11
Ep 11
“…Jin! Yujin! Are you alright?”
The door burst open.
Cheon Hyerin rushed in.
After that incident, I had been treated at the clinic.
Ma Noe handled it himself again.
His personality might be rough—
But his medical skill was exceptional.
He had saved me before, even when my body was full of wounds and I had used innate energy.
“Come here.”
Cheon Hyerin was as beautiful as ever.
“I need to confirm something myself.”
She approached, uncrossing her arms.
Her movements were calm—
But her presence was overwhelming.
“Give me your hand.”
“…Why all of a sudden?”
“…If you refuse, I’ll come closer myself.”
I hesitated.
But her gaze didn’t waver.
She grabbed my arm lightly and pulled my hand toward her.
‘Was she always this direct?’
But—
“That’s not it.”
She spoke calmly.
“I’m worried. This is the most accurate way to check your condition.”
“…You didn’t just want to hold my hand?”
“…!!”
Her eyes widened.
“…No.”
“…I see.”
“…You should be more careful with your words. It’s a miracle you haven’t been taken advantage of.”
She held my hand.
Her grip was gentle.
Warm.
Even through the glove.
Her fingers moved slightly as she examined my palm.
Her face drew closer.
A faint scent lingered.
“…Why did you push yourself?”
She asked quietly.
She had noticed.
Of course she had.
“…If you wanted to show strength… you could have said so.”
Her tone was calm.
But there was dissatisfaction beneath it.
She was worried.
More than expected.
“…I was concerned too.”
“…About what?”
“You were watching. I wanted to look good in front of you.”
Her expression shifted.
She tried to stay composed—
But her chest rose and fell quickly.
“…?”
Was that really such a big deal?
She looked away, ears flushed.
“…If that’s the case… it can’t be helped.”
“How could I look pathetic in front of you?”
“….”
“I needed to make an impression.”
“…Am I… your woman?”
“…What?”
“…N-nothing! Forget that.”
She coughed awkwardly.
Her neck turned slightly red.
“….”
“….”
Silence.
Then—
“…You planned this.”
“…Planned what?”
“To make me feel more… to make me care even more.”
“…?”
“…So that I’d fall deeper.”
What is she talking about?
“….”
“…So that’s why you approached me first.”
Her voice was calm.
But her face slowly turned red.
Her breathing uneven.
“…I guess I didn’t express myself enough.”
“….”
“…I’ll stop holding back.”
Her eyes met mine.
They trembled slightly.
‘…I’ve made things worse again.’
I sighed internally.
“…Don’t say things like that to others.”
“…!!”
“It could cause misunderstandings.”
“…You really…”
She staggered slightly.
Like she had been struck.
She stepped closer.
Too close.
“…How far do you intend to pull me in?”
She closed her eyes tightly.
Unable to meet my gaze.
I looked at her.
What should I do here?
We were already holding hands.
If this kept going, it would just get more awkward.
So—
I pulled her hand slightly.
“…!”
Her eyes widened.
“…You look beautiful today.”
“…!!!!!!”
Her eyelashes trembled.
She froze.
Speechless.
Then—
She turned and left the room.
“…Did that work?”
////
Cheon Hyerin walked away.
Trying to suppress her emotions.
Her face burned.
Her heart raced uncontrollably.
The cold moonlight contrasted with her flushed cheeks.
“…Beautiful…”
That one word echoed.
She had heard it many times before.
But—
From him—
It was different.
“…I’m not used to this…”
Still—
She was happy.
“…How much deeper must I fall…”
Her voice was quiet.
///
Time passed quickly.
I left the hall.
There was something I needed to do.
Walking down the stairs—
I saw him.
Cheon Hojung.
Smiling.
Clearly pleased.
Not with me—
But with my strength.
The relationship between Cheonma and the Sword Empress.
Originally—
Cheonma ruled the Demonic Cult.
But now—
He was gone.
And Cheon Hyerin led in his place.
There was one problem.
No successor.
If she died—
Hong Yeon would take over.
That wasn’t strange.
But—
Ma Noe didn’t like that.
He was loyal to Cheon Hyerin.
Eliminating Hong Yeon wasn’t an option.
Too risky.
Too many factions.
And then—
I appeared.
“…Now I understand.”
Even though I used Cheonma’s technique—
What mattered—
Was control.
Few could handle demonic energy.
And I had shown it.
“…So that’s why.”
Maybe—
He wanted to train me further.
Or—
Maybe it was her decision.
Either way—
I had to take responsibility.
“…I need to get stronger.”
At least—
Strong enough not to be a burden.
I clenched my fist.
And stepped forward.
“There is a message from Cheon Hyerin.”
“…What is it?”
“Using your body is too dangerous. Practice with a sword instead. You are to be given a weapon.”
“….”
She really—
Couldn’t think of anything but me.
“…That’s almost scary.”
Well—
It’s not like I have a choice.