A Medieval Knight in a Martial Arts Novel

Answer.

Just an answer.

Throughout the evening meal, I couldn’t help but agonize over what response I should give.

Freedom.

That was all she wanted—nothing but freedom.

If I accepted her proposal, she would achieve her lifelong wish.

But, is it truly the right thing to do?

“Great Hero Wi, I respect whatever choice you make.”

Was that statement meant to mask her trembling, or should I take it literally?

I folded my arms and leaned back in my chair.

Ultimately, the conclusion of this date rests on my lips.

Thinking about it, maybe there’s no need for me to overcomplicate things.

I could accept.

Or I could refuse.

Whichever way, she is in a position where she has no choice but to accept my decision.

I looked up and met her gaze.

“Whatever the outcome, you must accept it.”

“I understand. But… I hope today’s events might influence Great Hero Wi’s decision.”

Today’s events.

It was a decent day, and I now understand how desperate she is.

However, thinking about Hye-ryeong waiting for me back at the lodging, I hesitate to answer rashly.

Even if I were to agree, it would be difficult to proceed if Hye-ryeong disapproves.

I took a sip of the cold tea before speaking.

“As you know, I already have a deep connection with Hye-ryeong. It’s not something I can resolve on my own.”

“Great Hero Wi is compassionate.”

Compassion.

“Perhaps there may be other options.”

“But… after spending today with you, Great Hero Wi, I’ve become even more convinced that it must be you.”

“Must it be me? Is there a compelling reason?”

“If I were to become Great Hero Wi’s wife… I believe it would be enjoyable.”

To think she finds the idea of becoming my wife enjoyable?

I glanced at Seo-ryeon, taken aback by her strange comment. Without her veil, Seo-ryeon’s face, which was normally covered by a mask-like smile, now looked at me seriously.

“I don’t think I have a personality that pleases others, but…”

“Perhaps that’s only what Great Hero Wi believes. Today, while on our outing, I had a wonderful time. It’s quite rare for me to experience such calmness in a day.”

Of course, as the youngest daughter of the Martial Alliance Leader, it’s not easy for her to have ordinary excursions. That’s the burden of being the daughter of a powerful figure.

“There might be a way to preserve this as a cherished memory.”

“But what if I don’t want it to remain only as a memory?”

Is she desperate?

As Seo-ryeon’s persistence grew stronger, I fell into thought, my fingers tracing the teacup.

While I might not lose anything by accepting her offer as a trade, would Hye-ryeong really approve? Glancing at her again, I asked:

“I will put this on hold.”

“On hold…?”

My reply left Seo-ryeon unsure how to react. My answer must have been rather delicate.

But I couldn’t help it. This is something too significant for me to decide alone. At the very least, I first need to consult Hye-ryeong.

“This matter isn’t just between the two of us. Thus… there is somewhere I need to go.”

——

We promptly returned to Haenam Manor to seek out someone.

Of course, it was Hye-ryeong.

“Good evening, Miss Seo!”

Hye-ryeong approached me and Seo-ryeon with her usual cheerful smile, whistling a little tune.

Her hair was still damp, indicating she had just finished bathing.

“Did you come because of that matter?”

“Yes.”

At my response, Hye-ryeong turned her gaze to Seo-ryeon. Seo-ryeon smiled but returned her gaze with slight trembling of her lips.

Is she nervous?

After a while, Hye-ryeong spoke up, surprising us with her candid words.

“Aren’t you quite charming…”

“What a wonderful person. Now, Miss Im, could we cut to the main point?”

“Sure!”

“Could Master Wi and I establish a relationship?”

“Yes!”

What?

I looked at Hye-ryeong, surprised by her very easy acceptance. Her look implied it was no big deal.

Even though this is a place where polygamy was practiced in Chinese society, is this really too easy? Maybe she hasn’t fully grasped the significance of the matter. No, that’s not likely. Hye-ryeong, while generally carefree, usually has good judgment, so it’s probably not an offhand remark.

“Hye-ryeong, could you explain your reasoning?”

“Hmm~ As long as my position isn’t compromised, I don’t mind if you take more wives. And there are a lot of women who have their eyes on you, you know!”

I never thought of myself as popular, but are there really so many women after me?

Perhaps it’s due to my martial arts attainments.

“You might seem a bit older than your age, but you’re still young! Your future is promising… and there are even a few prominent families who’ve considered offering marriage proposals to you!”

“How do you know all this?”

“Well, I do pay attention to the news surrounding you! These days, your name often comes up among the ladies too!”

“I guess I’ve become rather popular without even realizing it.”

“That’s because you’re great!”

Slightly embarrassing.

“I don’t plan to increase the number of wives, so if you ever hear such talk again, please nip it in the bud for me.”

“Yes!”

I have a mountain of tasks ahead, and I don’t need other women troubling me. I’m not someone driven by greed for power.

“Miss Im, you’re really diligent.”

“I don’t like troubling you.”

What a delightful girl.

Where did the whiny Hye-ryeong go? Seeing her mature response, I nodded appreciatively.

“Miss Im, so…”

“I will allow it as long as my rights aren’t infringed! Besides, there’s already someone else, isn’t there…”

“There’s someone else?”

Who could it be?

Hye-ryeong stared at me in disbelief at my reflexive question. Why is she looking at me like that?

“That’s a bit….”

“Master Wi, that’s somewhat…”

“That’s a bit much if you can’t even notice the obvious signals being sent from over there.”

“Oh, it’s about Mok-kyeong, then.”

There have been some signs lately.

I wasn’t sure if it was due to romantic feelings or merely excessive gratitude, but it seems the former now.

Thinking about this, it’s making my head spin.

Suddenly, the number has increased from one to three.

With Mok-kyeong, if I didn’t accept her feelings, I’d be thought of as trash, so this situation has quickly shifted from accepting either Seo-ryeon or nothing to considering both or nothing.

“If you permit it, I have no longer have any real reason to decline.”

“Thank you, Miss Im.”

“Instead, can you help me a bit? There are too many people trying to take an interest in you! I was shocked when a marriage proposal from the Great Five Families came about.”

The Great Five Families too?

While I’ve been dealing with the Demonic Sect, many other things have been happening.

“Master Wi seems to have no greed for power.”

“Once you start seeking power, it’s something you can never let go of, right? I have no interest in that.”

If anything, I’m more interested in money.

Quality meals often derive from wealth, after all.

That’s my only interest.

I don’t want power, nor do I wish to acquire it.

“I will ensure, as far as I can, a minimum of freedom.”

“Thank you… Master Wi. Should I call you ‘Lord’ instead?”

“That’s for later.”

So this matter is about to conclude?

I’m unsure if what I did was right.

If I die like this, only the three of them will be affected. With unease, my eyes turned to Seo-ryeon, who looked relieved, and the restless Hye-ryeong.

By the way, where’s Mok-kyeong?

“Hye-ryeong, where’s Mok-kyeong?”

“She’s probably meditating to regulate her energy. She’s been focusing on it a lot to recover quickly.”

Ah, that’s right.

She hasn’t fully reached the peak of mastery yet, and there are still internal wounds to heal, so this intensive meditation is sensible.

She wouldn’t be able to wield her sword properly in her current state anyway, so it’s a wise choice.

“Well… I suppose I should go.”

“I’ll escort you.”

“No, it’s alright.”

“Well, since we’re soon to have an arrangement, I should at least do this much, don’t you agree?”

“…Then, thank you.”

“Hye-ryeong, good…”

“Please go safely!”

With a cheerful wave, Hye-ryeong smiled broadly.

What does that understanding look on her face mean?

With a slightly uneasy feeling, Seo-ryeon and I left Haenam Manor.

The sky, now almost void of red hues, was filled with a round moon and countless stars.

“…Master Wi, today was really wonderful. Thank you.”

“Pardon my curiosity, but are you truly okay with this?”

Even though I stand to gain and Hye-ryeong has consented, I still wonder about Seo-ryeon’s true feelings.

As I delicately asked, Miss Seo-ryeon looked up at me and smiled.

It was a natural smile, different from her usual veiled or artificial ones.

“This is what I believe to be my best decision since I was born. So… let’s work well together in the future.”

“Thank you as well.”

I briefly responded and smiled.

Thus, the matter seemed to come to its end.

I wonder if I truly made the right decision?

As we walked under the starlit night, I couldn’t help but ponder that thought.

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