1181 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Shortly after the great-grandfather vanished like a dying ember. I returned to the Gu family residence immediately after conserving the energy I had expended. As soon as I arrived, Gu Seong Yul greeted me urgently, as if he had been waiting. “...What about Father?” “Well, I fought him a bit and then he disappeared. Anyway, it wasn’t his true body.” “...” Gu Seong Yul nodded at the mention of it not being the true body. He seemed already aware of this. “That makes sense. He can't leave the Divine River at his will.” The Divine River. That term narrowed my gaze. I had heard it before. ‘The true karma of the Gu family lies within the Divine River.’ Of all places, the Devil Sect. It’s where the Heavenly Demon founded the Heavenly Demon Church. A place where the heads of the Gu family presumably must abandon their positions and shoulder a burden... ‘What exactly is in the Divine River?’ At least when I frequented the Divine River, nothing existed there outside of the Devil Sect. Being repeatedly told about the Divine River, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. However. ‘For now…’ I set aside my curiosity. There was something else I needed to determine first. “He said he would return properly next time.” “...” At the warning left by my great-grandfather, a wrinkle appeared on Gu Seong Yul’s forehead. “…He said he would return?” “Yes. It seemed this time he planned to come with his true body, not just an image.” “...” “Looking at it, it seems he has decided what to do with me…” I pondered as I slightly tilted my head. The important point here wasn’t something else. Yes, what was important. “Do you think the same way, Master?” “...” Gu Seong Yul hesitated. If the great-grandfather was coming thinking that he needed to deal with me... “What’s your opinion?” I was curious about the current head of the Gu family’s thoughts. That was my question. Would he also consider me an enemy to deal with? If so... ‘What should I do?’ It was a moment of contemplation. Had I become attached in some way during that time? That couldn't be it. The reason I was contemplating now wasn’t about something like that. ‘Could I kill him?’ If I needed to handle Gu Seong Yul depending on his choice. I needed to consider whether I could kill him now or not. The flame of the Gu family was still connected. Moreover, the ancestor acting as the substitute leader in the Divine River—he could adjust the flame according to his will. And. ‘It doesn't concern me.’ Along with my rank ascension, I gained the master’s power, freeing me from his karma, ensuring the flame wouldn’t be seized. Therefore, even if I fought the ancestor, there was no fear of losing the flame. ‘Still, going two against one isn’t ideal.’ Defeating a former master, who clearly reached transcendence and used the Gu family's true secret technique of mastery, seemed difficult. ‘…Seems hard, indeed?’ I still didn’t fully understand my current power. If I used Baek Yeom, the flame said to kill gods, it might be possible, but... If possible, I thought it was right to avoid combat. I stared intently at Gu Seong Yul as I considered that. “…That is—” He seemed about to open his mouth to answer. Depending on his response, my decision would change. As I focused, trying to listen to his words— “Master.” “...” “...” Both of us stiffened at once. The chief officer had appeared. “The mistress is looking for you.” “I’ll go right away.” Upon hearing that Jin Yeon Ryeong was seeking him, Gu Seong Yul moved immediately. I hadn’t heard his answer yet. But I understood. ‘You’ll delay your answer?’ It was a sign from Gu Seong Yul that he wouldn’t provide an answer immediately. ‘Hmmm.’ It was unclear whether he was an ally or an enemy. I thought as I watched Gu Seong Yul move away. ‘There isn’t much time to wait.’ Regardless of what his answer was. I didn’t have a lot of time to wait for it. * * * As Gu Seong Yul moved, so did I. The chief officer wasn’t looking for Gu Seong Yul alone. Jin Yeon Ryeong wanted to see me too. Wondering about it, I still accompanied him. Heading to her quarters—a small, well-decorated cabin. “Mistress.” Upon arriving where Jin Yeon Ryeong was, Gu Seong Yul called out to her. And then, as the door opened, what we found was— As always, the demure Jin Yeon Ryeong and, “Oh, you’ve arrived?” Gu Seon, who was mentioned as my aunt. Seeing the two of them together was somewhat strange. I expected Jin Yeon Ryeong to be there, but... ‘Why is she here?’ Gu Seon. Seeing this rather mischievous woman left me a bit perplexed. “Have a seat.” “...” Gu Seon gestured dismissively for me to take a seat, pointing casually at a spot as if it were her home. Even with the head of the family in front of her, she showed no particular formality. She was truly a curious human. “...” Still, I sat where she indicated. Gu Seong Yul naturally took a seat next to Jin Yeon Ryeong. “What is the reason for calling us?” His voice was gentle—a stark contrast to when speaking with me. It was fascinating each time to hear that he could speak like that. However, unlike his soft tone, Jin Yeon Ryeong’s expression remained somewhat rigid. “I’d like to talk when Cheol Woon arrives, but… I'm not sure if he’ll come.” “If it’s the young master you’re referring to, I’ll bring him.” “Please, don’t force him to come.” Jin Yeon Ryeong stopped him as he was about to move. “Don’t make him come forcibly. He must have his own thoughts. Especially in such circumstances, he must be extremely confused.” “...” “...” As she spoke, Jin Yeon Ryeong glanced between me and Gu Seong Yul. Judging by her gaze, I could faintly sense why we gathered here. Just looking at it gives off the vibe of something becoming troublesome. “Mistress… this is…” “It’s entirely your responsibility.” “No….” Gu Seong Yul half-spoke and then stopped himself, a look of grievance in his eyes. Mister, looking at me now, there’s no way I can help you. ‘…And.’ The one more annoyed and complainant than anyone was me. Being busy as death and stuck in this situation is one thing. “Don’t blame Cheol Woon for anything. He must be the most conflicted right now.” Not really. It's actually me who is more confused. Gu Seong Yul seemed to share a similar sentiment, opening his mouth to say something before hesitating and eventually asking: "…How are you feeling?" Of all things, he chose to ask about her health. Well, considering Jin Yeon Ryeong had been bedridden from the last incident, it was a reasonable concern. "I'm fine. That's why I arranged this meeting," Jin Yeon Ryeong replied, keeping her gaze away from Gu Seong Yul. The clear shock on Gu Seong Yul’s face at her detached response was notable. He was surprisingly expressive, but it seemed he only showed such emotions towards his wife. ‘A hopeless romantic,’ I thought, realizing how different he seemed from my father. ‘My father is far from romantic.’ I wondered if that stoic man even knew what love was. "......" Thoughts of him made me pause. ‘This is...’ I was at a loss, too. Just like him, I knew nothing about love either. Just as I was mulling over the idea of resembling my father in this way, Jin Yeon Ryeong suddenly addressed me. "Young master Baek... Or rather, my child." Silently, she placed her hand over the back of mine. "……Yes?" "I'm sorry for making you feel out of place." "…About what?" Of all today's events, her statement was the most bewildering. ‘What is this about?’ If Jin Yeon Ryeong had unleashed a storm of curses at me, it wouldn't have been unwarranted. While I bore no fault, as an unexpected illegitimate child, she had every right to be upset. Especially considering I was around the same age as the current heir. If I showed up suddenly claiming blood ties to the Gu family... ‘It could certainly disrupt the succession.’ Of course, I had zero interest in becoming the head. And since Father was already the heir, it posed no issue. But from her perspective, I ought to have been seen as a thorn in the side. "It must have been tough, wasn’t it?" "…" Her eyes were full of concern. Worried and empathetic. Such tender emotions were overwhelmingly directed at me. It made me uncomfortable. It had been so long since I encountered such transparent, warm feelings. "...No, it's alright." "What do you mean? You must have felt all alone in the world." "That..." "Without a father... Losing your mother early on, how hard it must have been..." "……" She looked like she was about to cry. I paused. Was she really about to cry? ‘Oh dear.’ What should I do now? While I was fidgeting, unsure of what to say or do— "Is Mother crying? Oh my, Mom is crying?" Gu Seon exclaimed wide-eyed, seeing Jin Yeon Ryeong's teary eyes. "Why are you crying again? Judging by his looks, it seems he ate and lived well... Ouch!" Gu Seon yelped in surprise as Jin Yeon Ryeong pinched her foot hard. Then, she returned to gently patting my shoulder as if nothing happened. "You've been through so much." "…No, it's not really been that tough." "Have you struggled because of a clumsy father?" "Well... um." I did struggle a bit because of my father, but that wasn't because of Gu Seong Yul. What do I do? It seemed like the misunderstanding was only getting deeper. Moreover, her concern felt so genuine that responding seemed difficult. I was particularly bad at handling situations like this. "…Uh, Madam Jin. Actually—" I needed to say something to create some distance. As I opened my mouth to speak— "Don't call me Madam Jin," Jin Yeon Ryeong said, her expression resolute, as if she had made a decision. "Call me Mother from now on." "…Huh?" Hearing her words, I frowned. I immediately replied. "I'm afraid that's not possible." Even to my ears, my voice sounded overly firm.