episode_0024

A visit was scheduled for the Golden Dragon Battlefield and the surrounding villages.

It had been several months since the new lord took over, and there had never been a visit to the Golden Dragon Battlefield during that time.

What kind of visit would be made for the first time at the Golden Dragon Battlefield?

People gathered around the visit with curiosity.

And.

“Huh.”

“What’s this? Only recruiting female bodyguards? Darn it, I’ve been waiting and expecting them to recruit people, but it was all in vain.”

“Don’t be disappointed. You don’t even qualify. They only recruit top-notch female bodyguards, are you kidding me? It’s not just for show that they’re called the Golden Ten Cats.”

“Isn’t it a bit strange?”

“Exactly. There’s a suspicious smell in the air. Suddenly seeking top-notch female bodyguards like this.”

“Hey, what’s with the sudden talk? Didn’t they write that they were recruiting Lady Hwangbo’s bodyguards here?”

“Well, do they usually recruit twenty bodyguards for a lady?”

“…Well, even if you have a lot of money, that’s not it.”

People’s reaction to the visit only recruiting female bodyguards was unexpected and incomprehensible.

One or two, maybe even three or four, could be understood.

In reality, it’s not uncommon to recruit female bodyguards to protect precious young ladies who grew up in luxury.

But this was different in terms of numbers.

Twenty people?

And the target was Lady Hwangbo of the Golden Dragon Battlefield.

It couldn’t help but raise suspicions.

“Goodness. Why don’t they understand the obvious?”

At that moment, a man dressed as a gatekeeper interjected.

At first glance, he looked like a man who had been through a lot.

People’s gazes turned towards him.

As their gazes focused on him, the man cleared his throat and spoke again.

“Recruiting Lady Hwangbo’s bodyguards is just a pretext for appearances.”

“A pretext? What does that mean?”

“Just as it sounds. We shouldn’t be fooled by the term ‘female bodyguards,’ but pay attention to the ten golden cats and the twenty elite masters.”

The man confidently stated, his voice resolute.

“If there are twenty elite masters, it means they have a force that can overwhelm even the solid mid-level martial arts schools. What does that mean? The new lord of the Golden Dragon Battlefield is revealing his ambition to strengthen his power by using Lady Hwangbo’s bodyguards as a pretext. Female bodyguards are just a means for that pretext.”

“Huh, that makes sense.”

“Indeed. It’s logical.”

“As expected of someone who pushed aside Lady Hwangbo and rose to the position of lord, his ambition is extraordinary.”

“Well, even in this peaceful place, things could get chaotic someday.”

People agreed with the man’s words.

It sounded convincing for some reason.

Although there were some far-fetched parts, the man’s prediction had sharp insights that were worth acknowledging.

Especially the part about ambition.

…Whatever the case may be.

The news of the visit quickly spread throughout the region.

***

Red Flower Pavilion.

It was a well-known pavilion in Hangju, so famous that it was considered one of the top three pavilions in the city.

With its seven floors of magnificent building, it stood tall in a corner of the bustling Hangju district known for its high land prices.

Red Flower Pavilion had one characteristic in common with other pavilions.

The higher the floor, the more dignified the courtesans who served the guests.

Of course, the dignity was incomparable to that of ordinary pavilions, despite the similar characteristics.

As Red Flower Pavilion was famous for its good water, even entering the third floor required a hefty sum of silver.

If the third floor required that, what about the higher floors?

There was no need to explain.

From the sixth floor onwards, guests without gold couldn’t even breathe a word.

And the floors accessible with money only went up to the sixth floor.

The top floor, the seventh floor, was only accessible to special guests permitted by the pavilion master.

***

“I… I can’t get used to this.”

The seventh floor, reserved for special guests.

There was In Yeong, climbing up to that place.

A woman in modest attire.

Her clothing was modest, but her appearance was quite eye-catching.

She couldn’t be called a beauty, but there was something about her that gave off a good impression, somehow evoking a sense of affinity.

She stood in front of the door on the 7th floor.

“I’m here.”

A casual tone that felt comfortable.

Perhaps she was familiar with the person she was speaking to.

“Ah, come on in.”

A charming voice came from inside.

What was strange was that the voice didn’t sound artificially sweetened like the voices of maidens, but rather had a natural charm.

Innate charm.

If there was a succubus that could enchant men, she might have a voice like that.

Creak.

The woman with a good impression opened the door and went inside.

The interior was exotic.

Considering the extravagant appearance of the Red Flower Tower, one would naturally think it would be extravagant inside as well.

However, unexpectedly, the interior of the 7th floor had a quiet and neat atmosphere.

However.

The figure sitting there was the complete opposite of the atmosphere inside.

Eyes so red they seemed to suck you in.

Silver hair flowing down to the floor.

A very distinctive appearance that you would never forget after seeing it once.

And.

Her beauty was so stunning that the word “beauty” naturally came to mind.

Combined with the unique atmosphere, her beauty shone even brighter.

She was none other than Eun Hwa-yeong, also known as the Red-Eyed Fox.

A beautiful fox with red eyes.

There were not many titles that matched her appearance as well as this.

Indeed, she exuded an atmosphere that reminded one of a mythical creature, a snow mountain fox with white fur and red eyes.

But those who knew, knew.

If you ever spotted a snow mountain fox in the snowy mountains, you should never follow it.

Enchanted by its mysterious beauty, if you followed it and came to your senses, you would find yourself isolated on an unknown and deep remote path, eventually freezing to death….

This was already a famous story among the hunters who operated in the snowy mountains.

“Sit.”

Coincidentally, she also harbored darkness within.

Men who had fallen for her beauty had given up everything, even their bones, and ended up living as nothing more than living corpses.

Among them, there were not a few who had not only ruined their lives but also lost their real lives.

She, who was originally an orphaned girl, had risen to the position of the head of the Red Flower Tower and the Hangju branch of the Haomun, because she had ruthlessly sucked the blood of the men around her.

“Why did you call me?”

On the other hand, the woman with a good impression sat down with a small sigh.

The two women were as different as night and day.

Extravagance and modesty.

Charm and serenity.

Beauty and plainness.

Moreover, the woman’s title was Chumjeonggeom (沈靜劍).

How dull of a title for a calm and quiet sword.

Even her name, Yeon (娟), written with the common surname Lee (李), was a common name.

There couldn’t be two people who were more mismatched.

“Why else. Obviously, I have a request.”

Eun Hwa-yeong smiled.

Just by looking at her comfortable smile, one could guess that the two women were not in an ordinary relationship.

Eun Hwa-yeong and Yeon.

These two women, who seemed to be polar opposites, had been close friends for a long time.

Unbelievably, it was Eun Hwa-yeong who had actively pursued the relationship first.

Because of her striking appearance, those who first met her always reacted to her appearance first, regardless of gender.

Whether it was envy, admiration, or jealousy.

But Yeon was different.

Her eyes were so ordinary and calm.

She spoke to other common people in a common way, made a common expression, and showed a common reaction.

That shook Eun Hwa-yeong’s heart greatly.

And so, their relationship began with Eun Hwa-yeong actively seeking friendship.

Ten years had passed, and now the two of them had become close enough to confide in each other completely.

“Oh, I see. But if that’s the case, it would have been better if you had come from your side as usual. I honestly feel burdened by the formality,” Yeon said honestly.

Although she had unintentionally become close friends with the leading entertainer in Hangju, as a normal girl who grew up in a normal martial arts family, she was not used to formality.

“Sorry, sorry. But some information should never be leaked,” Eunhwa said.

Yeon’s expression changed at Eunhwa’s words.

Indeed, the Red Flower Pavilion was Eunhwa’s base, so there was no safer place in terms of security.

However, that also meant that the request was important and secretive.

She felt uneasy, as if the dinner she had just eaten might come back up.

“…Well, go ahead and tell me for now.”

“Have you heard about the recruitment at the Golden Dragon Headquarters?” Eunhwa mentioned the Golden Dragon Headquarters.

“What happened? Did something happen?”

“Yeah.”

“I heard they are recruiting new female entertainers, but why?”

“Doesn’t that seem suspicious to you?”

“…Well, it does seem a bit strange, but is it really that suspicious?”

Yeon raised an eyebrow.

She had a personality that did not easily suspect others, as if she were a good person. That’s why she had even heard Eunhwa say, as a joke, “You won’t live long.”

But that was just Eunhwa’s way of expressing concern for her friend.

Yeon’s ability to remain calm and composed in any situation was a natural trait that was not lacking in surviving crises in the martial arts world.

Eunhwa, of course, knew that.

“Just looking at it, you could think they are strengthening their power under the pretext of escorting the lady,” Eunhwa’s red eyes gleamed sharply.

“But here’s the thing. When strange things happen one after another, you must always question the essence of it.”

“If strange things keep happening?”

“A third-rate country bumpkin suddenly becoming the head of the household instead of Hwang Bo-seol. The entertainers leaving without recruiting new ones and staying quiet for months. And now this.”

“If you put it that way, it does seem strange but…”

Yeon still had an ambiguous expression.

Above all, she had not heard any news about the new head of the Golden Dragon Headquarters committing any misconduct or wrongdoing.

She was still unsure how to judge the man.

That was Yeon’s feeling.

“Oh, one more thing. Actually, there is a spy I planted at the Golden Dragon Headquarters a while ago,” Eunhwa said.

It was not unusual for the Haomun, who lived on information, to plant spies in influential factions.

“Did that spy witness anything suspicious?”

“Yeah. It’s suspicious. The new head of the household has completely separated the inner and outer chambers by gender. The inner chamber is for women, and the outer chamber is for men. No matter how distinct the genders are, doesn’t that smell suspicious as a pretext?”

“Well, that’s true…”

This time, Yeon seemed to agree with Eunhwa’s thoughts.

She didn’t even realize that Eunhwa’s words so far were all connected.

Yeon spoke again.

“Then it would be good to get more definite information from that spy…”

“No, that’s not possible.”

“Not possible?”

“Yeah. I told you earlier. Men should be in the outer chamber. The spy I planted is a man. So he can’t even make a sound in the inner chamber.”

Yeon seemed to understand Eunhwa’s words.

“Then, could it be…?”

“That’s right. It is. I’m really sorry, but I would appreciate it if you could support me in applying for the female entertainer recruitment at the Golden Dragon Headquarters this time.”

Eunhwa reached out and tightly held Yeon’s hand.

Conflict arose in Yeon’s calm expression.

“Well…”

Of course, she could refuse.

Eunhwa was a friend who would gracefully give up if she refused.

In reality, she often sent letters saying, ‘I have a favor to ask,’ but in reality, she was a cousin who had helped her much more.

The request for a favor was just an excuse to call herself.

But today was different.

She called because she genuinely wanted to meet and ask for a favor.

That’s how much she needed her help.

“Got it.”

Jiyeon, who had made up her mind, nodded.

The earnest request from her cousin.

That was the most decisive reason, but it wasn’t the only one.

It was also because of the unease she felt about the suspiciousness of the Golden Dragon General’s appointment, as mentioned by her cousin, who had more keen insight and acumen than anyone else.

“Thank you so much.”

Eunhwayoung expressed her gratitude.

“It’s nothing.”

Jiyeon said as if it was nothing important.

Since she had already made the request, it was a consideration not to burden her.

That feeling naturally reached Eunhwayoung as well.

Her gaze softened.

“I’ll help as much as I can with anything from the outside.”

“Okay.”

“It’s embarrassing to say this after making a request, but don’t push yourself too hard. If you feel any danger to your safety, get out immediately.”

Although she said that, it wasn’t likely to be a place with real danger.

If it were a place that dangerous from the start, Eunhwayoung wouldn’t have even mentioned it, Jiyeon knew well.

Moreover, if she were recruited from the recruitment, her status would be a formal bodyguard established through a contract.

It wasn’t a relationship that could be taken lightly, even if she was a cousin.

Nevertheless, Jiyeon accepted her cousin’s concern.

“Of course. I don’t have a hobby of risking my life.”

“Yeah, that’s a good attitude.”

***

Jiyeon left, leaving Eunhwayoung alone.

Her demeanor was completely different from before.

A cold expression like ice.

“…Could there be something wrong?”

A voice came from the shadows.

It was a gloomy voice that seemed to flow from the abyss.

Eunhwayoung’s gaze turned in that direction.

“It’s probably right to think so. But for some reason, it bothers me.”

“No matter how suspicious it may be, the Golden Dragon General is a faction belonging to the orthodox sect. Would they openly plan something dangerous? I don’t think the new leader who is deceived is such a crazy person.”

“Well… it could be, or it could not be.”

She had asked her close cousin to confirm that.

There was no one around with conditions that matched hers so perfectly.

It would be a woman.

A top-notch expert.

Clean in origin and status.

No problems in her past actions.

And above all, a person who could be absolutely trusted.

In addition, her innate good impression was the best weapon.

With such a good impression, there were almost no doubts about her.

So there shouldn’t be any problems.

But…

The strange feeling in her heart didn’t disappear.

“Muyoung.”

“Yes, Luju.”

A shadow emerged from the shadows and bowed before her.

It was the owner of the gloomy voice.

“I’m a really bad woman, aren’t I?”

Eunhwayoung coldly spat out as if self-deprecating.

“… ”

There was no answer.

It was a question that couldn’t be answered.

“A bad woman who uses even her close cousin to get information.”

“… ”

Eunhwayoung had already expected it.

That Jiyeon wouldn’t refuse the request.

Knowing that, she still called her.

Yes, that was herself.

She had lived her whole life like this.

Using others, trampling on them, stabbing them in the back… that’s how she climbed up.

But why was her heart so melancholy?

She knew the answer.

Because she was the only close cousin she had ever truly confided in.

Thud!

Eunhwayoung slammed her palm on the table and her expression changed.

“Muyoung.”

“Yes, Luju.”

“Prepare the Muyoungdae so that you can move at any time.”

“As you wish.”

“And send a letter to Moonju right away. Tell him to be prepared to move as something will definitely come up.”

Moonju.

He was still looking at the Golden Dragon General’s affairs with a reserved attitude.

A suspicious scent lingered in the air, but she wouldn’t make a move until she found something more concrete.

Understood.

He wasn’t just an ordinary member, but a leader.

However, it was also pathetic.

Being away from the field for too long had dulled his senses.

In her opinion, this matter was not something to be delegated to the lower ranks but to be handled at the headquarters level.

This incident had a strong sense of urgency.

Classified as top-tier information that was beyond measure.

And this feeling had never been wrong.

“Greetings.”

The man known as Muyeong disappeared in an instant.

Just by witnessing his ghostly martial arts, it was clear that Muyeong’s skills were at a considerable level.

Eun Hwayoung was left alone once again.

“…Bang Jangju. You’ve made it too obvious. Capture that demon and bring it out.”

Her voice was cold.