The Demon Does Not Show Its Tail (3)
The moment I stepped into the reception room, a heavy silence fell over the place like a wet blanket.
Everyone’s eyes turned toward me at once. Some were wary, others openly hostile. A few even looked at me with blatant contempt, as if I were some filthy insect that had crawled in from the street.
Among them, the one who stood out the most was a woman sitting at the head of the long table. Her long black hair flowed like silk down her back, and her sharp, almond-shaped eyes gleamed with intelligence. Even though she was seated, her presence dominated the entire room.
Cao Cao. The woman who would one day unify the north and stand at the pinnacle of this chaotic world.
She was even more beautiful in person than the rumors suggested. But the aura she gave off was far from gentle. It was cold, calculating, and carried the unmistakable scent of blood. The kind of person who could smile while ordering a massacre.
“So you’re the one who sent that letter.”
Her voice was low and smooth, yet it carried an undeniable weight. It felt like a blade pressed against my throat.
I offered a polite bow, keeping my expression calm.
“Yes, my lady. My name is Jin Hwan. I am but a humble wanderer who happened to come across certain information that I believed would be of interest to you.”
“Information, you say.”
Cao Cao tapped her fingers lightly on the table. The sound was soft, but every tap seemed to echo like a warning.
“And what makes you think I would believe the words of a complete stranger? Especially one who claims to know the secrets of my sworn enemy, Yuan Shao?”
The atmosphere in the room grew even heavier. The retainers standing behind her all glared at me with killing intent. One wrong word and I could very well be dragged out and executed on the spot.
But I had expected this. In fact, I had prepared for it.
I slowly raised my head and met her gaze directly. Her eyes were like bottomless abysses, ready to swallow anything that dared look into them.
“Because I know something that even your most trusted spies have failed to uncover, my lady.”
“Oh? And what might that be?”
A faint smile played on her lips. It was the smile of a predator toying with its prey.
I took a deep breath and spoke the words I had rehearsed countless times in my head.
“Yuan Shao is planning to betray you during the upcoming alliance meeting at the Bridge of the Tiger’s Trap. She intends to use the chaos of the battle against Dong Zhuo as a smokescreen to launch a surprise attack on your rear forces.”
The moment those words left my mouth, the entire room froze.
The retainers who had been sneering at me just moments ago now stared with wide eyes. Even Cao Cao’s fingers stopped tapping.
After a long silence, she finally spoke again. Her voice had dropped even lower.
“...That is quite the bold claim. Do you have any proof to back it up?”
“I do not have physical evidence, my lady. But I know the exact date, time, and the unit that will carry out the attack. I also know who the traitor within your ranks is—the one feeding information to Yuan Shao.”
At that, one of the retainers behind Cao Cao stepped forward with a furious expression.
“My lady! This man is clearly a spy sent by Yuan Shao to sow discord among us! We should execute him immediately!”
Several others nodded in agreement. The killing intent in the room thickened until it was almost suffocating.
But Cao Cao raised her hand, silencing them all with a single gesture.
Her eyes never left mine. It felt as though she was trying to peer straight into my soul.
“You seem awfully confident for someone standing on the edge of a blade. What is it that you want in return for this information?”
Finally, we had reached the heart of the matter.
I smiled inwardly. The real game was about to begin.
“I ask for nothing extravagant, my lady. I simply wish to serve you. Allow me to stand by your side and offer my counsel. That is all I desire.”
“Serve me?”
Cao Cao let out a soft laugh. It was a laugh filled with genuine amusement.
“You want to become my subordinate after walking in here with nothing but words? You certainly have guts. I’ll give you that much.”
She leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. The gesture was elegant, yet it carried an overwhelming pressure.
“Very well. Then prove it. If what you say is true, I will consider your request. But if this turns out to be a lie...”
Her eyes narrowed into dangerous slits.
“I will personally make sure you regret ever being born.”
The threat was clear and absolute. Yet instead of fear, I felt a strange thrill run down my spine.
This is it. This is the woman I need to conquer.
I bowed once more, hiding the smile that threatened to creep onto my lips.
“As you wish, my lady. I will prove my worth.”
As I straightened up, our eyes met again. For the briefest moment, something flickered in her gaze. It was too fleeting to identify, but it was there.
Curiosity? Interest? Or perhaps the first spark of something far more dangerous?
Either way, the first step had been taken.
The demon had yet to show its tail, but I had already begun wrapping my chains around it.
Hidden Quest Updated
The Demon’s Tail
Progress: 15%
Reward upon completion: ‘Absolute Subjugation’ skill unlocked
I suppressed the smile rising to my face as I watched the system window fade away.
Just you wait, Cao Cao. Soon enough, you’ll be kneeling at my feet, begging for more.
The real hunt had only just begun.