Dawn Had Arrived.
I packed my belongings carefully into my travel bag. After ensuring I had everything I needed, I changed into the set of clothes that Ilma’s maid had prepared for .
A simple martial robe—far from ceremonial, but easy to move in. I bowed my head.
"Thank you."
"You don’t need to bow to soone like ..."
"I hold no official rank either, so aren’t we similar? You can speak comfortably."
"...You’re kind, as expected."
The maid smiled warmly.
"Take care, Dae-in."
"I will."
I walked through the manor.
Ilma’s residence was noticeably larger than most within the sect.
A place that didn’t quite match her personality.
Ilma was surprisingly frugal.
She only ate what was necessary and avoided unnecessary luxuries.
It gave the impression that she was detached from material wealth.
And yet, she stayed in such a grand place.
Likely...
Because status demanded it.
To uphold the authority of Ilma, she had to maintain a certain presence.
At the end of my walk, Ilma was waiting for .
Without a word, she stepped behind and began checking the contents of my travel bag.
"Did you pack a spare set of clothes properly?"
"I did."
"You have enough ergency rations?"
"I do."
"dical supplies? I packed so for you separately. Your travel funds—I’ll place them at the top."
"I have those as well—"
At so point, I started laughing.
This—what was this?
Even my own parents had never shown this level of concern.
"Ilma-nim."
"What is it? I’m busy."
"You don’t seem to have added anything unnecessary. If you’re lacking sothing, replenish it along the way. I’ve given you more than enough money, so there’s no need to worry about expenses."
"Do you happen to want a gift?"
"A gift?"
Ilma peered into my bag.
"Foolish boy. I am Ilma. The First Demon of the Eight Heavenly Demons. The commander of the Blood Enforcent Division."
"If I want sothing, I already have it. And the things I don’t have—"
"You wouldn’t be able to get them anyway."
"...I see."
"Stop thinking about nonsense and just go. Once you obtain the cursed sword, you’ll have to train with it."
Ilma gave my travel bag a firm pat.
"There’s still much you haven’t learned from . Don’t get distracted—just focus on coming back quickly."
"Ilma-nim."
"What now?"
"Thank you. For always looking after ."
Ilma whipped her head away.
"Looking after you? I have never once done that. This is just... Yes. A final check before departure."
"I am rely fulfilling my duty as the First Demon, ensuring that the task entrusted by the Heavenly Demon is carried out properly."
"Ilma-nim... If there’s anything you truly want—"
"I already said no."
I thought for a mont.
Now that I considered it...
Ilma always drank the sa thing every morning.
Green tea.
It was the only high-quality item among her otherwise simple als.
The fragrance was deep.
And whenever she sipped it, the corners of her mouth would lift ever so slightly beneath her mask.
I tucked that mory away.
Bongma-dong was known for its craftsn.
Even if I couldn’t find tea leaves, perhaps I could find sothing suitable.
I looked back at Ilma.
I always wanted to do sothing for her.
Not just because I had received so much from her—
But because of monts like this.
She had a way of pulling people in.
She was a good person.
The closer I got, the more I realized that.
"I’ll be back, Ilma-nim."
"And what is your na?"
"Bicheon."
"Don’t forget your alias. And put this on your face."
She handed a concealnt mask.
I secured it carefully and double-checked to ensure it wouldn’t fall off.
"The tour group consists of fifteen post-peak martial artists and thirty bodyguards."
"Additionally, there are five others—Heukso Ghost Doctor Na Sowan and his attendants. You will be one of them."
"Your identity is that of a re assistant."
"Understood."
"Give this letter to Na Sowan. He will watch over you."
"He will generally treat you well, but he is extrely ticulous. If he decides you are useless to the tour group, he will cast you aside imdiately."
"He is a strict man, so he will not hesitate. Stay in his good graces and follow his instructions without question."
"I understand."
"The tour group was created under the pretense of fostering unity among the three sects—the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, the Nachal Sect, and the Black Death Sect."
"But in reality, it’s just an excuse for a political standoff."
"These sects naturally oppose one another. There won’t be a single peaceful mont."
Ilma looked in the eye.
"Jeok Woon—no, Bicheon."
"Do not get arrogant."
"Our sect is filled with experts stronger than you. You could run into one on any given day."
"So don’t go strutting around with your chest puffed out. You still have much to learn."
"Lower your head. Do not draw your sword unless absolutely necessary."
"Understood."
"However... if you must draw it—"
Ilma tilted her head slightly.
"Then make it worthwhile."
"If your life is in danger, send the bird I gave you to imdiately. As long as ti allows, I will co personally."
"It’s not even that much of a hassle for ."
"Ilma-nim."
"What now?"
"Would it be inappropriate to hug you before I leave?"
"Are you—are you out of your mind?! What kind of dogshit nonsense is that?!"
"I apologize."
Even Her Nagging Had Beco Familiar.
By now, I knew—her nagging was simply concern directed at .
That was why, just this once, I wanted to hug her.
She wasn’t my teacher, but she felt like one.
"I’ll be back, Ilma-nim."
I bowed my head and took a step forward.
Then—
A hand caught my sleeve, pulling around.
Ilma motioned with her free hand.
"Take it off."
"...Pardon?"
"The mask. Take off your concealnt mask for a mont."
I hesitated, then carefully removed the Inpi Myeongu.
Ilma fidgeted slightly before extending both hands.
Reviews
All reviews (0)