Try Living Well Without Me

Although I intended not to draw too much attention, I refrained from using any grand techniques, not even hinting at high-level martial arts or anything related to the dantian.

Still, perhaps because there were so many enemies, I’ve inadvertently become the talk of the town.

Being the subject of people’s chatter is something I’ve endured for a very long time, but right now, it feels anything but welcome.

At least, I am somewhat relieved that people don’t look at me with a negative gaze.

“The sect owes you an immeasurable debt of gratitude that we can never repay.”

Among those who express such sentiments is Bukryong Sword of the Haksan Sword Gate, standing right before me.

“…”

“Should you desire anything, please let us know. We will do everything in our power, even risking our lives, to meet your request.”

“Everything…”

His words are all too familiar to me.

During the days when I would exhaust myself for the sake of justice and righteousness, I used to hear such phrases nearly every day.

Is this perhaps the first time in a long while that I’ve acted out of chivalry?

No, that isn’t true at all.

I merely performed my duty as a bodyguard, protecting my lord.

All I did was cut down the enemies and safeguard my master.

This is different from the past, when I truly helped and protected the weak out of goodwill.

“Nor is there any need to risk your life.”

“My lord, simply state your desires. Whatever it may be, we will fulfill it.”

“Something as simple as a carriage and provisions will suffice. Once Sword Flower awakens, we will depart.”

“Ah, understood!”

“And… when the official proclamation is made, ensure not to alter the truth. That is all I ask.”

“Proclamation? Altering the… truth?”

Bukryong Sword appears genuinely confused.

Is he really oblivious to what I’m implying?

Or is he, like others, choosing to turn a blind eye to uncomfortable truths, pretending ignorance?

“The title of the Seven Flowers. Didn’t your Miss lose to Sword Flower in their duel?”

“…Pardon?”

It seems he truly was unaware.

Could it be that So So Namgung hasn’t informed him yet?

The last time I saw her, she seemed to be in a poor mental state. Perhaps that’s why.

“S-Sword Flower defeated So So…?”

Why is Bukryong Sword reacting like this?

Clack.

I understand his bewilderment.

After all, Haksan Sword Gate is in decline, and it no longer possesses any grandmasters like the Twelve Patriarchs from before the war with the Blood Cult.

With the loss to Sword Flower, and the title of Seven Flowers taken away, even the Jupa Ilbang may cast them out.

Of course, he wouldn’t want that.

It’s only natural for the Sect Leader to be against it, and his pride must be wounded.

He might even erupt in fury at the situation itself.

But even so…

“Refrain from such thoughts. Would you have me erase Haksan Sword Gate today to teach you a lesson?”

“Ah! My apologies! I… I lost my senses for a moment! Lately, my anger has been getting the better of me!”

Yes, let’s attribute it to his anger.

His anger must’ve led him to entertain such horrifying thoughts, even against a benefactor of his stature.

…Does that even make sense?

No matter how frustrated or irrational someone is, does anyone truly think like that?

Unless they belong to the Blood Cult or the Devil Sect, shouldn’t even the righteous factions uphold some moral principles?

Whether intentionally or not, have I saved people like him, despite the massacre I’ve committed?

“Very well.”

“Haha… My lord, your magnanimity truly reflects your virtue!”

Indeed, there’s no reason to be surprised now.

Hasn’t it always been like this?

Expressions of gratitude… promises to risk one’s life in repayment…

Just within this arc alone, countless people have said such things to me.

What happened when I fell from grace?

These people could do nothing, and I understand that.

If it were mere rumors or unsubstantiated accusations, one might be swayed. But now, with all the charges against me clearly established, what can they possibly do?

In the martial world, I have been branded a public enemy, and among officials, they merely postponed my execution while implicitly ignoring my existence.

“Then, farewell. I shall take my leave.”

“Understood…”

Still, a sense of estrangement lingers.

I devoted everything to saving these people, offering my mind, time, life, and even death…

And yet, I feel that none of them truly see me as a benefactor.

“Haha.”

As I pass through the courtyard cloaked in dark shadows, an empty laugh escapes me.

I’ve known all this from the start, so why am I so shaken now?

Or perhaps, knowing it all but truly confronting it face-to-face evokes such emotion?

Whatever the case, it is far from a pleasant feeling.

“Haha…”

As I aimlessly drift with the insincere chuckles, I make my way back to Gayoung Jin’s quarters.

“Sir… please…”

A woman wrapped in bandages, wearing martial robes, steps forward to halt me.

It’s So So Namgung.

Despite her injuries surpassing those of Gayoung Jin, she has awoken earlier, showcasing her superior martial prowess.

But why does she continue to act this way?

Does she still harbor lingering feelings for me?

“Miss Bi Hwa.”

“Are… you leaving?”

You truly are pathetic and pitiful.

What is it with you, kid?

“Yes.”

“…”

“Is there anything else you wish to say?”

“No… no, there isn’t…”

There are many things she wishes to convey, yet if she refuses to speak, I see no reason to press her.

“Then, farewell.”

As I move to leave after exchanging a parting word…

Rustle.

Namgung So So grabs the hem of my clothes.

Her grip is gentle but unmistakably resolute, unwilling to let go.

Clang.

I swung my arm and disengaged without much difficulty.

“What are you doing?”

“Please… don’t leave…”

“Again with this nonsense. You’re suggesting I should become your subordinate now?”

“It’s not about being a subordinate! Just… please stay by my side for a while…”

“Don’t say such things. You’ve already lost the duel to our Miss. What lingering feelings do you still harbor?”

“But… still…”

Soon, you will lose the title of Seven Flowers. Your Haksan School might even be expelled from the Jupa Ilbang.

Why can’t you see this obvious reality? Is it just because of me?

“Incomprehensible.”

“I’m sorry… but… leaving like this… it’s…”

Namgung So So’s persistence isn’t unfamiliar to me.

Namgung Cheolbin used to act similarly from time to time.

But now, it is merely tiresome.

I understand how much effort she has put in for me.

And yet, those words won’t vanish so easily.

That is why I tried to ignore and distance myself.

Even while feeling some guilt, anger still lingers within.

“Your actions make me uncomfortable. Do you understand?”

“…”

“In that case, I truly will take my leave.”

The martial world may be vast, but it’s also small. We will surely meet again.

By then, I hope our relationship has stabilized somewhat… but alas.

Swish.

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…! But I just can’t let you go…”

Truly unreasonable.

Even going as far as drawing her sword against a wounded opponent.

My anger, simmering since my encounter with Bukryong Sword, flares up again.

“Do you think I cannot break through your defenses?”

Before, I held back to avoid drawing attention, but the attention has already been drawn.

No one will be surprised if I handle an injured Namgung So So and move on.

“If I don’t do this… you’ll just leave without a word…”

“And if you continue this, I’ll leave regardless.”

“B-but…”

“Exhale.”

Infused with subtle emotion, I extend my hand.

Clash.

Even as my palm catches her blade, she does not resist.

What is she trying to do?

Whoosh.

“…”

“If you raise your sword against me again, I will no longer hold back.”

Not intending to reveal my feelings, yet my emotions remain hard to control.

Evidence that my mind and body have yet to find peace.

I strip her weapon, throwing it to the floor, and prepare to leave.

Namgung So So grabs me again.

Turning my head sharply, I see her kneeling.

“Now, nothing matters… even if it’s underhanded…”

“Exhale.”

“If you leave… I won’t be able to eat… my energy flows won’t settle… it’s like my internal energy will revolt…”

“So?”

“Not much… I only wish… for you to stay by my side…”

“How far should I bend for you?”

“…”

“Didn’t I save your life? Is this the respect one shows their savior, clinging with baseless stubbornness?”

“That…”

“I have my limits too. Your behavior is incredibly disrespectful. Stop this immediately.”

My voice echoes a growl.

A single provocation more, and I might rip you apart.

Perhaps sensing my ferocity, she begins to sob.

“I… I’m not trying… to make you uncomfortable… hic…”

Why do you cry now?

Just by being around you, I feel uncomfortable.

You lecture me with words like that, then shamelessly ask me to stay by your side.

Clack.

Has the string of frustrations been wearing on me?

Namgung So So is truly tiresome, thinking only of herself.

“Trash, just cut off your damn thing. You’re revolting and nauseating.”

“Wha…?”

Her head, bowed deeply, slowly rises at my words.

Her face is a mask of shock.

And the more she reacts, the more I feel wretched.

“Didn’t you say that to me?”

Plop.

Something has fallen to the floor.

The white mask I’ve worn all this time reveals my hidden truth.

“Big Brother…?”

Namgung So So’s voice trembles.

Her pupils wildly fluctuate.

Does she remember the words I once spoke?

“Big Brother… you were Byul Rak…?”

Her lips twist with disbelief.

She seems to deny reality.

Why?

Does it upset you that I am Byul Rak?

“I am no longer your big brother.”

“No…”

“Can you finally let me be?”

“Big Brother…”

“Don’t call me that. I am no longer a part of the Namgung family.”

“Uh…”

People easily forget the insults they’ve spewed at others.

No matter how close they felt or how inappropriate the words.

Skrick.

Her hand, which gripped my foot, slips away.

Namgung So So appears as if struck by a hammer to the head.

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