Even though nobody can read my thoughts, being disrespectful even in my own mind is problematic. I still have much to learn. I sighed inwardly.

In the meantime, Sa Baek had finished exchanging pleasantries with the eldest son and began asking him various questions.
Already disappointed in myself, I focused on recording the situation, relieved that I finally had something to do.

I checked recent symptoms, what was wrong where, and proceeded to take the pulse of the younger siblings of the eldest son, just as I had done for them. With the eldest son, who was conscious, I stopped at just checking his pulse without inspecting the blood.

While focused, with eyes closed, I lowered the eldest son’s arm and asked, “That should do it. A little slow, but within normal range. Are you feeling tired?”

“Not yet, I’m fine for now…”

“That’s good to hear. It wouldn’t do to wear out the patient while examining them.”

Lightly laughing, I drained the remaining cold tea from the cup in one go and stood up.

“Even if you feel fine, the exact cause is still unknown. So, it’s better not to overexert yourself. We’ll be going, so you should rest. Let’s meet again in the afternoon.”

“Ah.”

Having been lying alone, the eldest son seemed a bit disappointed. However, he soon greeted me with a polite smile.

“Thank you again, master.”

“It was my duty, no need to thank me. Well then…”

As we stood up, the eldest son also rose and gave a slight bow.

“Yes, please take care.”

Following behind me as I led the way out, I subconsciously glanced back.

The eldest son had returned to his seat and was looking down at his tea cup.

I had no particular reason for looking back, and was about to naturally avert my eyes when–

The eldest son suddenly looked up, as if sensing my gaze.

Our eyes met.

He showed no sign of surprise. Instead, he narrowed his eyes and gave a meaningful smile, muttering something under his breath.

“…See you.”

If I read his lips correctly, that’s what he said.

As I was on my way out and had no opportunity to respond, I turned my head back and walked into the hallway. However, a few steps into the hallway, my head tilted on its own.

“Seeing him again is a foregone conclusion.”

Why make it seem so mysterious?

“That smile, too.”

Too ostentatious…

I revised my internal assessment of the eldest son. I had thought of him merely as a patient, but now it seemed more fitting to consider him a rather strange patient.
Stepping out of the temple, sunlight seemed to pour down from above. Perhaps because the day was gradually warming, the weather was as splendid as when we had left the volcano.

However, having suddenly been exposed to light, my eyes momentarily felt a sting. As I rubbed my eyes with my hand, Ha Hyun, who was beside me, turned his head and asked.

“What got into your eyes?”

“No… It’s not like that.”

I blinked a few times, removing my hand and signaling that I was fine. During this, Baek Yeo Heun briefly looked up at the sky, then turned to us and spoke.

“It’s almost noon already. It’s your first time doing these kinds of things, but you’ve been so composed that you’ve been really helpful. Thank you.”

“No, Baek Yeo Heun did all the work.”

I reflexively answered, deciding for now not to disclose what sort of character Baek Yeo Heun really is. Sure, I was a bit puzzled, but it wasn’t a grave or serious matter connected to the treatment. It’s a little tricky to explain, so I’ll just see how it goes.

Just as I had that thought.

“Reverend sirs!”

A servant came running from a distance and stopped in front of our group, bowing deeply as he greeted us. Then he conveyed that Lord Baek had invited us to join him for lunch.

“From the Lord?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm, if he’s inviting, then we must accept, of course. Will you lead the way?”

“Yes! Please follow me.”

Since Baek Yeo Heun had decided, Ha Hyun and I had nothing more to add and followed. As we walked the path led by the servant, a thought suddenly struck me.

His eldest son.

‘I can’t be the only one who thinks he doesn’t resemble them…’

Lord Baek, and even the rest of the siblings, looked significantly different from him.

‘But Baek Yeo Heun was unfazed.’

He didn’t converse with Ha Hyun, who sat right next to him, nor did I look at his face to see what expression he held.

So for now, I’ll set it aside, but I remember that Baek Yeo Heun seemed completely undisturbed as he conversed with his eldest son.

Of course, Baek Yeo Heun may somewhat know why they look so different and is still calm because he acknowledges his eldest son as his successor, but…

‘Hmm.’

It’s a bit off-topic, but Ha Hyun, who is walking beside me now, is also quite good-looking in a way befitting the presumed protagonist.

His face may appear slightly cold when expressionless, but fundamentally, he looks as though he’s a piece of ice meticulously carved out. Seeing his face every day has even made me inadvertently insensitive to other people’s appearances.
Even I had the impression that the eldest son was strikingly good-looking. Given his noble disposition, a word of praise would be warranted.

‘Was it less exciting because we’re of the same gender?’

Or perhaps…

It might just be that I continually fall short of being a Taoist master…