Chapter 6
Truthfully, it was quite dangerous for the three children to be out playing in the marketplace.
Even if they were from a third-rate martial household, others would still see them as noble kids from a well-off family—making them potential targets for those looking to snatch some money or even demand ransom.
‘That said, our main household can’t afford to assign a guard skilled enough in martial arts to protect them either.’
That much was obvious from the question Baek Yeon-Yeon asked after finishing her ceremonial bath.
“Oraebeoni*, do you think we’ll get permission to go out? The adults probably won’t let us…”
Despite knowing the situation, Yang-hwi answered with full confidence.
“Yeona-ah.”
“Hmm?”
“Your dear oraebeoni is a man who turns the impossible into possible.”
With a wide grin, Yang-hwi turned to Baek Heon-So.
“So-ya. I’m sorry.”
“Huh? W-what for…?”
Baek Heon-So looked visibly uneasy—and that anxiety soon became reality.
Dragging Baek Heon-So and Baek Yeon-Yeon along, Yang-hwi went straight to the estate steward, Han Seok-Eon, and opened with this:
“Sir Steward. So here says he can’t accept me as his older brother because I used to be a beggar.”
“W-What, uh, ah—wha?”
Baek Heon-So turned pale in an instant, stammering and fumbling for words.
Completely ignoring him, Yang-hwi continued smoothly.
“Though Father ordered me to hone both the martial and scholarly arts, I believe that before those, the most important thing is to establish a proper sense of purpose in one’s heart.”
Han Seok-Eon looked back and forth between the two boys and let out a long sigh.
He had a strong feeling this newly adopted child of the household head would continue to be a source of headaches in the future.
“Master Hwi. What exactly are you getting at?”
“So needs to step outside the walls of Baek House to gain real-world learning.”
“In other words, you want to go out. That’s not allowed. It’s far too dangerous.”
But Yang-hwi was unfazed. He launched into a confident explanation, as smooth as flowing water.
“Of course it’s dangerous for three children of noble status to go out. However, I lived on the streets for eight years. I dare say, there is no one in this household who understands the ways of the marketplace better than I do.”
“You may understand the marketplace, but what if people with ill intent—ones after money or worse—make a move on you?”
A valid concern. Even if the kids just bumped into a small-time thug, not even a real gang member, it could still become dangerous.
But…
Yang-hwi was confident that, even in his young body, he could easily take down any third-rate punk.
‘Of course, I can’t say that out loud. I’ll need a reasonable excuse.’
“Then how about this? Let’s ask Gu-hyung to act as our guard.”
“Gu-hyung? You mean that bloodied man who… visited our estate yesterday?”
“Yes, him.”
“I highly doubt someone like that would do you a favor, Master Hwi.”
“Please, just allow me to send him a letter. If Gu-hyung refuses to assign a guard, then we won’t go out.”
Han Seok-Eon’s lips twitched upward.
‘Ah, so he’ll give up on his own… Wait a second. Didn’t something similar happen just yesterday?’
No, today would be different. Surely.
There was no way the son of the Honggyo Sect Leader, someone affiliated with the Black Blade Society, would play babysitter for a bunch of kids.
“Very well, Master Hwi. Will you be writing the letter yourself?”
A question that hinted at doubt. But when Yang-hwi nodded, the steward’s eyes gleamed with intrigue.
It was curious—how could a child who lived as a beggar for eight years know how to write?
With swift, practiced strokes, Yang-hwi wrote the letter, sealed it tightly to prevent prying eyes, and handed it to the steward.
“Here you go, Steward.”
“Hm. I’ll deliver it, then.”
And shortly after—
Han Seok-Eon’s jaw nearly hit the floor.
Gu-Ak, wearing an extremely displeased expression, had shown up at Baek House once again.
“……”
“……”
What would happen when the man who was ambushed—and the man who charged in and robbed his bag—came face to face once more?
Yang-hwi calmly stepped in between the silent Han Seok-Eon and Gu-Ak.
“Steward Han, since Gu-hyung has personally come, I ask that you honor your promise and allow him—as an older brother—to give us younger siblings a chance to learn from this outing.”
“…Ha. Very well. But I’ll be reporting this to the Lord of the House.”
“Of course! You needn’t even trouble yourself—I’ll tell him myself!”
With that, Yang-hwi shot a sly smile at Gu-Ak.
“Gu-hyung. For now, we’ll just be going out to the marketplace with the younger ones. As for what I wrote in the letter… how about we discuss that after they’ve returned home?”
“…I’ll follow little brother’s wishes.”
And just like that, the three siblings of House Baek set out on their long-awaited outing.
****
“Wow! Oraebeoni! I think it’s been like four whole months since I last went out!”
“That long?”
“Mhm! Father’s been busy…”
True enough. If there wasn’t even enough leeway to assign a guard, it made sense their father rarely had time to spend with his children.
Seeing Baek Yeon-Yeon so delighted brought a warm smile to Yang-hwi’s face.
“Let’s make the most of it today and have all the fun we can.”
“Yeah! Hehehe!”
“You too, So.”
“…Yes.”
Though he still looked a bit deflated, even Baek Heon-So seemed excited to be outside for the first time in ages.
The only one who didn’t look pleased… was Gu-Ak.
“All day long? Little brother, I don’t exactly have time to burn, you know.”
“Then how about this—we treat it like a trade-off. Weigh the cost and benefit.”
“Tch…”
Gu-Ak let out a low groan as Yang-hwi gave a bright smile.
‘Damn it. If only I hadn’t run my mouth…’
The letter Yang-hwi had sent contained just one line.
“Gu-ah. If you want to become Gu-hyung again, spare us just one day.”
When he’d heard that House Baek was offering to settle their debt to the Honggyo Sect in exchange for peace, he’d snorted and said that if such a thing were possible, he’d gladly call the brat “hyung.”
And that was the problem.
‘Damn this reckless mouth of mine…’
In the world of martial arts, reputation and pride are as important as one’s life.
Even if Gu-Ak belonged to the Black Blade Society, he was still a martial artist through and through.
To call a tiny brat “hyung” was the kind of humiliation he couldn’t accept.
‘Not like I can just wipe the brat off the map either.’
He may have been a member of the Black Blade Society, but Gu-Ak wasn’t the type to kill indiscriminately. More importantly, Yang-hwi was now an adopted child of House Baek.
While Baek House may not have been powerful on its own, its head had a loyal sworn brother who was no small figure in the martial world.
Gu-Ak was already caught in a heated race against a dozen siblings to become the next Sect Leader. Stirring up conflict over something like this—something he couldn’t even publicly explain—wasn’t worth the fallout.
Spending one day was the lesser evil.
“Gu-hyung. Loosen up a bit, will you? You’ll get wrinkles.”
“……”
At that moment, something snapped inside Gu-Ak. He almost thought to himself—
‘Should I just… go for it?’
Regardless, Yang-hwi went about town with his younger siblings, buying anything they asked for.
“Oraebeoni! I want some sweets!”
“Let’s see… how about we grab ten? We can share some with the other house members when we get back.”
“Yay!”
Baek Yeon-Yeon munched away happily on her treats, while Baek Heon-So stared enviously.
Come to think of it, Baek Heon-So preferred salty snacks over sweets.
Like those grilled chicken skewers at the nearby food stall.
‘Poor kid can’t even say what he wants because he’s worried he’ll be a bother.’
Without saying a word, Yang-hwi headed over to the stall and bought ten chicken skewers.
“So-ya, here. Eat.”
“…Thank you.”
“No need to stay so tense. Today’s a day for fun.”
“…Understood.”
Yang-hwi paused, thinking for a moment about why Baek Heon-So was still so deflated.
Then it hit him.
‘Ah. Right. I used him as an excuse when convincing Steward Han…’
Baek Heon-So seemed worried the part where he said he couldn’t accept a former beggar as his older brother might reach his father’s ears.
“So. If anyone asks what you learned from today’s outing, just say this: ‘Above people, there are no people. Below people, there are no people.’ That should keep you out of trouble.”
If a seven-year-old said something that profound, everyone would be too impressed to scold him.
“R-Really?”
“Of course. Didn’t I tell you earlier? This hyung makes the impossible possible. Trust me.”
Baek Heon-So’s expression visibly brightened, and he began to enjoy the outing a lot more.
From that point on, Yang-hwi didn’t just show his siblings the happy, shiny parts of the world. He also led them under a bridge to give alms to beggars—offering them a chance to grow kinder and more grounded.
Only after that did they return home to House Baek.
“So. Yeona. How was it today?”
“It was amazing!”
Baek Yeon-Yeon bounced up and down with joy, and Yang-hwi smiled at the sight. Then he turned to Baek Heon-So, who simply stared back without saying a word.
Still a bit bratty on the surface, but within those eyes, Yang-hwi saw a change begin to take root—and that was enough for now.
‘Man, kids really are easy to win over.’
All it took was a bit of cool confidence—so overwhelming they couldn’t even feel jealousy—and just like that, admiration blossomed.
“Well then, how about you both go in first and tell the steward I’ll be along shortly after talking with Gu-hyung?”
After ushering the siblings through the main gate, Yang-hwi turned to Gu-Ak.
“Thanks for today, Gu-hyung!”
“…Little brother. I’ve paid the price, so I hope there won’t be any more tricks like this. Otherwise…”
Gu-Ak growled, clearly warning that if Yang-hwi pulled a similar stunt again, he wouldn’t be so lenient next time.
Of course, Yang-hwi wasn’t the least bit intimidated.
“Of course, Gu-hyung. Now, shall we talk business?”
“Business? I don’t believe you’re in any position or age to be talking business with me.”
Fair point. But Yang-hwi had information so valuable, Gu-Ak would be begging to hear more by the end of it.
“There’s a rumor going around in the marketplace. That the Honggyo Sect Leader’s sixth son took in a concubine… before even marrying.”
In an instant, Gu-Ak’s expression hardened. That one line had struck a nerve.
“You little brat. Even I have limits to what I’ll tolerate.”
The killing intent that surged from Gu-Ak was suffocating, thick as smoke.
And yet—
“Hey now, don’t be so quick to rage. Who knows—maybe this brat can help you out with that very issue.”
Even under the pressure of a master who had reached near-First-Class level, Yang-hwi remained completely unshaken.
Gu-Ak stared at him in disbelief.
‘What the hell… did this brat swap his liver for a tiger’s?’
“Say what you want to say.”
“It’s simple. I’ve got a job today. Help me out with it. In return—”
“In return?”
Yang-hwi briefly recalled an event from his previous life.
‘Gu-Ak. And Gu-Ak’s concubine. The hidden cause of the bloody incident that would erupt in the Honggyo Sect a few years later…’
“I’ll make your concubine a legitimate wife.”
Gu-Ak froze again—but for an entirely different reason.
“What… did you just say?”
“Exactly what it sounds like. I’ll get your father—the Sect Leader—to formally acknowledge your woman as your proper wife.”
The reason Gu-Ak’s father, the Honggyo Sect Leader, didn’t allow it was simple.
The woman was a former courtesan. And just like the other sons and daughters of the Sect, Gu-Ak was expected to enter a strategic marriage with a direct bloodline from another dark faction.
“You’re refusing the match they arranged for you, right? That’s admirable, Gu-hyung. But if you keep that up, you’ll be eliminated from the heir selection.”
“What do you even know to talk like that?!”
“I know at least one thing for sure. Hearing me out won’t do you any harm, Gu-hyung.”
After speaking, Yang-hwi called to mind everything he remembered about Gu-Ak from his past life.
Gu-Ak was… unusual for someone in the Black Blade Society.
‘He reached First-Class before even turning thirty. Never indulged in debauchery. Loved only one woman. Honestly? Not a bad guy. Perfect for my needs—for now.’
There were limits to what Yang-hwi could do in a child’s body.
But if he had someone like Gu-Ak act on his behalf, the doors would open much wider.
That’s why he was trying to rope him in.
“Go ahead, tell me. But if you waste my time, I’ll make you regret it.”
His tone was still rough, but with those words, he’d effectively agreed to listen.
And Yang-hwi had a very tempting offer ready.
“I know the location of a secret vault where Cheongsa Sect has been stashing hidden funds. How about we hit it together? I’ll take eighty percent, and you get twenty.”
“Cheongsa sect’s vault? And how do you know where that is?”
“Let’s just say I have my ways.”
Eyes wide, Gu-Ak asked the question, only to be met with a vague answer—and that made him scowl.
But what Yang-hwi said next made Gu-Ak’s expression collapse in shock.
“Also, I hear they secretly brought in several barrels of poison bombs to use against the Honggyo Sect, right?”
“…What? Poison bombs?!”
[TL: Oraebeoni- It's a formal Korean term that women historically used to address their older brothers ]
---The End Of The Chapter---
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