Karma (4)
The Demon King said, "How about one more drink?"
"...Yes."
His massive frame exuded an overwhelming presence, a truly regal figure befitting the ruler of the demon realm.
Rumors had recently spread through the demon world that the Demon King was stepping down from his throne and passing it to his daughter. Yet despite his power showing no signs of waning, everyone wondered why he was abdicating so soon.
"Hmm... that's ten glasses now... ten years, then."
"..."
I stared at the liquid in my glass, my face twisting in disgust.
The brew in the glass was the infamous Demon-Slaying Brew, the strongest liquor in the demon realm—strong enough to kill even a demon king. Each sip unleashed a fiery blast from my mouth and nose. Unlike its fragrant aroma, every glass made my head spin and my vision blur, boasting an insane alcohol content.
A quick glance to the side revealed stacks of empty bottles beside the table.
I squeezed my eyes shut and downed the precious liquor in one gulp. The flavor and scent never grew tiresome, but the bitter burn of alcohol that followed was relentless.
"H-ha... one more, please."
The Demon King chuckled heartily and poured me another.
Soon after, a new Demon King was born.
Ever wonder what kind of houses big corporate chairmen live in? It's something everyone is curious about at least once. A fancy garden with a grand two-story mansion? A high-rise penthouse overlooking downtown Seoul?
Surprisingly, the chairman of Baekil Group lived a bit outside the city. The vast garden and sprawling estate—that was Baek Ga-eun's family home.
"Just follow the garden path straight ahead from here."
The woman who introduced herself as Baek Man-sik's secretary, Shin Jeong-hyeon, insisted I call her "Shin Secretary."
Shin Secretary rattled off details about the chairman as we walked toward our private meeting.
"The chairman hates cars moving inside the house."
"..."
How long had we been walking? A glance back showed the security guards as tiny specks in the distance. Even looking ahead, the main gate didn't seem any closer.
No cars in this massive house...
"The chairman isn't big on formal etiquette, but as long as you show basic courtesy, you'll be fine."
"The family adores the young lady. Keep that in mind, and you won't have any issues."
Shin Secretary shared various tidbits, then added in a quiet voice just before we reached the gate.
"...He sometimes has sudden outbursts. Be careful not to get caught up in them."
Her cautious tone made it seem like genuine advice for my sake.
...It really hit me just how wealthy Baek Ga-eun's family was.
I recalled her beaming over a cheap 1,000-won drink not long ago. For someone to whom this chaebol life was normal, her simple joy at something so ordinary felt remarkable.
As we arrived, the gate guards swung the doors open.
Clank...
"Welcome."
An older woman waited at the entrance, introducing herself as the family housekeeper.
"...Hello."
"The chairman is waiting upstairs. We can't go up, so head to the largest door at the far end, knock, and go in."
"Got it."
She grabbed me as I turned to go and handed me a small pill and a glass of water.
"What's this...?"
"A potent vitamin. You must take it."
Did I really need a vitamin? But seeing her worried gaze at this stranger, and recalling Shin Secretary's careful warning, I figured it was harmless.
"Thank you."
I took the pill and headed inside to the stairs.
As I climbed, it struck me how warm and affectionate the Baek family seemed. Unlike the pristine first floor, the upper level was filled with family photos and mementos of their lives. Among them was a shot of Baek Ga-eun on her ballet stage.
Scanning the rooms quickly, I spotted the wide door at the far end—the chairman's study.
I approached carefully, took a deep breath, and knocked.
Knock knock.
'Come in.'
The chairman's voice from inside ratcheted up my tension. I pushed the door open gingerly.
It was a spacious room—a library, judging by the bookshelves, desk, sofas, and tables.
"...Come in."
The chairman, over seventy, didn't look his age at all. Even seated, his imposing build and deep, resonant voice spoke of vitality. Half-empty glasses of liquor and water sat before him—he'd been drinking since midday.
"Hello, sir."
I bowed deeply, intimidated.
Baek Man-sik smiled warmly and gestured for me to sit.
"Sorry to summon you so suddenly, Cho-in."
"...Not at all. It's an honor."
Baek Man-sik chuckled heartily, telling me not to feel burdened. He toyed with his half-empty glass as he spoke.
"Do you know why I called you directly, bypassing Director Choi?"
"...I'm not sure."
"I'm very pleased you plan to get our Ga-eun back on stage."
"..."
"We always respect Ga-eun's choices... but the entertainment industry, of all things?"
I caught his concern. The industry was far riskier than it seemed—unpredictable success, grueling effort, mental and physical tolls. From the Baek family's view, luring their daughter into it made me look like a bad influence.
"...I understand your worries. But CG Entertainment isn't small. We can protect Ga-eun fully."
Baek Man-sik, staring intently, downed the rest of his glass and set it down. As he reached for the bottle, I quickly poured him more. The whiskey's aroma wafted over.
"True, CG isn't small... but what about you?"
"..."
He sipped water, then emptied the glass again. Impressive—he downed that harsh whiskey without a flinch.
"I trust CG Entertainment, but not you."
"Why did Ga-eun choose CG? Because of you, right?"
"..."
He stopped my hand from grabbing the bottle and poured his own glass generously.
Glug glug glug...
It brimmed full. He shoved the empty bottle aside.
"...I've always believed a man should act like a man."
"..."
He stood abruptly, fetched two empty glasses, and set them before me. Even over that short distance, no slur in his speech or steps—he was stone sober.
"Do you drink?"
"...Not like you, sir, but I'm confident."
Baek Man-sik laughed booming, downed his full glass in one go, and slid a new bottle my way.
Johnnie Walker King George V... no cheap stuff.
"I like soju, but can't serve cheap booze to a guest."
He deftly opened it and handed me the bottle.
"We're a house of nobles."
The bottle felt heavy in my hand. Everything he'd said so far felt like a test.
I'd boasted confidence, but facing this monster, doubt crept in. Pouring just a little would make me seem unmanly by his standards. He'd chugged nonstop to corner me—no half-measures.
A glance at him: Go ahead, try me.
I'm doomed...
Glug glug glug...
I filled it to the brim and passed the bottle. My hands shook at the sight.
Baek Man-sik laughed heartily, matched it in his glass, and clinked.
"To our Ga-eun's success."
"...To success."
Clink.
I shut my eyes and gulped.
'One billion won per bottle.'
That was Baek Man-sik's promise as we neared the end of the first. For each bottle emptied, he'd add investment to CG Entertainment.
Whether the whiskey was that good or the vitamin worked wonders, I started strong— even sobered up midway. I'd definitely ask what that pill was before leaving.
By the third bottle—three billion won total. Not a bad haul for sacrificing my body.
I was plastered: tongue thick, staggering from the bathroom like a zigzag. I'd spilled some, but Baek Man-sik's slurring speech meant even he was tipsy at last. What a monster.
Thud thud!
"Grandpa, I'm coming in!"
Baek Ga-eun burst through the door. Baek Man-sik looked startled.
"Wh-when did you get here?"
"G-Ga-eun..."
Baek Ga-eun wrinkled her nose at the sprawled bottles and booze stench.
Her angry face was a first.
"Grandpa, what are you doing with my manager?"
"W-well..."
Even he was just a grandpa—he spilled the truth about the bet.
"Grandpa, are you insane? Chugging premium whiskey like this?"
"But..."
"Stop right now! I'll tell Grandma, so you know."
"N-no!"
At "grandma," he panicked like a child, grabbing her and pleading.
"Don't tell your grandma, please..."
The monster showed his soft side—as grandpa, as husband.
"Manager, how could you join this stupid bet?"
"I-it's... one billion per bottle..."
She let out an incredulous laugh, hauled me up.
"Come on, now."
"Uh, uh..."
I glanced at Baek Man-sik, but he averted his eyes, fiddling with his glass.
"Th-there's plenty of empty rooms. Crash anywhere and we'll talk tomorrow..."
"...Huh?"
"I said come on?"
"Y-yes..."
Following Baek Ga-eun out, a pleasant scent wafted from somewhere. It thawed my frozen mind like warm water easing tension.
"Where's that nice... scent from..."
"..."
Baek Ga-eun silently led me up another flight to a room. The tickling fragrance filled it.
She shoved me onto the bed; my face sank into fluffy blankets. The scent intensified from them.
The softness and soothing aroma melted my tension away.
In the end, my film cut out.
"..."