68.Chunhyang’s Heart – Between Joy and Longing

After the long and serious conversation at Poongwollu, Lee Do-hyun and Han So-yeon sat down to a quiet meal with Chunhyang. As always, Do-hyun felt a sense of comfort in Poongwollu that he couldn't quite describe. He turned to Chunhyang with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Chunhyang. For always helping me… and watching over me."

So-yeon nodded in agreement. "Truly. We're both so grateful. If there's ever anything you need, please don't hesitate to tell us. We'll be there."

Chunhyang offered a soft smile and bowed her head slightly. "You two give me too much credit. What I did was nothing special. If anything, I should be the one thanking you."

But behind those grateful words, something complicated stirred quietly within her. As she watched the two of them, Chunhyang smiled—but deep inside, a faint ache lingered.

So they've grown close…

She was genuinely happy for them. When Do-hyun had first come to the martial world, he'd been lost and weary. Chunhyang had wanted to give him hope—a reason to keep going. And now, seeing someone like Han So-yeon by his side, someone who could protect and care for him, gave her peace of mind.

But at the same time, an undeniable longing bloomed in her chest.

Could I… ever be the one to stand beside him?

She had always known her feelings for Do-hyun weren't just friendship. But she could never bring herself to voice them.

I'm just a courtesan, she thought. Not a warrior of the orthodox sect. Not someone like So-yeon who fights by his side and helps shape the order of the world.

A quiet sigh escaped her lips. Her heart leaned toward him—but reality wouldn't allow her to go any further. Her status, her place in the martial world… it was different. She was used to helping others from the shadows. Not fighting proudly at someone's side like So-yeon.

To live a life beside Lee Do-hyun… it's a dream I probably have no right to.

She smiled faintly to herself, suppressing the thought. In her mind, she had already decided—she wasn't someone meant to stand beside him. She didn't belong to the world of warriors. She had always been a part of the world behind the curtain.

But even so, she had dreamed of it—just once. A life traveling the martial world with him, protecting each other, being there for one another.

She knew it wasn't possible. Still, that longing wouldn't go away.

But if he's happy now… that's enough, isn't it? Chunhyang looked up, pushing down the quiet ache in her chest. She smiled at the two of them, watching them speak to each other with ease. She told herself to be happy for them.

"Please, come to Poongwollu whenever you want. I'll always be here—supporting you both, wishing for your happiness."

Her voice was gentle and sincere.

Do-hyun nodded. "Thank you, Chunhyang. I'm really glad you're here. Please keep helping us, just like always."

So-yeon bowed slightly. "Yes. And I'd like to protect you, too, Chunhyang. Let's all grow stronger together—and look after each other in this harsh world."

Chunhyang returned their smiles. Even with unspoken feelings tucked deep inside her heart, just being with them in that moment—being part of their world—was enough.

***

The Attack on Poongwollu

Evening at Poongwollu began like any other. The courtesans entertained guests with laughter and song, and the usual elegance filled the air. Do-hyun and So-yeon, their guard slightly lowered, continued chatting with Chunhyang.

But the peace didn't last.

A sudden, loud crash echoed from the front entrance. The heavy doors swung open, and a group of masked figures in dark uniforms burst into the building. One of them stepped forward, his voice booming across the hall.

"Everyone stay where you are! Move, and you'll pay the price!"

The mood in the room turned to ice. The courtesans huddled together in fear. Even the guests froze, caught off guard by the sudden intrusion.

Do-hyun narrowed his eyes, displeased by the arrogance of the attackers. He glanced toward So-yeon, and in that brief exchange of looks, everything was decided.

So-yeon nodded and slipped into a defensive stance. Do-hyun quietly reached for his sword—the Blade of Ego. The two of them shared one more glance, then moved without hesitation.

"I won't stand by any longer." Do-hyun's voice was calm as he drew his sword.

Together, he and So-yeon stepped forward to confront the invaders.

Fire erupted from the blade of Ego, sweeping outward like a wave and forcing the attackers back. At his side, So-yeon moved with graceful precision, deflecting blows and protecting the courtesans.

They fought fiercely—but there were more enemies than expected. It became clear they couldn't protect everyone by themselves. The situation grew more dire by the second.

Then, just as things began to spiral out of control—

A loud shout came from outside.

"We are the Beggars' Guild! We've come to help!"

A force from the Beggars' Guild stormed in. Their timing was perfect. They surrounded the intruders and began subduing them one by one. At the head was the local branch leader—he'd received word of the attack and had come immediately.

With Do-hyun and So-yeon fighting alongside them, the remaining invaders were quickly defeated. Slowly, the panic in Poongwollu gave way to relief.

After the dust settled, the guild leader approached them.

"Brother Do-hyun, Miss So-yeon—thank you. The Beggars' Guild never forgets a debt."

He offered a firm handshake, and Do-hyun accepted it with a nod.

"I think this will bring our groups even closer," So-yeon said with a faint smile.

The guild leader grinned. "Poongwollu has always stood with us. I'm sure today only deepened that bond."

Once things were under control, Poongwollu began returning to its usual calm.

Chunhyang walked Do-hyun and So-yeon to the entrance, gratitude in her eyes.

"Thank you both. Truly. Because of you, everyone here is safe."

Do-hyun looked at her and spoke quietly. "Chunhyang… if things here become too dangerous—if this life gets too hard—why not come to the Black Cloud Hall with us? I want to take you somewhere safer."

Chunhyang paused. She smiled, but there was something firm in her gaze.

"Thank you, Do-hyun. That means so much. But this place is my home. The people here need me. I can't just leave them to protect myself. If things ever reach a breaking point… I'll reconsider. But for now, I still have work to do here."

Do-hyun gave a quiet nod. "Alright. If that's your decision, I'll respect it. Just… don't hesitate to ask for help. Ever."

Chunhyang gently took his hand, offering a warm smile. "Thank you, Do-hyun. You always make me feel stronger."

She let go and watched as the two left Poongwollu behind.

Standing at the entrance, Chunhyang gazed after them, their figures growing smaller in the distance. Her heart felt a strange mix of joy and longing.

She was glad to see them grow closer—but part of her still wished she could have been the one walking beside him.

No, she told herself. This is where I belong.

Even so… I'll always cheer for you, Do-hyun.

She whispered the words to the night air and took a deep breath. Her resolve was unwavering. Poongwollu would endure—and she would protect it with everything she had.