Chapter 412: It Seems Someone's Finally Panicking

TL: FoodieMonster007

"Drunken Demon!"

At Geom Mugeuk's call, the Drunken Demon looked up.

Confirming he wasn't engulfed in madness and rage, Geom Mugeuk felt relieved. If the Drunken Demon had been in his right mind, he wouldn't have committed such an act.

"There's no need to explain twice anyway, so let's just wait."

Understanding Geom Mugeuk's words, the Drunken Demon nodded.

The Ice Palace martial artists surrounding him, however, grew even more tense at Geom Mugeuk's appearance. Several of them turned towards Geom Mugeuk, wary and convinced that the Drunken Demon was the one who had caused this incident.

A moment later, Lee Ahn arrived at the scene, followed by Han Seol.

The two women were startled. One of the deceased was Cho Myang, the person they had met at the Hundred Wines Snow Cellar, who was in charge of the alcohol ingredients. He was the very one who had informed them that Elder Seo had drunk with the Brewmaster several times.

The two women exchanged glances, then their gazes turned to different individuals.

Han Seol looked at the Drunken Demon first. Surely, you didn't kill them, did you?

Given the current situation, it looked like the Drunken Demon's doing to anyone.

Lee Ahn, on the other hand, looked at Geom Mugeuk first.

What should we do? It seems the Drunken Demon has fallen into a trap.

If it truly hadn't been Geom Mugeuk standing there with her, her heart would have pounded as if to burst.

Seeing Geom Mugeuk's calm gaze, however, her agitated heart settled as if by magic. His eyes seemed capable of resolving any danger the world threw at them.

No, even if he couldn't resolve it, it was fine. Just being with him was enough.

How long did they wait like that?

From all directions, martial artists wielding shields and spears appeared, beginning to seal off the surroundings.

They were the Northern Wind Squad, the elite martial artists of the North Sea Ice Palace, who obeyed only the Ice Empress's commands. Armed with armor and shields, they comprised individuals whose martial arts prowess surpassed any other elite organization within the Ice Palace. Their extraordinary gazes alone revealed their exceptional skill.

The Northern Wind Squad sealed off all directions like an iron wall, and some members lined up on either side, forming a path with their shields.

Through their perfectly coordinated ranks, the Ice Empress walked in. Behind her, bodyguards in pristine white martial arts uniforms followed.

Observing her from outside like this, however, her appearance was entirely different. Until now, she had only been seen in the Empress's chambers, appearing alone in the Ice Castle.

The Ice Empress silently gazed at the corpses. Her expression was utterly cold. She had confirmed that among the deceased, there were some who knew nothing of martial arts.

Only then did Geom Mugeuk question the Drunken Demon. "Drunken Demon, what happened?"

At last, the Drunken Demon opened his mouth. "That person contacted me, saying he had something to tell me and wanted to meet."

The corpse the Drunken Demon was looking at was none other than Cho Myang, whom Lee Ahn and Han Seol had met.

"As I was about to speak with him, the blood vessels in his neck suddenly burst. Following that, those who rushed over upon hearing the commotion also exploded."

Then someone shouted.

"How can we believe your words?"

The person who arrived next was Seo Nak. Though he had retreated from the Empress's chambers with a troubled expression just moments ago, his current demeanor was entirely different.

"With that much blood on your body, you expect us to believe you?"

The visible circumstances were unfavorable to the Drunken Demon. Covered in blood, he looked even more like a fiend.

Just then, Geom Mugeuk stepped forward. "That's precisely why you can believe him."

As everyone's gaze turned to him, Geom Mugeuk calmly asked them. "If the Drunken Demon truly intended to kill them, would he have gotten blood on his body?"

Geom Mugeuk turned to the Drunken Demon and continued, "He could have avoided all the blood, even if they exploded right in front of him, had he truly intended to. The fact that his clothes and hands are covered in blood like that, however…"

After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk stated. "It means he was trying to save them."

The Drunken Demon silently nodded. Even without him needing to offer an explanation, Geom Mugeuk had accurately grasped the situation.

Geom Mugeuk said to the Ice Empress. "If the Demon Supreme truly intended to kill those people, he would have done so without anyone knowing. He wouldn't have been found here, covered in blood and surrounded. You know, don't you, what kind of individuals the Demon Supremes of our Cult are?"

Of course, the Ice Empress knew well. If the Drunken Demon had made up his mind, the martial artists who had initially surrounded him would already be corpses.

Seo Nak, agitated, demanded. "Then why is he standing there like that?"

Geom Mugeuk's gaze remained fixed on the Ice Empress. "He waited here out of respect for you, Empress. He trusted that you would make a wise and sound judgment. If he had left this place, the problem would have only escalated."

A faint smile touched the Drunken Demon's lips. Yes, this was why he could remain calm. As long as Geom Mugeuk was present, he wouldn't be easily framed.

"You shouldn't easily trust the words of demons. Naturally, he should be detained until the investigation is complete."

Geom Mugeuk countered Seo Nak's resolute assertion. "That would be an unfair measure."

"Unfair? What do you mean by that?"

Geom Mugeuk said to the martial artists around him. "You all must have heard the rumor that we are investigating the death of the Hundred Wines Snow Cellar's Brewmaster. While investigating that incident, we uncovered suspicious circumstances. Someone among the Ice Palace's masters had secretly requested the deceased Brewmaster to create the Fragrant Snow Ice Wine."

Seo Nak's expression instantly stiffened. He had never imagined that Geom Mugeuk would bring up such a matter in this very place.

"That master concealed that fact from us. Even after we revealed the truth, however, we did not detain him. Why? Because we respected the North Sea Ice Palace and the Ice Empress."

The surrounding martial artists exchanged glances, looking at one another.

Seo Nak could not retort. If the conversation dragged on, it would reveal that he was the suspicious individual in question.

Geom Mugeuk's gaze turned chillingly cold. Though he had never once shown anger since arriving at the Ice Palace, he now revealed an icy demeanor for the first time. "We respect you, but are you saying you won't respect us?"

If the Ice Empress hadn't been present, he would have unleashed his aura and pressured Seo Nak even more forcefully. However, out of deference to the Ice Empress, he maintained his decorum.

Han Seol was astonished by Geom Mugeuk's sudden change. The man before her was not the Geom Mugeuk who had spouted nonsense. This cold demeanor, in fact, suited the Ice Palace remarkably well.

Eventually, the observing Ice Empress stepped forward. "I understand the Young Cult Leader's words well."

After briefly glancing between the Drunken Demon and Geom Mugeuk, she commanded her subordinates. "Lower your swords."

The martial artists who had surrounded them lowered their swords.

Seo Nak did not give up until the very end. "Empress, you must not believe their words."

"Yes, the cause of death for the deceased must be thoroughly investigated." The Ice Empress said to the Drunken Demon. "Do not leave the palace without this Empress's permission."

She wouldn't imprison him, but he was not to leave arbitrarily. That was the Ice Empress's compromise.

To that, Seo Nak added. "Until the investigation results are out, the masters of this palace must monitor them."

The Ice Empress accepted that suggestion. However, she added one condition for Geom Mugeuk's sake. "Only until the investigation is complete."

The Drunken Demon awaited Geom Mugeuk's reaction. This matter had to proceed according to Geom Mugeuk's decision.

Geom Mugeuk said nothing, signifying acceptance of the compromise.

The Drunken Demon too readily accepted the proposal. "I will stay here."

As the Drunken Demon departed, Lee Ahn followed behind him.

Before leaving, Geom Mugeuk said to the Ice Empress. "You asked why I provoked him to this extent, didn't you?"

Earlier, she had asked Geom Mugeuk why he was provoking Seo Nak to such an extent, and why he was trying to show her Seo Nak's true nature. He had replied that while he was indeed provoking him, it wasn't to show the Ice Empress herself.

Now, Geom Mugeuk answered that question.

"It seems someone's finally panicking."

He meant there was someone behind the scenes. Provoking Seo Nak was intended to provoke that hidden figure and draw him out.

"Then, I'll see you later."

As Geom Mugeuk was about to bid farewell to the Ice Empress and leave, he turned to Han Seol. "What are you doing, not coming along? Didn't you agree to become a member? Are you only a member when the situation is favorable?"

The Ice Empress and Seo Nak looked at Han Seol. The Ice Empress gazed at her daughter without revealing any emotion, while Seo Nak's reaction was the opposite.

Seo Nak shook his head with a firm expression, silently forbidding her to follow. She had never defied him until now.

"Let's go together."

Han Seol moved to follow Geom Mugeuk.

As the three departed, Seo Nak looked at the Ice Empress and said, "The Princess must not associate with the Young Cult Leader."

In that moment, the Ice Empress couldn't precisely discern if his demeanor was brazenness or genuine concern for the Ice Palace. She had, after all, spent a long time with him.

Betrayal all these years together? That's impossible.

This thought clouded her cold judgment.

"I will observe carefully."

The Ice Empress turned and departed from the scene.

As she left, the Northern Wind Squad and bodyguards swiftly withdrew from the area.

To the martial artists preparing to investigate the corpses, Seo Nak said with a sorrowful expression. "Leave me alone for a moment."

Everyone present knew how much Seo Nak cared for the people of the Ice Palace, so they all quietly withdrew, giving him space.

Seo Nak stood alone, looking down at the corpses. Instead of sadness or regret, he was lost in other thoughts.

He's helping me.

Just as he was cornered because of the Fragrant Snow Ice Wine, this incident occurred.

It was at that very moment.

SLOSH.

From the pooling blood, a stream began to flow. The blood flowed towards where Seo Nak's feet were. Thinking it was a natural occurrence, Seo Nak stepped aside.

Then, as if alive, the blood changed direction and flowed towards Seo Nak.

Startled, Seo Nak moved to the opposite side this time, avoiding it. The blood, however, changed direction again and flowed towards him again.

Stepping backward, Seo Nak demanded, "Is that you?"

The flowing blood stopped as if it had understood his words.

Seo Nak said in a trembling voice. "Thank you for this. I will now deal with them without making any mistakes."

As if it had understood his words, the blood, which had paused, slowly began to return to its original pool. Amazingly, no bloodstains were left on the floor where it had flowed.

The blood thus returned, as if absorbed back into its original pool.

Seo Nak slowly walked over and looked down at the pool of blood. The blood had, by then, returned to being ordinary blood.

He wondered if this incident hadn't been to help him, but rather to warn him.

His face was reflected on the surface of the blood. It was the resolute face of a man who had made a decision from which there was no turning back.

"Stop suppressing your anger and just drink some alcohol instead."

Despite Geom Mugeuk's words, the Drunken Demon drank tea.

"No. This is what makes me even scarier."

The opponent had trapped the Drunken Demon. In other words, they had trapped a Demon Supreme. He must have been furious, yet the Drunken Demon continued to only drink tea.

Geom Mugeuk said to Lee Ahn. "Whoever it is, they picked the wrong opponent."

Lee Ahn could also tell that the Drunken Demon was truly enraged. What was surprising was his self-restraint. Among the Eight Demon Supremes, he seemed the most prone to agitation, yet he was controlling himself more admirably than any other Demon Supreme.

"This must be why he could become the Drunken Demon."

As Lee Ahn genuinely admired him, the Drunken Demon offered an awkward smile. As a drunkard, he did try to control himself, but he was fundamentally an emotional person. His composure since arriving here was only possible due to a single desire.

That desire was to show Geom Mugeuk a splendid side of himself. He wanted to prove that jumping into a lake while drunk wasn't all there was to him.

Geom Mugeuk said to the three of them. "Thanks to this, we've confirmed something. Seo Nak is definitely connected to the forces behind the scenes."

Finally, the Blood King has begun to move. As soon as Seo Nak found himself in trouble, he acted immediately. He is not far away.

The one surprised by his words was Han Seol.

"Forces behind the scenes?"

"I believe someone is conspiring with him, plotting a grand scheme."

Unlike the Drunken Demon and Lee Ahn, who already knew this fact, Han Seol was unaware of such details.

"Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

Geom Mugeuk answered her question. "That seems like a question you should ask the Empress."

"Mother knows too?"

"I believe so."

Han Seol's expression stiffened, feeling somewhat excluded.

Geom Mugeuk added, "I guess it's not solely the Empress's problem."

"What do you mean?"

"It means it's time for the Princess to have a conversation with her mother."

He now said to Han Seol what he had told the Ice Empress. He believed that what the two of them needed was a conversation.

"In my relationship with my father, I was the one who approached first. Considering my father, that was truly not an easy task. Yet, if they've raised us to our age, isn't it a child's duty to make them say something like, 'My child has grown so much'?"

Of course, Han Seol had never once thought that way.

"The relationship between the two of you isn't a matter of distance or closeness, nor of coldness or warmth. The problem is that it has solidified."

"!"

The word 'solidified' resonated in Han Seol's heart. She realized it was true. Now, even before feeling any resentment, she would simply think, 'Mother is just like that.' She had no intention of pulling what was distant closer, nor of warming what was cold.

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"It's because I'm overly meddlesome."

There had to be some intention behind it, but Han Seol couldn't fathom Geom Mugeuk's true motives. He was truly the kind of person who made one instinctively call him strange.

Lee Ahn asked Geom Mugeuk. "Why did they frame the Drunken Demon?"

"They were that desperate. In other words, it also means Elder Seo is an indispensable person."

Through this incident, Geom Mugeuk had uncovered various pieces of information about their opponent. Moreover, he was already planning the next step.

"They've tied our hands with this incident."

Outside their residence, Ice Palace masters stood guard. It meant they would be monitored wherever they went.

"It's actually a good thing."

"A good thing?"

Not only Lee Ahn, but even the Drunken Demon and Han Seol looked at Geom Mugeuk with expressions of confusion.

"Conversely, whatever we plot, it won't be attributed to us."

"Ah! Because we're being monitored here! But it doesn't seem easy to slip out secretly."

"We won't be leaving. We have someone who can brilliantly accomplish that task in our stead."

Geom Mugeuk looked at one person. The Drunken Demon and Lee Ahn's gazes also followed Geom Mugeuk's, turning towards that same person.

Before even hearing their words, Han Seol shouted at the three people looking at her, "I refuse!"