Chapter 85: Sun Demonic Spirit Part 2

On Seondo Mountain in the Anhyeong region, a hellish scene unfolded.

A giant higher demonic spirit reigned from the mountain peak. It was glaring down as if it intended to devour everything on earth.

Watching the countless hordes of intermediate demonic spirits descending from the summit, one might easily mistake it for the end of the world.

Though tens of thousands of Cheongdo soldiers surged forward to cut down the demonic spirits, it was clear that unless the higher demonic spirit at the mountain’s peak was slain, this hell would continue forever.

And standing at the forefront of the army, Vice General Jeong Seo Tae gripped his sword’s hilt tightly.

His fingers trembled but the corners of his mouth curled upward.

He was a man who knew how to savor fear.

***

Slap!

Ha Si Hwa’s cheek reddened as it was slapped.

She had endured slaps a few times in her childhood, but it had been a long time since she had been hit with such genuine force, so Ha Si Hwa’s eyes trembled for a moment.

“Useless wretch.”

No matter how many times she experienced it, getting hit by a rough man’s hand never became easier to bear.

Ha Si Hwa quickly bowed her head and apologized to Ha Gang Seok, the head of the Inbong clan.

“I’m sorry. The heavy workload at Hwalseong District was more overwhelming than I expected, so I wasn’t able to stay in proper contact.”

“I see. I’m relieved to hear that the Bright Moon General didn’t use any underhanded tricks, but if that’s the case, then your lackluster communication during that long period shows that you neglected the affairs of the Inbong clan out of pure laziness.”

Even if she had ten mouths, Ha Si Hwa had no excuse.

When rain fell for several days, the construction work at Hwalseong District slowed down, leaving her with no valid reason to refuse the Inbong clan’s summons.

She had fully anticipated being slapped like this upon returning home.

“We feed you, shelter you, and even place you in a position of importance with the power and wealth of the Inbong clan, and you repay that kindness with such laziness? Do you feel any shame?”

“Yes. I am truly sorry, Patriarch.”

Slap!

Her cheek was struck once more, but Ha Si Hwa kept her head bowed and just stared at the floor.

“Do you think we placed you in that position to become just another worker for Hwalseong District? It’s truly useless to raise and nurture people like you. Ha Si Hwa.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Haaah…”

Ha Gang Seok who was struggling to control his rising anger sat down on the edge of the low table in front of him.

Unable to suppress his anger, he kicked Ha Si Hwa’s knee and slammed the table once more.

“Ugh…”

Ha Si Hwa knelt in pain and clenched her teeth as she closed her eyes tightly.

For the past few months, she had felt as if she were under a spell.

Since taking the position as the manager of the Hwalseong District, she had grown so absorbed in the work that she had been completely drawn in.

She had quickly forgotten about things like the Inbong clan, and this was the moment she realized once again that she was indeed an engineer.

Had she enjoyed it too much?

Forgetting her true place had led to this; her suffering was a consequence of her own actions.

In this Cheongdo Palace, a family’s name was like a lifelong brand and an indelible mark.

One might leave the nest for a time, but the name of the Inbong clan would never be separated from them.

If someone were to betray the clan or even attempt to flee in the dead of night, that disgrace would follow them for the rest of their life.

For someone in an official position, that dishonor was fatal. To abandon one’s family lineage was one of the greatest sins a person could commit.

She hadn’t chosen to be born into the Inbong clan, but since she was, she had to bear that weight. That was what it meant to belong to a family.

Just as her lord Bright Moon General had fought the stigma of being a Huayongseol clan member all his life, she too had to live as a member of the Inbong clan.

She had never felt that it was unfair, as there were many benefits to being part of the Inbong clan.

However, there were times when a sense of loss would quietly creep into her heart.

How could she feel a sense of loss when she hadn’t lost anything? It was a strange thing.

That contradictory emotion had been welling up inside her for quite some time, yet Ha Si Hwa had accepted it as a part of herself and lived with it as if it were an extension of her body.

“Well, fine. Even though I gave you such a great opportunity, you couldn’t take advantage of it, so I suppose your potential ends here.”

Once someone’s usefulness was exhausted, they were mercilessly discarded. That was the rule of the Inbong clan.

Of course, as a member of the clan, she wouldn’t be sold off or anything like that, but when a political scapegoat was needed, she would be cast aside without hesitation.

To fall out of favor with the head of the clan meant just that. It was no different from receiving a death sentence.

Ha Si Hwa had been relegated to just another of the countless discarded pieces.

It was only natural.

She had prioritized something else over the Inbong clan. It was only right that a person who committed a crime should be punished.

“I had thought of using you to recruit Bright Moon General, but since I’ve found another way, you’re no longer needed. Just play the part of Bright Moon General’s subordinate for a while, and then return to the Ministry of Works next month. If you’re going to continue like this, working as an inspector and securing a position in the Ministry of Works will be more beneficial to the Inbong clan in the long run.”

“If you say next month… there’s less than ten days left…”

Ha Si Hwa responded reflexively, which made the head of the clan’s eyes flash with anger.

Seeing that, Ha Si Hwa quickly bowed her head again.

“I’ll bring the personnel agenda to the council. Prepare yourself.”

A blemish on a woman’s face was a great disgrace.

As Ha Si Hwa walked out of the room while rubbing her swollen red face, the maids of the Inbong clan passed by and cast surprised glances in her direction.

However, since they couldn’t ask if she was alright, the maids could only swallow nervously and quickly bow their heads as they hurried past.

A gaze mixed with curiosity and pity can severely undermine a person’s self-esteem.

They would probably gossip in places like the laundry room or the kitchen, whispering that the woman who used to be an inspector for the Ministry of Works seemed to have been severely beaten by the head of the Inbong clan. They would say that even someone who seemed destined for a life of success had stumbled over a stone.

There’s no way to avoid rumors, and there’s no way to escape the feeling of misery that comes with them.

As she continued walking across the floor, tears began to well up in her eyes, though what surprised Ha Si Hwa the most was realizing that her sadness wasn’t because she had fallen out of favor with the head of the Inbong clan.

In ten days, she would have to return to the Ministry of Works.

She would leave the Hwalseong District and resume her work as an inspector.

While the inspector’s work suited her well enough and wasn’t difficult, what continued to weigh on her heart like a hook was the fact that she had to leave behind so many unfinished tasks that had gradually chipped away at her spirit.

The construction projects she had overseen at the Hwalseong District, the street renovation projects, and the land development for incoming craftsmen… All of these achievements were within reach, yet she had to hand them over to others and leave.

– It’s your creation, after all.

The words of Seol Tae Pyeong, the lord of Hwalseong District, had pierced her heart like a dagger. Because she had come to the painful realization that everything she had done as an inspector up until now had been for someone else.

As an engineer, she had put her name on the line and stayed up night and day to draft designs, manage budgets, recruit people, secure materials, submit reports, survey land, prevent accidents, and monitor progress…

The moment she realized that each of these tasks was a moment to prove my worth, the pain of having to abandon all these achievements and leave cut deep into her bones.

Yet, in this Empire of Cheongdo, the mark of one’s family could not be erased. She was a person of the Inbong clan.

If she bore the disgrace of betraying the family that had fed, housed, and raised her, she wouldn’t even be able to maintain her current position.

There was no other choice.

It was simply inevitable.

…I must prove my worth to the Inbong clan.

However, the Inbong clan only desired one thing.

They wanted her to find Seol Tae Pyeong’s weakness in Hwalseong District, to seize it, and to wield control over him.

In the end, Ha Si Hwa was in a position where she had no choice but to strike at Seol Tae Pyeong’s back.

No matter how much she thought about it… there was no way to overturn this situation.

***

For a while, rain fell over the imperial capital.

Given that it would soon be cold, it was fortunate that rain, not snow, had come.

Snow would quietly accumulate if left alone, but rainwater would naturally wash away without needing to be cleared.

As if marking the end of late autumn, the streams swept away the fallen leaves that had filled the palace grounds and offered a refreshing sight. It was like an eraser wiping away the season.

Soon, the long winter would come, and the Hwalseong District had to prepare for it.

The schedule was tight because the groundwork had to be completed before winter, but the rain came, so they couldn’t work. It was a time to rest.

The laborers of Hwalseong were full of enthusiasm, whether it rained or snowed, but the construction materials would become heavier and deformed when soaked with water.

As a result, this rainy week became the last break period for the Hwalseong District.

Once the rain stopped, the Chief Councilor would come for inspections, Ha Si Hwa and Cheong Jin Myeong would bicker about not wanting to work together, and the skilled craftsmen from the Jeongseon clan would cause a ruckus.

Until then, it was a brief period of rest and a time to calm down.

Ssshhhhh—

Drip, drop—

Sitting on the porch of the mansion and listening to the sound of the rain, it felt like it had been a long time since I had enjoyed such a moment of leisure.

It had been a while since I watched the rainwater fall from the eaves alone.

In my childhood, I was with Seol Ran when I was an apprentice warrior; I was with the White Immortal Palace family; and in the last years of the White Immortal Elder’s life, I watched it with him.

Time passed so quickly that it was hard to believe… Somehow, I now found myself bearing the title of Bright Moon General and acting as a high official which felt strangely out of place.

In truth, I had indeed risen through the ranks quite suddenly, so adjusting to it was no small task.

“The weather is cold.”

Bi Cheon who had been inspecting the paper doors of the house knelt behind me on the porch and spoke.

Sure enough, after the rain, when I stepped outside and exhaled, a visible puff of breath escaped my lips. Winter was approaching.

“It’s fine. Go inside and rest. Once this break is over, we’ll really be busy.”

“Yes, understood.”

Bi Cheon bowed his head in greeting before opening the paper door and entering.

All the servants who used to take care of my life at home had been assigned to the Hwalseong District development project, so, in truth, it was just Bi Cheon and me in this grand mansion.

Though Bi Cheon managed the bare minimum of comforts, it was still quite tedious to cook my own meals and fold my own blankets.

They say that when a person rises in rank, their mindset changes to match it… Why did such trivial tasks suddenly feel so bothersome?

I had lived much more rigorously during my days as an apprentice warrior…

It was in the midst of such idle thoughts.

Tap, tap.

Through the sound of rain falling steadily, I saw a shadowy figure.

At this hour, in this weather, in a place like this.

Come to think of it, all the personnel stationed near my residence had been sent away.

Even so, I could at least take care of myself, and it wasn’t like I’d done anything so terrible that someone would send an assassin after me…

Still, I couldn’t help but think I should have kept at least a minimal guard.

Having someone suddenly appear in the courtyard of my home wasn’t exactly normal.

Frowning at the thought, I looked out into the yard and recognized the figure.

“What’s this, Manager? I finally got a break because of the rain, and here you are. What are you doing?”

“…….”

There, the one who was standing in the pouring rain while completely soaked was Manager Ha Si Hwa.

Why stand out in the rain like this? Either stay inside or use an umbrella.

She looked like a ghost. She was wandering around as if she were a heartbroken woman.

“…I came because I have something to tell you, Bright Moon General.”

But seeing that something seemed off about Manager Ha Si Hwa…. I couldn’t help but shout at Bi Cheon to bring me something to wipe her clothes.

“I think I’ll be leaving the Hwalseong District next month.”

“…Is that why you’re making such a fuss?”

I had Bi Cheon bring a large cloth and wiped the water off Ha Si Hwa before sitting her down on the porch. I then instructed Bi Cheon to bring out some snacks.

In matters like this, Bi Cheon has a good sense. He brought out nuts and alcohol before quickly retreating back into the room.

…He’s attentive to the little things…

With that face, when he grows older, he’ll probably have plenty of women following him around…

“I was wondering why you were wandering around in the rain like a tragic heroine…”

“…It’s just the timing. If I leave at this point, there’s a good chance it will cause significant delays in the project I’ve been leading. I was worried… and got lost in thought.”

“That’s not it. You’re just upset because you have to walk away from a project you’ve nurtured like your own child.”

When I pointed that out bluntly, Ha Si Hwa flinched and looked at me for a moment.

Her reaction made it clear that I had hit the nail on the head. These types always think the same way.

“You can tell just by watching someone work. What’s the matter? Did the Inbong clan give you a hard time and call you incompetent?”

“That’s… not it…”

“I guess my question lacked a bit of tact. Even if I ask someone from the Inbong clan like that, it’s not like you’d answer honestly.”

Upon closer inspection, I noticed Ha Si Hwa’s cheek was red and swollen, with her hair tangled against it.

It looks like she got hit somewhere.

My fingertips twitched slightly, but I pretended not to notice.

Prodding at someone’s wounds often leads to even deeper pain. I know how to distinguish between offering comfort and being nosy.

“That’s not it… If anything… I’ve received more from the Inbong clan.”

“Alright. If you say so, then that’s how it is.”

“I’m not saying this just to be polite. No matter what anyone says, I am a member of the Inbong clan.”

On that point, she was clear and firm.

To survive long as an official, you have to earn the trust of the group you belong to.

Given that Ha Si Hwa had lived her life constantly adapting to the Inbong clan’s system, her response was only natural.

“However… I did harbor some disloyal thoughts.”

“Disloyal thoughts?”

“Yes. Adjutant Bi Cheon, Black Moon leader Cheong Jin Myeong, and even the technicians from Central City… all those who have gathered at the Hwalseong District seem to be finding their own places freely, without being tied down by anything. When I watch them, I sometimes feel a sense of loss, even though I haven’t actually lost anything.”

Ha Si Hwa spoke in a small and hesitant voice.

“Then, suddenly, it hits me. This isn’t where I belong. When you realize that difference, it’s surprisingly easy to fall into a deep sense of loneliness…”

Ha Si Hwa glanced over at the edge of the construction site of the Hwalseong District which was visible just beyond the wall.

“There are times when it pierces my heart to realize that in the very nest I built, there is no place for me. That’s all it is.”

“…I am open, but I also respect your choice to stay with the Inbong clan as your support.”

I don’t stop those who come, and I don’t hold back those who leave.

That’s been my principle, so if Ha Si Hwa decided to leave with her regrets, I wouldn’t try to force her to stay.

“You’ll make a good official, Ha Si Hwa. If you run into trouble while working as an inspector, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll help as much as I can.”

“…….”

Ha Si Hwa couldn’t hold back her tears at those words.

Yes, I knew.

Deep down, Ha Si Hwa had been hoping.

If someone who was so deeply involved in the construction of the Hwalseong District suddenly decided to leave, it would only be natural for the Bright Moon General who manages this fief to be troubled by it.

He might at least tell her to finish the job before leaving, or perhaps even express some regret to the Inbong clan in an attempt to keep her here.

That’s why she came to me and clutched at straws, but I don’t respect those who try to decide their own fate with such a passive mindset.

If you want to stay, do so by your own will, and if you wish to leave, leave by your own will.

That was my principle, so I wouldn’t provide a place to escape.

Even if it seemed cold, there was no helping it. Hwalseong District was not a place for runaways.

“Manager, I won’t be taking a stand against the Inbong clan anytime soon. I won’t be deeply involved in your personnel agenda that will be brought up at the council meeting.”

If you want to work under me, it’s not me who must adjust to you; it’s you who must adjust to me. No matter how disheartened you are, that fact remains unchanged.

It may be cruel, but leading a group means making such decisions.

So I ask you.

“Do you want to stay in the Hwalseong District?”

At those words… Ha Si Hwa lowered her head and couldn’t respond for a long time.

It was likely because no matter which choice she made, there was too much to lose.

Ha Si Hwa knew this well.

Life is inherently a series of choices.

“Yes, I understand. It wouldn’t be easy to answer right away.”

“…….”

“Anyway, just know this one thing. I have no intention of opposing the Inbong clan’s policies for the time being, and I don’t particularly want to be at odds with them.”

Things in this world don’t always go the way you want.

That’s just how life works.

Whatever happened, I had no reason to oppose the Inbong clan at this point. After all, I was in a position to make use of them.

So there was no way such a policy would change overnight.

It was important to be firm on matters like this to avoid wavering later.

I felt sorry for Ha Si Hwa, but I would never compromise.

Never.

Never!!!!

No matter what!!!!

***

The next morning, Bi Cheon rushed into the room and spoke urgently with his head lowered.

“Ge-General Seol…! A secret letter of unknown origin has arrived from the Inbong clan… The… the contents are…”

“What?”

Bi Cheon quickly reported with an unusually urgent tone.

“Ma-Maid Seol…! The Inbong Ha clan has Maid Seol’s life in their hands… Rumor has it that they’ve poisoned her…”

“…What? Whose life? Ran-noonim’s? They, They poisoned her?”

“Th-This… The source of this letter is suspicious, but… it bears the seal of a high-ranking official within the Inbong clan, so there’s no room for doubt… It seems like internal information was leaked… But how could this information be leaked…”

I was lying down with a blanket roughly spread out, but I quickly got up and furrowed my brows.

Quickly, I grabbed the secret letter Bi Cheon had brought and unfolded it to check the contents. It matched exactly what he had reported.

“They’re holding a hostage?”

Seol Ran?

Senior maid Seol Ran?

Those fu*king miserable bastards.

They dared to touch Ran-noonim …?