A Medieval Knight in a Martial Arts Novel

“Have you arrived, Great Hero Wi?”

“I see you’re aware I’ve come to Zhangsa.”

“Isn’t Great Hero Wi always someone who stands out?”

That’s true.

How many large-bodied Colored-Eyed Persons can there be in the heart of the Central Plains?

There might be some in trade ports, but even those could question their existence apart from me. In inland areas, anyone seeing me would immediately think of the Lion Sword Hero.

A blond and blue-eyed Colored-Eyed Person wearing a traveler’s hat stands out too much here.

“I’ve only become unnecessarily famous. Let’s set that aside for a moment… I’ve come to retrieve the money you were holding for me.”

“I anticipated this and prepared it beforehand.”

He cautiously pulled out a small wooden box and placed it on the table. When I opened the lid, its golden gleam dazzled me.

“With that amount, you should have no shortage for any purchases in Zhangsa.”

“Do you know of a good fabric shop? I’d like to buy some clothes.”

“If you’re looking for martial clothing, the shop run by Mr. Gu on the west side of Zhangsa is your best bet.”

Mr. Gu?

Sounds like a name that might appeal to women.

“Where should I go for other types of clothing?”

“As the best-known fabric shop in Zhangsa, it also handles non-martial clothing. I suggest you purchase there.”

So my first stop will be the fabric shop.

“Oh, and if there’s anything else you’d like to buy, the market starts today. It might be worthwhile to take a look.”

“Markets… do they sell rare items?”

“With merchants from all regions converging, if you walk around, you just might find something good.”

I should consider that.

Before that, I need to place a commission first.

“I’d also like to request some information collection. I need updates on the recent movements of the Green Forest and the Zhang River Water Bandits.”

“I’ll assemble the details and send them to your room shortly.”

Haowen, as always, handles things swiftly.

“Then, I’ll take my leave. Farewell.”

I stepped out of the Haowen branch, organizing my schedule in my head.

—

“Hehe…”

“You’re that pleased?”

“Buying clothes is always fun!”

“Is that so…”

“Miss Mok might also enjoy it?”

“…I’m not quite sure. As a martial person, I’ve always viewed spending money on clothes as a luxury…”

That’s somewhat sad to hear.

Thinking about it, ever since her family was ruined when she was young, she probably had little chance to worry about such things. Even the plain martial attire she usually wears shows signs of being carefully washed many times.

On reflection, her sword, too, has seen much use—it clearly bears wear and tear, having been damaged in the life-and-death confrontations with the head of the Bloodfang Sect. A new sword would also be appropriate for her.

This could be a gift commemorating her achievement in approaching the level of a superlative martial artist. Surely even Mok-kyeong wouldn’t reject that.

“Hye-ryeong.”

” Yes!”

Hye-ryeong immediately nodded upon hearing my call. She seemed to already understand what I was about to say.

“With plenty of money available, don’t hesitate to get what you truly need.”

“Buy…?”

“As much as you like.”

At my words, Hye-ryeong flashed a modest smile. Spending money is enjoyable indeed.

“Eun-gong? I’m not sure what you mean…”

“You just need to come along.”

“Alright.”

And so, while exchanging casual talk, we soon arrived at the fabric shop.

“Welcome!”

Just as the branch manager said, the shop is indeed large.

The size of this fabric shop reminded me of the vast stores of the 21st century. I stared in amazement at its expansive interior.

Neatly stacked fabrics and about a dozen tailors busily measuring customers showcased the shop’s booming business.

“What brings you here today?”

“I’ve come to order some new clothes.”

I subtly adjusted my traveler’s hat, briefly revealing my face. The employee escorting us froze, then spoke.

“Could you be the Lion Sword Hero…?”

“Do you recognize me?”

“Of course I do! Who in the martial world doesn’t know the warrior who dismantled the Bloodfang Sect?”

“I see. News has traveled far.”

“How could it not? The Bloodfang Sect used to dominate Yunnan. Three people broke in, defeated the Bloodfang Sect leader, and left calmly—how could the story not spread?”

“What? That person is the Lion Sword Hero?”

“Indeed, a mighty build…”

“And he’s been seen accompanied by a beauty…”

“Hey, watch your mouth. Masters of the superlative arts can hear whispers from a hundred paces away.”

Could I truly hear from a hundred paces? At the man’s exaggerated claim, I smirked and pulled my hat lower.

“Hye-ryeong, Mok-kyeong, you go first.”

“Shouldn’t you go first, sir?”

“The order doesn’t really matter.”

I subtly pulled a silver ingot from my pocket and handed it to the employee. Upon receiving it, the employee quickly hid it in their sleeve before smiling brightly and calling out.

“Sir, please follow me to the inside!”

Money talks, doesn’t it.

Silently, we followed the employee inside.

The room we were led to was about twenty pyeong in size, clearly reserved for special guests.

Sitting in a chair against the corner, I took off my hat and placed it beside me.

Hye-ryeong and Mok-kyeong quietly sat on either side of me, watching the employee.

Realizing we weren’t speaking, the employee bowed respectfully before speaking.

“I’ll fetch someone immediately.”

After the employee exited with quick steps, Hye-ryeong grabbed my arm and spoke.

“Sir, what kind of clothes do you prefer?”

“I haven’t really thought about it.”

Neither before nor after my reincarnation have I been particularly concerned with clothes. Post-reincarnation, I was often clad in armor and had little time to focus on attire.

Military personnel have no need for elaborate clothing anyway.

Plain black martial robes were actually quite practical for travel.

Brightly-colored clothing that easily gets dirty doesn’t hold much appeal. Once stained, it’s hard to conceal the marks, and given that I don’t settle in one place, such clothes hold no meaning.

Hye-ryeong, on the other hand, is highly attentive to cleanliness, so having her buy clothes was indeed a good idea.

“I’ll have an excellent martial robe made for you, sir!”

“Isn’t martial attire all the same?”

“What are you talking about, Mok-kyeong?”

Hye-ryeong rarely showed such serious expression as she glared at Mok-kyeong. In a reproachful tone. Mok-kyeong looked confused but stared back at Hye-ryeong.

“Martial attire varies! It can be adjusted according to the martial arts style used, and it enhances a fighter’s allure depending on how it’s worn!”

“I… I don’t know much about such things…”

“Hye-ryeong, calm down.”

“…Sorry, I got carried away.”

“It’s understandable.”

Given her usual focus on attire, it’s not surprising that Mok-kyeong might not understand.

Certainly, having lived as a male for a long time, Mok-kyeong’s standards for clothing are geared towards male warriors.

Environment shapes a lot, after all.

If the Yunnam Dan family hadn’t been wiped out, Mok-kyeong might have become a noble lady interested in makeup and dresses.

But the protagonist of this world wouldn’t let that happen.

“Let’s choose something that suits Mok-kyeong well, Hye-ryeong.”

“Leave it to me!”

“Eun-gong? I…”

“Don’t worry. It’s fine.”

After living in darkness for the majority of her life, she doesn’t need to continue in gloom. With most of her revenge complete, it’s time to live with more brightness.

If nothing else, smiles often bring good fortune.

“Great Hero. Please forgive us for keeping you waiting.”

Finally.

Five employees had entered the room, all women, likely considering the presence of Hye-ryeong and Mok-kyeong.

It doesn’t matter to me—whether the tailors are male or female, I’m only here to get measured.

Besides, the beautiful ladies next to me make the female employees pale in comparison.

As we quietly waited, the oldest-looking among the employees approached us and gently asked,

“Which of you would like to be measured first?”

“Hye-ryeong, shall you go first?”

“No, sir, you go first! I’ll help you pick the best fabric!”

“Then, let’s start.”

Given I’ll take the least time, it’s better for me to go first so I can sit and watch as others are measured after I’m done.

Following the tailors and Hye-ryeong, I moved behind the screen set up for privacy.

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