’s eat the rice cakes first!
Myonyeonbingjung practically dragged Youngju’s skirt, pulling her down to sit.
‘…Why do I get embarrassed again?’
Yerin covered her face with her hands.
* * *
To summarize, Youngju’s chestnut rice cakes were truly delicious.
– Humans really… kept such a delicious treat all to themselves?!
Myonyeonbingjung eagerly devoured the rice cakes, not satisfied even after finishing them, burying his face in the bowl to lick up the remnants of red bean paste.
Yerin, observing this, glanced back at Doyul.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
‘…He didn’t even touch the rice cakes.’
Though he smiled politely, it was clear Doyul had no interest in the treats or the conversations going on with Youngju.
“Lately, everyone’s been going through so much. The League Master’s also unwell…”
Just as Youngju chattered on, Yerin snapped back to attention.
“It’s true the League Master’s absence is huge. Father is very concerned as well.”
Youngju sighed heavily.
“I hope she recovers soon.”
“Indeed. I never thought the League Master would be bedridden for this long.”
“Even though it’s not a serious illness, it’s the first time the League Master has been so ill.”
Youngju, oblivious, continued eating rice cakes with a slightly furrowed brow.
“…”
“…”
Yerin and Doyul exchanged a subtle glance.
Jo Haseong was a respected figure in the League.
Considering even his daughter, Youngju, remains unaware of the League Master’s condition, it seemed…
‘At least Commander Ju has done well to control information.’
Thinking this, Yerin glanced briefly at Youngju.
‘Even the Bureau Chief seems to be able to conceal the League Master’s condition from his beloved daughter.’
Inside her thoughts, Yerin raised her opinion of Jo Haseong slightly higher.
At that moment, Youngju shook off crumbs from her fingers and began speaking.
“Oh, by the way, I heard a strange story recently.”
“A strange story?”
“You know how tea houses are really popular in Hangzhou, right?”
“Of course. We even visited one together, Youngju.”
Yerin nodded.
Tea houses, known for their scenic views and delightful snacks, were a beloved social spot in Hangzhou.
“So, these tea houses have become so popular that even common people have started cheap versions, popping up everywhere.”
“Tea houses are certainly a hit.”
“But the thing is… there’s one particular tea house where professional spies, known as ‘Jeongja-su’, often go.”
Jeongja-su referred to workers employed by the Bureau, responsible for protecting information and serving as bodyguards. Unlike other warriors, Jeongja-su had no martial skills, being ordinary citizens.
“That tea house sells some peculiar tea.”
