Episode 31: Snake!
'I thought "No way"—but you actually followed me!
I believed I could move freely around the market today, but my plan fell apart.
Walking down the road, I sensed my father's presence secretly trailing me.
'Since collapsing at the Demon Sect, I've gained more information from minor clues.'
Is this too the flower seed's power?
1:36
Well, thanks to this, I can now predict Father's movements—a win for me!
'Still, I meant to buy Demon Sect supplies while Father was away... This complicates things.'
But with Father following me, a greater mission emerged:
Operation "Our Byeol Has Changed!"
"Father follows because he sees me as someone to protect—a thought tied to Mother's death that fuels his anxiety."
So today, I'll act strong and capable in every situation to reassure him!
Naturally, his worries and overprotectiveness will fade.
Even I had to admire this flawless plan.
'Buying flower shoes alone? For this second-life veteran, it's easier than forgetting words mid-nap.
Time to ace Father's first errand!'
But my confident stride halted abruptly.
"Move! Make way!"
"Hey, let people through!"
The narrow market street heaved with crowds—typical for a major market day.
'If I push through with this small body... Will I get trampled as Father warned?'
Seeing the shoving mob, his caution made sense.
But retreat? Never!
'How to navigate this without being crushed?'
Remembering a war scene, I smiled slyly.
"Perfect!"
Moments later, I carved through the bustling crowd—safely.
Before being swept into the current, I raised my short arms skyward and shouted:
"Coming through!"
An ancient trick: raise hands to announce your presence in crowded spaces.
"The hand-raising walk—every past-life kid who learned upright posture knows this!"
"Wait, a child's passing!"
"Miss, step aside! She'll get hurt!"
"Look at the little one running errands alone—adorable!"
Hearing me, the crowd parted like tidewater.
I thanked them politely, upholding my past life's Eastern Manners Kingdom pride:
"Thank you, kind sisters and brothers!"
"Oh! She called me 'sister'! Such manners—whose child is this?"
"Hoho, this rascal's got charm!"
My gratitude paid off—they even ensured my safe passage:
"Careful, don't trip!"
"Good luck with your errand!"
"Safe travels!"
Reaching a quieter path, I lowered my arms, waved, and turned away.
'Well done, Seol Cheon-seong.
Those "raised-hand crosswalk" drills from my past-life kindergarten paid off.'
Encouraging myself, I spotted a street vendor displaying shoes.
'There—my flower shoes!'
I marched over boldly.
"Hello! I'm here for flower-patterned shoes!"
"A little customer? Alone?"
"Yes! I brought money too."
Just in case they doubted me, I revealed Father's hefty coin purse.
"Smart customer! See any you like?"
"Just your cheapest—"
I froze mid-sentence. Old habits died hard—always seeking affordability.
'No. In my past life, survival demanded cheap durability. Not anymore.'
I clutched the weighty purse.
'I'm choosing what I love this time!'
"Do you have... new arrivals? The latest flower shoes?"
"These premium silk ones arrived most recently."
'Gorgeous.'
The first shoes I'd ever freely chosen across two lifetimes mesmerized me—jade petals accented with pink silk, perfectly capturing my taste.
"I'll take these!"
"My, you adore them! Try them first."
"Okay!"
As I lifted my foot to test the fit, the purse thudded to the ground.
"Shhk!"
'Heart attack! My poor liver nearly dropped!'
While reaching for it, a small black snake darted from nowhere, snatching the purse.
"Hey! My money!"
"Kyaa! A black snake! Scram!"
As I stood stunned, a nearby vendor panicked and hurled a stone.
"Shhk!"
Blood seeped from the struck snake's wound.
"Stop! Black snakes herald misfortune. Kill it needlessly, and invite calamity!"
"So we let it live?"
'A misfortune-bringing black snake?'
The original story never mentioned this.
'Perhaps irrelevant before... But maybe this snake—'
"With the carriage destroyed, how'd the child survive alone?"
"Tch. Ate her parents, likely."
"Don't approach. Feels ill-omened."
Past-life whispers from relatives at my parents' funeral resurfaced.
'Could this snake, like past me, live misunderstood?'
Pity outweighed fear.
Besides, the snake stayed calm despite being hit—perhaps harmless.
If hostile, it would've struck back already.
Steeling myself, I approached.
"Sorry they hurt you. People misunderstand you—I apologize for them."
I spoke softly, as if to myself.
'It can't understand, but I'll soothe it to retrieve the purse.'
Easing its guard was key.
'Yet... it seems to comprehend.'
The snake stopped hissing and stared quietly.
Its diamond-sharp eyes seemed softer—or was I imagining it?
"Could I have my purse back? It's vital. Return it, and I'll treat you."
'A hopeless offer—snakes don't grasp "treats"...'
"Shhk."
Plop
'Did it work?'
As if understanding, the snake dropped the purse at my feet.
'Do martial arts novels have cultivating animals? Else how do they comprehend speech?'
"Th-thank you."
"Shh."
'No comprehension, but it acknowledged my thanks.'
Maybe gentler than rumors claimed.
"Payment for the shoes."
Ignoring the absurdity, I paid.
"Please don't stone this snake—I'll handle it safely."
"Kid, black snakes are venomous! One bite could kill you!"
The stone-throwing vendor warned, mistaking my youth for ignorance.
"It's kind! It returned my purse."
Vendors buzzed: "Should we stop her?" "What if it bites?"
'Truthfully, I'm terrified—but I can't flee now.
Future Demon Sect life will bring worse dangers than this little snake.
I must prove to Father I can face anything—ease his fears when he learns I've joined them.
Courage!'
"Let's leave first."
Cupping my hands, the snake hesitated, then slithered onto my palms.
"Success!"
Avoiding murmurs, I retreated to a secluded spot.
The snake proved remarkably docile.
'Lazing on my palm like it's found home.'
"First, treat your wound. Then I'll release you."
Setting it on grass, I bandaged the injury with a handkerchief from my pack.
"Done! This should stop the bleeding."
The snake craned its neck, eyeing the awkwardly wrapped cloth.
"Return to your home now."
But it shook its head—clear refusal.
'Is it... defying me?'
"Why?"
Frustrated, I muttered. The snake headbutted my waist-purse.
'Wait—could it mean...?'
"Um... could I have my purse back? It's important. Return it, and I'll treat you."
My earlier promise resurfaced.
"Ah! I did say I'd treat you! What do you want?"
The snake turned—eyes gleaming—toward a sign:
[Drunkard’s Tavern]
