Martial Arts Ain’t That Big of a Deal

Seo-jun, Chun-bong, and Namgung Sua made their way toward the pavilion where the Green Forest Division usually stayed.

After all, Green Forest meant bandits.

It was still a little strange to think of the Green Forest Division as an official combat unit within the Namgung Clan, but that name had been personally given by none other than Namgung Jincheon himself.

And their leader? None other than Jang Geuk, a former bandit. Even Seo-jun had to admit the man was quite talented in martial arts. As a result, the Green Forest Division had gained a certain level of fame within Namgung.

“Isn’t it surprising how everyone talks about them in a positive light?”

At Seo-jun’s comment, Chun-bong nodded.

“I thought it was just because you brought them in, but honestly? They’re just… really good at living a normal life.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. If you didn’t know any better, you’d never guess they used to be bandits.”

“Oho.”

Satisfied, Seo-jun bounced Chun-bong up and down in his arms like a child.

“Ugh… egh… ack….”

Chun-bong let out a weak groan. Laughing, Seo-jun kept walking until they arrived at a training ground—the place where the Green Forest Division typically practiced.

“One!”

“Ugh…!”

As expected, the members of the Green Forest Division were diligently training.

“Hah! They sure look like bandits, but they work harder than most.”

Suddenly, a familiar voice clapped along in amusement, seamlessly joining their group.

Seo-jun turned with a bewildered expression.

“…Aren’t you supposed to be at home? Ryung already left.”

After Namgung Jincheon’s funeral, Hwangbo Ryung had immediately returned to the Hwangbo Clan, likely because he couldn’t afford to leave his family unattended for too long.

Hwangbo Hyeji, on the other hand, had stayed. Apparently, it was under Hwangbo Ryung’s orders.

Something along the lines of: “Since you’re going to be living here, you should get used to it.”

For someone who had opposed the marriage at first, he sure didn’t seem to mind anymore.

“What would I even do back at the palace? Just waste time all day?”

“…You’re such an idiot.”

Seo-jun clicked his tongue, making the emperor laugh.

“Don’t worry, I’m not planning to cause any trouble in Namgung. And I won’t mess with that tiny kid either, so don’t get so worked up.”

That tiny kid—Chun-bong—narrowed her eyes.

Her lips twitched, as if she wanted to fire back with something harsh, but in the end, she only pouted. Probably because she was up against the emperor.

“Oi, Chun-bong. Don’t hold back.”

“…It’s fine.”

“You can say whatever you want now. I’ll take responsibility.”

“If I start talking recklessly just because I have backup, wouldn’t that make me a coward? A weak woman who hides behind others?”