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I just heard something.

“Did they say ‘No Access’…?”

Elder Lee was whistling and avoiding eye contact, but it certainly sounded like that.

“No Access…?”

Whether it was ‘No Entry’ or ‘No Access’, the difference in words doesn’t matter.

What’s important is that Elder Lee is in that situation, right?

‘If he is… who did it to him?’

Given the way he spoke, it seems like the Martial Alliance might be involved…

No matter how I think about it, it just doesn’t make sense.

‘Why would Elder Lee…?’

How did that old man end up in such a predicament? For me, that was the biggest issue.

Of course, he has a fiery temper, is a bit insane, and could compete for the title of most eccentric in the Gu Clan.

“Your expression is strange. Are you cursing me in your head?”

“Of course not.”

He’s surprisingly perceptive, though. At least he wasn’t a person who committed anything that deserved punishment.

‘…’

I paused for a brief moment as a thought struck me.

Could it truly be…?

Memories from my childhood flashed through my mind.

“Ugh…!”

“Yangcheon?”

Suddenly, I felt a dizzying sensation wash over me.

It was likely because I didn’t want to recall that memory.

If it were that man, it might just be plausible. A sudden doubt crept in.

However.

‘…Still, this is quite far-fetched.’

Unless he did something extraordinarily reckless, the Martial Alliance wouldn’t make such a decision easily.

Reaching the level of ‘No Access’ is…

‘Impossible unless they officially labeled him as a Demonic Faction.’

If he were a martial artist, he might be seen as part of the Demonic Faction.

For other groups, they would distrust and avoid the Alliance.

For the Martial Alliance to restrict entry to an area carries significant connotations.

‘Elder Lee…?’

The elder of a great house and a martial master from the Righteous Faction was denied entry to Hanam?

What on earth could he have done to warrant that?

Additionally, it’s strange that despite such a situation, he wasn’t labeled as Demonic. I had never even heard of this incident before.

“Elder Lee… just what did you mean by that?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean what you just said.”

“What about it?”

“No, that you were banned from entering Hanam…”

“What do you mean?”

“…”

Oh, I see.

I nodded as I observed Elder Lee’s reaction.

‘Is he trying to play dumb?’

Elder Lee was starting to act as if nothing had happened.

Am I just supposed to let that slide?

“No, you just said it.”

There was no way I could just drop it like that.

Determined to get a response, I pressed on, clutching at his words.

“Elder Lee, you were just saying how the Alliance has restricted your access…”

“By the way, Yangcheon, I was wondering what would happen if you sat in the Great Lord’s seat and became the Lesser Clan Leader.”

“…That might not be possible. I mean, something likely happened, right?”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, definitely.”

“Hahaha—!”

“Hahaha…”

I quickly retracted what I was about to say.

‘This damn old man…’

When it comes to being cheeky, Elder Lee can’t be surpassed.

Though he seemed oblivious, Elder Lee was quite aware of what I was worrying about.

He warned me that if I pry too much, he might dive in too.

‘Damn it.’

Thanks to that, I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut.

Even after a long time apart, dealing with him was no easy task.

Thud, thud.

A large hand repeatedly patted my shoulder.

“You seem to be doing well.”

“…I’d like to ask something, though.”

“Hmm?”

“Is it really alright for you to be here if you’re banned…?”

I wouldn’t ask why it was banned, but I needed to confirm if he was allowed to be here.

Couldn’t this create a problem?

As I nervously inquired, he responded.

“Hmm? Ah, hahaha! In that case, it’s fine.”

Elder Lee laughed heartily as he answered.

“As long as you don’t get caught, it’s all good, right? Hahaha!”

“…”

Hearing that made me pinch the bridge of my nose.

‘A damn disaster. That clearly means it’s not fine!’

There was no way to respond. How could he be like this?

As we conversed, my frustration grew.

“Sigh…”

Unable to hold it in any longer, I let out a deep sigh and suddenly felt a pain in my back.

Bam!

“Ugh!?”

“Tsk, tsk. What is this young lad worrying about that’s got him sighing?”

“…”

It’s because of you, isn’t it?

I couldn’t say that aloud, so I shook my head slightly.

In any case.

“Let’s put that aside for now…. So, did you really come to see me?”

The incident with the White Grade Demon Beast and the change of aliases.

Did he really come here for that?

Growing curious, I asked.

“Hmm, that’s not the main point, but it is a big part of the reason.”

With Elder Lee’s words, I felt a hint of relief.

While this was a part of the reason, it seemed the actual issue was different.

I focused on his words.

‘Yes, that makes sense.’

The distance from Mount Shan to Hanam, along with the time it would take for the news to reach there.

Weighing all that, it didn’t seem reasonable for Elder Lee to arrive here immediately after hearing the news.

If we were to dissect it, it could be possible.

‘Elder Lee is, after all, a master of transformation.’

If he exerted all his strength, it wouldn’t be impossible.

Especially considering the powers Elder Lee possesses could activate the body to its maximum limit.

While it’s not entirely impossible, I still hoped that wasn’t the case.

Thus, I felt relieved upon hearing that.

“Do you know how surprised I was when I came here? I could’ve scared an old man!”

He ruffled his hair again. It seemed there wasn’t much hair left to mess up.

“…Nothing too severe happened.”

“Nothing severe? This brat…!”

“What exactly did you come here for? Please tell me that first.”

As I interrupted what seemed to be a long story, Elder Lee frowned.

He looked rather menacing, and for a moment, I felt intimidated.

Would he get angry? I was ready to dodge if that was the case.

“…It’s nothing major.”

Fortunately, Elder Lee didn’t get angry but instead explained in a begrudging tone.

“There’s an old man who has been throwing a fit to go with me.”

“Pardon?”

“I don’t know if he’s lost it in his old age, but he won’t come out of his room. He said he needs bodyguards.”

“…?”

The more I listened, the more bewildered I became.

No matter how I tried to wrap my head around it, I couldn’t see it as straightforward.

So,

‘Someone asked you to go with them… and you were dragged here because they needed a bodyguard?’

That Elder Lee?

He was dragged here for such a trivial role?

‘What kind of nonsense is that?’

It had to be a joke!

Elder Lee is one of the few people my father wouldn’t dare disrespect in the Gu Clan.

While the clan leader sits above in stature, it’s a respectful relationship, not one where he would be treated with disdain.

Even though Elder Lee caused a scene in the past and could control me as his direct descendant, he still held a respected position.

That elder would come to Hanam just to act as a bodyguard?

“What the hell does that mean?”

“Anyway, he should have gracefully aged instead of growing stubborn… Tsk tsk. It’s no wonder my daughter dislikes him so much.”

“Elder…?”

“Anyway, this is how it’s turned out, so let’s head out.”

“…What do you mean suddenly ‘let’s go’? And, where exactly are we going?”

Nothing had been resolved yet, but Elder Lee was already trying to take me somewhere.

I instinctively resisted, as if to imply I wouldn’t go.

“Huh?”

“Huh? It’s not about you suddenly dragging me away.”

“Oh, it’s nothing special. That old man wants to see you. Since we’re here anyway, wouldn’t it be nice to stop by and say hi?”

“Are you seriously treating this like an invitation to lunch? I don’t even know who you’re talking about!”

It seemed like Elder Lee brought someone with him, but even so, the idea of meeting the person made no sense.

Besides, I had a lot to do today.

I hadn’t even seen my kids yet, and now I’m supposed to prioritize meeting someone?

So, I initially planned to stick to my refusal.

“Hmm… How can you not know who it is? That’s not entirely accurate. It’s hard not to recognize him at all.”

Elder Lee stroked his beard while stating.

“If I had to be specific, he’s your grandfather.”

“…What!?”

His words crumpled my expression entirely.

Hearing ‘grandfather’ brought back very unpleasant memories for me recently.

Past noon, as daylight grew brighter.

Hanam.

Among the areas managed by the Baekhwa Sect.

There walked two women, both strikingly beautiful with long hair.

One had black hair with a red tint, and she looked quite uncomfortable, frowning as if something was pestering her.

The other, a black-haired woman, seemed less concerned about her companion’s reaction, busy taking in the surrounding scenery.

As they continued to walk, one of them suddenly spoke.

“…Why did they really call us?”

One of the women, Gu Huibi, expressed her anxiousness.

“Really, why did they call us? Did I do something wrong? No… I’ve hidden my mistakes well!”

Tap, tap, tap.

Gu Huibi, in a flurry of anxiety, chewed on her innocent fingers.

Seeing this, the other woman gripped her arm gently.

“Sis, stop nibbling.”

“…Oh, right.”

“Just relax.”

“…You seem to be doing better.”

“…That’s not true…?”

Gu Huibi lied.

The other woman sensed it. She had noticed how Gu Huibi had been trembling since receiving the letter that morning.

“Really, really, I’m fine. Everything will be alright. I mean, it should, right?”

“Should we go back home?”

“No… if we go home like this, we might die, you know.”

“Die? Why?”

“Didn’t you say before?”

Gu Huibi’s hand fidgeted restlessly. It was as if she felt a chill creeping in.

“…I have only two things I fear in this world.”

Just two things.

Gu Huibi was terrified of only two things, one being.

“An angry mother.”

“Mother?”

“Yes, when she gets angry, she’s genuinely terrifying.”

The thought alone was frightening.

A woman who had never learned any martial arts—her mother—would always make Gu Huibi feel like a drenched rat.

“…There was once, back when I was messing around with my little brother.”

Her younger brother. The only male sibling she had.

Excited to play together, they had fallen from a great height during one of their antics.

At that time, Gu Yangcheon protested, claiming he was scared, but Gu Huibi pushed him, insisting it would be fun.

– No, no, sis! That’s too high! Ahhh—!

At the time, Gu Huibi didn’t realize.

She often landed perfectly, but unfortunately, Gu Yangcheon couldn’t do the same.

Consequently, he fell and ended up with a nasty wound on his face.

Had he not been treated quickly, it might have left a scar.

Fortunately, Gu Yangcheon got proper care, and there were no lingering issues…

But.

The real problem was their mother, Mi Hyo-ran.

Upon hearing the news, Mi Hyo-ran had immediately abandoned what she was doing and returned to the Gu Clan.

After assessing Gu Yangcheon’s injuries and circumstances, she secretly summoned Gu Huibi.

‘Ugh…’

Just recalling that day makes Gu Huibi tremble.

That day was a living hell.

Gu Huibi learned what it truly meant for words to have the power to kill.

She wasn’t just bombarded with a hundred or two hundred reasons why she should never have done that.

She also heard terrifying warnings of what would happen next time.

It had taken months of her life under an intense educational regimen taught by their mother.

It was such a grave matter that even the stoic clan leader intervened, advising her to stop.

Mi Hyo-ran was the fiercest thing Gu Huibi had ever encountered.

That feeling was always there, and when she received a letter like this from her—

‘…This should be a sign.’

She wasn’t coming to her; rather, she expected Gu Huibi to come and face her.

“What’s the matter…?”

What did I mess up?

No, the question actually was: What exactly was discovered?

Thinking about it was becoming dizzying.

‘There have been far too many incidents.’

The mischief she had engaged in was simply countless.

Was it when the nameless Lesser Clan Leader was creeping around that she stepped in and accidentally stomped on it?

Or was it when she caught a glimpse of the gluttonous Clan Leader who had a thing for continuously feasting on the servants, burning all her hair off? Rumor had it that the Clan Leader was associated with the Baekhwa Sect.

If not that…

‘Catching sight of the precious vase mother held in high esteem when I secretly sold it…?’

It wasn’t just one or two misdeeds. Ah, what if… it wasn’t just a single issue but everything?

If everything got revealed? That sounds like a genuine death penalty.

What if she just fled?

Yes, running would definitely be the right choice.

Steeling her resolve, Gu Huibi immediately turns to leave but.

“Young lady.”

“…”

Lost in thought, she had already arrived at her destination, and the person she was searching for was already waiting there.

Upon seeing him, Gu Huibi awkwardly forced a smile.

“…It’s been a while.”

“How have you been doing?”

“…Of course…”

“I’ll be your guide from now on.”

“Ah, but… I think I might have left something behind. Should I just run back and grab it?”

“Is that so? The Clan Leader is waiting for you. A little late, but I’d been told to usher you.”

“It seems like you have no choice…”

“Let’s go.”

Looks like there’s no escaping this meeting.

Gu Huibi’s expression turned pale as she stepped into the house.

Just like before, the inner dwelling was even more meticulously maintained.

It felt as if it was blessing her upon arriving at the end of her life.

“Haha.”

“Huh?”

“Oh, it’s just that seeing butterflies is making me feel a bit amused.”

“Butterflies…?”

Though it was a strange response, the attendant chose not to pry further.

As she resumed walking, Gu Huibi suddenly glanced to the side.

Delicate white flower buds peeked out from the bushes here and there.

“…”

For a moment, Gu Huibi stared at that sight.

The names of those flowers barely lingered in her memory.

Although they were not her mother’s favorite, they were the most commonly grown ones by her.

Gu Huibi was aware of which was someone else’s favorite.

– Of course, our Huibi is beautiful, so this suits her well. Do you want to join in, Yeon-seo?

A warm yet chilly hand had once placed a flower in her ear.

That was the flower loved by that person.

It bloomed vibrantly throughout the corners of this residence.

Even though those flowers had all been removed from the Gu Clan.

Lost in thought, as Gu Huibi reminisced,

“A young lady?”

The attendant called out, dragging Gu Huibi back to reality.

Upon hearing the call, Gu Huibi quickly turned her head.

“I’ll be right there.”

Stepping forward to shake off her thoughts, Gu Huibi continued on. However,

“…”

The black-haired woman who had been walking with her was quietly watching the flowers.

Even as Gu Huibi began to distance herself, she seemed to focus intently on one flower before finally turning back to chase after her.

Eventually, they were led into the inner dwelling.

As I drew closer, Gu Huibi’s expression grew increasingly grim, but there was no turning back.

The fact that an attendant had already arrived meant this was under Mi Hyo-ran’s control.

Even if she escaped now, it would bring her greater trouble later if she was caught.

‘Right.’

If I was going to be scolded anyway, it’s better to face it head-on.

After all, I’m her daughter, so it’s not like she’d really kill me, right? With that thought in mind, Gu Huibi nodded.

“Alright, I’ll take my leave now.”

“Could you stay a little longer…?”

“What?”

“No, nothing…”

As she hesitated in keeping the attendant back, it felt somewhat too desperate, so she decided against it.

The perplexed attendant left.

Surrounded by an atmosphere feeling a bit stark, Gu Huibi turned her head.

As always, this large residence felt lonely.

This wasn’t her family’s main house, but Mi Hyo-ran’s places had a similar essence.

Vast spaces where it felt like someone was supposed to come visit.

However, given Mi Hyo-ran’s personality, it was hard to imagine her warmly inviting guests. The residences she maintained all possessed that peculiar sense.

As a child, Gu Huibi had thought perhaps her mother simply preferred big houses.

However, as she matured, her perspective shifted slightly.

There must be a reason behind it.

Gu Huibi thought to herself.

“…Where could mother be?”

Swallowing dryly, she glanced around.

With a face filled with tension as if she were going to meet the God of Death.

Gu Huibi nervously scanned her surroundings.

And then.

-…This…

-Yes!

Soft voices drifted from nearby.

‘Is that where it’s coming from?’

As the sound grew clearer, Gu Huibi moved toward it.

– Would you like this too?

– Yes! I’m glad you like it.

– Yum!

– Hehe, you’re eating well.

‘…?’

Gu Huibi’s expression slightly tightened.

Something felt off.

‘There are two voices.’

Why were there two voices in her mother’s room?

Even worse, one sounded like a child’s voice.

Especially a voice she felt she knew from somewhere.

One that made her want to tease and bother them.

The remaining voice was unmistakably her mother’s.

– You shouldn’t spill while eating. Let me wipe your mouth, come here.

– Yes!

“…”

No way, she couldn’t express such tenderness!

She had never heard her mother speak in that kind of gentle, soft tone before.

Even the way they were conversing made no sense.

Telling someone to come over so she could wipe their mouth?

‘That’s impossible.’

Her mother always lectured her on table manners and behavior!

Now she’s saying something like that?

The situation was incomprehensible.

With her heart racing, Gu Huibi carefully approached the door.

– Clan Leader, can I eat some more of this?

– Of course. Should I give you something else to try too?

– Yes! I like the Clan Leader!

– I told you to call me something else.

– Oh, right.

Having reached the door, Gu Huibi’s trembling hand grasped the handle.

Creak—!

The moment she opened the door,

“Grandma, I love you!”

“Well, I also love my grandchild very much…”

Mi Hyo-ran and Gu Huibi’s eyes locked.

“…”

“…”

A moment of silence loomed over them.

For Gu Huibi, it felt like she had been thrown into a completely different realm of hell.

 

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