About an hour later.
"The Third disciple has returned?"
The man, who had been bringing a teacup to his lips, asked the subordinate delivering the report.
"Yes. The Third Disciple returned some time ago, but Hee-do Won has been quite busy lately. It seems he'll be staying at Black Sky Clan for a while."
"I suppose I'll have to visit Kang-oh."
Contrary to his words, the man, who had closed his eyes as if savoring the refined aroma of the tea, held a faint sneer on his lips.
The one draped in a long robe embroidered with peonies was none other than Mo-yong Yu-woon, the eldest disciple. He was the sole survivor of the Mo-yong family, which had fallen victim to the Blood Cult's clutches, and the first disciple ever taken in by the Black Sky Lord, Ye Jin-rang. His strikingly elegant appearance sometimes bore a faint resemblance to Ye Jin-rang.
Mo Yong-yu revered Jin-rang, his life-saver and master. However, that did not mean he welcomed the presence of the Third Disciple, Kang-oh, with open arms.
"Shall I send a message?"
"If Kang-oh doesn't come to see me first, then I suppose I must go to him."
Setting down his teacup, the First Disciple commanded his subordinate with an expressionless face.
"Why are you only reporting this now? I heard he returned several days ago."
"That is... I thought he would just stay briefly on the outskirts of Black Sky and then leave again. In fact, he hasn't been seen for about three days. Then, all of a sudden, he entered Hee-do Won."
"It's been four days."
A chill crept into Mo Yong-yu's voice, causing his subordinate to bow even lower.
"I misjudged the situation. Please punish me."
The subordinate had assumed that Kang-oh would stay for a short while and then leave again, which was why he hadn't reported to the First Disciple. After all, mentioning the Third Disciple always seemed to sour Mo-yong Yu's mood. But that moment of poor judgment now had severe consequences. Kang-oh, whom they thought had merely stopped by for a day, had returned, and lights were now lit in Hee-do Won.
The problem was that this news had not been conveyed to the First Disciple in a timely manner. In trying to avoid disturbing Mo Yong-yu's mood, they had inadvertently created a significant issue.
"Get up. I'm not such a harsh master." Mo Yong-yu said, but the subordinate remained prostrate on the floor.
The First Disciple stood up and personally helped his subordinate to his feet.
"Don't make the same mistake again." His tone was gentle, almost kind, but the warning in his words was unmistakable.
"I will remember and act accordingly."
"Go on."
The masked subordinate, relieved by the dry command, walked away. Mo Yong-yu poured himself another cup of tea from the kettle, lifting it to his lips as he sighed at the reflection of his face in the gently rippling surface.
There wasn't a single thing that pleased him.
His master, who, despite all of Yu-woon's unwavering devotion, couldn't spare even half the affection he lavished on Ye Kang-oh, the youngest disciple who roamed about with an air of arrogance as if that affection were his due. And then there was the pitiful state of his own subordinates, who were even more incompetent than those of the lowly Honamdan.
Yet, it was still too early to turn the tables. Mo Yong-yu knew that he lacked the strength to do so. If his family had still been alive, the situation would have been vastly different.
The Mo-yong Clan was once so powerful that people said the "Five Great Clans" should be renamed to the "Six Great Clans". But when the Blood Cult raised its banner and set the martial world ablaze, the first to burn was the Mo-yong Clan's plaque.
He could not expect help from his family. In fact, if the Mo Yong family had remained intact, he would have been involved in the righteous sects rather than the dark ones. He would have grown up as a scion of justice, despising the demonic paths and rogue factions under the Black Sky Clan. From a young age, he had been taught to harbor animosity towards the demonic sects and the underworld.
What saved him from the ruins of the Mo-yong Clan was a martial artist so stunning that he seemed almost divine—Ye Jin-rang. From that day forward, Mo-yong Yu-woon regarded the Black Sky Lord as his savior and master.
However, growing up in an environment that taught him to be hostile had twisted his nature in peculiar ways.
Mo Yong-yu felt a sense of inferiority towards those affiliated with the righteous sects. If the Mo Yong family had not been annihilated, he would have been growing up as the heir of one of the most prestigious families in the martial world. He was nobler than the righteous sect members who were born to mock the dark martial world.
Now, he had no desire to return to the righteous sect. There was nothing left for Mo Yong-yu there. All that awaited him was the grueling task of rebuilding his family's legacy from scratch—a dream nearly impossible to achieve in a single lifetime. He might even have to beg for help from the Five Great Families, something his pride would never allow. Once equals—or even superiors—he couldn't imagine stooping so low as to ask them for assistance.
For this reason, from the moment Mo Yong-yu chose to be Jin-rang's disciple, he desired to become the next Lord of Black Sky Clan. The second disciple that his master took in was hasty and lacked talent. The real problem, however, was the Third Disciple—the last student their master, Ye Jin-rang, had taken in.
The Third Disciple, Ye Kang-oh. Jin-rang had personally given him a name, even bestowing his own surname upon him. It was then that Mo Yong-yu first felt a sense of crisis. Though initially small and frail, Ye Kang-oh grew rapidly, showered with the best elixirs and treasures the Black Sky Clan could offer, showcasing dazzling talent. Some even whispered cautiously that Kang-oh might be Jin-rang's illegitimate child, given the special affection the Lord of Black Sky Clan showed him.
Feeling increasingly anxious, Mo-yong Yu-woon grew desperate. Yet, his martial arts progress slowed, and even his efforts in studying failed to capture Ye Jin-rang's attention. In time, he turned to studying formations and sorcery, areas he pursued out of personal interest. However, even this failed to win favor, and Mo-yong Yu-woon did not delve too deeply into those fields.
Mo Yong-yu's heart was filled with unease as he watched the situation unfold. The more he tried to prove himself, the more he felt overshadowed by the rising star that was Kang-oh. The disparity between them only fueled his determination to claim the position of the next Lord of Black Sky, but the path ahead seemed increasingly fraught with challenges.
Given the circumstances, Mo Yong-yu did not like the youngest disciple. Since he was already entrenched in the Dark Path, he harbored ambitions of rising to its pinnacle and looking down upon all the affiliated with the White Path. The appearance of someone like Ye Kang-oh, who could potentially disrupt his plans, was unwelcome. However, not wanting to fall out of favor with their master, Mo-yong Yu-woon rarely revealed his feelings of hostility toward Kang-oh. Instead, he pretended to be a kind and understanding First Disciple, bowing his head and playing the role of the ever-polite senior.
Mo Yong-yu considered himself patient. He had endured the sight of his siblings crying as they watched their family perish, unable to do anything while the bloodthirsty minions of the Blood Cult killed them. He had hidden beneath the floorboards, biting his lip and stifling his breath. When the nanny's son, who had grown up alongside him, denied knowing anything to the warriors seeking members of the Mo-yong family, he was killed for it. His lifeless body collapsed to the floor, his head falling in Mo-yong Yu's direction. Those empty eyes, staring at nothing, were unforgettable.
Seeing death for the first time, Yu-woon had wanted to scream, but his trembling hands desperately covered his mouth. He swallowed his tears, endured the loss, and turned away from death. That endurance had allowed him to survive and ultimately be rescued by Ye Jin-rang. Even with blood on his face, the beautiful warrior appeared to him like a celestial being, and in that moment, he believed with all his heart that he had been chosen by the heavens. There had to be a reason why he alone had survived when everyone else had perished. The young boy clung to that thought, desperately trying to crush the guilt that threatened to surface.
Though Mo Yong-yu was confident in his ability to endure, he was still human, and there were limits to his patience. Especially on a day like today, he felt that his already thin patience might snap at any moment.
'I must endure a little longer.'
As he brought the teacup to his lips again, he thought to himself. Lost in his musings, the lukewarm tea moistened his lips.
"Is there anyone here?"
At the First Disciple's call, a servant quickly approached and bowed his head.
"Bring me writing materials."
"Yes."
Although the youngest disciple had been staying at Hee-do Won and refraining from going out since returning to Black Sky, the First Disciple had a plan to draw him out. All he needed to do was give the Black Sky Lord, who was eager to see his disciple, a reason.
"The peonies in Ilwon Hall will soon be in full bloom."
Mo Yong-yu thought to himself, 'I wonder if the youngest disciple enjoyed flower viewing', and he hummed a tune, his spirits lifting slightly at the thought.
***
"Flower viewing?"
Kang-oh asked the messenger who had brought the master's message.
"Yes. The peonies in Ilwon Hall have bloomed beautifully, and the First Disciple has proposed a toast to celebrate. Thus, the Black Sky Lord has requested that the Second Disciple and the Third Disciple join tonight's flower viewing."
"So I'll be able to see both of my senior disciples."
Kang-oh said this with a twisted smile. It wasn't exactly welcome news. A gathering arranged by the First Disciple was sure to involve subtle probing and maneuvering. Kang-oh already felt the fatigue setting in and rubbed his temples.
Jin-rang was well aware of his disciple's inner thoughts, and the fact that he accepted the First Disciple's invitation was likely to draw him out after having brought Woo to Hee-do Won and keeping him secluded.
With no real reason to refuse, Kang-oh spoke to the messenger.
"Convey my thanks for the invitation. I will bring a bottle of fine wine that I brought back from Luoyang."
"The Black Sky Lord will surely be delighted."
Watching the man leave with a cheerful demeanor, Kang-oh let out a bitter smile. He still hadn't decided how to face his master, which was why he was holed up in Hee-do Won like this. However, in the midst of his chaotic thoughts, he had overlooked one crucial fact: there was always a predator lurking nearby, waiting to sink its teeth into any vulnerability he showed upon his return to the Black Sky Clan.
It wasn't hard to accept that his master, in the end, was only human. The fact that Master Ye Jin-rang had acknowledged the excesses of his methods and handed over Woo could be seen as a resolution to that matter for now. What remained for Kang-oh was to treat Woo as best as he could and send him as far away from Black Sky as possible. After all, Jin-rang, who had a keen interest in the movements of his youngest disciple, would not overlook the situation. However, since he had made a promise to Kang-oh, he wouldn't pursue Woo.
Kang-oh intended to sever the chains of this hidden bond. But the problem was Woo. The thought of him being under his roof made Kang-oh reluctant to let him go. There were reasons for this reluctance. Even if he were to set Woo up in a comfortable house with attendants, Kang-oh could picture him wandering barefoot through dirt paths. He's the kind of person who, even with help available, would insist on chopping firewood himself, or who would eat rice laced with sand without a single complaint. With that desperate attitude of his, it felt as if he would wither away without ever enjoying anything good.
'He must be out of his mind.'
As Kang-oh listed reasons to himself, he leaned his forehead against the wall. Why should it matter if a servant lived or died? Yet, he felt uneasy. Perhaps it was because of what his master had said about Woo. The phrase that Woo had the blood of a thief running through him lingered persistently.
If Woo had simply stolen something to live comfortably, Kang-oh might have found it easier to ignore him entirely.
He pondered this but found no easy answers. After all, Kang-oh had kept Woo under the roof of Hee-do Won despite knowing how much Jin-rang loathed him. Protection, they called it—but Kang-oh would eventually leave Black Sky Clan anyway. Leaving Woo in Hee-do Won would only lead to him being handed back to his master.
Thus, he needed to deal with Woo before he made any rash decisions...
Kang-oh tapped his fingers on the side table, a habitual action he took when deep in thought. His gaze drifted toward the window, where the garden of Hee-do Won bloomed with all kinds of flowers.
That's when it struck him—he had never once seen Woo walking around outside. Except for the day Woo stepped out to take away the water basin, he had stayed indoors.
Feeling a sense of unease, Kang-oh sprang to his feet. There was something off, and to confirm it, he needed to ask Woo directly.
Striding purposefully down the corridor, Kang-oh stopped in front of the room where Woo was staying. Clearing his throat, he heard the sound of hurried movement, and the sliding door opened. Woo peeked out cautiously.
"M-My lord."
The sight of someone who always hunched over now standing with arms wide open and frozen in place felt oddly suspicious to Kang-oh. He frowned as he glanced over Woo's shoulder.
It seemed that after lying about discarding the blanket, Woo had taken to living on it entirely. Although he had suspected something was off with the blanket lying on the floor instead of on the bed, it appeared that he had indeed been spending all his time on it.
"It seems you didn't like the guest room," Kang-oh asked nonchalantly, keeping his voice calm.
Woo quickly shook his head, sensing the underlying tension.
"N-no, it's just… it feels far too luxurious for someone like me…"
"That's enough. If it makes you uncomfortable, there's nothing I can do about it." Kang-oh's cold voice fell like a blade.
Woo felt a chill run down his neck—not from fear, but simply because that icy temperature was unfamiliar to him.
Seeing Woo bow his head deeply again, with only the top of his head visible, Kang-oh frowned. Unless he was startled, there was no sign that Woo would straighten his back.
"You've been holed up lately; are you feeling unwell?"
If Woo were still ill, Kang-oh decided he'd drag that physician back and make him regret his reassurances. Perhaps sensing Kang-oh's fierce demeanor, Woo flinched and opened his mouth.
"Th-that's not it."
"Then?"
"…Can't I just leave?"
"Where would you go?"
Woo found himself receiving the same question he had just asked and bit his lip. The servants' quarters? But that wasn't where he truly belonged. Then the White Virtue Clan's manor? That place wasn't his either. Knowing his place, he couldn't go back there. To be honest, Woo simply didn't want to stay in Hee-do Won any longer.
"Anywhere is fine. I just don't deserve to enjoy anything this place offers." Woo spoke calmly, almost serenely. He seemed less like a servile attendant and more like a scholar resigned to atoning for his sins.
Kang-oh shifted the conversation.
"Don't you find it suffocating to stay in your room all day?"
Sensing that his request would not be granted, Woo forced a bitter smile.
"The window is wide, so it's fine."
"Is it really wide in a place this cramped?" Kang-oh asked, frowning. He was sincere.
The memory of long ago flashed in Woo's mind: discovering Kang-oh living in a storage room far smaller than this one, before taking him to the White Virtue Clan's manor. Unintentionally, Woo's lips quivered as he suppressed his emotions.
"Do you remember the hut I used to live in on the mountain?"
"That wasn't a house." Kang-oh clicked his tongue. It seemed Jin-rang had raised his nephew quite well.
"Should I move you to a larger room?"
"That would be too much."
It felt like even a parrot trained to mimic human speech would have a broader vocabulary than Woo.
Recalling the purpose of his visit, Kang-oh opened his mouth.
"The garden is full of blooming flowers."
"Yes."
"Would you like to go see them together?"
"Y-yes...?"
Woo nodded without thinking, surprised by his own response. Kang-oh smiled for the first time since entering the room. Captivated by that smile, Woo didn't even have the chance to correct his mistake as Kang-oh took his hand and led him outside.
Kang-oh deliberately walked slowly to match Woo's pace as he guided him through the courtyard. The space was vibrant, filled with blooming flowers of every kind. It was as though the care lavished on the garden had convinced the blossoms to bloom regardless of their season. Colorful petals, soft to the touch, swayed gracefully in the breeze, dancing as if they were part of a grand celebration. It was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Wisteria vines coiled around the gazebo, and in the small pond, lotus buds rested delicately on their leaves. The reflection of spring greenery and vibrant blossoms on the water's surface created a picturesque scene, like a traditional landscape painting.
"Do you have a favorite flower?"
"I don't know many flowers," Woo replied, shaking his head. He felt a wave of tension every time Kang-oh asked personal questions. He feared making even the slightest mistake.
"I like magnolias," Kang-oh said.
"…"
"They bloom early in spring, and I love the way their white petals unfold. They are elegant and dignified."
"Magnolias are… graceful,"
"Yes... And they are such a tragically beautiful flower when they fall."
Every gust of wind or rain causes the petals to drop, bruised as if they've been wounded. It's as if they can't bear the pain of parting from the tree. That fleeting season of grace is followed by a kind of tragedy that, for some reason, stirred a melancholy in Kang-oh's heart.
"Were the bruised petals that sad?"
'It feels like the flowers are in pain. Can't you heal them, Master?'
Woo's hoarse voice seemed to overlap with the gentle whisper of someone unknown.
It was a voice he had never heard in his life. Yet, at the same time, it felt incredibly familiar and nostalgic. Overwhelmed by such a peculiar emotion for the first time, Kang-oh stared at Woo with a blank expression. Caught in that intense gaze, Woo instinctively lifted his head.
His expression was one of shock, as if he had been struck by lightning. As Woo silently replayed what he had just said, he nearly bit his lip in frustration. This was precisely why Ye Jin-rang disliked him being near Kang-oh. No matter how cautious he was, a single careless moment could stir up Kang-oh's memories.
Hiding his unease, Woo shifted his gaze, pretending to look past Kang-oh, as if only glancing casually over his shoulder. Springtime in Hee-do Won was breathtaking, as though Jin-rang had poured all the time she hadn't been able to spend with her family into cultivating this beauty. Kang-oh would surely find happiness here. What good would it do to awaken bloodstained memories of the past?
Dragging his feet slowly, Woo moved as if he were oblivious to the frozen Kang-oh behind him. Though he pretended to be calm, his heart tightened with anxiety.
White petals from the flowering willows scattered in the breeze. As he walked beneath them, a sudden gust of wind made him turn his head slightly upward. For a fleeting moment, Kang-oh saw another figure overlapping with Woo's.
The motion of pushing his hair back behind his ear, the puzzled expression on his face as he looked at Kang-oh, who stood rooted to the ground... It was a scene that felt achingly familiar yet completely foreign, as if it belonged to a memory that had never existed.
Kang-oh suddenly rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Woo, noticing Kang-oh's grimace as he pressed his head, hurriedly turned back to him.
"Are you okay?"
Woo's face showed a sense of urgency as he staggered slightly. Kang-oh slowly lowered his hand from his face.
"It's nothing serious. Just a slight headache."
"Shouldn't we call a physician?"
Kang-oh was taken aback by Woo's repeated questions. It was strange that Woo, who had acted as if he were reluctant to be associated with him, now seemed genuinely concerned. It was just a headache, a minor one at that.
"I'm a martial artist. There's no need to call a physician for something like this."
Despite the coldness in his tone, Woo did not flinch or step back. Instead, he continued speaking without hesitation.
"Does being a martial artist mean you can't get hurt? Does being a martial artist mean you don't bleed or feel pain?"
He hadn't abandoned his humanity to become a martial artist; he had chosen to become one while still being human.
"You certainly know how to speak boldly," Kang-oh spoke with a hint of intrigue.
Realizing his words might have affected Woo, he quickly added, "I didn't mean to scold you. I was just surprised that you could express yourself that way..."
"No, it's my fault. I apologize for disturbing your mood, My Lord." Woo replied in a calm tone. There was no sign of sorrow, nor disappointment—only a dry demeanor that felt like standing before a sheer cliff, overwhelming and desolate.
Kang-oh realized that Woo was drawing a line between them. It was too blatant to overlook.
"I know that you want to leave Hee-do Won."
"…"
"And I also know that you don't particularly like me."
"N-no, that's not true."
Woo was on the verge of panic. He had never felt so uncomfortable about his habitual stuttering as he did today. Even though it would be better to keep a distance from someone he needed to avoid, he desperately shook his head.
"Don't try so hard. I know I'm not exactly a kind master."
It wasn't in Kang-oh's nature to be particularly affectionate. Moreover, he had practically forced Woo to come to Hee-do Won. Nothing here, including himself, would likely appeal to Woo.
Kang-oh clenched his fists tightly. Even if Woo disliked it, there was nothing he could do. When the Master changed his mind, there would be no one else who could protect Woo.
"Endure it, even if you dislike it. I won't torment you for too long."
"Y-you've never done that."
Woo gritted his teeth as he spoke, trying his best not to stutter. He wanted to convey his thoughts clearly.
"You've never once tormented me. You've only done good things for me. Always."
As Woo lifted his head and looked directly at Kang-oh, the latter was taken aback. It was the first time Woo had acted this way, instead of avoiding eye contact and hunching over.
"Then why were you so upset when I took your blanket?" Kang-oh asked teasingly, but Woo hesitated for a moment.
"I thought of it as a gift from you."
His previously confident tone faltered, and his clear gaze suddenly became clouded. With no other excuses to find, his argument lacked conviction.
Nonetheless, Kang-oh decided to let it go this time. Woo's words about not hating being in Hee-do Won or how Kang-oh treated him made him feel somewhat at ease.
"Don't just stay in your room; come out to see the flowers sometimes."
"Y-yes."
Woo nodded, but he had no intention of going out unless Kang-oh called for him again, just like today.
"You only respond well." Kang-oh grumbled, as if he could see through Woo's true feelings.
Woo fiddled with the corners of his mouth, which were trying to lift into a smile, and composed himself. He must not show any signs of his emotions.
He actively denied any misunderstandings, but in truth, it was better to leave things as they were.
Watching Woo fall silent again, Kang-oh felt a mix of complicated emotions. In a place like Black Sky Clan, where all sorts of people gathered, he had seen many twisted lives, but he had never encountered someone as difficult to understand as Woo.
Kang-oh repeatedly crushed the curiosity that kept trying to bloom within him. There was no need to know. There was no reason to delve deeper. It would be better to follow his master's guidance before it was too late. This interest was likely just a combination of guilt and unfamiliar feelings toward someone he had never met before. Therefore, he must not become too absorbed in these emotions.
Kang-oh slowly began to describe the flowers in the garden. He was trying to be considerate of Woo, who didn't recognize many of them. They passed by the weeping willow, wisteria, the lotus flowers that had yet to bloom, the vivid pink-colored fescue, and the camellia, which now only had its flower stalks left as the petals had almost all fallen off. Before long, they had reached the peony cluster.
"This is a peony."
"It's beautiful," Woo said, his expression slightly peculiar. The sight of the peony reminded him of someone—his sister, Namgoong Ji-yak, who was likely filling the void he left at White Virtue Clan..
"Here, we only have purple peonies, but in Ilwon Hall, there are also blue peonies that bloom."
Noticing Woo's greater reaction to the peonies than to the other flowers, Kang-oh added more details. The thought of the flower viewing that night already made his stomach churn. However, if the scenery was beautiful after their visit, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take Woo there next time. After all, he was a man who wouldn't even think of stepping outside without someone to lead him.
"The blue ones must be lovely as well."
"Would you like to see them? I could take you before they wilt."
"No, that's not necessary." Woo shook his head. He already felt he was receiving more than he deserved. Moreover, if Kang-oh took him outside to show him the flowers, Jin-rang would surely be furious upon hearing about it.
It was better not to take unnecessary risks.
"If you don't want to, then there's nothing I can do about it."
Kang-oh stepped back willingly, and despite finding it unexpected, Woo felt a sense of relief wash over him.
"If you could leave Black Sky Clan, is there anywhere you would want to go?"
"Huh, leave Black Sky Clan...? Do you mean...?" Woo asked, his tone suggesting he had never considered such a thought before.
"Yes," Kang-oh nodded.
"I... I don't know."
"A warm place? A cold place? Somewhere with many people? Or somewhere with few?"
"…"
Woo remained silent, lost in thought, his expression contemplative.
"You have plenty of time, so take your time to think about it."
"Y-yes."
Kang-oh smiled bitterly at Woo's hesitant voice. He knew that Woo would never express where he wanted to go. He would simply follow whatever path Kang-oh decided for him.
Woo kept his mouth shut. There were places he wanted to go, but nowhere to return to. There was no need to voice such a predicament. Conversation was only necessary when there was a sustainable relationship.
Thus, there was no reason for him to open up to Kang-oh.
Sweat began to bead on Woo's temples as he slowly walked behind Kang-oh. With his current state, it was difficult to walk for long periods. Although Kang-oh slowed his pace for him, he was a martial artist who didn't tire easily, making it hard for Woo to keep up with his stamina. Kang-oh seemed unaware of this.
Woo's legs, carrying more strain, ached, but he didn't show it. Still, it was inevitable that his pace would slow. When Kang-oh turned to see that Woo was lagging behind, he paused for a moment, then frowned as he assessed the situation.
"…"
Woo, who had been following diligently, sensed the heavy silence when Kang-oh stopped in front of him.
Kang-oh's mood worsened further under Woo's watchful gaze, which was both submissive and cautious.
The weather was nice, the flowers were blooming brightly, and Woo seemed to be staying in his room too much, so Kang-oh had decided to take him out for a walk. He had tried to be considerate by walking slowly, but seeing Woo struggle without uttering a single word about his discomfort made Kang-oh feel that all his efforts were merely self-satisfaction. Even as his expression soured, Woo kept his eyes on the ground, aware of his own discomfort.
"Let's go back."
"Y-yes." Woo replied politely, but Kang-oh knew that even if he had insisted on continuing the walk, Woo would have bowed his head just the same.
It left a bitter taste in Kang-oh's mouth.
Kang-oh composed his expression. Showing his displeasure would only serve to vent his frustrations on Woo, which was not what he wanted. So, he thought he should endure this much, especially for Woo, who had been dragged along without being able to show any signs of dislike.
As Woo followed Kang-oh's now slower pace, he took the opportunity to catch his breath. It was much easier to keep up. It seemed Kang-oh had noticed that he was struggling. Despite his efforts to hide it, it was futile.
As he accompanied Woo back to his room, Kang-oh didn't leave immediately. He hesitated by the door, behaving in a way that was uncharacteristic of him, as he usually was much more decisive.
"…I won't call you out again today, so rest well."
"Y-yes."
Woo nodded in response. Kang-oh suddenly realized that if he left the room, Woo would likely not even pretend to sit and rest. He hesitated, stepping back.
With the way he had lived so far, he had no idea how to handle Woo.
Ironically, this thought made him feel uneasy.
It was not typical behavior for the Third Disciple of Black Sky Clan, known for his rough hands. Yet, as he became aware of the power he held over Woo, he felt more discomfort than joy. Even though it was natural to dominate someone weaker, the realization that he would never be able to meet Woo's gaze as an equal filled him with a sense of helplessness he had never experienced since first holding a sword.
'This is strange…'