"......"
"That concludes the explanation of the trade items."
Seoryang finished speaking neatly and leaned back comfortably in his chair. Unlike Seoryang, who wore a relaxed smile on his face, Soyeonshim seemed to be sitting on pins and needles. Her face was filled with bewilderment, confusion, a hint of regret, and deep concern.
"Um... Young Master."
"Please, go ahead."
"Could you explain it to me once more?"
"Ah, of course. I can explain it again anytime. So, my request is..."
Seoryang explained once more, without missing a single word. Soyeonshim's hand trembled slightly.
"So, what you're saying, Young Master, is..."
"Yes."
"......"
"That's it. I believe you understood everything, as I know you are quite intelligent, Miss So."
Even though he said he could explain it again anytime, he drew a clear line. Of course, that wasn't the important part. Soyeonshim asked in a voice full of disbelief.
"So, you're asking to be included in this transport team, Young Master?"
"You understood perfectly."
"I know you're quite smart, Young Master. Right?"
"Quite so."
"Then you must also know how absurd your request is, right?"
"I remember Miss So confirming that this was a trade, not a favor."
"......"
"A trade must be clear."
"Can't we just end it as a favor?"
"As you know, the ship has already sailed."
"......Damn."
Even such a refined person uttered the word "damn." It was because she knew how absurd Seoryang's request was.
"Young Master, the transport team can only be composed of members from the main branch."
"Really?"
"......Of course, depending on the situation, members from other organizations might join."
"Then that's fine."
"Only in extremely exceptional cases."
"Think of this as one of those exceptions."
"This is different. You are the disciple of the Sect Leader, Young Master."
"Is that a problem?"
Soyeonshim felt like her heart was breaking. She wanted to pound her chest in frustration.
"If people hear that a successor candidate is included in the transport team, how do you think they will view Hwanhee Institute? They will surely look at me with suspicion, won't they?"
"You said before, Miss So, that you have the power to quell rumors even if they arise."
"When did I say that!"
"I remember you saying something to that effect. Isn't it true?"
It was undeniable. But the conversation shouldn't be going this way.
"Fine, yes. I do have that ability."
"Then it's settled."
"Please listen to me until the end!"
Her nerves were on edge, and her voice cracked slightly. Seoryang retracted his neck.
"Understood. Please continue."
"As you know, this is not just a matter of political retaliation or spreading bad rumors. It's not that I'm bothered by unnecessary rumors. If we're not careful, other organizations might start trying to align themselves with the candidates, and then the sect will be shaken!"
"Do you really think it will go that far?"
"Are you pretending not to know even though you do?"
"Snort."
"I can endure personal issues. But I can't agree to a request that might shake the sect."
Her voice sounded almost pitiful, but Seoryang did not sympathize with her.
"Can't you quell the rumors before they even start?"
"You know that's nonsense, right?"
"Whether it's a favor or joining the transport team, the headache from rumors is the same, isn't it?"
"......Why are you pushing so hard? I'd like to know the reason."
Seoryang shook his head firmly. Of course, he couldn't tell her the reason.
"Just think of it as wanting to get some fresh air."
"You know how vast the main sect is. You can get fresh air there."
"Can a fish tank as big as a mountain compare to the sea?"
"Fish don't roam the entire sea."
"I'm good at swimming."
His eloquence was unmatched. Soyeonshim, who almost got swayed, shook her head.
"No, this is too big of an issue."
"Is that how you're going to be?"
"I have no choice. If you had asked me for a hundred thousand nyang, I would have given it to you."
"You don't have that kind of money."
"That's how absurd your request is, Young Master!"
"Then what did you expect?"
"Pardon?"
"Did you not consider what someone who saved a life and even brought them back to life on the date you wanted would ask for?"
"......!"
"I won't talk about the price of a life. I don't like it. But this was a trade. It was Miss So who preferred a trade over a favor."
"......"
"Don't say something different now."
Soyeonshim, who had been glaring at Seoryang with bloodshot eyes, sighed.
"......I have no choice."
"You made the right decision."
"I never imagined you would make such a request."
"I'm known for being quite unpredictable. It's in my nature to be sly."
"Enough, first visit the Military Department. We have no time as we must leave tomorrow."
"Why the Military Department?"
"You need to get permission to leave the sect, don't you?"
Seoryang tilted his head.
"Why is that necessary?"
"You need to get direct permission from the Sect Leader. If you get permission to leave, you don't need to go with the transport team..."
"......"
"......"
"......"
"Isn't that right?"
"......"
"If you get permission from the Sect Leader, there's no need to join the transport team, and if you try to get permission from the Military Department, it will be reported to the Sect Leader anyway... So you're not asking to secretly join the transport team, are you?"
"Isn't it obvious? Why else would I insist on joining the transport team and irritate Miss So?"
"No!!"
Soyeonshim finally burst out.
"Deceiving the Sect Leader? That's impossible! I'll pretend I didn't hear this request."
"How is this deceiving the Sect Leader? It's deceiving others, but not the Sect Leader."
"What nonsense... No, what do you mean?!"
"The Sect Leader isn't interested in his disciples in the first place. He merely reigns, he doesn't rule. Why? Because that's what a god is. You know that, don't you?"
"......"
"Now that I think about it, I understand why there's so much talk about rumors... Don't worry. You can just swap me with one of your subordinates. It won't get caught."
"You say it so easily. Do you think swapping is easy?"
"Do I have to think about that too? I'm just making a request. To ensure our trade concludes neatly."
"......"
"......"
"Fine. Let's say it's not deceiving the Sect Leader. But this is too reckless! What kind of person in the world...!"
"......"
"I'm sorry. I misspoke."
"That's not why."
"Pardon?"
"You said swapping isn't easy, right?"
"......And?"
Seoryang grinned.
"I just thought of a good idea."
Srrrk. Srrrk.
The sight of Juhwa dressing herself one garment at a time was astonishingly beautiful. Despite being bedridden for months, her unique beauty hadn't faded. Even though she was emaciated, her beauty was dazzling.
After dressing, Juhwa slowly sat down in a chair. Muscles that aren't used tend to atrophy. Her limbs, as well as her entire body and internal muscles, would have shrunk, making movement difficult. Yet, Juhwa's posture was perfectly straight, as if she had maintained it all her life, more natural than anyone else.
She let out a light breath.
"Hoo."
The breath that escaped her lips still carried traces of bewilderment and curiosity.
"Has it really only been fifteen days since I lost consciousness?"
She couldn't believe it. The martial arts formula that the Sect Leader had taught her was incredibly mysterious. As she mastered the martial art known for its proficiency in healing, her body, devastated by qi deviation, visibly recovered.
But even at the fastest, she expected three months. Of course, being fully healed in three months was also incredibly surprising. She never imagined she would be completely healed in less than fifteen days.
With her body, which had been overturned by qi deviation, back to normal, regaining her former martial prowess was now possible. It would take some time, but not an excessive amount.
The despair brought on by the condition known as qi deviation. The feeling of being revived from the depths of that despair was indescribable.
Clench.
Her emaciated hand clenched tightly. Instead of feeling the same strength as before, a strong will burned within her.
"I must recover quickly."
How she recovered in fifteen days without even practicing was secondary. Having been bedridden for months, the accumulated work was surely not just a few.
"I must return quickly."
Even though it hadn't been half a day since she woke up, her determination was unwavering, proving she was indeed extraordinary.
While she was deep in thought about the future.
"May I come in?"
Juhwa was startled. She hadn't noticed someone approaching the door.
"Ah."
It couldn't be helped. Her disrupted dantian had healed, but her sense of qi hadn't returned yet.
Juhwa spoke up.
"Who are you?"
"Someone similar to a physician."
She tilted her head in confusion. If he was a physician, why say similar to one?
Creak.
Without waiting for her permission, the door opened. The person who entered was a young man who appeared to be around her age. His sturdy build, tall stature, and clear features made him a handsome young man.
The handsome young man, Seoryang, smiled.
"To think you can move like that already, you truly are strong."
Juhwa's eyes deepened.
"A master?!"
Even though her sense of qi was dull, her insight remained. His flowing gait, the stillness of his shoulders, and his clear eyes proved he was a master, both inside and out.
"Though your muscles have weakened, your originally excellent cardiovascular function means your stamina shouldn't be an issue."
"Who are you?"
"I told you, someone similar to a physician."
"I'm asking about your identity, not your profession."
"Identity... Well, you can hear that from the Sect Leader."
"......?"
"Ah, I can explain it like this. I'm the one who gave the martial arts formula to Miss So, allowing you to escape from qi deviation."
For a moment, Juhwa's eyes widened.
"......Are you the owner of that mysterious formula?"
"That's right."
Juhwa was taken aback. Though she was determined enough to ignite her will shortly after waking, she hadn't expected to meet the person who healed her so soon.
Slowly, she stood and bowed her head.
"Thank you for your grace."
Seoryang's eyes sparkled.
"Do you believe me without knowing who I am?"
"Bowing once isn't a big deal. And this is Hwanhee Institute. It's not a place where suspicious people can enter."
Seoryang's lips curled up.
"You're not ordinary."
Her quick judgment of the situation was impressive. Though he had heard she was strong-willed, she also possessed a certain flexibility.
"There was a reason Miss So praised you so much."
Juhwa's eyebrow twitched. Even though he was her benefactor, she didn't like how he casually referred to Soyeonshim.
"Well, good. If you restore your qi with meditation and stretch your body for half a day, there should be no problem with travel."
"......What do you mean by that?"
At that moment, the door opened, and Soyeonshim entered. She hadn't expected Seoryang to be inside already, so her face flushed with surprise.
Seoryang grinned at Soyeonshim.
"She's in much better condition than expected. She can come with us, don't you think?"
"Young Master, really..."
"Wouldn't it be more reassuring for Miss So to check quickly?"
Soyeonshim bit her lip.
Seoryang stood up.
"Helping her restore her qi daily by her side is better than being apart for a few days. It's actually beneficial for Chief Juhwa too."
What kind of conversation was this?
A bewildered Juhwa looked at Soyeonshim.
"Chief Juhwa."
"......Yes?"
"We'll leave tomorrow, so take care of your body."
"Leave, leave where?"
Seoryang grinned.
"Who knows? To a place where freedom breathes?"