DKM 13

“One must endure this much with sheer grit to be called a member of the Paeng Clan! I can handle it! So…! Gah!”

With a choking sound, Soyu’s body went limp. What was more surprising was that Soseo, whose frame was far slenderer than Soyu’s, remained perfectly fine. As if he had expected this, Soseo called the servants waiting outside the door and had Soyu moved to another room. While being carried away, Soyu woke up and grabbed Soseo’s arm.

“I am still lacking. Following your example, brother, I shall strive even harder in the future…”

“What are you doing? Move him to the room quickly.”

“Yes, sir!”

Only after this touching father-son reunion—so moving it could not be watched without tears—was over did the father of the Paeng brothers turn his attention to us. After scanning us over, he asked.

“Who are those children?”

Soseo sat down opposite him, looking as if a great weight had been lifted, and spoke.

“They are siblings I became close with at the inn. They are clever and quick-witted; I thought it would be beneficial to keep them by my side, so I brought them along.”

“Ho, in that case, they should naturally be welcomed into the home.”

The man spoke, striking his chest with a fist as large as a pot lid.

“I am the head of the [unauthorized copy]visit our site -->unauthorized copy -->Paeng Clan, Paeng Seoyu. I hope you will take good care of my son from now on.”

“Yes, I will keep that in mind.”

“Um, excuse me, Father.”

“What is it?”

“Just a moment.”

Soseo pulled us away from the Clan Head before speaking.

“Actually… we encountered a demonic cultist on the way here.”

“What?!”

In an instant, it felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck; a flash blinded my eyes. We stared wide-eyed at the table, which had sunk inward from a single blow of the Clan Head’s fist. The Clan Head roared, his voice shaking the room.

“Who did you encounter?!”

Even though I had done nothing wrong, my knees trembled. I couldn’t move an inch, as if facing a tiger. It felt as though some unknown force was crushing my entire body. Myoryeong and I clung to each other without a sliver of space, shivering uncontrollably. The Clan Head continued to shout in a furious voice.

“Where on earth did you encounter those scoundrels who wouldn’t be satisfied even if they were beaten to death! Did those bastards do anything to you, the finest talent of the Paeng Clan! Speak now! It does not matter what happens! This father will not leave those wretches alone!”

“…I am not the one who encountered them. Please listen to me until the stolen [stolen content]contentend. And please, withdraw your bloodlust. Those siblings are not martial artists. There is no way they could withstand your bloodlust, Father.”

“What father in the world could remain calm upon hearing his child encountered a demonic cultist!”

“…Father, please listen to me. It really wasn’t me who encountered them.”

The Clan Head only understood after Soseo had repeated himself three times. Soseo really goes through a lot, we thought, looking at him with hearts full of sympathy, momentarily forgetting our fear. Soseo recounted the events between me and the woman to the Clan Head, adapting the story appropriately. He modified the tale because the Clan Head would certainly not understand why I didn’t know about the Demonic Cult. Since Soseo mentioned that the Clan Head might instead find me suspicious, I had no choice but to stay quiet.

“Myoha reported the incident to me as soon as we returned to the inn, and I immediately searched the village, but I found no trace. It seems they left the village immediately. I apologize.”

“No, there is no need to apologize. Rather, we should thank the heavens. While it is true that you and Soyu are exceptional, it is still absolutely impossible for you to deal with demonic cultists.”

“Why would a demonic cultist be in such a small village?”

“Seeing as they left immediately, it was likely just a path they were passing through. Still, just in case, I shall have the surrounding area searched thoroughly. I would very much like to see the face of the demonic cultist who dared to roam the Paeng Clan’s territory so freely.”

“I heard it was a woman with a very striking appearance; do you happen to know of anyone fitting that description?”

“I have never heard of a woman among the notorious demonic cultists. Considering that, she may not be that dangerous, but it never hurts to be cautious. I will instruct my subordinates not to let their guard down.”

The Clan Head patted Soseo on the shoulder.

“I am glad nothing truly happened. Go inside and rest. And you two.”

“Yes, Clan Head.”

“You must have been very frightened; it is alright now, so do not worry.”

The Clan Head’s hand patted our heads.

“This place is safe, so rest your hearts and sleep deeply.”

“Thank you.”

“Then I shall take my leave, Father.”

“Very well.”

Soseo led us away. However, before the door closed, the Clan Head spoke.

“Soseo, we are glad you have returned home.”

“…I know, Father.”

“Yes, I am glad you know.”

With those words, the door closed completely. Soseo, who had been staring at the door with an unreadable gaze, spoke in a bright voice.

“Now, let’s go back to the old man. He’ll show unauthorized [Read on Read BL Novels][stolen content]copyyou to the servants’ quarters.”

We nodded.

That day, a feast was held in the Paeng Clan to celebrate Soseo’s return. However, we couldn’t attend because we were learning the history and traditions of the Habeuk Peng Family from the grandfather. In the universities of my original world, even the strictest professors let students rest on the first day of class, but this grandfather was a level above that.

“And so, our Clan Head…! Are you listening to me, you brats!”

“Yes, we’re listening, Grandfather.”

“This won’t do; I can’t trust the concentration of these youngsters! I shall start again from the beginning. The Paeng Clan is—!”

I wondered if this was the true meaning of hell. The grandfather’s lecture only ended after the surroundings had turned pitch black.

“It is a great honor for country bumpkins like you to work for the Habeuk Peng Family, one of the five great families. Always maintain a heart of gratitude toward the young master.”

“…Yes, we will keep that in mind.”

The grandfather escorted us to the quarters where we would stay.

“Myoryeong, you go to this lodging, and Myoha, you go to that one. I trust you know you must wake up early tomorrow morning?”

“Yes, of course we know.”

He looked as if he would kick us out if we didn’t wake up early. Even if the sun rose from unauthorized copyEND: unauthorized copy -->the west, I would have to wake up early. I cannot bring shame to Soseo’s face. After making a firm resolve, I sat on the edge of the bed.

“As expected of a prestigious family, even the servants’ quarters are different.”

Compared to that dilapidated shack we used to live in, this was paradise. There were no drafts, and though small, there was a bed. It doesn’t even smell musty? This is truly the best. But the best part of all were the crisp, new clothes inside the wardrobe. Wow, is this why people say you should be a servant in a nobleman’s house? Moreover, the clothes fit my body perfectly. After examining my appearance in the new clothes from various angles, I went to bed before it got too late. I have to sleep early to wake up early tomorrow. The blanket was cozy, and I felt I would fall asleep quickly. I pulled the blanket up to my chin and closed my eyes tight.

“Myoha, are you asleep?”

Just then, I heard Soseo’s voice. Soseo is here at the servants’ quarters? My sleep vanished instantly. I thought of the grandfather, who had been praising the Paeng Clan—and especially Soseo’s gentle personality—until his mouth was dry. It would be a disaster if anyone saw this. I tried to spring out of the blanket, but I tumbled and rolled across the floor. As a heavy thump echoed, Soseo sounded flustered.

“Myoha, are you okay? I heard a loud noise.”

“…I-I’m okay. Come in.”

I first let Soseo inside. Upon discovering me flailing like an overturned bug, Soseo looked at me with surprised eyes.

“Did you trip while running to see me?”

“Huh? Uh, something like that.”

“You really are something.”

Soseo reached out his hand to help me up. I hoped the person in the next room hadn’t woken up because of me. I quickly pressed my ear against the wall and heard only the faint, quiet sound of snoring. Phew, thank goodness. Having caught my breath, I looked back at Soseo.

“What brings you here?”

“I brought some food from the feast.”

Soseo tucked a bundle into my arms.

“You two couldn’t attend. Share this with Myoryeong tomorrow.”

“Did you come all the way here just to give me this?”

“That’s part of it.”

Soseo spoke as he sat on the edge of the bed.

“I missed you.”

“Eh?”

Soseo took my hand and gently stroked it.

“I’m truly glad you’re safe.”

My heart felt a tug.

“I’m sorry. I really Read visit our siteunauthorized copysite -->on Read BL Novelsdidn’t know that’s what that woman meant by those words.”

The phrase ‘Heavenly Demon Sovereign, All Demons Bow in Submission’ that the woman had whispered in my ear was a slogan imbued with the spirit of the demonic cultists; it contained the meaning of praising the ‘Heavenly Demon,’ the pinnacle and reason for the Demonic Cult’s existence. It is said that those of the orthodox faction would never utter those words, even if a sword were held to their throats.

“The Demonic Cult is a group that blindly believes in the Heavenly Demon; they are the kind of bastards who wouldn’t hesitate to commit massacres for his sake.”

“Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind.”

“It doesn’t quite feel real yet, does it—what kind of people they are?”

“…Yeah, actually it doesn’t.”

“It’s okay. As you stay with me, you’ll naturally come to realize it. Just how vicious those bastards are.”

“…”

As expected, one should not judge a person by their appearance. I thought he was definitely a good person because he treated me so gently. While I was feeling slightly bitter, Soseo called me.

“Um, by the way, Myoha.”

“What?”

“It’s not always a good thing just because someone is a beauty, right?”

“Huh?”

“I heard that demonic cultist was an incredible beauty. You’re so fond of pretty things that I was worried.”

I turned serious.

“Soseo, no matter how much I like pretty things, I know how to tell right from wrong.”

I welcome ‘pretty trash’ in fictional works, but I absolutely decline ‘pretty trash’ in reality. If I encounter that demonic cultist one more time, I am confident I can run away without looking back. Seeing my determined expression, Soseo seemed relieved.

“That’s a relief. From now on, no matter how beautiful a person approaches you, do not let your guard down. Ah, and this might sound a bit strange, but…”

“Yeah, what is it?”

“…Just how beautiful was she?”

“What do you mean, how beautiful? Why?”

“The more detailed the description of a demonic cultist’s appearance, the better.”

“Is that so? But I don’t know how to answer.”

“Hmm, for example…”

Soseo’s voice dropped abruptly. I had no choice but to lean my ear close to him.

“Whether she was prettier than me.”

“Huh?”

Soseo hurriedly shook his head.

“Ah, I was just saying. It was strictly just an example…”

“Soseo.”

I grabbed Soseo’s shoulders and confessed seriously.

“To me, you are always the best.”

Along with Seolhwa. Ah, Soseo has never seen Seolhwa, so it’s better not to say that. Quickly erasing the thought from my mind, I looked at Soseo. Soseo smiled brightly and interlaced his fingers with mine.

“I told you, it was just an example.”

“I know, I just wanted to let you know that fact.”

“…Thank you. That really makes me happy.”

Soseo headed for the door.

“Then I’ll be going now. Sleep well.”

“Yeah, you sleep well too.”

I lay back down on the bed.

“I wonder if Seolhwa is doing well.”

It would have been so great if Seolhwa had come here too. With a sense of longing, I tried my best to fall asleep.