Chapter 96

The interior of the carriage was not uncomfortable, given its luxurious decoration, but the long journey had taken its toll. Feeling fatigued, Yeonghwa subtly furrowed her brow. Noticing this, the Sima Family Head casually opened the window and signaled to his subordinates.

“Let’s take a short break.”

“It’s not that tiring…”

Caught off guard by the unexpected consideration, Yeonghwa felt both bewildered and oddly pleased, about to say it was fine, but then…

“Don’t get the wrong idea. It’s time for the horses to rest.”

The following words from the Sima Family Head left her speechless.

“…I see.”

Yeonghwa’s red eyes calmly settled.

‘Of course, he wouldn’t be concerned about me.’

Lately, his attitude had softened just a tiny bit, leading her to misunderstand.

…But if he suggests taking a break at that moment, who wouldn’t misunderstand?!

Preparing the carriage to meet her brother, arranging an escort, unexpectedly praising her, or taking out a treasured sword he usually never wields…

It’s those little things that tricked me-!!

With a slightly pouty face that didn’t show too much, she glared at the back of the Sima Family Head as he stepped out of the carriage.

‘He doesn’t even usually wear a sword! What’s with that strange sword…!!’

Perhaps because of her inner thoughts?

Suddenly becoming the target of her frustration.

The sword at the Sima Family Head’s waist, wrapped in red silk, swayed.

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Anyway, as the family head’s command was issued.

The splendid carriage, which seemed fit for high officials, along with several escort carriages and cavalry, came to a halt.

Yeonghwa also stepped out of the carriage to rest.

With not much left to the Martial Alliance.

She wanted to hurry and set off, but rushing wouldn’t solve anything.

Settling into a neat posture, she regulated her breathing.

To dispel the boredom, she looked up at the sky again, searching for clouds that resembled her brother.

…And at that sight, following her father, Poong Baek.

The girl who joined this journey to the Martial Alliance, Poong Ran, with her pretty green eyes wide open, stared blankly at Yeonghwa.

“Hawawa…”

Her skin as fine as white porcelain, long straight legs.

Beautiful red eyes reminiscent of precious gems.

An appearance that couldn’t be overshadowed even by the glittering golden accessories in the sunlight.

Frozen in place by a demeanor akin to a princess from a story.

“You’re Poong Ran, the daughter of Merchant Leader Poong, right?”

Suddenly meeting her gaze, Yeonghwa tilted her head slightly, offering a fake, friendly smile.

“Do you need something from me?”

“Ah, no! It’s just… um… Nice to meet you! I’m Poong Ran! …Miss Yeonghwa.”

With a soft voice, she warmly greeted Poong Ran’s cute, tense voice.

“Yes, nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

…However, contrary to her cheerful smiling face.

Yeonghwa’s eyes lowered as she looked at the cherry blossom branch accessory on Poong Ran’s head, a gift from Sima Mantian.

Naturally, Yeonghwa had read the reports submitted by the subordinates the Sima Family Head had planted.

She knew of the existence of a naughty stray cat that dared to flirt with her beloved brother.

‘Really, trying to seduce a man with a sister… Central Plains people are so irrational.’

Subtly raising her hand to cover her scornful lips, she faked a smile.

“…Your accessory is really pretty. Cute.”

It’s not like she’s jealous just because her brother picked flowers for her.

She received an incomparable gift on the day they swore their oath under the peach tree, the day of the Peach Garden Oath.

That day, her brother gave her a comb. Not just any comb.

At the time, unfamiliar with this culture, she didn’t realize the deeper meaning hidden within.

In Goryeo, the Central Plains, and the East, when a man gives a woman a crescent moon-shaped comb.

It metaphorically expresses his love.

It signifies a proposal.

Even if the ceremony hasn’t been held, this makes them no different from a married couple.

“Ah! Thank you. It’s a precious accessory.”

Unaware of these underlying meanings, and not thinking that a sister could like her brother in a romantic way, Poong Ran smiled brightly.

“I’ve also heard a lot about you from the Young Master.”

Initially intimidated by Yeonghwa’s appearance.

If you aim for longevity, start with the words.

She planned to get closer to Yeonghwa, the sister, to get closer to Sima Mantian.

“My brother talked about me…?”

“Yes! He said you’re the most precious sister in the world!”

Though it was obvious flattery, hearing her brother’s affection reaffirmed from someone else’s mouth.

‘Well… she’s not such a bad kid. Honest and kind.’

Feeling better, Yeonghwa’s expression naturally softened.

“Hmm~ What else did he say?”

Her face showed a pure, cute side.

***

A little distance away.

Listening to the chattering voices of Yeonghwa and Poong Ran, the two girls, Poong Baek wore a warm smile.

“Girls that age become friends quickly.”

“Don’t let your guard down. You never know what schemes lie behind a friendly face.”

Despite being the child of a seed sown for the Baehwa Church’s gold, the sharp evaluation made Poong Baek smile wryly.

“Just like the Family Head.”

“What are you trying to say?”

Frowning at Poong Baek, the Sima Family Head shrugged.

“Nothing much. Just that as father and daughter, there are similarities.”

In his younger days, he had accompanied the Sima Family Head as an escort to the Baehwa Church a few times.

Usually, it was the Iron Dog… the nameless guy who stuck by his side…

But one day, he suddenly left the organization and disappeared.

Killed the prince and became a martial arts outlaw.

Even back then, he thought he was a madman.

Anyway, from Poong Baek’s perspective, the Sima Family Head also had feelings for Yeonghwa’s mother, the Baehwa Church’s Flower Maiden.

Though it couldn’t be said for certain, he must have had feelings for Hordad.

She was a beauty, and whether it was her pure heart or kind nature, she was the Sima Family Head’s type.

Perhaps to deny those feelings, he kept his distance from Yeonghwa.

“Sigh…”

The Sima Family Head let out a brief sigh, then turned to Poong Baek with a friendly smile.

“Want to talk about family? Then let me bring something up too.”

“…Yes?”

Indeed, the one hiding schemes behind a friendly face was the Sima Family Head himself.

“I heard my son gave your daughter flowers. What do you think of the two of them?”

“Now…!! What are you…?!”

Our precious Ran, who wouldn’t hurt a fly, and that playboy who can’t open his mouth without flirting!!

‘If spring comes and you wish, I’ll pick them for you anytime.’

Sima Mantian’s smooth talk, the blushing face of the girl.

Just thinking about it makes my blood boil.

If it weren’t for the fact that he’s the son of the family’s benefactor, I would’ve kicked him aside immediately.

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying to marry them off. Just asking.”

Regaining his senses at the Sima Family Head’s following words, Poong Baek asked with a puzzled look.

“That’s unexpected. I thought you’d find a wealthy, good family’s daughter for him to marry.”

“I did think about it… but I have no intention of forcing an arranged marriage.”

After a brief pause, he muttered weakly.

“It’s a lie to say parents have no desires, but I’d like to let Tian choose his own partner.”

“Ha……”

Poong Baek’s mouth hung open in surprise.

He had expected him to use the caravan to leave, but it seems he was genuinely shocked that Sima Mantian really ran away.

Anyway, amidst the awkward atmosphere, a patrol soldier approached looking for Poong Baek.

“Merchant Leader, please come for a moment. There seems to be a problem ahead.”

“What? Family Head, I apologize. I’ll be back shortly.”

Frowning at the unexpected issue, Poong Baek left his seat.

‘There shouldn’t be any place where problems could arise…?’

Feeling something was off, the Sima Family Head frowned.

“……”

Suddenly, a foul smell of blood carried by the wind tickled his nose.

The Sima Family Head’s expression twisted sharply.

In the martial arts world, there’s only one group that emits such a nauseating smell.

“Form a circular defense with the carriages.”

Without hesitation, he issued the command and quickly moved his steps.

“You… what’s going on…?!”

Hurriedly approaching Yeonghwa, he hid her like a wolf protecting its cub.

“It’s an attack by the Blood Church. Stay behind.”

Simultaneously, dozens of figures emerged from the forest.

“The Heavenly Demon God Sect isn’t the only one who wants the Flower Maiden’s blood. Hand over the Baehwa Church’s monster quietly…”

“That’s enough. I can’t listen anymore.”

Cutting off the Blood Church martial artist’s words, who was dressed more luxuriously than the other bloodshot-eyed crowd, the Sima Family Head showed no interest.

Looking at the attackers, he roughly estimated.

No executives, it seems a few acted on their own. This is why I hate the Blood Church.

At least other Demon Sects have discipline. Deals are possible.

These guys have none of that. They act on desire.

“There are many of them. If I step forward…”

As Yeonghwa flicked her fingers, ready to ignite flames and step forward.

“That’s enough. I brought this for such situations.”

The Sima Family Head stepped further forward, hiding Yeonghwa behind him again, and drew the sword wrapped in red silk from his waist.

“Don’t interfere. Stay behind.”

The defensive formation was prepared for unforeseen events.

Knowing the enemy’s level, this should suffice.

As the silk sheath fell away, the slumbering famous sword revealed itself.

“Roar, Terror.”

A coward granted permission to cry let out his wail.

[Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah-!!!!!]

An inhuman scream resonated, striking the enemies’ heads through sound waves.