Chapter 81
“This is the Yuhyang Inn. But those who displayed their martial arts earlier should no longer be here. After taking care of the Black Society thugs, they left in a hurry.”
“I see.”
“Sir, if this is true, isn’t it a serious matter? It might mean that someone secretly learned the martial arts of the Jegal Clan…”
Only then did Im Wooshin become curious about Baek Garim’s identity.
“By the way… who are you, sir?”
“My apologies for the delayed introduction. I am Baek Garim, Grandmaster of the Cheonseong Corps of the Jegal Clan. I will report this matter to the clan head and ensure it is properly resolved.”
As soon as his name was spoken, everyone nearby was astonished.
“Baek… Baek Garim, Grandmaster?!”
Though he did not bear the Jegal surname, Baek Garim led the Cheonseong Corps, the Jegal Clan’s main martial force.
Anyone with even a slight interest in the Jegal Clan knew of him.
He was not only strikingly handsome but also competent in dealing with troublesome Black Society thugs. Intelligent and trusted greatly by Clan Head Jegal Cheon, it was no surprise he was well-known.
Rumors even suggested that Baek Garim should be adopted to inherit the Jegal Clan.
The two men who had fought bowed deeply.
“Apologies for causing a disturbance in front of the Grandmaster!”
“Not at all. On the contrary, I am grateful to have received such unexpected news.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“We will take care of the matter, so please do not fight any longer and enjoy your time.”
“Yes! Sir!”
“Then I shall take my leave.”
Having learned the details, Baek Garim returned to the third floor. Namgung Sochu, as if waiting, immediately asked:
“What happened?”
“Hmm… we were in an argument regarding our clan.”
“The Jegal Clan?”
“Yes…”
Baek Garim cast a subtle glance toward Jegal Cheon.
Although Jegal Cheon was gazing out the window, he was not dismissing Baek Garim’s words.
Baek Garim recounted what had occurred at the Yuhyang Inn.
“…! Surely it’s not Jegal Sagun who was captured by the demonic cult?”
Baek Garim slowly shook his head.
“They call him Prince Mi. It seems he is Prince Haesu.”
Jegal Sagun, known as Prince Mi, did not have a delicate appearance.
He resembled Jegal Cheon closely and was called the “Little Tiger” of the Jegal Clan.
“….”
Jegal Cheon, who had remained silent while listening, slammed his cup down.
“Clan Head…”
“Say nothing.”
A dark and ominous aura rose behind Jegal Cheon.
Jegal Sochu clenched her eyes tightly.
‘Haesu… you might need to escape…’
She realized she needed to locate Jegal Haesu’s whereabouts faster than her older brother.
Near the entrance gate’s fabric shop, two beautiful women were present.
Soso stared closely at Jegal Haesu’s face.
Her long eyes carried an inexplicable sensuality, her nose was high and elegant, and her lips were strikingly red.
Simply wearing women’s clothing, letting her hair down, and applying light makeup, Jegal Haesu had become stunningly beautiful.
Could anyone suit female attire so perfectly?
“You are peerlessly beautiful.”
“…Sami. All good, but don’t get your face too close. My heart is racing.”
Though she intended to scold him for joking, Jegal Haesu’s face genuinely flushed.
Soso poked Jegal Haesu’s cheek, now like a ripe peach, with her fingertip.
“Your cheek looks deliciously ripe. If I bite it, will it taste like dumplings or peaches?”
“If you’re curious, you may try.”
Jegal Haesu, consenting lightly, twisted her body like a bride anticipating her first night. Soso laughed at the sight.
“Just kidding.”
“Too bad…”
“How could I dare bite the cheek of the world’s most beautiful person?”
“Sami, you are the world’s most beautiful. How could I possibly claim that spot?”
“From today onward, that spot belongs to Soso.”
“Hehe. That means I am that lovely, doesn’t it?”
“Yes.”
Jegal Haesu swept her hair cascading over her shoulder, silk-like and beautiful.
“Soso, you must wear a mask too!”
“Yes, of course. I dislike men’s affection.”
Jegal Haesu’s playful attitude made Soso chuckle softly.
“Must it be like this?”
Jegal Haesu wanted to visit the entrance gate but thought it best to hide her identity as Jegal Haesu.
Soso wondered why such precautions were necessary, given that she was already visiting the Jegal Clan anyway. Could it be that she simply wanted to dress as a woman…?
“No.”
Jegal Haesu stated firmly.
“Excuse me?”
“Whatever you are thinking, it is not that reason.”
“How did you know I was thinking something strange?”
“Your face gave it away! Completely!”
“Haha… if it were a secret hobby, I would have respected it.”
“Cross-dressing is not a hobby of mine.”
“Yes, Soso.”
“Think about it. If I had sneaked out of the clan and, months later, the first place I’m seen is ‘Juru,’ how would that look?”
“Ah… one could misunderstand that you left the clan to indulge in pleasures. But you have been diligent… and even faced death.”
“Exactly! So it’s best to keep my visit to the entrance gate secret, regardless of my return to the clan.”
“I understand.”
“There’s another reason for the cross-dressing.”
Just as Jegal Haesu was about to explain, Namgung Jin outside started urging.
“Not done yet?”
Jegal Haesu clicked her tongue.
“Anyway, let’s not wait any longer. Let’s go. I’ll explain outside.”
“Yes!”
The two left the fabric shop together.
Namgung Jin, seeing Jegal Haesu acting shy like a woman while wearing a mask, frowned immediately without hesitation.
“This is absurd.”
“W-What? Brother, what did you just say?”
“Let’s go. The entrance gate is right ahead.”
Soso gazed at the entrance gate nearby.
As one of Yangyang’s high-end Juru establishments, its exterior was luxurious.
The building was large, adorned with decorations and colorful lanterns, dazzling Soso’s eyes.
“It’s beautiful…”
“First time visiting a place like this?”
“Yes. I’ve rarely been to inns, and visiting a Juru was even less likely.”
“Though our visit has a purpose, let’s enjoy it. The food here is delicious—eat plenty of dumplings.”
“Yes!”
Soso smiled broadly. She never understood why dumplings were endlessly appetizing.
Soon, the four entered the entrance gate.
Immediately, people’s eyes fell on them, assessing which floors their party would occupy.
Two women in masks, one handsome man, and a peculiar man in a black hat. Beneath the thin masks, the women appeared quite beautiful.
People assumed they might use the second floor, or with luck, the third.
The handsome man seemed noble at first glance.
On the third-floor railing, the owner of the entrance gate, Luju Im Hyanghyang, observed them.
“One expert, one unknown, one woman, and…”
Aha?
A hint of interest appeared in Im Hyanghyang’s eyes.
The tall woman’s face was familiar.
