Book 19 Chapter 2

Tavern, frozen!

- Apologize!

The place where Na Yerinn stayed was always quiet. She didn't like noisy things, and those who knew her disposition always respected her taste.

Bang!

The door burst open with a loud noise. Na Yerinn's eyes widened at something that had never happened before.

"…Miss Eun?"

Standing next to the door, which looked like it might have lost its hinges, was indeed Eun Seollan.

'Is this really the Eun Seollan I knew?'

Na Yerinn couldn't be sure.

"Miss Eun, you went back to Macheongak…"

Now that she thought about it, she couldn't remember seeing her recently.

"Who went back? I've been here all last winter! Miss Na, look at me for a moment!"

Na Yerinn was momentarily at a loss for how to react to Eun Seollan's sudden, forceful grab of her wrist. This was definitely not like Eun Seollan.

"Where are we going?"

She asked in a flustered voice.

"Drinking!"

Eun Seollan replied briefly without looking back.

Geumranju Hall was as crowded tonight as it was last night. People were gathered in groups, downing cold drinks and discussing the world.

"You… have you heard of 'Sinpunghyup'?"

"Hey, you're drunk. Isn't that just a rumor? They say no one has confirmed its existence! You believed such nonsense?"

"Sinpunghyup? You mean the unidentified young hero who saved the Huashan branch from the great calamity at Huashan?"

"That's why it's nonsense. It wasn't the non-existent Sinpunghyup who saved Huashan, but the Heavenly Martial Three Stars, those very people! Thanks to them, the participants of the Huashan branch were able to escape that terrible calamity unharmed!"

"But there are stories that say that's not true… The flames were so fierce then, isn't it true that no one knows exactly what happened inside?"

"With red flames and black smoke billowing, could you even see your own feet? That's why such rumors spread. If you had seen it with your own eyes, there would be no room for such rumors. Sinpunghyup… that's an illusion. How could a mere youth perform such divine feats? Tell me, Hyuk, do you think that's possible?"

"Well… that might be so…"

"I'm more curious about the whereabouts of the person who set fire to Huashan's Heavenly Martial Peak than that non-existent Sinpunghyup!"

"Who are you talking about?"

"Who else? The one who set fire to Huashan's Heavenly Martial Peak!"

"Ah, you mean the Son of Heavenly Calamity, the Fire-Extinguishing Young Master, Bi?"

"I hear they call him that these days."

"But even though the Jeongcheon Alliance and the Heukcheon Alliance mobilized all their intelligence, they haven't found a single hair of him. It's a complete mystery."

"To commit such an act at such a young age, not even thirty, truly a fearsome person."

"Indeed… I… *cough*!"

"No, hey, Hyuk! What's wrong? Did you choke?"

Drip, drip.

Several people spilled their drinks on their clothes. That was the best-case scenario. Four or five men near the entrance turned their heads and poked their nostrils with their chopsticks. Too many people widened their eyes to the point where you worried their eyeballs might pop out, so it was impossible to count.

The moment two beauties entered the tavern, the hall froze in silence. No one dared to make a sound. Not even the sound of breathing.

"This is…"

Na Yerinn, who had been dragged along, asked, looking around.

"Where else? It's a bar! Don't you have to go to a place that sells alcohol if you want to drink?"

"That may be so, but…"

Eun Seollan, whom she had met after a long time that evening, exuded a strange power. Even Na Yerinn found her difficult to deal with easily.

"Here, sit down!"

"Here?"

Eun Seollan pointed to a table in the center of the hall. It was no wonder Na Yerinn's eyes widened. From here, they could be seen from the second and third floors. This was not a pleasant situation.

"How about we go to a private room, Miss Eun?"

"What private room! We haven't done anything wrong! Sit down quickly!"

Overwhelmed again by the inexplicable power emanating from Eun Seollan, Na Yerinn found herself sitting down. This was something that would never have happened normally.

"Sir, what would you like to order, ladies?"

A server with half-glazed eyes and a gaping mouth approached and asked.

"Alcohol!"

It was a short answer, as if scolding him for asking such a pointless question.

"What kind…"

There were many types of alcohol.

"The strongest one in this place!"

Eun Seollan answered without hesitation. Na Yerinn had no chance to stop her.

"And plenty of food!"

The order was short, concise, and clear.

Na Yerinn would never have shown up at a tavern, a place she wouldn't normally go near, but today she had been dragged there unwillingly by Eun Seollan. So, she couldn't possibly be at ease.

"Um… Miss Eun, how about we stop drinking now?"

How long had it been since the lavish banquet was set? Na Yerinn asked with a worried expression. Far from people disappearing, the tavern seemed so packed that there was no room to stand. Yet, the area around them was empty, as if it had been carved out.

"It's okay, it's okay! This much! It's nothing! Nothing at all!"

She glanced at the side of the table.

'Already the sixth bottle…'

It was no wonder her tongue was slurring. It was impossible not to worry. She had never heard that this virtuous woman was a heavy drinker. She had only seen her drink tea. But today, she was drinking alcohol like water.

"Miss Na~ Do you know something?"

Eun Seollan asked, leaning precariously with a disheveled appearance. Na Yerinn was flustered as Eun Seollan's face came too close.

"W-what is it?"

"Men are fools! All of them fools!"

Bang!

The table shook once.

"Fools who risk their lives for useless and worthless beliefs!"

Bang!

The table shook twice.

"Because of that, women, children, and the world are always hurt… They can think that way because they haven't raised children. So they don't care what happens to the world or their homes."

As if to cool her rising anger, Eun Seollan once again emptied a glass of alcohol past her red lips.

"Calm down, Miss Eun! I think you should stop drinking now. You seem drunk."

Na Yerinn tried to dissuade her with a worried voice.

"I'm not drunk yet! And have I calmed down now? If I had calmed down, would I be here drinking like this! This foolish Young Master Mo Yong-hwi… didn't even know I was here all last winter… no one else cared…"

Suddenly, the complaints that had been accumulating all winter poured out of Eun Seollan's mouth.

"This one and that one!"

Words she would never use normally spewed from her virtuous lips. She was truly furious.

"Men really are short-sighted creatures who only see themselves! All of them!"

Bang!

The table shook again. Na Yerinn was getting used to this shaking now.

"If you think women are just beings who unconditionally wait and support you, you are greatly mistaken! That's a relic of the old era! It's a new era now!"

"But it doesn't seem to have changed much?"

"Believe me! The world is changing!"

It seemed to be an omen of drinking. She hadn't heard much about the bad aspects of drinking omens, but Na Yerinn couldn't help but feel that this was going too far.

"He was like that too. He chased only his ideals and just died… without leaving a word to me…"

At that moment, Na Yerinn noticed a painful scar hidden on Eun Seollan.

"Miss Eun, is it about that person…?"

But Na Yerinn did not get an answer.

Thump!

Finally, Eun Seollan's forehead hit the table. It was overconsumption.

"Miss Eun! Miss Eun!"

She shook her, tapped her, slapped her cheeks, and even pinched her, but Eun Seollan didn't budge.

"What should I do?"

Na Yerinn felt helpless for a moment. But now, she was the only one who could protect them from the wolves surrounding her.

"There's no other way…"

She moved her right hand near the sword hilt, picked up a wine glass, and sighed softly. Then, she downed the clinking liquor in one gulp.

But her troubles didn't end there.

Do Nam-po, the Cross Sword and Vice Commander of the Bingbong Young Hero Guard, was in serious trouble these days. Since the spiritual pillar of the group, Commander Wi Ji-cheon, who voluntarily followed Bingbaek Bong Na Yerinn, had become almost a wreck, he had to make most of the guard's decisions alone. With the position of Wi Ji-cheon, who had the absolute support of the members, now vacant, it was difficult to move the members as he wished. He felt increasingly distant from their long-cherished wish to 'crush and kill Bi Ryu-yeon!'

"Is there no other way… If only there was a turning point, we could sway public opinion…"

Bang! Clatter!

It was at that very moment that the office door was suddenly flung open.

"What is it? Making such a racket!"

"Bu… Commander, something terrible has happened!"

"What's so terrible? You look like you've seen a ghost!"

"According to the information just received…"

"Received?"

"This is… unbelievable information, but… Miss Na Yerinn, she entered Geumranju Hall with an acquaintance!"

Bang!

"W-what?"

The desk for the Commander, which had occupied a corner of this office for the past three years, was cut in half. But no one paid any attention to it. There were more urgent matters.

"Issue an emergency mobilization order! We must protect 'Our Lady' from the wolves!"

"Yes! Understood, Commander!"

"Hey! Don't push! I can't see!"

"You! Get out of the way!"

"Argh! Who stepped on my foot?"

"Hey! Get your foot off my head!"

Inside Geumranju Hall, it was a scene of utter chaos with men desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the beauties. They couldn't approach the target beyond a certain distance due to mutual vigilance, but that precarious balance was starting to reach its limit.

"Everyone, make way! We will take charge from now on!"

Warriors in white clothes with white headbands entered in orderly rows. What was peculiar was that they all had their eyes covered with semi-transparent bands. They walked with restrained movements and formed a semicircle at a distance of about one and a half jang from the table where Na Yerinn was sitting, creating a human boundary. And only after turning their backs to Na Yerinn did they lift the bands from their eyes.

"Now, now, please don't come inside this line."

"Step back."

"No further approach will be permitted."

Of course, protests erupted everywhere.

"Who are you? Who are you to block our way like that? We can't see well because of you!"

"Right! Right!"

"Stop blocking our view and step back! Step back!"

However, they did not flinch even at these protests.

"Still, we cannot allow you to approach Miss Na any further."

"Who are you people?"

"I am Do Nam-po, the Cross Sword and Vice Commander of the Macheon Academy Bingbong Young Hero Guard. And these are the Eight Guardians of the Bingbong Young Hero Guard! For Miss Na's personal safety, we will absolutely not allow anyone else to approach."

"You can't, but we can?"

Someone exclaimed with a disgruntled tone.

"None of us would dare to dream of such a thing. If anyone tries to approach alone, leaving others behind, that member will face even stronger sanctions."

"Like that person?"

One person pointed to the person third from the left. The gazes of the Eight Guardians also turned there.

"Six!"

Do Nam-po's eyes widened as if they would tear open.

"Noooooo!"

Seven of them, excluding him, cried out in unison. By then, Six had turned around and was staring at Na Yerinn with a dazed, vacant look. His hands twitched restlessly, and he fidgeted, trying to move forward.

"This is bad! Withdrawal symptoms!"

Why had they put on the uncomfortable semi-transparent bands before entering here? For the members of the Bingbong Young Hero Guard, directly looking at Na Yerinn was the ultimate taboo. Just as looking directly at the sun could blind you, they couldn't overcome the withdrawal symptoms.

The surging lust had seized 'Six'. Judging by his appearance, his reason had long flown out the window. His incinerated reason had no ashes left.

For a moment, a look of bitterness flashed across Do Nam-po's face. But he had to be resolute. He raised his index finger straight up. And he shouted,

"You're excommunicated!"

"Excommunicated!"

The seven Guardians, excluding one, repeated in unison, raising their index fingers with their palms facing outward. Then, like a pack of dogs, they rushed to punish their former friend.

Crack! Thump! Bang bang bang!

There was no mercy in the sanctions.

The onlookers could only watch the brutal punishment in stunned silence.

A moment later…

"Anyone else want to approach?"

Do Nam-po asked, wiping the sweat glistening on his forehead.

"…"

The only response was silence. No one stepped forward.

"Are there no more people who wish to approach?"

Do Nam-po asked once more to seal the deal.

"What will you do if we don't heed your advice?"

A man asked.

"No questions asked! In that case, we will regrettably have to resort to force."

Do Nam-po said, holding his sword in front of him. It was at that moment.

"Hmph, weaklings acting tough!"

A cynical laugh burst from a spot slightly further away from the crowd. The hall fell silent as if dead. Do Nam-po, who stood imposing with his arms crossed, scowled. People stepped aside to the left and right, proving that it wasn't them.

A young man sat at a table. He was an incredibly flamboyant young man. He had five earrings in his ears and a jade necklace around his neck. There was no sword or saber to be seen anywhere. It was Yi Shi-geon, the Second Young Master of Macheon Pavilion.

'Is this some rich brat who doesn't know the ways of the world?'

Do Nam-po asked, maintaining his scowl.

"Who are you?"

"Me? If you ask me, I'm the owner of this treasure."

The flamboyant young man Yi Shi-geon said, placing his wine glass on the table.

"Owner of the treasure?"

"Every treasure has its owner, doesn't it?"

As he spoke, his gaze went past them to a certain spot. Of course, at the end of that gaze was Na Yerinn. Since her value was immeasurable by any gem or gold, she could be called the treasure of treasures. And as such, there were countless people who coveted her.

"Can you truly do that?"

Do Nam-po asked in a low voice, suppressing his temper. It was a meaning to think again carefully, as it was not too late. Of course, such words were unlikely to reach this proud young man.

"Hmph, arrogant bastards!"

Yi Shi-geon sneered and stood up from his seat.

"Weaklings shouldn't be so bold!"

With a scornful expression, Yi Shi-geon slowly walked towards Commander Do Nam-po with his hands behind his back. Of course, Do Nam-po did not move from his position.

"You know, I hate it most when someone blocks my way. So, I'll say it nicely, get out of the way."

He commanded.

"What if I don't want to?"

"Don't want to?"

The smirk on his lips deepened.

"You must be wishing for death!"

"You son of a bitch!"

Yi Ho, who was next to Commander Do Nam-po, couldn't suppress his anger and stepped forward. He intended to grab the arrogant fellow by the collar. But he couldn't.

"Rude bastard!"

Yi Shi-geon's finger moved lightly.

*Fwah!*

Suddenly, without any warning or hint, Yi Ho's wrist was severed, and a fountain of blood gushed out. It happened in the blink of an eye.

A scream echoed.

"Unleash the sword formation!"

Do Nam-po's response to the sudden bloody incident was swift.

"Hmm? Are you trying to fight?"

Even with six swords surrounding him, the young man's expression was nonchalant.

"You still have your hands behind your back. Do you look down on us?"

"You know well!"

The young man replied to Do Nam-po's question as if it were obvious.

"You will regret this!"

"We'll see who regrets it!"

"Let's see!"

That was the signal for the attack.

The Bingbong Young Hero Guard's Eight Guardians were the positions created by selecting the eight most outstanding talents among the Na Yerinn personal guard (self-proclaimed), which boasted thousands of members. They were all confident in their abilities. However, their pride was being trampled upon.

"Agh! Agh! Agh!"

Swish, swish, swish!

The swords cut through the air. Once, twice, thrice, four times…

No matter how much they swung their swords, the flamboyant and arrogant young man, still with his hands behind his back, dodged every incoming sword. His legs barely moved. The flexible movement of his upper body was enough to evade the sword strikes. Although the sword formation had been activated for a while, he was still at ease. The ones losing their composure and becoming increasingly anxious were the guards.

"Are you already tired? Truly pathetic! Is this all the strength of Macheon Academy?"

His tone was condescending.

"Huff! Huff!"

"Is it my turn now?"

Na Yerinn watched with a cold gaze as Commander Do Nam-po and the Eight Guardians collapsed on the floor. It was as if it had nothing to do with her. She had never acknowledged the existence of the Bingbong Young Hero Guard, nor had she ever asked for or permitted protection from those who called themselves the Eight Guardians. Everything had happened ignoring her opinion.

Finally, Yi Shi-geon, having cleared all the obstacles, approached Na Yerinn. The closer he got, the stronger the desire raging within him became.

'I want her…'

He felt like he could do anything to possess this woman. He had never encountered a woman with such a magical charm that 'just beautiful' was not enough.

'It was worth coming here just to meet this woman.'

Yi Shi-geon thought with a triumphant smile.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss. My name is Yi Shi-geon. May I join you for a moment if you don't mind?"

"I refuse."

Na Yerinn replied without even looking at him.

"Haha…"

Yi Shi-geon let out a hollow laugh at her resolute refusal. However, he had no intention of backing down now.

'Well, this much feigned reluctance can be taken as affection. As the old saying goes, beautiful flowers have many thorns!'

It was no exaggeration to say that there were few women he had not obtained if he wanted them.

"Looking at your companion, she seems to have collapsed from drinking too much. If you allow it, I would like to help…"

"I don't need it."

Na Yerinn's answer was still resolute.

"You are being too harsh. I want to help you in any way I can. I am someone who finds joy in helping others."

It was hard to believe these words were coming from the person who had severed someone's wrist and sent seven others sprawling on the floor just moments ago. Of course, there was no credibility to such words.

"I clearly said I don't need it."

However, Yi Shi-geon was still persistent.

"No, please tell me what I can do to help you!"

"There is indeed one thing."

Na Yerinn said in a voice devoid of emotion.

"What is it?"

Yi Shi-geon's face lit up with joy, thinking his efforts had paid off.

"Disappearing from my sight."

The joyful expression on his face instantly turned ashen.

'This woman dares…'

However, he didn't show his inner anger and said with a smile.

"No, instead of that, let me help you…"

As he spoke, Yi Shi-geon's hand reached towards Na Yerinn's delicate shoulder. It was a deliberate gesture.

"Wait a moment! It would be best if you didn't move that insolent hand any further!"

Something flew by just as the words were spoken.

"Gasp!"

Startled by the sudden sound that stimulated his hearing, Yi Shi-geon hastily stepped back. At the same time, two chopsticks were stuck in the floor. If he hadn't quickly pulled his hand back, he would have been hit directly by the 'projectiles'.

"I'll hit you next time."

He meant he had intentionally missed.

"Who are you?"

Yi Shi-geon shouted, looking up. Someone was standing on the third-floor railing.

"If you have the courage, come down!"

"What's so difficult about that?"

The shadow jumped lightly from the railing, unconcerned about where he was.

"Th-that guy!"

A member of the guard, recognizing the shadow, shouted. Others also recognized him. Regardless of whether it was favor or hatred, no one at Macheon Academy was unfamiliar with him now.

"Our guard's nemesis!"

"A pest in the garden!"

"Enemy of humanity!"

The guards and those who knew him shouted his name in unison.

"Bi Ryu-yeon!"

Bi Ryu-yeon waved his hand in thanks for the enthusiastic welcome.

"H-how did you get here?"

Na Yerinn, stunned by the unexpected appearance, asked in a bewildered voice.

"Ah, I was treated to a meal by some people I recently met."

"Treated to a meal?"

"Well, it's a small price to pay for saving my life."

Bi Ryu-yeon replied with a faint smile.

"Hey, Sword Saint. What do you think? That young man's martial arts. Did you grasp his internal energy?"

"Unfortunately, I failed, Duke of the City. I watched him closely throughout the meal, but I couldn't figure out his background or internal energy."

"You can't even figure it out? We might end up wasting the meal money."

"Still, it's fortunate that the Sword Empress didn't come along, so the meal money was reduced, isn't it?"

"That's true… If they find out we brought that guy alone, they might not let us go. They've been holding a grudge."

The Duke of the City shuddered slightly, as if he feared it just by imagining it.

"What about that flamboyant young man over there? He's quite skilled despite his youth."

They had been watching the unfolding events since the flamboyant young man appeared.

"He's probably not from the White Path. Although his proper techniques haven't been revealed yet, based on some movements, he seems to be from the Black Path. With his level of skill, he'd be near the top among the younger generation there."

"So, if that young man and his friend fight, who do you think will win?"

"That would be…"

"Who are you again?"

Yi Shi-geon pointed his finger at the sudden intruder and shouted in an enraged voice.

"Me? Before asking someone's name, you should give your own name. Don't you think so?"

"Hmph, do you have the right to do that?"

"I think I have more than enough. Why, do you think otherwise?"

Bi Ryu-yeon said with a slight smile.

"Of course, I do. Because of what you said, you won't die comfortably today!"

At that moment, Yi Shi-geon's finger moved quickly. At the same time, the wind that was caught on his fingertips whirled violently.

"Die!"

Purple Cloud Dark Wind (Jaun-am-pung).

Killing Style Secret Technique (Salsik Bigi).

Crazy Wind Raging Flood (Gwang-pung Nan-ju).

Surprise, which rarely came from Bi Ryu-yeon's lips, burst out.

"Huh? What is this!"

Invisible wind attacked him from all directions.

The entire hall was mercilessly ravaged by a sudden, mad gust of wind.

"Whoa? What kind of technique is that?"

Do Sung asked, his eyes wide open, despite his fluttering white hair.

"I don't know either. It's a technique I've never seen before."

"Tsk, why do you know so little?"

"The times must have changed a lot. We've grown old."

The Sword Saint said with self-deprecating voice.

"By the way, will that guy be alright? He seemed to have taken a direct hit just now?"

Then the Sword Saint shook his head.

"That's wrong. He 'almost' got hit."

The hall, ravaged by the mad wind, was literally a mess. The surrounding tables had their corners chipped off as if cut by a sharp sword, and the center was filled with dust. Everyone was convinced of Bi Ryu-yeon's death. Some were contemplating whether to rejoice or grieve over the death of their nemesis at the hands of an unknown person. Because of that, silence returned. It was during that silence that something like black fallen leaves fluttered down from above Na Yerinn's head. She extended her white hand and caught the black things. The familiar color, the familiar texture.

"Ryu-yeon…"

It was Bi Ryu-yeon's sleeve. They were sharply fragmented, as if chopped by a sword.

"This is the price for messing with me!"

A cruel smile hung on Yi Shi-geon's lips as he looked at it. But the smile didn't last long.

"Cough! Cough! Hey, why are you kicking up dust? It's making me cough?"

At the voice coming from behind him, the smile on the young man's lips completely disappeared.

"H-how are you alive?"

In Yi Shi-geon's exclamation, the crowd also nodded with expressions of 'Right! Right!'.

"Don't you think that kind of tone, like you regret it, is too much? Life is precious, you know? So, you should live."

Bi Ryu-yeon replied with a very calm expression. Moreover, his posture, sitting on the table after appearing out of nowhere, seemed very relaxed.

"But this is a bit too much."

Bi Ryu-yeon said, lifting his now very cool sleeve. It was cut off up to his elbow.

"It's tattered. I cherished it. I never expected something like this to happen."

He had momentarily let his guard down due to the overly familiar technique, and had missed the moment to dodge properly. He could have lost his entire forearm instead of just his sleeve.

"Ryu-yeon, don't startle me! You scared me!"

Na Yerinn, whose face had turned pale thinking something terrible had happened, exclaimed with a sigh of relief.

"Ah, I'm sorry, Yerinn. I guess even if you're strong, complacency is forbidden. I know it in my head, but I can't put it into practice. Being too strong might be the problem."

Bi Ryu-yeon slightly lifted himself from the table and landed lightly on the floor.

"But I must be compensated for the mental damage I've suffered this time, right?"

Bi Ryu-yeon grinned as he looked at him. Yi Shi-geon did not smile.

"Do you really have the ability? This time, you were lucky, and it ended with just your sleeve, but next time it won't be like that."

"It's the opposite. Because you were lucky, you could mess up my cherished clothes like this. If you mistake that, it's very problematic."

"Hmph, showing off!"

"Is it really showing off?"

Bi Ryu-yeon raised his right fist, clenched, to eye level and then opened it wide.

Then a golden plaque appeared, dangling before his eyes. At the sight of it, Yi Shi-geon's eyes widened. It was a familiar object.

"S-surely…?"

Yi Shi-geon hurriedly rummaged through his pockets. It wasn't there. He checked his waist, just in case. It wasn't there. He even shook his pants. But still, it wasn't there.

"What a strange person. Why are you looking in your pocket when the item is right in front of you?"

Bi Ryu-yeon clicked his tongue with a tone of pity.

"Hand over the plaque quickly!"

"What if I don't? It looks like it's made of gold, so I might melt it down to make up for the cost of the clothes."

It was entirely possible for Bi Ryu-yeon to do that.

"You punk! Don't you know what kind of plaque that is!"

Yi Shi-geon shouted in an angry voice.

"I don't know. I don't particularly want to know either."

Of course, Bi Ryu-yeon was not curious about anything other than the gold content of this plaque.

"Ryu-yeon, give that back!"

Bi Ryu-yeon's head turned in one direction.

"Oh, Uncle Jang, when did you get here?"

Bi Ryu-yeon asked with a slightly surprised expression.

"I just arrived. Give that back."

Jang Hong said again.

"What is this?"

"It's a plaque that proves I am an envoy from Macheon Pavilion."

Yi Shi-geon's lips curved into a triumphant smile as someone recognized him.

"Did you hear that? Now you know that my status is different from yours, right? If you know, then hand over the envoy plaque!"

Yi Shi-geon exclaimed in a triumphant voice.

"No! Why should I? I haven't even gotten paid for my clothes yet."

Bi Ryu-yeon replied, sticking out his tongue. If he had asked politely, he might have given it, but with such arrogance, it was natural to lose the desire to give it.

"Th-this punk! I've been too lenient!"

This was the first time in his life he had been so utterly disregarded.

"Do you know about diplomatic immunity?"

"No! Why?"

Bi Ryu-yeon replied curtly, pretending not to know.

"That is one of the privileges of a special envoy. No matter what crime I commit, I will not be punished here. That means, even if I kill you, I will not be punished. Even if this is Macheon Academy's front yard, you can't do anything to me. Understand?"

"No!"

"What! You don't know?"

Yi Shi-geon's insides boiled.

"Why are you acting all surprised now? Are you already senile? You tried to kill me earlier too, didn't you? You just failed because you lacked the skill. Besides, aren't you mistaken about something?"

"Mistaken about what?"

"First of all, are you really a special envoy? Isn't that a lie?"

"A… a lie?"

"Yes. If you're a special envoy, you're a diplomat, right? Responsible for Macheon Pavilion's interests. So you must have come with a diplomatic mission, right? They wouldn't have sent you for no reason. But how could someone in charge of an organization be so immoral and rude? Causing trouble here would only be disadvantageous in negotiations. Who would like that? An arrogant, conceited, rude, and perverted envoy who's only interested in women."

"Pe… pervert…"

It was the first time he had ever heard such a word.

"Yes. Trying to cause trouble on purpose, rather than a special envoy, to me… hmm… yes, that's right! A busybody, a busybody!"

Yi Shi-geon's breath was momentarily choked. It was an unexpected mental ambush.

"Well, it's fortunate if it's not a busybody, but I'm still suspicious. So, if you're not a busybody, why don't you show yourself as a special envoy should?"

"What is that?"

"Apologize!"

"W-what, apologize?"

Bi Ryu-yeon nodded and said.

"Yes, apologize! If you've done wrong, admit your mistake honestly and apologize to Miss Na like a special envoy. Then everyone gathered here will agree, won't they? Isn't that right, everyone?"

Bi Ryu-yeon shouted loudly, looking around.

"Right! Right!"

Cheers of agreement erupted from various places. Public opinion was on Bi Ryu-yeon's side. Although it was a very exceptional case, at this very moment, public opinion was on his side.

"So, what are you doing? Stop standing there looking like you're about to pee your pants. If you're really a special envoy, then politely apologize to Miss Na and prove you're a true special envoy!"

Bi Ryu-yeon's tone changed again.

"Apologize! Apologize!"

The crowd chanted in unison, raising their fists.

"The atmosphere is not good, Young Master!"

The third of the Thirteen Bloods, who was secretly escorting him, sent a secret message.

"I know."

Yi Shi-geon replied sharply, biting his lip.

"What's the situation outside?"

"The guys dressed the same as the ones you knocked down earlier are gathered like a pack of dogs and have surrounded this hall."

"What do you think? If you Thirteen Bloods combine your strength, can you win?"

"Besides them, there are many other warriors gathered outside. This is Macheon Academy's front yard, so if they all rise up, we can't guarantee victory. For now, it would be best to leave. There will be plenty of opportunities to acquire that woman. Leave it to the subordinates."

"Can I trust you?"

"Of course."

"Alright! I'll trust you!"

"So, do you feel like apologizing now? Then hurry up and apologize!"

"Apologize! Apologize!"

Yi Shi-geon finally resigned himself and uttered words he had rarely used in his life.

"M-Miss, I-I'm sorry."

His whole body felt like it was convulsing as he tried to do something he never did and say words he never used. Na Yerinn did not look at him and gave no answer.

"Hey, hey, your apology seems insufficient?"

Bi Ryu-yeon added a piece of advice from the side. Of course, Yi Shi-geon's mood only worsened.

"Are you unhappy with my apology? What's wrong?"

Yi Shi-geon complained, unable to hold back. It was the height of impudence.

"I don't want to hear a perfunctory apology that doesn't come from the heart. I don't want to see you, so disappear from my sight. Because you're unpleasant."

"Is that so?"

Bi Ryu-yeon chimed in again. Yi Shi-geon's face turned as red as a heated coal. He had never felt his pride so trampled.

"What are you doing? Can't you hear Miss Na? Hurry up and disappear. You're so slow."

"Y-you bastard…!"

He felt like spitting him out right now. However, the current situation was not in his favor. No matter how strong he was, he couldn't handle it if they all rose up at once.

"What's your name?"

He spat out the question.

"Bi Ryu-yeon!"

Bi Ryu-yeon answered briefly and simply.

"Hmph, so you were that Bi Ryu-yeon?!"

"Oh, you knew? Well, I am quite famous. It's the curse of a celebrity, I guess."

Yi Shi-geon, as if he hadn't heard that, said to Na Yerinn with a formal bow.

"Miss, the situation is not favorable today, so I will take my leave. I look forward to the next time we meet."

'I'll see if you can still be so haughty then!'

Then it won't be like today!

Na Yerinn's brow naturally furrowed. Her beautiful face was not something that could be hidden by closing her eyes.

"I hope such a thing never happens. Today's events were unpleasant enough. Goodbye then!"

Na Yerinn replied coldly.

Yi Shi-geon turned and said,

"We'll see! You'll regret this soon!"

Bi Ryu-yeon shrugged at the overly cliché line.

"That's the 2,672nd time I've heard that phrase. And the success rate is zero. So, farewell."

Bi Ryu-yeon waved kindly. Na Yerinn turned away from him as if she couldn't stand the sight of him. That indifference angered him more than hatred.

'We'll see! I will definitely hold you in my arms! We'll see if you can still be so proud then!'

Yi Shi-geon vowed with a fierce expression, gnawing on his lower lip as he left the hall. The hall door was roughly opened and then closed.

"Waaaaaaaah!"

As soon as Yi Shi-geon disappeared, cheers erupted from inside the hall.

"Huh?"

Suddenly, Eun Seollan, who had been slumped with her head on the table, sat up abruptly and looked around with her eyes still hazy from the alcohol.

"What's wrong, Miss Eun?"

Na Yerinn, startled by Eun Seollan's sudden behavior, asked in a surprised voice.

"Mmm… I thought I heard the voice of a very annoying guy I've heard a lot before? Was it my imagination?"

'A voice I've heard a lot?'

"Miss Na, did something happen?"

To Eun Seollan's slurred question, Na Yerinn shook her head and replied calmly.

"No, nothing happened."

"I see… then that's a relief…"

Eun Seollan's hazy eyes closed again. Her head began to sway precariously back and forth as she closed her eyes.

Bang!

Na Yerinn's brow furrowed involuntarily.

"Wow~ That must hurt!"

Bi Ryu-yeon's exclamation was heard from the side. Of course, she completely agreed with that opinion.

"Ryu-yeon, what do we do now? Should I carry her?"

For some reason, she didn't feel like entrusting it to Bi Ryu-yeon.

"No, why should Yerinn have to go through that trouble?"

Bi Ryu-yeon replied with a tone of utter refusal.

"Then how…?"

"I have a better idea!"

"W-what, me?"

Mo Yong-hwi, who had rushed over after hearing the news, had his eyes wide open.

"Yes, it's you! Who else is there? Or do you want Yerinn to strain her delicate arms?"

"Th-that's absurd. How could I possibly… Absolutely not. No way."

Mo Yong-hwi waved his hands in horror.

"Oh really? If you don't feel like it, we can just leave her here, and I won't mind at all."

"Th-that's impossible! How can you leave a drunk woman in such a dangerous place! That's absolutely outrageous!"

Mo Yong-hwi exclaimed in horror at Bi Ryu-yeon's ruthless words.

"Then it's decided? Isn't it?"

"…Alright!"

Mo Yong-hwi replied with a flushed face. His flustered state was obvious.

"Tsk tsk, don't be nervous. You might drop her if you carry her."

"Ah, I understand!"

But his face was still as red as a perfectly ripe persimmon.

"Carry her well. As if she were your new bride."

"Of-of course."

Mo Yong-hwi replied with an even redder face. It seemed like he couldn't properly hear what Bi Ryu-yeon was saying.

"Tsk tsk, so naive…"

Bi Ryu-yeon said, poking Mo Yong-hwi's chest with his finger as he carried Eun Seollan.

"Don't forget! You owe me again!"