Childhood Friend of the Zenith

[Miss Mi.

]On the night when Moyong Biyeon faced Mi Horan, she saw Mi Horan open her eyes wide in a way she had never seen before.

Mi Horan, always cold and unwavering, now showed an unexpected level of agitation.

Perhaps it was because she, too, had aged?

Something rigid seemed to have softened a bit.

Indeed.

Everyone had aged.

It had been over ten years, so it was only natural.

Every time Moyong Biyeon thought of that simple truth, a discomfort stirred inside her.

She suppressed those feelings as she began to speak to Mi Horan.

[It's been a while, Miss Mi.

] [...

You...

] [How have you been?

]On the face of her long-time friend, there were clear signs of time passing.

Not in terms of skin or wrinkles, but in the overall atmosphere she carried.

Had she become more refined?

Just as treasures grow in value with the passage of time, her friend standing before her had become a more noble figure over the years.

Seeing this, Moyong Biyeon thought:[That's unfair.

] [...

Pardon?

] [Nothing.

Forget it.

]It wasn't because of this change in Mi Horan that he had chosen her.

It was simply because it was the best choice.

Back then, Moyong Biyeon had used that as an excuse to comfort herself.

But—Was that truly just a thing of the past?

Perhaps she was still clinging to memories from back then.

As Moyong Biyeon was slowly getting consumed by these old memories, Mi Horan looked at her and asked:[How have you been?

] [Oh, you know.

I've been well.

As always.

] [I sent a few letters, but I never got a reply.

Did something happen?

] [Ah...

]Those letters were probably sitting somewhere in the Moyong family’s household.

She had already told the family head in advance not to send anything to her, regardless of what arrived at the house.

The family head had faithfully adhered to Moyong Biyeon’s unreasonable request.

[I'm sorry.

]This was all she could say to Mi Horan.

She didn’t offer any excuses.

There weren’t any to give, and it had been her own decision anyway.

[There was just a lot going on.

] [Is that so.

]Mi Horan simply nodded at Moyong Biyeon’s words, and that was the end of it.

No probing questions like, "Is that really true?

" or accusations like, "That was too much.

" Any suspicions or grievances that could have arisen were left behind.

Mi Horan responded with trust and serenity.

Moyong Biyeon had spoken, and Mi Horan chose to believe her.

Seeing that, Moyong Biyeon was once again reminded:She still couldn’t surpass her.

[Miss Mi, you're still the same.

] [And so are you.

]At Mi Horan's words, Moyong Biyeon couldn’t help but give a bitter smile.

[Just like the last time we met, you haven’t changed a bit.

] [...

]Since the time when everything ended, and they went their separate ways, Moyong Biyeon hadn’t changed at all.

Whether in appearance or in heart.

Was that something to be pleased about?

Moyong Biyeon simply felt annoyed at her inability to mature even a little.

Seeing this, Mi Horan asked:[Did you come here to see me?

] [Hmm...

I just happened to be passing through Hanam, and I heard you were here.

So I thought I’d visit.

] [At this hour?

] [Sorry about that...

] [It's fine.

It’s been a while since you've come.

]There was a subtle edge to Mi Horan’s words, sharper than usual.

Despite the passage of time, Mi Horan still sounded like Mi Horan.

As Moyong Biyeon made an awkward expression, Mi Horan hesitated for a moment and asked cautiously:[So, did you really come just to see me?

] [...

] [If you came to see him...

] [No, I came just to see you, Miss Mi.

]Mi Horan was about to say something, but Moyong Biyeon cut her off.

[...

It’s not like that.

]She denied it once again.

But that was a lie.

Moyong Biyeon’s original intention had been to come to Hanam to meet him, but now she had chosen otherwise.

The reason she changed her mind was probably because she had seen his child.

Seeing a young man who resembled him walking around with her own eyes.

Or maybe it was just an excuse, and in truth, she was simply afraid to meet him.

Even Moyong Biyeon wasn’t sure.

What mattered was that, for now, she didn’t want to face him.

Whether Mi Horan understood this or not, she looked at Moyong Biyeon with a peculiar gaze.

[Are you sure you’ll be alright?

] [Of course.

I’m always fine.

Nothing to worry about.

]Moyong Biyeon smiled, hiding her many emotions, as she always did.

Though so much time had passed, the feelings that hadn’t dulled only grew deeper.

She had thought she had forgotten everything.

That’s why she believed she could finally face him.

But the moment she saw his son, who resembled him so much, she realized how wrong she had been.

It was still impossible for her to forget him.

And so, she couldn’t meet him.

With the way she felt now, she couldn’t face him with a smile.

That would be unfair to him, and to her friend.

Hiding those emotions, Moyong Biyeon continued speaking to Mi Horan.

[Oh, by the way, Miss Mi, did you know?

I met your daughter earlier.

]Mi Horan's expression shifted at those words.

Her daughter?

If it was her daughter...

[Your second daughter, right?

I think her name was Yeonseo?

She’s a beautiful child.

]Mi Horan was visibly relieved.

That was good news.

Since it wasn’t her eldest daughter but her second, who was a relatively ordinary character, nothing problematic must have happened.

[That's a relief.

] [Hmm?

] [No, it’s nothing.

So, what about it?

]Mi Horan asked, slightly confused by Moyong Biyeon’s sudden mention of Gu Yeonseo.

Moyong Biyeon almost mentioned that she had seen her tied up with that scoundrel from the Peng family but decided to save it for later and changed the subject.

[She’s really beautiful.

Maybe it’s because she takes after you.

] [...

]Mi Horan averted her gaze, clearly embarrassed.

Seeing this, Moyong Biyeon smiled inwardly.

That shy reaction had remained the same, even with the passage of time.

[And recently, I also met that famous boy, Gu Yangcheon.

] [...!

]Mi Horan's gaze sharpened as she stared at Moyong Biyeon.

She hadn’t expected Gu Yangcheon to be brought up here.

[How did you come to meet him...?

] [He resembles him a lot.

] [Baekryeongeom...

]Hearing Mi Horan speak her martial title, Moyong Biyeon gave a bitter smile.

It felt strange to hear her old nickname coming from Mi Horan’s lips.

[Please, don’t call me that, even you.

It’s...

it’s just weird.

] [Then what should I call you?

] [Just like before, Miss Moyong or Miss Biyeon is fine.

If it comes down to it, you can even call me the wretch or the damned one like the old days...

] [I’ll stick with Miss Moyong.

] [Alright.

]Moyong Biyeon had only been half-joking about her embarrassing past, but Mi Horan quickly put a stop to it.

There had been times when they were both particularly sharp with each other, so such things had happened.

Now, it was just a distant memory.

At least, that’s what Moyong Biyeon thought.

[Anyway, I saw the boy, and he’s quite something.

He really resembles his father.

] [He does, doesn’t he?

]Maybe it was because Moyong Biyeon was complimenting Gu Yangcheon, but a brief smile appeared on Mi Horan’s face.

That smile stood out to Moyong Biyeon more than anything.

As far as Moyong Biyeon knew, Gu Yangcheon was his son, but more importantly, she had heard he was the son of that mischievous woman.

Why, then, did Mi Horan make that kind of expression?

Moyong Biyeon, who had never had children of her own, couldn’t understand.

But one thing was clear.

[You’ve become a mother, Miss Mi.

] [Hmm?

]Mi Horan, unlike her younger, unmarried self, was now being called a mother.

Unlike herself, who was still stuck in the past.

Perhaps that’s why—She couldn’t shake the image of her niece’s gaze from her mind.

That niece, who resembled the way she once poured all her emotions and moments toward one man, and it was bothering her deeply.

Moyong Biyeon hoped her niece wouldn’t end up like she had.

What should she do, then?

Would warning her work?

To tell her to stop, that nothing good would come from such love.

Would that work?

Probably not.

It was an obvious truth.

Once someone reached that level of emotion, it was already too late.

No one understood that better than Moyong Biyeon herself.

So, what should she do?

Moyong Biyeon pondered this.

How could she help her niece while sorting out her own unnecessary feelings?

It wasn’t just a thought.

Moyong Biyeon had already come up with a plan as she made her way to meet Mi Horan.

[By the way, Miss Mi.

]At her call, Mi Horan lifted her head.

Since Moyong Biyeon had never been good at subtle tactics—The method she had come up with wasn’t particularly brilliant either.

As always, the only thing she knew how to do was dive in headfirst.

Looking at Mi Horan’s puzzled expression, Moyong Biyeon asked:[By any chance, does your son need a bodyguard?

] [...

What?

]Mi Horan furrowed her brows at the sudden and unexpected question.

******************As she thought back to that moment, Moyong Biyeon scratched her head awkwardly.

“A bodyguard?

What was I even thinking?

”Even though she had spoken those words, she couldn’t help but admit that it was a rather ridiculous approach.

To help her niece while trying to forget him by staying close to his son, forcing herself to face reality.

Wasn't that just a laughably naive plan?

Of course, Moyong Biyeon was well aware of how absurd it was.

“But what can I do?

I already said it.

”Since she had already spoken, Moyong Biyeon decided to forget about the past.

As was her nature, she didn’t dwell much on what was already done.

There was only one thing she ever held on to.

Now, as morning came, Moyong Biyeon wandered around the campsite.

“That expression was priceless.

”She recalled the face Gu Yangcheon had made right after she announced that she would be his bodyguard from now on.

“He's similar, yet different.

”As she reflected on it, she slowly realized.

Unlike his father, who rarely showed any expression, Gu Yangcheon’s emotions were much easier to read.

Particularly the way he openly displayed his dislike in uncomfortable situations was amusing.

Most people would try to hide their feelings, but Gu Yangcheon made no effort to do so—he just plainly showed when he didn’t like something.

This made Moyong Biyeon pause and think.

“What on earth does my niece see in him?

”She wondered what part of Gu Yangcheon her niece, Moyong Hee-ah, found so attractive.

To be honest, though he resembled his father in his fierce aura and sharp gaze, in terms of appearance, he fell short compared to his father.

Of course, she had once casually mentioned this to Moyong Hee-ah, only to be met with her niece’s first-ever serious look, so she never brought it up again.

“And his personality… he’s not exactly quiet either.

”He wasn’t someone who talked a lot, but he definitely wasn’t the silent type.

If anything, he seemed to have a bad temper.

Though rumors were often exaggerated, the part about him having a nasty attitude didn’t seem far from the truth.

So, if she summed it all up—He wasn’t particularly good-looking.

His personality was bad.

He wasn’t especially large or imposing, and he was surrounded by women.

The only thing he had going for him was his overwhelming talent and the solid future he had as a martial artist because of it.

From this perspective, Moyong Biyeon didn’t see how her niece could be drawn to him as a husband, much less be in love with him.

“...

Why, though?

”Moyong Biyeon found it difficult to understand.

And that’s why the rumors about him being popular with women made no sense to her.

“Is this a hereditary trait or something?

”Perhaps, just as he had inherited his father’s martial talent, he had inherited this as well.

But no matter how she looked at it, it was still hard to grasp.

“…Well, there must be something.

”There must be some charm she wasn’t seeing.

That’s the only way to explain how things had gotten this far.

Although she hadn’t seen her niece in a long time, Moyong Biyeon believed her niece wouldn’t fall for someone unworthy.

That’s why she was willing to support her, after all.

But—“It just feels a bit… guilty.

”The problem was that in her desire to support her niece, she had also mixed in her own selfish feelings, hoping to vicariously satisfy herself.

“Well, I suppose it’s all for the best…”With these conflicting thoughts, Moyong Biyeon continued walking.

Since she had already declared herself as his bodyguard, she set out to find Gu Yangcheon.

Normally, a bodyguard would stay close by, but the reason she was actively searching for him was—“He said not to bother him at night since he’s training.

”She remembered how Gu Yangcheon had confidently told her not to seek him out during his nightly training.

What was curious was that, rather than being rude or irritating, that attitude suited him so well that it didn’t bother her at all.

Moyong Biyeon wasn’t someone who cared much about trivial things, but there was something oddly intriguing about him.

The fact that his impudence felt so natural—it was truly a strange talent, she thought.

Amused by this thought, Moyong Biyeon let out a small chuckle.

Smiling, she continued to search through the forest.

"Where is our dear young master hiding...

hmm?

"Just as she was wandering around, looking for Gu Yangcheon, she spotted a group in the distance.

“Oh…”With a grin, Moyong Biyeon swiftly moved toward them, closing the distance in an instant.

Tap.

“Hello?

”“Eek!!

”Startled by Moyong Biyeon’s sudden appearance, a woman with deep green hair jumped in surprise.

The woman was Tang So-yeol, the daughter of the Poison King.

Seeing this, a glint appeared in Moyong Biyeon’s eyes—not because of Tang So-yeol’s reaction, but because the other women with her didn’t seem surprised at all.

Rather, they stood up as if they had sensed her approach and were preparing to greet her.

Moyong Biyeon found this rather curious.

“Well, well.

”Though Tang So-yeol had a cute enough appearance to hold her own, she couldn’t compare to the two women standing beside her.

Even Moyong Biyeon, who wasn’t easily impressed, was taken aback by their beauty.

One woman had nearly white-blue hair, and her sleepy, half-closed eyes carried a mysterious charm.

The other had golden-brown hair with dazzling golden eyes that seemed to draw you in.

Either one could easily be considered one of the most beautiful women in the martial world.

Nodding to herself, Moyong Biyeon thought:“So, that’s how it is.

”Judging by their distinctive appearances, she could immediately tell who these two were.

The woman with the white hair must be Geom Mu-hui, the daughter of that insolent Sword King.

And the other, with the golden eyes, was likely the disciple of the Sword Master.

“That means…”All three women gathered here were, like her niece, chasing after Gu Yangcheon.

Sigh.

Seeing this, Moyong Biyeon couldn’t help but sigh.

It seemed he was far too blessed with women, just like his father.

And what about this Geom Mu-hui?...

“She’s supposed to be his fiancée, right?

”That meant she was the one most likely to stay by Gu Yangcheon’s side.

Remembering this, Moyong Biyeon smiled slightly.

“Hello, beauties.

Do you know who I am?

”At Moyong Biyeon’s words, Tang So-yeol widened her eyes and immediately bowed.

“I am honored to greet Senior Baekryeongeom, of the Tang family bloodline!

”Following her lead, Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah also bowed their heads.

“We greet Senior Baekryeongeom.

I am Wi Seol-ah…” “…Namgung Bi-ah.

”“Nice to meet you.

No need to be so stiff, you can just call me ‘sister’ if you like.

”They were truly beautiful girls.

Beyond their looks, they were radiant enough to remind her of the old days.

Especially the ones who were in love.

Women in love always shone brightly.

In that sense, these girls were already glowing brilliantly.

Like stars.

Maybe that’s why.

Moyong Biyeon, forgetting her original goal of finding Gu Yangcheon, suddenly felt a playful mood come over her.

“I hear you’re all friends with my niece’s future husband, right?

”Flinch.

At the mention of that title, all three women froze in place.

Noticing this, Moyong Biyeon continued speaking.

“He’s quite lucky, isn’t he?

To have such beautiful friends...

Please take good care of my niece.

She takes after her father, so she can be a bit annoying, but she’s a good kid.

”“Your niece… You mean Miss Moyong, right?

”At Tang So-yeol’s confused voice, Moyong Biyeon smiled brightly.

“Which Moyong?

I’m a Moyong too, you know.

” “Oh, um…”“I’m just kidding.

Yes, I mean my niece.

”“Then, when you say future husband… do you mean Young Master Gu Yangcheon?

”“Mm?

Oh, yes.

That’s right.

Our Yangcheon.

”Our Yangcheon.

Once again, the atmosphere around the three women wavered.

In the midst of this, Tang So-yeol cleared her throat awkwardly, looking uncomfortable.

“Anyway, I’m sorry for barging in like this.

I was just looking for him and thought I’d ask.

”“…I see.

”“By the way, have you seen my niece’s future husband anywhere?

I’ve been looking for him, but he’s nowhere to be found.

”Her voice was soft, but there was a slight chill in the air.

Despite sensing the shift in atmosphere, Moyong Biyeon didn’t stop speaking.

She was curious to see how they would respond.

“If you happen to see him, tell him his big sister is looking for him…”Just as she was continuing, a calm voice interrupted her.

“I think you’re mistaken.

”“Mm?

”The one who spoke wasn’t from the Tang family as Moyong Biyeon had expected—it was the girl from the Namgung family.

Despite her sleepy eyes and slow speech, she carried an unexpected intensity.

“What do you mean by that?

”“He is not… Senior Baekryeongeom’s future husband.

”Namgung Bi-ah met Moyong Biyeon’s eyes directly with her clear blue gaze.

Her eyes were so deep that even Moyong Biyeon couldn’t quite read them.

“…Oh?

”Moyong Biyeon was impressed, feeling a growing admiration for Namgung Bi-ah’s energy.

“Look at this girl.

”They said she was one of the most promising talents of the younger generation, and she certainly had a more mature aura than expected.

What’s more—Fighting spirit.

Moyong Biyeon could sense fighting spirit emanating from Namgung Bi-ah.

She had seemed the most docile, but it turned out she was the fiercest of them all.

She was clearly signaling that she wouldn’t let Moyong Biyeon’s words slide.

“And…”Moyong Biyeon glanced at the other two women.

The disciple of the Sword Master was also glaring sharply, just as intense as Namgung Bi-ah.

Meanwhile, Tang So-yeol looked uncomfortable, as if trying to gauge the situation.

Seeing this, Moyong Biyeon thought:“How cute.

”Rather than finding their defiance rude, she felt a refreshing sense of enjoyment.

After all, she had once been like this herself.

The memories overlapped.

Was it with Soi, the current Sword Empress?

There was a time, long ago, when she had been in a similar situation.

Even though she knew she couldn’t win, she had drawn her sword against the Sword Empress, unable to stand down.

She couldn’t quite remember what the Sword Empress had said back then.

But she did remember her actions.

Not that it mattered—Moyong Biyeon knew she couldn’t follow in the Sword Empress’s footsteps.

If she tried to speak like her, she’d probably cringe so hard she’d grow thorns on her tongue.

So, she decided to stick with her own style.

“Ladies, you didn’t seem to like what I just said, huh?

”At Moyong Biyeon’s words, the three women flinched.

It wasn’t just her words; they could feel the pressure of her aura as well.

However, contrary to their expectations—“I’m sorry.

I was just teasing a little, but I guess I went too far.

I apologize.

”As Moyong Biyeon suddenly offered an apology, the tense atmosphere began to ease.

Since Baekryeongeom, a martial arts master, was so quick to admit her mistake, there wasn’t much more they could say.

If they wanted, they could let the matter drop here.

But unfortunately for them, Moyong Biyeon wasn’t done yet.

Looking at the three women, Moyong Biyeon grinned and said:“Instead of that, how about we play a fun game together?

”Before they could even process what she meant,Schring.

Moyong Biyeon drew her sword.

In that instant, her fighting spirit exploded from her body, spreading through the entire forest.