Episode 304: What do you believe in and risk your life for?
I walked around the garden with Cheongseon.
“As I said before, I believe that it is thanks to the Little Leader that I became a Demon Lord.”
“Thank you for saying so, but the reason Your Majesty sits in the seat of the Demon Lord is because of your own abilities.”
“That must be why I came to see you today. Because you are someone who trusts me.”
After arriving at a deserted place, I asked her.
“What’s going on?”
Cheongseon couldn’t open her mouth easily. Even though she had gathered up her courage and came to see me, she seemed unable to speak.
Is it because of the martial arts?
Even though the leader of the Pungcheon Church taught us, he is currently away, so there will be many parts that are difficult to understand.
Or maybe?
The name of one person related to her came to mind.
After hesitating for a while, she finally opened her mouth. She had hoped it would be the former, but her concern was the latter.
“There’s a man I dated before I became a demon. He’s a servant of the Bukcheon Sword Family.”
I already knew that the two of them were dating. I had used that fact to get her to go to the leader of the Pungcheon cult.
In his life before his return, Saujong tried to kill Ilhwageomjon while under the spell of seduction, but died in return. After his death, it was revealed that he had liked Ilhwageomjon as a woman, and at that time, the person who had seduced him was never revealed. Of course, I now know that person was Cheongseon.
“After I became the Amazon, I declared my breakup with him. But he still couldn’t let go of his obsession and kept hovering around me. After some time passed, I thought he had forgotten me and was living a good life, but he suddenly came to me one day. He said that if I didn’t meet him again, he would reveal the things that happened while we were dating.”
Saujong, you pathetic bastard who doesn’t even think about succeeding on your own and only threatens people using the exposure as an excuse.
“It doesn’t matter, since it happened before I became Amazon.”
The threats weren’t limited to that.
“I once stole a debt from a person who was in debt at his request. He’s threatening to expose that.”
At that time, the Demon Lord of the Heart was periodically practicing the Heart-Spirit Law, which involved extracting human hearts and absorbing their life force.
The person who told me that fact was none other than Saujong. Of course, he didn’t tell me with good intentions. It was because he wanted to use the Subhonmajon to keep me in check.
The body of the sacrificed soul was found, and the fan of the disciple of the Demon Lord of the Heart was found with the body. The person who stole it was none other than Qingxian, who had received Sau Zong’s request.
Regardless of his intentions, he was the one who stopped the evil deeds of the Sub-Hon-Ma-Jon because of Saujong, and he was the one who could not be killed simply because he had brought the Sub-Hon-Ma-Jon into the picture, so he was kept alive, but he has reappeared like this.
“If that comes to light, it will tarnish my reputation.”
If she were a fully established Amazon, she wouldn’t have had such concerns. However, since she was growing and taking control of the organization, she took this matter seriously.
“To be honest… … .”
A ghostly sparkle flowed from her two eyes. She did not hide her murderous intentions.
“I even thought about getting rid of him.”
“Why didn’t you get rid of it?”
Saujong’s swordsmanship is not ordinary, but that doesn’t mean he can handle the seduction technique of the demon lord. He could have lured her away and killed her without anyone knowing.
“There are two reasons. First of all, I had this suspicion. This person is always suspicious and cautious, so why would he make such a reckless threat to me? If this continues, I could end up murdering him.”
It’s definitely a strange part. The Saujong I’ve seen is a cautious person who doesn’t reveal his true feelings. When someone like that suddenly does something reckless, there must be a reason.
“The second reason was because of the words he blurted out. Everyone has weaknesses. Isn’t there one for Sword Master? The moment I heard those words, I realized. Ah, this person also has the weakness of Ilhwa Sword Master. He has served Sword Master for a long time, so he is someone who can do that. At that time, I thought that this was not my place to handle. I shouldn’t just kill him. The person who came to mind at that time was the Sogyoju.”
I looked at her and smiled. I passed. While talking to Kwon Ma earlier, I thought that each of the Amazons had their own unique specialness and meticulousness. This is exactly what it is.
She must have known instinctively that she should tell me instead of trying to handle it on her own. The first reason she gave, as well as the second reason, were both warnings against being swayed by momentary emotions.
Her instincts must have told her that this way, our relationship would become closer. Her instincts are working well.
“You made a really good decision. I’ll take care of everything from now on.”
Cheongseon’s stiff expression loosened. Thinking about the results I’ve seen so far, I’ll be able to sleep soundly from now on. Yes, I deserve that kind of gift in return for my smart choices.
I said something to her before I broke up with her.
“You probably know that the two most feared demon lords are the Demon Lord and the Poison King. I hope that tradition of fear continues.”
Cheongseon bowed her head silently and politely greeted him before leaving. That pride would be the best motivation for her to work hard.
After breaking up with her, I walked away in the opposite direction.
Was it a simple threat? Or did he really know the Sword Master’s weakness? And if so, what would it be?
My heart naturally grew cold. Those who try to achieve something by taking advantage of someone’s weakness and using threats are the worst of the worst.
The place I headed to was Bukcheon Swordsmanship.
* * *
“These days, Your Majesty doesn’t meet anyone.”
The demon sword guarding the entrance to my room spoke cautiously. As the Blood Heavenly Sword Master said, it seemed that he was only focused on martial arts training.
“Just tell them I’m here.”
“Yes, please wait a moment.”
The demon sword hurriedly ran inside.
I was standing there for a moment when Saujong happened to be walking through the training ground.
When he saw me, he bowed his head politely.
“I’m late in greeting you. Congratulations on becoming a new leader.”
“Long time no see, Mr. Samuin.”
He looked the same as usual. It was originally his role to deal with those who visited Ilhwageomjon. However, he had now been pushed out of the second rank and became an ordinary magic swordsman.
He greeted me politely again and continued on his way. Who knew? He would treat people so casually while threatening the Demon Lord behind their backs. He just let it go last time, but this time it would be different.
At that time, the demon sword that had gone to report to Ilhwageomjon returned.
“Please come in.”
If you want to know how hard someone is working, look at how they spend their spare time. People who really work hard never neglect the time we carelessly let pass by.
Just as I practice Cheonmahoshinkong whenever I get a chance to stick my butt in, it was the same with Ilhwageomjon.
She was swinging her sword in the front yard of her residence. She was practicing her swordsmanship because she didn’t want to waste the short time between receiving her subordinate’s report and my arrival.
The momentum with which she swung her sword was definitely different from before.
‘Everyone is really getting stronger.’
But what really surprised me wasn’t the martial arts achievements.
She didn’t have a single bit of makeup on her face. I’d heard from Hyeolcheon Doma, but I didn’t know she had such a bare face.
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She really looked like a different person. I don’t mean that she was ugly because she didn’t wear makeup, but she just felt completely different.
Sensing my surprise, she looked slightly embarrassed.
“It’s my first time showing myself without makeup to someone else.”
I could tell.
She wasn’t showing her bare face right now.
She was now showing her will. I have changed. I am no longer the swordsman who was only engrossed in the beauty of the past. Look at my will. My will to look at you even after removing my makeup.
“It’s an honor to see your real face, senior!”
When I exclaimed in a tone of pretended excitement, Ilhwageomjon smiled faintly.
“What glory? It’s shabby and old.”
“You are even more beautiful.”
“Don’t talk nonsense.”
“It’s not just nice words to hear, but it’s truly more beautiful. It makes me wonder why you’ve been wearing so much makeup up until now.”
When I said that, she asked me slyly.
“Are you serious?”
“Didn’t anyone tell you that?”
“Because I didn’t show it to anyone.”
It seems that for a very long time, I lived thinking that wearing makeup was naturally beautiful.
“You look much more attractive now. Clean and elegant.”
“What about these wrinkles?”
“It’s as beautiful as the sword line created by your senior’s sword a little while ago.”
The swordsman smiled pleasantly.
“As expected! The only person who makes me feel good is the Sogyoju.”
“I was just telling the truth.”
No matter how much makeup and beauty she put on, could she match the beauty of Ian or Jin Ha-ryeong? However, compared to middle-aged women, even without makeup, Geom-jeon was overwhelmingly beautiful. In that world, Geom-jeon was Ian and Jin Ha-ryeong.
“I’ve felt this way for a long time, but you really don’t get tired. No matter how much you are, you’re bound to get tired if you keep taking care of people. How can you say such nice things?”
“That’s because I’m a flatterer.”
She shook her head and stared at me.
“Only people with high self-esteem can truly praise someone. I envy your self-esteem.”
When you look at her appearance and atmosphere, she seems like she would have the highest self-esteem among the demons. But when you see her like this, her self-esteem is at rock bottom.
“I think that becoming close to the demons is the way for me to become stronger. I think that every word I say is like swinging my sword once or twice. I train until my arms fall off, but compared to that, it’s easy.”
“Isn’t dealing with people more difficult?”
“Aren’t you doing training that is too easy?”
“Ah! It seems my training intensity was weak.”
We looked at each other and laughed. Yes, dealing with people is ten times more difficult.
“I have something to tell you, senior.”
“Do it.”
“Sawoojong… … .”
A slight discomfort crossed her face at the mention of his name.
“You are causing trouble.”
No matter how you deal with Saujong, you must report to her in advance. I didn’t tell her about her weakness, nor did I say that the Sub-Hon-Ma-Jon was involved.
“Don’t ask for details, just leave it to me.”
Ilhwageomjon nodded silently.
I was tempted to just deal with Saujong without telling Ilhwageomjon.
But that can’t be. Saujong may be a mean man, but he’s not stupid.
‘Sauzong, what on earth do you believe in that you risk your life for?’
* * *
“Three people, if you want to bloom, you must wait until spring comes.”
Seo Dae-ryong sighed as he looked at the flower pot that had been the second-in-command and then the third-in-command.
“No, spring will never come to us.”
After becoming the Lord of the Underworld, he was busy every day.
The desk was filled with work. There was a lot to do and a lot of people to meet as a footnote. I thought I could change the world with my own hands if I became a footnote. Surprisingly, the world went on as it always has.
“Oh! I hate working so much.”
There are days like that, right? Days when you just don’t want to work. Days when you just stare out the window.
He banged his head on the desk.
Even when Geommugeuk was Hwangcheon-gakju and he was helping out from the side, the workload was similar. Even then, he was almost in charge of everything himself.
But when the work became my own, the feeling and pressure were different. Even though it was the same work, it felt more difficult.
“It was good when I left the sect with the young leader.”
In particular, the moment when I entered the Soryongjeon and won was truly unforgettable. The cheers heard from the non-stage! That glorious moment that I couldn’t bring up anymore because I was too proud of Ian and Jangho!
“Ah! I want to go back! To that time!”
Then the door opened with a jerk.
Seo Dae-ryong, who had been lying face down on the desk, got up as quickly as lightning, straightened his back, and asked in a low voice.
“What brings you here in such a hurry?”
Then a welcome voice is heard.
“If we go back to that time, who will change the school? Your Majesty.”
Seo Dae-ryong jumped up and shouted happily.
“Your Majesty!”
The swordsman stood at the door, smiling.
“Is it hard?”
Seo Dae-ryong said with a pretended sad expression.
“it’s hard.”
The words, “It’s hard to be this comfortable,” were first spoken as a remark of the Hwangcheonjoo. Who would have thought that the person who would be the next most difficult person after Cheonma would be the one?
“It was hard, so I left it to you. Otherwise, I would have continued.”
“You are too much!”
Seo Dae-ryong felt joy as he shouted for the first time in a long time. And he could tell. He really wanted to see the Sword Dance. The Hwangcheonju was good, the Blood Heavenly Demon’s Disciple was good, and they were all good, but he wanted to see the Sword Dance the most.
“If it’s that hard, let’s switch jobs.”
“With the young cult leader?”
“Okay, I’ll tell you what you have to do. Go see Chwima and listen to her worries, check on her brother and Mabul, meet the Poison King and dig up some poisonous plants, play baduk with your father, and stay up all night practicing martial arts.”
I really wanted to see a sword dance where everyone, no matter what their status, would act like this.
“My job suddenly feels too easy. I’ll hold out until I die, receiving a monthly salary. I’ve put down roots.”
The sword dance did not end with a joke. He stared quietly into Seo Dae-ryong’s eyes and said.
“Thank you for your hard work, my right-hand man.”
Seo Dae-ryong was moved to tears when he heard the words “right-hand man” after such a long time. He was so busy that he had even forgotten that he was the right-hand man of Geommu-geuk. Yes, those words that he had worked hard were enough. There was someone who recognized his hard work. How could he not work harder?
Yes, you should know. If no one knows, even picking up trash on the street becomes a difficult task. Seo Dae-ryong was learning firsthand how to treat his subordinates in the future.
“It’s hard work. My life is a dream to someone. I have to work hard. I’ll do it until I die! Spring has come with the sect leader. I’ll make flowers bloom in my heart!”
After shouting happily, Seo Dae-ryong asked.
“But what is happening in Hwangcheon Pavilion?”
In the past, it was a sword dance that would have made people say, “Let’s work together,” but today, it properly established Seo Dae-ryong’s authority.
Geommugeuk spoke with a more serious face than ever.
“I have a favor to ask of you, Lord Seo. Let’s catch one of the bad guys together.”
