I recognized Jeok Igeon at first sight.
‘There’s no way I couldn’t recognize him…’
He possessed looks that the word “beautiful” was insufficient to describe, just like in the novel. I could believe he had unified the Murim with his face rather than his martial arts. If not for those glaring eyes, he had perfect visuals that I’d want to keep looking at.
Seolha, you’ve lost your mind. What do you mean keep looking? That’s Jeok Igeon! That crazy murderous bastard!
It was fortunate I didn’t tremble at our first meeting, but this kind of foolish behavior was also forbidden. Self-introductions were also prohibited. My favorite character’s warning not to even speak with him came to mind. I hastily bowed and fled from the bedroom as if escaping.
“He won’t kill me for ignoring him, right?”
Strictly speaking, I didn’t completely ignore him. I just didn’t open my mouth, but I did greet him before leaving. Since he likes quiet, maybe I even earned some points.
Wow, but with that face, he killed people like that? He was called the most handsome man under heaven in the story, so I had some expectations, but the gap between reading it in text and facing the real thing was far too large. With those looks, no wonder women went crazy over him.
While reading the book, I wondered what was so great about this cruel bastard that everyone made such a fuss, but now I see his face was the plot device. If he had debuted as a celebrity in South Korea, he would have made history. No matter how bad his acting, that appearance would have been more than forgiven. A crazy psychopath who bewitches people with his mere existence—that was Jeok Igeon’s true identity.
He was a more dangerous person than I thought.
“Ugh.”
Chills ran down my spine belatedly. Even knowing who Jeok Igeon was, I had almost been mesmerized. I felt terrible realizing my weakness for handsome men this way. Let’s avoid looking at Jeok Igeon’s face as much as possible from now on. Recalling his cruel atrocities, I steeled my resolve once again.
*****
My mind control continued until morning arrived at the Hall of Lasting Glory.
“Seolha!”
It was Seolok who brought the meal.
“What’s going on? Seolok, this isn’t your assigned area.”
“I switched just for today. I was curious how you’re doing. Did you meet the Second Young Lord? How was it? Did he welcome you warmly?”
“You could ask at the dormitory after work, but you couldn’t wait and came all the way here?”
“I was half pushed into coming too. Everyone is waiting just for me. They’re all dying of curiosity.”
“Oh my, there must be so much to be curious about. Hurry, give it here. The food will get cold at this rate.”
Among the maids of the Demon Cult, Jeok Igeon was truly a superstar. They said his every move became a topic of conversation, and now I was getting caught up in it too.
No wait. Since I’m getting swept up anyway, should I try asking for help?
“Seolok, can I ask you for one favor?”
“Of course. What is it?”
“Can you bring me some ice from the Ice Storage?”
“Ice?”
“Yes, the Second Young Lord said he’d like some very, very cold water. Not much, just a piece or two would be enough.”
“Just wait! I’m a 5-year veteran. I’ll bring it right away!”
In this world without refrigerators, ice was a very precious ingredient. Since it wasn’t easy to store, even those of high status rarely encountered ice. So why was I looking for such a thing? Naturally, to feed it to Jeok Igeon.
Jeok Igeon originally only drank cold water year-round. Because of this, when he became the Heavenly Demon, the Ice Storage staff fought a daily war with ice. They had to prepare ice water not only for every meal but also for drinking water in between—how terrified they must have been.
Anyway, he was an expert at tormenting people in various ways. Since he’s still hiding his true nature, he must be forcing himself to drink tea he doesn’t even like. At times like this, if I appear with ice water, wouldn’t he be pleased? And at the same time, he might consider me somewhat useful.
That was exactly the point I was aiming for. It would be like scratching an itch without being told where it was. Then he’d feel slightly less inclined to kill me. What I wanted was very modest: To leave the Hall of Lasting Glory alive after two months. The ice really needs to work.
“Seolha, here!”
Just as my head was filled with all sorts of random thoughts, Seolok came running, sweating. Seeing the ice wrapped tightly in cloth to prevent melting, I couldn’t be more grateful.
“I’ll repay you later. Thank you so much!”
I repeatedly thanked Seolok and hurried inside carrying the tray.
“You’re just coming now.”
“Yes, Cheongang. I’ve brought the meal.”
I encountered my favorite character again in the corridor. Come to think of it, what about his breakfast? Does he eat alone separately? When I hesitated briefly, Cheongang pointed to the inner room with his hand.
“The Young Lord usually takes his meals in that place.”
“Ah, yes.”
I almost took it to the bedroom. I bowed my head slightly in gratitude and entered the inner room he had indicated. Jeok Igeon was sitting at a round table, drinking tea. Seeing him wearing the blue light armor I had chosen, my lips twitched with satisfaction.
Looking at him again, he really was handsome. It felt like admiring a painting. I carefully approached and set the meal down in front of him. If it were someone else, I would have announced that I brought breakfast first, but I absolutely followed Cheongang’s warning.
As I opened the covers, appetizing aromas spread throughout the room. Meat, fish, vegetables—it was a feast. I began placing small portions of the side dishes on an empty plate for tasting.
“That’s enough.”
Then Jeok Igeon spoke for the first time. With his pretty appearance, I had unconsciously expected him to have a matching sweet voice, but it was a completely different thick, low tone. Of course, that also suited him very well.
But why is he telling me not to taste the food? The First Young Lord might have played another trick, but is he going to pretend not to know and let it slide? I even brought Poison-Resisting Beads, but this is quite deflating.
“But what is this?”
Jeok Igeon, having stopped the tasting, picked up his chopsticks and pointed at the ice container. I quickly put down the plate and opened the container’s lid to pour it into a cup. I spotted a kettle nearby, brought over water, and poured it into the cup with ice.
Here, try drinking this. It’ll be very refreshing.
I stepped back and waited for his reaction. But no matter how long I waited, I couldn’t hear any sounds of movement. I had been keeping my head down to avoid making eye contact with him, but I cautiously lifted my gaze. And once again, I collided head-on with those pitch-black eyes.
“…!”
Ah damn, why is he looking at me like that! Didn’t he like ice water? I couldn’t tell if he was angry or what—his expression was completely unreadable.
Just as I was about to reach a state of panic, Jeok Igeon finally opened his mouth.
“You weren’t unable to speak… so why do you keep your mouth shut?”
“…Pardon?”
“What is this.”
Jeok Igeon pointed at the ice water again.
“Th-that’s ice water.”
“Do you think I asked because I didn’t know what it was.”
“Ah… well, you’ve been training since dawn, and you took a hot bath too, so I thought you might be seeking something refreshing… so I prepared it…”
Did I do something unnecessary? I’m screwed.
I trembled as I thought of Shin Geum. My attempt to make a good impression had backfired. No one ordered me to do it—I brought this on myself.
If you’re going to kill me, do it painlessly in one blow, you psychopath bastard!
Just as I was grinding my teeth and screaming internally.
“Good.”
Jeok Igeon set down the cup and uttered a single word, having drunk it at some point. Then he began eating the rice and side dishes he hadn’t even touched before.
What? Did I do well? Did the ice water work?