A Change of Clothes and Luck

The next morning.

As soon as Seol Ah-heon woke up, he began his meditation (Un-gi Jo-sik). It was a routine he had started a few days ago.

“Hoo…….”

He breathed deeply, guiding his internal energy. He could feel it flowing steadily along his eight extraordinary meridians. It was a refreshing sensation, almost like eating a peppermint with his entire body.

While focusing on the movement of energy, Seol Ah-heon thought:

‘In martial arts novels, they usually say you feel a warm energy when you meditate…….’

He, however, felt a rather cool sensation. He wasn’t entirely sure, but he suspected it was the influence of having learned Ice Arts. After all, Seol Ah-heon’s nickname was ‘Ice Block’ (Bing-goe).

‘Seriously, what exactly did this guy do while wandering around to earn a nickname with “Goe” (Weird/Monster) in it?’

In The Chronicles of Mount Hua, there was no description of Seol Ah-heon’s past deeds. He was an insignificant character, which meant his weight in this world was also light.

Still, if he had earned a nickname, he must have been somewhat active. Not knowing what those actions were made him feel strangely uneasy.

‘Should I be traveling in disguise or something?’

Martial artists are sensitive to debts of gratitude and grudges (Eun-won). Honestly, he didn’t think someone like the ‘Ice Block’ would have gone around doing favors; he likely only accumulated grudges. It wouldn’t be strange if someone jumped out at any moment claiming they were there for revenge.

“Sigh, what a life.”

Of all the people to possess, why an evil-doer from the Unorthodox Faction? After finishing his meditation, Seol Ah-heon grumbled and lamented his tragic fate. This, too, had become a part of his daily routine.

Regardless, his body felt light thanks to the meditation—and perhaps because he had slept in an actual bed for once.

After finishing his preparations, Seol Ah-heon headed downstairs.

Was it because it was early? The first floor, which had been so crowded yesterday, was now quiet. The only person sitting there was Mu Il-young.

Seeing him made the fatigue he’d just shaken off feel like it was piling back onto his shoulders.

‘Ah, this is so awkward I could die…….’

Mu Il-young must have sensed his presence, so he couldn’t just go back up, but he didn’t want to sit in front of him either. Yet, sitting at a completely different table seemed strange as well.

After a moment of hesitation, Seol Ah-heon decided to just sit separately. Who cared if it was strange? Mu Il-young probably didn’t want to share a table with him anyway.

However, just as he took a step, the waiter appeared nimbly.

“Guest, you’re up early! Your companion woke up early as well. Shall I prepare breakfast for you?”

“Ah, well, I…….”

“Please, have a seat!”

The waiter led him sociably—right to the seat in front of Mu Il-young.

Since it had come to this, there was no choice. Seol Ah-heon sat down hesitantly.

“H-hello……. Did you sleep well last night?”

He braved the awkwardness to offer a greeting. But Mu Il-young didn’t respond. He seemed to glance over for a second before abruptly turning his head away.

“…….”

It was embarrassing and uncomfortable. It wasn’t like he wanted to say hello. He only did it because he was afraid he’d be scolded for not offering a morning greeting.

‘Fine……. At least he didn’t yell at me.’

Thinking positively, Seol Ah-heon also turned his gaze away.

They sat there in a daze for quite a while. People began to appear one by one. Some yawned loudly while ordering food, while others ordered liquor instead of breakfast.

As the surroundings became livelier, the awkwardness faded significantly. Seol Ah-heon finally relaxed. Just as he did, the person he wanted to avoid most made an appearance.

Baek Geon-ha, looking slightly disheveled, strode down the stairs.

“Wow…….”

Everyone’s eyes fixed on Baek Geon-ha. Some even gaped in open admiration. The only person not paying him attention was Seol Ah-heon.

Afraid he might accidentally make eye contact, Seol Ah-heon busied himself looking at anything else. But such efforts were futile, as Baek Geon-ha sat right next to Mu Il-young.

“Did you sleep well last night……?”

Seol Ah-heon greeted him in a tiny, crawling voice. He didn’t expect Baek Geon-ha to actually accept the greeting, but he couldn’t just ignore him either.

“Last night?”

Surprisingly, Baek Geon-ha responded. As if recalling a memory, his eyes curved gently.

“Yes, it was quite comfortable.”

“…….”

He shouldn’t have asked. Seol Ah-heon bit his tongue, regretting the repeated mistake.

‘I can tell just by looking at your face how “happy” a night you had.’

Baek Geon-ha’s complexion was radiant. His naturally pale skin was glowing like a pearl. Furthermore, his raven-black hair was lustrous, and his lips were redder than usual. His beauty was practically overflowing.

He looked so good it was almost annoying, but judging by the atmosphere, nothing disastrous had happened last night. If so, the woman’s safety should be fine as well. Seol Ah-heon let out a secret sigh of relief.

“Waiter.”

“Yes, guest!”

“Bring some noodles. Topped with chicken.”

Baek Geon-ha set down an iron coin. Even though the silver he gave yesterday should have more than covered three rooms and meals, he was paying more. Naturally, the waiter was all smiles.

“Yes! You must be hungry. I’ll bring them right away!”

The waiter snatched the coin and dashed to the kitchen. Surely, Baek Geon-ha’s order would come out first again.

‘Noodles with chicken topping, huh…….’

Seol Ah-heon’s mouth watered. Even if he had to share a table with an uncomfortable companion, the noodles were innocent. Yesterday’s duck soup broth was incredible; he wondered how the noodles would be.

While he was lost in delicious thoughts, someone appeared.

“Young Master.”

It was the woman who had seduced Baek Geon-ha last night. Recognizing her, Seol Ah-heon was slightly surprised.

‘Her face…… looks strangely different?’

Her features were the same, but the feeling was quite different. Her skin was glowing like an apple, and her eyes sparkled with vitality. More than anything, she was overflowing with life.

He was glad she was safe, but he didn’t expect her to be this safe. He guessed she was the type whose morning and night conditions differed drastically.

“You haven’t left the inn yet.”

“That is the case.”

“If you don’t mind, may I ask where you are heading next?”

“I plan to go wherever my feet take me.”

Baek Geon-ha curved his eyes. It was a smile as soft as a spring breeze, but it also felt like he was subtly putting up a wall. The woman seemed to catch on and didn’t ask further.

“I see. I hope you have a safe journey.”

“Yes. May you also return home safely.”

Baek Geon-ha exchanged a brief farewell with the woman.

That was the end of their conversation, and the end of their connection.

As soon as she left, Baek Geon-ha’s expression changed. His smile vanished as if it had never been there, and he scanned Seol Ah-heon with annoyance.

“I’m sure I ordered bathwater yesterday. Did it not be brought to your room?”

“No, it was. I washed well with warm water.”

“And yet……. Tsk, you look so filthy and scruffy I can’t stand to look at you.”

“…….”

Seol Ah-heon lowered his head. This wasn’t even a sneak attack—just a sudden personal insult. And so early in the morning, too.

However, since it was a fact that his clothes were dirty and scruffy, he had nothing to say.

“Anyone seeing us would think I’m traveling with a one-knot beggar from the Beggars’ Union. Burn those rags immediately.”

“But Young Cul— I mean, Young Master. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I only have this one set of clothes…… If I burn these, I’ll have to walk around naked.”

As if imagining that sight, Baek Geon-ha’s face distorted sharply.

“This won’t do. Oryun.”

“Yes.”

Oryun—that was Mu Il-young’s alias. Baek Geon-ha, having called him, gave an order.

“We must handle him first before we depart.”

“As you wish, Young Master.”

Seol Ah-heon was terrified. Handle him? He understood that his scruffy clothes were an eyesore, but killing him for that reason was surely too much.

“Y-Young Master……!”

I’d rather walk around naked! If you hate the sight of me that much, I’ll try to cover the important parts with leaves!

Just as he opened his mouth to plead—

“Noodles are served!”

The waiter carried out three bowls of noodles.

He felt that begging now would be counterproductive. If the noodles got soggy while he was pleading, wouldn’t Baek Geon-ha get even angrier?

‘Fine, let’s eat first. They say a well-fed ghost has a better complexion.’

Seol Ah-heon picked up his chopsticks. He decided that if Baek Geon-ha tried to kill him afterward, he would resolve to burn his only set of clothes then.

***************************************

To his surprise, Baek Geon-ha’s “handling” was carried out in a very peaceful manner.

It was by visiting a tailor shop and buying Seol Ah-heon some clothes.

While he paid for the clothes, Seol Ah-heon stood there hesitantly.

‘Did the sun rise in the west today……?’

Clothes were expensive in this world. It made sense, as every stitch was done by hand. It wasn’t an exaggeration to call it haute couture.

To buy such expensive clothes just because he didn’t like his appearance—the intention was suspicious, but it was a windfall regardless. Seol Ah-heon bowed deeply and accepted the clothes.

“Thank you, Young Master! I will burn my old clothes right away!”

“Burn them, bury them, or throw them in a lake—just make sure they stay out of my sight.”

Leaving the tailor shop, Baek Geon-ha headed somewhere. Seol Ah-heon followed silently behind him like a puppy.