Chapter 200 : Seolyoung, Stays Calm
Chapter 200: Seolyoung, Stays Calm
Baek Seolyoung was standing on the pavilion, looking out at the distant horizon.
An incredibly beautiful scenery unfolded before her. Soon, the sunset would paint the sky, adding the word 'fantastic' to this beauty.
The place where she stood was the house that Lee Jaseung had built for her as a birthday present.
Lee Jaseung had said she could tear it down if it was too much of a burden, but she had decided to leave it as it was. She could not simply demolish a gift he had given her.
Sometimes, when she felt down or missed Lee Jaseung, she would come here alone and gaze at the setting sun. It felt as though Lee Jaseung might walk toward her from the end of that road at any moment.
Just then, Mook Young's voice transmission reached her.
— Someone is coming.
How wonderful it would be if it were Lee Jaseung, but the man who entered the front yard of the pavilion was none other than Yeo Su-in.
Ma Young-gi appeared before him, just as he was about to greet Baek Seolyoung on the pavilion.
"Stop."
Ma Young-gi glared at him coldly. He truly disliked this Yeo Su-in. He disliked the fact that he was the successor of the Demonic Cult, and especially that he kept hovering around Baek Seolyoung.
He felt like thrusting his spear into him repeatedly and turning him into a beehive.
Of course, the opponent would not meekly let him, nor should he do such a thing, but still.
Since the displeasure was so blatant, Yeo Su-in could not have been unaware of the animosity.
Yeo Su-in immediately pointed out the two short spears Ma Young-gi wore on his hips.
"Oh ho, that's unusual. A guard who uses a spear."
As he said, it was rare for guards to use a spear. They did not use long weapons like spears because they primarily needed to be in stealth.
"Shouldn't a true guard discard the spear and choose the sword? I'm asking if you're fit to be a guard with such a mentality."
Ma Young-gi's spear was irrelevant to that point since he carried it in two separable pieces. He was saying those words despite clearly seeing it.
Naturally, Ma Young-gi's response was not favorable.
"I heard that Demonic Humans are originally taciturn?"
At the counter-attack asking why he was so talkative, Yeo Su-in's expression visibly hardened.
But, perhaps conscious of Baek Seolyoung, he laughed heartily and said,
"Hahaha, you should discard the prejudice that Demonic Humans are not cheerful."
Ma Young-gi, his face still expressionless, muttered,
"Cheerfulness and talkativeness are separate matters."
Yeo Su-in's narrowed eyes expressed displeasure, which then quickly turned into a wider laugh.
"Hahahaha, it must be very difficult to employ someone like this as a subordinate, Young Lady Baek."
Yeo Su-in said, looking up at the pavilion.
"He, too, must find it difficult because people visit without notice. I hope Young Master Yeo understands."
At first glance, the words seemed to be in consideration of Yeo Su-in, but she was actually siding with Ma Young-gi and reprimanding Yeo Su-in for visiting abruptly.
She added one more thing.
"And you should use the title 'Lady' for me, not 'Young Lady'."
"Haha, I forgot. That is because Lady Baek is so young and beautiful."
"You flatter me."
Meanwhile, Baek Seolyoung sent a voice transmission to Mook Young.
— Where should I meet this person?
She figured she could not turn him away if he was determined to visit. Therefore, she asked Mook Young in advance where the most advantageous location for protection would be.
— Meet him in the yard.
A wide space was more convenient for several people to deal with one person.
— That's exactly what I hoped for.
She did not want to let Yeo Su-in into the house Lee Jaseung had given her as a gift after all.
Baek Seolyoung asked him,
"But how did you know where to find this place? Did you perhaps follow me?"
"How could I? I just happened to be passing by and rushed here when I saw Lady Baek from a distance."
She thought he was very good at telling a smooth lie.
"Please wait a moment. I will come down."
Baek Seolyoung descended.
— Please stall for as much time as possible.
Following Mook Young's request, Baek Seolyoung walked slowly.
Compared to her composure, Mook Young was extremely tense because of the nature of his mission.
Meeting the successor of the Demonic Cult, whose intentions were unknown, in such a secluded place was truly a dangerous matter.
Furthermore, they had only brought the minimum number of personnel here. Just himself, Ma Young-gi, and about ten guards from the Black Way Alliance's Guard Hall.
In other words, Baek Seolyoung's outing today was officially an outing accompanied only by Ma Young-gi, who was responsible for the Murim Alliance's security.
Another report that tensed Mook Young.
— The New Ten Demon Kings of the Demonic Cult are waiting about twenty jang away.
There was no guarantee that he and Ma Young-gi could subdue Yeo Su-in alone. His martial arts level was not precisely known.
Mook Young quickly sent a voice transmission to his subordinate.
— Explain the situation to Captain Mu and request help.
— Understood.
The situation required Mujin to come with the Divine Sword Regiment.
Mook Young sent a voice transmission to the remaining subordinates.
— Everyone, stay sharp.
— Yes, understood.
The fortunate thing was that the opponent knew Lee Jaseung's original identity. Since there was no need to hide their true identities, they could fight openly if necessary.
Baek Seolyoung descended the pavilion as slowly as possible and stepped out into the yard.
"Please step back for a moment."
Her words made Ma Young-gi move to the side. However, he only withdrew to a distance where he could protect her at any moment, and he assembled the spear he wore at his waist.
"I have to speak with you here, as I haven't cleaned the room. I hope you understand."
"The surrounding scenery is pleasant, and it's not confining, so I prefer this place."
"Thank you for thinking that way."
"Did you hear the news that I requested an audience with you?"
"Yes."
"Hahaha, then we can meet comfortably now."
She slowly observed Yeo Su-in.
His appearance was handsome, and his words and actions were self-assured. He was the type of person who knew too well that he was capable.
While he might be better than the child of a prestigious family who only boasted of money or power, he did not hold any great attraction for her.
And one more thing.
She had not noticed it the first time, but today, facing him again, she felt an inexplicable sense of rejection. Although various prejudices were at play, the feeling was quite strong even factoring them in.
"May I ask you a personal question?"
"Ask whatever you like."
"Why did you get a tattoo on your face?"
It was not a question she asked out of curiosity. It was to follow Mook Young's request to stall for as much time as possible.
"Are you curious about that?"
"My knowledge is limited, and I believe this is the first time I've seen someone with a facial tattoo."
"That's why I did it. To look unique."
He smiled, and she could not tell if it was sincere or not. It was a plausible answer, but Baek Seolyoung was not particularly interested.
"I see."
"Do you perhaps find it unsightly?"
"What if I did? Would you consider removing it?"
"If Young Lady Baek dislikes it, then naturally, I would remove it."
Baek Seolyoung forced a deeply moved smile, but her inner thoughts were,
I told you not to call me a Young Lady!
It felt like he was doing it on purpose.
Does he think I'll be moved and like him because of that? Wake up.
Whether he knew her mind or not, Yeo Su-in revealed the main reason for his visit today.
"I would like to treat you to dinner."
"I apologize, but I have a prior engagement today."
Yeo Su-in then smiled and said,
"A promise can be broken, can it not?"
"It's a promise that cannot be broken."
"Are you saying that this promise is more important than meeting the representative of my Cult who has come for a meeting with your Alliance?"
Yeo Su-in began to press the issue unreasonably.
Baek Seolyoung wore a look of difficulty, inwardly trying to figure out his true intentions.
Mook Young's voice transmission came again.
— You must not agree. It is dangerous.
Baek Seolyoung felt the same way. Setting aside any potential misconduct, what if he planned to take her hostage?
"Very well. If you insist so strongly, I should agree. But I will choose the location."
"You don't need to. I've already secured a place not far from here. Come, let's go."
Baek Seolyoung could not understand. She had a feeling about people. He didn't seem like the kind of person who would resort to such reckless methods.
Just then, Ma Young-gi said coldly,
"For someone who represents the Demonic Cult, what is this rudeness?"
"Don't you interfere, minion."
Ma Young-gi's eyebrows twitched.
"Minion?"
"How dare a mere guard dog interfere? Did you take on guard duty without even learning that much?"
Gripping his spear tighter, Ma Young-gi took a step forward.
At that moment, Baek Seolyoung saw it.
The corner of Yeo Su-in's mouth turned up slightly. It was clearly a smile of satisfaction that things were unfolding as he intended.
In an instant, Baek Seolyoung understood.
Why Yeo Su-in had insisted so unreasonably.
He was aiming for Ma Young-gi. He knew that if he persisted, Ma Young-gi would inevitably step forward, and at that moment, he would kill Ma Young-gi.
It was hard to believe that he would concoct such a plot merely because he had been displeased earlier.
But her premonition sent a strong signal that Ma Young-gi was in danger.
Baek Seolyoung quickly took a step forward, blocking Ma Young-gi.
"Very well, let's go together."
Zaaap.
A cold killing intent, emanating from Yeo Su-in's body, pierced her chest.
Her guess was accurate. If she had not stepped forward, Yeo Su-in would have immediately launched a fatal strike against Ma Young-gi.
That was who Yeo Su-in was. If he felt the desire to kill, he would surely kill, regardless of the situation or the opponent.
And at this very moment, Baek Seolyoung saw it.
His expressionless face, which had felt chilling, brightened completely as if nothing had happened.
"Hahaha, thank you, Young Lady Baek."
There was no sign of the unpleasant killing intent from moments ago anywhere on his face. He was, instead, bright and cheerful.
Baek Seolyoung could feel it.
This person... is truly dangerous.
He was someone who could not control his anger, yet he could control his emotions with surprising speed.
She also realized where the sense of rejection she felt toward him today originated.
Baek Seolyoung turned toward Ma Young-gi and quickly sent a voice transmission. It was in the sternest voice she could manage.
— You must not fall for his provocation. Step back, this is an order.
— Yes, my Lady.
Ma Young-gi suppressed his anger with effort.
She calmed Ma Young-gi first.
There are two ways to deal with a dangerous wild beast.
Strongly subdue it and break its spirit.
Baek Seolyoung turned back and said with a gentle smile,
"Shall we go?"
Or deal with it as gently as a feather.
Baek Seolyoung left the estate with Yeo Su-in. Her intention was to play along with him for a moment to buy time.
However, Baek Seolyoung momentarily paused at the main gate.
Her gaze was fixed on the end of the road in the distance. She saw a person walking along the road.
At first, the person was as small as a dot, but gradually, the figure began to grow larger.
Strangely, Baek Seolyoung could not take her eyes off that person.
And when she could confirm his identity, she understood why she had been unable to look away.
It was Lee Jaseung.
Baek Seolyoung's expression gradually brightened. The change in a person's expression from despair to joy could be seen on her face.
Through this process, Yeo Su-in realized that the man walking toward them was the real Lee Jaseung.
Baek Seolyoung slowly approached Lee Jaseung. She couldn't run and embrace him because there were many eyes watching.
She stood before Lee Jaseung.
Was it because of the concentration of onlookers? She felt shy and excited for no reason.
Lee Jaseung playfully ruffled her hair slightly.
A pleasant touch.
It was a shame that she couldn't fully enjoy the moment because of the many eyes watching. Instead, she conveyed her feelings directly to Lee Jaseung.
Baek Seolyoung gently rested her face against his chest.
"Ah, this is wonderful. I'm truly happy you came."
In Lee Jaseung's arms, she finally felt relief. She had been worried, not just for her own life, but about what might happen to Mook Young or Ma Young-gi, who were guarding her.
A cold flame, sparked by jealousy, flared and then disappeared in Yeo Su-in's eyes.
"Hahahaha. The Alliance Leader has personally come all the way here."
Lee Jaseung subtly glanced over Baek Seolyoung's shoulder at Yeo Su-in.
It was a fated, if fated, meeting.
In contrast, Lee Jaseung's reaction was very cold.
"Then you should properly greet me first. Did you leave the mountain without even learning that much?"
At those words, Yeo Su-in's face hardened terrifyingly. Lee Jaseung's words were not wrong. Although Yeo Su-in was the same age as Lee Jaseung, the Murim Alliance Leader's equal was the Demonic Cult Leader. It was fundamental for him to show proper respect.
Lee Jaseung, as if he had overheard the previous conversation while walking from a distance, was repaying the way Yeo Su-in had suppressed Ma Young-gi under the guise of his Young Cult Leader status.
Ma Young-gi's expression brightened considerably.
Lee Jaseung, who was observing Yeo Su-in, wrapped his arm around Baek Seolyoung's waist and turned away.
"Let us go then."
Just then, Yeo Su-in shouted angrily from behind them.
"Wait—!"