“We’ve met three times already?”

Hanseol didn’t remember meeting Yang Seok, the eldest son of Bukhyeolmun, three times. She only recalled meeting him once before.

“Today is the fourth time.”

“Sorry. My memory isn’t very good.”

“No, you’re just a very busy person. It’s understandable.”

Yang Seok inwardly felt his pride wounded but laughed it off, pretending to be magnanimous.

He liked Hanseol. Who wouldn’t? Among young men living in Bukhae, who wouldn’t like her?

Winning a beauty and, at the same time, inheriting the prestigious family of Bukhaebinggung.

But she was an ice beauty. No one had ever heard that she gave her heart to anyone.

“So, what brings you here today?”

Hanseol first expressed her condolences.

“I heard about your younger sibling. You must be deeply saddened.”

“My heart isn’t well, but I’m enduring.”

Yang Seok was inwardly suspicious.

‘This cold Little Palace Lord couldn’t have come just because of her sibling.’

So he had his own guess.

“I’ve heard rumors that demonic martial artists are investigating the death of Baekjuseolwon’s Original Lord. Is it going well?”

“I’m looking into various things, but it’s not easy.”

On her way here, Hanseol had considered how to approach Yang Seok without arousing suspicion. She planned to present this as a visit related to the investigation, and fortunately, he asked first.

“Do you know anything about that incident?”

“I want to help, but I don’t know anything.”

Hanseol sighed lightly and asked,

“Are you aware that demonic martial artists are here in the main palace?”

“How could I not? Because of them, my sibling died.”

Of course, if speaking honestly, she should have said that. Thanks to those demonic martial artists, she was able to kill a thorn in her side—her sibling.

“The Demon Sect’s Little Pill Master is behaving outrageously. They’re pressuring us to present evidence quickly about this incident.”

Yang Seok clearly understood why Hanseol came to see him.

‘This is an opportunity.’

She had never even glanced his way, but now she wanted to get close.

“If there’s anything I can help with, I’ll do it.”

While Yang Seok was trying to impress Hanseol, Chan was standing guard outside the guest hall where they were.

Ha-gyeol approached.

Chan looked at him dispassionately but was actually scrutinizing him carefully. As a professional, he had met countless bodyguards before.

When he first saw Ha-gyeol, he had all the hallmarks of a bodyguard: cautious steps scanning the surroundings, quick shifting eyes, meticulous effort to detect hidden weapons when assessing opponents, and chronically bloodshot eyes from fatigue. He was the very image of a bodyguard martial artist.

‘But he’s leaving his post?’

Chan had accompanied Yang Seok here but had left briefly after Yang Seok entered the guest hall.

Even though this was inside Bukhyeolmun, it was truly surprising that the bodyguard assigned to the heir would leave his post.

What if an accident happened? What if a sudden fight broke out with the Little Palace Lord?

Though unlikely, bodyguards worry about things others don’t.

Such behavior seemed even stranger for a seemingly perfect bodyguard.

One might want to ask what could be more important than guarding the heir. Of course, Chan didn’t know that Ha-gyeol had returned the way he came to make Sibi’s blood his own.

At that moment, Ha-gyeol glanced up at the building.

“Why?”

“Nothing.”

He must have sensed something.

Chan also scanned the surroundings but saw no one. Even raising his ki to be more vigilant, he detected no presence.

‘He definitely sensed something.’

If he sensed what Chan didn’t, it meant he was a stronger master.

So if he sensed something earlier, he should have told Chan. Was he just a guest? Or the Little Palace Lord of Binggung?

Though annoyed, Chan didn’t show it.

Meanwhile, conversation was underway inside the guest hall. Mostly Yang Seok talked, and Hanseol listened.

Before coming here, Hanseol worried whether she could play the part well. But once she tried, it wasn’t as hard as she thought. Maybe she had a talent for deception.

“I have one question.”

“What is it?”

“Why did your sibling get involved with the Demon Sect?”

Yang Seok’s expression twitched but then he replied calmly.

“You know, don’t you? Those Demon Sect bastards are like wolves, always scheming to make a profit by any means.”

Indeed. He thought all demonic martial artists were like that.

“That’s right. And the ones who came this time are especially strange.”

Though it might sound like an insult, it was a compliment from him.

Though Yang Seok hadn’t been honest with her, Hanseol looked forward to the next meeting.

“Will you meet the Little Pill Master with me next time?”

This choice was all thanks to Ian.

When handling things before, Ian said at the moment of decision: we’ve done enough, let Geom Mugeuk handle the rest. The results were surprisingly good. This was the same situation. She wasn’t someone Hanseol wanted to meet repeatedly alone.

Yang Seok interpreted her proposal as a request to ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) lend some strength to dealing with the Little Pill Master.

“Very well. We must unite the forces of the Bukhae sects.”

“Thank you. Then I’ll take my leave today.”

Yang Seok regretted parting from her.

He never thought he’d have such a good relationship with the Little Palace Lord of Bukhaebinggung. Thanks to the Demon Sect bastards, he had taken care of his sibling, and maybe he might even win the lady.

Hanseol left with Chan. Chan glanced at Ha-gyeol on the way. Though still a perfect bodyguard, he felt increasingly strange.

After the two left, Yang Seok said to Ha-gyeol,

“She’s a cold but charming woman.”

“When you lick ice, it doesn’t come off easily.”

Yang Seok glared coldly at Ha-gyeol.

He neither trusted nor liked him. Ha-gyeol was a bodyguard assigned by his father to watch him.

Sometimes seeing him irritated Yang Seok. Though Ha-gyeol always showed a polite attitude, strangely he provoked him. Even now. Who does this arrogant bastard think he is telling me what to watch out for? Watch your own tongue, or I’ll cut it off.

At that moment, a martial artist ran up and said to Yang Seok,

“The Sect Master is looking for you.”

“If we do well, I think we can pull in the Little Palace Lord.”

Yang Seok reported his dealings with Hanseol to Bukhyeolmunju.

“The Little Palace Lord came to find out something through you.”

“I suspected as much. I will use her to gather information on their side.”

Bukhyeolmunju nodded.

“Always be cautious.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

After reporting, he was about to leave, but Bukhyeolmunju left Ha-gyeol behind.

“You stay.”

Yang Seok went out first. Such moments were unpleasant—after hearing his report, the suspicious father wanted to double-check.

He’d probably get more reports about Hanseol. A very suspicious father indeed.

‘Please trust your son!’

But reality flowed very differently.

After Yang Seok left, Bukhyeolmunju opened a secret door behind the main hall and took Ha-gyeol inside. There was a private chamber for just the two of them.

The chamber was a small hall, decorated entirely in blood-red, eerie and chilling. A heavy scent of blood lingered.

Upon entering, the relationship reversed.

Ha-gyeol’s ki was different than when outside. A faint crimson aura radiated from his eyes and body. Just being in the same space was frightening.

“Still haven’t found it?”

Bukhyeolmunju answered politely.

“No, we just received word. We finally located one with extreme delay and are transporting them here.”

It was long-awaited news, and Ha-gyeol’s face brightened.

“How long until arrival?”

“In three days.”

“Three days!”

It was the first time Ha-gyeol showed such a joyful expression. Finding the one with extreme delay was very important.

“Now that we have found the extreme delay, keep your promise.”

Crimson energy gushed from Ha-gyeol’s eyes.

“Ugh! Enough!”

Bukhyeolmunju screamed in fear. Red circles swelled on either side of his forehead, about to burst.

“Save me!”

Bukhyeolmunju pleaded desperately. If it swelled more, the blood vessels in his head would burst and he would die.

The tense moment lingered until the red aura in Ha-gyeol’s eyes faded. The swelling on Bukhyeolmunju’s skin also subsided.

“The promise will be kept when the extreme delay is brought before me.”

“Understood.”

Bukhyeolmunju was nervous inside. Would he truly keep his promise when he got what he wanted?

Ha-gyeol’s greed caused this. Greed created a weakness, allowing something vile into his blood.

Yes, ruin always comes from greed. But greed is also why he had come this far.

Bukhyeolmunju saw even this as part of the process. He would survive as always.

Ha-gyeol said calmly,

“Until then, prevent the Demon Sect bastards from moving.”

“Don’t worry. Because of the Chimma incident, the Demon Sect’s feet are tied under Binggung’s watch.”

Then a surprising statement came from Ha-gyeol.

“The Demon Sect’s Little Pill Master came here today and left. The feeling was very faint, but if it evaded my eyes, it must have been him.”

Bukhyeolmunju quickly said,

“I will inform Elder Seo immediately. This unauthorized exit might be our chance. We only need three days.”

Bukhyeolmunju bowed politely and quickly left.

His eyes showed a resolute determination facing fate. Life or death would be decided in three days.

Or rather, this expression more accurately reflected his thoughts: who lives and who dies?

Meanwhile, Ha-gyeol, left alone, manipulated the rear wall. Pressing and pulling specific spots carefully.

Ssssrrr.

The door opened, revealing another chamber.

A chamber within a chamber.

Inside was a huge tank made of ice only found in Bukhae, transparent enough to see inside.

The tank was filled with blood mixed with all sorts of medicines.

For ordinary people, an unfamiliar and strange smell wafted out.

Only Chimma could recognize it—that scent mixed with the main aroma of Hyangseol Bingju.

A man was submerged inside the tank.

Normally, blood would obscure everything inside, but strangely, his body was clearly visible—a truly mystical sight.

He had long limbs and fantastic muscles, a perfect physique carved like by a master. Most striking was his hair, blood-red.

His body, combined with the blood, exuded an unparalleled mysterious aura.

Ha-gyeol spoke to the man inside the tank.

“Master, we have finally found the extreme delay.”

The man in the blood opened his eyes wide.

He radiated an immense presence that overwhelmed Ha-gyeol.

Though young in appearance, this man in the tank was no youth but the Blood King himself.

Ha-gyeol was the Blood King’s only successor.

The Blood King smiled. As he rejoiced, the blood began to bubble joyfully as well.

But unwelcome news followed.

“Another order to return has come.”

The Blood King spoke, though submerged, his voice low yet deeply resonant.

“We will not return. Even if it means dyeing all of Bukhae in blood.”

Seonak, leading Binggung martial artists, stormed into Geom Mugeuk’s residence.

Ian blocked the door.

“What’s going on?”

“Where is the Little Pill Master?”

“He is sleeping now.”

A sneer flickered across Seonak’s face.

“I received a report that the Little Pill Master left his residence.”

Ian’s heart sank. If it became known he left without permission, it would cause serious trouble.

“That must be misinformation. He’s sleeping now.”

As Ian tried to close the door, Seonak reached out and stopped her.

Ian tried not to back down, but Seonak had come prepared.

“Step aside. Interfering with confirming the Palace Lord’s orders would be disobeying her orders.”

Seonak pushed inside with the masters. Unable to fight Seonak, Ian reluctantly stepped back.

Seonak stared at the bulging bedding on the bed.

“See? The Little Pill Master is sleeping. Everyone, leave.”

Ian tried to act the part, lowering her voice, but Seonak was unmoved.

“I don’t see the neck pillow.”

Meaning the bedding was made bulky by a pillow. Seonak seemed sure Geom Mugeuk was not there.

“Remove the bedding yourself.”

Seonak ordered Ian.

Ian looked at Chimma, who was calmly staring out the window.

‘Now is not the time!’

Of course, Chimma likely had no better ideas in this situation.

“Hurry! How dare you defy the Palace Lord’s orders?”

Ian had no choice but to walk to the bed.

Swish.

A resigned Ian pulled back the bedding.

“!”

Everyone froze.

Geom Mugeuk lay there hugging a neck pillow.

“In this cold Bukhae, you try to steal my blanket? Hugging my neck pillow while I sleep?”

Seonak was so shocked that his face flushed and he stammered.

“W-what on earth? Why are you here?”

Though everyone was surprised, the most startled was Ian. She was lucky she didn’t scream.

‘Why is the Young Master out here?’