Chapter 13 The Empress's Day
Chapter 13: The Empress's Day
The Empress's Day
The Underground Guild!
There wasn't a soul in the Republic of Korea—no, in the entire world—who hadn't heard of this guild, at least among those involved in the business of Ability Users or politics. Its fame was unparalleled, and for good reason.
It was the guild owned by none other than Yu Ha-rin, the woman hailed as the world's strongest Ability User—the Empress. Officially, the guild leader was an Ability User named Kang Cheol-hyeok, but in reality, everyone knew who truly held the reins.
To put it bluntly, Kang Cheol-hyeok was, at best, a proxy—a figurehead guild leader. In truth, he was little more than a vice-leader.
The Underground Guild was massive in scale, but its composition was even more unique.
Earth was no longer inhabited solely by pure humans. Returnees had brought with them all manner of otherworldly races—elves, dwarves, pixies, beastfolk—and their presence had caused significant changes.
They had settled into Earth, forging deep bonds with the Returnees—whether through friendship, sworn brotherhood, or romance—and often worked alongside them.
"Thanks for fixing up my parents' restaurant, Randrok."
"Hahaha! For the greatest blacksmith among dwarves, Randrok, this was child's play! If you're grateful, just keep the beer flowing—nice and fizzy!"
"As much as you want!"
Some Returnees reaped the benefits of their dwarf friends' craftsmanship, while others lamented unexpected changes.
"Online games?! This is a whole new world! Darling, I'm so glad I followed you here!"
"...How did my once-pure elf wife turn into such a gaming addict?"
Then there were those who delighted in introducing Earth's diverse cuisine to their ravenous beastfolk spouses.
"The food here is incredible! You use these expensive spices so casually!"
"Just tell me what you want to eat."
"Thank you~"
These non-human races, brought to Earth by Returnees, had integrated seamlessly into society, living without issue.
The Underground Guild was no exception—many of its members were non-humans, and a significant number held executive positions.
And today, the Underground Guild had issued a summons.
By the Empress's command, all executives were to gather.
The guild's meeting hall was arranged with a long, circular table, around which sat men and women of formidable presence.
Each was a powerhouse whose name carried weight in the world, and their mere presence made the air feel heavy. These were the executives of the Underground Guild.
Yet the highest seat on the podium remained empty—reserved solely for the Empress, Yu Ha-rin.
"Guild Leader. Any idea why the Empress summoned us?"
A cat-eared beastwoman with delicate features—a swordsman from another world now in her early twenties—spoke up. Her skills had been renowned in her homeland, and even on Earth, her strength was nothing to scoff at, earning her a place among the guild's elite.
"No clue. She just ordered the gathering."
Even Kang Cheol-hyeok, the guild leader, was in the dark.
The Empress wasn't one to share details beforehand. When she called, she called—no explanations, no hints.
"Of course, even the Guild Leader wouldn't know. Not giving advance notice is just like Her Majesty."
Yu Ha-rin was far from what anyone would call "approachable."
But to them, she was a strict, fair, and decisive ruler—one who rewarded and punished with absolute clarity. She could be merciless when necessary, though those who had followed her back from the other world knew she had mellowed considerably since their return. Compared to the cold-blooded sovereign they remembered, the restrained version of her on Earth was almost comforting.
"I heard the Empress's younger brother returned. Could it be related to that?"
Park Seong-hyeon, an Earth-born Ability User in his thirties, voiced the thought.
Lunia, a red-haired swordswoman from another world, shook her head.
"Honestly, I still can't believe the Empress doted on someone that much."
A golden-haired elf girl holding a staff nodded in agreement.
"Same. The idea of Her Majesty pouring her heart into someone like that... it's hard to swallow."
To Earth-born individuals, it was common knowledge that Yu Ha-rin had cherished her younger brother, Yu Ji-hu—her only remaining family after losing their parents at thirteen.
But to those from the other world, who had witnessed her rise to power through relentless slaughter, the idea of her being tender toward anyone was unfathomable.
"Well, I suppose it makes sense."
Park Seong-hyeon understood their skepticism.
The Yu Ha-rin who had existed before the other world—the one who had been inseparable from her brother—was a well-known figure. Had he not seen it himself, he might not have believed it either.
Back then, she hadn't yet been called the Empress, but her strength had already been formidable. She simply hadn't flaunted it, only acting against those who opposed her.
'Maybe she was biding her time—keeping a low profile until she had the power to crush everything in her path.'
Then, a crushing pressure filled the meeting hall.
Thud— Thud—
Deliberately heavy footsteps grew closer, and with each step, the executives felt their bodies stiffen instinctively.
The overwhelming aura of the approaching figure sent a primal tension through them.
Creeeak—
"......"
The doors opened, revealing the Empress, Yu Ha-rin.
'As breathtaking as ever.'
That was the unanimous thought of every executive present.
Regardless of their reverence for her, none could deny her beauty.
Her long, raven-black hair gleamed like ebony, and her cold eyes radiated an untouchable authority. Her tall, slender frame boasted flawless curves, and her skin was unblemished, like white jade. Every aspect of her was perfection.
Even the most glamorous celebrities paled in comparison. She was, without contest, the world's most beautiful woman—a fact she proved simply by existing.
"......"
Without a word, she ascended the podium and glanced at her seat before sitting.
Then, she spoke.
"Now that everyone is here, let us begin."
Her voice was icy, devoid of warmth.
Her gaze swept over the thirteen executives below.
Each one felt an instinctive urge to bow under the weight of her stare—even Kang Cheol-hyeok. But they resisted.
Here, in this hall, they were to meet her eyes and listen.
"You've likely heard the news by now, but remember this well: my younger brother, Yu Ji-hu, has returned. Though he isn't present today, you all know his face from the photos."
The moment she mentioned Ji-hu, her frigid tone softened—just slightly.
The Earth-born executives exchanged knowing glances, while those from the other world doubted their ears.
'Did Her Majesty's voice just... warm up?'
'Did I mishear?'
Their expressions betrayed their disbelief, but Ha-rin paid no mind as she continued.
"I've gathered you here to make this clear: from now on, his orders are my orders. Serve him as you would serve me. To act in his interest is to act in mine. To challenge him is to challenge me. To harm him is to harm me. Consider this your only warning."
Silence followed her words.
"And Guild Leader."
"Yes."
Kang Cheol-hyeok responded deferentially.
"Increase the donations to the orphanages."
"Understood."
He didn't ask why.
His role was to obey—nothing more.
The Underground Guild existed solely for that purpose.