roccoschili Chapter 76: Invitation (6)
Chapter 76: Invitation (6)
Chapter 76: Invitation (6)
A bracelet encircled the mans wrist.
Why was it here?
This bracelet originates from the original work.
This bracelet was acquired early in the story progression of the original game.
Of course, I wasnt surprised because the bracelet boasted omnipotent abilities such as improving blood circulation, emitting far-infrared rays, and blocking electromagnetic waves.
If such a bracelet with these capabilities accidentally came into my possession, I would simply exclaim, Lucky me, and slip it into my pocket.
However, this artifact was not so straightforward.
Why does this man possess an artifact from the Sichuan Tang Family?
Sichuan Tang Family ().
A martial arts family that represented the Sichuan province.
Also known as Sichuan Tangmun, this family was recognized as specialists in the fields of hidden weapons and poisons.
Some in the martial world mistakenly believed it had a two-character surname like the Moyong Family, but it was actually a clan composed of the Tang bloodline, not Tangmun.
Although sometimes portrayed as neither righteous nor evil, but somewhere in between, in martial arts novels, the Sichuan Tang Family was, in fact, a proud member of the righteous factions in this world.
Why would a Korean possess an artifact from the Sichuan Tang Family?
And therein lay the biggest issue with this bracelet.
The villain character from the Sichuan Tang Family was seen wearing this bracelet.
An artifact obtained after resolving an incident involving a villain character from the Sichuan Tang Family. Thats the true nature of this bracelet.
It was not something that should be worn by a Korean with black hair.
The Tang Familys Unforgettable Ring ().
Upon hearing my surprised utterance, Sohee quietly observed the dead mans wrist from behind and identified the bracelet I was unfamiliar with.
Unforgettable Ring ()? A bracelet that isnt forgotten?
Was that its name? I had assumed it would be something like Tanggawatchi or Tangband.
Yes. The Sichuan Tang Family awards a gratitude badge to those they owe a debt of gratitude to. They issue different ones according to rank, and this is the highest level. Yunho, didnt you know?
All I knew was that this bracelet symbolized affiliation with the Sichuan Tang Family.
It was essentially like a full-course treatment free pass from the Sichuan Tang Family.
I recognized it as belonging to the Sichuan Tang Family because of the legendary poison bird depicted on it. I didnt know it had such significance.
I pointed to the drawing of the legendary poison bird on the bracelet, a symbol exclusive to a single clan in the Central Plains.
Sohee seemed convinced by the mention of the poison bird and nodded slightly.
The Unforgettable Ring is supposed to be given only by the direct bloodline of the Tang Family to someone who has received a great favor. Why does this man have it?
Sohee, like me, expressed her doubts about the bracelets origin.
Im curious about that too. A Korean wearing a bracelet from the Sichuan Tang Family.
Like a gratitude badge, there should be a name inscribed on the back. Take a look.
The names of those who have received gratitude from the Sichuan Tang Family are inscribed on the gratitude badge. I checked the back of the mans bracelet to confirm this.
Theres no name inscribed.
There was no name on the back of the bracelet.
It cant be.
Thats what Im saying.
Such a precious gratitude badge should naturally have a name inscribed on it. But theres no name.
It makes me anxious thinking about that character.
Yunho, you keep it.
Me?
I dont know what relationship this man had with the Tang Family, but if you inform the Tang Family about todays incident and present them with the bracelet, they will express their gratitude. Because the Sichuan Tang Familys motto is
The Sichuan Tang Family does not forget.
Right.
A well-known motto of the Sichuan Tang Family in this world.
As a clan primarily utilizing poison and hidden weapons, they often face unjust accusations. To counter this, the past head of the Tang Family adopted a motto emphasizing the importance of remembering both kindness and grievances.
This was likely the reason behind the implementation of the gratitude badge system as well.
The protagonist visited the Tang Family with the bracelet for a similar reason.
Not to return the Unforgettable Ring because it symbolized gratitude, but rather to convey, Your family member has caused trouble; please address it.
Then wouldnt it be better if Sohee had it?
If I take it, I might be suspected, but if Yunho takes it, he could be greatly rewarded.
Sohee shook her head as she spoke.
Thinking it over, it made sense. An assassin arriving with the bracelet would indeed raise suspicions.
Conversely, if I brought it and explained how it came into my possession, Id likely be warmly received by the Sichuan Tang Family, enjoying what amounted to a full course of hospitality.
Theres no way this bracelet belongs to that character.
I was taken aback to find an artifact from the game before me, but it couldnt possibly belong to that character.
Cheon Sohee felt oddly displeased by this realization and secretly bit her lower lip.
Yunho.
Cheon Sohee called him in a low voice.
Hm?
He finally shifted his gaze from the past to her.
Lets talk about future plans.
The Sung Family? Didnt we already finish planning that before we left?
The man asked Sohee, his voice laced with confusion.
No, this couldnt continue. Otherwise, hell start reminiscing about the past again.
They were memories shes yearned to recall every day for ten years, but lately, shes found herself oddly troubled whenever he speaks of his past.
What happens after the Sung Family matter? Are you going to continue living as a storyteller?
After the Sung Family issue, I want to write a book.
A book?
I plan to earn money through storytelling work, write a novel, and become famous.
Yunho began to share stories related to books with Cheon Sohee.
About the failure in writing his first book. The struggle between writing what one loves versus whats popular. The fear of whether his writings as a foreigner would be well-received. Yet, his determination to try again.
All of this was new to her.
She lived merely to survive, while he lived with an eye toward the future.
Cheon Sohee suddenly saw Yunho in a different light.
Different from herself.
It pained her slightly, so she attempted to bury her face in her knees.
And after succeeding with the book, I want to become a brother Sohee can depend on.
Sohee was taken aback by his words and shifted her gaze from the campfire to Yunho.
To me?
Yes. I want to be a proud brother that Sohee can trust and depend on. Someone she can confide her worries in
Yunho looked at Sohee with a thoughtful gaze.
Despite her claims of having no worries, it seemed she couldnt conceal everything from him.
How much did he know?
Her secrets. Worries. Future. Concerns she has never confessed to anyone.
. Ill tell you someday.
Now is not the time.
But someday, she hoped to tell him.
Sohees heart warmed under his thoughtful gaze, and she buried her head in her knees again.
Just as she needed him, she was part of the future he dreamed of.
Earlier, she had lowered her head to secretly cover her bitten lip, but this time, she did it to hide a leaking smile.
The cold night in the mountains.
All worries in her heart flew away, leaving only warmth.
Whether it was because of the fire in front of her or the man, Sohee knew.
Sohee and I arrived in Daehung County.
Finding the Sung Family was not difficult. The location of the Sung Family, which wielded immense influence in Daehung County, was known even to the local kids.
Master Seong Sehwi has requested only the storyteller to come for now.
A servant approached us while we were waiting at the inn after sending a message to the Sung Family.
I have companions. I cannot go alone.
Stay here, and we will escort you as a guest when the time comes.
Yunho.
Sohee looked at me with worried eyes.
Sohee. Trust me this time.
Yes. Ill trust you.
Perhaps my words from yesterday had an effect. Sohee briefly adjusted my clothes and then stepped aside.
Please follow me.
I followed the servant to the Sung Family.
This task at the Sung Family.
To successfully carry out the mediation and the assassination mission, theres something that must be done.
For that, even the client, Seong Sehwi, must be deceived.
Time to cook up a scheme with the young master.
Its time to act again.