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The people inside might exude a strange atmosphere, but the limousine had finished its job.

It had arrived at the mansion.

“Hmm.”

The mansion flaunted its luxurious appearance as always. No, it was showing off even more extravagance than before.

The unfortunate truth was that this grandeur lacked unity.

“Who on earth did that completely unoriginal landscaping?”

The Great Witch forgot she was invited as a guest and expressed her usual temperament. Whether Jinseong was beside her or not, the absurdity of the scenery before her had her cursing up a storm.

The first thing that caught her eye was the parterre, a style of garden you could see in France.

From a high vantage point, it seemed to exude an elegant charm.

Up to that point, it wasn’t so bad.

It looked quite convincing, as if a fair amount of money had been spent on it. At least it seemed decent enough not to attract nasty comments about it being a mere facade or something bizarre that had come about from imitation.

If only it had ended there.

“A French garden, an English garden… Plus, isn’t that stone debris Japanese?”

The parterre was grand.

Its well-ordered appearance resembled soldiers standing in strict formation, and the varying patterns it displayed would surely convey a sense of intimidation if seen from above. Those who beheld it must have felt the host’s charisma.

The English garden, on the other hand, was free-spirited.

Surrounding the disciplined parterre, the English garden laid bare the natural scenery, evoking a sensation akin to viewing a city from an observation deck. At first glance, it might seem insignificant, but watching it closely turns its natural beauty into a painting, a wordless language seeping into your soul.

The wild-looking grasses bore a strange uniformity, and through meticulous weed management, only the desired plants thrived. This English garden, changing with the seasons, offered a different charm and beauty to those who tread through it.

And the Japanese garden nearby genuinely encapsulated the beauty of Japan.

Crafted in the style of kare-sansui, the garden looked like the sand was forming waves while stones floated like boats in those waves when viewed from afar. Each careful step brought the patterns to life, making one feel as if they were walking across the sea towards an island.

Upon closer inspection, one could see a miniature version of nature created from soil, sand, and moss.

With its subtlety reminiscent of a stream or a valley, this simplistic yet exquisitely refined view would wash away cares and usher in peace whenever one gazed upon it during times of worry or complexity.

Right.

Each one wasn’t bad.

But, the problem arose from having all three in one place.

Politely speaking, they didn’t harmonize, and bluntly put, there was no foundation to support it.

The Great Witch scowled at the garden’s scenery that provoked her senses.

Typically, she would have unleashed a torrent of complaints, summoned her servants for a yelling session, and embarrassed the host.

However, with Jinseong right beside her and a close relationship with the mansion’s owner, she kept her mouth tightly shut. Even if she let slip some words without intending to, she could silence the follow-up comments simply by keeping her lips sealed.

Moreover, the garden could be disregarded, and since the interior of the mansion wouldn’t be visible, she thought she just needed to endure for a moment.

If she endured, all of this would pass.

At least, that’s what she thought.

But inside the mansion, it was even more spectacular.

“Ha.”

A hollow laugh was unavoidable.

“Modern yet vintage in feel, classic while also sophisticated, employing vibrant colors yet restrained. It should give a detailed impression while simultaneously showcasing grandeur and an ascetic quality that seems beyond worldly matters. The materials must certainly hint at expensive use while revealing a subtle nobility that radiates.”

This wasn’t a command to infuriate a designer.

Nor was it a description of mythical objects.

These were precisely the words that portrayed the interior decoration of the mansion.

‘Rich fool.’

The Great Witch instantly grasped the owner of the mansion through the view of the garden and the interior.

There was plenty of money, but a lack of history.

There was no one around who could offer advice on art.

Judging by how well the children were raised, the character was likely decent, but there was certainly an element of vanity.

And just as she evaluated without even seeing his face, Lee Yang-hoon appeared as if he had heard her words like a tiger listening in on a conversation.

The first impression of Lee Yang-hoon on the group wasn’t great.

To be precise, it could only be poor considering the mess that was the garden and interior, which were the face of the home.

Yet, Lee Yang-hoon was simply lacking in artistic insight; when it came to dealing with people, he possessed skill. He flipped that bad first impression effortlessly, using experiences gained from handling those deranged by money—be they demons or humans.

“Airin, Serin. I have a lot to say to you. And most of it is likely going to be things you don’t want to hear. But what you need right now isn’t an angry command to return to Korea, it’s a heartfelt word from me.”

Lee Yang-hoon first hugged Iarin and Iserin as he spoke.

“I’m so happy that you’re safe.”

He embraced them warmly as if he wanted to share his warmth. After releasing them from the hug, he bowed his head respectfully to the Great Witch.

“I heard that the Great Witch helped my children avoid a crisis. Thanks to you, my children returned safely, and the irreplaceable treasures of my life were not lost.”

“Cough, cough.”

The Great Witch could only clear her throat at Lee Yang-hoon’s profound gratitude.

When asked if she helped, it was undeniably true.

But when one inquired about how much help she provided…

‘Well, I did spend some money.’

Admittedly, she had played a crucial role as a water supplier, but it was Jinseong who acted directly to save them. Yet, Jinseong was the first to receive thanks, leaving her uncomfortable.

“And I thank you, too.”

Lee Yang-hoon also expressed gratitude to Ella and Anastasia.

“There are countless types of friends in this world, but only the truly valuable ones are those who protect each other with their lives. Friends for whom one would risk everything, willing to take dangers for one another.”

“Uh… that…”

“If my daughters are treasures to me, then you are treasures to my daughters. There’s nothing more precious than finding a treasure to carry with you throughout life. I am thankful that my daughter met you, became friends with you, and built a friendship with you. So don’t feel sorry. Just as my daughter doesn’t hold any resentment towards you, I don’t hold any resentment towards you either. As my daughter considers you her friends, I regard you as my daughters.”

Eventually, he conveyed gratitude to Agnes as well.

“You raised a splendid disciple.”

“Oh my, thank you.”

After expressing thanks to everyone, Lee Yang-hoon called on a servant to guide them to their rooms, then approached Jinseong. He seemed to have something to say and silently gazed at Jinseong before finally speaking.

“…You did well to protect them.”

Lee Yang-hoon didn’t express his gratitude explicitly to Jinseong.

No matter how ambiguous Jinseong’s position in the household had been, the years spent together mattered.

One refers to those they’ve shared the same roof and meals with as family.

And families don’t express gratitude for helping each other; that’s just how it is.

Instead, Lee Yang-hoon said the words that must be said.

“Well done.”

He left those brief words behind and turned away.

Jinseong watched him as he thought.

‘With this, I’ve repaid at least some of the debt. Having guided the future in a good direction, this is good.’

He headed toward his room.

‘Everything is truly beneficial. My shadow shall loom over Japan, preventing any surprise attacks like in the past, and without the help of the National Defense Council and the Patriotic Group, the Gwangyang Group will accumulate wealth and enjoy a peaceful life in stable circumstances.’

He entered his room and reached out towards the bed.

As he did, a yellow liquid began to flow out from every corner of the bed, wriggling like it was alive, attaching itself to Jinseong’s body.

‘Connections with the National Defense Council are beneficial to me, and ties with the Hongik Patriotic Group are also advantageous. Furthermore, extricating myself from both would be beneficial for the Lee Clan. No one would be unhappy, and everyone could find happiness, truly a long and fortunate path.’

The liquid that clung to Jinseong hardened into a shiny form.

Sparkling in the light, it emitted a brilliant golden hue.

Just looking at it brought warmth, and the reflected light seemed to be enchanting, repeatedly breaking and merging.

‘In Japan, where unknown magic and spirits overflow, and in Korea, where fragments of shattered magic are kept, we shall escape the fate of fighting and breaking each other, seeking answers through the preserved magic—how auspicious this is.’

Gold.

The substance that clung to Jinseong’s body took on the form of armor.

‘By making my dwelling safe, it’s akin to tidying up a home, and by bringing peace to the nation, it’s akin to building a grand virtue. However, my intent and heart only desire one principle, so seeking something in exchange for peace isn’t inherently wrong.’

The gold melted into a liquid form under intense heat, then quickly cooled solid on icy surfaces. Yet, it didn’t stop flowing through Jinseong’s body, forming a uniquely strange shape.

“Metal gleams.”

The shape resembled a greedy insect.

“And enchants people.”

It also appeared as though it belonged to a shaman who manipulated insects.

 

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