A Medieval Knight in a Martial Arts Novel

“I suppose you wouldn’t believe me if I said I fell in love with Great Hero Wi at first sight, would you?”

…

I don’t see anything to indicate that kind of feeling, no matter where I look.

“I don’t think your face looks like someone who fell in love at first sight.”

“Still, in this world, there are all kinds of people. Isn’t there someone like me?”

The way she cryptically brought up the topic, then gracefully sipped her tea in front of her, was intriguing.

Is this what they call the upbringing of a young lady from the gentry? I, on the other hand, roughly grabbed my tea with one hand while looking her dead in the eye.

What could her real intention be?

While there doesn’t seem to be any malice, it unsettled me that there might be a hidden intent I hadn’t caught on to. If she had secretly come here to hide ill intentions, it certainly wouldn’t be a pleasant situation for me.

“I don’t much fancy people who beat around the bush to obscure their intentions.”

“…Is that so? Then what kind of women does Great Hero Wi like?”

From behind, I faintly sense someone. It’s probably Hye-ryeong eavesdropping.

“…I’ve never really thought deeply about the topic.”

I never had the leisure to contemplate such things and, even if I did, there’s no way in the next two years.

“Pity. But I am confident that I can easily tailor myself to Great Hero Wi’s preferences.”

“Do I need you to adjust yourself?”

“I need Great Hero Wi’s help.”

“Why would you need my help, Seo-ryeon?”

The only thing I could provide help with would be through martial prowess. That’s what I wondered while looking at Seo-ryeon’s face.

But perhaps because she has spent a long time at the Martial Alliance, her face only shows a faint smile.

“I’ve just come of age.”

“Oh, is that so?”

And what does that have to do with me? I have no clue why she’s asking for my help.

“When a woman comes of age… do you know what that means?”

“Coming of age?”

“Isn’t that natural?”

“Reaching marriageable age?”

“You’re correct.”

Marriageable age, you say.

Thinking about it, the marriage age here is much lower than it was in the 21st century. Indeed, in this place, if you haven’t gotten married by the time you come of age, you might even be considered an old bachelor.

Whether in the East or the West, in this era, it was common for people in their mid-teens to get married.

For martial artists, who focus deeply on training, marriages tend to come later. But with most martial artists having longer lifespans than regular people and many not caring about marriage to begin with…

Most martial artists don’t settle down in a particular place but rather move wherever their feet take them.

Unless you’re affiliated with a specific sect, it’s not easy for a wandering martial artist to get married.

“Until now, as a martial artist, I could put it off, but soon marriage proposals will start coming. But I don’t want that.”

“The Alliance Leader wouldn’t be pleased with that, I imagine.”

“Well… If the conditions are right, my father probably wouldn’t disapprove too much. That’s why I need Great Hero Wi’s help.”

“I already have a lover.”

Hye-ryeong, please don’t cause trouble outside. Even though I can’t see you, I can sense everything you do.

“I know that. Rumors say you’re in deep, mutual affection with Hye-ryeong.”

“…What? Are those rumors really widespread?”

For the first time, Seo-ryeon clearly revealed an emotion on her face. She looked taken aback.

As if to say, “How could you not notice when you’re flaunting it so much?”

“You’re like mandarin ducks, always together. Is there any way not to know?”

“That’s true… But if you know that, even more…”

“It’s common for heroes to have more than one wife. The term ‘hero seeking beauty’ means it isn’t greatly frowned upon.”

Still, the polygamous system is somewhat off-putting.

But was China ever a polygamous society? If this world operates under such norms, that would explain it.

I scratched my forehead with my finger, unable to hide my bewilderment at Seo-ryeon’s complex statements.

“So, you’re asking me to pretend to be your lover?”

“Master, even if we concede that point…”

“There’s no one else apart from Great Hero Wi.”

Frankly, as the youngest daughter of the Alliance Leader, shouldn’t you have a wide range of choices when it comes to marriage? You could easily marry the offspring of a prestigious family without needing to pursue someone like me, who already has a partner.

Noticing my questioning look, Seo-ryeon immediately gave me the reason.

“Great Hero Wi is currently regarded as the brightest prospect in the Central Plains.”

“I’m a Colored-Eyed Person though.”

“Does being a Colored-Eyed Person matter?”

…Does it not matter?

As far as I remember, there’s likely considerable racial discrimination here. People who aren’t Han Chinese aren’t usually treated well within the Central Plains.

In my case, my martial prowess compensates for everything, but I doubt families would willingly marry their daughters to someone like me.

“Does it not matter?”

“To martial artists, all that matters is one’s martial realm. A young prodigy who has already attained the highest level at such a young age… wouldn’t his future be promising?”

There’s no arguing with that.

Since the martial world is close to a meritocracy, achieving mastery at my age would indeed classify me as a top-tier matrimonial prospect without much ado.

Even if I don’t reach the Hua level, an expert at the supreme level is still incredibly elite, thus beneficial in enhancing the power of a family.

Especially in this world, even if you’re not from a renowned family, having an expert at the supreme level in the family makes you considered a flourishing one.

Experts at the supreme level are strategically and politically appealing assets.

“Is that why you reached out to me?”

“…Partially. There’s also pure curiosity.”

“Curiosity…”

“Yes. Curiosity. Throughout my life, I’ve left the Martial Alliance only a handful of times.”

Her eyes clouded over.

What is she thinking?

“Much like a bird trapped in a cage cannot fly in the sky, I’ve rarely ventured far from the Martial Alliance. By the time I was born, my father was already the Alliance Leader.”

Given the responsibilities and protective necessities of the Martial Alliance Leader, it’s challenging for him to travel far or even think of traveling lightly.

It would spell disaster if a kidnapping occurred, plunging the Martial Alliance into an emergency.

“Hmm.”

“In that case, I’d likely settle for a common marriage and become a housewife in someone’s estate. And spend my entire life there.”

It’s a common tale where a noble lady wishes to break free from her self-imposed cage.

Her purpose turned out to be more ordinary than expected.

“Do you wish to avoid such a situation?”

“Yes.”

“Still, it’s not the wisest choice.”

“The only card I have that stands out is Great Hero Wi.”

Card…

“If we were married, but I am a wanderer without a home. It’d be tough to live well by my side.”

Before the war with the Demonic Sect ends, I have no intention of settling down.

If I can’t suppress the turmoil sweeping the Central Plains, there’s no point in settling.

She calmly replied, as if understanding my words.

“Great Hero Wi would surely settle down sooner or later. For a universally admired expert to establish a family isn’t a difficult feat.”

“You seem resolute.”

“At least if I have a choice, I’d prefer someone I like.”

“Like… hmm…”

Such an ambiguous term.

It’s difficult to gauge whether she means friendship, or romantic feelings.

“Even third place would be fine. What I desire is a bit of freedom. Not just the limited freedom of climbing the back mountain on the pretext of being lost but the freedom to travel all over the Central Plains.”

“Miss…”

“Freedom…”

Does the youngest daughter of the Martial Alliance Leader wish to cast off her position?

“Isn’t that too honest?”

“You should never mix falsehoods when trying to persuade others.”

Our eyes met. She smiled after making eye contact.

“I understand what story you want to tell me. But what are my gains from this arrangement?”

“The protection of the Alliance Leader… wouldn’t that interest you?”

The protection of the Alliance Leader is actually quite valuable.

Since marital alliances function that way anyway, I could accept their assistance without qualms.

The problem lies in the fact they might demand something from me as a result, binding me to the Martial Alliance.

Upon reading my expression, Seo-ryeon placed her hand on her chest and looked at me with a sorrowful gaze.

“Then… what about myself?”

“It makes me blush to speak of it, but I’ve learned many things and could be somewhat useful.”

Seeing how desperately she offered herself, it seems this matter must be urgent to her.

Still, I’d rather not get involved in troublesome affairs.

Noticing my disinterested expression, she fiddled with her teacup, realizing I wouldn’t be swayed easily.

“Great Hero Wi’s resolve is firm.”

“I just… have some resistance to increasing my partners while Hye-ryeong is here.”

While polygamy may be common here, both in Europe and in the 21st century, monogamy is the norm. Instinctively, I feel averse.

It’s amusing how I still retain some modern sensibilities.

“I see. Then…”

Seo-ryeon instantly switched back to her usual cheerful expression.

But the fervent look in her eyes remained as she delivered one last appeal.

“Great Hero Wi, could you give me just one day?”

…

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