The Villains I Taught Became Heroes

18 – Journey – 4

“Did you ask?”

“Yes? Oh. That. He said it’s for the young lady.”

“…For me?”

In the puzzled look on Sowol’s face, Laila pondered for a moment.

Sowol’s reputation was not particularly favorable. It was to be expected.

Until now, to teach her, Sowol had called upon people with high prestige.

But how did they fare?

They grew tired of Sowol’s attitude, detached themselves from teaching her, and returned.

Being rejected by those of high esteem, whether intended or not, would not improve her reputation.

Perhaps, as Laila suggested, what Hyun was doing might be considering that.

But why?

To him, Sowol was merely a disciple. Why would a master go to such lengths for the reputation of a disciple?

It couldn’t help but raise questions.

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“He’s a strange person.”

Yeah. He’s a strange person.

According to what I’ve heard from those above, he possessed great strength and abilities, yet was not arrogant.

Even when dealing with servants, he treated them normally, and he did not bow to those in high positions.

Always a natural and unassuming person.

That’s why he was respected by many in high places.

“And… someone who can laugh like that.”

“…Miss.”

“Yes?”

Laila, who was gazing at Sowol with an indescribable sense of joy, smiled brightly.

“Tomorrow. Activity. May I join as well?”

The next morning.

Lee Hyun headed towards Sowol’s door.

Normally, he would just open it and walk in, but today was the day when Laila and Sowol slept together.

Sowol might be someone special, but Laila was just an ordinary person.

It wasn’t right to see the way such a person slept.

So, he lightly tapped on the door, and after a moment, Laila appeared as the door opened.

“Do you come to wake the lady up every morning, Master?”

“She usually wakes up on her own, but since we agreed to do it this way. Anyway… good morning.”

“Yes. Good morning, Master. The lady is getting ready right now, so…”

“I’m ready!”

Sowol, who appeared behind Laila, smiled brightly and exclaimed.

She seemed better dressed than usual, her demeanor lively.

“I know you probably have plans to go to the back alley today, but you seem more determined than usual?”

“Uh, well, it’s just… Oh, more importantly… Master, Laila wants to participate in today’s activities… what should we do?”

Lee Hyun glanced at Laila.

This matter didn’t necessarily involve Laila.

Yet, why did she want to participate?

After a brief contemplation, Lee Hyun nonchalantly nodded.

“Is it not too busy for you?”

“It’s okay!”

“Oh? Don’t you have a prior engagement…?”

Sowol’s hesitant voice interrupted.

As they passed through the room they were in, a warrior called out.

“Hey! Master! Good morning! Today!! We’re also!! Taking a break!! How about a drink?”

“Are all the warriors taking a break today?”

“Yes! We decided to rest today and start working from tomorrow!! Since today is Laila’s day off too, wouldn’t it be nice for her to spend it with the lady?”

‘They have no sense!’

So Wol stared at the warrior with a fierce gaze.

However, the warrior, who was smiling confidently, greeted Lee Hyun and descended.

Secretly hoping for Lee Hyun to refuse, So Wol gazed at him earnestly, but he merely nodded nonchalantly.

“Alright. Well, it’s more convenient for us if there’s more work.”

Yesterday, there were fewer people since it was the first day, but he had mentioned it when he left yesterday.

He would come again tomorrow.

If that were the case, it was certain that not only the alley but also those without money would come looking.

“Haha! I’ll work hard!”

“Sure. Sure.”

***

Unexpectedly, Laila’s participation was not a bad thing.

Today, just as I had anticipated, the place was bustling with people.

Goodness. How much is all this?

To think that with just a few coins, one could gain points like this.

There’s nothing better than this.

“Please line up! Line up!”

Laila, who suddenly joined, was doing a better job than expected.

Unlike what So Wol did yesterday, she was controlling the people diligently.

Perhaps because she had experience managing the people below as a top warrior, those who came to receive treatment were moving obediently according to her instructions.

“….”

“Why is your mouth poking out again?”

On the other hand, So Wol, who was next to me, handing me the materials I needed, was protruding her thick lips as if something displeased her.

Although she was doing well, her open display of annoyance couldn’t be ignored.

“Oh. Are you dissatisfied because I made you come all the way to the big city just for work?”

“…Hmph!”

“Give me that.”

“Here.”

“Hey hey. You like doing this, don’t you?”

“…Hmph!”

“Tie this for me.”

“Like this?”

Although sulking, I found satisfaction in someone who works diligently. After applying medicine to the festering wounds and wrapping bandages, I spoke after seeing off the patient.

“After this, do you want to go watch a play today?”

Among the people who came for treatment earlier, there was someone who mentioned working at a theater.

I don’t know why someone who earns money wouldn’t go to a clinic and instead come here for free treatment, but anyway, he expressed gratitude by giving two theater tickets after the treatment.

“…Sure?”

What’s so surprising?

Sowol, who had wide-open eyes, soon started to chuckle.

“Hehe, well! Well, there’s training to do, and as the upper head of the Eastern Upper Class, I have to assess how this promotion went, but if the master recommends it…”

“Don’t want to go?”

“I didn’t say I didn’t want to go!!!”

Her outburst drew everyone’s attention.

Especially sharp was Laila’s gaze.

Hmm. If they’re given work and they go off to play, it’s certainly understandable that one might feel upset.

I should make sure to take care of Laila later.

“…What kind of play is it…?”

Seems like she regretted shouting too.

Looking at her flushed face.

Still, the idea of going out to have fun seemed to lift the corners of her mouth.

“Well, while treating earlier, I heard that a play called ‘Cesylia’ is currently popular.”

“If it’s Cesylia… it’s a tragedy, isn’t it?”

“You know?”

“Have you read the original novel… why do you see it that way?”

“No. I didn’t know you could read novels like that.”

Since I started teaching her, I’ve never seen her with a book. But she read it? Truly surprising.

“…Have you read a lot of books?!”

The astonished fellow started to speak confidently.

He’s one sharp-witted guy.

I stroked Sowol’s head to calm her down, and only then did she turn her head with composure.

“I’ve read so many books! I’ll show you when we get back.”

No. There’s no need to show it.

Anyway, if we’re going to see a play later, I’ll have to earn a lot of points today.

When the medicine I had brought after treating patients finally took effect, it was around sunset.

There were people expressing their regrets, but what can you do without the medicine?

After telling the patients to come back tomorrow, I spoke to Laila, who was smiling brightly.

“I’ll go watch the play with her, so you go back first.”

“Huh? Are you not going to show it to me?”

“I’ll show it to you later.”

Where’s my money?

First, I need to make the medicine for her, and then I’ll have to gather the money separately.

Right now, even if I want to show it, I can’t, because I’m penniless.

“Well… it’s regrettable, but there’s nothing I can do!”

After a moment of silence, she playfully saluted and walked away.

As she walked away, So-wol, who was watching her, gently took hold of my arm.

“Shall we go, then?”

For some reason, So-wol looked strangely happy as we walked through the evening city to the theater, where quite a few people had already gathered.

It seems quite impressive, whatever the trend is.

“Do you not know what ‘Cecilia’ is about, Master?”

“I don’t.”

“It’s a very sad story. If you see it, you might burst into tears, Master.”

“Ha. I’m a man among men, without a drop of blood or tears shed for a play like that.”

Who does she take me for?

“Well, we’ll see about that.”

It’s just a play, after all. I lightly tapped So-wol’s forehead, who was gazing at me with a playful smile.

“Don’t you cry either.”

.

.

.

I’ll tell you the conclusion upfront.

It wasn’t me, but So-wol, who had no blood or tears.

Can one watch a play boldly proclaiming, “I will make you cry,” without blinking an eye?

“It’s fascinating to see someone so sad when there’s no apparent reason for sorrow.”

“Hmm…”

“Do you think they want to cry leaning on someone else like that?”

Observing people wailing as they exited the theater, I gently stroked Sowol’s head.

Most of what I teach this kid is about being powerless, but as a mentor, I ought to impart some lessons on character too.

“Living in a high position like a top-tier figure, you’ll face hardships just like anyone else.”

Is my advice sinking in?

Sowol remained quiet as I continued to stroke gently.

“It’s not wrong to lean on someone when it’s tough or sad. They say joy multiplies when shared, and sorrow divides by half. So, instead of erecting walls between people when you’re struggling, think about it. Someone will be there for you.”

“…Hmm, I understand.”

Hard to tell if it’s sinking in.

***

Honestly, the play didn’t strike me as sad.

Sure, the actors were good, and the story well-crafted. But is that all?

After dinner with Hyeon, Sowol lay on her bed lost in thought.

‘Someone to be there beside me…’

She hadn’t really pondered this before.

Anyway, there always seemed to be someone around her now.

For the first time, Sowol seriously considered this and closed her eyes, thinking of the most fitting candidate.

‘Father… But Father will retire someday…’

Is it right to burden someone who’s moved away from the obligations of the upper echelons?

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Sowol turned her head sideways. That would be too harsh on her father.

‘Then, Laila?’

Her childhood friend who always stood by her.

But even that seemed a stretch.

As she grew older, Laila would become an important figure in the upper circles. She’d likely be involved in important affairs and might not always be by her side.

Thus, excluding her might be the right choice.

Considering a few more individuals, Sowol kept turning her head sideways, contemplating.

No. No. No.

As So Wol erased one by one, the last one remaining.

Perhaps, thinking back to the person he had initially considered, he thought of the one he had reserved as the last stronghold.

Lee Hyun.

His master.

‘If it’s my master… could he always be by my side?’

So Wol wished to resemble him.

As much as he thought there was a lot to learn from him. After learning everything, wouldn’t it be right to offer him a high position for repayment?

He was strong, but when he heard the stories of others, he was also knowledgeable and wise.

So being with him continuously…

‘What am I thinking?’

Being together continuously. That’s… that’s almost like wanting to get married, isn’t it?

So Wol, who stood up from his seat, shook his head vigorously, and awkwardly mumbled.

“Well, if the master earnestly requests, there’s nothing I can’t do, but…”