Han Seol followed Geom Mugeuk.
The martial artists passing by saw Geom Mugeuk and greeted him with polite courtesy.
She could feel it in their eyes. Deep trust and loyalty toward Geom Mugeuk.
Was it because of what happened at Magachon? She kept comparing herself to him.
She had never before paid attention to how the Ice Palace martial artists looked at her. No, she had probably seen it before, but because she had no interest, she could not remember. For the first time, she became curious about what kind of gazes they must hold.
They entered the Cheonma Hall.
Han Seol’s heart pounded at the thought of meeting the Cult Leader for the first time.
Then Sa Han’s voice transmission flew in.
—Do not be nervous! We will protect you.
Actually, the Hanbing Twin Swords were more nervous. They had thought they would never see the Heavenly Demon in their lives.
Far away, they saw the figure of Geom Ujin sitting in a grand chair.
Han Seol felt that his figure, alone in this vast Cheonma Hall, was both unfamiliar and lonely.
Walking down the scarlet path, Geom Mugeuk spoke loudly.
“Father! Your son has returned after completing his mission.”
His voice resounded mightily.
Though he must have thought no one could see from so far away, Geom Mugeuk saw with his Divine Eye Technique that a faint smile formed at his father’s lips. He must be rejoicing at his son’s return.
Having arrived beneath the grand chair, Geom Mugeuk looked up at his father. Their gazes met.
“Seeing you, Father, I finally feel as though I have returned to our headquarters.”
To feel this sense of relief just from seeing my father. Truly, thinking back to when I first regressed, this is something I could never have imagined.
Han Seol was looking up at Geom Ujin wordlessly.
Geom Ujin’s gaze turned toward her.
‘He’s even more handsome than the doll!’
The handsomeness and presence of the real Geom Ujin were absolutely beyond what any doll could capture.
I thought they had beautified the doll because he is the ‘Heavenly Demon,’ but the real thing was far more handsome. I had expected a terribly fearsome appearance.
And only when she came close and saw him could she feel it. That this space was not vast at all. The presence of the man called Geom Ujin filled the entire space.
Geom Mugeuk introduced Han Seol.
“She is the Young Palace Lady of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
Of course, since he had sent word to the Tongcheon Pavilion in advance, he must have known that Han Seol would be returning with him.
Han Seol greeted him with polite courtesy.
“I am Han Seol. It is a great honor to meet such a venerable person.”
“You must have had a hard journey.”
“Thanks to the Young Cult Lord, I was able to enjoy sightseeing in the Central Plains.”
The Hanbing Twin Swords who had come with her also greeted him politely.
“We are the Hanbing Twin Swords. We greet the Supreme of the Divine Cult.”
“I have heard much of your fame.”
The two felt something far more intense than Han Seol had.
The moment their eyes met Geom Ujin’s, they felt their whole bodies freeze. Even though he was not emitting any particular killing intent, Geom Ujin’s presence overwhelmed the two of them.
The moment Sa Han tried to oppose that presence.
Swoosh.
Slash.
With the sound of a blade wind came the sound of flesh being cut.
Sa Han looked down at his chest. It was drenched in blood. A long line of blood was drawn across So Bing’s chest beside him as well.
Sa Han looked behind him.
He saw the retreating figure of Geom Ujin, who had cut past him and So Bing.
Sa Han looked down at his own sword. It was drawn about a hand’s breadth.
‘This is the difference in skill between the Heavenly Demon and me!’
All of this had happened inside Sa Han’s imagination.
He liked to read his opponent’s presence or intent and imagine and predict his own battle, and indeed, most fights ended just as he predicted.
If he had tried to fight the Heavenly Demon today? The result would not have been much different.
‘An instant defeat!’
He knew the Cult Leader was strong, but never had he imagined his presence would be at this level.
Geom Ujin spoke to the three of them.
“Rest comfortably at our headquarters before you go.”
Han Seol and the Hanbing Twin Swords cupped their fists and bowed.
“Thank you.”
Geom Ujin said to Geom Mugeuk.
“Treat them well.”
“Yes, then I will come to see you again later.”
He had much to tell his father, but that would have to wait for a time when just the two of them could be together.
After Han Seol and the Hanbing Twin Swords bowed to Geom Ujin, they exited Cheonma Hall together with Geom Mugeuk.
“Haah.”
As soon as they opened the door and came out, Han Seol let out a sigh. She had merely gone in to greet him and come out, yet her whole body ached as if she had caught a cold. It was from being too tense.
Sa Han’s expression was stiff. Seeing that, So Bing could guess what sort of imagination her husband had had and how it had turned out.
“How was my father?”
To Geom Mugeuk’s question, Han Seol answered honestly.
“He was truly magnificent.”
“Even you, please don’t say that. I have been losing to my father in popularity contests lately.”
“He deserves it.”
“How cruel!”
Geom Mugeuk guided them to the guest hall where the most honored guests stayed. It was decorated so splendidly that one might wonder if a room for greeting guests should really be this lavish.
“You must be tired from the long journey, so rest well first. Let’s meet at the Pungnyu Tavern this evening.”
“Thank you.”
Just then, a subordinate came to report. Before going to Cheonma Hall, Geom Mugeuk had ordered a subordinate to find out if Ian had returned.
“This martial artist has not yet returned.”
A look of regret flashed across Han Seol’s face upon hearing the report.
“I might leave without seeing my older sister.”
This too was an unfamiliar regret. She had never thought she would feel disappointed at not being able to meet someone.
Then the subordinate added.
“Oh, and the Hwangcheon Pavilion Lord has just returned.”
“Did he come alone?”
Geom Mugeuk knew that Seo Daeryong’s fate would change depending on the answer to this question.
“No. He came with women.”
Geom Mugeuk’s face brightened brilliantly.
After the subordinate finished reporting and withdrew, Han Seol asked Geom Mugeuk.
“What has you so happy?”
“It seems my right-hand man has finally met his spring.”
She made an expression showing she could not understand what he meant, but instead of explaining, Geom Mugeuk made an unexpected proposal.
“How about staying at our headquarters until Ian returns?”
Taken aback by the unexpected words, not only Han Seol but also the Hanbing Twin Swords were surprised.
“Is there any reason you must hurry back to the Northern Sea?”
“There isn’t.”
“Then there is nothing wrong with staying, is there?”
“Is it not strange? The Young Palace Lady of the Northern Sea Ice Palace staying at the Divine Cult.”
“Just think of it as visiting a friend’s house.”
He had used the expression ‘friend’ at Cheonhwaru too, and now he was calling her a friend again.
“Do you truly consider me a friend?”
It was a cautious question, but the answer came easily.
“I do.”
“We do not know much about each other, do we?”
“Where is the friend who starts by knowing everything? If the feeling is right, you become friends. Rather, the more you know, the harder it becomes to be friends.”
Han Seol could not answer. She had never had a friend before.
“Think about it. If we were to become friends when we are older, we would scrutinize everything. What we did in the past, what kind of personality we have, what we are like when drunk, whether we hold grudges, how greedy we are. If even one thing does not sit right, it would feel so off that we could be friends no longer. But when we are young, is it not the opposite? Even if you hate everything else, as long as one thing clicks, you can become friends.”
“Then what clicked with me?”
Then words she had never expected flowed out.
“That you are a refreshing person, like the Northern Sea wind.”
Han Seol’s eyes widened slightly.
“‘Let’s go to the main compound,’ and you go. ‘Let’s meet at the Sadomaeng,’ and you go. If we buy dolls, you buy them all. I think it would be nice to have a friend who lives on instinct. Because I am someone with many worries and thoughts. Now then, rest comfortably, and see you later.”
As Geom Mugeuk left the guest hall, Han Seol stood blankly for a moment.
That we clicked because I am refreshing like the wind?
That I am a friend who lives on instinct?
It was the first time in her life she had heard such words. And it was not unpleasant.
Of course, Geom Mugeuk’s proposal did not sit well with the Hanbing Twin Swords.
“You must not stay long at the Divine Cult.”
Han Seol asked him back.
“Are you afraid the Young Cult Lord is scheming something?”
“Even if not, this place is the most dangerous dragon’s pond and tiger’s den in the martial world. We do not know what will happen from now on.”
Han Seol walked to the window. She saw the retreating figure of Geom Mugeuk walking out past the gardens of the guest hall. Now that she thought about it, she had really come all the way here trusting only that one person.
“In the mountain of blades and forest of swords that is the Central Plains martial world, is this not precisely the place where we can rest for a moment?”
At those words, the Hanbing Twin Swords looked at each other. These days, the Han Seol they had watched since she was young felt unfamiliar. She was someone who, if the cold wind blew fiercely and made her even a little uncomfortable, would get up and leave.
Sa Han spoke to her.
“Do not trust the Young Cult Leader too much. He is, after all, a demonic martial artist. No, before that, do not trust people.”
Han Seol turned to the two and asked.
“But you two trust each other, do you not?”
“Well, that is…”
Just as Sa Han was trying to persuade her, So Bing spoke.
“For however long it is, at least enjoy yourself while you are here.”
Sa Han looked at So Bing.
—Is this not the Young Palace Lady’s first time in the Central Plains?
After sending that voice transmission to her husband, So Bing spoke in a calm tone. It was not necessarily directed at Han Seol.
“When else would we ever come to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult?”
* * *
“From now on, is this where we will live?”
The youngest, Danyeon, asked in a trembling voice at the majesty of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s main compound.
Dana pretended to be fine, but she was trembling just the same.
She looked at Seo Daeryong beside her. She had come to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s main compound trusting only this man. And she had brought her two younger sisters with her.
Seo Daeryong looked at Dana and said.
“From now on, this is home. Let’s go in.”
Seo Daeryong entered through the main gate with them.
Those guarding the main gate were fearsome demonic martial artists with whom it was hard to even make eye contact.
They bowed courteously to Seo Daeryong.
“Oh, Brother-in-law! So cool?”
At Danyeon's whisper, Seo Daeryong put strength into his shoulders with a proud expression.
When they entered through a small gate.
“Woooah!”
Danyeon shouted without realizing it. She was startled by the giant demon statue.
“It looks so scary.”
“Scary? It’s going to protect us now.”
Hearing those words, the Dan sisters realized their fate had changed.
The three women walked to the inner courtyard, constantly looking around in admiration. The scale was truly overwhelming.
Among those passing by, demonic martial artists who recognized the Hwangcheon Pavilion Lord politely bowed their heads.
Seeing people mostly greeting him first, the Dan sisters once again truly felt Seo Daeryong’s importance.
They had vaguely known he was a high-ranking person, but this was the moment they confirmed with their own eyes that he was truly a high-ranking figure of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
Seo Daeryong first brought them to his residence.
Because maidservants had thoroughly cleaned, the house was clean despite him being away for a long time.
“Stay here for the time being.”
Since it was the Hwangcheon Pavilion Lord’s residence, there were several rooms.
“Sister-in-law, pick whichever room you like!”
By now, the word ‘sister-in-law’ rolled off Seo Daeryong’s tongue. Of course, he only called the youngest one ‘sister-in-law’ because she took his jokes so well.
“The house is amazing!”
Danyeon, who was running from room to room in joy, said to her second older sister.
“I’m giving you first pick. Which room do you want?”
She knew that her second older sister wanted to settle down more than anyone, so she had let her choose first.
Lying on the bed in the room she had chosen, as she looked out the window, a sense of relief crossed Danbi’s face.
She had stayed in far better places, but no matter how nice they were, they were not home. Now this place was her home and her room.
Seeing Danbi like that, Danyeon smiled. Actually, she was not as eager to settle down as her older sister. She still preferred traveling around the Central Plains, but she did not show that for her sisters’ sake.
After choosing rooms, the three sisters gathered in one place.
Dana lowered her head to Seo Daeryong to express her gratitude.
“Thank you.”
“What do you mean? I am the one thankful that you trusted me and followed me here.”
Dana had made a resolution on the way here.
“We will not be a burden to the Pavilion Lord. You do not need to overexert yourself worrying about us. We can start from the lowest-ranking martial artist. We will take the exam and join officially.”
She had heard that the Hwangcheon Pavilion was an organization that enforced the laws of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. She was worried that if he used his authority as Pavilion Lord to place them somewhere, it would cause problems.
She was confident they could survive on their own. They were women who had overcome even the difficult life of wanderers.
“Don’t worry about us, Brother-in-law! If it really doesn’t work out, we can do chores.”
Then someone spoke.
“We cannot have precious guests doing such things.”
The four turned around in surprise to see Geom Mugeuk standing in the doorway.
“Young Cult Lord!”
The Dan sisters hurriedly bowed.
“We greet the Young Cult Lord.”
They were acquainted with Geom Mugeuk, having seen him at the inn and at the branch office.
Seo Daeryong rushed to Geom Mugeuk.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“I am fine.”
Seo Daeryong spoke, seeing that he was still fussing over him in front of Dana.
“You may speak comfortably now. We are going to be seeing a lot of each other from now on.”
Geom Mugeuk smiled brightly at them and said.
“Welcome.”
“We will serve you with full loyalty going forward.”
Geom Mugeuk looked at Seo Daeryong. Seo Daeryong smiled sheepishly but provoked him with the expression of a victor. For the first time in a while, Geom Mugeuk played along with his antics.
“Daring to fall in love before the Young Cult Lord?”
“I am a bit older, after all.”
The two looked at each other and laughed.
Geom Mugeuk said to Dana.
“You have excellent taste in men.”
Dana smiled, and Seo Daeryong waved his hands telling him not to say such things. But Seo Daeryong’s eyes said, ‘Please continue a little more.’
“You once said to me, Pavilion Lord Seo, that the headquarters would never change. The change at headquarters began the moment you spoke those words to me. Perhaps Pavilion Lord Seo wanted to bring the three of you to the headquarters.”
The three women did not quite understand what he meant, but Seo Daeryong’s heart welled up.
Geom Mugeuk said to the three women.
“If it had not been for you all this time, things would have gotten truly dangerous.”
After all, it would have led to the death of the Cheonhwaru Lord.
“It is unthinkable for those who have rendered such great merit to start as low-level martial artists. I intend to prepare positions for you all.”
As if he had a place in mind for each of them, Geom Mugeuk spoke to the three women.
“You have been together your whole lives, so how about practicing being apart now?”