CHAPTER 71: GOLDEN ORCHID TAVERN (2)

Sword Empress’s POV

Lovers who’d shared their hearts? Two people who’d given each other their firsts? But...

We agreed to pretend it never happened.

His idea. Since it was for treatment, and firsts mattered, clinging to it without mutual feelings would hurt us both. I’d agreed. So, what were we?

...What are we?

Friends? Companions? Guardian and ward? No word fit perfectly. Pretending it didn’t happen didn’t erase that day’s memory. How did he see it? I didn’t know what the Blood Cult had done, but he’d given himself willingly—almost eagerly, chasing pleasure. The next day, he’d asked to forget it, and I was content knowing he didn’t hate me after I revealed myself. But that was separate. How did he view that day? It tied to my pride as a woman.

...Maybe this is my chance.

After this tavern, we’d head to Shaanxi, and I wouldn’t stay with him much longer. If I got him drunk, I could ask about that day—and maybe...

Flush.

Snap out of it! You’re a Taoist!

Even if ascension was out of reach, would I discard all my teachings? I swung an imaginary sword through my mind, scattering those thoughts.

"Hehe. We’re here. Please, come inside."

’Huh.’

Lost in thought, I hadn’t noticed we’d arrived. The spot they led us to was, as promised, perfect for a quiet moment—enclosed, private, with soft lighting and a faintly soothing incense burner that...

Wait.

"This incense..."

"Oh, it’s a special blend to set the ’mood’ for our guests. Good for your ’health,’ too, you know?"

"..."

She didn’t say it outright, but I knew exactly what this incense was for. I could neutralize it with my inner energy without issue—but him? If he fell under its effects...

"If it bothers you, shall we remove it?"

"...No, leave it."

"Hehe. Understood."

Maybe this tavern wasn’t so bad, I thought, glancing at the man beside me. The woman was still pressed close to him, but...

"For now, this... and this... some dumplings as a side, and... oh, some vegetables too."

"Y-Yes, got it!"

He studied the menu intently, while she scrambled to keep up, sweat beading on her brow. Come to think of it, he was the type who cared more about the booze.

Didn’t he say he drank to forget what Soyeon did to him?

Even with his memory gone, did that pain linger? I was curious, but asking might stir those memories—and if it did...

Better not.

Imagining him looking at me with disgust sent a sharp pang through my chest.

+

Dan Yuseong’s POV

"The drinks you ordered are here."

"This is it?"

"W-We’re still preparing the rest, so if you could wait just a bit..."

"...Guess I’ll start with this, then."

"Thank you for understanding..."

The woman, far less sultry and more frazzled now, set the table and retreated. I’d had high hopes for the "finest tavern in the Central Plains," but the staff disappointed. All I’d done was order a twelve-year-old liquor—the last batch made—and they didn’t even know it? The menu wasn’t long; shouldn’t they memorize their own offerings?

"The staff’s not as impressive as I expected. Thought ’finest in the Central Plains’ meant more."

"...They probably don’t get many customers like you."

"Ha, even if a peerless beauty poured it, if the liquor’s bad, I’d walk out."

My eyes, accustomed to Master’s beauty, played a part, but I’d never liked taverns that prioritized looks over quality. Once, a gambler I’d bonded with over drinks recommended a place—only for two women to cling to me, chattering and ruining my drink. That stuck with me.

Wonder if Master likes liquor?

I’d never seen her drink, but her vibe suggested she might. Maybe when she’s back, I’ll suggest a drink together.

"Let’s see how this tastes. The list looked fancy enough..."

Slurp.

The moment it hit my tongue—

Gulp, gulp, gulp.

"Kuh!"

It was damn good. Scratch that earlier complaint. This wasn’t some pretty-face joint—it was the real deal, worthy of its title.

"...That good, huh?"

"Yeah... I thought it was just the staff that stood out, but the liquor’s top-notch too..."

"...So, those women are your type?"

The air around Lady Shin turned icy, but I hadn’t noticed yet.

"Ugh... I don’t really like those kinds of women. I prefer pure, devoted love—where two people only have eyes for each other."

"...Hmm?"

"I mean, sure, I’ve heard stuff like ’a hero naturally has three wives and four concubines,’ but I’m not a hero. I’ve always thought love is something you can’t even give enough of to one person..."

"...I see."

Lady Shin nodded, seeming to resonate with my words, perhaps due to her own stubborn streak.

"...Now that I think about it, I’ve never seen you drunk in all our time together. Do you even know your limit?"

"My limit, huh..."

My body had an oddly high tolerance for alcohol. Weak liquor? I could drink until my stomach burst and still stand. I don’t think I’ve ever been truly wasted, which piqued my curiosity. How much could I drink?

It might be worth finding out. I’d likely keep drinking in the future, and not knowing my limit could be trouble if I overdid it and collapsed alone. But now, I had someone trustworthy with me...

"I don’t know, but figuring it out today might not be bad."

"Oh, today, you say?"

"Yeah... I’m not alone, and even if I pass out, there’s someone reliable to look after me, right?"

"...Someone reliable..."

Lady Shin sank into thought.

"Isn’t that the case? I trust you quite a bit, you know."

"...No, you’re right. I’m grateful for your trust. I’ll... try to live up to it."

I’d thrown the comment out half-jokingly to lighten the mood, but she took it seriously. Well, it’ll be fine. Nothing major would happen. I filled my cup again. The night was young.

+

At the top floor of the Golden Orchid Tavern, a seductive beauty sighed, tilting a glass of red liquid to her lips. The way it clung to the glass and trickled toward her mouth was mesmerizing.

"Haa... Aren’t there any decent men around these days?"

Lately, she’d been disappointed by the lack of men who suited her tastes. As she grumbled, the door opened, and other women entered.

"Manager, today’s report—"

"Forget it. We do this every day. Skipping one won’t hurt. I’m already irritated from all this pent-up frustration."

"...Understood."

Her casual tone and demeanor seemed unfit for someone managing this grand tavern.

"Any tasty-looking guests today?"

"Well... There’s a man on the third floor being entertained. His looks are striking, and his martial arts seem peak-level..."

"So what if his skills are high? You think I’d be satisfied with a guy drooling over the likes of you?"

"..."

The women, confident in their beauty, paled before her. Her allure was on another level.

"Haa... If only the Lord would summon me... Am I just supposed to endure it again?"

"Uh... Well, there was one guest who piqued my interest, though I couldn’t see his face."

"Hm?"

An odd statement. Couldn’t see his face? Was he masked? He’d have to remove it to drink, so how?

"What do you mean?"

"Well... We didn’t serve him personally. He came with a woman, wearing a blood-colored cloak that hid his face."

"Hmm..."

A cloak concealing the face entirely. It reminded her of a troublesome hero from her previous world, but he couldn’t be here—a coincidence, likely. Perhaps it was angled cleverly or made from a mystical creature’s hide.