The Protagonist’s Guardian Angel

The night market of Palsun Village is quite famous even in the Empire.

First of all, Palsun Village, located on Changwun Mountain, is not only a popular spot for martial artists and Taoists, but also the only village where one can stay in hopes of obtaining the Dharma treasures available after donating a certain amount to the Changwun Temple.

Even though the Dharma treasures obtained from the Changwun Temple are said to be imitations of the Taoist Eight Immortals’ treasures, the fact that they were crafted by skilled Taoists was enough to sway people’s hearts.

Everyone knew that without proper installation, the effects of the Dharma treasures wouldn’t be realized.

Still, many sought to obtain these treasures or pray to the Eight Immortals, flocking to Changwun Mountain and staying in Palsun Village.

For this reason, a considerable number of people gathered in Palsun Village, which could be said to be small compared to Yangweseong.

It’s only natural that where people gather, money also converges.

Thus, merchants targeting those crowds always stationed themselves along the night market street of Palsun Village.

Everywhere in the street, merchants selling weapons and accessories for newcomers to the martial world lined up.

Moreover, some merchants tried to catch the attention of non-martial artists by illuminating colored lanterns and showcasing their dazzling displays to create a festive atmosphere.

Many people, attracted by these sights, came to explore the night market.

Arriving at the bustling market street, Sayoon’s eyes widened in amazement.

She seemed to be almost in a daze, distracted by the stalls open in every alley, the merchants soliciting customers, and the enormous figures breaking chains to sell unverified potions, or even monkeys performing tricks.

“Sayoon. You might get lost like that.”

Hongryeon calmly reminded her with a single remark.

Only then did Sayoon snap back to reality, nodding her head as she naturally took hold of Hongryeon’s hand.

With the crowd and the dazzling shops, it seemed she was worried she could easily lose her way.

“Can we buy gifts for Master and the Senior Sisters here?”

Gingerly reaching into her pocket and sounding worried, Sayoon spoke.

It seemed she was now planning to use the silver coins I had given her.

“Of course. I’ve kept some money for snacks from the store in Seomhwa Village!”

“Haha. Is that so? But I can give you something like snacks. Since you came along this time, I should repay you. Of course, the escort fee will be paid separately.”

“But… you’ve already taken care of the travel expenses.”

“Don’t worry about that. Will you accept it, Nakil-geom?”

“Hmm… well. If it makes things easier to give and receive, I suppose it’s fine. Honestly, since we’ve received so much already, I think it could be treated as a gift this time.”

What a laughable thought.

I just smiled at her weak response, and in the end, Hongryeon could only return a slight grin.

“Then shall we just wander around for a bit? If there’s anything you want to eat, don’t hesitate to say it. Most things sold in the night market aren’t very expensive.”

That’s no lie; it’s true.

Most things can be wrapped up for just a few coins.

Of course, if we end up wanting more, we can always head back to the inn to eat, so there’s no pressure.

“Uh… okay!”

Hesitant, Sayoon finally smiled at me and cheerfully nodded her head.
I nodded vigorously with a smile in my gaze.

“Right. That’s how it should be.”

“Nakil Sword. You too.”

“Hehe. Got it.”

There were a lot of people, but Hongryeon and Sayoon seamlessly moved through the crowd without any collisions. Using the steps of the Hongseong Divine Art, avoiding others was a piece of cake.

“Hehe. Isn’t this great training?”

“Well, I can’t say it’s not.”

Just as Hongryeon said. While they were halfway through, she intentionally changed her steps to showcase the techniques instead of using the Hongseong Divine Art’s steps.

Just watching her and attempting to follow along reduced the chances of bumping into someone.

“Do you know Tai Chi?”

“Not perfectly, but I know a bit about the movements and forms. That should be enough to teach you. Hehe. Do you think I haven’t sparred enough with Chaejin?”

Well, that’s true. In martial arts, if you don’t know, you get hit.

Since they were rivals, she must have done some studying for preparation.

Anyway, as they continued following her lead, the crowd thinned out a bit. Once they were in a place that was spacious enough to walk comfortably, Hongryeon let go of Sayoon’s hand.

“You should practice your steps more when you return.”

“Uh. Yeah.”

Hongryeon lightly scolded her for bumping into others a few times on the way over. It wasn’t annoying or awkward in the least. Hongryeon’s tone felt more like guidance than reprimanding.

“Alright. Let’s start looking for something to eat. Oh, there’s a mooncake over there. Sayoon, do you like mooncakes?”

A type of pastry filled with red bean or chestnut inside flour dough, she asked, but it didn’t seem like an answer was required.

Sayoon was unknowingly sparkling her eyes at the sight. Realizing this, she hurried to regain her composure, but it was too late; Hongryeon quickly bought three and handed one to each of them.

“Better to eat it while it’s warm.”

“Uh. Thank you.”

“Wow. This is delicious.”

Hongryeon, it seemed, had already given up and decided to enjoy it. Unlike the hesitating Sayoon, her with mooncakes in both hands, it contrasted sharply with her otherwise dignified appearance.

I couldn’t help but laugh at the difference, and Hongryeon blushed slightly and grumbled.

“Well, I can’t help it. I like mooncakes too.”

“Don’t scold me, alright?”

And then I kind of understood her feelings. Seeing Sayoon hesitating and checking the surroundings, she just dove right in and took a bite first. At least she wanted to make sure the Senior Sister wouldn’t think anything less of her.

I watched Hongryeon with a warm gaze, and she, feeling a bit awkward, took another bite of the mooncake.

“Nom…”

Finally taking a bite. Sayoon took a big bite of the mooncake and her eyes sparkled. It seemed she really liked it.

“Alright. Shall we go check out some other food too?”

Of course, now that they had come this far, they couldn’t just eat.

When you visit the night market in the Heavenly Bright Moon’s Palsun Village, you often find items that are hard to come by.

Of course, you need some luck for that.

But who knows?

While looking around here and there, we strolled calmly and bought some snacks wherever we found something tasty to share.
When something delicious is brought out, we also shared it among ourselves.

It’s a rare moment of peace.

There were a lot of people bustling about, though.

“Ah.”

At that moment, Hongryeon stopped in her tracks. What caught her eye were threads, fabrics, and needles, along with a store selling doll-like items.

Could it be that there were not only regular threads but also those from various places in the Empire?

Hongryeon was fascinated and couldn’t take her eyes off it.

“Want to look around?”

“Huh? Oh, no. Let’s go. I’m the only one interested in that…”

“Then just look for a bit. Sayoon and I will go over to that shop up ahead.”

“Um… that place.”

Sayoon wanted to buy a gift for the senior sisters, and the gift she had in mind was scented candles.

The Hongseong Clan is located on Hongseong Mountain, which is always adorned with the fragrance of the thousand-day plum blossom.

But isn’t it natural that the same scent can become tiresome if enjoyed for too long?

So she wanted to buy some scented candles with different, nice aromas.

If that’s the case, then we should buy them.

“It won’t take long. If we’re next to you, you won’t be able to properly see anything, right?”

“Um… well, that’s true, but could I ask you for a quick favor?”

Hongryeon felt sorry, and I shook my head.

There’s plenty to feel sorry for.

*

Isn’t it strange how considerate some people can be?

Hongryeon thought while watching Yu Wol, who was entering the opposite store with Sayoon.

Even while pretending otherwise, it made her feel good that he was meticulously observing things.

Anyway, if she had been given some time thanks to his consideration, she should quickly pick out what she needed.

She wanted to add more threads for her and the other junior sisters’ clothes, and she also wanted to take a look at some good threads to make clothes for Yu Wol later.

Besides, since the prices in this store were cheaper than expected, it seemed better to buy here if possible.

“Why is this thread so cheap? Is it defective?”

“Defective? Not at all. It’s just that it’s thread from other regions, so it’s not commonly used here.”

In other words, it was a clearance sale.

If that’s the case, there was no problem at all. Hongryeon grinned as she filled her basket with threads and needles.

This should be enough, right?

“Oh dear. The bride only buys good things. You’ve got a great eye. How about that blue-red fabric? That guy from earlier looked solid. Isn’t he your husband? It seems like the little one he was with was his daughter. Making clothes for family brings good fortune…”

“Oh, no, we’re—”

“If you don’t like the blue-red fabric, how about this? Making clothes for men out of this fabric and thread would fit them so well.”

“Oh, oh.”

“Or what about this? This is called Huiseong Silk… if you embroider with it, the colors turn out beautifully.”

Huiseong Silk was a thread Hongryeon was familiar with. It could only be obtained from silkworms that fed exclusively on precious mulberry leaves, and as the shopkeeper said, embroidering with it made colors stunningly beautiful, like stars sewn into fabric.

The problem, however, was that handling that thread wasn’t easy.
Dealing with thread is not as easy as it seems.

It’s frail compared to other threads, and just a little pressure can snap it like nothing.

In other words, to use that thread properly, one must either have exceptional embroidery skills or utilize internal energy to protect the thread while embroidering.

After all, even among those in the Murim Alliance interested in embroidery, only a very few could handle that thread.

But, as the innkeeper said, if you manage to embroider beautifully with that thread, the garment will carry a special blessing. If done right, it could truly become something marvelous.

If done right.

“Tsk.”

The lady of the house hadn’t met anyone capable of using it well enough, so it had just been stored away.

So one could say it’s excess stock, but Hongryeon shook her head while looking at Whisungsa.

It’s good but pricey.

“Why not ask your husband to buy it for you? He seems to have some money. Ah, the new bride really doesn’t get it. Using this for embroidery, you could give it to your husband, or make him clothing—wouldn’t that be perfect? If you make it really well, I reckon he’d be thrilled it was worth the money! You know how men are; they brag about the clothes made by their wives when they go to work.”

“I’m not married!”

“Really? You two looked so close; I just assumed.”

They looked so close indeed.

The lady’s words hung in her heart.

“Anyway… Should I just ring these up for you?”

Hongryeon pondered for a moment and nodded. Then,

“Did you buy everything?”

“Yikes!”

Just as the store owner began wrapping things up from inside, Yu Wol and Sayoon approached. Seeing the scented candles in their hands, Hongryeon smiled brightly.

“Looks like you bought only good stuff. I can smell it already.”

“Hehe. The innkeeper really knows about scented candles.”

“What don’t I know?”

“Just the things you do. But hey… isn’t that Whisungsa? I heard if you use this for embroidery, you can create something great.”

“…You know that too?”

“If you use it well, you can receive a special blessing from it. But why are you just looking at it? With your skills, you could probably handle that.”

“Ahaha… It’s just the price and all.”

Hongryeon recalled what the lady had said before.

Husband.

New bride.

They really suited each other.

For no reason, her heart raced, and her face turned warm.

“Owner, I’ll take this too.”

“Woah!”

Before a startled Hongryeon could stop her, the lady grinned slyly.

As if to say they were in a scandalous relationship and asking why they were deceiving each other.

She should explain it was a misunderstanding, but her lips wouldn’t budge.

Therefore, what she could eventually utter was just a single line.

“Th-thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. If you really want to thank me…”

Yu Wol casually pointed to Whisungsa.

“Make something with that. If it’s made by Nakilgyeom, it should turn out good.”

Hongryeon closed her eyes.

Taking a deep breath as if she had made a decision, she opened her mouth.

“Alright. I’ll gift it to you.”

Then, opening her eyes, she gazed directly at him.

“A masterpiece, at that.”

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