---

**

The information about the person I fondly admire is naturally something I’m curious about.

However, since there’s a bit of distance, all information trickles in one step later.

It’s a process where events happen over there, and only after some time, it flows into the Demon Cult.

Amidst this, Black Danhwa…

Stiffly repeated, “…daughter?”

The uncertain information I had heard before became clear that day.

Black Danhwa stood up. The Black Wind, who was delivering the information, flinched.

“I-I only relayed what I heard! Don’t, don’t hit me! Please don’t raise your hands!”

“Because you didn’t do your job properly, I have no choice but to raise my hands… Right, Ju Ryeongryeong…?”

“…Ah… hahaha… ahaha! Ahahahaha!!”

Ju Ryeongryeong started laughing, holding her belly. After a long, room-shaking laughter, she suddenly stopped.

“Black Wind.”

“W-What…?”

“Why are you lying?”

“I-I’m not lying!”

“There’s no way Jeok-un has a daughter, right? Huh? You mixed some weird information in… didn’t you…? It doesn’t make sense… It just…”

—Crack.

The brush she was holding crumbled into powder. Under the weight of her martial arts prowess, Black Wind dropped to his knees.

“I swear on the heavens! I’ve never lied! I-I mean, it’s something everyone already knows…!”

“Ah, damn. Does that even make sense?”

“It’s true! I’m innocent! Why would I deceive my VIP clients?!”

Wailing, Black Wind suddenly lay flat.

“Even if I bring the information, you yell at me! Why are you threatening me?! Why?! It’s Jeok-un who got into trouble and had a daughter!”

“Jeok-un wouldn’t do that… would he?”

“What kind of nonsense are you spewing…?”

“If one of you is lying…”

“Obviously, it has to be your fault… right…?”

“Why should it be me! I’ve lived properly! Why is it only me who gets this?!”

Black Danhwa took a deep breath. She struggled to think logically.

Jeok-un’s daughter. This unexpected daughter was clearly mentioned to be a young girl.

There should be no way she could exist overnight. If so, she must have been here all along…

“Was he always a married man?”

“But Jeok-un never mentioned such a thing…”

“I’ve never even heard a proper story about families.”

“…Is it true that he was a married man?”

A heavy statement pierced the room.

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

Ilma, who had been listening with his arms crossed, muttered coldly.

“If it’s about that guy, I know everything. He has never been married. I’m fully aware of his family relationships. He’s not someone who would lie to me.”

“But still… there’s a daughter…”

“Shut your mouth.”

“Yes.”

Ilma fiddled with his mask.

“So… it’s not likely he has a daughter. But if rumors like that are spreading… doesn’t that mean there’s a reason for such rumors? Or perhaps…”

—Thud thud thud thud…

“It could mean he was involved with some crazy woman. It wasn’t my disciple who approached them first. He’s not that kind of guy.”

The building began to shake. Simply reacting to the flow of energy, the pillars seemed as if they would uproot.

Black Wind let out a silent scream. Black Danhwa and Ju Ryeongryeong rushed to stop him.

“Ilma! It’s collapsing! Calm down!”

“This is a library! It’s dangerous!”

“…Hoo.”

Ilma, who had forced down the energy, called out softly to the two.

“Black Danhwa. Ju Ryeongryeong.”

“Yes, yes!”

“Y-Yes, order us!”

“Preparations should be nearly complete, so get ready to depart. The plan to aid Jeok-un as a rear unit starts now. It might be a bit early, but…”

Ilma chuckled lightly, shrugging his shoulders.

“It’s time to move. Who knows if the child I teach is tangled up with a certain wretched fox… If I find out, send a letter immediately. I’ll lend my blood sea bird.”

“Yes, yes!”

“Keep in mind. Whatever happens… no matter how the mission ends…”

His whisper echoed with the darkness.

Black Danhwa and Ju Ryeongryeong trembled.

“That girl must be dragged before me. She dared to spread nasty rumors about my disciple… She must face the consequences.”

…

The bustling office was piled high with paperwork.

All of it was work that needed to be handled. With the changing circumstances, there were countless forms to be revised.

The Black Death Leader’s disciple, Eun Seol-ran, worked diligently. Fixing the old and creating the new.

Right in front of the Black Death Leader, Sma, who was sprawled out, doing nothing.

“Seol-ran. Why are you working so hard?”

“Since you’ve become lazy, shouldn’t I work hard at least?”

Eun Seol-ran neatly organized the documents. The lazy Sma scratched his butt.

“Lazy. Think about it. I’ve spent my entire life chasing my goals. I only dreamed of becoming the Heavenly Demon. But since that failed… isn’t this backlash to be expected?”

“You’re still lively. I can tell you just want to relax.”

“My body and mind are all torn apart… and my only disciple does not even recognize that. Ah!”

“Deputy Leader. I believe he can hear you.”

“…I’ve never seen the Leader listen to others.”

The Black Death Deputy Leader, Yukma, was dismayed by Sma’s words.

“The very person you brought as Deputy Leader doesn’t even understand me! I must have lived my life wrongly!”

“Leader, should we not be grateful that we survived?”

“I’d have rather died back then than live in distress… cough cough.”

“My injury has healed. I am not deceived any longer.”

“Oh no! A rebellion! A rebellion! Rather than worrying about the Leader’s health, you just blame me! My disciple is only concerned with men… I’ll die all alone!”

“……? Does Eun Seol-ran have an interest from anyone?”

No.

Why is the conversation going this way?!

Eun Seol-ran was flabbergasted.

“Master! Please! Don’t say nonsensical things!”

“Who’s the other party? I’m curious. To steal the heart of Eun Seol-ran, famous for her venom… just who is this nobleman?”

“Venomous?!”

“…That was a slip of the tongue. My apologies, Eun Seol-ran.”

“A slip of the tongue, my foot. It’s true. Whenever the same-aged boys approach, they always get scared off. I raised you, but you’re a beast. A beast.”

“Master!”

“Now I’m even more curious. Just when did you promise each other to be together…?”

“We haven’t even gotten that far yet?!”

Sma waved his hands in the air.

“It’s simple. The Deputy Leader. A note I prepared for you had the guy involved. He’s been keeping the bodyguard position vacant on purpose. That’s not something a true successor to Sma should do. The fact that he’s stubborn means… he’s intending to bring him in as a bodyguard.”

“Oh…? Just who is this warrior? I’m curious.”

“Do you remember? The event that took place in the market. The warrior who protected the Heavenly Demon back then is that fellow’s partner.”

“…….!”

“Ahhhh!!!”

“See that reaction! That’s the thrill of teasing! Want to hear a few more details?”

“Stop it, would you?!”

“Whoa?! You’re arguing back at the Master?! Oh my! The heavens have come crashing down! The relationship between teacher and disciple is a mess! A mess!”

Yukma stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“…It seemed like there was also a close relationship with the previous Master…”

“She’s the one with significant backing.”

“Then this is pretty much perfect on paper. Could he be one of those who have surfaced?”

“Operating in the shadows.”

“Deputy Leader! Stop!”

“Eun Seol-ran. This is crucial. If it goes well, we might establish a connection with the Blood Sea Organization. Historically, marriage was a method used in diplomacy to strengthen ties… this cannot be ignored.”

“Ha-ha. The Deputy Leader has a good eye for the bigger picture!”

“Eun Seol-ran, what is that person’s character? What’s his martial arts? Besides his background, is there anything that can help us?”

“Why… do you ask that?!”

“Since the previous line failed, shouldn’t you aim for the next Heavenly Demon’s position? Once the current Master officially assumes the role of leader, it’s customary to accept the leaders as disciples. However, the current Leader and Deputy Leader have survived unusually, thus becoming a…”

“Ex-?! That’s me?!”

“Your chances are the greatest, indeed. The current situation is unprecedented, so I can’t say how it’ll play out.”

Yukma spread a blank sheet of paper across the desk.

“We need to plan for the future, so it would be appropriate to examine that potential partner closely.”

“I-I have no thoughts about challenging the Heavenly Demon’s position…”

“Opening the possibilities up won’t hurt, will it? Leader?”

“That’s not incorrect. The dreams the Master could not achieve, fulfilled by the disciple, is quite a plausible picture.”

“Eun Seol-ran. I’m not against your relationship with him. I only wish to know who he is. Would you kindly share?”

“W-We’re not even on that level, I’m telling you?!”

“Liar. I saw the both of you being affectionate.”

“…Eun Seol-ran. In this situation, lying is…”

“It’s not true! Really! I-I just…”

Eun Seol-ran’s voice dropped low.

“A-A bit later… who knows…”

“…Am I truly awake? That venomous disciple has such a look on her face?”

“A-Ahhh! Would you knock it off?!”

“What’s gotten into you, disciple?! Ah! How absurd! How absurd!”

“Then, what sort of person is he? What’s his character? Is he trustworthy?”

“He’s trustworthy, but… he’s someone of such high caliber… there’s not a single flaw to be caught…”

“I see. What about his martial arts?”

“He was similar in the past. However…”

“Come on! Could there be anyone from your age better than you? No matter how you try to compare it to your sister, you’re still unmatched now.”

“…There are others similar to me.”

“What? Not just one but others…? Who are they?! You’re the one who should shine the most in the world!”

Yukma’s eyes sparkled.

“Surely you’re talking about the White Bone Death God and Seob Honyohee, right?”

“Correct.”

“Those two would indeed stand a chance.”

“…Aren’t they the martial artists that your sister recently picked up? Tsk. Then I have nothing to say. I don’t know where your sister picked them up, but her eye for talent is unquestionable.”

“There’s one more.”

“One more? Who is it?”

“Blood Sea Candidate, Baekmae. Current Blood Sea member Myo Ye-rin is raising her. I’ve heard… she’s already grown strong enough to rival the Blood Sea.”

“…Where did you get all this information?”

“I won’t answer that. Let’s just say it’s from acquaintances.”

“Such stories haven’t even entered the Black Death’s information network…?”

Yukma, baffled, cleared his throat.

“Looks like we veered off the topic. Then I’ll ask differently. Eun Seol-ran… do you genuinely care for that person?”

Eun Seol-ran hesitated. Turning back to her emotions.

She nodded.

“…Yes. Of course.”

“Hmm. I see.”

“Deputy Leader, we should be asking something else. We should ask about his romantic affairs; that would be more interesting, right?”

“Does he have issues with women?”

“I’ve seen several myself.”

“Those are just kids hanging around.”

“He must have good looks…”

“It’s not just that; it’s a problem.”

“Ha-ha! How foolish you sound! But you know, disciple.”

“What?”

“I’ve done a bit of groundwork for you. How could Sma’s disciple be overtaken by another woman? Love affairs thrive on information. Understanding what others like and what they are doing gives you the upper hand in strategy.”

“…….?”

Sma straightened his body, snapping his fingers.

A bird flew in through the opened window. Tied to its ankle was a letter.

“This is information I prepared just for you. I haven’t even peeked at it.”

“…….”

“It should contain information regarding Jeok-un.”

“Master…”

“Sma’s disciple must obtain everything they desire…!”

Sma grinned.

“Use that information to get ahead of the others…! Disciple…!”

“Y-You’re surprisingly helpful at times…!”

“That remark stings a bit.”

Eun Seol-ran loosened the letter tied to the bird’s foot. She checked the contents.

“…Oh?”

Eun Seol-ran’s body froze. Her expression was unsettling enough that Sma casually approached her.

“Don’t tell me… there’s a death notification in there?”

Yukma couldn’t contain his curiosity and leaned closer to the letter.

“…Leader?”

“Why?”

“Is the other party… married?”

“What kind of nonsense is that?”

“Oh no…”

Curses spilled from Eun Seol-ran’s mouth.

Because of the word “daughter” written in the letter.

“Damn…?!”

…

“Hey.”

“Yes?”

Blood Sea member Myo Ye-rin gazed down at a dust-covered beauty.

The more she looked, the more it was evident; her appearance was exceedingly rare.

So blessed. So blessed.

But you know…

Who would have thought that the one who stole her heart would be a legendary rake?

“Did you finish everything you needed to do today?”

“I did it all. Everything’s done perfectly, from start to finish.”

“…Really?”

I should tell her this, but my mouth won’t open.

Haah…

Why do I have to ponder this?

“…That…”

“What is it? If you’re going to speak, say it quickly.”

“Master speaking in such a manner is…”

“Didn’t you call me here because it’s urgent?”

“W-Well…”

Myo Ye-rin sighed.

“You know Jeok-un.”

“W-What about that person?! How’s he doing?! Is he okay?!”

“…….”

“P-Please tell me! I-There’s no bad news… right?”

“It’s not that type of bad news… It’s just… bad news in a different context…”

“Eh?”

“That… daughter…”

Her eyes sparkled. Only her eyes shone brightly on her muddy face, making it all the more difficult to speak.

She was pretty, incredibly pretty, but why make it so hard to say…

Yet Myo Ye-rin squashed her feelings tightly.

Right. It’s not the child’s fault; it’s the other party’s, right?

That guy who even deceived her about being married!

“…He said he has a… daughter.”

“…What?”

“He has a daughter. That guy. Jeok-un.”

“…….?”

In an instant, Baekmae’s face twisted. She tilted her head, questioning if she’d misheard.

“Daughter…?”

After whispering this to herself, she raised her head again. She was smiling, but her slightly distorted lips looked terrifying.

So chillingly.

“That’s not funny, Master. Seriously.”

“…….”

“Are you joking? Did that guy get married? He’s never mentioned such a thing to me… not even once?”

“…….”

“Really? Master? Master?”

“…Um…”

Myo Ye-rin unconsciously took a step back.

Recently, that guy’s martial arts has risen so high that he’s become a threat to her.

If her enemy, the Soul Capture Madman Shim Sahyun, were to face off against her again…

There’s no doubt he’d be sliced to pieces in real-time. For sure. This disciple before her had grown that strong.

With talents and efforts diverging completely.

Yet, there she was, smiling. Terrifyingly so.

“…Interesting! Aha! This is fun! Really!

Myo Ye-rin’s laughing was so frenzied that she involuntarily hiccuped.

Did I spill too much…?

“Brother… it’s really fun! Eeehehe…?”

…

Four women disappeared from inside the Demon Cult around the same time.

To find someone.

 

---