The Third Disciple has returned!
Hee-do Won of the Black Sky Clan became incredibly busy. This was because their master, the Third Disciple Ye Kang-oh, who often wandered outside the Black Sky Clan, had finally come back..
Though Hee-do Won was always kept pristine, preparations became unusually hectic to welcome their master. Even Seo-mun Geumryeong, the First Internal Officer reporting directly to the clan leader, personally stepped in to assist with the arrangements.
Hee-do Won was one of the countless gifts that Ye Jin-rang had given to his youngest disciple. Ye Jinrang had granted Kang-oh access to the clan's secret archives and permission to come and go as he pleased to select treasures. It was customary for him to send new clothes every season, along with matching accessories in boxes. He even personally brought in a renowned blacksmith to create Kang-oh's beloved sword, Dan-sa.
Additionally, he gathered various artisans from across the country to carefully construct a special building, which he then gifted to Kang-oh. This building, Hee-do Won, is located in the heart of the Black Sky Clan and is the closest place to Jin-rang's residence. Since the day it was built, Hee-do Won has been known as the most beautiful structure in the Black Sky Clan. The resources and effort that went into constructing this place were no small matter. The lord of the Black Sky Clan showed immense care and dedication to his youngest disciple.
Those assigned with Hee-do Won were well aware of the special affection that the lord of the Black Sky Clan had for their master. It was as clear and evident as a parent's love for a long-lost child, so everyone in Hee-do Won was extremely careful to avoid any mistakes while serving the Third Disciple.
The master of the estate, however, had one small issue: it was the matter of the "Yeokma-sal," a term referring to the constant need for travel. He was constantly on the move. Time and again, he would send out challenges to skilled martial artists, and once their acceptance arrived, he would leave the Black Sky Clan to meet them. Naturally, this meant that Heedo Pavilion was left unoccupied for much of the year.
What was the point of having pillars made of gold and a roof tiled with jade when its owner, the Third Disciple, rarely stayed for long?
Sometimes, Ye Jin-rang would visit Hee-do Won more often than Kang-oh himself. He would stroll through the courtyard where his disciple had walked and gently brush his hand along the railings of Hee-do Won. While the lord of the Black Sky Clan missed his disciple and came to visit, the servants working in Hee-do Won were always on high alert. They were terrified that even a speck of dust might touch the esteemed lord. Because of this, the management of Hee-do Won was always meticulous.
Those who worked there lamented that Ye Kang-oh rarely returned. They felt it was a shame that all the effort put into Hee-do Won was not being enjoyed by its master. Even though they usually kept their disappointment to themselves, when the Third Disciple returned, they would prepare everything in hopes that he would stay a little longer. The kitchen prepared warm tea and snacks to be served at the slightest cough, along with new side dishes, special meals, and even herbal tonics for three square meals a day.
The attendants managing Hee-do Won daily affairs ensured every detail was perfect. In the harsh winters, they burned firewood generously to keep the rooms warm. On warmer days, they would bring ice from the icehouse to cool the air with fans. Even though their master was a powerful martial artist known for his cold demeanor, they pretended to forget that and went above and beyond in their service. Cleaning was done diligently every morning and evening. All of this was carried out while Kang-oh was training in the martial arts arena, as they worried that the sounds of many people bustling about might disturb his sensitive hearing.
Even the servants attending the First Grand Disciple or Jinrang didn't go to such lengths. Hee-do Won was a special place within the Black Sky Clan in many ways.
Ye Jin-rang cared for Kang-oh to such an extent that some people began to whisper malicious rumors. Among those with loose tongues, there were secret speculations that Ye Jin-rang didn't see Kang-oh as a disciple but rather as a favored companion. However, none of those who spread such nonsense are alive today. Ye Jin-rang had made sure to punish them severely, hanging them at the gates of the Black Sky Clan until they died a slow, painful death without a drop of water. At the time, Kang-oh was away from the Black Sky Clan, having left to engage with a skilled fighter who had accepted a duel invitation. It was clear to everyone that Ye Jin-rang had been waiting for this departure to eradicate the rumors.
Ye Jin-rang, standing at the pinnacle of the martial world, had a clear intention: anyone who posed a threat to Kang-oh would be killed, and in a very brutal manner.
As a result, Kang-oh was treated like a precious gem by the people of the Black Sky Clan, but at the same time, he was regarded with fear, as if he were a carrier of a terrible disease. They were terrified that if they got too close, they might bring disaster upon themselves, fearing that Ye Jin-rang's protective nature could turn against them if they made a mistake.
On the other hand, those working at Hee-do Won saw Kang-oh as a good master, with the only flaw being his frequent absence. Having experienced the Third Disciple up close, they found it hard to understand why people would avoid him. He wasn't violent, as martial artists often were, and he never mistreated lower-ranking individuals.He didn't get drunk and lose control, nor did he arrogantly flaunt the favor of the lord of the Black Sky Clan. He didn't reject meals simply because they weren't to his taste, nor did he make unreasonable demands about clothing.
During his time in Hee-do Won, the Third Disciple's daily routine consisted solely of training in the morning and evening. He had no ambitions to replace the Grand Disciple or become the heir to the Black Sky Clan, as evidenced by the fact that the only people he interacted with were those affiliated with the Honamdan. It was clear that he had no desire for the position of the lord of the Black Sky Clan. Therefore, the workers in Hee-do Won, serving a stable and easygoing master, remained steadfast in protecting the Third Disciple's residence, unaffected by the empty rumors circulating outside.
The only complaint these workers had was that their efforts often felt unrewarding. No matter how delicious the dishes were, the Third Disciple's expression remained indifferent. Even as they walked through the courtyard, which they had tended to with great care, his face showed little appreciation. A strange competition had arisen in Hee-do Won, centered around eliciting a satisfactory reaction from the Third Disciple.
The kitchen boasted about acquiring rare bird's nest and planned to serve it as a delicacy. Those managing the courtyard boasted about bringing in golden koi fish and even uprooting a famous pine tree to replant it. Meanwhile, those managing the Third Disciple's chambers prepared new bedding, with the most skilled attendants embroidering it with golden thread.
Everyone in Hee-do Won was thoroughly prepared and eagerly waiting for the Third Disciple, Ye Kang-oh. But despite his clear return to the Black Sky Clan, he had not yet shown his face at Hee-do Won, which made the wait feel even longer. As they stretched their necks in anticipation, one servant joked that they looked more like deer than humans.
Just then, as if summoned by their conversation, Ye Kang-oh appeared.
He walked in with his usual confident stride and an expressionless face. However, there was something different this time. Ye Kang-oh was carrying a load of items in his arms, and they didn't seem like anything he would typically own. The head servant in charge of Hee-do Won felt puzzled; the items he was carrying looked far too rough to belong to the Third Disciple.
Kang-oh's pace was also slower than usual. Just as curiosity began to grow, a figure appeared behind Kang-oh—a man trailing hesitantly, dragging his feet, looking disheveled.
It was Woo, who had just come down from the nearby mountain.
Ye Kang-oh, who had suddenly appeared claiming to be Woo's new master, took him straight to the Black Sky Clan. At first, Woo thought it was absurd, but he decided it might be better to go along for now. His plan was to meet with the Black Sky Lord privately later and explain the situation. Surely, Jin-rang wouldn't want Woo anywhere near Kang-oh.
Feeling a bit nauseous from the rapidly changing scenery due to the swift movement, Woo still looked pale even after he was set down from Kang-oh's arms. It wasn't just his weakened body; the pressure of the situation seemed to weigh heavily on him as well.
Once they arrived, Woo was finally able to stand on his own, but he walked with his shoulders hunched, following closely behind Kang-oh. Hee-do Won, which he had only heard about while living in the Black Sky Clan, was now right in front of him. He never thought he would actually step over that threshold… how did he end up here?
One of the servants at Hui Dowon, Yeon-jin, frowned as she looked at Woo. She recognized him but couldn't immediately place where or when. Who was this man following the Third Disciple so closely?
"Greetings, Third Disciple," she said.
As Yeon-jin swallowed her sense of déjà vu, the head servant stepped forward to greet Kang-oh.
"This is the servant I brought back. Please arrange for him to have accommodations near my quarters." Kang-oh ordered.
"Yes."
With that, Kang-oh strode confidently into the inner part of the building, taking Woo's belongings with him. Woo couldn't shake the feeling that he wouldn't be getting those things back, so he nervously fiddled with the hem of his clothes.
The head servant, unsure of what to do, turned to Woo, who was fidgeting nervously.
"Follow me."
Feeling relieved to be separated from Kang-oh, Woo trailed behind the servant.
The room they entered was the smallest in Hee-do Won. However, that didn't mean it was any less luxurious. Woo nervously glanced around, It was a room that seemed more fitting for an esteemed guest than for someone like him.
The head maid clicked her tongue in annoyance. The Third Disciple had ordered her to prepare a nearby living space, which meant finding a room within the same building. However, Heedowon, crafted under the influence of the Black Sky Lord, lacked even the simplest servant quarters. Every space was meticulously designed for Ye Kang-oh's use alone. The workers of Hee-do Won stayed in a building constructed nearby, ensuring it didn't interfere with the landscaping. They lived there and only came to work in Heedowon when the Third Disciple returned, rotating shifts as needed.
Naturally, gaining access to Heedowon was no small feat. First, it was an extravagant residence personally commissioned by the Black Sky Lord. Second, Ye Kang-oh had no close companions, which meant no one was ever invited in. As such, aside from Kang-oh himself and the workers on duty, no one set foot in Heedowon. Occasionally, the members of Honamdan entered to carry out kang-oh's orders, but even they had never been granted a room to stay in.
And now, a servant was being allowed into Heedowon for the first time. Even if she didn't show it outwardly, the head maid found the entire situation deeply dissatisfying.
"It's… too much. I'd rather stay under the floor…" Flustered, Woo mumbled and stepped back.
The head servant of Hee-do Won frowned. She wasn't pleased with the situation either, but what right did a servant have to question the Third Disciple's orders? He had no right to question or refuse the treatment he was receiving.
"It is the command of the Third Disciple." The voice that flowed from the elegantly poised servant was strict and unwavering.
Woo lowered his head deeply. His dejected demeanor in light of such a nice room did not sit well with the head servant. However, he knew that even if he had expressed gratitude with a bow, it wouldn't have changed her feelings about the situation. However, she couldn't just dismiss the task given by her master, no matter how unpleasant it was.
"..."
Since it was Kang-oh's command, Woo couldn't say anything more. He eventually entered the room, and the servant closed the door behind him before quickly leaving.
Woo looked around the interior. In the past, he would have been dissatisfied with such a room, but now it felt strangely uncomfortable, like a poorly fitting outfit. He couldn't bring himself to sit anywhere and awkwardly stood. Nothing felt like it belonged to him. If he sat on the bed covered in dust, it would only dirty the beautiful bedding. So, he had no choice but to remain standing.
"Is this the room?"
Woo froze at the sound of Kang-oh's voice from outside. The door creaked open, and Kang-oh stepped in. He was taken aback by the sight of Woo standing there, clearly not having moved since entering.
"What are you doing?"
"Uhh…"
"Done."
Seeing Woo hesitating to speak, Kang-oh waved his hand dismissively. He didn't expect Woo to enjoy what was given to him anyway. After all, this was someone who would rather break branches with his hands than use a perfectly good axe.
"Bring in the bathwater."
"Oh, no. I'll wash up at the nearby stream," Woo replied, looking pale.
But Kang-oh didn't listen to him, and the head servant who had guided him here quickly walked away. Woo was left staring blankly at her retreating figure.
"You'll need a change of clothes as well."
"If you could just return my belongings, my clothes are in there,"
"Oh, those?"
Kang-oh frowned slightly.
"I threw them away. They didn't suit Hee-do Won."
"Ah…"
A shadow crossed Woo's face. The truth was, it was strange for Kang-oh to be carrying such things around. It was only because Kang-oh had insisted on bringing them that Woo hadn't thought he would easily discard them.
'Didn't he know?'
Woo finally recovered from his shock. In truth, the belongings weren't anything special. They were just two sets of clothes, some utensils, dishes, a whetstone and knife, a cheap axe, and a rough blanket. Yet, for some reason, they weighed heavily on his heart.
There was no need to dig deep into why that was. It was because they were items that Kang-oh had thoughtfully provided.
"Anyway, you won't need them in Hee-do Won, and I'll get you something better…"
Kang-oh's eyes widened. He felt as if he had seen something stir in Woo's eyes, which had mostly been downcast and submissive, showing little emotion. This unexpected change made Kang-oh pause, but since Woo had his head lowered, there was no way to confirm it without forcing him to look up. Yet, he had seen it. The light reflected in Woo's tear-filled eyes resembled sunlight glimmering across a pond.
In that brief moment, Kang-oh was taken aback by the sight of Woo's watery eyes. He could have easily dismissed it as the pitiful display of a coward. He wanted to believe that if he provided something better, Woo's expression would clear up like the sky after rain, and he could just move on from it.
"Wait here."
Kang-oh gritted his teeth and left Woo's room. As Woo collected himself, he felt puzzled by the way Kang-oh had turned away like a gust of wind.
"Here's the bathwater."
As soon as the Third Disciple, the master of Hee-do Won, disappeared, two sturdy servants appeared carrying a tub of bathwater. Steam was rising from it. It was surprising that they had brought hot water so quickly, considering there hadn't been enough time to boil fresh water. It seemed that Hee-do Won always kept hot water ready, so that when their master, Kang-oh, needed it, it could be served immediately.
"Th-thank you." Woo stammered.
"Then please wash up before your meal."
The two servants stood politely, looking at Woo. He hesitated, unable to bring himself to take off his clothes.
"A-aren't you going to leave?"
When he asked in confusion, one of the servants replied, "We are tasked with serving those brought by the Third Disciple, including assisting with their bath."
"That's right." the other attendant added.
"I-it's fine. I'm just not used to this, so please, I would appreciate it if you could step outside." Woo spoke to the servants with a face that looked like he was about to cry.
This was madness. In a luxurious room, with hot bathwater, and now being waited on?
No more. I can't take any more.
"Then we will wait outside the door, so please call us if you need anything." the servants said, leaving.
As the servants showed signs of leaving, Woo eagerly nodded and deeply bowed. Only after the door was completely closed did he take off his clothes and slowly immerse himself in the hot water. For someone who had washed in cold water at the stream even in the middle of winter, this hot bath felt like a rare luxury. There were times when the weather was so cold that the water would freeze, forcing him to go without a wash for a month or even two.
He could feel his muscles gradually relaxing. He kept his burned arm out of the water. Fortunately, the wound on his back had formed a scab, so it didn't hurt when it came into contact with the water.
Woo gently washed away the dust that had clung to his body during the short journey. By the time he had soaked his hair and finished washing his face, the door creaked open.
Startled, Woo submerged himself deeper into the water. The person who appeared was none other than Ye Kang-oh.
"I brought it. Your belongings."
With a thud, Woo's shabby bag was placed on the elegant wooden table. It looked just as it had when Kang-oh stubbornly carried it out from the hut.
Woo's eyes widened.
'He said he threw it away?'
"Th-thank you…" Woo murmured in a voice that was barely audible. His gaze remained fixed on the bag, showing no signs of looking away.
"Oh, you were in the middle of washing."
As Kang-oh stepped into the room, eager to bring Woo his belongings, he realized that Woo had been washing. He pressed his forehead in frustration. He had intended to tell Woo that he hadn't thrown away his things, that he had simply hidden them because they didn't suit the place, but seeing Woo naked left him momentarily speechless. He felt guilty for barging in unexpectedly.
Noticing Woo submerging himself deeper into the water out of embarrassment, Kang-oh could see his skin faintly reflected on the surface. It was more revealing than when he had seen Woo's bare back at the stream, and for some reason, it felt even more awkward now. Turning away, Kang-oh felt a sense of relief as Woo's gaze disappeared.
"Your arm is healing. How's your back?"
With Kang-oh's straightforward question, Woo cautiously replied, "It's… fine. Thanks to the Third Disciple's kindness, it's… much better."
As he spoke, the sound of water splashing could be heard, perhaps because he instinctively lowered his head as he always did.
"That's good to hear. Are the servants outside the ones attending to your bath?"
Woo couldn't see Kang-oh's expression since he had turned away, but he could tell it wasn't a pleasant one.
"Yes. It's… too much for me."
"I'll make sure you won't have to deal with such inconveniences in the future."
Nodding, Kang-oh stepped outside. His confident and steady stride made it hard to believe he was someone who had just been startled and was trying to escape.
Woo, with only his face above the bathwater, quietly watched Kang-oh's back until the door closed.
He was a kind person.
After finishing his bath, Woo dried himself with the cloth that the servants had brought. It was much softer and finer than the clothes he had been wearing.
He walked over to the table and spread out the blanket. His belongings were still there, just as he had packed them. Woo carefully brushed over them. Kang-oh hadn't thrown these things away out of malice; the evidence was right in front of him. He had come to return them but had decided to leave when he realized Woo was in the middle of washing up. It was truly a thoughtful gesture.
From a young age, he had been a kind child, and he had grown up to be a kind person. It was much better for him to be raised by Ye Jin-rang in the Black Sky Clan than in the White Virtue Clan. If he had been raised there, his talents might not have blossomed as they had, stifled by jealousy and rivalry.
Shaking off his thoughts, Woo changed into the new clothes. The fabric was rough, and the finishing was sloppy, but it made him feel more at ease. He cautiously approached the door and opened his mouth to speak.
"I've… used all the water…"
"We'll take care of it."
Two servants who had been waiting outside entered the room.
"C-can I carry it with you?"
Woo's question prompted the servants to exchange glances. Although his appearance was shabby, he was still a guest of the Third Disciple. How could they possibly let someone like him carry the bathwater?
"No. Our strides are similar, so if someone else carries it with us, the pace wouldn't match," They said it kindly, but it was a clear refusal.
Woo had no choice but to step back.
As the two servants took the bathwater outside, Woo sank down into a corner of the room, clutching the blanket. In fact, even the floor was made of expensive materials, and despite the cold weather, the warmth from the fire made the room comfortable. Everything felt too extravagant, even the pleasantly fragrant air.
'By the way... I need to send a message to Ye Kang-oh, but how should I do that?'
As Woo scanned the room in thought, his eyes landed on a brush and ink. He also spotted an inkstone, likely prepared for the leisure of the esteemed guest who would be staying here. When he brushed his fingers over the paper, he found the quality to be exceptionally good. He sighed, wondering when he would be able to take off these ill-fitting clothes.
Opening the sliding door, Woo cautiously called out one of the servants passing by.
"Excuse me, do you have a moment?"
The servant passing by was Yeon-jin from Hee-do Won. She had just finished her bath and thought that if it weren't for his burn scars, Woo might actually be quite handsome in the bright daylight. She approached him quickly.
"Please, go ahead." Since the Third Disciple had personally brought him as a guest, Yeon-jin spoke with great respect.
"Um, could you please deliver this to Seo-mun Geumryeong, the First Internal Officer of the Black Sky Clan?"
If Woo were to deliver the letter himself, he would surely face obstacles. So, he had no choice but to ask someone else for help.
In fact, the content wasn't anything special. It was just a question about when they might be able to meet.
Seo-mun Geumryeong, the First Internal Officer and Ye Jin-rang's closest confidant, would likely guess the sender of the letter just from the fact that it came from the Heedo Won. Once this was delivered, all Woo would be left with was waiting.
Yes, waiting.
"Understood."
Yeon-jin took the letter and walked away.
As she moved, she tilted her head in thought.
'No matter how I think about it, I feel like I've seen him before…'
However, it seemed that the figure she had brushed past was someone she couldn't quite pinpoint. Dismissing it as unimportant, she stepped outside Hee-do Won and passed by the servants' quarters. At that moment, Yeon-jin's feet came to a sudden stop. That's right. That man was one of the servants under the Third Internal Officer. She had seen him when she went to request additional manpower from the Third Disciple while they were cleaning up the garden. The Third Internal Officer, who presented himself as capable, was known for being ruthless among his subordinates. At that time, he had been beating one of the servants, who rolled on the ground without uttering a single scream. That was the very guest that the Third Disciple had brought.
'Why... is that servant in Hee-do Won?'
Yeon-jin was shocked by this realization. And she was doubly surprised because what she was currently carrying was clearly a 'letter.' It was astonishing enough that a guest staying in Hee-do Won was just a mere servant, but to think that he was a servant who could even write!
Hesitating, Yeon-jin checked to see that no one was around and then unfolded the letter.
It was curiosity. Just pure curiosity.
Even if the contents were secretive, it didn't matter. After all, Yeon-jin was illiterate.
With little expectation, she opened the paper and her hand froze. The handwriting was exceptionally beautiful. The strokes were bold and confident, exuding a grand presence. Even though she couldn't read, she had enough sense to recognize good calligraphy. When the sign for Hee-do Won was being made, she had collected works from various calligraphers and had to choose the best among them, so she had seen such writing every day.
It was already rare for a servant to know how to read, but the handwriting was so exceptional that it looked as if it had been trained. This naturally raised suspicions. The fact that the Third Disciple had personally arranged for a guest room for someone who had likely lived their whole life as a servant, and that this servant was now asking something of another person, felt strange.
However, voicing such doubts was not the place of a servant. Yeon-jin swallowed her curiosity. While having an interest in everything was an important quality for a servant, it was equally crucial to keep secrets to oneself if they were ever learned. An unbearable secret could be suffocating.
"I have something to deliver to the First Internal Officer from Hee-do Won."
Hastily, Yeon-jin made her way to where the Chief was staying.
"Come here. I'll deliver it for you."
"I need to hand it to her directly."
Yeon-jin replied firmly to the indifferent doorkeeper. The doorkeeper, who had seemed uninterested, went inside and returned with a more serious demeanor.
"Please enter."
Yeon-jin stepped through the wide-open gate. After passing through numerous corridors, she was led to the room where Seo-mun Geumryeong was handling her duties. She presented the letter to her.
"A guest from Hee-do Won has asked me to deliver this to you."
"I understand."
Seo-mun Geumryeong, upon receiving the letter, did not set it aside in her busy schedule but immediately unfolded it to read.
"..."
Yeon-jin felt a wave of tension wash over her, having opened such letters before. After checking the contents, Seo-mun Geumryeong casually asked her, "You didn't open it, did you?"
"Even if I had, I'm just a simple girl who can't read."
"I see. Then you may go."
At Seo-mun Geumryeong's words, Yeon-jin politely bowed and turned to leave. As she carefully walked away, a chilling voice called out to her.
"Wait a moment."
"Did you call for me?"
Yeon-jin turned around, wondering if it had been discovered that she had opened the letter.
To avoid showing her nervousness, she tried to maintain a calm demeanor as Seo-mun Geumryeong scrutinized her.
"Thinking it over, it seems there will be tasks you need to handle in the future."
At those words, Yeon-jin's eyes widened. Was this an opportunity for her to rise in status? Or was it a path leading straight into the jaws of danger?
"...Please give your orders." Given her curiosity, Yeon-jin did not hesitate long before responding.
A satisfied smile appeared on Seo-mun Geumryeong's lips.