episode_0183

Within the cradle grounds, luxurious buildings rise high into the sky. Among them, the hall is the widest and most ornately decorated.

“Hoo… ”

A black-haired female student who was standing in the middle of the place, busy welcoming the visitors, let out a sigh as if she was slightly exhausted.

The hall was already packed with people, with no room to even set foot. The small gathering that bore the name of Paechon was truly packed.

After confirming him, Baek Seo-yeon once again had an elegant smile on her face and called the servant with a light gesture.

“Miss, did you call?”

“What’s the current situation?”

“Most of the business people on the list today have already visited. Students I am familiar with are scheduled to visit after the opening ceremony.”

Baek Seo-yeon nodded and opened her mouth with a slightly tired expression.

“I’ll go get some fresh air for a bit.”

“Then the performer… ”

“Okay. It’s a cradle, but whatever. I’ll be nearby, so if anything happens, call me right away. Okay?”

“Okay, miss.”

The servant immediately bowed as if submitting. Baek Seo-yeon immediately turned around and left the hall. Then, as if nothing had happened, she stared blankly at the sky with blank, expressionless eyes.

The largest social gathering in the history of the cradle, and the most grand and extravagant gathering of the Peaches.

This was the result of the influence of Baek Il-yong, the absolute ruler of Paechon, being stronger than that of Baek Seo-yeon herself.

After Black Lotus’s return, he was noticeably looking anxious.

If we look at the method itself, it could be evaluated as a legitimate method.

The Cradle is a place where all kinds of talented people and children of famous magicians gather. A social gathering is held there, where people from various companies and research institutes are allowed to visit. A small gathering is the best place to unite them all as one force.

The Reds, who were the greatest threat, have long since lost both popularity and power and are no longer what they used to be. The Black Lotus disciples, who have emerged as new rivals, are not showing much interest in such social activities.

Although the National Assembly is having difficulty controlling the Black Lotus, it means that the Paechun faction still has an overwhelming advantage in the Cradle.

However, Baek Seo-yeon basically did not like these social activities that much. Especially because she wasted time on things that had no value.

The only meaning of all this behavior was that Baek Il-yong came to fully recognize her as a harmless and obedient daughter.

On the one hand, he and Baek Seo-yeon shared the same goal.

Baek Il-yong is a greedy and arrogant man who desperately desires absolute power that no one can touch.

In return for helping him escape his rural life, his innocent daughter Baek Seo-yeon helps him in every way possible.

However, Baek Il-yong just doesn’t know.

The fact that Baek Seo-yeon was only waiting for the moment to bring the greatest despair to the being who ruined her life.

Baek Seo-yeon wandered the streets filled with people, lost in thought. Old memories that came to her mind naturally seeped into the scenery.

Memories of wandering around the shabby town square with Lee Hyeon, memories of rolling candy sold at a street vendor directly into his mouth, memories of sitting side by side together and enjoying a simple fireworks display.

Just thinking about him makes me smile. A pleasant feeling passes through my lower abdomen for a split second.

‘If only I was with Hyun right now…’

Baek Seo-yeon thought. Maybe it’s not what you do but who you’re with that’s more important.

“Hoo… ”

But the moment you realize the reality right in front of you, your happiness is shattered into pieces in an instant.

She was still conflicted about the offer Kwon Yuri had made the day before.

‘Shadow… Banquet?’

‘huh!’

A formal gathering where you have to follow strict rules and manners. An illegal gathering where you can enjoy unimaginable, shameless, and faithful acts that satisfy all kinds of desires.

Commonly known as the ‘shadow banquet’.

She, too, had heard the name through the grapevine.

It is a long-standing organization that has been with the history of the cradle for a long time, but it is said that it has almost disappeared due to the extreme oppression that has been going on for decades since the current principal took office.

But she never dreamed that she would still have that lifeline attached to her. And even more so that the head of this gathering would be her friend.

Of course, it wasn’t her concern what kind of meeting place Kwon Yuri was in charge of. She didn’t have any intention of reporting her or trying to stop her.

A reaction closer to boundless indifference rather than overflowing mercy.

‘Listen. Do you know who I’ve recruited this time? You’ll be surprised!’

However, Kwon Yuri continued to whisper in her ear a sinister tone that did not match her refreshing appearance. It was quite surprising that promising juniors from the first year were invited as participants, but it was not something that she felt anything special about.

‘And… even my junior, Yu Jin-Hyeon of Heukryeon!’

But the last name Kwon Yuri uttered was powerful enough to grab her attention.

‘What do you think? What do you think? Doesn’t it seem like it’ll be really fun?’

‘I’m telling you this because it’s you, Seoyeon! It was originally supposed to be a secret until you came and saw it for yourself… Oh, it was so hard for me to gather people… ‘

‘Come just once, okay? If you come, it’ll be the best shadow banquet ever…’

‘Your fiancé won’t come anyway? At a time like this, take a breather!’

“Hoo… ”

Baek Seo-yeon let out a deep sigh. It was a strong impulse, like the devil’s temptation.

“Why on earth is Hyun-i… in a place like that… ”

He was originally a very innocent man. Baek Seo-yeon thought that he might have been tricked without even knowing what was going on.

Thinking about him makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. At the bitches who dared to touch him under the pretext of a banquet, and at Kwon Yuri who innocently brought a man into such a place.

But soon she shook her head.

‘I guess… I should refuse…’

I’ve already promised myself to stay away from him until everything is over.

Of course, what happened in the first city was an exception among exceptions. If he had not gone, he would have died without a fight.

And following two years ago, Baek Seo-yeon successfully saved his life this time as well.

Unlike that useless pitiful person.

“… ”

It was truly a match made in heaven. Baek Seo-yeon’s cheeks naturally turned bright red.

But that was why I couldn’t go any further. If I were to face him, my resolution would definitely waver.

-Keep going…

Baek Seo-yeon pressed her aching chest with her hand.

“Huh…?

It was at that moment when I had barely made up my mind and was about to turn around again.

She opened her eyes wide as she spotted something in the distance.

A yellow-haired schoolgirl wearing a monkey mask surrounded by her friends. I could tell at a glance that it was Jin Ye-seo, a junior I knew well.

Next to her stood a tall man wearing a lion mask that covered his face. He was wrapping his arms around her waist, his bodies pressed against hers, and it seemed like they were in a very close relationship.

If you think about the fact that Jin Ye-seo was averse to men, it’s truly the worst of the worst.

And Baek Seo-yeon was able to immediately identify the man.

‘Why, why…?’

A heart thump. Baek Seo-yeon hid herself behind a large tree without realizing it, and only her head was sticking out. All sorts of imaginations and assumptions were running through her head.

Why? Why on earth did those two get along? How? When? They didn’t get along at all. It was really annoying to see him ignore her without even knowing the situation, but I liked the fact that she was like an enemy to me, so I liked her. But why on earth…

The blonde schoolgirl’s cheeks were flushed. It was clear that she was delighted and enjoying the situation.

“Ahem, guys. Let me introduce you. This is the person I’m dating… ”

And then the moment you hear those horrible words coming out of the mouth of that shameless blonde slut who is running her body around carelessly.

Baek Seo-yeon’s eyes lost their light.

***

Before going to Hwayanggwan, I stopped by the powder room to change my clothes. The combination of the neat party dress and the lion mask was extremely strange. There was a dress code, but masks were allowed. What on earth is tradition?

At least I don’t have to wear these tight, uncomfortable clothes the entire time I’m attending a social gathering. If I did, I’d just throw everything away and stay cooped up in the dorm.

I lightly loosened my tie, which was too tight, and gave myself a final touch.

The final hurdle of the day, the opening banquet, was waiting for me.

As I came out of the powder room and walked quickly, I saw a blonde female student already standing quietly in the lobby of Hwayang Hall, waiting for me.

“Sorry. Did you wait long?”

“It’s okay. I just got here too… ”

Jin Ye-seo, wearing a monkey mask, shook her head. There was a very mature and alluring smile on her lips.

“… ”

… Was she always like this? Or am I misunderstanding something because of her position and outfit?

Jin Ye-seo also came out in a party dress. The blue dress contrasted with her bright blonde hair and accentuated her slender waistline. She was wearing thin, long velvet gloves that reached down to her wrists.

I don’t know much about clothes or anything, but I know for sure that dress goes really well with Jinyeseo. It’s probably really expensive though.

I hope it’s not like my clothes don’t match well with yours. Since my older sisters took care of it for me, I think they probably did a good job without much thought.

“… Why?”

“No.”

I immediately shook my head at Jinyeseo’s question. There is one more part that feels very strange.

I have already had dozens of sparring matches with Jin Ye-seo. And she always goes into the matches wearing tight-fitting training clothes that don’t hinder her movements.

This is the part where I cannot help but become aware of the physical appearance of that body, regardless of my will.

But now… somehow the flesh looks much bigger and more curved.

I guess it’s because I’m wearing Kiya heels…

“… ”

I don’t know. I guess women have their own thing to do. Like, they did something to their clothes…

I turned my head away. This was none of my concern.

“Huh huh… so cute.”

“What?”

“Ahem, no.”

I think I did something. Jinye shook her head at my question. Then she looked a bit embarrassed and avoided eye contact before opening her mouth hesitantly.

“But…what about me?”

“Pretty. It suits you well.”

I told Jinyeseo my honest impressions. It wasn’t exactly a lie, and above all, I’ve never met a single woman who disliked complimenting her looks. It’s a lesson I learned from spending time with my older sisters.

“She looks like a princess from the Western region from a fairy tale book. I saw that when I was little.”

“… Oh my.”

Jin Ye-seo lets out an exclamation as if she didn’t expect an immediate answer. As expected, a satisfied smile fills her lips.

“… Thank you. It feels even better because it’s been a while since I heard it.”

“Long time no see…? I think I’ll hear that often.”

“Shameful… Stop it now.”

After checking my watch, I reached out to Jin Ye-seo, who was whining.

“Shall we go? It seems like it’ll start soon.”

“Okay.”

He entered the large main gate of Hwayanggwan, his fingers gently clasped behind his smooth gloves.

The place where student events and ranking lottery ceremonies were held had already been transformed into a perfect banquet hall.

A huge stellar chandelier casts a dazzling light. Long curtains adorn the entire space, and a renowned orchestra plays soft music in a corner.

First, we headed to the break table on the second floor, where Jin Ye-seo’s friends, who recognized her, ran from all over the place and made a fuss.

“Oh my goodness. Yeseo is so pretty.”

“Is that the person next to you? The one the kids were talking about earlier… ”

“They really suit each other… ”

While Jinyeseo was skillfully dealing with her friends, I looked around.

No matter how much I expanded my senses, I couldn’t find it. Neither the pure white hair like a snowy field, nor the black hair like the night sky.

Should I consider this a blessing? I think I would have felt quite bad if I had seen either of them. Each with a different meaning.

They said there would be small gatherings throughout the social gathering. Maybe they’ll have a separate banquet there.

“Huh? I guess it’s about to start.”

Birds sharing stories. The bell announcing the opening ceremony resonates throughout Hwayang Hall. After a few congratulatory remarks from the principal’s representative and some standard speeches from various high-ranking officials who were invited, the band begins to play grand music.

Jinye Seo and I were the first to go. We went to the center of the hall and twirled our bodies to the music along with the others.

“… You’re better than I thought.”

Jin Ye-seo seemed to be observing my movements and then whispered softly.

“You dance well. You must have a lot of experience?”

“… This is my first time.”

I did get some lessons from my older sisters, but I don’t think they’ll ask about that.

I too looked around the whole time while dancing.

No matter how you look at it, it’s just the middle of an extremely luxurious banquet hall.

The Baek Gwang family is said to have hidden the watchman’s eyes even in a place like this. This makes me feel like he is a scary person.

“You need to focus on your partner.”

Once again, Jin Ye-seo’s hoarse voice tickles my ears.

“Or are you looking for another woman? That’s disappointing.”

“That’s not it.”

I immediately denied Jin Ye-seo’s joke.

“What do you think is better than that?”

“What?”

“Between us. I think I’ve shown you enough. Wouldn’t your master accept this?”

“Hmm… ”

Jin Ye-seo, who had been groaning strangely, shook her head.

“Well, I’m not sure yet.”

“What?”

“He’s a suspicious person. It won’t be easy to convince him just by dancing once, right?”

And then she put a seductive smile on her lips again. It’s dizzying. It’s just dancing. I think I’ve done enough. What else do you want me to do here?

“… ”

The dance ends in a moment of deep thought. Jin Ye-seo, who had stood facing each other and greeted each other according to etiquette, approaches again and whispers in his ear.

“Would you like to follow me for a moment?”

I was held by her hand and we left Hwayanggwan again. The place we headed to was the garden behind the back door of Hwayanggwan.

“… ”

The scenery seemed familiar, and it was near the place where a drunken Yeonminha used to crawl onto my lap and start making a fuss.

He must have picked up the candy with his fingers and put it in my mouth…

“I was thinking about another woman.”

“… No.”

The feeling was good. I felt embarrassed and changed the subject.

“But why did you bring me here?”

We continued deep into the garden. Surrounding us were open hills in full bloom. The sound of leaves rustling in the evening breeze filled our ears.

Jinyeseo didn’t answer and took me to the foot of a large tree at the edge of the hill. The branches blocked out the moonlight, making the surroundings extremely dark.

As if whatever I do here will be hidden.

Only then did Jin Ye-seo turn around and look at me intently.

“You know? This area is where students secretly meet.”

“I had no idea… How did you know that?”

“I’ve been here before… I heard about it from my seniors. It’s my first time here myself.”

Then I looked around briefly.

“Well, it seems like there’s no one else but us right now. Should I call that lucky? ”

“Are you lucky…?”

Again. That strangely mature yet alluring smile at the corner of the mouth.

“… So why did you come here?”

“How dull. I just said it was a place for ‘secret meetings’. What would ‘lovers’ do in a place like that?”

The green eyes that received the moonlight gleamed like those of a predator. Jin Ye-seo walked as if pushing me, who was standing with her back to the tree.

“What are you doing now?”

“… ”

Sabaksabak. Jinyeseo is getting closer. I can even feel her lukewarm breath and the warmth of her flesh. This wasn’t planned in advance.

Jin Ye-seo, who was so close that I could feel the texture of her flesh, wrapped her arms around my neck. Like a snake squeezing the windpipe of its prey, she was smooth but tightly clenched and wouldn’t let go.

“What are you doing?”

“Huh huh… ”

Jinye didn’t even pretend to listen to what I was saying. Instead, she crossed her legs over my thighs as if sending some kind of signal.

… It’s strange. Something’s strange. Blonde hair that shows off an exotic beauty, green eyes that sparkle behind the mask. It’s definitely Jin Ye-seo.

But the Jinyeseo I know would never do something like this. I don’t know for sure, but I know for sure that something is wrong.

The moment when I finally realized the discomfort that I had been trying to ignore, a tingling discomfort rose from the arm that had been touching me, which had only felt warmth the whole time. The sensation that I had never felt from Jin Ye-seo before instantly engulfed my whole body.

“Wait a minute… ”

“Sleep, wait!!”

Just before their moist mucous membranes touched each other, I barely managed to raise my hand to block the approaching lips.

As soon as I open my mouth, I suddenly hear someone else’s voice right next to me.

When I turned my head, what I saw was a blonde schoolgirl panting as if she had just run.

“… ?”

It’s Jin Ye-seo. It’s Jin Ye-seo.

I turned my head in turn. The one covering my lips was Jinyeseo, and the one who had just arrived was Jinyeseo.

Jin Ye-seo… two people…?

“… What is this.”

A situation that was completely unexpected. I was unable to make any movements because my brain just couldn’t keep up.

Later, Jin Ye-seo, who was out of breath, let out a word that made her head heat up even more.

“Oh, Mom… How is it here… ”