HDCLSSRS Ch 143

Chapter 143 Gift(4)

“The one who killed the Fourth Young Master was the Third Young Master. Once the Sixth Young Master clears his name, the Second Young Master will surely do everything in his power to help. Then, we won’t have to sit around helplessly relying on the righteous sects — we’ll have the strength to act on our own.”

Bang Gyeom spoke solemnly. His eyes, fixed on Seong Muyeon, glimmered faintly with hope.

“You’re right. We need to clear his false charges. And the more allies we have, the better.”

Muyeon nodded slowly, though the hard line of his face did not ease. Bang Gyeom waited anxiously for his next words. Muyeon let out a quiet sigh.

“But what if things don’t go our way? What then? The situation could spiral out of control.”

“But—!”

“As you said, Second Brother would believe me. He’d surely clear Seong Mujai’s name. If he formally declares the Third Brother wanted and mobilizes to stop him, nothing could be better…”

“……”

“But here’s the problem — the righteous sect alliance gathered here is already pursuing the Third Brother. No matter how monstrous his crimes, he’s still part of the Demonic Sect. He’s still family. If you were in the Second Brother’s place, what would you do? Wouldn’t you prioritize stopping outsiders before punishing your own?”

Bang Gyeom covered his face with one hand and let out a low groan of despair.

Blood always runs thicker than water. Seong Muryong would never just sit by and allow the righteous alliance to hunt down his brother. He’d likely step in to contain the situation first — and when he did, he’d try to secure the Third Brother’s safety.

And if that happened, what chance would Seong Mujai have to survive amid the ensuing battle between the Second Brother and the righteous sects?

In truth, Muryong had likely already learned of the chaos occurring in his jurisdiction. The real concern wasn’t how to bring him in — it was when he’d decide to intervene on his own.

“……Besides,” Muyeon muttered, “I don’t really want to see Second Brother anyway.”

“Did something happen between the two of you?”

“Talking about it would just be a waste of breath.”

Muyeon hadn’t forgotten that his second brother once tried to use mind control on him. Whatever the reason, Muyeon was the kind of person who valued his own safety above all else.

“Then we have no choice but to track down the Head of Yangha Pavilion. There must be someone who fed him inside information.”

Realizing that trusting the Second Brother was a dead end, Bang Gyeom turned his attention elsewhere without hesitation.

“I think he’s already left the manor and returned to his sect. If you think about it, he must have been terrified I’d come for revenge — after all, in his eyes, I’m a murderous demon.”

“……Then we’ll have to confirm his whereabouts.”

And with that, their conversation ended. Seomun Yuha, who had just received a flood of new information, sat there in a daze.

“Well then, I’ll turn in for the night.”

Back in his room, Seong Muyeon took out the jar of liquor he had hidden away. His brow furrowed in deep contemplation.

Where do I even hide this?

If Baek Ryeoil found it, he’d drink it without hesitation. Muyeon had barely managed to stop him from downing a whole bottle back at the inn just days before.

Drinking while injured — absolutely ridiculous.

As he wandered around, searching for a spot where Baek Ryeoil wouldn’t find it, Muyeon couldn’t help but feel amused.

He’d be so surprised.

So happy he could die.

Muyeon moved the jar several times. Somehow, he couldn’t shake the unease that Baek Ryeoil’s inhuman sense of smell would lead him straight to it.

Finally, he lined up the jars deep beneath the bed and crawled back out, appraising his work critically.

They say the darkest place is under the lamp… but isn’t that a bit too obvious?

He was about to reach under and move it again when the door suddenly slammed open behind him.

“Hey! Seong Muyeon!”

“Whoa, you scared me! Could you please make some noise before barging in— Wait, your bandages! You took them off?”

Muyeon’s eyes widened. Baek Ryeoil stood there, his chest fully healed and his posture exuding power.

Truly, his recovery was monstrous.

But his expression — his expression was even more terrifying than a specter crawling out of hell.

“Don’t get too close to Paeng Wongeum.”

“…What are you talking about now?”

“I’ve been thinking, and that guy’s weird. Always smiling for no reason — there’s something off about him. He’s got that sly, scheming air. Why else would he be so nice for no reason?”

Muyeon frowned.

“Some people are kind without reason. Not everyone in the world is like you, Dojang.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? There’s no one more upright and fair-minded than me!”

“…Are you being serious right now?”

“Anyway! I’m warning you! Stay away from that guy! Don’t even get within a jang of him!”

Muyeon immediately shot back.

“I refuse!”

“Hey! What gives you the right to—”

“I’ll do as I please! And when did I ever act all giddy around him? You’re making things up now!”

“You were giddy! You were smiling like an idiot!”

Their relationship was always like this — just when things started to smooth out, Baek Ryeoil would find some ridiculous excuse to pick a fight. How could anyone treat them equally when he acted like this?

The two glared at each other, sparks practically flying. Then, out of nowhere, Baek Ryeoil let out a deep sigh and hesitated.

“Do you… like people like Paeng Wongeum?”

Muyeon blinked, stunned by the unexpected question.

“W–What do you mean, people like him?”

“Well, you know… calm, gentle, never losing their temper… and everyone likes them…”

Baek Ryeoil mumbled awkwardly. His uncharacteristic tone left Muyeon speechless. When he didn’t get an answer, Baek Ryeoil fidgeted nervously, ruffling his hair before scowling.

“Forget it! I’ve saved your life how many times now? Maybe show a little gratitude!”

Before Muyeon could respond, Baek Ryeoil strode closer. Muyeon’s heart skipped — his hidden jar flashed in his mind. In a panic, he pressed a hand to Baek Ryeoil’s chest to keep him from coming any closer.

Baek Ryeoil’s brow twitched violently.

“Answer me. Me or him.”

“…Huh?”

“If I fell into the water with him, who would you save first?”

“…Me? Save you?”

“Don’t twist my words! Just answer!”

“…Well, how deep is the water? Is it a river or the sea? And why would we fall in? Strictly speaking, I’m more likely to be the one rescued, not the rescuer.”

That only made Baek Ryeoil’s face grow redder with fury.

“That’s it. Sit down. Let’s go over how many times I’ve saved you. Once I’m done, you’ll have to admit how amazing I am—”

“Don’t you dare!”

When Baek Ryeoil moved toward the bed, Muyeon lunged to stop him.

“Don’t sit there!”

Muyeon pushed him back, but Baek Ryeoil’s rock-solid body didn’t budge an inch.

“What, did you hide Paeng Wongeum under there or something? So that’s it, huh? You bastard!”

“What nonsense are you talking about! This is my room! Get out!”

Baek Ryeoil ignored him and grabbed his arm with a flick of the wrist, his gaze sharp with silent threat.

“Ugh!”

Muyeon twisted to escape, but Baek Ryeoil’s grip was like steel. Pain shot up his arm.

Driven by sheer desperation, Muyeon kicked at his shin — only for Baek Ryeoil to shift his weight easily, dodging the blow.

Despite his frantic efforts to guard his surprise, Muyeon soon found both wrists pinned and his breath coming ragged with frustration.

He bit Baek Ryeoil’s forearm in retaliation, but it was so solid it only left his gums throbbing in pain.

“Well, well. So you were hiding something, huh? I’d suggest confessing now — it’ll be easier on you.”

Muyeon was on the verge of losing his mind. Baek Ryeoil truly had a gift for provoking him — for lighting a fire under him until he exploded. Whether that was good or bad, even he couldn’t tell anymore.

“You’re really not going to tell me?”

Baek Ryeoil’s voice dropped, low and dangerous. He met Muyeon’s eyes — and in that instant, the entire room fell silent, leaving only the sound of their rough, uneven breathing.