Chapter 45: The Black-Haired Duo Of Chilgok County (4)
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 45: The Black-Haired Duo Of Chilgok County (4)
Last night, I was simply a childhood friend who knew about the Heavenly Death Stars past.
We shared childhood memories, but our relationship was just that of playmates. I spoke only of memories that would let us shake hands and part ways if Cheon Sohee accepted them.
Wasnt that what most childhood friendships were like? Just playmates from our younger days. If we met again when were older, we would say, Hello? Remember me from childhood? How have you been? See you next time, and then went our separate ways.
Even though we said see you next time, we knew there probably wouldnt be a next time. That was my plan, but it didnt work out.
Now, Cheon Sohee would endlessly doubt me, and I couldnt dispel all of her suspicions.
I was not a con artist who could perfectly deceive someone in every situation.
I was just a web novel writer with my own methods for deepening the relationship between the protagonist and the heroine in my stories.
The key was establishing common ground.
Once there was common ground, even Cheon Sohee would hesitate to doubt me under certain circumstances.
Her question was the perfect opportunity to create that speed bump.
No. I wasnt good at it back then.
I responded to Cheon Sohees question about whether I had always been good at storytelling with a faint smile and a denial.
Really.
Cheon Sohee quickly looked down again as if she wanted to bury her head in her knees.
Was that it?
I wish she were more curious. I had prepared this strategy carefully. If it ends here, what should I do?
If thats how youre going to be, Ill continue the story to pique your curiosity.
When we were young, I would sit you on my lap and tell you old tales.
I recalled the times I read fairy tales to my younger cousins.
Old tales?
Cheon Sohee lifted her head to look at me.
Yes, old tales. You really enjoyed them when I told them to you. Seeing your reaction made me happy, and I decided to keep going. Every time I went back to my hometown, I would fill my head with these stories to tell you. But when I told them to you, they didnt seem as interesting.
Why?
There was a hint of curiosity in her voice.
To make a story interesting, you need to include sad, unpleasant, and boring parts. But I wanted to see you happy, so I skipped the parts I thought were fun. This made the original charm of the stories fade.
Thats like a feint. To kill a master, you have to distract with movement and then strike.
She always brought up such comparisons.
Im not sure, but something like that. So when I told you stories, I always felt both sorry and happy. I was sorry because the stories werent as fun as I thought, but you always seemed to enjoy them. Thats why I kept remembering stories to tell you each time I went home, and gradually I got better at it.
Did I enjoy them a lot?
Yes. I told stories with all my might just to see your smile. Haha. Thinking about it now, you were my first audience as a storyteller.
I spoke to Cheon Sohee with a nostalgic tone, as if recalling a fond memory. Sorry, Master Carpenter! Ill change the first audience setting to Cheon Sohee.
I was the first audience
Cheon Sohee seemed slightly hooked on the idea of being my first audience.
You were my first! Hows that for a story?
But it was not enough. This alone was just a memory from the past. It didnt establish the deep empathy I originally planned.
It was risky, but I had to touch Cheon Sohees wound.
I need to derive empathy from that wound.
I thought I would soon be able to tell you really interesting stories since I was getting better. But then, after that terrible incident, I knew I would never be able to
I casually prodded Cheon Sohees Achilles heel, a wound that could provoke her to draw her sword at any moment. I needed to show her that I too was pained by that past.
In front of Cheon Sohee, I put on a face that reminisced a sad and painful history.
Youre talking about that incident
The eyes of the Heavenly Death Star narrowed in an instant.
Perhaps as an unconscious defensive reaction, her hand subtly shifted toward the short sword on her thigh.
She was poised to draw her sword at the slightest provocation. I quickly spoke up before she could interrupt.
Thats why I practiced even harder, fueled by regret. So that I wouldnt embarrass myself in front of Sohee in heaven, should she ever descend to hear my stories. So that one day, when I die, I could share the tales of this world with the young Sohee who is waiting, in an interesting way.
Cheon Sohees hand paused. She looked at me, her expression a mix of slight surprise and bewilderment.
How about that for a story? The reason that a rogue of Joseon became a skilled storyteller.
Longing for a deceased childhood friend.
Wasnt it a compelling setup?
Knowing that Sohee, who is actually alive, has heard my stories, as I said earlier, makes me feel a little embarrassed yet deeply moved.
I deliberately turned away, covering my mouth and shaking as if overcome with emotion, like a brother who had just found his long-lost younger sister.
This was the obstacle I had crafted.
Suddenly, Cheon Sohee called out to me.
Huh?
I was engrossed in my acting; why the interruption?
Did you act like that when you were young?
No. Back then, I simply had Sohee sit on my lap while I told the story.
What kind of acting would a little kid do? The best setting involved having little Cheon Sohee sit on my lap while I told her stories.
Then do it like that.
Cheon Sohee stood up.
What?
I needed to do what shes asking?
I should have Cheon Sohee sit on my lap and tell the story?
This woman was asking for trouble. Back then, it had been okay because we were kids, but not now.
What would happen if I let you, in your ninja outfit, sit on my lap now? Would I focus on the story or be distracted by the gravitational pull?
Uncomfortable.
If my blood circulation became too active, it would be a disaster. I might as well say goodbye to a displeased Cheon Sohee.
Sohee, youre grown up now. Sitting on your brothers lap might be inappropriate. Just sit over there.
I had to prevent any mishap in advance. I moved next to Cheon Sohee and sat down, raising my knees and placing my hands on them, just in case she decided to try sitting on them.
Cheon Sohee looked at me, seemingly displeased that her suggestion was rejected, but she sat down again.
Good. I deliberately avoided glancing at her and focused on the bed, then started speaking.
Ill tell it in the way I used to when you were younger.
With a voice as soothing as a late-night radio DJs but resonant enough to be memorable.
Under the starry night sky, I began a fairy tale recital for an audience of one.
So, the siblings became the Sun and the Moon,
I quietly concluded the nights tale and looked to my side.
Asleep.
Cheon Sohees eyes were closed. Her breathing was steady, indicating she had truly fallen asleep. My soothing voice must have acted like a sedative, akin to a level 3 demon-capturing spell.
Asleep, she looked truly beautiful. To think she would become such a madwoman in a few years.
My biggest concern right now was precisely her madness.
In the future, she would become a deranged psychopathic murderer. I had no way of knowing whether Cheon Sohees madness would gradually set in or suddenly erupt.
Persuasion has its limits.
No matter how much I racked my brain and pleaded with her, if Cheon Sohee snapped one day and stabbed me, that would be the end of me.
A bomb that detonated when mishandled. A bomb that went off even if left alone.
That was Cheon Sohee.
I should give her a blanket.
Cautiously, I approached the bed to fetch a blanket. Would she wake if I covered her? She hadnt rejected my kindness the day before, so shed probably accept it even if she stirred.
I carefully draped the blanket over Cheon Sohee.
She didnt stir. She must have been exhausted.
I should get some sleep too.
I was quite pleased with my bomb disposal squad-like maneuvers thus far. If Cheon Sohee had taken my actions to heart, she shouldnt erupt for some time.
All I could do was hope her madness wouldnt emerge until she decided to part ways with me.
I carefully lay down in bed and attempted to drift off to sleep.
It was a quiet night in Chilgok County, so still that not even insects buzzed.
The night sky was ablaze with countless stars casting their glow upon the earth.
Among those celestial bodies was the baleful Heavenly Death Star.
Though it glittered in the night sky, this star was unique in that it shone solely for one individual.
Cheon Sohees eyes fluttered open.
Her crimson eyes, reflecting the light of the sinister star, appeared to glow in the darkness of the room.
Kang Yun-ho, oblivious to Cheon Sohees awakened state, lay asleep.
In reality, Cheon Sohee hadnt slept at all for two days. She had been pretending to sleep, closely watching Kang Yun-hos every move.
Cheon Sohee silently rose to her feet beside the slumbering Kang Yun-ho.
Youre a swindler.
It was her most reflective day in a decade.
Having resolved herself, Cheon Sohee unsheathed her short sword in front of Kang Yun-ho.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 45: The Black-Haired Duo Of Chilgok County (4)
Last night, I was simply a childhood friend who knew about the Heavenly Death Stars past.
We shared childhood memories, but our relationship was just that of playmates. I spoke only of memories that would let us shake hands and part ways if Cheon Sohee accepted them.
Wasnt that what most childhood friendships were like? Just playmates from our younger days. If we met again when were older, we would say, Hello? Remember me from childhood? How have you been? See you next time, and then went our separate ways.
Even though we said see you next time, we knew there probably wouldnt be a next time. That was my plan, but it didnt work out.
Now, Cheon Sohee would endlessly doubt me, and I couldnt dispel all of her suspicions.
I was not a con artist who could perfectly deceive someone in every situation.
I was just a web novel writer with my own methods for deepening the relationship between the protagonist and the heroine in my stories.
The key was establishing common ground.
Once there was common ground, even Cheon Sohee would hesitate to doubt me under certain circumstances.
Her question was the perfect opportunity to create that speed bump.
No. I wasnt good at it back then.
I responded to Cheon Sohees question about whether I had always been good at storytelling with a faint smile and a denial.
Really.
Cheon Sohee quickly looked down again as if she wanted to bury her head in her knees.
Was that it?
I wish she were more curious. I had prepared this strategy carefully. If it ends here, what should I do?
If thats how youre going to be, Ill continue the story to pique your curiosity.
When we were young, I would sit you on my lap and tell you old tales.
I recalled the times I read fairy tales to my younger cousins.
Old tales?
Cheon Sohee lifted her head to look at me.
Yes, old tales. You really enjoyed them when I told them to you. Seeing your reaction made me happy, and I decided to keep going. Every time I went back to my hometown, I would fill my head with these stories to tell you. But when I told them to you, they didnt seem as interesting.
Why?
There was a hint of curiosity in her voice.
To make a story interesting, you need to include sad, unpleasant, and boring parts. But I wanted to see you happy, so I skipped the parts I thought were fun. This made the original charm of the stories fade.
Thats like a feint. To kill a master, you have to distract with movement and then strike.
She always brought up such comparisons.
Im not sure, but something like that. So when I told you stories, I always felt both sorry and happy. I was sorry because the stories werent as fun as I thought, but you always seemed to enjoy them. Thats why I kept remembering stories to tell you each time I went home, and gradually I got better at it.
Did I enjoy them a lot?
Yes. I told stories with all my might just to see your smile. Haha. Thinking about it now, you were my first audience as a storyteller.
I spoke to Cheon Sohee with a nostalgic tone, as if recalling a fond memory. Sorry, Master Carpenter! Ill change the first audience setting to Cheon Sohee.
I was the first audience
Cheon Sohee seemed slightly hooked on the idea of being my first audience.
You were my first! Hows that for a story?
But it was not enough. This alone was just a memory from the past. It didnt establish the deep empathy I originally planned.
It was risky, but I had to touch Cheon Sohees wound.
I need to derive empathy from that wound.
I thought I would soon be able to tell you really interesting stories since I was getting better. But then, after that terrible incident, I knew I would never be able to
I casually prodded Cheon Sohees Achilles heel, a wound that could provoke her to draw her sword at any moment. I needed to show her that I too was pained by that past.
In front of Cheon Sohee, I put on a face that reminisced a sad and painful history.
Youre talking about that incident
The eyes of the Heavenly Death Star narrowed in an instant.
Perhaps as an unconscious defensive reaction, her hand subtly shifted toward the short sword on her thigh.
She was poised to draw her sword at the slightest provocation. I quickly spoke up before she could interrupt.
Thats why I practiced even harder, fueled by regret. So that I wouldnt embarrass myself in front of Sohee in heaven, should she ever descend to hear my stories. So that one day, when I die, I could share the tales of this world with the young Sohee who is waiting, in an interesting way.
Cheon Sohees hand paused. She looked at me, her expression a mix of slight surprise and bewilderment.
How about that for a story? The reason that a rogue of Joseon became a skilled storyteller.
Longing for a deceased childhood friend.
Wasnt it a compelling setup?
Knowing that Sohee, who is actually alive, has heard my stories, as I said earlier, makes me feel a little embarrassed yet deeply moved.
I deliberately turned away, covering my mouth and shaking as if overcome with emotion, like a brother who had just found his long-lost younger sister.
This was the obstacle I had crafted.
Suddenly, Cheon Sohee called out to me.
Huh?
I was engrossed in my acting; why the interruption?
Did you act like that when you were young?
No. Back then, I simply had Sohee sit on my lap while I told the story.
What kind of acting would a little kid do? The best setting involved having little Cheon Sohee sit on my lap while I told her stories.
Then do it like that.
Cheon Sohee stood up.
What?
I needed to do what shes asking?
I should have Cheon Sohee sit on my lap and tell the story?
This woman was asking for trouble. Back then, it had been okay because we were kids, but not now.
What would happen if I let you, in your ninja outfit, sit on my lap now? Would I focus on the story or be distracted by the gravitational pull?
Uncomfortable.
If my blood circulation became too active, it would be a disaster. I might as well say goodbye to a displeased Cheon Sohee.
Sohee, youre grown up now. Sitting on your brothers lap might be inappropriate. Just sit over there.
I had to prevent any mishap in advance. I moved next to Cheon Sohee and sat down, raising my knees and placing my hands on them, just in case she decided to try sitting on them.
Cheon Sohee looked at me, seemingly displeased that her suggestion was rejected, but she sat down again.
Good. I deliberately avoided glancing at her and focused on the bed, then started speaking.
Ill tell it in the way I used to when you were younger.
With a voice as soothing as a late-night radio DJs but resonant enough to be memorable.
Under the starry night sky, I began a fairy tale recital for an audience of one.
So, the siblings became the Sun and the Moon,
I quietly concluded the nights tale and looked to my side.
Asleep.
Cheon Sohees eyes were closed. Her breathing was steady, indicating she had truly fallen asleep. My soothing voice must have acted like a sedative, akin to a level 3 demon-capturing spell.
Asleep, she looked truly beautiful. To think she would become such a madwoman in a few years.
My biggest concern right now was precisely her madness.
In the future, she would become a deranged psychopathic murderer. I had no way of knowing whether Cheon Sohees madness would gradually set in or suddenly erupt.
Persuasion has its limits.
No matter how much I racked my brain and pleaded with her, if Cheon Sohee snapped one day and stabbed me, that would be the end of me.
A bomb that detonated when mishandled. A bomb that went off even if left alone.
That was Cheon Sohee.
I should give her a blanket.
Cautiously, I approached the bed to fetch a blanket. Would she wake if I covered her? She hadnt rejected my kindness the day before, so shed probably accept it even if she stirred.
I carefully draped the blanket over Cheon Sohee.
She didnt stir. She must have been exhausted.
I should get some sleep too.
I was quite pleased with my bomb disposal squad-like maneuvers thus far. If Cheon Sohee had taken my actions to heart, she shouldnt erupt for some time.
All I could do was hope her madness wouldnt emerge until she decided to part ways with me.
I carefully lay down in bed and attempted to drift off to sleep.
It was a quiet night in Chilgok County, so still that not even insects buzzed.
The night sky was ablaze with countless stars casting their glow upon the earth.
Among those celestial bodies was the baleful Heavenly Death Star.
Though it glittered in the night sky, this star was unique in that it shone solely for one individual.
Cheon Sohees eyes fluttered open.
Her crimson eyes, reflecting the light of the sinister star, appeared to glow in the darkness of the room.
Kang Yun-ho, oblivious to Cheon Sohees awakened state, lay asleep.
In reality, Cheon Sohee hadnt slept at all for two days. She had been pretending to sleep, closely watching Kang Yun-hos every move.
Cheon Sohee silently rose to her feet beside the slumbering Kang Yun-ho.
Youre a swindler.
It was her most reflective day in a decade.
Having resolved herself, Cheon Sohee unsheathed her short sword in front of Kang Yun-ho.
Chapter 45: The Black-Haired Duo Of Chilgok County 4Last night, I was simply a childhood friend who knew about the Heavenly Death Stars past.We shared childhood memories, but our relationship was just that of playmates. I spoke only of memories that would let us shake hands and part ways if Cheon Sohee accepted them.Wasnt that what most childhood friendships were like? Just playmates from our younger days. If we met again when were older, we would say, Hello? Remember me from childhood? How have you been? See you next time, and then went our separate ways.Even though we said see you next time, we knew there probably wouldnt be a next time. That was my plan, but it didnt work out.Now, Cheon Sohee would endlessly doubt me, and I couldnt dispel all of her suspicions.I was not a con artist who could perfectly deceive someone in every situation.I was just a web novel writer with my own methods for deepening the relationship between the protagonist and the heroine in my stories.The key was establishing common ground.Once there was common ground, even Cheon Sohee would hesitate to doubt me under certain circumstances.Her question was the perfect opportunity to create that speed bump.No. I wasnt good at it back then.I responded to Cheon Sohees question about whether I had always been good at storytelling with a faint smile and a denial.Really.Cheon Sohee quickly looked down again as if she wanted to bury her head in her knees.Was that it?I wish she were more curious. I had prepared this strategy carefully. If it ends here, what should I do?If thats how youre going to be, Ill continue the story to pique your curiosity.When we were young, I would sit you on my lap and tell you old tales.I recalled the times I read fairy tales to my younger cousins.Old tales?Cheon Sohee lifted her head to look at me.Yes, old tales. You really enjoyed them when I told them to you. Seeing your reaction made me happy, and I decided to keep going. Every time I went back to my hometown, I would fill my head with these stories to tell you. But when I told them to you, they didnt seem as interesting.Why?There was a hint of curiosity in her voice.To make a story interesting, you need to include sad, unpleasant, and boring parts. But I wanted to see you happy, so I skipped the parts I thought were fun. This made the original charm of the stories fade.Thats like a feint. To kill a master, you have to distract with movement and then strike.She always brought up such comparisons.Im not sure, but something like that. So when I told you stories, I always felt both sorry and happy. I was sorry because the stories werent as fun as I thought, but you always seemed to enjoy them. Thats why I kept remembering stories to tell you each time I went home, and gradually I got better at it.Did I enjoy them a lot?Yes. I told stories with all my might just to see your smile. Haha. Thinking about it now, you were my first audience as a storyteller.I spoke to Cheon Sohee with a nostalgic tone, as if recalling a fond memory. Sorry, Master Carpenter! Ill change the first audience setting to Cheon Sohee.I was the first audienceCheon Sohee seemed slightly hooked on the idea of being my first audience.You were my first! Hows that for a story?But it was not enough. This alone was just a memory from the past. It didnt establish the deep empathy I originally planned.It was risky, but I had to touch Cheon Sohees wound.I need to derive empathy from that wound.I thought I would soon be able to tell you really interesting stories since I was getting better. But then, after that terrible incident, I knew I would never be able toI casually prodded Cheon Sohees Achilles heel, a wound that could provoke her to draw her sword at any moment. I needed to show her that I too was pained by that past.In front of Cheon Sohee, I put on a face that reminisced a sad and painful history.Youre talking about that incidentThe eyes of the Heavenly Death Star narrowed in an instant.Perhaps as an unconscious defensive reaction, her hand subtly shifted toward the short sword on her thigh.She was poised to draw her sword at the slightest provocation. I quickly spoke up before she could interrupt.Thats why I practiced even harder, fueled by regret. So that I wouldnt embarrass myself in front of Sohee in heaven, should she ever descend to hear my stories. So that one day, when I die, I could share the tales of this world with the young Sohee who is waiting, in an interesting way.Cheon Sohees hand paused. She looked at me, her expression a mix of slight surprise and bewilderment.How about that for a story? The reason that a rogue of Joseon became a skilled storyteller.Longing for a deceased childhood friend.Wasnt it a compelling setup?Knowing that Sohee, who is actually alive, has heard my stories, as I said earlier, makes me feel a little embarrassed yet deeply moved.I deliberately turned away, covering my mouth and shaking as if overcome with emotion, like a brother who had just found his long-lost younger sister.This was the obstacle I had crafted.Suddenly, Cheon Sohee called out to me.Huh?I was engrossed in my acting; why the interruption?Did you act like that when you were young?No. Back then, I simply had Sohee sit on my lap while I told the story.What kind of acting would a little kid do? The best setting involved having little Cheon Sohee sit on my lap while I told her stories.Then do it like that.Cheon Sohee stood up.What?I needed to do what shes asking?I should have Cheon Sohee sit on my lap and tell the story?This woman was asking for trouble. Back then, it had been okay because we were kids, but not now.What would happen if I let you, in your ninja outfit, sit on my lap now? Would I focus on the story or be distracted by the gravitational pull?Uncomfortable.If my blood circulation became too active, it would be a disaster. I might as well say goodbye to a displeased Cheon Sohee.Sohee, youre grown up now. Sitting on your brothers lap might be inappropriate. Just sit over there.I had to prevent any mishap in advance. I moved next to Cheon Sohee and sat down, raising my knees and placing my hands on them, just in case she decided to try sitting on them.Cheon Sohee looked at me, seemingly displeased that her suggestion was rejected, but she sat down again.Good. I deliberately avoided glancing at her and focused on the bed, then started speaking.Ill tell it in the way I used to when you were younger.With a voice as soothing as a late-night radio DJs but resonant enough to be memorable.Under the starry night sky, I began a fairy tale recital for an audience of one.So, the siblings became the Sun and the Moon,I quietly concluded the nights tale and looked to my side.Asleep.Cheon Sohees eyes were closed. Her breathing was steady, indicating she had truly fallen asleep. My soothing voice must have acted like a sedative, akin to a level 3 demon-capturing spell.Asleep, she looked truly beautiful. To think she would become such a madwoman in a few years.My biggest concern right now was precisely her madness.In the future, she would become a deranged psychopathic murderer. I had no way of knowing whether Cheon Sohees madness would gradually set in or suddenly erupt.Persuasion has its limits.No matter how much I racked my brain and pleaded with her, if Cheon Sohee snapped one day and stabbed me, that would be the end of me.A bomb that detonated when mishandled. A bomb that went off even if left alone.That was Cheon Sohee.I should give her a blanket.Cautiously, I approached the bed to fetch a blanket. Would she wake if I covered her? She hadnt rejected my kindness the day before, so shed probably accept it even if she stirred.I carefully draped the blanket over Cheon Sohee.She didnt stir. She must have been exhausted.I should get some sleep too.I was quite pleased with my bomb disposal squad-like maneuvers thus far. If Cheon Sohee had taken my actions to heart, she shouldnt erupt for some time.All I could do was hope her madness wouldnt emerge until she decided to part ways with me.I carefully lay down in bed and attempted to drift off to sleep.It was a quiet night in Chilgok County, so still that not even insects buzzed.The night sky was ablaze with countless stars casting their glow upon the earth.Among those celestial bodies was the baleful Heavenly Death Star.Though it glittered in the night sky, this star was unique in that it shone solely for one individual.Cheon Sohees eyes fluttered open.Her crimson eyes, reflecting the light of the sinister star, appeared to glow in the darkness of the room.Kang Yun-ho, oblivious to Cheon Sohees awakened state, lay asleep.In reality, Cheon Sohee hadnt slept at all for two days. She had been pretending to sleep, closely watching Kang Yun-hos every move.Cheon Sohee silently rose to her feet beside the slumbering Kang Yun-ho.Youre a swindler.It was her most reflective day in a decade.Having resolved herself, Cheon Sohee unsheathed her short sword in front of Kang Yun-ho.
