“It’s fine. Lying down all day is suffocating, so I didn’t want to miss this time to have tea and converse. It’s not strenuous, is it?”

The composed eldest son quickly changed the subject.

“Speaking of which… Have you set something up?”

“Ah, yes. My priest completed the formation about half an hour ago. Do you feel anything?”

“Yes.”

The eldest son seemed to be contemplating something, then faintly smiled.

“Somehow, I feel at ease.”

“Well, that’s fortunate.”

Fortunate? Is it really relief?

I was a little on edge. I thought I had hidden it well, but Ha Hyun, who was sitting right next to me, must have sensed something odd.

He reached under the table and lightly tapped the back of my hand. His gaze remained forward.

The tip of his finger that tapped the back of my hand turned it over and wrote letters on my palm.

Why

Is something strange?

There is…

For a moment, I relaxed. The way he communicated felt like a child’s playful act. Of course, since I haven’t learned telepathy yet, there couldn’t be a more appropriate method for the current situation.

‘Should I speak?’

After squeezing my hand a few times, and pausing briefly to think, I also wrote my response on Ha Hyun’s hand while keeping my gaze forward.

Explain later

It meant that it was too lengthy to discuss now, especially when the four hundred were silently watching. Making an issue out of something based solely on my feelings without evidence would be absurd.

But if it were just the two of us, Ha Hyun wouldn’t criticize me, even if I said something odd or off.

‘It’s not that I don’t trust the four hundred…’

I trust Ha Hyun more.

Since we were the only ones of the same age among the disciples, we spent more time together than with our master since Ha Hyun’s initiation. That time was the basis of my trust.

Just as the conversation between the four hundred and the eldest son seemed to be wrapping up, Ha Hyun pulled his hand back as if he understood.

“But…”

The eldest son who had momentarily closed his mouth spoke again. His slightly blue-tinted eyes were now directed at Ha Hyun and me.
The brief exchange between Ha Hyun and me through our fingertips went unnoticed, I believe, as our expressions remained unchanged. Yet, secretly doing something had startled me internally. I stared at him as naturally as possible.

“Although I’ve had extensive conversations with Master Yu Baek, I haven’t had the chance to talk with the two of you beside him. You both look to be around my age… Are you by any chance disciples of Master Yu Baek?”

“Ah, yes.”

Sa Baek smiled nonchalantly, seemingly oblivious, and glanced briefly at us.

“They are my subordinates. Disciples of Master Yu Woon of Hwasan’s Best Sword.”

“Ah, the Sword King’s?”

Jang Nam’s eyes widened as if feigning surprise, which seemed to delight Sa Baek a little.

“Indeed. Both are exceptionally talented and highly regarded within Hwasan; they’ve been very helpful in this matter. Now that you mention it, it appears you’re close in age to my disciples as well. I hadn’t thought that far. Why not exchange greetings?”

No, Sa Baek. How could you suddenly propose that?

Although flustered for a moment, the thought that this may not be so bad crossed my mind. To find out why this man annoys me so much, I’d have to know more about him.

“I’m fine with that. What should I call you?”

Jang Nam looked back towards where Ha Hyun and I were. Specifically, he was looking at me.

Our eyes met again.

“I am Ha Heun.”

“Ha Heun… so you’re a master as well.”

Lowering his gaze, Jang Nam murmured the name, then turned his eyes to Ha Hyun.

“Ha Hyun.”

“Master Ha Hyun, to be exact.”

The delighted gaze of Sa Baek, who looked as though he was watching a niece or nephew make friends, was palpable.

‘…It’s true.’

By Sa Baek’s standard, Ha Hyun and I were disciples who had played together since our youth and had no other friends until we reached this age. It was exactly that.

Upon hearing Ha Hyun’s name, Jang Nam grinned.

“I hope there will be an opportunity to have a conversation someday.”

His demeanor was impeccable, quite unlike the meaningful smiles he’d given earlier. Thanks to that, I was able to respond calmly.

“Once you’ve recovered, there will be an opportunity.”

“Yes, I look forward to it, as I expect to get better soon.”

I wasn’t entirely convinced given his still pallid complexion. Although I didn’t expect much, if he did get better, maybe then I could find some clues as to why Jang Nam annoyed me so much through conversation.