Chapter 413: Worrying About the Drunken Demon, Who Only Drinks Tea!

TL: FoodieMonster007

To put it simply, Han Seol could not refuse. Even Geom Mugeuk's persuasion alone was difficult to bear, but today, he had an assistant. It was Lee Ahn.

"Looking at his corpse earlier, I had a thought. If we hadn't gone to find him, would he still be alive?"

Han Seol sensed Lee Ahn's fury over his death. Honestly, until Lee Ahn uttered those words, she had never once thought about that person.

No, she had completely forgotten him. He was someone she had only just met here. Could he truly weigh so heavily on her mind?

If it were pretense, then this itself was pretense. The very act of coming all the way to North Sea to save the husband of a woman from whom she had merely received a cup 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 unnecessary self-reproach. Having learned so much from Geom Mugeuk, she knew she should display this much wisdom.

"However, I don't want his death to be meaningless."

Han Seol snorted. At times like this, Lee Ahn's belief that kind people survive longer should waver. The deceased man himself had shown kindness when he provided the information.

Lee Ahn looked at Geom Mugeuk, displaying yet another facet of her wisdom. "Please avenge him."

She sensed that this was not an opponent she could handle. In such situations, she would simply move as Geom Mugeuk instructed.

"I will." After readily agreeing, Geom Mugeuk tended to Lee Ahn's heart. "Such events inevitably leave scars on the heart. Though the death of someone you barely know might seem like a shallow wound, it's a scar that remains forever. You'll likely keep thinking about it. Even seeing a stranger pass by will remind you."

Geom Mugeuk knew. Sometimes, such wounds lingered far longer and tormented a person more than the great injuries they themselves had directly suffered.

"Do not deliberately try to forget. That will only deepen the wound."

"Then what should I do?"

"It gets etched, and etched again. Another wound forms over that wound, and then another. You simply accept that your heart was originally meant to be etched with such patterns. Congratulations on the new pattern etched onto your heart this time."

A bright smile spread across Lee Ahn's lips. The only person in this world who would congratulate her on her pain, what more could she ask for?

"If my heart is like this, I can't imagine what Young Master's heart must be like."

Lee Ahn imagined Geom Mugeuk's heart. Was it a powerful heart, etched with dozens, hundreds of scars, capable of overcoming any situation? Or was it a pristine heart, forged from ten-thousand-year-old cold iron from the start, without a single mark?

"You know well what my heart is like, don't you?"

"Huh? How would I? Ah!"

Lee Ahn bowed her head deeply. She had momentarily forgotten that Geom Mugeuk referred to her as his heart, but it had just now dawned on her.

Watching that scene, Han Seol felt a strange sensation.

A leader who reproaches himself for the death of a stranger and offers comfort for it.

Before, it had seemed like pretense, a deceptive facade, but now, her feelings toward that relationship had changed. Surprisingly, she even began to feel a tiny bit of envy.

This time, Han Seol's gaze turned to the Drunken Demon.

Come to think of it, the Drunken Demon said he got covered in blood trying to save them, didn't he? Am I too inhuman?

These three individuals from the Demonic Cult kept making her think thoughts she had never entertained in her life.

To feel such emotions, and because of demons, of all people.

Geom Mugeuk said to Han Seol. "Help us."

"I refuse, I told you."

"There's a reason you cannot refuse."

"What reason?"

After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk stated. "I believe their ultimate target is either you or the Empress."

Han Seol was not surprised. If it was true that Elder Seo was involved in the conspiracy, then the target of their blade was obvious. Still, she still couldn't believe it. He had been like family since her childhood. He was targeting her mother and her?

"Is there truly concrete evidence?" Han Seol asked again.

Geom Mugeuk replied firmly. "It became clear when they framed the Drunken Demon this time. Seo Nak is in league with them."

Han Seol remained silent for a moment. The expressions on the Drunken Demon and Lee Ahn's faces suggested they fully believed Geom Mugeuk's words.

"A person's heart can become as hard as a diamond, yet melt away like candy in an instant. He likely didn't harbor such intentions from the very beginning."

Whether the Blood King had exploited Seo Nak and changed his heart, or whether his heart had changed and the Blood King had then exploited him, he had ultimately changed.

Though she had needlessly cried out her refusal, Han Seol knew. This was a matter she had to handle herself. Someone from the Ice Palace had died, and the enemy was targeting her and her mother.

Can I truly trust these demons?

As this distrust gradually faded, Han Seol, conversely, grew more uneasy. She shouldn't let her guard down.

"There's something I'd like you to do outside," Geom Mugeuk said.

"What is it?"

"Meet the eldest son of the Northern Blood Sect. I believe the Northern Blood Sect is also involved in this matter."

Elder Seo, who I regard as an uncle, has allied with some hidden force, and now the Northern Blood Sect is also an accomplice?

Han Seol's chest tightened. If all of this were true, the Ice Palace was truly in grave danger.

"The Northern Blood Sect Leader and Elder Seo are still too formidable for the Princess to confront. Therefore, you should target the eldest son of the Northern Blood Sect. He surely knows something. Whatever it is, you must find it out."

Han Seol no longer hesitated. This was a matter to be decided while in motion.

"Alright, I'll meet him."

"Show him a taste so cold it makes his blood freeze."

"I will."

As she prepared to leave the room, Geom Mugeuk spoke. "Before you go, make sure to meet your mother first."

Han Seol, who had paused for a moment, exited the room without a word.

Once she had left, Lee Ahn asked anxiously. "Is it alright to send the Princess out alone?"

"Are you worried?"

"The enemies are not to be underestimated."

"Don't worry. Why would you worry about the Ice Palace Princess in North Sea? Instead, worry about our Drunken Demon, who's just sitting there drinking tea!"

At that, Drunken Demon's gaze fixed on Geom Mugeuk. "You intend to go out too, don't you? You're planning to draw their attention to her, then deal with things from behind, aren't you?"

Geom Mugeuk chuckled. "You're becoming a genius now that you've gone cold turkey! You should quit drinking from now on. Such a good mind is too precious to waste."

"My mind is already steeped in alcohol."

Lee Ahn reproached herself internally.

And my mind is worse than that steeped one.

She had not the slightest inkling that Geom Mugeuk intended to leave secretly.

Lee Ahn asked Geom Mugeuk. "What will you do once you're out?"

"As you saw earlier, the mastermind behind this incident is a vulgar and ruthless bastard."

They tried to frame the Drunken Demon and killed those unfamiliar with martial arts.

"If they act like this, we must deal with them in a fitting manner. I'll use the method you employed."

"My method? What method?"

"I'll kidnap both Elder Seo and the Northern Blood Sect Leader. If I cut off both their arms, the main body will reveal itself."

"Really?"

"Of course, it's a joke."

Although Geom Mugeuk said otherwise, he truly felt like doing so. Not just kidnapping, but simply eliminating both of them.

However, he couldn't. If he did, the Blood King would never show himself. Moreover, that bastard would kill countless people in retaliation. If he killed those two, that bastard would kill two hundred.

"I'm going crazy wanting a drink. Bring that bastard here quickly!" the Drunken Demon demamded.

Geom Mugeuk replied, "Alright, once we've dealt with all those bastards, let's truly drink our fill. That day, we'll become wasted dogs."

Lee Ahn raised her hand high. "Add one more wasted dog here!"

Geom Mugeuk arranged pillows and clothes on the bed to make it appear as if someone was sleeping. Though no one would dare enter this room without permission, he had done it just in case.

"Make it look like I'm still here. Then, I'm off."

"How do you plan to get past those people?"

"You're asking now?"

No matter how one looked, the number of people guarding outside made it seem difficult to slip away unnoticed. Each and every one of them was a master, unlike ordinary martial artists who merely kept watch.

As Geom Mugeuk prepared to exit, he said to the Drunken Demon. "Oh, Hyung. I couldn't say it earlier, but…"

Two gazes, filled with goodwill and curiosity, met in the air.

"Covering yourself in blood to save those people, that was impressive."

Leaving those words behind, Geom Mugeuk exited.

A smile naturally formed on the Drunken Demon's lips. Geom Mugeuk probably knew better than anyone how much effort he was putting in right now.

Someone who recognized his efforts, and someone who voiced it. That was Geom Mugeuk.

As that thought settled in…

I really want a drink.

Lee Ahn and the Drunken Demon watched through the window as Geom Mugeuk exited the area and activated the Shadow Step of the Four Strides of the Wind God.

The Shadow Step was a movement technique used for infiltration. Initially, it could only evade the eyes of one person, but as his mastery increased, so did the number of people he could evade.

Now, having achieved complete mastery, the Shadow Step slipped through the masters who were wide awake and exited the area.

"What did we just witness?" Lee Ahn's exclaimed.

The Drunken Demon, sipping his tea, remarked. "Ice Palace masters getting their noses cut off while wide awake."

Han Seol entered the Empress's chambers.

"Empress."

At Han Seol's visit, the Ice Empress recalled Geom Mugeuk's words.

"I wish to tell you that it is time you looked back at your daughter. Fortunately, it seems she is still standing behind you."

This was the first time they had met alone since hearing those words.

"What brings you here?"

"I came to see you because I have something to say."

"Speak."

Han Seol realized anew that whenever she visited her mother like this, they didn't even exchange a casual greeting. They always got straight to the point.

Naturally, Han Seol also recalled Geom Mugeuk's words.

"The issue with your relationship isn't about distance or closeness, or warmth or coldness. The problem is that it has solidified."

Upon actually being there, she realized that wasn't the problem.

Do I want to melt that solidified relationship?

She realized it was a matter of will. Her mother might not even want such a relationship with her.

Observing her daughter, whose eyes flickered with various thoughts, the Ice Empress sensed that she was different from usual.

Even as these thoughts occupied her, the conversation continued.

"I intend to meet the eldest son of the Northern Blood Sect."

"Why him?"

"The Young Cult Leader believes the Northern Blood Sect is involved in this matter. I intend to verify if that is truly the case."

It was both unfamiliar and encouraging. It was the first time her daughter had taken the initiative to investigate something.

"Is this something you wish to do?"

After speaking, the Ice Empress realized her choice of words had been mistaken. What she had just said was akin to asking, 'Did the Young Cult Leader order you to do this?'

"It is what I wish to do."

A brief silence ensued.

"Don't misunderstand. I only asked because it's something you don't usually do."

"It's alright. I suppose I can't help but be influenced by the Young Cult Leader."

If only such frank conversations could occur, or…

"You would do well."

"Thank you for your trust."

How wonderful it would be if such encouragement and gratitude could be exchanged, but reality was thus.

"If you mishandle the Northern Blood Sect, problems could arise."

"Yes, that's true."

Silence fell once more.

Normally, the Ice Empress would have said, 'It's still too soon.' However, with her daughter coming directly to her and offering to do something, the words 'no' did not come easily.

"Will you still try?"

"Yes."

Both of them had been unaware until now. They had lived without realizing it was strange, as this was how they always conversed. Yet, as they tried to open their hearts to each other, conversing with mutual awareness, it felt truly awkward.

"I will take my leave now." Han Seol bowed and turned to depart.

As she slowly walked towards the stairs, the Ice Empress spoke from behind her. "Have a cup of tea before you go."

The one who first mustered the courage was the Ice Empress. Yes, even if she had to forego her pride, the strict practitioner herself had to be the first to do so.

Han Seol was inwardly surprised. When was the last time she had sat and had tea with her mother? She couldn't even recall.

"I'll have it after I return."

Flustered, she refused, and the Ice Empress did not press further. There was no need to feel disappointed. Geom Mugeuk had said that even if one turned back again and again, cruelly, seven or eight times out of ten, the other person wouldn't even realize they had turned.

And this attempt clearly had an effect. As Han Seol descended the stairs of the Empress's chambers, she felt regret.

Should I have had the tea before leaving?

SMACK!

Yang Seok, the eldest son of the Northern Blood Sect, mercilessly slapped Si Bi's cheek.

"I apologize, Young Lord!"

Yang Seok, who was walking in a hurry, nearly collided with Si Bi, and the water she was carrying spilled, splashing a few drops onto his clothes.

"Are you making the Ice Palace Princess wait because of you? Or am I to meet the Princess in these wet clothes?"

The water hadn't even splashed noticeably. He was simply annoyed that she had blocked his path while he was on his way to meet the Princess.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

SMACK! SLAP!

Despite her apologies, Yang Seok continued to strike her mercilessly. Si Bi's lip split, and red handprints appeared on her cheek.

"There's no time for this."

At his subordinate's words, Yang Seok hastily departed.

It was fortunate, at least, that he had beaten her without using inner arts. He had simply left because he couldn't risk unluckily killing someone when the Ice Palace Princess was coming to meet him.

Shortly after Yang Seok departed.

Someone returned to the spot. It was Ha Jyeol, Yang Seok's bodyguard. He was the very one who had urged Yang Seok to leave earlier, citing lack of time.

"Let's see."

Ha Jyeol helped the fallen woman up and examined her injuries. Blood flowed from the torn wounds on her lip and cheek.

He wiped away the blood with his hand.

"I'm alright."

His touch felt burdensome, yet she dared not pull away from Ha Jyeol's hand. Moreover, had he not intervened earlier, there was no telling how much more she would have been beaten.

"Fortunately, your teeth don't seem to be injured."

Si Bi felt that Ha Jyeol's touch was truly hot. She did not know what changes were occurring on her face and in her eyes at that moment.

"It would be a disaster if you caught the Young Lord's eye for no reason, so make sure to stay in your room today."

"Thank you."

Returning to her room, Si Bi looked at her reflection in a bronze mirror. She had thought a lot of blood had flowed from the impact of the blows, but there was no trace of blood left on her face, not even a hint.

He just roughly wiped it with his hand, how could this be?

She was too focused on examining her face to notice. She didn't see the red circle that appeared and then vanished on her neck.

She would never know that her life was no longer her own, that she had given up something far too great in exchange for a small kindness.