Chapter 411: The Young Cult Leader’s Devious Schemes
Chapter 411: The Young Cult Leader’s Devious Schemes
“Shall we head up together?”
Seo Nak knew how suspicious those words must sound. However, after catching a glimpse of that letter tucked inside Geom Mu-geuk’s robes, he couldn’t simply let the boy meet the Ice Palace Master alone.
At his suggestion, Geom Mu-geuk, who had been about to ascend toward the Palace Master’s Hall, came to a halt.
“Didn’t you say you were just on your way down after seeing her?”
“I did. But didn’t you just express your regret? That we couldn’t have an audience with her together.”
“I was merely being polite.”
As the strain in Seo Nak’s smile deepened, Geom Mu-geuk gave a light wave of his hand, signaling it was just a joke.
“Well then, let us go up together.”
As Seo Nak followed Geom Mu-geuk up the stairs, the habitual smile vanished from his face.
If that letter concerns the Fragrant Snow Ice Wine, I must ensure it never reaches the Palace Master’s hands. But why?
The reason was simple: he had indeed received the Fragrant Snow Ice Wine from the Institute Head.
He had flatly denied receiving it in front of both Geom Mu-geuk and Han Seol. If only Geom Mu-geuk had been there, he could have claimed the Demonic Cult was framing him, but Han Seol had been present as well. If he, a man respected by all, were caught in a lie, he would look suspicious to anyone.
Did he prepare that letter in advance? Or did he receive it via missive? Was there even enough time for that? Or is it a different letter entirely, and he’s just acting?
Seo Nak’s mind became a tangled mess. When the boy first approached him and brought up the topic of liquor, Seo Nak had dismissed it as a mere attempt to feel him out.
But there really was a letter? And if the Palace Master sees it...
How should he respond? If they investigated the handwriting, it would be proven that the Institute Head wrote it. Even so, he would have to insist it was a forgery. There was an advantage to his opponent being from the Demonic Cult; people would believe they were capable of such a perfect fabrication.
“What are you thinking about so deeply?”
At the entrance of the Palace Master’s Hall, Geom Mu-geuk was looking back at him.
What do I think? I’m thinking about caving in the back of your skull and burning that damned letter.
Seo Nak forced a smile and spoke.
“It’s nothing. Let’s go inside.”
*
Geom Mu-geuk and Seo Nak entered the hall.
The Ice Palace Master gave Seo Nak a puzzled look. He had only just said his goodbyes; it was strange for him to return so soon.
“Ah, I ran into the Young Cult Leader at the entrance, so we decided to come up together.”
“I see.”
If you met at the entrance, isn't it normal to just exchange greetings and go your separate ways?
The thought occurred to her, but she didn't voice it. Rather, she was curious. It seemed Geom Mu-geuk had used some sort of ploy to force Elder Seo to follow him back.
Young Cult Leader, what trick did you use?
Geom Mu-geuk began to lay the groundwork for his finishing blow, starting with a pleasant anecdote.
“Did you know? I told the Palace Master that I found you suspicious, Elder Seo.”
Despite the provocation, Seo Nak maintained the relaxed smile that only a man with a clear conscience could manage.
“And then the Palace Master told me: Elder Seo is absolutely not that kind of person. She scolded me quite sternly.”
Seo Nak beamed and expressed his gratitude to the Ice Palace Master.
“Thank you for believing in me.”
“You are the only person I truly trust.”
Indeed, that was how he had lived his life until now. Every warrior in the North Sea Ice Palace acknowledged it. Now, Geom Mu-geuk was beginning to press his saw against the trunk of that ancient, sturdy tree.
“I will say it again here: Elder Seo is the person I trust most. He is a man who has lived his entire life solely for the sake of the Ice Palace.”
At that, Geom Mu-geuk turned to Seo Nak.
“Do you also cherish the Palace Master, Elder Seo?”
“Of course. I cherish the Palace Master and the Ice Palace more than my own life.”
Geom Mu-geuk stared intently at him and asked, “Then why did you do it?”
“Do what?”
“Why did you kill the Institute Head of the White Liquor Snowy Plains?”
Now, Geom Mu-geuk went a step further and identified Seo Nak as the murderer. The atmosphere, which had started with smiles, turned ice-cold in an instant.
“What is your reason for insulting me like this?”
Both the accuser and the accused stood their ground with equal confidence.
In that moment, the Ice Palace Master felt a slight sense of dissonance.
She had known Seo Nak for a very long time. Though he usually wore a genial smile, he was by no means a pushover. He was especially sensitive regarding his reputation.
If the accusation of murdering the Institute Head were a frame-up, the Seo Nak she knew would have been far more furious—even if the opponent was the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. Yet now, he seemed strangely cowed.
Crucially, one specific phrase was missing.
— Then show me the evidence.
That was a sentence Seo Nak absolutely could not utter. If he did, Geom Mu-geuk would pull the letter from his robe and say, ‘Is the evidence not right here?’
Because she was unaware of these inner workings, the Ice Palace Master felt a strange incongruity. The fact that he had followed Geom Mu-geuk back up in the first place was odd as well.
Elder Seo is being toyed with by such a young man?
It was a truly surprising and novel experience. Then again, she wasn't in a position to judge. She herself had lost sleep because of Geom Mu-geuk’s words, telling her to look behind her if she wanted to live.
The words themselves weren't particularly special, but the thought that Han Seol was still standing behind her kept swirling in her mind, keeping her awake.
If that were the case, she should look back before it was too late. Not just a single glance as Geom Mu-geuk suggested, but looking back again and again. She needed to keep looking back.
And yet, she still hadn't been able to call for her daughter.
Geom Mu-geuk, who had been confronting Seo Nak, turned toward the Ice Palace Master.
“Right, I came to see the Palace Master today because…”
Simultaneously, Geom Mu-geuk’s hand moved toward his robe where the letter was kept. At that moment, Seo Nak quickly cut in to change the subject.
“Young Cult Leader, I heard you spoke to the Palace Master about Seol-yi?”
In this instant, the Ice Palace Master noted two facts.
First, Seo Nak was not the type of person to interrupt someone while they were speaking. Even if he had something to refute, he was the type to wait until the other person finished and then speak calmly.
Second, the topic he used to interrupt was Seol-yi.
The sense of dissonance only grew.
Did Seo Nak even want to say those words? It was a reflexive outburst the moment Geom Mu-geuk reached for the letter. He knew better than anyone that this was unlike him, but he had to get through this moment somehow.
Would it be a better choice to let him deliver the letter and then insist it’s a forgery?
During the brief silence that followed, the Ice Palace Master saw it—a smile forming on Geom Mu-geuk’s face as he looked at her. His eyes seemed to say: Watch closely, and see what kind of man your Elder Seo really is.
Geom Mu-geuk turned back toward Seo Nak. The hand that had been about to pull out the letter naturally dropped back down.
“I mainly told her that a mother and daughter should get along. The Young Palace Master has a softer personality than she appears.”
“The Young Palace Master is soft? I thought she had a remarkably strong personality for one of the Rising Stars.”
“It seems our Elder Seo knows the Young Palace Master even less than I do, and I’ve only seen her for a few days. That’s what happens when you don’t look at a person properly and only see them superficially. Prejudices pile up, making you even more ignorant of the other person.”
“That is your arrogance!”
Every single word was infuriating, but Seo Nak had to keep talking to prevent that letter from coming out. If he could just get the boy to leave this place having forgotten to deliver the letter, he would find a way to steal it later.
Of course, even in this moment, the Ice Palace Master’s sense of dissonance regarding Seo Nak was growing. And another thought occurred to her. She realized that the words Geom Mu-geuk had just spoken might apply to her as well.
Because she hadn't looked at Seo Nak properly, she was merely filled with prejudices. Wasn't this sense of dissonance the very dregs created by those prejudices?
How could she deny that she, too, had spent her life looking only forward, burdened by the position of Ice Palace Master?
The stone Geom Mu-geuk had cast had not only struck Seo Nak but was sending ripples through her as well.
“You said you were going to the North Blood Sect?”
“That is correct.”
“Then let us go. It would be rude to keep them waiting too long.”
Geom Mu-geuk smiled meaningfully at him.
“Let’s do that.”
Geom Mu-geuk bowed to the Ice Palace Master.
“I will see you next time.”
Seo Nak felt a wave of relief. Even if the letter were delivered, he would find a way to prepare, but it was best if it wasn't delivered at all.
He’s going to the North Blood Sect? How should I get that letter away from him?
Just as he was feeling relieved, Geom Mu-geuk turned back toward the Ice Palace Master and spoke quickly.
“This is a surprise gift! I came here today to give you this.”
Only then did Seo Nak realize. The boy had been teasing him, debating whether to give it or not. He had toyed with him until the very end, pretending to have forgotten.
That bastard! Do you think I’ll just meekly admit it just because you hand that over?
The Ice Palace Master took the letter Geom Mu-geuk handed her and read it. As she confirmed the contents, her expression flickered with surprise. Seeing that look, Seo Nak was certain it was that letter. There was nothing else that could surprise her, a woman who rarely showed emotion, to such an extent.
“That letter is a fabrication,” Seo Nak said in a low, heavy voice. “The Young Cult Leader threatened me with that forged letter when he came by last time. But let me be clear: I have never received any Fragrant Snow Ice Wine.”
His tone was calm and composed. Now that he had said it to the Palace Master, there was no turning back. The wine had officially never been received.
At that, the Ice Palace Master looked at him with an incomprehensible expression.
“What are you talking about? Fragrant Snow Ice Wine?”
In that instant, Seo Nak’s heart sank.
It wasn't that letter!
This was the true mockery. He could have just stayed quiet, but he had brought up the Fragrant Snow Ice Wine with his own mouth.
“May I take a look at that letter?”
The Ice Palace Master handed it over. On it were written several dishes and the names of nearby taverns and restaurants.
Looking at it, he realized why the Palace Master had been surprised. At the very bottom of the letter, it said: ‘These are the dishes your daughter likes. Please enjoy some quality time together.’
“My subordinate, Lee An, has been eating and sleeping with the Young Palace Master lately, so she found out. The inns and restaurants listed below are the places that make those dishes best in this area. I looked them up myself. I thought you might want to have a meal with your daughter in a different atmosphere.”
For the first time, Seo Nak’s composure crumbled. It wasn't a smile, nor was it a hardened expression; it was a new face entirely. The emotion was pure rage. He tried to force a smile, but it wouldn't come.
The target of his rage wasn't just Geom Mu-geuk. It was rage and disappointment toward himself for being toyed with by such a shallow trick. Even though he had considered the possibility that it wasn't the letter, he had been swept up in the atmosphere and convinced himself it was.
But he didn't realize that today’s mistake wasn't just due to a momentary lapse in judgment. It happened because his internal order had already begun to collapse under Geom Mu-geuk’s influence.
Still, the wall that was the man known as Seo Nak, built over many years, was thick. He composed himself, smiling as if it were no big deal.
“I reacted excessively because I thought the Young Cult Leader was so skilled in schemes. I hope the Palace Master understands. The Young Cult Leader has been slandering me with the misunderstanding I mentioned earlier.”
The Ice Palace Master nodded as if she understood everything.
“No matter what evidence the Young Cult Leader brings, I trust you, Elder.”
“Thank you, Palace Master.”
Seo Nak then glared at Geom Mu-geuk. I lost this time. The admission that he had truly lost escaped him internally.
“Young Cult Leader, I don’t know what your intentions are, but you cannot break the trust between the Palace Master and me.”
After saying those words, Seo Nak bid a polite farewell to the Ice Palace Master and left. He shouldn't have come up in the first place. But that hateful brat had been waiting at the entrance to hook him, and he had been caught hook, line, and sinker.
Once they were alone, the Ice Palace Master asked Geom Mu-geuk, “Why do you provoke him to this extent? Are you trying to show me his true colors?”
If so, she thought he was using a method that was far too dangerous and extreme. To her surprise, Geom Mu-geuk replied, “No.”
“No?”
“It’s true I’m trying to make his true colors surface, but I’m not trying to show them to you, Palace Master.”
“Then who are you trying to show them to?”
Instead of answering, Geom Mu-geuk bid his farewell and left the hall.
“Please make sure to visit the places written there. They really are the dishes your daughter likes.”
*
Geom Mu-geuk descended from the Palace Master’s Hall. As he stepped out of the entrance, Lee An came running toward him from up ahead. One look at her face was enough to know the situation was serious.
“Where?”
“White Liquor Snowy Plains!”
He didn't ask what had happened. If an incident had already occurred, the best course of action was to get there as quickly as possible. He sprinted toward the location using the Rapid Speed Step.
In an instant, he arrived at the White Liquor Snowy Plains. There was a reason Lee An had to come for him so urgently.
The place was a bloodbath. Amidst several corpses scattered in every direction stood a single man. The warriors of the Ice Palace had him surrounded in layers, their swords pointed at his throat.
Standing alone, drenched in blood, was the Drunken Demon.