To begin with the conclusion: Han Seol could not refuse.
It was hard enough to withstand Geom Mugeuk’s persuasion alone, but today he had an ally. Ian.
“When I saw that man’s corpse earlier, this thought occurred to me. If we hadn’t gone looking for him, would he still be alive?”
Han Seol could feel that Ian was angry over his death.
To be honest, until the moment she heard those words from Ian, Han Seol had not thought of the man even once. No, she had forgotten him completely.
He was someone she had seen for the first time here. Could she really be that concerned about him?
If it was pretense, then this, too, would be pretense. Beginning with the very fact that they had come all the way to the North Sea to save the husband of a woman who had given them a cup of water.
“Do you think he died because of us?”
“No. He died because of the bastard who killed him.”
Ian did not indulge in pointless self-reproach. After learning so much from Geom Mugeuk, she ought to be able to show at least this much wisdom.
“I just don’t want his death to become meaningless.”
At times like this, Ian’s belief that kind people lived longer would waver. The dead man, too, had told them what he knew out of kindness.
Ian looked at Geom Mugeuk and displayed another bit of wisdom.
“Please avenge him.”
Because she had sensed that the enemy was not someone she could handle. At times like this, she simply had to move as Geom Mugeuk instructed.
“I will.”
After answering readily, he even looked after Ian’s heart.
“Things like this leave wounds on the heart. Since it’s the death of someone you didn’t really know, it may seem like a shallow wound, but it’s one that remains forever. You’ll probably keep thinking of him. Even seeing a brewery as you pass by will remind you.”
Geom Mugeuk knew. Sometimes, wounds like these lasted far longer than the great injuries one had suffered directly, tormenting a person all the more.
“Don’t try to forget it on purpose. That will only deepen the wound.”
“Then what should I do?”
“It gets cut, and cut again. Another wound forms over that wound, and then another. In the end, you accept it like this: so this is the pattern originally engraved on my heart. Congratulations on the new pattern engraved on your heart this time.”
A bright smile formed on Ian’s lips. The only person in the world who congratulated her on pain—what more needed to be said?
“If my heart is only like this, I can’t even imagine what your heart must be like, Young Master.”
Ian tried to picture Geom Mugeuk’s heart. Was it a fierce heart engraved with dozens, hundreds of scars, and thus able to overcome any situation? Or was it a clean heart, forged from ten-thousand-year cold iron from the start, without a single mark cut into it?
“You know better than anyone what my heart is like, don’t you?”
“What? How would I— Ah!”
Ian lowered her head deeply. She had momentarily forgotten that Geom Mugeuk had called her his heart, and had only just remembered.
Watching the two of them, Han Seol felt a strange sensation.
To blame oneself over the death of a stranger, and a leader who consoled that pain.
Until now, it had seemed like pretense, like a deceptive display. But now her feelings toward that relationship had changed. To her own surprise, she was beginning to feel the slightest bit envious.
This time, Han Seol’s gaze turned toward Chwima. Come to think of it, Chwima had been covered in that blood because he said he would save them, hadn’t he?
‘Am I too inhuman?’
Because of the three people from the Demonic Cult, she kept thinking thoughts she had never once had in her life. To think she would feel such emotions because of none other than demonic practitioners.
Geom Mugeuk said to Han Seol,
“Help us.”
“I said I refuse.”
“There is a reason you cannot refuse.”
“What reason?”
After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk said,
“I believe their ultimate targets are you and the Palace Lord.”
Han Seol was not surprised. If it was true that Elder Seo was involved in the conspiracy, it was obvious where that blade would be pointed. And yet she still could not believe it. He had been like family since she was young. He was targeting Mother and me?
“Do you truly have definite proof?”
When Han Seol asked once more, Geom Mugeuk answered firmly.
“It became certain when they framed Chwima this time. Seo Nak is one of them.”
For a moment, Han Seol could say nothing. The expressions on Chwima and Ian’s faces looked as if they believed Geom Mugeuk’s words completely.
“A person’s heart can become diamond, and before one knows it, melt softly like sugar candy. He probably did not harbor such intentions from the very beginning.”
Whether the Blood King had dug into him and changed his heart, or whether the Blood King had dug into him after his heart had changed, in the end, he had changed.
Though she had shouted that she would refuse for no reason, Han Seol knew. This was something she had to step forward and handle herself. A person of the Ice Palace had died, and the enemy was targeting her and her mother.
But could she truly trust these demonic practitioners?
The more this distrust faded, the more uneasy Han Seol became in turn. She could not allow her heart to soften.
“There is something I would like you to do once you leave.”
“What is it?”
“Meet the eldest son of the North Blood Sect. I believe the North Blood Sect is also involved in this matter.”
Elder Seo, whom she had regarded like an uncle, had joined hands with some force behind the scenes, and now the North Blood Sect was part of it as well?
Han Seol felt stifled. If all these words were true, the Ice Palace was truly in grave danger.
“The North Blood Sect Leader and Elder Seo are still too much for you to face, Young Palace Lord. So you must target the eldest son of the North Blood Sect. He will certainly know something. Whatever it is, you must find it out.”
Han Seol hesitated no longer. It was a matter to judge while moving.
“Very well. I’ll meet him.”
“Show him a taste cold enough to freeze his blood.”
“I will.”
As she was about to leave the room, Geom Mugeuk said,
“Before you go, make sure you meet your mother first.”
Han Seol, who had stopped for a moment, left the room without a word.
After she left, Ian asked worriedly,
“Will it be all right to send the Young Palace Lord out alone?”
“Are you worried?”
“The enemies aren’t easy opponents.”
“Don’t worry. Why are you worrying about the Young Palace Lord of the Ice Palace in the North Sea? You’d be better off worrying about our Chwima over there, who is just drinking tea!”
At that, Chwima abruptly said,
“You’re planning to go out too, aren’t you?”
Chwima’s gaze turned toward Geom Mugeuk.
“You’re going to draw their attention to her and then deal with things from behind, aren’t you?”
Geom Mugeuk said with a smile,
“Now that you’ve quit drinking, you’re turning into a genius! Let’s keep you off alcohol from now on. That fine brain would be too much of a waste.”
“It’s already a brain pickled in liquor.”
Ian reproached herself inwardly.
‘And my brain is worse than that pickled one.’
She had not even faintly anticipated that Geom Mugeuk was planning to slip out in secret.
Ian asked Geom Mugeuk,
“What are you going to do once you’re outside?”
“As you saw earlier, the one behind this is a vulgar and merciless bastard.”
They had tried to frame Chwima and killed people who knew no martial arts.
“If they come out like this, we have to deal with them in a way that suits it. I’ll use your method.”
“My method? What method?”
“I’m going to kidnap both Elder Seo and the North Blood Sect Leader. If I cut off both arms, the torso will reveal itself.”
“Really?”
“Of course I’m joking.”
There was a part of him that truly wanted to do just that. Not kidnap them, but simply erase them both.
But he could not. If he did, the Blood King would never reveal himself. In addition, the bastard would kill countless people in retaliation. He was the kind of man who would kill two hundred if those two were killed.
“I’m going mad wanting a drink. Hurry up and bring that bastard here!”
At Chwima’s words, Geom Mugeuk replied,
“Fine. Once we wipe them all out, let’s really drink ourselves senseless. That day, we become dogs.”
Ian shot her hand up.
“One more dog, right here!”
Geom Mugeuk stuffed pillows, clothes, and the like into the bed to make it look as though someone were sleeping there. No one would dare enter this room without permission, but he made it just in case.
“You have to do a good job pretending I’m here. Then I’m off.”
“How are you going to get past those people?”
“You sure ask early.”
No matter how one looked at it, the number of people standing guard outside made it seem difficult to sneak out. Every single one of them was an expert, different from ordinary warriors merely watching someone.
As Geom Mugeuk was about to go outside, he said to Chwima,
“Oh, right, brother. I couldn’t say this earlier.”
Two gazes filled with goodwill and curiosity met in midair.
“It was impressive, how you got covered in blood trying to save those people.”
Leaving those words behind, Geom Mugeuk went outside.
A smile naturally formed on Chwima’s lips.
Geom Mugeuk probably knew better than anyone how hard he was trying right now.
Someone who recognized his efforts.
And someone who said it aloud.
That was Geom Mugeuk. When that thought occurred to him—
‘I really want a drink.’
Ian and Chwima watched through the window as Geom Mugeuk slipped out of the place. Among the Four Steps of the Wind God, the Shadow Concealment Step was displayed.
The Shadow Concealment Step was a footwork technique used when infiltrating somewhere. At first, it allowed one only to evade a single person’s eyes, but as one’s realm rose, the number of people one could avoid increased. The Shadow Concealment Step that had reached great accomplishment pierced through experts who plainly had both eyes open and escaped that place.
“What did we just see?”
At Ian’s admiration, Chwima drank his tea and said,
“Ice Palace experts getting their noses cut off with both eyes wide open.”
* * *
Han Seol entered the Palace Lord’s Hall.
“Palace Lord.”
At Han Seol’s visit, the Ice Palace Lord recalled Geom Mugeuk’s words.
— I wish to tell you that it is time you looked back at your daughter. Fortunately, she still seems to be standing behind you.
This was the first time they were meeting alone since she had heard those words.
“What brings you here?”
“I came because there is something I must tell you.”
“Speak.”
Han Seol newly realized that when she came to see her mother like this, she did not even exchange a light greeting. She had always begun with the main point.
Naturally, Han Seol also recalled Geom Mugeuk’s words.
— The relationship between you two is not a matter of being distant or close, cold or warm. The problem is that it has hardened.
But now that she was actually here, she felt that was not the problem.
‘Do I want to loosen this hardened relationship?’
She realized it was a matter of will. Her mother might not want such a relationship with her.
Watching her daughter, whose eyes flickered with various thoughts, the Ice Palace Lord sensed that she was different from usual.
Amid those thoughts, the conversation continued.
“I intend to meet the eldest son of the North Blood Sect.”
“Why him?”
“The Young Cult Leader believes the North Blood Sect is involved in this matter. I would like to confirm whether that is truly the case.”
It was unfamiliar, yet encouraging. This was the first time her daughter had stepped forward on her own to investigate something.
“Is this something you want to do?”
The moment she spoke, the Ice Palace Lord realized she had chosen her words poorly. What she had just said was the same as asking, “Is the Young Cult Leader perhaps making you do this?”
“It is because I want to.”
A brief silence flowed.
— Do not misunderstand. I only asked because you are doing something you usually do not.
— It is all right. I suppose I cannot help being influenced by the Young Cult Leader.
How nice it would be if such frank conversation could pass between them.
— You will be able to do well.
— Thank you for trusting me.
How nice it would be if such encouragement and gratitude could be exchanged. But reality was like this.
“If you provoke the North Blood Sect carelessly, problems may arise.”
“Yes, I suppose they may.”
Silence flowed once more.
Ordinarily, the Ice Palace Lord would have said, “It is still too soon.”
But with her daughter having come in person like this, saying she would try to do something, the words “You cannot” did not come easily.
“Will you still try?”
“Yes.”
Neither of them had known until now. They had always spoken like this, so they had lived without realizing anything was strange.
But now, wondering whether to open their hearts to the other and conscious of each other as they conversed, it felt truly awkward.
“I shall take my leave now.”
Han Seol offered her farewell and turned.
As she walked slowly toward the stairs, the Ice Palace Lord spoke from behind her.
“Have a cup of tea before you go.”
The one who showed courage first was the Ice Palace Lord. Yes. If someone was to turn their head, she, as the mother, should turn first.
Han Seol was inwardly surprised. When was the last time she had sat and drunk tea with her mother? She could not even remember.
“I will drink it when I return.”
Flustered, she refused, and the Ice Palace Lord did not urge her further. There was no need to feel hurt. Geom Mugeuk had said it: even if one looked back again and again, cruelly enough, seven or eight times out of ten, the other person would not even know they had looked.
And this attempt clearly had an effect. As Han Seol descended the stairs of the Palace Lord’s Hall, she regretted it.
Should I have had tea before leaving?
* * *
Smack!
Yang Seok, the eldest son of the North Blood Sect, struck a maidservant’s cheek without mercy.
“I was wrong, Young Master!”
Yang Seok, who had been walking hurriedly, nearly collided with the maidservant, and the water she had been carrying spilled, splashing a few drops onto his clothes.
“You would make the Young Palace Lord of the Ice Palace wait because of you? Or should I meet the Young Palace Lord in these wet clothes?”
It was not as though the water had splashed enough to be noticeable. He was simply displeased that someone had blocked his path while he was on his way to meet the Young Palace Lord.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
Smack! Smack!
Despite her apology, Yang Seok struck her mercilessly. The maidservant’s lip split, and red handprints appeared on her cheeks.
“There is no time for this.”
At his subordinate’s words, Yang Seok hurriedly left.
The one fortunate thing was that he had beaten her without using internal energy. The Young Palace Lord of the Ice Palace had come to meet him, and he could not afford the ill luck of killing someone, so he simply left.
A short while after Yang Seok departed like that.
Someone returned to the place. It was Ha Gyeol, Yang Seok’s bodyguard. He was the very man who had stopped him earlier, saying there was no time.
“Let me see.”
Ha Gyeol lifted the fallen maidservant and examined her wounds. Blood was flowing from the torn wounds on her mouth and cheek.
Ha Gyeol wiped the blood away with his hand.
“I’m all right.”
His touch felt burdensome, but she did not dare shake off Ha Gyeol’s hand. Moreover, if he had not stopped him earlier, she did not know how much longer she would have been beaten.
“Fortunately, it seems your teeth are unhurt.”
The maidservant felt that Ha Gyeol’s hand was truly hot. She did not know what changes were now occurring in her face and in both her eyes.
“If you catch the Young Master’s eye for no reason, it will be disastrous, so stay in your room today.”
“Thank you.”
After returning to her room, the maidservant looked at her face in the bronze mirror.
Judging by the sensation when she had been struck, she had thought a great deal of blood had flowed down, but no blood remained on her face at all.
Not even a trace of where the blood had been remained.
‘He only wiped it roughly with his hand. How could this be?’
Because she was examining her face, she did not see it. A red circle was drawn around her neck and then vanished.
She would never know that her life was no longer her own, nor that she had given up far too much in exchange for a small kindness.