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“What do you think I am?”

“What do you think my identity is?”

At that question, the leader reacted.

My body was still trembling, and most importantly, the gaze directed at me had changed.

It felt as if they looked at me with a mix of absurdity and subtle contempt.

But now, it was completely different.

In their eyes, I could see confusion, along with a large question mark and an unknown anxiety swirling around.

It was strange that they had changed so suddenly.

‘Was what I just did that strange?’

As I recalled the cause of their reaction, it must have been what I did just moments ago.

I couldn’t quite grasp it.

‘What is this all about?’

I thought it was probably just a power similar to the Dragon Words.

Of course,

‘Dragon Words are indeed a strange power.’

Just by pouring my power into words, I could limit the actions of my opponent.

While that alone was indeed an odd power, it seemed there must be something deeper behind the leader’s reaction.

‘What could it be?’

I wanted to pinpoint the reason, but…

“You don’t know, do you?”

At the same time, I had to seize the moment.

“You wouldn’t be able to.”

“…What on earth…?”

The leader was flustered. I couldn’t let this opportunity pass by.

“Do you remember what I said at the beginning?”

I bombarded him with words like an avalanche.

“Do you want to stay in that position forever? Or do you want to rise higher?”

“…”

The leader had no reply.

But that was fine.

I knew his ears were wide open.

“I told you. I know people like you too well.”

Those with desire glimmering in their eyes.

Those who would stop at nothing for that.

Whether it meant defying destiny or shattering their own beliefs.

People like that wouldn’t care about such things.

In my eyes, the leader was that kind of person.

If not, it just wouldn’t make sense.

‘If he wasn’t, why would he be standing here, staring at me?’

There was no need for guessing.

No need for calculations.

If there was suspicion about me,

They would have used it, told that disgusting Mongmong character, or even tried to eliminate me because they thought I was a danger.

However,

‘He didn’t do that.’

This guy didn’t do that.

This means that…

‘What he wants, or…’

That I could possibly be helpful for what he desires.

He was weighing that possibility.

Which meant, in the end, the leader had some desires.

‘I knew it from the moment he faced Gu Bong.’

One of his sons was lying on the ground, and the other was at the point of escape.

But the father didn’t even glance at his children; he was looking at me.

Even though I had just slaughtered one of those sons.

Did he say he would give me the position of next leader?

‘Is he insane?’

I truly thought he was crazy. Of course, given this was another world, there could be some cultural differences.

I also thought of that.

‘No way.’

From Gu Bong’s reaction, it didn’t seem like that was the case.

It simply appeared that this man was a weirdo.

Someone who had desires and would stop at nothing to obtain them.

And then, I showed up.

It seemed I possessed something he needed.

In that situation,

‘What if I showed him something more?’

What if I revealed something unexpected?

I vaguely knew what kind of reaction the leader would have.

“You know the method, don’t you?”

The words spilled out with confidence, causing the leader’s brow to furrow.

“…That’s…”

It was spot on.

It was just a casual throwaway line, yet the leader’s reaction confirmed my suspicions.

“How far do you want to rise? Show me your ambition.”

“…”

The leader’s eyes wavered.

The astonishment that had gripped him began to fade, replaced by hesitation fueled by ambition.

This was the opportunity.

“Listen carefully.”

Squeak.

I stepped closer, locking eyes with the leader.

“This is me giving you a chance. I’m not just throwing you a lifeline.”

Inescapably.

“I’m giving you the opportunity to walk alongside me, to stand by my side.”

“…”

Grrr.

I focused my heart, sending a jolt of energy through me.

Not just any energy, but demonic energy, so my eyes probably shifted to a deep purple.

“…”

The leader still had no response. The silence was tense, but this was enough for now.

I pulled back from my closer stance and added,

“The choice is yours. However.”

At that moment, I didn’t forget to smile.

“I won’t give you too long to think. By the next time we meet, make your decision. Then—”

Swish. I turned my back and walked towards the door.

“I will tell you how I can help you achieve what you desire.”

Without hesitation, I grasped the doorknob.

As I pulled it open, the Heavenly Demon waited just outside, as if anticipating my exit.

Those waiting outside looked surprised as they glanced inside.

But since nothing was particularly amiss, there was no issue.

Creeeak.

The door began to close slowly.

Until then, the leader just gazed at me with a stiff expression. Silence still echoed in the air.

Bang.

And just like that, the door was completely shut.

‘Hah.’

Only then did I let out the breath I had been holding.

At the same time, I recalled the energy I had scattered around.

‘Fortunately, it seems it didn’t attract attention.’

I had spread my energy around as a precaution, but thankfully, I didn’t need to use it.

If a situation had occurred…

‘…That would have been tedious.’

Not just tedious, it would have been complete chaos.

‘There would probably be a General around too.’

Mongmong.

Or Yusa.

That ruler of Yawol must be somewhere, and if things went south, it would be me in trouble.

‘…Somehow made it through.’

This wasn’t my original goal, but the progress itself wasn’t bad.

Making the leader fall deep into thought was an achievement in itself. Additionally,

‘Anyway, since it looks like the answer is already set.’

I was somewhat certain of what he would choose.

Just looking at his expression told me enough.

‘Of course, I’ll prepare for any uncertainties…but who knows.’

Would he ever pick something else?

I didn’t think so.

So,

‘…Now I should seriously think about it.’

When the leader makes his choice, I need to provide him with the solution he desires.

That…

‘…I really haven’t thought about it.’

Right now, it felt more like I had acted impulsively.

So, I needed to start searching for it now.

But…

‘It doesn’t seem that difficult.’

After all, I already knew the answer.

I stepped out of the Black Family and headed towards the outside.

By then, the sunset had long faded, and night was steadily approaching.

Lights twinkled on the street, seemingly waiting for the night’s arrival, and for some reason, people looked more lively than during the day.

‘They say those chosen by the night…’

The Beast Humans, known as the Moonlit Night, are said to be children of the night. Perhaps they were looking forward to it?

I walked among them, surveying the surroundings.

Of course, the Heavenly Demon accompanied me.

‘…Hmmm.’

I glanced at the Heavenly Demon. She had ears but no tail and still needed to hide beneath a cloak.

She seemed quite fascinated by the bustling night market, looking around with wide eyes.

Curiosity and wonder.

The Heavenly Demon’s eyes sparkled with those emotions.

So pure and clear. Just like…

‘…Wi Seol-Ah.’

The way Wi Seol-Ah looked at me.

It strikingly resembled the current moment, causing me to squint my eyes.

Trying to brush that thought off, I turned to follow the Heavenly Demon’s gaze.

“…What are you looking at?”

What could be so fascinating to her? My curiosity piqued as I realized she was focused on a street vendor.

A place selling various foods, like something out of the Central Plains.

At first glance, it was filled with unfamiliar items, but the aroma wafting through was delightful.

“…”

After glancing at it, I turned my attention back to the Heavenly Demon.

She was still staring at the vendor intently.

Could it be that…

“…Do you want something to eat?”

“Yeah.”

“…”

Hearing her bold answer made me run my hand through my hair.

Is it possible she inherited not just her face but also her appetite? Even now, she wishes to eat?

While I was in disbelief, I sighed and led the Heavenly Demon toward the vendor.

Why was I even stepping in there?

Even while moving, I questioned myself.

What on earth was I doing?

Questions kept flooding in, yet the actions continued.

At first, I thought it was because she resembled Wi Seol-Ah.

“What do you want to eat?”

“…Just one?”

“Of course. Do you have any money?”

“None.”

“Then how can you possibly choose? You’re getting one and that’s it.”

“Got it.”

Yet, seeing the Heavenly Demon focusing hard on picking food made me rethink again.

‘Slightly uncomfortable.’

It felt incredibly uneasy.

Just watching her made my insides churn.

As if saying I shouldn’t treat the Heavenly Demon like this.

I felt like someone was clawing at my insides.

Stop it.

Stop right now.

Behave yourself.

Yelling inside me, I screamed.

‘What do you mean, behave?’

How absurd.

Exactly. If I was going to behave, I shouldn’t be doing this.

‘I should’ve killed her sooner.’

As soon as the possibility arose, I should off the Heavenly Demon.

I should’ve done whatever it took to eliminate her.

‘What on earth am I doing?’

What am I doing?

Buying food for a Heavenly Demon in another world.

‘…Living like this, feeding the Heavenly Demon.’

Who would’ve guessed that one day I would do such a thing for that proud and arrogant being?

“…Tsk.”

As I recalled that thought and clicked my tongue, the Heavenly Demon flinched.

“I’ll pick quickly.”

She then said carefully, as though she was treading on eggshells.

“…”

A Heavenly Demon being cautious around me?

In my frustration, I wanted to grab my head in an exasperated manner.

This truly wasn’t the time for this.

‘…What are the kids doing?’

What’s the situation in the Central Plains?

Though the time flow is different here, it’s still flowing.

If they realized I was gone, I couldn’t imagine how they’d react.

‘So I need to hurry back.’

Even knowing that, here I was playing house with the Heavenly Demon.

“…Huff…”

A sigh was about to escape, but it wouldn’t.

“Over there.”

In the meantime, the Heavenly Demon pointed at something.

It was a skewer with something thickly punctured onto a stick.

It looked like meat, but I couldn’t tell what it was.

“That one?”

“Yeah.”

“Just one, please.”

Before finishing my words, the vendor quickly handed over the skewer.

I paid the price and handed it to the Heavenly Demon, who immediately popped it into her mouth with eager eyes.

“Move aside—!!”

“Clear the way!”

A voice blared from far down the street.

“What?”

What now? Confusion washed over me as I looked out to see a flag approaching.

“Hmm?”

I squinted at the sight. It was a familiar flag.

‘That one.’

I had seen it before.

When I surveyed the situation from a high point in Yawol.

‘I believe it was blue or some color.’

I recalled that this was one of the houses among the remaining two clans not named White or Black.

If that were true…

‘Are they Nobles?’

That meant those thugs were some form of nobility.

Recognizing this, I subtly pulled back.

They may not be able to see me, but it’d be better than common visibility.

I distanced myself slightly, waiting for the carriage to pass by.

As it moved through the crowd, I watched it with curiosity.

‘Isn’t that a horse?’

The creatures pulling the carriage were surprisingly not horses.

Two giant wolves.

Beasts of such size that they wouldn’t be outmatched even in comparison to horses.

Grrrr.

The wolves snorted as they passed.

The carriage was about to move past when—

Screech.

Suddenly, the carriage stopped right in front of us.

‘Hmm…?’

I furrowed my brow at the unexpected halt of the carriage.

I felt something wake within me.

‘This is ominous…?’

My instincts were telling me that something bad was about to unfold.

In that very moment,

Creeeak-!

The carriage door swung open, revealing a handsome guy with blue hair.

He had strikingly sharp features, reminiscent of Woo Hyeok.

Exactly as he appeared, all those around him knelt in reverence.

What’s going on here?

My understanding waned further due to the strange unfolding of events.

“Girl.”

He spoke, looking specifically at the Heavenly Demon.

“You are beautiful. Become mine.”

With that, he declared.

“What the hell is this psycho saying?”

I found myself yelling without thinking.

 

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