---

Chapter 650: Back to the Central Plains

Three days have passed since I fought against Mang and engaged in a bloody battle with the White Demon.

Though it was a short span of time, changes were quietly unfolding in the North Sea.

“Advance!”

Waaaah—!!!

The war was far from over.

Even though Yu Seon ignited the flames under Mang’s orchestration, they were no different from traitors.

The remaining warriors continued their fight to usurp the palace.

In the end, it didn’t take long to reclaim the palace.

‘After all, the palace didn’t have all its strength gathered.’

The traitorous Great General was positioned under the Blue Wolf, whose main house was in a remote area.

Hearing that, I couldn’t help but wonder why they hadn’t allocated more power to a place that had symbolic significance.

What should I say?

‘It feels like they created a formation expecting defeat.’

Could they perhaps have had no intention of winning from the start?

If that were the case, what was the purpose of this war?

I couldn’t say for sure.

‘If it were me…’

First, I would have decapitated a captured bloodline member and shown it to the troops to boost morale.

Knowing that the opposing leader was weakened and having pinpointed their hideout, I wouldn’t have hesitated to demolish it.

But Yu Seon did nothing.

Despite possessing considerable power and strength, they didn’t do anything remarkable.

Why was that?

‘They’re already dead, so I can’t ask them.’

With a relatively small troop, the palace was reclaimed.

I tagged along with the Black Lion out of boredom, and it turned out to be surprisingly simple.

I saw it there.

The lifeless body of Yu Seon.

I burned it the moment I laid eyes on it.

The Black Lion, witnessing the act, asked how I could do such a thing.

[Because I didn’t want to see it.]

I shrugged it off with a light remark.

The withered body wore an oddly comfortable expression.

It seemed too pitiful for the end of a woman with such pale features, and it was unremarkable for someone who had fought against me.

So, I burned it.

Rather than showing that sight to my father, I thought it would be better to say I burned it out of disdain.

I walked through a corridor that looked worn and aged.

There was no one to guide me. The only one ahead was Seongyul.

“Hey.”

“Yes?”

“What happened to the other bloodline members?”

In the basement of the palace.

In other words, in the prison where the Ice Spirit was, there were other bloodlines of the Ice Palace imprisoned.

I found the First Prince and the Second Prince.

The First Prince was fine, except for signs of dehydration, but the Second Prince had his right leg severed.

In response to my question, Seongyul answered without turning her head.

“The First Prince is resting, while the Second Prince has yet to awaken.”

“Hmm, so that means they’re alive.”

Why would they have kept them alive, though?

That was the most significant question.

Bloodlines. Notably, male ones.

If they were kept alive, they’d surely become obstacles when the next Demon Lord was chosen.

‘Could it be they had some feeling for them?’

I didn’t think so.

I was at a loss.

‘They kept the First Prince alive comfortably but severed the Second Prince’s leg, which seemed excessive.’

Something felt off.

‘There seems to be a specific reason for what happened to the Second Prince.’

Previously, Yuri told me that the Second Prince had superior talent and that the First Prince couldn’t accept him becoming a Small Gungju.

‘Could it really be because of that?’

To prevent him from aiming too high, they severed his leg.

That thought popped into my mind.

‘But why go that far?’

I still had no idea why Yu Seon had acted as she did.

“Hey.”

I posed another question to Seongyul, who was walking ahead.

“Yes?”

“Is there such a thing as a villain with a reason?”

She hesitated.

Hearing my words, Seongyul stopped for a moment.

Then, looking at me, she replied.

“I believe there are. No one exists without a story.”

Everyone has a story and background. In this world, there are inherently wicked people, but some are barely pushed into wickedness.

In that case.

“Does having a story justify forgiving them?”

“…”

Upon hearing my question, Seongyul maintained a neutral expression and continued.

“What do you think, Your Highness?”

“Well.”

I answered as if I didn’t know, but deep down, I was aware.

‘I don’t care.’

I have no interest in their stories or backgrounds. Farther still, I don’t care whether they’re good or evil.

It only matters if they block my path.

‘Though, if they were a somewhat decent person, maybe I’d consider letting them live.’

It would depend on the situation, of course. While it might seem selfish and indecisive, I’d surely do just that.

“…”

Upon hearing such a response, Seongyul gazed at me quietly for a moment before eventually nodding.

“Yes, I feel the same.”

“C’mon, are you just repeating what I said because you have nothing to say?”

“…”

I chuckled at Seongyul’s demeanor.

Then, I continued down the corridor.

This idle chit-chat wasn’t solely about Yu Seon.

Just as the Black Flame Demon Emperor had been in my previous life. Just as the Sword Demon had been.

A villain is a villain.

Even if there’s a story behind it, those I killed need not accept it.

I would treat Yu Seon similarly.

Regardless of her thoughts, choices, or how she lived.

That was the extent of it.

Creeeak-!

As I approached the main entrance under Seongyul’s guidance, the door opened naturally.

A chill different from the outside brushed against my body.

Feeling the cold, I raised my gaze.

‘Seems like the energy has all been consumed. But this remains somehow.’

Before me was the throne. Seated where Yu Seon had once sat was another person.

“I’m sorry for calling you here.”

“You’re not in good shape. Can you even sit there already?”

It was the Ice Palace Lord, the one who had been a half-human before.

He smiled softly as he spoke to me.

“I cannot leave this position unoccupied for long.”

“Hmm.”

The Lord still hadn’t completed his treatment.

Having fought tirelessly, internal and external injuries were evident.

It was a relief he wasn’t dead.

‘Though he seemed fine overall.’

Immediately after absorbing the chill, thankfully, the Lord had survived.

Moreover.

‘The transformation has been undone.’

After consuming the chill, the scaly skin returned, and the frozen body was restored.

Additionally.

‘The chill in the North Sea has receded, and the temperature is gradually rising.’

Thanks to absorbing all of the Ice Spirit’s energy, the once-blue sky spread over the North Sea.

Everyone knew the weather had changed even if the cold still lingered.

Had the curse of the Ice Spirit been broken?

That was how it seemed to me.

‘Whatever it may be, it means it’s now a different situation from the King of Demons’ curse.’

Step by step, I approached the Lord.

I felt their gazes upon me. The Black Lion was among a few men positioned around.

‘All of them are Transformation Realm Martial Artists.’

These two were on par with the Black Lion.

‘Are they of the same level as Great Generals?’

I nodded in agreement. This meant that they had become martial artists merely by beheading a Clan Leader.

They were likely all the ones who hadn’t betrayed us.

“Originally… I should have gone to find you personally. But I apologize for having to summon you since I’m still not in good condition.”

“That’s perfectly fine. My legs aren’t that heavy anyway.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

At my words, the Ice Palace Lord smiled faintly. Seeing that, I asked.

“May I ask why you sought me out?”

It had been three days since I last faced the Lord.

His treatment had taken priority, and I had been busy as well.

“The reason I sought you out is, of course, to express my gratitude.”

Swish.

The Lord rose from the throne. Suddenly, he knelt to the floor.

“Lord—!?”

“How can…!”

The guards and generals tried to step in, but the Lord raised his hand to stop them.

“How could I not kneel to a benefactor? I can do even more than this, so don’t stop me.”

In the end, the Lord knelt, and I merely stared at him.

“Thank you.”

“…I merely had some free time and helped. There’s no need for thanks.”

“Thank you for saving the North Sea. Truly, I am grateful.”

“…”

Catching the Lord’s words, I shut my mouth and clicked my tongue internally.

I thought he was expressing gratitude for helping with the palace retrieval operation, but it seemed the Lord was already aware.

‘Does he know I absorbed all of the Ice Spirit’s energy?’

I had subtly pretended not to know, but it appeared that the Lord was aware.

“…You won’t hold it against me, will you?”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“That energy, claiming you absorbed it all, will complicate things.”

As much as I had absorbed the vast energy of the Ice Spirit, if I claimed ownership of it within the Ice Palace, it could become troublesome.

Of course, I had a plan to pass it off as ignorance if caught, so it was okay.

However.

“…?”

The Lord’s expression changed oddly upon hearing my words.

“How could I dare to question a benefactor?”

“Uh? You don’t question it? Why not?”

“…?”

“…?”

An odd silence fell.

I would question it. I might have grabbed a handful of hair while demanding why I consumed my own property. But he didn’t question it at all.

‘Nonetheless, it’s lucky that he’s not questioning it.’

Grateful that it was accepted without inquiry, I let out a sigh of relief. After expressing my gratitude, the Lord cautiously stood again and returned to his chair.

As he sat, I noticed his hand trembling slightly.

“Along with my thanks… I have a question for you, Your Highness.”

“Go ahead.”

“Hearing from the Black Lion, I understand your father has been coming and going. Is that true?”

“…Ah.”

He had indeed come.

He had arrived, set the Lord ablaze, and then rushed off.

“Yes… He stopped by briefly and left.”

“…I see… Was that him?”

Speaking of my father, the Lord wore a bitter smile.

“If we were to reunite, I wished it wouldn’t be like that. It’s somewhat disappointing. By any chance, did he leave me with any words?”

“Your identity likely didn’t even cross his mind.”

With a monster before him, he probably swung first and didn’t care who it was.

“I see.”

Hearing that, the Lord nodded.

“I’m unsure whether I should consider it fortunate.”

“After all, it’s been said that good things lead to good outcomes.”

“…Ha.”

His expression didn’t reflect any comfort at all.

What on earth had my father done in his youth to elicit such a response from the Lord?

‘Given the way they treat each other, perhaps he didn’t hit him too hard.’

But anyone who gets hit once wouldn’t be treating someone as a friend.

I thought of friends I had around that I regarded as such.

‘Hmm.’

Maybe it wasn’t the case.

Oddly enough, there are those who may enjoy being bullied.

“Gu Gongja.”

“Yes?”

“If you so wish, I could throw a banquet for you, and if you desire, offer you the treasures I have in my household.”

Upon hearing the Lord’s words, I couldn’t help but wear a bewildered expression.

“How are you supposed to throw a banquet or offer treasures when we’re still in the middle of a war?”

“If you want them, I shall provide them.”

“I have no need for that.”

I waved my hands in dismissal.

I had no interest in banquets and didn’t require treasures.

Perhaps I might have in the past, but now I was swimming in money.

‘With Night Bright Wine and Year-Round Frost. How much have I sold off?’

There were many means by which I could earn more money.

“Then, may I inquire about future plans?”

“Not that it really matters. I’ll be heading back soon.”

To be precise, I’d immediately return to the Central Plains as soon as Nangong Bi-ah’s treatment is sufficiently concluded.

Upon hearing that, the Black Lion in the back spoke in surprise.

“…Are you serious?”

He responded with a look of disbelief.

“Is there any reason I shouldn’t right now?”

“…No.”

“If it’s about the war, I have no intention of getting involved further.”

“…”

I knew the reason.

They probably wanted to keep me around as long as possible. The North Sea was still at war, and strong individuals like me were rare to come by.

But.

“I believe you won’t make such a request.”

I stated resolutely while looking at the Lord, and he nodded in agreement.

“Of course. I realize it wouldn’t be reasonable to ask for anything more from you.”

It was fitting to let them sort out the remaining mess themselves.

After hearing the Lord’s response, my expression returned to its usual state.

At that moment.

“One more thing, Gu Gongja.”

The Lord spoke to me.

“Yes?”

“No matter how much you say you wish for nothing, you cannot send a benefactor away empty-handed. Is there truly nothing you desire?”

“Hmm.”

Compensation.

‘Technically, I haven’t suffered any losses here.’

In fact, I gained much. I had rapidly ascended in cultivation by at least a year or two.

I had also obtained plenty of information, so I didn’t particularly desire compensation…

‘Ah.’

Just then, like a sudden flash, a thought sprang to mind.

“I do need something. Fortunately, I have one in mind.”

“Oh?”

Just as the Lord’s face brightened in anticipation.

“Information regarding the ‘sorcery’ residing in the North Sea. And the fellow rotting away in prison. Please return him to me.”

“…!”

At my following words, the Lord’s expression instantly hardened.

 

---