Even after settling into her new life at the Murim Alliance, Miryung found her thoughts unsettled. Having set aside her identity as a princess of the imperial family to become the wife of the Alliance Leader, she took on her new role with earnest dedication. Yet, the confessions of Han Soyeon and Baek Wolhui lingered in her heart.
One day, while quietly sharing tea with Lee Dohyun, she spoke up.
"Leader, I think it's time we consider the next step."
Lee Dohyun tilted his head, puzzled.
"Next step? What do you mean?"
Miryung offered a calm smile.
"I'm talking about Han Soyeon and Baek Wolhui. I know how they feel, and I believe it's right to accept them."
Dohyun looked startled, momentarily at a loss for words.
"Miryung… That couldn't have been an easy decision."
She gently set her teacup down and answered calmly.
"It's not that I feel no jealousy. But turning away from their feelings wouldn't be right—for you or for me. They truly love you. Even amid all the chaos, they've remained by your side. Giving them a place is, I believe, the path that honors everyone's heart."
Miryung invited Han Soyeon and Baek Wolhui for a private conversation. Han Soyeon, surprised by the decision, asked with concern:
"Princess… Are you truly okay with this? I only shared my feelings—I never meant for things to go this far."
Miryung responded with a warm smile.
"Soyeon, I don't want to ignore your sincerity. You've sacrificed so much for the Leader. I just hope your heart no longer needs to bear pain."
Baek Wolhui, with her usual mischievous grin, added:
"Princess~, I was planning to approach this a bit more boldly, but I appreciate you opening the way for us."
Miryung nodded in agreement.
"I believe all of us standing together by Dohyun's side will make us stronger than ever."
A few days later, a small wedding ceremony was held. As the first wife, Princess Miryung personally blessed the union of Han Soyeon and Baek Wolhui. It was a modest and intimate gathering, but those present were deeply moved.
During the ceremony, Miryung spoke sincerely.
"Han Soyeon, Baek Wolhui—from today, we are one family. We must unite our strength to support the Leader and protect the Murim Alliance."
Lee Dohyun could only offer a sheepish smile.
"This still feels surreal… But with all of you by my side, I feel like I can face anything."
Soyeon nodded shyly, while Wolhui winked and teased:
"Commander~, now you've got some serious backup."
The ceremony ended amidst heartfelt blessings. Upon hearing the news, the senior masters of the Murim Alliance shared their thoughts with interest.
Jin Cheongwoo, head of the Hwasan Sect, remarked:
"Lee Dohyun is truly remarkable. Seeing so many gather around him… I believe the Murim Alliance will only grow stronger from here."
Do Hyeonjung, head of the Kunlun Sect, nodded.
"He's not just a powerful martial artist—he has the rare ability to unite people. He will undoubtedly lead the Murim Alliance to new heights."
That night, Lee Dohyun sat alone, lost in thought. He thought of those who trusted him, of the sincerity in their eyes, and made a vow in his heart.
"I must grow stronger for all of them. The Murim Alliance isn't just my organization—it's the future of everyone. If I don't falter, neither will we."
Gazing out the window with resolute eyes, he murmured:
"Under the name of the Murim Alliance, we will overcome any threat."
And so, a new family was formed. With deeper unity than ever before, the Murim Alliance began preparing for the future once again.
**
Chapter : A Longing for Reality
The Murim Alliance headquarters had returned to peace. After the war with the imperial court, order was gradually restored across the Murim. The various sects reduced their infighting and began seeking a new direction under the leadership of the Alliance. As leader, Lee Dohyun strove to maintain this peace—but deep in his heart, a different yearning stirred.
In the training grounds of the Alliance, he examined his sword, lost in thought.
"The real world… Will I ever return?"
Though he had grown accustomed to life in the Murim—and even found fulfillment in it—he could not shake his thirst for the world he came from. Family, friends, the dreams he had once chased. Most of all, the reason for his arrival in this world remained a mystery.
As he swung his sword in deep contemplation, Han Soyeon, who had been quietly observing, approached him.
"Leader, is something troubling you?"
He turned toward her and hesitated for a moment before replying.
"Soyeon… There are times I miss the world I came from. I wonder why I was brought here… and whether I can ever go back."
She gently took his hand and spoke with warmth.
"It's only natural to feel that way. But please don't forget what you've accomplished here. So many people depend on you now."
Her words brought a faint smile to his face, but the memory of what the Heavenly Sword Demon had once told him echoed in his mind:
"This world—the Murim—is no simple place. Something was summoned through the dimensional rupture tied to Elysium. That something could be you... or perhaps your sword."
That cryptic message lingered in his thoughts.
"If I was summoned... does that mean I could be sent back?"
He whispered to himself, trying to unravel the meaning hidden in the Demon's words.
Alone in his quarters, Dohyun recalled every fragment of his conversation with the Heavenly Sword Demon, searching for a clue. He gripped his sword and spoke to the consciousness residing within it.
"You must tell me. The truth behind this place—why I'm connected to it. You know, don't you?"
The voice inside the sword was silent for a moment before answering.
"Your arrival here is not simple. Your power is linked to Elysium—but it goes beyond that. Whether you remain or return is a choice only you can make."
Those words planted a small seed of hope in his heart.
"So it's up to me… But how do I find the way back?"
Just then, Baek Wolhui approached with her usual teasing tone.
"Dohyun~, if you keep that serious look on your face, you'll age faster, you know? What's got you so worried?"
He responded with a sheepish smile.
"Wolhui… I was just thinking. About why I'm here, and what I'm meant to do."
She patted his shoulder with a grin.
"Don't overthink it, Dohyun~. We're all here with you. Even if you miss your old world, isn't there plenty of happiness to be found here too?"
Miryung joined them quietly, her voice calm and unwavering.
"Whatever you choose, I will always stand by your side. But for now… cherish what you've built here."
Listening to the voices of those who cared for him, Dohyun took a deep breath and steadied his thoughts. Yet, the spark of curiosity and longing for the other world continued to burn within him.
"The day will come when I truly understand what I must do. Until then, I will walk forward with those who believe in me."
He gripped his sword with renewed resolve.
"The answer that connects this world and the one I left… I'll find it. If that is my fate, then someday—no matter what—it will reveal itself."
His eyes gleamed with determination. And so, his journey to uncover the truth had only just begun.