Chapter 413: Worrying About the Great Drunken Demon Who Only Drinks Tea!
To start with the conclusion, Han Seol could not refuse.
It was already difficult to handle the persuasion of just one Geom Mugeuk, but today, there was even an assistant. It was none other than Lee Ahn.
"While looking at that person's corpse earlier, I had this thought. If we hadn’t gone to find him, would he still be alive?"
Han Seol felt that Lee Ahn was angry about his death.
To be honest, Han Seol had not thought about that person even once until the moment she heard this from Lee Ahn. No, she had completely forgotten.
He was someone she met here for the first time. Was it really possible to care so much?
If it were pretense, it would have started from there. Coming all the way to the Northern Sea just to save the husband of a lady who offered a glass of water.
"Do you think he died because of us?"
"No, he died because of the bastard who killed him."
Lee Ahn did not indulge in needless self-blame. Having learned so much from Geom Mugeuk, she had to at least display this level of wisdom.
"However, I don't want his death to become a meaningless one."
At times like this, Lee Ahn’s belief that kind people live longer tends to falter. That man had also been kind when he told them.
Lee Ahn turned to Geom Mugeuk and displayed another piece of wisdom.
"Please take revenge."
Because she realized he was not an opponent she could handle. At times like this, all she could do was move exactly as Geom Mugeuk instructed.
"Alright."
After answering cheerfully, Geom Mugeuk even took care of Lee Ahn’s heart.
"These kinds of events always leave a scar on your heart. It might seem like a shallow wound since it’s the death of someone you barely knew, but it’s a scar that stays forever. You’ll probably keep thinking about it. Just passing by a brewery will remind you."
Geom Mugeuk knew. Sometimes, such wounds linger far longer and torment a person more than a great injury suffered directly.
"Don't try to deliberately forget it. That will only deepen the wound."
"Then what should I do?"
"Get cut, and cut again. New wounds will form over the old ones, over and over. Until you finally accept — ‘Ah, my heart was always meant to bear such patterns.’ That’s how you live with it. Congratulations on the new pattern carved into your heart."
A bright smile formed on Lee Ahn’s lips. The only person in the world who would congratulate someone on their pain — what more could be said?
"My heart is just like this, and I can’t even imagine how Young Master's heart must be."
Lee Ahn tried to picture Geom Mugeuk’s heart. Would it be a heart so fierce and powerful, carved with dozens, hundreds of scars, able to endure any situation? Or was it made of millennium-old cold iron from the start, so pristine that not even a single mark remained?
"You already know well what kind of heart I have, don’t you?"
"Huh? How would I... Ah!"
Lee Ahn bowed her head deeply. She had momentarily forgotten that Geom Mugeuk had once called her his heart, and just now remembered it.
Watching that scene, Han Seol felt a strange emotion.
Blaming themselves over a stranger’s death, and a leader comforting them.
Until now, it had seemed like pretense, deceitful behavior. But now, her feelings toward their relationship had changed. Amazingly, she had even started to feel just a little bit jealous.
This time, Han Seol’s gaze turned toward the Great Drunken Demon. Come to think of it, hadn't he said he drenched himself in blood to save them?
'Am I being too inhuman?'
Because of the three people from the Demonic Cult, she kept having thoughts she had never entertained in her life. Feeling such emotions because of demons, no less.
Geom Mugeuk spoke to Han Seol.
"Please help us."
"I said I refuse."
"There’s a reason you can’t refuse."
"And what reason is that?"
After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk spoke.
"I believe their ultimate target is either you or the Palace Master."
Han Seol was not surprised. If Elder Seo had truly been involved in a conspiracy, then it was obvious where the blade would be pointed. Even so, it still felt unbelievable. He had been like family since childhood. Was he now targeting her and her mother?
"Is there really solid evidence?"
When Han Seol asked once more, Geom Mugeuk answered firmly.
"It became clear this time when they tried to frame the Great Drunken Demon. Seo Nak is in league with them."
Han Seol could not speak for a moment. The expressions of the Great Drunken Demon and Lee Ahn made it seem like they completely believed Geom Mugeuk’s words.
"A person’s heart can be as hard as a diamond, and then, before you know it, melt away like candy. He probably didn't harbor such intentions from the start."
Whether the Blood King had wormed his way in and changed Seo Nak’s heart, or his heart had changed first and then the Blood King dug in — either way, he had changed.
Even though she had shouted about refusing, Han Seol knew. This was something she had to step forward and resolve herself. A person from the Northern Sea Ice Palace had been killed, and their enemy was targeting her and her mother.
But could she really trust these demons?
The more her distrust began to fade, the more Han Seol felt uneasy. She shouldn't let her guard down.
"There’s something I’d like you to do outside."
"What is it?"
"Meet with the eldest son of the Northern Blood Gate. I believe the Northern Blood Gate is also involved in this incident."
In a situation where Elder Seo, whom she considered like an uncle, had joined forces with some hidden faction, was the Northern Blood Gate also an accomplice?
Han Seol’s chest grew tight. If all of this was true, the Northern Sea Ice Palace was facing a grave crisis.
"The Northern Blood Gate Master and Elder Seo are not opponents the Young Palace Master can handle yet. Therefore, target the eldest son of the Northern Blood Gate. Surely, he knows something. Whatever it is, find it out."
Han Seol no longer hesitated. It was something to be judged while moving.
"Alright, I’ll meet that person."
"Show them a chill cold enough to freeze their blood."
"I will."
Just as she was about to leave the room, Geom Mugeuk spoke.
"Before you go, make sure you meet your mother first."
Han Seol, who had paused for a moment, left the room without a word.
As she went out, Lee Ahn asked anxiously.
"Is it alright to send the Young Palace Master alone?"
"Worried?"
"The enemies aren’t exactly easy to deal with."
"Don't worry. Why are you worrying about the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace while we’re in the Northern Sea? You should be worrying about our Great Drunken Demon here, who’s just drinking tea!"
At that, the Great Drunken Demon suddenly spoke.
"You’re planning to go out too, aren’t you?"
The Great Drunken Demon’s gaze turned to Geom Mugeuk.
"You’re thinking of drawing their attention to her and handling things from behind, aren’t you?"
Geom Mugeuk smiled and said.
"Quitting drinking is turning you into a genius! Let’s keep you off the booze. This brilliant mind is too precious."
"It’s already a booze-soaked brain."
Lee Ahn reproached herself inwardly.
'And I have a brain worse than that booze-soaked one.'
She had not even remotely guessed that Geom Mugeuk planned to sneak out.
Lee Ahn asked Geom Mugeuk.
"What are you planning to do once you're outside?"
"As you could tell earlier, the mastermind behind this incident is a lowly and ruthless bastard."
They had tried to frame the Great Drunken Demon and killed those who didn’t even know martial arts.
"When they play this dirty, we must respond in kind. I’ll use your method."
"My method? What method?"
"Elder Seo and the Northern Blood Gate Master, I’m going to kidnap both. If we cut off both arms, the body will be forced to reveal itself."
"Really?"
"Of course, I’m joking."
Though truthfully, he really did want to. Not just kidnap — he wanted to simply get rid of them both.
But he couldn’t. If he did that, the Blood King would never reveal himself. Worse, he would retaliate by slaughtering countless others. That bastard would kill two hundred people if two of his own died.
"I’m about to go crazy wanting to drink. Hurry and bring the bastard here!"
In response to the Great Drunken Demon’s words, Geom Mugeuk answered.
"Yeah, once we wipe out all those bastards, let’s have a proper blowout. That day, we’re becoming dogs."
Lee Ahn raised her hand high.
"One dog here, adding myself!"
Geom Mugeuk arranged pillows and clothes on the bed to make it look like he was still sleeping. Even though no one would dare enter the room without permission, he set it up just in case.
"Make it look like I’m still inside. Then, I’m off."
"How are you planning to get through those people?"
"Took you long enough to ask."
There were so many guarding outside that sneaking out seemed impossible. Each one of them was a true master, far beyond mere guards tasked with surveillance.
Just as he was about to go outside, Geom Mugeuk spoke to the Great Drunken Demon.
"Oh, right. Brother, I didn’t get a chance to say this earlier."
Two gazes, filled with goodwill and curiosity, met in midair.
"Getting yourself drenched in blood to save those people... it was impressive."
Leaving those words behind, Geom Mugeuk went outside.
A smile naturally formed on the Great Drunken Demon’s lips.
Geom Mugeuk probably knew better than anyone how hard he was trying right now.
A person who recognized my efforts.
And a person who said it aloud.
That was Geom Mugeuk. Thinking that made him feel,
'I really want a drink.'
Lee Ahn and the Great Drunken Demon watched through the window as Geom Mugeuk slipped away. Among the Wind God’s Four Steps, Dark Shadow Step was deployed.
Dark Shadow Step was a footwork technique used for infiltration. At first, it only allowed one to avoid a single person’s gaze, but as mastery grew, the number of people it could evade increased. At full mastery, it allowed one to pass right under the noses of masters who were fully alert with both eyes open.
"What exactly did we just see?"
At Lee Ahn’s admiration, the Great Drunken Demon sipped his tea and answered.
"Masters of the Northern Sea Ice Palace having their noses cut off with their eyes wide open."
* * *
Han Seol entered the Palace Master's Hall.
"Palace Master."
At Han Seol’s visit, the Ice Palace Master recalled Geom Mugeuk’s words.
— I want to tell you that it is time to look back on your daughter. Fortunately, for now, she still seems to be standing behind you.
It was the first time they were meeting alone after hearing those words.
"What brings you here?"
"I came because there is something I wish to tell you."
"Speak."
Han Seol realized anew that whenever she visited her mother, she never even exchanged simple pleasantries. She always launched straight into the main subject.
Naturally, Han Seol recalled Geom Mugeuk’s words.
— The relationship between you two is not simply a matter of distance or warmth. The problem is that it has become frozen.
But now that she was actually here, she felt that wasn’t the real issue.
'Do I even want to thaw this frozen relationship?'
She realized it was a matter of will. Her mother might not even want to build that kind of relationship with her.
As the Ice Palace Master looked at her daughter, whose eyes reflected so many thoughts, she sensed that Han Seol was different from usual.
Amid those thoughts, the conversation continued.
"I plan to meet the eldest son of the Northern Blood Gate."
"And why him?"
"The Young Cult Leader believes the Northern Blood Gate is involved in this incident. I would like to confirm it myself."
It was a strange yet encouraging development. It was the first time her daughter had taken the initiative to investigate something.
"Is this something you want to do?"
As she spoke, the Ice Palace Master realized she had chosen the wrong words. What she had just said was the same as asking, 'Is the Young Cult Leader ordering you to do it?'
"I am doing it because I want to."
A brief silence passed.
— Don’t misunderstand. I only asked because you’re doing something you normally wouldn’t.
— It’s alright. I suppose it’s natural to be influenced by the Young Cult Leader.
If only such candid conversations could happen between them.
— You’ll be able to do well.
— Thank you for trusting me.
If only encouragement and gratitude like that could be exchanged — but reality was different.
"If you make a wrong move with the Northern Blood Gate, it could cause problems."
"Yes, I suppose so."
Silence flowed once again.
Normally, the Ice Palace Master would have said, "It’s still too early for that."
But when her daughter had come to her directly, saying she wanted to do something, it was not easy to say no.
"Even so, will you still try?"
"Yes."
Until now, neither of them had realized it. Since they had always talked like this, they had lived on, not even knowing it was strange.
But now, trying to open their hearts to each other, their conversation felt truly awkward.
"I will take my leave."
Han Seol gave a bow and turned around.
She walked slowly toward the stairs when, from behind, the Ice Palace Master spoke.
"Have a cup of tea before you go."
The one who first summoned the courage was the Ice Palace Master. Yes, even if she had to turn her head, as a mother, she should be the one to turn first.
Han Seol was inwardly surprised. When was the last time she sat and drank tea with her mother? She could not even remember.
"I’ll have it when I return."
She declined in her fluster, and the Ice Palace Master did not insist further. There was no need to be disappointed. Geom Mugeuk had said that even if you look back again and again, seven or eight times out of ten, people don’t even realize you are looking back.
And this attempt certainly had an effect. As Han Seol descended the Palace Master’s Hall steps, she regretted it.
Maybe I should have sat and had tea.
* * *
Slap!
Yang Seok, the eldest son of the Northern Blood Gate, struck the servant girl’s cheek mercilessly.
"I’m sorry, Young Master!"
Yang Seok, who had been walking hurriedly, almost collided with the servant girl, and the water she was carrying spilled, splashing a few drops onto his clothes.
"You’re making the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace wait because of you? Or are you telling me to meet her in these wet clothes?"
It wasn’t even enough water to leave a noticeable stain. It simply annoyed him that someone had blocked his path while he was on his way to meet the Young Palace Master.
"I’m sorry, I truly am sorry."
Slap! Slap!
Even as she apologized, Yang Seok struck her mercilessly. The servant’s lips split, and bright red handprints bloomed on her cheeks.
"There’s no time for this."
At the subordinate’s words, Yang Seok hurriedly left the place.
The one small mercy was that he had beaten her without using internal energy. Since the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace had come to meet him, he couldn't risk killing someone out of bad luck, so he had simply left.
Shortly after Yang Seok departed.
Someone returned to the scene. It was Ha Gyeol, Yang Seok’s escort martial artist — the very one who had earlier tried to stop him, saying there was no time.
"Let’s see."
Ha Gyeol lifted the collapsed servant girl and examined her wounds. Blood was flowing from the cuts on her lips and cheeks.
Ha Gyeol wiped the blood away with his hand.
"I’m fine."
His touch was overwhelming, but she could not dare to push Ha Gyeol’s hand away. Moreover, if he hadn’t tried to stop it earlier, who knows how much worse she would have been beaten.
"Luckily, it seems your teeth weren’t damaged."
The servant girl could feel just how warm Ha Gyeol’s touch was. She didn’t realize what changes were happening to her face and eyes at that very moment.
"Make sure you stay in your room today. If you catch the Young Master’s eye again, it’ll be serious trouble."
"Thank you."
After returning to her room, the servant girl looked at her reflection in a mirror.
She had thought, from the feeling during the beating, that a lot of blood had flowed — but not a trace of blood remained on her face.
Not even a stain where the blood had been.
'He only wiped it roughly with his hand, so how could this be?'
She hadn’t noticed it. A red circle had briefly formed on her neck, then vanished.
She never realized that her life was no longer her own — that she had given away something far too great in exchange for a small act of kindness.