Chapter 182
Cradle grounds.
Luxurious buildings rising high toward the sky. Among them, the most expansive and ornately decorated hall.
“Hoo…”
Standing in the center, a black-haired female student, busy welcoming visitors, let out a faint sigh as if feeling slightly overwhelmed.
A hall already packed with people, leaving no room to step. The small gathering under the name of Paechun was truly bustling with activity.
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Upon confirming the situation, Baek Seoyeon once again called over an attendant with an elegant smile on her face and a light gesture.
“Miss, you called?”
“What’s the current status?”
“Most of the corporate representatives on today’s list have already arrived. Students with personal connections are expected to visit after the opening ceremony.”
Baek Seoyeon nodded and, showing a slightly tired expression, opened her mouth.
“I’ll step out for a bit to get some fresh air.”
“Then, shall I accompany you…”
“No need. This is the Cradle. I’ll stay nearby, so call me immediately if anything happens. Understood?”
“Understood, Miss.”
The attendant bowed deeply in immediate compliance. Baek Seoyeon promptly turned and left the hall. As she walked out, her expression became blank, her empty eyes gazing absentmindedly at the sky.
The social gathering of the Cradle, held on an unprecedentedly grand scale, with Paechun’s small gathering being the most magnificent and luxurious of all.
This was more the result of Baek Ilyong’s substantial influence, the absolute power of Paechun, rather than Baek Seoyeon’s own doing.
Ever since Heukryeon’s return, he had visibly shown signs of unease.
In terms of approach, it could even be evaluated as a straightforward tactic.
The Cradle was a place where all sorts of talented individuals and the heirs of prestigious mage families gathered. Within this venue, a social gathering that allowed visits from various corporate and research institute representatives became the optimal space to unify all of them into a single faction.
Jeokhwa, once the greatest threat, had long lost both popularity and strength, becoming a shadow of its former self. The new rising adversary, Yu Jinhyun of Heukryeon, had shown little interest in such social activities.
While the council struggled to counter Heukryeon, within the Cradle, Paechun still held an overwhelming advantage.
However, Baek Seoyeon fundamentally disliked such social activities. Spending time on something utterly worthless only aggravated her further.
At least Baek Ilyong’s perception of her as a harmless and obedient daughter was the sole meaningful outcome of all these activities.
In some ways, Baek Ilyong and Baek Seoyeon shared a common goal.
Baek Ilyong, greedy and arrogant, desperately desired absolute power beyond anyone’s reach.
Baek Seoyeon, the naive daughter who repaid the cost of escaping her rural life by tirelessly supporting him in every way possible.
But Baek Ilyong was unaware.
Baek Seoyeon was merely waiting for the moment to deliver the ultimate despair to the one who had ruined her life.
Lost in thought, Baek Seoyeon wandered through the streets crowded with people. Memories from the past drifted in, blending with the scenery.
The memory of strolling through a shabby village plaza with Lee Hyun, the memory of feeding him candy bought from a street stall, the memory of sitting together and enjoying humble fireworks.
Just recalling him brought a soft smile to her lips. A pleasant sensation briefly brushed through her lower abdomen.
‘If only… I were with Hyun right now…’
Baek Seoyeon thought. Perhaps who you are with matters more than what you are doing.
“Hoo…”
But the moment she faced the reality before her eyes, happiness was instantly shattered into countless fragments.
She was still conflicted about the proposal handed to her the day before by Kwon Yuri.
“Shadow Banquet?”
“Yes!”
An illegal gathering, where one could indulge in shameless and all-consuming desires, unimaginable in a formal gathering bound by strict rules and decorum.
The so-called “Shadow Banquet.”
She had heard of the name before, like a rumor.
A gathering with its place in the Cradle’s history, albeit now nearly extinct due to decades of intense suppression under the current principal.
She never imagined its lifeline would still persist. Let alone that the chairperson of this era’s banquet would be her friend.
Of course, it didn’t matter to her what position Kwon Yuri held in any gathering. She had no intention of reporting her or stopping her.
It wasn’t out of overflowing mercy but closer to boundless indifference.
“Listen. Do you know who I invited this time? You’ll be surprised!”
But Kwon Yuri, with a slyness unfitting her refreshing appearance, continued whispering into her ear. It was mildly surprising that she had even recruited promising first-year students as participants, but it didn’t evoke much sentiment.
“And… Yu Jinhyun’s junior is coming too!”
However, the final name Kwon Yuri mentioned was enough to catch her attention.
“What do you think? Doesn’t it sound really fun?”
“I’m telling you because it’s you, Seoyeon…! Normally, it’s a secret until you see it yourself… Gosh, it was so hard gathering everyone…”
“Just come once, okay? If you come, it’ll be the best Shadow Banquet ever…”
“You said your fiancé won’t even show up, right? Take this chance to catch a breather!”
“Hoo…”
Baek Seoyeon let out a deep sigh. It truly was a temptation akin to the devil’s whisper.
“Why… Why would Hyun go to a place like that…”
He had always been such a naive man. Baek Seoyeon thought he might have been lured in without even realizing it.
The very thought of him filled her with immense displeasure. The harlots daring to lay a hand on him under the guise of a banquet, and Kwon Yuri, who had led him to such a place with her innocent-looking face.
But soon, she shook her head.
‘I should refuse… shouldn’t I…’
She had already resolved to keep her distance from him until everything was settled.
Of course, what happened in the First City was an exception of all exceptions. If she hadn’t gone, he would have died without question.
And just like two years ago, Baek Seoyeon had managed to save his life once again.
Unlike that useless Yeon Minha.
“…”
It was truly a bond bestowed by the heavens. At the thought, Baek Seoyeon’s cheeks naturally flushed with a rosy blush.
But that was precisely why she couldn’t go. Meeting him would undoubtedly shake the firm resolution she had painstakingly made.
-Press…
Baek Seoyeon pressed her aching chest with her hand.
“Huh…?”
Just as she barely managed to compose herself and was about to turn back.
She spotted something in the distance that made her eyes widen.
A blonde-haired female student wearing a Monkey Half-Mask surrounded by friends. Baek Seoyeon instantly recognized her as her junior, Jin Yeseo.
Beside her stood a tall man wearing a Lion Mask. The way he lightly wrapped his arm around her waist and stood so close made them seem deeply involved.
Considering how Jin Yeseo had always avoided men, it was a truly unexpected sight.
And Baek Seoyeon immediately recognized the man’s identity as well.
‘Why, why…?’
Thump—her heart sank. Baek Seoyeon unknowingly hid herself behind a large tree, peeking out cautiously. Countless thoughts and assumptions swirled in her mind.
Why? Why those two? How? When? They had such a bad relationship. While their disdainful disregard for each other had been unpleasant to watch, she had at least found a certain charm in Jin Yeseo for being his enemy. But why on earth…
The blonde-haired student’s face was visibly flushed. It was clear from her expression that she was overjoyed and thoroughly enjoying the situation.
“Ahem, everyone. Let me introduce you. This is the person I’m dating…”
And the moment the shameless blonde harlot let loose those outrageous words.
Baek Seoyeon’s eyes lost their light entirely.
Jin Yeseo’s question made me immediately shake my head. There was another part that felt strangely off.
I had already sparred with Jin Yeseo dozens of times. And she always participated in matches wearing tightly-fitted training clothes that didn’t hinder her movements.
Whether I wanted to or not, I naturally came to know the shape of her physique.
But now… it felt like her body was much fuller and more curvaceous than before.
Even though she’s wearing heels, which might account for some of it…
“…”
I couldn’t figure it out. Women probably have their own reasons. Maybe she did something to her clothes…
I turned my head away. This wasn’t something I needed to concern myself with.
“Fufu… Cute.”
“What did you say?”
“Ahem, nothing.”
It felt like she was about to say something, but Jin Yeseo shook her head at my question. Then, avoiding my gaze with a slightly embarrassed expression, she hesitated before speaking.
“More than that… How do I look?”
“You’re beautiful. It suits you well.”
I gave Jin Yeseo my honest opinion. It wasn’t a lie, and besides, I’ve never met a woman who disliked being complimented on her appearance. That’s a lesson I learned from living with my sisters.
“You look like a Western princess from a fairy tale. The kind I used to read when I was little.”
“Oh my.”
Jin Yeseo let out a soft exclamation, as if she hadn’t expected such an immediate response. A satisfied smile spread across her lips.
“…Thank you. It feels even better since it’s been a while since I’ve heard that.”
“Been a while? I thought you’d hear it often.”
“Stop teasing… That’s enough.”
I checked the time and held out my hand to the playful Jin Yeseo.
“Shall we go? It looks like it’s about to start.”
“Sure.”
Holding her lightly gloved fingers, I stepped into the grand entrance of Hwayangkwan.
The place, which had hosted student events and ranking match drawings in the past, had been completely transformed into a perfect banquet hall.
A massive Stellite Chandelier radiated dazzling light. Long curtains adorned every corner, and a prominent orchestra played gentle music in the background.
We headed first to a resting table set up on the second floor. Once again, Jin Yeseo’s friends, who recognized her, rushed over from all directions, causing a commotion.
“Goodness. Yeseo, you look stunning.”
“Is the person next to you the one everyone was talking about earlier?”
“You two look amazing together…”
While Jin Yeseo skillfully handled her friends, I scanned our surroundings.
No matter how much I expanded my senses, I couldn’t find them. Neither the snow-white hair nor the midnight-black hair was anywhere in sight.
Should I consider this a relief? Spotting either of them would have left me feeling quite unsettled. For entirely different reasons.
I recalled that smaller groups would be running throughout the social gathering. Perhaps they were holding their own banquet in one of those.
“Oh? It looks like it’s starting.”
As we were chatting, the sound of a bell announcing the opening ceremony echoed throughout Hwayangkwan. Following that were formal speeches from the acting principal and various high-ranking guests, filled with predictable platitudes, before the orchestra began playing a grand piece of music.
Jin Yeseo and I stepped forward for the first dance. Standing in the center of the hall, we, along with others, spun our bodies to the rhythm of the music.
“…You’re more skilled than I thought.”
Jin Yeseo observed my movements carefully and whispered softly.
“You’re good at dancing. Have you done this a lot?”
“…It’s my first time.”
Though my sisters had taken turns teaching me, that wasn’t what she was asking about.
Even while dancing, I kept scanning my surroundings.
This was nothing more than the center of a lavish banquet hall.
And yet, the fact that Baekgwang’s head had hidden watchful eyes even in a place like this was unsettling. It made me realize once more how terrifying that person was.
“Focus on your partner.”
Jin Yeseo’s sultry voice tickled my ears.
“Or are you already looking for another woman? That’s disappointing.”
“That’s not it.”
I quickly denied her teasing remark.
“More importantly, what do you think?”
“About what?”
“About us. I think we’ve shown enough. Don’t you think your family head will accept it now?”
“Hmm…”
Jin Yeseo let out a peculiar hum and shook her head.
“I’m not so sure yet.”
“What?”
“That person is very suspicious by nature. Just one dance won’t be enough to convince them.”
She then gave me a seductive smile. It was dizzying. Just one dance? I felt like I had done enough. What else was I supposed to do here?
“…”
As I was lost in thought, the dance came to an end. Following etiquette, we faced each other and exchanged bows. Jin Yeseo stepped closer and whispered in my ear again.
“Follow me for a moment, will you?”
She grabbed my hand and led me out of Hwayangkwan. We headed to the garden behind the building.
“…”
The scenery felt strangely familiar. It was near the spot where a drunken Yeon Minha had once climbed onto my lap and caused a scene.
I distinctly remembered her picking up candy with her fingers and pushing it into my mouth…
“You were thinking about another woman, weren’t you?”
“…No.”
Her intuition was sharp. Feeling embarrassed, I changed the subject.
“But why did you bring me here?”
We continued walking deeper into the garden. The area was an open hill covered with blooming flowers. The sound of leaves rustling in the evening breeze filled the air.
Without answering, Jin Yeseo led me to a large tree at the edge of the hill. The branches blocked the moonlight, making the surroundings incredibly dark.
It was as if this place promised to conceal whatever might happen here.
Only after we stopped did Jin Yeseo turn around and stare at me intently.
“You know, this is a place where students secretly meet for trysts.”
“I had no idea… How do you know that?”
“I heard about it from seniors… This is my first time seeing it myself.”
She glanced around briefly.
“Well, it seems like there’s no one else here right now. Should we call that lucky…?”
“Lucky…?”
There it was again. That oddly mature and alluring smile on her lips.
“So, why did you bring me here?”
“You’re so dense. I just told you this is a place for ‘trysts.’ What do you think couples do in a place like this?”
Her green eyes, glowing under the moonlight, sparkled like those of a predator. Jin Yeseo stepped closer, pushing me against the tree.
“What are you doing?”
“…”
Crunch, crunch. Each step brought her closer. I could feel her warm breath and the heat of her body. This wasn’t part of the original plan.
Jin Yeseo pressed herself against me so tightly that I could feel the warmth of her skin. Her arms wrapped around my neck like a snake constricting its prey, firm and unyielding.
“What are you doing?”
“Fufu…”
Jin Yeseo didn’t respond to my question. Instead, as if signaling something, she slid her leg over my thigh.
…Something was off. Very off. Her golden hair, her green eyes shining behind the mask—she was unmistakably Jin Yeseo.
But the Jin Yeseo I knew would never do something like this. I didn’t know what was wrong, but something was definitely amiss.
Just as I finally acknowledged the unease I had been suppressing, a sharp, unpleasant sensation surged through my arm where we touched. It was a feeling I hadn’t experienced from Jin Yeseo in a long time, now wrapping around my entire body.
“Wait…”
“Wait, wait!!”
Just before her soft lips could touch mine, I managed to raise my hand and block them.
At that moment, a voice suddenly called out from right beside us.
Turning my head, I saw a blonde female student gasping for breath as if she had run over in a hurry.
“…?”
Jin Yeseo. It’s Jin Yeseo.
The main character turned their head back and forth. The person whose lips were being blocked was Jin Yeseo, and the one who had just arrived was also Jin Yeseo.
Two Jin Yeseos…?
“…What is this.”
A completely unexpected situation. The main character’s brain couldn’t keep up, leaving them unable to make any move.
The Jin Yeseo who had been gasping for breath then uttered words that made the situation even more bewildering.
“Uh, Mother… How are you here…”