“Ah, this is good.”
“Well, yes…”
“Won’t you have a drink too, Young Master?”
“I gratefully accept.”
“The side dishes are quite light. Did you get them directly from the restaurant?”
“I couldn’t very well make Aenghwa cook, could I?”
“Oh my, why not?”
“Huh? Isn’t it obvious? How could she prepare so much food by herself?”
“Girls from the Joyous Pavilion are inherently skilled at housekeeping. Of course they’re good at cooking too. They can easily prepare meals not just for one, but for ten people.”
“…?”
“You didn’t know?”
“I never even imagined.”
He hadn’t even considered asking Aenghwa to cook in the first place. Though he’d grown accustomed to his position, he was still more an assassin dreaming of freedom than the demonic cult’s Third Young Master.
“Well, the restaurant food is delicious too, so why bother making her cook? Better to just go get food for each meal than break her back preparing everything.”
“I see.”
So Yeon-shim looked at Seo Ryang with fresh eyes.
He really is different.
He lacked the arrogance commonly found in high-ranking power holders. When talking with him, one could almost forget they were speaking with someone from the cult’s upper echelons.
“By the way, Young Master.”
“Yes?”
So Yeon-shim blinked.
“The fox has grown, hasn’t it?”
“Ah, you think so too, Pavilion Master? You wouldn’t believe how much this rascal eats these days.”
As if knowing they were talking about him, Golden Fox made a purring sound. Seo Ryang grumbled as he tossed him a piece of meat.
Too lazy to get up and eat, Golden Fox slowly pulled the meat closer with his front paw.
“Still cute as ever.”
“That he is.”
“But it’s strange, isn’t it? Though it’s a fox, its claws are sharp like a cat’s.”
“Probably because they haven’t had much reason to wear down.”
Unlike cats, leopards, tigers, and other felines, canines typically have blunt claws. This leaves them with only their teeth for hunting.
However, they have stronger bite force than felines and better endurance for traveling long distances without rest. The same would apply to Golden Fox.
“Despite appearances, he’s quite lazy and rarely runs around.”
“I see.”
“But what brings you here anyway?”
He asked naturally.
So Yeon-shim smiled.
“Partly to thank you, and partly to spend time with the currently most famous person in the cult.”
Seo Ryang tilted his head.
“Pardon?”
“You didn’t know?”
“First of all, what do you have to thank me for? And famous? Me?”
“You really didn’t know, I see.”
So Yeon-shim chuckled. Seo Ryang’s face, with his wide-open eyes, was filled with genuine confusion.
This person is truly unique.
“The one who easily subdued the Mad Demon Squad Leader, whom cult members most feared as the incarnation of madness.
The one who made the True Demon Squad Leader submit through sheer authority, turned the Criminal Court upside down, and brilliantly defeated the Fourth Young Master. You even raised your sword against the Criminal Court’s Leader, didn’t you?”
“…Well, that’s true, but those descriptions seem rather embellished.”
“The Mad Demon Squad Leader and the Criminal Court’s Leader – these two are the people ordinary cult members fear most. If I had to describe them, the Mad Demon Squad Leader is like a plague, and the Criminal Court’s Leader is like a natural disaster.”
Put that way, he felt a bit sorry for the two.
“A plague and a disaster, and you even brought down someone of the highest status in our cult. It would be strange if you weren’t famous.”
“Is that so.”
“Yes. Though people can’t speak openly about it, you’re currently receiving the most attention within the cult.”
Seo Ryang scratched his head.
Is this good or bad?
This was indeed what he had hoped for – to grow into someone with such strong presence that everyone would accept his actions without question.
Then ideally, he could slip away outside the cult.
Since it would be impossible to disappear after living quietly, he had decided to build his presence before leaving. But somehow, the atmosphere seemed to be developing strangely.
Seo Ryang shook his head.
No, this is just the first step. No need to worry so soon.
The grand operation of escaping the divine cult would inevitably become a long-term battle.
You can’t fill your stomach with the first spoonful, nor complete a dish with a single knife stroke. To create a massive map, you first need paper of sufficient size.
Seo Ryang smiled. Nothing gets done if you worry about every little thing.
He should live like he did back then, when he maintained absolute focus until taking down a target.
“But why are you thanking me, Pavilion Master? Did I happen to take down someone you wanted to beat up?”
“Of course not. If I want to beat someone up, I do it myself somehow.”
Fair enough.
“It’s about the martial art formula you gave me then.”
“Ah, that?”
“Yes. Though it hasn’t been long, improvement is already visible. It’s quite a mystical martial art.”
Seo Ryang was quite surprised.
“You’re seeing improvement already?”
“Yes.”
“Your talent must be far greater than I thought. That’s impossible with ordinary perception.”
“The child is exceptionally talented. Though it took you half a year, at this rate, recovery should be possible within three months.
Of course, it will take longer to regain their former martial arts.”
Seo Ryang let out a low whistle.
“I had no idea they were such a talented person. No wonder you were so worried.”
“Yes, they’re the one I’ve chosen as my successor.”
“…!”
She mentioned succession so casually.
After staring at So Yeon-shim for a moment, Seo Ryang refilled her cup and asked:
“Is it alright to speak so freely about such matters?”
“Why not? Though it’s not something to spread around.”
“…”
“Even if I tell you about my chosen successor, you wouldn’t be particularly interested, would you?”
“Well, that’s true.”
For an organization’s leader, the existence of an unmatured successor can itself become a fatal weakness. Even more so when they’re in critical condition.
Wasn’t it for this reason that So Yeon-shim had almost compromised her lifelong principles to deal with Hong Wi-moon?
He had known there was someone precious to her, but not that it was her successor.
If Seo Ryang were to spread this information, So Yeon-shim would have to spend sleepless nights worrying. After all, there were more organizations wanting to check the Joyous Pavilion Master’s power than one might think.
“I appreciate your trust, but people can change unexpectedly.”
“I don’t trust people. I trust situations.”
So Yeon-shim smiled brightly.
“The situation then, and the situation now. I don’t think you’ll have any reason to turn against me.”
“You speak quite boldly before someone of the highest status in the cult.”
“Because you seem more comfortable with that.”
“You certainly read people well.”
They emptied their cups simultaneously.
“But you know, no matter how I think about it, I can’t imagine the Pavilion Master would visit personally just for such a reason.”
Seo Ryang’s eyes sparkled.
“Is there something you want from me?”
So Yeon-shim smiled.
“Before someone who already understands everything, putting on airs would only hinder smooth conversation. Since you put it that way, I’ll speak frankly.”
“That’s right.”
“…”
“Yes, that’s right. Please speak.”
“Ahem.”
After clearing her throat briefly, So Yeon-shim spoke directly.
“If you have time, would you come to my quarters once a day?”
“…”
“…”
“Um, Pavilion Master.”
“Yes?”
“How should I put this… While I’m confident in my strength, I haven’t been tested in that kind of…”
“Whatever you’re thinking, that’s not it.”
“How do you know what I’m thinking isn’t it when you don’t know what I’m thinking? But it’s not?”
“Absolutely not.”
Seo Ryang tilted his head.
“I have plenty of free time if nothing special comes up, but why do you want me to come to your quarters? This explanation seems quite insufficient.”
“It’s because of that child.”
“…”
“From what you’ve said, their progress is certainly quick.”
“Indeed. Most people couldn’t do this. I was fast because I had experience.”
“But… it’s still too slow.”
Seo Ryang showed an incredulous expression.
“Just how hard are you trying to push your successor? This isn’t an easy martial art.
It’s quite a tricky one, you know. The fact that they’re showing improvement in just these few days is already remarkable.”
“I know their talent is outstanding. I know their progress is quick too.”
You know all that and still say such things?
Suddenly, Seo Ryang’s eyes lit up.
“There must be a reason why your successor needs to get back on their feet as soon as possible.”
“…As expected, you’re quick-witted.”
“Well, otherwise someone of your caliber wouldn’t have let Hong Wi-moon discover your search for the Azure Autumn Snake Grass. You must have been quite desperate.”
“Precisely.”
“So you’re asking me to help with your chosen successor’s recovery?”
“Yes.”
Seo Ryang stared at So Yeon-shim.
So Yeon-shim still wore her faint smile. At least outwardly, she appeared no different from before.
This isn’t good.
The Joyous Pavilion Master could certainly ask favors of others.
But the targets of such requests shouldn’t be succession candidates like himself. It could appear as though the Joyous Pavilion Master was interfering in the succession battle.
While he didn’t know about previous lords, So Yeon-shim seemed like someone with strong pride and clear principles.
For such a person to ask a candidate for something this significant?
She’s taking a risk here. In other words, if I don’t grant this favor, this lady’s gaze toward me will become quite unpleasant.
This is why big favors are scarier than small ones. Not because of the ability to fulfill them, but because of the massive backlash when refused.
“It could become quite troublesome for you?”
Though blunt, So Yeon-shim understood perfectly.
“It’s dangerous.”
“Yet you still make such a request of me?”
“Yes.”
“…”
“This is just a personal favor. Though it could lead to unsavory rumors if others found out, that won’t happen if only you and I know about it.”
“Walls have ears and fleas have eyes. Just because you can’t see the wind doesn’t mean it isn’t blowing.”
“It’s still fine. Because it’s an extremely ‘personal’ favor.”
Meaning she has the ability to suppress any bad rumors.
Seo Ryang sighed.
“At least let me know the reason. Why such urgency?”
“Do you need to know that much?”
“That’s rich coming from someone who’s pushed things this far.”
A hint of awkwardness appeared on So Yeon-shim’s consistently calm face.
“I’m sorry. Try as I might, I find it difficult to explain in detail. I would be grateful if you could just understand that there is an absolute necessity for this.”
Damn…
Seeing her go this far, it really must be no ordinary matter.
What was certain was that refusing this favor would make his life in the cult quite difficult from now on.
Why me of all people…
Seo Ryang sighed.
“It would be easier on the mind to wrap this up as a transaction rather than a simple favor, wouldn’t it? A mere favor would weigh on the conscience.”
“That would be even more appreciated.”
“My goodness, I never expected the Pavilion Master to approach it this way.”
Though the words could be taken as complicated depending on how one heard them, So Yeon-shim showed no such reaction.
“When waves surge, if you stubbornly press forward, the ship breaks and the sailors drown. Sometimes you need to ride the waves.”
“That’s true.”
“So will you grant my favor- no, make this transaction with me?”
Seo Ryang clicked his tongue.
“What choice do I have? I’ve benefited quite a bit from you recently, Pavilion Master, so I must accept.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much, Young Master.”
“I’m getting something in return too. No need for thanks.”
“Then I’ll take that as acceptance. Can you start coming from tomorrow?”
“Let’s do that. Best to strike while the iron’s hot – just watching gets you trampled.”
“Then is there anything you want from me, Young Master?”
“That’s the problem. Nothing comes to mind right now.”
Ask her to get me the world’s greatest martial art? Or ask her to get me out of the cult?
What Seo Ryang wanted wasn’t money or honor, but freedom.
With such a clear desire, there was no need to agree to this transaction that barely seemed like one. After all, what he wanted couldn’t be given by others.
Damn, if only I could go outside at least to get my horse…
Suddenly, Seo Ryang’s eyes widened enormously.
“Oh? Oh?”
“…?”
“…Pavilion Master.”
“Yes, Young Master?”
“Our blessed and gracious organization, the Joyous Pavilion, handles internal cult affairs, doesn’t it?”
“…Yes?”
“The goods to be distributed within the cult must be procured from outside.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Do you just receive them? Don’t you go out to meet suppliers or anything?”
“For important items, we do go out. In fact, in two weeks…”
Grab!
Seo Ryang firmly grasped So Yeon-shim’s hands.
His eyes blazed like flames.
“I’ll complete your precious successor’s recovery within two weeks!”