Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 20

Yeon Ho-Jeong, upon seeing Jeagal Ayeon, turned his head away, his expression clearly annoyed.

It was embarrassing enough, but Jeagal Ayeon didn’t seem to mind at all. Instead, her face lit up with a welcoming smile.

“Have you been well?”

“It’s only been two days.”

“I’m just happy to see you.”

It was hard to understand what kind of friendship they had built for her to be so openly affectionate.

Yeon Ho-Jeong addressed Peng Dae-Ho.

“Anyway, I apologize for the intrusion.”

“Huh? Uh? Oh! It’s, it’s alright! It’s not like the place will wear out or anything.”

“Then.”

“A-are you leaving?”

“That’s right.”

“…Okay, take care. See you later.”

With that, Yeon Ho-Jeong went into his lodgings.

Jeagal Ayeon was just about to call out to him again when a voice interrupted.

“Young lady.”

“Yes?”

“It’s time to get a room.”

“Oh, but Jun has all my luggage anyway. I was just going to have a cup of tea with my friend…”

“Young lady.”

“…”

“…”

“Alright, alright.”

The elderly warrior bowed respectfully.

“My subordinate was being presumptuous. I apologize.”

“Oh, it’s okay! I remember what Father said. Hey, Jun. Find us a nice place to stay!”

“Of course.”

“Eeeek.”

“Aah! Why, why are you doing this! You’re messing up my hair!”

“It’s all because I love you, you rascal.”

“Love, my foot! It’s just spite! Huh? But why are you being spiteful?”

“…”

“…Alright! Let’s go get a room! Let’s go!”

Just as the Jeagal siblings were about to leave, Jeagal Ayeon suddenly looked at Namgoong Hyeon.

“Oh? Brother?”

Namgoong Hyeon spoke with a slightly awkward expression.

“It’s been a while.”

Jeagal Ayeon bowed gracefully. It was a completely different demeanor from when she was with Yeon Ho-Jeong or Jeagal Jun.

“Have you been well?”

“Yes. Have you been well too?”

“Yes.”

“…”

“Then, I’ll see you later.”

Jeagal Ayeon’s formality was impeccable. Anyone could tell she was a young lady from a prestigious family.

However, there was an inexplicable awkwardness. It didn’t seem comfortable for Jeagal Ayeon to be so formal with others.

With that, the Jeagal siblings also went to find their lodgings.

Namgoong Hyeon’s gaze deepened as he watched Jeagal Ayeon walk away.

When he returned to his quarters, Yeon Ji-Pyeong was already there.

“Brother?”

“Have you arrived?”

“I called out, but you didn’t answer, so I came in to check.”

“Good, you did well.”

“But did Jeagal and Jun come too? I heard their voices from afar.”

Indeed, Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s senses were exceptional. Unless he had been focusing, it was not a distance where he could have heard voices from the gate.

“Yes.”

“That’s good. It’s a relief that someone we know has come.”

“Are you nervous?”

“…A little?”

A straightforward fellow.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and gestured towards the window.

“It seems they’ll be staying in the west building. Go have a cup of tea with them.”

“What about you, brother?”

“I’m fine.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong scratched his head.

“Brother, can I ask you one thing?”

“Anytime.”

“Do you dislike Jeagal?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.

“No? I don’t have any particular feelings.”

“I see.”

“Why?”

“It’s just that before, and now, it seems like you’re keeping your distance from her.”

“There’s no reason to dislike her, but there’s no reason to like her either, right?”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s expression went blank.

It was an expression that seemed illogical yet understandable. But it was the first time he had seen someone define relationships so clearly.

“Erm, then I’ll go!”

“Alright.”

As Yeon Ji-Pyeong left, Yeon Ho-Jeong sat by the window.

He seemed happy to see them. Looking down, he could already see Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s back as he went down.

‘He looks happy.’

A subtle sense of self-reproach settled on Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

‘He wouldn’t have been like that in the past.’

It was so long ago that his memories were hazy. But when he came to the later generation gathering in the past, it was a time when he thoroughly hated his younger brother. He probably wouldn’t have made friends with others because he was too busy watching his own back.

‘I will never let that happen again.’

That was also the reason why he kept his distance from Jeagal Ayeon. Jeagal Jun was wary of him, but Jeagal Ayeon wanted to break down that rigid wall.

In fact, it was a welcome thing. Even if he was a benefactor who had saved her life, it was a great blessing to have someone approach him so openly.

That was why Yeon Ho-Jeong was wary of others.

More precisely, he was wary of himself.

‘I won’t fail this time.’

The back of Yeon Ji-Pyeong, running with joy.

He didn’t want to cast fear and emptiness on that vibrant back. He didn’t want to show a terrible future to his family, not just his younger brother.

…At least until the Three Teachings’ Rebellion broke out.

If possible, even after the Three Teachings’ Rebellion.

‘Enemies are everywhere.’

He couldn’t let his guard down in a situation where he didn’t know who the enemy was. Thinking that way, his assessment of the Peng family was also too hasty.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, sitting on the floor, crossed his legs.

His half-opened eyes looked as hard and dark as steel.

“I wish it wouldn’t go as far as the Nine Great Sects.”

An hour later.

“Young Master, the gathering has begun. Everyone is asked to gather in the inner banquet hall.”

“What about Moyong and the Myeong family?”

“They have just arrived.”

* * *

“It’s been a while, brother.”

“Wahahaha! It’s been a long time! Has it been a year?”

“It has.”

“Wow! It’s only been a year, but you’ve become so much prettier!”

“And you brothers have gotten bigger?”

“We eat so well.”

“Hahaha!”

“And it’s so cheap.”

“…I don’t want to hear about that.”

As they entered the outdoor banquet hall, the first thing that caught their eye was the Peng brothers. Their massive physiques and the booming voices that seemed to shake the sky were all elements that drew everyone’s attention.

However, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes did not go to Peng Dae-Ho or Peng Man-Ho. They were directed towards the woman who was talking to the two of them.

‘Moyong!’

She was a pure beauty who didn’t seem to be even twenty years old yet. But the inner energy she was hiding within her was truly remarkable.

Her potential was even greater than that of the Peng brothers. And Yeon Ho-Jeong knew well what kind of power it was and who this woman was.

‘It’s Moyong Gun’s daughter.’

Moyong Yeon-Hwa. [慕容蓮花] (Her name means ‘Moyong Lotus Flower’).

She was a peerless heroine who led the Moyong family in place of the Martial Alliance Leader, Moyong Gun. Leaving aside her personality, her abilities were so outstanding that even Moyong Gun acknowledged them.

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his head.

She was a woman he had clashed with countless times when he led the Black Emperor Castle in the past. But that wasn’t important now.

‘First, the Myeong family…’

It was then.

“Who are you looking for?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned around.

Jeagal Ayeon was standing there, smiling.

“Have you come?”

“…I think I’ve said this before, but your way of speaking is really like an old man.”

“It’s nothing.”

“There you go again.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong scanned Jeagal Ayeon’s attire.

“What’s with that outfit?”

Jeagal Ayeon smiled.

There was a strange bitterness in her smile, which always seemed bright.

“It’s quite flashy, isn’t it?”

When they first met at the Choseong Tower, and when they entered the manor, Jeagal Ayeon’s attire was simple. Her beauty was so outstanding that even the clothes she wore seemed flashy, but in reality, they were closer to moderately luxurious activewear.

It was different now.

Her figure in the splendid court dress was truly magnificent. The dress, made of high-quality light green silk with red plum blossoms embroidered on it, suited her bright and beautiful looks so well.

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“It’s nice.”

“Really?”

“Yes, it suits you well.”

Jeagal Ayeon looked into Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes were clear. They were so clear and emotionless that they had a strange power to make those who looked at them feel strangely intimidated.

However, Jeagal Ayeon’s expression was bright.

She had heard that she was pretty since she was young. But such compliments often included negative emotions such as jealousy and desire.

It was the first time she had received such a simple compliment from someone other than her family. Naturally, she couldn’t help but feel good.

“Right? It’s a bit too much, but…”

“It’s not too much?”

“R-really?”

“It’s not like you’re covered in gold. There are tons of people who dress ten thousand times more flashy than you.”

It was true.

In the underworld, there were many people who dressed flashily beyond their means. It was because there were so many guys who tried to gather power by showing off their abilities and wealth. Compared to that, Jeagal Ayeon’s attire was not even considered ordinary.

A comfortable smile spread across Jeagal Ayeon’s face.

Those who were quick-witted were also good at managing their expressions, but she didn’t know how to hide her emotions.

“There’s a seat over there. Let’s go sit down.”

“I’m fine.”

“Come on, don’t be so stubborn even in a good seat. Let’s go have a drink.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was about to tell her not to be annoying, paused for a moment.

‘Indeed.’

If there was a family behind the attempt to destroy the Yeon family, the heir of that family would surely know that fact.

Naturally, they would be watching him and Yeon Ji-Pyeong.

‘Come to think of it, there was no need to act so conspicuously.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“Let’s do that.”

“Hehe.”

“Don’t stick so close to me.”

“You’re so prickly.”

“Shut up.”

“Isn’t it tiring to live with that kind of personality?”

“If it was tiring, I wouldn’t live like this.”

“Hmm, that’s true.”

“So, move away. It’s hot.”

“It’s so chilly today, how can you be hot? Besides, with your level of martial arts…”

Jeagal Ayeon realized her mistake and coughed.

“Sorry. Was that unnecessary?”

She certainly had a knack for reading the room. She didn’t think Yeon Ho-Jeong was hiding his martial arts, but she knew he didn’t want to talk about it.

With that, the two sat down. The food, which had been prepared in advance, was a bit cold, but it was still delicious.

Yeon Ho-Jeong readily filled Jeagal Ayeon’s cup. Jeagal Ayeon also smiled and filled his cup.

“Can I ask you one thing?”

“Yes.”

“Is the Yeon family’s martial arts that strong?”

“The Jeagal family’s martial arts should be as good as the main family’s.”

“Aha? The important thing is not the martial arts, but the person?”

She understood immediately. Jeagal Ayeon was good at grasping the other person’s intentions.

Jeagal Ayeon giggled.

“You’re subtly bragging about yourself? Well, I guess you have the right to brag.”

“It’s not a skill to brag about.”

“Is that modesty?”

“I’m serious.”

Jeagal Ayeon read the sincerity in Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face. He genuinely thought his martial arts were not that great.

Jeagal Ayeon, who had been staring at his face, asked.

“Do you want to become stronger?”

“It’s the desire of every martial artist.”

“That’s true. Then, is your dream to be the greatest under the heavens?”

The corners of Yeon Ho-Jeong’s lips curled up.

It was a smile that only slightly curled up the corners of his lips. But the weight it carried was not light.

“If I’m going to be moderately strong, it’s better to be the greatest under the heavens.”

“…That’s true.”

Jeagal Ayeon, who had muttered to herself, nodded again and said.

“That’s right. It’s better to be the best than mediocre. Or rather, to be the worst.”

Jeagal Ayeon smiled brightly.

“You’re lucky. You have a dream.”

Being the greatest under the heavens wasn’t his dream.

Yeon Ho-Jeong didn’t bother to say that.

“Don’t you have a dream?”

“Me? Hmmm!”

Jeagal Ayeon pursed her lips and pondered. No, she pretended to ponder.

“You’re definitely mature? I’ve never thought about my dream yet.”

“Does not having thought about your dream make an adult a child?”

“Hmm, I’ve never thought about it that way?”

Jeagal Ayeon nudged Yeon Ho-Jeong’s arm with her elbow.

“When I talk to you, I really feel like I’ve become a child. I’ve never been called stupid, though.”

“Don’t talk nonsense, just give me some wine.”

“Huh? When did you drink?”

“Give me the bottle.”

“Alright! I’ll pour it for you! You’re so impatient. You didn’t even toast and you already drank it?”

One person drank with a blank face, and the other person giggled and chattered. It was a common combination, but the problem was the atmosphere between the two.

It was a truly unreserved atmosphere. Even though a man and a woman were sharing drinks, it looked simple and familiar.

The later generation disciples gathered at the banquet hall glanced at the two of them.

For whatever reason, a beautiful woman was smiling brightly and sharing drinks. And the young man next to her, though his impression was somewhat sharp, was handsome enough.

The scene made the later generation disciples feel a strange sense of emotion. It felt as if there was a separate protagonist at this banquet.

How long had it been?

“You look like you’re having a lot of fun?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong and Jeagal Ayeon turned their heads.

Dang Yang-Seon was walking towards them with a smile, his hands behind his back.

“I don’t have any friends, so can I join you?”