Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker/Notes : Saphartlantis
========================
Chapter 412: It Seems He Finally Noticed
“Drunken Demon-nim!”
At Geom Mugeuk’s call, the Demon Supreme lifted his head and looked up.
Confirming that he was not engulfed in madness or rage, Geom Mugeuk let out a sigh of relief. If he had been in his right mind, there was no way he would’ve done something like this.
“There’s no need to explain it twice anyway, so let’s wait a bit.”
Understanding Geom Mugeuk’s words, Song Sa-hyuk gave a slight nod. Meanwhile, the Ice Palace martial artists surrounding him tensed even more at Geom Mugeuk’s appearance. Some turned toward him and began watching with wariness.
They looked convinced that the Demonic Cult was behind this incident.
A moment later, Lee Ahn arrived at the scene, followed shortly by Han Seol.
The two women were startled. One of the dead was Jo Myeong, the very man who had handled liquor ingredients at the Hundred Liquors Snow Courtyard, which they had visited not long ago. He was the one who had told them that the Former Master Brewer had drunk with Elder Seo several times.
The women looked at each other, and their gazes then shifted toward different people. Han Seol looked first at Song Sa-hyuk.
‘No way, did you kill these people?’
From the current circumstances, it looked to anyone like the Great Drunken Demon’s doing.
On the other hand, Lee Ahn looked toward Geom Mugeuk.
‘What should we do? It seems that Drunken Demon-nim walked into a trap.’
If the person standing here now hadn’t been Geom Mugeuk, her heart might have burst from panic.
But when she saw Geom Mugeuk’s calm gaze, the storm in her heart died down like a lie. It was a gaze that looked like it could overcome any danger in the world. No, even if he couldn’t solve it—it was enough just being with him.[a]
How long did they wait like that?
From all directions, martial artists carrying shields and spears began to reveal themselves and form a blockade.
They were the Northern Winds Unit, the Northern Sea Ice Palace’s elite warriors who only obeyed the Ice Palace Master’s orders. Armed with armor and shields, they were known to possess martial skills surpassing any other elite group within the Ice Palace, and just their extraordinary gaze was enough to reveal how masterful they were.[b]
The Northern Winds Unit sealed off every direction like a steel fortress, and some of them lined up side-by-side, forming a path with their shields. Through the gap in their perfect formation, Han Seogyeong stepped forward. Behind her followed bodyguards clad in snow-white martial robes.
Until now, she had only been seen inside the Palace Master’s Hall, but here she was, out in the open—and her appearance, viewed from outside, felt completely different.
The Ice Palace Master silently looked down at the corpses. Her expression was colder than ever. She had confirmed that among the dead were those who knew no martial arts.
Only then did Geom Mugeuk ask Song Sa-hyuk,
“Drunken Demon-nim, what happened here?”
At last, the Demon Supreme opened his mouth.
“That man contacted me, saying he had something to say and asked to meet.”
The corpse the Great Drunken Demon was staring at was none other than Jo Myeong—the one Lee Ahn and Han Seol had met before.
“I was just about to speak with him when suddenly the blood vessels in his neck burst. Then the others who rushed over upon hearing the noise—they burst too.”[c]
At that moment, someone shouted out.
“How are we supposed to believe that?”
The person who had just arrived was none other than Seo Nak. Not long ago, he had withdrawn from the Palace Master’s Hall with an awkward expression, but the energy he exuded now was entirely different.
“And you expect us to believe that after covering yourself in blood like that?”
The visible situation was disadvantageous to Song Sa-hyuk. Drenched in blood, he appeared all the more like a murderer.
Right then, Geom Mugeuk stepped forward.
“That’s exactly why it’s believable.”
As everyone’s gaze turned toward him, Geom Mugeuk calmly asked them,
“If the Great Drunken Demon truly killed them, would he have allowed himself to get blood on him?”
Looking over at the Demon Supreme, Geom Mugeuk continued,
“Even if they burst right in front of him, if he had intended to, he could’ve avoided all of that blood. And yet, for the blood to stain his clothes and hands like that…”
He paused briefly before adding,
“That means he was trying to save them.”[d]
Song Sa-hyuk silently nodded. There was no need for him to make excuses—Geom Mugeuk had understood the situation precisely.
Geom Mugeuk turned to the Ice Palace Master.
“If the Demon Supreme truly intended to kill them, he would’ve done so without anyone noticing. He wouldn’t be here, drenched in blood, surrounded like this. You know that well, don’t you? What kind of people the Demon Supremes of our Cult are.”
Indeed, Han Seogyeong knew. If the Great Drunken Demon had meant to kill, the first martial artists who encircled him would’ve already become corpses.
Seo Nak, agitated, demanded,
“Then why is he just standing there?”
Geom Mugeuk’s gaze remained fixed on the Ice Palace Master.
“He waited out of courtesy for the Palace Master. Because he believed you would make a wise judgment. Had he moved from here, the situation would’ve worsened.”
A faint smile formed at the corner of Song Sa-hyuk’s lips. Yes, this was why he could remain calm. As long as Geom Mugeuk was here, he wouldn’t be falsely accused so easily.
“We must not trust the words of demons so easily. Of course, he must be detained until the investigation is complete.”
To Seo Nak’s firm assertion, Geom Mugeuk responded,
“That would be unjust.”
“Unjust? What do you mean?”
Geom Mugeuk spoke to the surrounding martial artists.
“I’m sure all of you have heard the rumor that we’re investigating the death of the Hundred Liquors Snow Courtyard’s Former Master Brewer. While looking into that incident, we discovered something suspicious. One of the top martial artists of this very Ice Palace had secretly asked the deceased Former Master Brewer to make Fragrant Snow Ice Liquor.”
At that moment, Seo Nak’s expression hardened. He hadn’t expected that subject to be brought up here.[e]
“That master hid the truth from us. Yet, even after uncovering it, we did not detain him. Why? Because we respect the Northern Sea Ice Palace and the Ice Palace Master.”
The martial artists around them exchanged glances with each other.
Seo Nak could not find anything to say in return. If he dragged this out any longer, it would only reveal here and now that he was the suspicious one.
Geom Mugeuk’s gaze cooled sharply. Until now, he had never once shown anger after arriving at the Ice Palace, but for the first time, he revealed a frost-like presence.
“We respect you, but are you saying you won’t respect us?”
If Han Seogyeong had not been present, he would have released his energy to pressure Seo Nak even more strongly. However, because he was before the Ice Palace Master, he maintained proper courtesy.
Han Seol was surprised by the sudden change in Geom Mugeuk. The figure before her was no longer the man who used to joke around carelessly. This cold demeanor somehow suited the Ice Palace far too well.
At last, the Ice Palace Master, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward.
“I understand the Young Cult Leader’s words well.”
Han Seogyeong, looking back and forth between Song Sa-hyuk and Geom Mugeuk, gave her orders to her subordinates.
“Lower your swords.”
The martial artists who had been surrounding them lowered their swords.
Still, Seo Nak did not give up.
“Palace Master, you must not trust their words.”
“Yes, we must thoroughly investigate the cause of death of the deceased.”
The Ice Palace Master turned to the Great Drunken Demon and said,
“Do not leave the palace without the palace’s permission.”
She would not imprison them, but she also would not allow them to leave at will. That was the compromise the Ice Palace Master proposed.
At that, Seo Nak added,
“Until the investigation results are out, the palace’s masters should keep them under surveillance.”
The Ice Palace Master accepted that opinion. However, she added one condition for Geom Mugeuk’s sake.
“Only until the investigation is complete.”
The Demon Supreme waited for Geom Mugeuk’s response. This matter had to proceed according to Geom Mugeuk’s decision. Geom Mugeuk said nothing, which meant he was accepting the compromise.
Song Sa-hyuk accepted the proposal without hesitation.
“Very well.”
As the Great Drunken Demon departed, Lee Ahn followed behind him.
Before leaving, Geom Mugeuk spoke to the Ice Palace Master.
“You asked me why I was provoking him so much.”
Earlier, she had asked Geom Mugeuk why he was provoking Seo Nak so severely, why he was trying to reveal Seo Nak’s true nature to her.
At that time, Geom Mugeuk had replied that while he was provoking Seo Nak, it was not to show Han Seogyeong—implying it was for another reason.
Now Geom Mugeuk answered her.
“It seems that person has finally noticed.”
It meant that someone was lurking behind Seo Nak, and provoking Seo Nak had been meant to draw that person out.
“Well then, I shall see you later.”
Geom Mugeuk, who had been about to leave after greeting the Ice Palace Master, turned to Han Seol and said,
“What are you doing, not coming along? Didn’t we agree to be part of the same team? Are you only part of the team when things are going well?”
The Ice Palace Master and Seo Nak turned to look at Han Seol.
Han Seogyeong looked at her daughter without revealing any emotion, whereas Seo Nak was the complete opposite.
Seo Nak shook his head firmly, his expression clearly telling her not to follow. Until now, she had never once defied him.
“Let’s go together.”
Han Seol moved her steps to follow Geom Mugeuk.
As the three of them left, Seo Nak looked at the Ice Palace Master and said,
“The Young Palace Master must not be allowed to associate with the Demon Cult’s Young Cult Leader.”[f]
At that moment, Han Seogyeong could no longer clearly distinguish whether his attitude was shamelessness or truly for the sake of the Ice Palace. They had spent that many long years together.
Could he really betray those long years? That very thought clouded her calm judgment.
“I will keep a close eye on it myself.”
The Ice Palace Master turned and left the scene.
Once she departed, the Northern Winds Unit and the guards swiftly withdrew from the area.
Seo Nak, with a sorrowful face, spoke to the martial artists preparing to investigate the corpses.
“Please leave me alone for a while.”
Everyone quietly stepped back, knowing how much Seo Nak cared for the people of the Ice Palace.
Left alone, Seo Nak looked down at the corpses. However, rather than sadness or regret, his mind was filled with different thoughts.
‘He is helping me.’
Just when he had been cornered because of the Fragrant Snow Ice Liquor, this incident had occurred.
It was then.
Drip.
From the puddle of blood, the blood began to flow. It started moving toward where Seo Nak stood. Thinking it was just natural, Seo Nak stepped aside.
However, as if alive, the blood changed direction and followed him.
Startled, Seo Nak moved to the opposite side to avoid it.
Yet again, the blood changed direction and flowed toward him.
Stepping back, Seo Nak asked,
“Is it you?”
At his question, the flowing blood stopped, as if it had understood his words.
Seo Nak spoke with a trembling voice.
“Thank you for this time. I will not make a mistake again in dealing with them.”[g]
As if it understood, the blood that had been paused slowly began to return to the original puddle. Astonishingly, no traces of blood remained on the ground where it had flowed.
The blood was absorbed back into the original pool as if nothing had happened.
Seo Nak slowly approached and looked down at the puddle of blood. Before he knew it, the blood had returned to being just an ordinary pool of blood.
It occurred to him that maybe this was not a help but rather a warning to him.
His own face reflected on the surface of the blood. It was the solemn face of a man who had made a decision he could no longer turn back from.
* * *
“Stop suppressing your anger and just drink alcohol instead.”
Even at Geom Mugeuk’s words, Song Sa-hyuk continued sipping tea.
“That makes it even scarier, you know.”
The enemy had trapped the Great Drunken Demon. In other words, they had trapped a Demon Supreme. He must have been furious to the very end of his nerves, yet the Great Drunken Demon still only drank his tea.
Geom Mugeuk spoke to Lee Ahn.
“I don't know who it is, but they chose the wrong opponent.”
Lee Ahn could also tell that the Demon Supreme was truly furious. What was surprising was how he controlled himself. Among the Eight Demon Supremes, he seemed the most likely to lose his temper, yet he was restraining himself better than any other Demon Supreme.
“Perhaps this is why he could become the Great Drunken Demon.”
As Lee Ahn genuinely expressed her admiration, Song Sa-hyuk gave an awkward smile. Though he was a drinker, and had always made efforts to control himself, fundamentally, he was an emotional person. The cold composure he showed here was possible only because of one particular desire.
It was the desire to show Geom Mugeuk his best side—to prove that he was more than just a drunkard who would throw himself into a lake.
Geom Mugeuk said to the three of them,
“Thanks to this, we’ve confirmed it. Seo Nak is indeed connected to the power behind him.”
At last, the Blood King had begun to move. The moment Seo Nak was cornered, the Blood King acted immediately. He was nearby.
The one most surprised by those words was Han Seol.
“What do you mean, the power behind him?”
“I believe someone has joined hands with him to plot a great conspiracy.”
Unlike Song Sa-hyuk and Lee Ahn, who already knew about it, Han Seol was unaware of this matter.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
To her question, Geom Mugeuk replied,
“That’s a question you should ask the Palace Master.”
“My mother knows as well?”
“I believe so.”
Sensing Han Seol’s expression harden with a feeling of being left out, Geom Mugeuk said,
“This isn’t just a matter concerning the Palace Master.”
“What do you mean?”
“It means that it’s time for the Young Palace Master to have a conversation with her mother.”
He now said the same thing to Han Seol that he had earlier said to Han Seogyeong. He believed that what they both needed was a conversation.
“In my relationship with my father, I was the one who approached first. Thinking about my father, it wasn’t an easy thing to do. But once someone has raised you to our age, isn’t it a child’s duty to, at least once, hear them say, ‘You’ve grown so much’?”
Of course, Han Seol had never once thought that way.
“The problem between you two isn’t about distance, or warmth and coldness. It’s that things have hardened.”
“!”
The word “hardened” struck Han Seol deeply. She realized it was true. Before she could even feel upset anymore, she would just think, ‘Mother has always been that way’.
She had no thought of pulling the distance closer, or of warming what had grown cold.
“Why are you telling me all this?”
“Because I’m nosy.”
There must be some kind of intention behind it. Han Seol couldn’t guess what Geom Mugeuk was thinking. He was truly the kind of person who made one naturally think he was strange.
Lee Ahn asked Geom Mugeuk,
“Why did they try to frame the Demon Supreme?”
“They were that desperate. In other words, Elder Seo must be someone they absolutely need.”
Through this incident, Geom Mugeuk had uncovered several pieces of information about the enemy. Moreover, he was already planning the next stage.
“They tied us down with this incident.”
Outside their lodgings, the Ice Palace’s top martial artists were standing guard. It meant they intended to monitor them wherever they went.
“But it actually worked out well.”
“It worked out?”
Not only Lee Ahn, but even Song Sa-hyuk and Han Seol looked at Geom Mugeuk with expressions asking what he meant.
“Now, no matter what happens, we can’t be blamed for it.”
“Ah! Because we’re under surveillance here! But... sneaking out secretly won’t be easy.”
“We’re not going to leave. We have someone who can pull it off splendidly for us.”
Geom Mugeuk looked toward a person. The Great Drunken Demon and Lee Ahn also followed Geom Mugeuk’s gaze.
Facing the three people staring at her, Han Seol shouted even before hearing anything.
“I refuse!”[h]
[a]Yeah, at the very, very worst, Mugeuk could run away with everyone via Star Light Step.
Not that he'll need to anyways ^^
[b]Black Winds !!! *Ruler of the Land rant ensues*
Btw, apparently the series will be finished soon. Then again, after 31 years of serialization, the creators deserve to rest. Good job to them !!!
[c]Direct implication of the Blood King confirmed. F to all those poor people, without martial arts they had no chances to resist.
Not that they would have much chances with them too.
[d]Which make it all the more tragic, really. Considering how drenched he is, he must have tried everything he could, in the chaos and the panic that surrounded him at the time. And yet not a single one survived.
[e]Why keep this matter to ourselves while we can implicate everyone else, allow them to unsderstand the stakes and make their own opinions ?
The role of an organization is to bring people together. The Murim name itself follow that notion, since the 'Martial Forest' can never be sustained by a single tree (faction).
[f]For the sake of the Ice palace, huh ?
[g]Well exposing him was already as grave of a mistake you could have done.
[h]*Pats her in the back with a gaze full of pity*