It Wasn’t a Martial Arts World, but the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 17: Cao Cao Bothers Me

“Brother, what’s with your expression?”

“No, it’s nothing…”

When Haryeong asked with a worried face, I quickly shook my head, pretending to be calm.

Cao Cao, whom I had just met, along with Zhang Yang and the other lords, had already entered their tents to discuss military strategies.

As I was merely a guest, naturally, I couldn’t participate in such meetings.

All I could do was sit back and sigh deeply.

The sky was blue, and the clouds were so clear.

The soldiers were full of morale, and the atmosphere was filled with the bravery I had always hoped for. But why did I feel so unsettled?

I hung my head low.

Why was everything going wrong? How could that little girl be Cao Cao?

What kind of person is Cao Cao?

In ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’, he’s a warlord who rivals Liu Bei, a figure often called another protagonist.

The saying, “A cunning hero in times of chaos, and a capable official in times of peace,” exists for a reason.

It means that no matter the circumstances, he will rise to greatness with his unique political acumen and charisma.

And I had called him a kid… I want to strangle my past self…

“Hey, you’re going to create a hole in the ground with all that sighing. What’s troubling you so much? Did someone die?”

The man looking at me with pity was Yuanrang. His real name was Xiahou Dun, a general.

Given that we were in the presence of such eminent warlords, there was no shortage of people with impressive names.

The problem was that our first meeting had started on the wrong foot.

“······It’s nothing.”

“It’s nothing, huh? Your face looks like death. Still mad about what Mengde did to you? Well, by military law, you should’ve been dead already.”

“······D-Dead…?! B-Brother, what happened?”

Haryeong, startled, grabbed my shoulders and shook me roughly.

As a ‘General Who Fights to the Death’, Cao Cao’s rank wasn’t one that some backwoods county governor like me could easily challenge.

Had it not been for my position as a governor, I might have been executed on the spot. It was fortunate that things had blown over without incident.

“Don’t worry too much. Mengde has always been mischievous. Ever since she was young, she’s been the troublemaker of our village, and she still hasn’t outgrown that habit.”

“That’s a relief. I must apologize for the great offense I caused to the ‘General Who Fights to the Death’.”

“‘G-General Who Fights to the Death’…?! Brother, you didn’t do anything to offend that person, did you?”

“Haryeong, calm down for a moment. I’m already feeling overwhelmed.”

At my words, Xiahou Dun chuckled and spoke up.

“He definitely did offend her. What did you call her again… a ‘kid’? Mengde hates that nickname the most. It’s a pity I missed the look on her face when she heard it.”

Haryeong covered her mouth, unable to say anything further.

Yeah, I get it.

I’m an idiot.

A total fool. But please, stop looking at me like that, Haryeong.

Just then—

“Yuanrang, aren’t you saying too much? You’re making me feel ashamed.”

Cao Cao, who had quietly emerged from the tent, glared at Xiahou Dun with a displeased expression.

Xiahou Dun, sweating slightly, tried to act casual and whistled nonchalantly.

“Oh, the meeting’s already over.”

“It was just a simple alignment of our forces and some formal greetings. Anyway, we met again. I’ve heard much about you from the Governor of Shangdang.”

Cao Cao crossed her arms and smiled faintly.

“Mad Dog… That’s quite an amusing name, isn’t it?”

“······It’s Unryong. Not Mad Dog.”

Now that I was officially the Governor of Manbo County, there was no need to use extreme honorifics with a general. So, I spoke casually.

Honestly, I was a bit nervous, but Cao Cao didn’t seem to mind. She nodded her head.

“Hmm, Unryong. That’s a good name too.”

“It’s an honor to receive praise from the famous ‘General Who Fights to the Death’.”

“You’re rather formal. You’re quite different from how you were earlier. Frankly, I found you more entertaining than before.”

The mischievous smile on her face made it clear she was teasing me.

Unable to control my expression, I clamped my mouth shut. At that moment, Zhang Yang emerged from the tent.

“I’ve heard everything, Unryong. What exactly are you doing?”

Hmm, her expression didn’t look good.

Considering that as a guest she had invited me, had greatly offended someone as prominent as Cao Cao, it was only natural for her to be upset.

“Governor of Shangdang, please don’t concern yourself.”

“But, ‘General Who Fights to the Death’—”

“If you press the matter, it will only embarrass me. As I was taught, a man must have spirit, so I actually like him.”

“······You like him?”

“Yes. So please, let this matter rest.”

Shocked for a moment, Zhang Yang eventually sighed and nodded in agreement.

“If that’s what the ‘General Who Fights to the Death’ wishes, I will also let it go.”

I could hear her muttering things like, “Why such a fierce person? Isn’t she scary?” but I didn’t bother asking further.

Though Zhang Yang had a weak personality and would probably hide and cry if things escalated, it didn’t sit well with me to push her when I was already in the wrong.

“Well, I’ll take my leave now. I look forward to our next meeting.”

As soon as Cao Cao and Xiahou Dun left, Zhang Yang approached me.

“How could you not recognize the ‘General Who Fights to the Death’? She’s quite a famous figure in this world. And how could you miss her distinctive appearance… Hiii! Don’t look at me like that······!”

When I shot her a slight glare, Zhang Yang quickly scurried behind Haryeong.

“The ‘General Who Fights to the Death’ must be mistaken about you. How could anyone like someone so violent…! I’m sorry…!”

As I tried to move Haryeong aside, Zhang Yang’s eyes filled with tears.

“Brother, I understand it’s amusing—no, please don’t bully the Governor of Shangdang, who is practically our benefactor.”

“I was just trying to get that bug off your shoulder.”

“Haa······. Why do you act like a child sometimes?”

Seeing Haryeong sigh in exasperation, I let out a sigh of my own.

“So, how did the meeting go?”

“Well, um······.”

Still shaken, Zhang Yang trembled as she cleared her throat and returned to her usual calm demeanor.

“Our main force will march alongside the main force of the Governor of Henei.”

I nodded.

“But, Unryong, you will not be joining our main force.”

“Huh?”

What did she mean by that? I had joined Zhang Yang’s ranks as her guest, so how could I not be part of her main force? This felt like some kind of absurd joke.

Zhang Yang furrowed her brow and continued.

“It’s still under consideration… I wanted to ask what you did to cause this.”

“······?”

“Well, there’s no point in discussing it now. By tomorrow, you’ll be formally assigned to a unit, so I’ll explain more then.”

Though I didn’t quite understand what she was saying, Zhang Yang quickly excused herself.

Judging by the slight trembling of her shoulders, it seemed she had simply run off in fear.

I spent a while reflecting on Zhang Yang’s words.

…..

“Yuanrang.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

As they walked, Cao Cao seemed to be deep in thought, stroking her chin.

“Is swordsmanship typically such a noisy art?”

“I don’t quite follow.”

Xiahou Dun tilted his head, and Cao Cao spoke with a serious expression.

“A single sword seemed to split into many. Is that possible?”

“······Are you drunk, by any chance?”

“······Never mind. Forget what I asked.”

“Good grief, Mengde, why are you acting so unlike yourself?”

“Even if you say that, don’t worry about it.”

Cao Cao quickly erased the worried look on her face.

“Hah, that’s really not like you. Did something happen during the meeting?”

“Not really. The usual. The Tiger of Jiangdong, the old man of Xu Province, and Benchu—they were all as bright as ever. But… there’s someone who’s been bothering me.”

“Oh? If someone’s caught your attention, we need to bring them in, no? Is this person among the soldiers?”

Xiahou Dun knew Cao Cao well; she was obsessed with recruiting talented people.

Among her many strengths, her eye for talent was unmatched, even Yuan Shao couldn’t compare. So, if Cao Cao spoke this way, the person must be quite extraordinary.

Xiahou Dun looked at her with hopeful eyes, but Cao Cao remained expressionless and quickened her pace.

But if you looked closely, you could see the faintest hint of a smile on her lips.