A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 251

251. Guests Who Came on a Moonlit Night

The Namgung Clan was unusually quiet. Considering the shocking assassination attempt on the Clan Lord, the silence was almost eerie.

However, this quiet didn’t mean nothing was happening. Quite the opposite.

Strict orders were issued: all entry and exit of people and goods were prohibited, and key personnel were to remain at their posts.

The possibility of internal involvement in the attack couldn’t be ruled out. The stakes were incredibly high; such treachery was a capital offense. Consequently, the key figures of the Namgung Clan were gripped by icy tension.

The only place where the atmosphere was relaxed was Sohn Bin’s residence within the Namgung Clan compound.

“So, you feeling any better?”

No Gun asked, sitting on the edge of the bed and looking at Sohn Bin with his usual bluntness. Sohn Bin nodded, a touch of apology in his eyes.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“I wasn’t asking you.”

No Gun turned his gaze to Shin-ui.

“How is he, really?”

Shin-ui, who was carefully examining the silver needles inserted into Sohn Bin’s chest, sighed softly.

“This is… truly remarkable.”

*Shua.*

Shin-ui slowly withdrew the needles. Then, he tapped various points on Sohn Bin’s chest and examined the color of his pupils.

“Really? So he’s all better then?”

“How could he be *that* much better all at once? Basically, Bin-i’s condition is largely unchanged. He still lacks vital *qi* [life force or energy], and his meridians are still as wide open as a river.”

“What? So nothing’s changed?”

No Gun frowned, but Shin-ui wasn’t finished.

“But there *is* one significant difference. He’s surprisingly stable now. Before, his condition was as precarious as walking on thin ice. Now, it’s like crossing a fairly solid bridge.”

At Shin-ui’s words, Sa Su-yeon sighed in relief, gently touching her chest. Dang Wol-ah nodded quietly, and Seo-rin smiled brightly, clinging to Sohn Bin’s arm.

“At this point, it’s safe to use medicine.”

“Medicine?”

Sohn Bin, who was struggling to fasten his clothes under Seo-rin’s enthusiastic attention, looked puzzled.

“Yes. Old Man Eo made medicinal pills and decoctions from the Gyo-ryong [mythical dragon-like creature] he caught. Some have expired, but there’s still enough to nourish your body.”

“I still have the pills you gave me before.”

“Are you talking about the ones I gave you when you went to the North Sea?”

“Yes.”

Before Sohn Bin’s journey to the North Sea for Sa Su-yeon, Shin-ui had given him two pills, assuring him they would be helpful in an emergency – one for Sa Su-yeon and one for himself.

“Just keep those. They’re for emergencies.”

“I understand.”

*Click.*

Shin-ui packed his silver needles and instruments and stood up.

“Rest up. I’ll go check on the other kids for a bit.”

The “other kids” he referred to were Hyeolbong and Guigyeon-soo, who were being cared for by the Namgung Clan’s doctors under strict supervision.

Sa Su-yeon rose to see Shin-ui off, and Sohn Bin bowed his head in gratitude. Shin-ui soon left the residence.

“Tsk, why does trouble always seem to find you?”

No Gun clicked his tongue, looking at Sohn Bin. Sohn Bin offered an awkward smile.

“Still, I’m glad it turned out alright. But how did you even know to come here?”

No Gun and Dang Un-yeong had explicitly said they were going to explore the area separately. Sohn Bin hadn’t asked for help. It was strange that No Gun was here.

“Well, I just happened to be passing by and thought I’d stop in.”

At Sohn Bin’s skeptical look, No Gun coughed, avoiding eye contact. He glanced at Sa Su-yeon, Dang Wol-ah, and Seo-rin before speaking quietly.

“Actually, Youngmae [Dang Un-yeong’s nickname] told me to check on you.”

“Madam Dang?”

Sohn Bin referred to Dang Un-yeong as ‘Madam Dang’ because she was married to No Gun.

He was even more puzzled that she would send someone to check on him. No Gun elaborated.

“She said… Youngmae said you’re like a gold coin lying in the street.”

“Yes?”

“She said you have a strong sense of responsibility and are too kind to women. If you’re not careful, some girl you’ve never met might just pop out and ‘pick you up,’ so to speak. Besides, the Namgung Clan is known for… *cough*… that sort of thing.”

Sohn Bin gave a wry smile.

“I wouldn’t do that. I’m not completely thoughtless… Huh?”

As he spoke, Sohn Bin noticed Sa Su-yeon, Dang Wol-ah, and even Seo-rin nodding in agreement with No Gun’s assessment.

“Um… I really wouldn’t.”

Sa Su-yeon, Dang Wol-ah, and Seo-rin turned to look at Sohn Bin, their expressions unreadable. They weren’t blaming or mocking him, just observing.

However, given the recent incident with Namgung So-yoo, Sohn Bin couldn’t help but look away.

“Anyway, I’m glad you’re safe.”

Sa Su-yeon said softly. The sincerity in her voice resonated with everyone present.

“I’m really… glad.”

The slight tremor in her voice made Sohn Bin feel a sense of solemnity. Feeling a warm affection rising in his heart, Sohn Bin smiled.

“Yes. I’m glad too.”

Sohn Bin’s smile was brighter than ever.

*

*

*

Because Shin-ui had advised rest, the group soon left Sohn Bin’s residence. Sa Su-yeon, Dang Wol-ah, and Seo-rin returned to their respective accommodations, and No Gun headed back to the city where Dang Un-yeong was waiting.

Sohn Bin, now alone, got out of bed. Shin-ui had told him to rest, but Sohn Bin was well aware of his own condition.

After a quick wash and change of clothes, Sohn Bin stood before Baekro [White Dew], his sword, which hung beside the bed.

*Woong.*

Baekro hummed quietly, almost like a puppy begging for a walk. A smile naturally bloomed on Sohn Bin’s face.

Sohn Bin reached out and gently stroked Baekro’s scabbard. Hidden within, Baekro appeared to be just an ordinary sword.

*Shua.*

As he grasped the hilt, a subtle warmth flowed through his hand and into his chest.

‘Come to think of it, you and I have a deep connection.’

Baekro had been forcibly taken from Hwanghak Jin-in [Yellow Crane True Man]. Yet, Baekro had saved Sohn Bin’s life countless times, not just as a sword, but with a significance that went beyond that.

“The moon is bright, so Baekro cries.”

Sohn Bin recited in a solemn tone, then burst into laughter.

Just imitating the words didn’t make him Saja-hyeok [Four Division Hero]. But he had wanted to say those words at least once.

“Now, shall we go out?”

Sohn Bin, having taken Baekro, turned and walked out.

“It would be rude to keep the young lady waiting too long.”

*Click.*

Outside the door, the night was still and quiet. As if the day’s tumultuous events had never happened, only the serene moonlight illuminated the garden.

*Shua.*

Sohn Bin stepped into the garden. It was just a figure of speech, but the moon was indeed exceptionally bright.

Looking at the moon that faintly illuminated the dark world, everything felt somewhat surreal.

“Haaa.”

Sohn Bin took a deep breath. Was this how Saja-hyeok felt when he gazed at the moon?

After staring at the moonlight for a moment, Sohn Bin turned his head and spoke.

“Come out.”

*Sabak.*

As if in answer to Sohn Bin’s words, a soft footstep sounded from the darkness.

*Sabak, sabak.*

A woman wearing the Namgung Clan’s uniform emerged into the moonlight. Her figure was feminine, and her face was slightly flushed. It was none other than Namgung So-yoo.

“How did you know I was here?”

Namgung So-yoo asked, clasping her hands together. Sohn Bin smiled at her slightly trembling voice.

“It’s just a coincidence.”

Namgung So-yoo didn’t believe that. If he hadn’t sensed her presence, there was no reason for Sohn Bin to be outside.

“But why are you here at this hour, young lady?”

Namgung So-yoo sighed softly.

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“Ah, I see.”

Though he said that, Sohn Bin tilted his head.

It was possible she couldn’t sleep, but was there any reason to come *here* just because of that?

“But why are *you* here at this night…?”

“That sword from earlier today.”

Namgung So-yoo said.

“What on earth was that? I’ve never heard of such swordsmanship in my life. No, can you even call that swordsmanship?”

Her voice was no longer trembling or hesitant. Namgung So-yoo stared directly at Sohn Bin with shining eyes.

“I saw your sword at the former Deungwanggak [a pavilion], but it wasn’t this level back then. Whether I’m sitting, standing, or lying down to sleep, the sword I saw today keeps popping up in my mind, so I can’t stay still.”

Her hands were tightly clenched, as if trying to calm her agitation, and placed on her chest.

“Actually, I didn’t even see it properly. I still don’t know what happened back then. But… but just thinking about that sight makes my heart race like this. What on earth *are* you…?”

Namgung So-yoo asked, struggling to control her trembling hands.

“Who are you?”

Her question was loaded with meaning.

If she had simply seen an amazing master, she would have asked how he had reached such a level.

If she had witnessed excellent swordsmanship, she would have pondered the sword’s intent (*劍意* [jian yi] – the will or spirit behind the sword).

However, Namgung So-yoo’s question wasn’t about ‘how’ or ‘what’. She couldn’t even imagine being able to do what he did.

“Well.”

Sohn Bin scratched his head. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand Namgung So-yoo’s question.

Perhaps this was how he had felt when he faced Saja-hyeok?

But even so, he didn’t have any particular answer to give.

“Even if you ask me that, I don’t know either. But the difference between you and me probably isn’t that great.”

Namgung So-yoo opened her eyes wide.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Sohn Bin nodded.

“People each carry their own burdens and live their own lives. Whether you call it fate or destiny.”

At those words, Namgung So-yoo sighed deeply.

“That’s not what I mean. I’m…”

Namgung So-yoo bit her lip. She seemed to have a lot to say, but she stopped herself.

After sighing quietly, she raised her head again.

“Still, I’m glad I came.”

She said with a soft smile, a comfortable and natural expression on her face.

“I feel a little calmer after talking like this. I really couldn’t stay still earlier.”

“I usually train when that happens.”

“I can’t. The central training hall is off limits.”

In fact, it wasn’t wise for Namgung So-yoo to be out of her residence like this. The order to remain at their posts had been given to all key figures in the family, and everyone was trying to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

“And Namgung-hoon *oppa* [older brother] has already taken over the other training hall.”

Namgung So-yoo sighed deeply. She wasn’t the only one who couldn’t stay still despite the risk of being misunderstood.

Perhaps Namgung-hoon also wanted to find Sohn Bin, but whether it was pride or just a male thing, Namgung-hoon had chosen to swing his sword like a madman alone.

Thanks to that, Namgung So-yoo had come here, giving herself the excuse that ‘I have to find another training hall,’ even though no one had asked her to.

“At least *oppa* is lucky. The elders are probably pacing around their rooms right now, not knowing what to do.”

Namgung So-yoo, imagining the usually dignified elders’ helpless expressions, chuckled.

The higher their level, the more shocked they would have been by Sohn Bin’s sword.

Sohn Bin tilted his head.

“Is it because of the beast?”

If the elders of the Namgung Clan couldn’t sleep at night, what else could it be? It was a natural assumption for Sohn Bin, but Namgung So-yoo didn’t see it that way.

Namgung So-yoo, who had been staring blankly at Sohn Bin, suddenly burst into laughter.

“Pfft. Ah, hahahaha.”

Namgung So-yoo laughed, holding her stomach. Sohn Bin, not knowing the reason, gave an awkward smile and waited for her to calm down.

“Ahaha. Haha.”

Namgung So-yoo, wiping her eyes slightly, looked at Sohn Bin.

“Thank you.”

“Yes?”

“I feel energized somehow. It’s like you’re not that far from me.”

“People are all the same, aren’t they? Is there really that much of a difference?”

Sohn Bin’s words were sincere. Namgung So-yoo smiled, looking at Sohn Bin.

*Swaaaa.*

The wind blew, and Namgung So-yoo’s hair fluttered. Her expression was no longer anxious or flushed.

Namgung So-yoo spoke quietly and softly.

“Please be good to Hyang-i *unnie* [older sister].”

She suddenly put strength in her eyes and placed her hand on her waist. Then, she said to Sohn Bin with a bold expression.

“If you ever make her cry, I’ll definitely come and argue with you. Got it?”

“I, I told you, I’m…”

Namgung So-yoo, interrupting Sohn Bin’s words, smiled. And she quietly bowed to Sohn Bin.

*Shua.*

As she stood neatly, clasped her hands together, and bowed, her silk-like hair cascaded down like a waterfall.

“Ah!”

Sohn Bin was surprised and quickly bowed in return.

Namgung So-yoo, who had bowed politely, slowly raised her head again. Sohn Bin also raised his head and looked at her.

“Your words, your teachings, your sword, and… your smile.”

Namgung So-yoo looked at Sohn Bin with a soft gaze. Placing one hand on her chest, she said.

“I will cherish it.”

“Yes?”

That felt a little too much to be a simple thank you, but Namgung So-yoo didn’t elaborate.

*Jebak.*

She took a step back and turned her body around. And she ran away with light steps.

*Tak tak tak.*

Namgung So-yoo’s back quickly disappeared into the darkness. She didn’t look back or hesitate. That’s how she vanished into the night.

“Hmm.”

Sohn Bin wore a troubled expression.

Namgung So-yoo still had a serious misunderstanding about the relationship between Sohn Bin and Namgung Hyang. Besides, the admiration she showed for Sohn Bin was a bit excessive.

‘Well, anyway.’

She was at a very sensitive age. Sohn Bin wasn’t that old either, but as time passed, her excitement would subside, and everything would become a memory.

However, Sohn Bin sighed, comforted by the fact that it wouldn’t be a bad memory for her.

*Sabak.*

Sohn Bin turned around and spoke into the darkness.

“I think you can come out now.”

*Saaaa.*

Frost spread on the ground. And a woman’s bare feet, as white as snow, were lightly placed upon it.

*Sabak.*

Jet-black long hair, a sword carefully wrapped in both hands.

The beautiful swordswoman with a pale face appeared under the moonlight, radiating coldness.

“There was an unexpected guest. I’m sorry for making you wait.”

Sohn Bin said politely.

Originally, Sohn Bin had come out to meet the swordswoman. It was just a coincidence that Namgung So-yoo had been there. Since he hadn’t actually made an appointment with the swordswoman, there was no real need to apologize.

*Sabak, sabak.*

The swordswoman approached Sohn Bin, stopping at the distance where their swords would touch if they faced each other.

*Jebak.*

With her uniquely calm eyes, the swordswoman looked at Sohn Bin, remaining silent for a long time.

‘Hmm.’

Sohn Bin, meeting her gaze, felt a slight embarrassment.

Maybe the swordswoman was angry. The ‘perfect sword’ she had been expecting was now too far out of reach for Sohn Bin, or rather, it was a completely different matter.

Since she was the swordswoman who had said she would ‘watch,’ there was no way she wouldn’t know that. The reason Sohn Bin had come out to meet her was to make that clear.

‘Should I say something first?’

Just as Sohn Bin was thinking that, the swordswoman’s red lips slightly twitched.

“Sword.”

“Yes?”

Sohn Bin asked, but the swordswoman didn’t elaborate. Sohn Bin tilted his head, but at least it didn’t seem like she was asking to spar right away.

‘Does she want to see the sword?’

That was the impression he got. But you never knew, so Sohn Bin took a light breath and drew Baekro.

*Seureung.*

Under the blue moonlight, Baekro’s blade was revealed. The simple and beautiful form was admirable no matter how many times you saw it.

*Seuk.*

Sohn Bin held Baekro in one hand and lightly extended the sword towards the swordswoman. It wasn’t filled with any particular momentum, just a movement to show it.

The swordswoman looked at Baekro and slowly drew her half-sword, Binggeom [Ice Sword].

Her sword left the scabbard without a sound, revealing its appearance.

The swordswoman holding Binggeom extended her sword towards Sohn Bin, just as Sohn Bin had done, as if showing her sword to him.

*Tok.*

The tips of Baekro and Binggeom lightly touched. There was no tension, no sparks, no tremendous momentum. And neither of them was looking at the swords.

Sohn Bin looked at the swordswoman, and the swordswoman looked straight at Sohn Bin. The swordswoman, looking at Sohn Bin, said:

“As expected.”

*Seureuk.*

The half-sword retreated and disappeared into its scabbard.

“It’s exciting.”

*Click.*

“Yes?”

Sohn Bin didn’t understand her words, but there was something he had to say. Making her sword perfect was now a completely different matter for Sohn Bin.

“I, young lady…”

“It’s okay.”

Sohn Bin’s words, which he had been trying to say while putting away Baekro, were cut off before he could finish.

The swordswoman hugged her sword with both hands and said to Sohn Bin, still with those calm eyes.

“Because what I want to see has changed.”

“Yes?”

Suddenly, Sohn Bin realized he had been just asking questions for a while now, but he couldn’t help it. He couldn’t properly follow the swordswoman’s train of thought.

Fortunately, this time the swordswoman answered Sohn Bin’s question.

“Not the perfect sword.”

The swordswoman said, looking straight at Sohn Bin.

“I want to see the end of your sword.”

*Sabak.*

The swordswoman took a step back and disappeared into the darkness before Sohn Bin could say anything.

*Swaaaa.*

When the wind blew, the white frost vanished in an instant. Now, there wasn’t even a trace that the swordswoman had been there.

“Hoo.”

Sohn Bin sighed, shook his head, and muttered to himself.

“I don’t understand at all.”

It wasn’t that he had a prejudice against women, but he couldn’t understand women’s hearts at all.

Suddenly, he worried that ‘maybe I misjudged Namgung So-yoo’s feelings too’.

“Haa.”

Sohn Bin, sighing again, raised his head. A sliver of moon cast a blue light on the dark world.

‘Shall I train since I’m already out here?’

He couldn’t sleep like this anyway. Sohn Bin glanced down at Baekro and strode towards the nearby small training hall.

The blue moonlight bathed Sohn Bin’s shoulders as he walked.