The Lulling Bear's Grand Debut
"It's been four days, and still no bite."
Jang Il's face showed a hint of worry.
"Haha, take it easy and wait. Big game doesn't come easy, after all."
Bang So-un, on the other hand, remained utterly relaxed. He'd never expected a quick catch from the start.
"It'll come if we wait. Word's spreading by now."
"You think so, young master?"
"I know so."
Bang So-un chuckled just then—when something small and swift slithered into their tent in an instant.
"Well, speak of the devil."
Bang So-un's eyes lit up. It was the black snake.
Jang Il's expression brightened immediately too.
"We got 'em at last! Young master's predictions are always spot on!"
"Haha, what did I tell you?"
Bang So-un grinned as he lifted the black snake onto his hand. It opened its mouth right away, revealing a rolled scrap of paper inside. He plucked it out with his fingers.
"Let's see."
"What does it say?"
"Cotton gauze."
"Cotton gauze?"
"Means her outfit. Nangong bro's got some use after all. Anyway, perfect. Not many women wear that—should be easy to spot."
"Heh, excellent."
Bang So-un stood.
"Time for us to get ready."
"Yes, young master."
The harmonious master and servant began preparations to welcome their special prey.
A young woman. Her attire marked her unmistakably as a troupe member. But her steps lacked strength, as if her spirit had drained away.
She headed straight for the troupe leader's tent.
She stopped in front of it.
"...Leader..."
"What is it?"
"...I have something to tell you..."
"Come in."
The woman entered. Inside sat Troupe Leader Sin Choyoung.
Sin Choyoung tilted her head at the sight of her.
"You sick or something?"
"...No..."
"Then why the long face..."
"...More importantly, the master said there's going to be a special performance at the next show..."
Special performance. The moment she heard it, the light of reason vanished from Sin Choyoung's face. Her eyes glazed over blankly, and her lips murmured in a dazed voice.
"...Yes... this pussy slave has received the master's orders clearly..."
"...There must be no mishaps..."
"...Yes... no mishaps..."
"...For safety, all pussy slaves must enter a hypnotic trance..."
"...Yes... all pussy slaves must enter a hypnotic trance..."
"...All pussy slaves must act so their hypnosis is never detected..."
"...Yes... act so it's never detected..."
In that instant, the woman's and Sin Choyoung's expressions shifted. Back to normal. A close look would reveal a subtle difference from true normalcy, but no one would suspect anything off.
"Leader."
"Yeah, speak."
"The master said to disguise four apprentice troupe members whose faces aren't known as audience members for the next performance."
"Of course we'll follow orders."
They only looked normal on the surface. Deep in hypnosis, they were mere puppets.
"Let's split up and hypnotize them first."
"Right."
"Everything as the master wills."
"Everything as the master wills."
The woman and Sin Choyoung stepped out of the tent.
Namgung Hwaran and Hwa Mulin had finally arrived at the performance grounds. The show was just about to start.
"Right on time, huh."
Said Namgung Hwaran, her face veiled in cotton gauze.
"Lucky us."
Hwa Mulin's face was bare. She'd always worked as a guard, so her features weren't well-known in the jianghu.
"Yeah."
Namgung Hwaran gave a faint smile as she joined the line.
"Looks like it's as popular as they say. Quite the queue."
"Yes, miss."
They waited in line and entered the large tent where the performance was held.
The performance began. As rumored, it was superb—not a single mistake. That alone showed how much effort the troupe had poured in.
Namgung Hwaran appreciated such dedication. Her expression reflected satisfaction.
"The kids love it."
Hwa Mulin murmured softly.
"Heh, yeah."
Namgung Hwaran smiled faintly, thinking back to her own childhood.
"I was always too busy training in martial arts to enjoy stuff like this."
"What a shame. Enjoy it now, at least."
"Of course, miss."
It was a pleasant atmosphere. A brief respite from their hectic days, so it felt all the more refreshing.
Meanwhile, the stage prepared a new act. A woman stepped out— Troupe Leader Sin Choyoung.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Sin Choyoung, leader of this acrobatic troupe. I hope you've all enjoyed our humble skills so far."
Clap clap clap clap! Applause erupted. Some cheered too.
Sin Choyoung bowed deeply in thanks.
"Your enthusiastic support means the world to us."
After her polite response, she lifted her head and continued.
"This next act is something we've newly prepared. As leader, I wanted to introduce it personally."
Curiosity lit the audience's eyes. A new act was intriguing enough, but the leader coming out herself? Naturally.
Even Namgung Hwaran and Hwa Mulin looked curious.
"Then, let's begin."
Clap! Sin Choyoung clapped once.
And soon—
Something massive climbed onto the stage.
"A bear...?"
Namgung Hwaran's eyes widened.
"What the hell is that...?"
Hwa Mulin looked baffled too.
A bear mask. Lion masks were common, but a bear? Was it going to dance like a lion dance? If so, a bit disappointing. It might be fun, but hardly worth the leader's personal intro.
"...That mask is incredibly detailed."
Namgung Hwaran stared intently at it.
"Yes, definitely..."
Hwa Mulin agreed.
The fur alone was exceptional, like real bear pelt. And the performer's build fit perfectly—undeniably human inside, yet so burly it evoked a real bear. Imposing from top to bottom, side to side.
"Ooh."
"It's a bear! A bear!"
"Looks just like the real thing."
"They put real effort into this."
The audience reacted positively. The mask's quality demanded it—top-notch, paired with a fitting performer.
Bang So-un's preparations shone here. He'd spared no expense on prime bear hide and commissioned a master craftsman. No cheap vibes; it looked like a genuine act, meticulously prepared.
Well, it was a genuine act. Prepared with utmost fervor.
Satisfied with the response, Sin Choyoung spoke again.
"Everyone. It might look human at a glance, but this is a bear. A real one."
Laughter burst from the seats at her joke.
"Hahaha, definitely a bear!"
"Yes, a bear for sure!"
"What'll it do now?"
"Dance maybe?"
Good crowd energy. Sin Choyoung smiled and paused before replying.
"Dance? Isn't that for lions? This one's got a more special talent."
A special talent? The audience leaned in curiously.
Sin Choyoung emphasized her words.
"The ability to guide women into peaceful slumber. Any woman."
"Huh?"
"Peaceful what...?"
"Slumber, I think."
"Slumber...?"
"That's random as hell."
The crowd buzzed with confusion. Exactly the expected reaction. That's why a hype man was needed to shift the mood.
Bang So-un knew it well, hence the planted fake audience members.
"Behold, the Sleep-Inducing Bear. Our troupe's pride and joy. About to demonstrate now. But of course, I know you'll think it's a trick. So, we're doing this with you, the audience."
Sin Choyoung stepped forward energetically, scanning the crowd theatrically.
Of course, her targets were preselected. No one else would volunteer in this vibe.
"Sorry, you ladies over there."
"M-me?"
"Yes, could you help with the show? It'll be memorable."
"Uh, that is..."
"Please."
"Kinda embarrassing..."
"Oh, I forgot to explain. If the bear puts you to sleep, bear wins. If not, you win. First show today, so if you win, full refund on tickets. No loss—give it a shot."
Sin Choyoung added.
"R-refund?"
"Yes."
"Let's go, let's go."
"Huh?"
"No downside, right? Sounds fun. Puts you to sleep? No way. I never sleep easy."
"R-really?"
"Yeah, come on."
"O-okay."
Flawless acting from the apprentice plants. Bang So-un knew it'd spark the mood. First steps are key.
Jang Il grinned inside the bear mask too.
The plants moved onstage. One boldly leading, the other hesitantly following. Perfect even in the details.
No one suspected—not even Namgung Hwaran or Hwa Mulin.
"Thank you, ladies."
Sin Choyoung expressed her gratitude.
The special performance had begun.