Chapter 58: The Heavenly Death Star Of Chilgok County (1)
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Chapter 58: The Heavenly Death Star Of Chilgok County (1)
The next day.
I emerged alone early in the morning to relocate to a different inn and began my search.
This place isnt satisfactory.
How much for a double room for one night?
Why is it so costly?
Despite visiting several inns, I failed to find one that truly met my needs.
Had I been staying by myself, I might have settled for the cheapest option, but to prevent incidents like the previous one, I needed somewhere more appropriate.
Our inn boasts excellent soundproofing.
At last, after considerable effort, I stumbled upon an inn that seemed like a decent business hotel.
Will your companion be a man or a woman?
As I prepared to pay after inspecting the facilities, the innkeeper inquired.
A woman.
Then do you really require a room with two beds? If youre asking for soundproofing, you must be in the prime of your life. Ill arrange a room with one large bed and better soundproofing. It will cost a little extra, though.
Logically, it would appear odd for a man and woman to share a room with two separate beds.
Shes not my girlfriend; shes my wife.
I conveyed this to the innkeeper with an expression resembling that of a pitiable married man fearful of his nights.
Oh, I see But you appear so young.
The innkeeper exhibited a flicker of comprehension, but as a businessman, he did not completely abandon his sales tactics.
In situations like this, clarity was key.
My wife is a martial artist, but I havent pursued martial arts.
Ill assign you our most soundproof room with the largest bed.
Thank you.
Stay strong.
With a look of empathy, the innkeeper patted my shoulder and offered his encouragement.
After switching inns, the previous issue did not recur.
The only difference was the pitying glances from the innkeeper whenever I ascended to the room with her following dinner each evening.
Youre the black-haired storyteller whos been performing in the market recently, arent you?
After the performance, as I waited for Sohee, a group of warriors wearing heroes masks approached me.
Yes, thats me. Where are you folks from?
It always seemed like bad things happened when guys like this showed up armed.
We are from Changgeomun.
A middle-aged warrior, who appeared to be in his 40s, spoke to me.
Changgeomun? Arent you the heroes of Chilgok County? What do you want with me?
There was only one thing I could think of.
Did Yoon Daehyeop rat me out?
While I asked with a clueless expression, I hurriedly looked around for the Heavenly Death Star.
Where is the woman youre with?
Ignoring my question, the middle-aged warrior looked around. The other warriors started actively searching the area.
Had they come as a group after hearing I was a master of martial arts? They must think they can handle us.
What was the best course of action?
The situation would change depending on what the Changgeomun warriors decided to do. There could be a sword fight depending on the circumstances.
What would the Heavenly Death Star do? Even if she was as strong as they said, it might be better for her to hide and surprise them.
What about me? Could I break through the Changgeomuns encirclement alone and escape?
Im here.
Surprisingly, she appeared calmly in front of the warriors.
The warriors, tense at her sudden appearance without any warning, surrounded her with hands on their waists.
The Heavenly Death Star, unconcerned with whatever action they might take, boldly approached me.
Yun-ho, stay behind me.
She blocked the path between me and the warriors, reaching for her sword.
Where did she get a sword from!
Should we draw ours first?
The Changgeomun warriors hastily reached for their swords as Sohee stretched her hand toward her sword.
If you draw, you all die.
The Heavenly Death Stars voice was low but carried a tone that cooled the heated atmosphere.
What, what is this?
At her threat, the Changgeomun warriors momentarily stepped back.
She quickly seized the moment, spread her hands, and shielded me behind her back.
Like a tiger amidst a pack of wolves. The wolves were frightening, but the tiger protecting me didnt seem like she would lose.
En route to the inn.
The Heavenly Death Star looked particularly gloomy, perhaps still disturbed by the recent events.
I cant express how much comfort Sohee brought me just now. Why must people constantly seek conflict?
Praise was what she deserved now. Wasnt there a saying that praise could make even a whale dance on a hot grill?
Did you feel reassured?
Absolutely. When I roamed alone in the Central Plains, confrontations were common. Just a while back, members of the Cheongsapa, or some such group, beat me senseless and robbed me. But with Sohee at my side, those troubles are no more.
Since Cheon Sohee assumed the role of my bodyguard, the only sword-wielders who approached us were Yoon Daehyeop and the Changgeomun, but we faced other conflicts too.
Each time, Sohee intervened and quelled them with ease, ensuring our performances went undisturbed.
Indeed.
Perhaps my praise improved her mood? Her eyes, once tense, visibly relaxed.
However, Sohee, I have a proposal.
The time was right to broach the main subject amidst this congenial mood.
What might that be?
The name Okbun. Could we consider changing it?
A name that seems to attract trouble. Its time for a new one.
Originally, I couldnt broach the topic of altering the alias in life-or-death situations, but after today, it felt appropriate to suggest it.
Why?
That name. You started using it when you joined the acrobatic troupe. Weve already had two disputes because of that name, so I think its worth changing if its just an alias.
I dont want to.
But why?
It was a name that always brought trouble. There was no need to cling to an alias.
Maybe she thought it didnt matter if disputes arose since she could overpower them. But she should have considered my perspective too.
If it had been before, I might have given in, but for my safety, I needed to be more assertive in expressing my opinion.
The name Okbun is too old-fashioned. I may call it an alias, but I dont think it suits Sohee at all.
Old-fashioned?
Yes. Who uses such a name these days? How about changing it to something less outdated, like Jisu or Nayeon?
Seeing the ninja outfit, a Japanese name would have been fine too, but a Shinto-based name would have been better.
The name Okbun.
Her voice, which had just lightened, suddenly grew heavy.
Did I push too hard?
Huh?
Its my mothers name.
Ah.
My mind went blank for a moment.
In her gaze, there was a faint but definite anger.
So, Sohee. I always refer to her as Sohees mother, so I didnt know your mothers name
In a Talulla-like situation, I desperately searched for an excuse, but she abruptly turned her head away.
Ill go ahead.
With those words, she disappeared from my sight.
Sohee!
I had made a mess.
I stopped in my tracks, thinking of running straight to the inn.
My explanation might have been reasonable, but it was hard for her to quickly get over being told her mothers name was old-fashioned.
Going back to the room now would be as awkward as a forced reconciliation between a pitcher who intentionally threw a dead ball and the batter who punched him first.
She needed some time to soften her feelings.
Maybe I should visit the shack.
Suddenly, I remembered the brush and ink I had left at the shack.
They were very poor-quality tools, and I hadnt been in a situation to retrieve them, but maybe I should go get them now.
I have to write a novel again someday.
Though it wasnt the time yet, someday I would need to write a book again.
I had buried them in the ground in a corner of the shack so that even if thieves came, they wouldnt be able to steal them. I should be able to retrieve them if I went to the shack.
I havent seen those Cheonsapa guys in a while.
It had been quite some time since the Cheonsapa had vanished from Chilgok County.
I was confident enough to knock down a few gangsters, not just martial artists with swords, so going alone without Sohee shouldnt be a big problem.
I took a little time to head to the shack.
Oh my! Who is this? Isnt this our money pouch? You show up in Chilgok County again right away! Long time no see!
Damn it.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 58: The Heavenly Death Star Of Chilgok County (1)
The next day.
I emerged alone early in the morning to relocate to a different inn and began my search.
This place isnt satisfactory.
How much for a double room for one night?
Why is it so costly?
Despite visiting several inns, I failed to find one that truly met my needs.
Had I been staying by myself, I might have settled for the cheapest option, but to prevent incidents like the previous one, I needed somewhere more appropriate.
Our inn boasts excellent soundproofing.
At last, after considerable effort, I stumbled upon an inn that seemed like a decent business hotel.
Will your companion be a man or a woman?
As I prepared to pay after inspecting the facilities, the innkeeper inquired.
A woman.
Then do you really require a room with two beds? If youre asking for soundproofing, you must be in the prime of your life. Ill arrange a room with one large bed and better soundproofing. It will cost a little extra, though.
Logically, it would appear odd for a man and woman to share a room with two separate beds.
Shes not my girlfriend; shes my wife.
I conveyed this to the innkeeper with an expression resembling that of a pitiable married man fearful of his nights.
Oh, I see But you appear so young.
The innkeeper exhibited a flicker of comprehension, but as a businessman, he did not completely abandon his sales tactics.
In situations like this, clarity was key.
My wife is a martial artist, but I havent pursued martial arts.
Ill assign you our most soundproof room with the largest bed.
Thank you.
Stay strong.
With a look of empathy, the innkeeper patted my shoulder and offered his encouragement.
After switching inns, the previous issue did not recur.
The only difference was the pitying glances from the innkeeper whenever I ascended to the room with her following dinner each evening.
Youre the black-haired storyteller whos been performing in the market recently, arent you?
After the performance, as I waited for Sohee, a group of warriors wearing heroes masks approached me.
Yes, thats me. Where are you folks from?
It always seemed like bad things happened when guys like this showed up armed.
We are from Changgeomun.
A middle-aged warrior, who appeared to be in his 40s, spoke to me.
Changgeomun? Arent you the heroes of Chilgok County? What do you want with me?
There was only one thing I could think of.
Did Yoon Daehyeop rat me out?
While I asked with a clueless expression, I hurriedly looked around for the Heavenly Death Star.
Where is the woman youre with?
Ignoring my question, the middle-aged warrior looked around. The other warriors started actively searching the area.
Had they come as a group after hearing I was a master of martial arts? They must think they can handle us.
What was the best course of action?
The situation would change depending on what the Changgeomun warriors decided to do. There could be a sword fight depending on the circumstances.
What would the Heavenly Death Star do? Even if she was as strong as they said, it might be better for her to hide and surprise them.
What about me? Could I break through the Changgeomuns encirclement alone and escape?
Im here.
Surprisingly, she appeared calmly in front of the warriors.
The warriors, tense at her sudden appearance without any warning, surrounded her with hands on their waists.
The Heavenly Death Star, unconcerned with whatever action they might take, boldly approached me.
Yun-ho, stay behind me.
She blocked the path between me and the warriors, reaching for her sword.
Where did she get a sword from!
Should we draw ours first?
The Changgeomun warriors hastily reached for their swords as Sohee stretched her hand toward her sword.
If you draw, you all die.
The Heavenly Death Stars voice was low but carried a tone that cooled the heated atmosphere.
What, what is this?
At her threat, the Changgeomun warriors momentarily stepped back.
She quickly seized the moment, spread her hands, and shielded me behind her back.
Like a tiger amidst a pack of wolves. The wolves were frightening, but the tiger protecting me didnt seem like she would lose.
En route to the inn.
The Heavenly Death Star looked particularly gloomy, perhaps still disturbed by the recent events.
I cant express how much comfort Sohee brought me just now. Why must people constantly seek conflict?
Praise was what she deserved now. Wasnt there a saying that praise could make even a whale dance on a hot grill?
Did you feel reassured?
Absolutely. When I roamed alone in the Central Plains, confrontations were common. Just a while back, members of the Cheongsapa, or some such group, beat me senseless and robbed me. But with Sohee at my side, those troubles are no more.
Since Cheon Sohee assumed the role of my bodyguard, the only sword-wielders who approached us were Yoon Daehyeop and the Changgeomun, but we faced other conflicts too.
Each time, Sohee intervened and quelled them with ease, ensuring our performances went undisturbed.
Indeed.
Perhaps my praise improved her mood? Her eyes, once tense, visibly relaxed.
However, Sohee, I have a proposal.
The time was right to broach the main subject amidst this congenial mood.
What might that be?
The name Okbun. Could we consider changing it?
A name that seems to attract trouble. Its time for a new one.
Originally, I couldnt broach the topic of altering the alias in life-or-death situations, but after today, it felt appropriate to suggest it.
Why?
That name. You started using it when you joined the acrobatic troupe. Weve already had two disputes because of that name, so I think its worth changing if its just an alias.
I dont want to.
But why?
It was a name that always brought trouble. There was no need to cling to an alias.
Maybe she thought it didnt matter if disputes arose since she could overpower them. But she should have considered my perspective too.
If it had been before, I might have given in, but for my safety, I needed to be more assertive in expressing my opinion.
The name Okbun is too old-fashioned. I may call it an alias, but I dont think it suits Sohee at all.
Old-fashioned?
Yes. Who uses such a name these days? How about changing it to something less outdated, like Jisu or Nayeon?
Seeing the ninja outfit, a Japanese name would have been fine too, but a Shinto-based name would have been better.
The name Okbun.
Her voice, which had just lightened, suddenly grew heavy.
Did I push too hard?
Huh?
Its my mothers name.
Ah.
My mind went blank for a moment.
In her gaze, there was a faint but definite anger.
So, Sohee. I always refer to her as Sohees mother, so I didnt know your mothers name
In a Talulla-like situation, I desperately searched for an excuse, but she abruptly turned her head away.
Ill go ahead.
With those words, she disappeared from my sight.
Sohee!
I had made a mess.
I stopped in my tracks, thinking of running straight to the inn.
My explanation might have been reasonable, but it was hard for her to quickly get over being told her mothers name was old-fashioned.
Going back to the room now would be as awkward as a forced reconciliation between a pitcher who intentionally threw a dead ball and the batter who punched him first.
She needed some time to soften her feelings.
Maybe I should visit the shack.
Suddenly, I remembered the brush and ink I had left at the shack.
They were very poor-quality tools, and I hadnt been in a situation to retrieve them, but maybe I should go get them now.
I have to write a novel again someday.
Though it wasnt the time yet, someday I would need to write a book again.
I had buried them in the ground in a corner of the shack so that even if thieves came, they wouldnt be able to steal them. I should be able to retrieve them if I went to the shack.
I havent seen those Cheonsapa guys in a while.
It had been quite some time since the Cheonsapa had vanished from Chilgok County.
I was confident enough to knock down a few gangsters, not just martial artists with swords, so going alone without Sohee shouldnt be a big problem.
I took a little time to head to the shack.
Oh my! Who is this? Isnt this our money pouch? You show up in Chilgok County again right away! Long time no see!
Damn it.
Chapter 58: The Heavenly Death Star Of Chilgok County 1The next day.I emerged alone early in the morning to relocate to a different inn and began my search.This place isnt satisfactory.How much for a double room for one night?Why is it so costly?Despite visiting several inns, I failed to find one that truly met my needs.Had I been staying by myself, I might have settled for the cheapest option, but to prevent incidents like the previous one, I needed somewhere more appropriate.Our inn boasts excellent soundproofing.At last, after considerable effort, I stumbled upon an inn that seemed like a decent business hotel.Will your companion be a man or a woman?As I prepared to pay after inspecting the facilities, the innkeeper inquired.A woman.Then do you really require a room with two beds? If youre asking for soundproofing, you must be in the prime of your life. Ill arrange a room with one large bed and better soundproofing. It will cost a little extra, though.Logically, it would appear odd for a man and woman to share a room with two separate beds.Shes not my girlfriend; shes my wife.I conveyed this to the innkeeper with an expression resembling that of a pitiable married man fearful of his nights.Oh, I see But you appear so young.The innkeeper exhibited a flicker of comprehension, but as a businessman, he did not completely abandon his sales tactics.In situations like this, clarity was key.My wife is a martial artist, but I havent pursued martial arts.Ill assign you our most soundproof room with the largest bed.Thank you.Stay strong.With a look of empathy, the innkeeper patted my shoulder and offered his encouragement.After switching inns, the previous issue did not recur.The only difference was the pitying glances from the innkeeper whenever I ascended to the room with her following dinner each evening.Youre the black-haired storyteller whos been performing in the market recently, arent you?After the performance, as I waited for Sohee, a group of warriors wearing heroes masks approached me.Yes, thats me. Where are you folks from?It always seemed like bad things happened when guys like this showed up armed.We are from Changgeomun.A middle-aged warrior, who appeared to be in his 40s, spoke to me.Changgeomun? Arent you the heroes of Chilgok County? What do you want with me?There was only one thing I could think of.Did Yoon Daehyeop rat me out?While I asked with a clueless expression, I hurriedly looked around for the Heavenly Death Star.Where is the woman youre with?Ignoring my question, the middle-aged warrior looked around. The other warriors started actively searching the area.Had they come as a group after hearing I was a master of martial arts? They must think they can handle us.What was the best course of action?The situation would change depending on what the Changgeomun warriors decided to do. There could be a sword fight depending on the circumstances.What would the Heavenly Death Star do? Even if she was as strong as they said, it might be better for her to hide and surprise them.What about me? Could I break through the Changgeomuns encirclement alone and escape?Im here.Surprisingly, she appeared calmly in front of the warriors.The warriors, tense at her sudden appearance without any warning, surrounded her with hands on their waists.The Heavenly Death Star, unconcerned with whatever action they might take, boldly approached me.Yun-ho, stay behind me.She blocked the path between me and the warriors, reaching for her sword.Where did she get a sword from!Should we draw ours first?The Changgeomun warriors hastily reached for their swords as Sohee stretched her hand toward her sword.If you draw, you all die.The Heavenly Death Stars voice was low but carried a tone that cooled the heated atmosphere.What, what is this?At her threat, the Changgeomun warriors momentarily stepped back.She quickly seized the moment, spread her hands, and shielded me behind her back.Like a tiger amidst a pack of wolves. The wolves were frightening, but the tiger protecting me didnt seem like she would lose.En route to the inn.The Heavenly Death Star looked particularly gloomy, perhaps still disturbed by the recent events.I cant express how much comfort Sohee brought me just now. Why must people constantly seek conflict?Praise was what she deserved now. Wasnt there a saying that praise could make even a whale dance on a hot grill?Did you feel reassured?Absolutely. When I roamed alone in the Central Plains, confrontations were common. Just a while back, members of the Cheongsapa, or some such group, beat me senseless and robbed me. But with Sohee at my side, those troubles are no more.Since Cheon Sohee assumed the role of my bodyguard, the only sword-wielders who approached us were Yoon Daehyeop and the Changgeomun, but we faced other conflicts too.Each time, Sohee intervened and quelled them with ease, ensuring our performances went undisturbed.Indeed.Perhaps my praise improved her mood? Her eyes, once tense, visibly relaxed.However, Sohee, I have a proposal.The time was right to broach the main subject amidst this congenial mood.What might that be?The name Okbun. Could we consider changing it?A name that seems to attract trouble. Its time for a new one.Originally, I couldnt broach the topic of altering the alias in life-or-death situations, but after today, it felt appropriate to suggest it.Why?That name. You started using it when you joined the acrobatic troupe. Weve already had two disputes because of that name, so I think its worth changing if its just an alias.I dont want to.But why?It was a name that always brought trouble. There was no need to cling to an alias.Maybe she thought it didnt matter if disputes arose since she could overpower them. But she should have considered my perspective too.If it had been before, I might have given in, but for my safety, I needed to be more assertive in expressing my opinion.The name Okbun is too old-fashioned. I may call it an alias, but I dont think it suits Sohee at all.Old-fashioned?Yes. Who uses such a name these days? How about changing it to something less outdated, like Jisu or Nayeon?Seeing the ninja outfit, a Japanese name would have been fine too, but a Shinto-based name would have been better.The name Okbun.Her voice, which had just lightened, suddenly grew heavy.Did I push too hard?Huh?Its my mothers name.Ah.My mind went blank for a moment.In her gaze, there was a faint but definite anger.So, Sohee. I always refer to her as Sohees mother, so I didnt know your mothers nameIn a Talulla-like situation, I desperately searched for an excuse, but she abruptly turned her head away.Ill go ahead.With those words, she disappeared from my sight.Sohee!I had made a mess.I stopped in my tracks, thinking of running straight to the inn.My explanation might have been reasonable, but it was hard for her to quickly get over being told her mothers name was old-fashioned.Going back to the room now would be as awkward as a forced reconciliation between a pitcher who intentionally threw a dead ball and the batter who punched him first.She needed some time to soften her feelings.Maybe I should visit the shack.Suddenly, I remembered the brush and ink I had left at the shack.They were very poor-quality tools, and I hadnt been in a situation to retrieve them, but maybe I should go get them now.I have to write a novel again someday.Though it wasnt the time yet, someday I would need to write a book again.I had buried them in the ground in a corner of the shack so that even if thieves came, they wouldnt be able to steal them. I should be able to retrieve them if I went to the shack.I havent seen those Cheonsapa guys in a while.It had been quite some time since the Cheonsapa had vanished from Chilgok County.I was confident enough to knock down a few gangsters, not just martial artists with swords, so going alone without Sohee shouldnt be a big problem.I took a little time to head to the shack.Oh my! Who is this? Isnt this our money pouch? You show up in Chilgok County again right away! Long time no see!Damn it.
