CHAPTER 68: SWORD FLOWER OR SWORD DEMON (4)

Dan Yuseong’s POV

"G-Grandpa... If it’s hard to speak, you can tell me later."

"No... I must say it now... Listen, Yuseong. This is your grandpa’s last request..."

Blood stained Grandpa’s cough. My mind went blank. I wasn’t a doctor, but I knew coughing up blood wasn’t trivial.

"G-Grandpa..."

"I want to smell the plum blossoms of Huashan..."

Thud

Those were his final words.

After Grandpa’s funeral, I packed my meager belongings and headed for Huashan. With him gone, the secular world held nothing for me.

Huashan’s entrance exam was grueling. Even robust kids with strong builds failed left and right. How could someone like me—weaker than most girls my age—possibly pass?

"Huff... huff..."

Realizing normal methods wouldn’t work, I made a swift decision.

"Please let me join the sect!"

"W-Wait! What are you—"

I clung to the examiner’s leg. If it had been a man, I wouldn’t have dared. But knowing adults—especially women—often took a liking to me, I latched onto her, sobbing as I shared my story: my only family, Grandpa, had passed, his dying wish to smell Huashan’s plum blossoms.

"...What a pitiful story."

Thanks to that, I was admitted without further scrutiny. I wondered if it was really that easy, but I couldn’t dwell on it. I chose gratitude and moved on.

Grandpa...

His final wish, my only family’s desire—I’d make it happen, no matter what.

+

Han Soyeon’s POV

Master had gone into secluded training. This was dangerous. Until now, thoughts of her or Yuseong had helped me rein in my spiraling emotions. But with her absent, I wasn’t sure I could control myself if those feelings surged again.

Lately, my emotional outbursts had grown fiercer. Yuseong’s adorable actions already tested my composure, but picturing him chatting warmly with another girl ignited a murderous rage. I’d caught myself imagining gouging out the eyes of anyone who looked at him, slicing out the tongue that spoke to him. Realizing how dark my thoughts had turned terrified me.

When did I become like this?

This wasn’t me. I’d once found joy in kindness, despite my lack of sociability. Now, these horrifying thoughts filled me with dread.

Was it safe to see Yuseong in this state? What if my emotions overwhelmed me and I couldn’t hold back? What if I hurt him?

Tremble tremble

I don’t want that...

No matter what, I couldn’t hurt Yuseong. His purity and kindness were precious. If my selfishness caused him pain, the guilt would destroy me.

Just hold on a little longer...

I decided not to see him that day. I hadn’t warned him, so he might wait, but I didn’t trust myself to face him without losing control.

I trained relentlessly, trying to drown out thoughts of him. But no matter how fiercely I swung my sword or circulated my inner energy, Yuseong lingered in my mind.

I yearned to rush to him, to be welcomed into his arms, to hold him in mine, to stroke his lovable face, to press my nose against his fragrant body, to tear off his clothes, pin him down, lick the tears of betrayal streaming down his face, and see the shock in his eyes.

...?

Something felt wrong, but I couldn’t pinpoint it. Forcing my mind to settle, I trained until sunset. When it was time to rest, I collapsed onto my bed.

Even then, Yuseong haunted my thoughts.

Just sleep already...

I hugged my head, begging for sleep. But his image persisted.

What did Yuseong do today?

I hadn’t shown up, so he might’ve waited too long. Knowing him, he’d have stayed, hopeful. What did he feel? Did he think I had a reason? Did he feel betrayed?

I’m sorry...

I’m a failure of a nuna. I couldn’t control my emotions, lacking the confidence to face him without causing harm.

I’m so sorry...

Imagining Yuseong waiting alone for hours brought tears to my eyes. Then, in my mind, another girl approached him.

[Why are you alone?]

[Oh... I’m waiting for someone, but they haven’t come...]

[Oh, dear. How about coming with me instead?]

[But my nuna...]

[She left you waiting alone. She probably didn’t even think about you. Come on, let’s go.]

[...Okay.]

Crunch

My eyes snapped open. The blanket in my grip was torn.

"No..."

I can’t let anyone have Yuseong. He’s mine. No matter who dares covet him, I won’t forgive them.

Shing

Grabbing my sword, I raced to our usual meeting spot. My fantasies were likely nonsense, but I had to see for myself. The cold wind cooled my overheated mind as I ran.

There’s no way Yuseong would do that.

I was overreacting. Nearing the spot, I saw him.

Swish swish

Yuseong was swinging his sword. Relief flooded me. I felt ashamed for doubting him, even briefly.

Seriously... I need to stop overreacting...

The idea of another girl approaching him—and him going along—was absurd.

"Yuseong~"

My head clear, I called out, ready to greet him.

Flinch!

He trembled at my voice.

"N-Nuna, you’re here?"

"Yeah... Something came up today. Sorry. I’m really late, huh? I’ll explain."

I spread my arms, approaching. His expression was awkward.

Step back

He retreated as I neared.

"...Why are you avoiding me?"

"N-Nuna... I’m all sweaty right now..."

"I’ve told you I like your sweat’s scent, haven’t I? Come here."

"..."

Perhaps my cold tone unnerved him, but he approached, trembling, and let me embrace him.

"Haaa..."

Resting my chin on his shoulder, I inhaled his scent. How could even his sweat smell so divine? But today, something else lingered—a different scent—

Boom!

"Urk!"

Yuseong hit the ground, head first, my hand pressing down on him.

"Who was it?"

"W-What do you—"

"Who was she?!"

Another woman’s scent clung to him—revolting, nauseating. By the time I realized—

Crack

Nothing held back my rampage.

Crunch crunch

Who the hell...!

It wasn’t a mistake. His body reeked of another woman’s filthy scent.

Grip

"Who was it?"

"W-Wait, Nuna, there’s a misunderstanding—"

"I’ll decide if it’s a misunderstanding."

"Hic!"

Unleashing my killing intent, Yuseong’s body shook uncontrollably. His meager martial arts, not even third-rate, couldn’t withstand my genuine murderous aura.

Yes, I felt true killing intent toward Yuseong.

If I can’t have him... then I’d rather...

Tremble tremble tremble

I spoke to the quaking boy beneath my intent.

"Tell me. Now."

"W-While I was waiting for you, another nuna came up and asked who I was waiting for..."

"[Nuna]?"

Clamp

My hand wrapped around his slender neck.