Chapter 108

Chapter 108
The carriage came to a halt in front of an isolated estate hidden far from common eyes.

A graceful, refined woman of middle years emerged to welcome the travelers.

“Greetings to the Supreme.”

Her words made it clear that she knew Yeom Hwa-sin’s true stature down to the finest detail.

“Have matters treated you smoothly?”

“Entirely well, thanks to your continued grace.”

“A guest of great significance accompanies me on this visit. Provide him with the utmost attention and care.”

“I shall offer my complete dedication to the task. Please follow me inside.”

Walking in her wake, Baek So-cheon caught the faint signs of guards lying in wait across the perimeter. Formidable fighters held covert positions throughout the grounds, ensuring absolute vigilance.

The hostess guided both men toward a private chamber filled with grand, opulent decorations and costly furnishings.

As soon as her footsteps faded down the corridor, Baek So-cheon broke the quiet.

“What is this estate?”

“A retreat where I turn when I wish to slip away and rest.”

Baek So-cheon instantly understood the nature of the estate; it served as the man’s secluded private court.

“And during your absences?”

“The attendants spend that time waiting for my return.”

“Passing their days in complete idleness simply awaiting your arrival? Does that not strike you as rather excessive?”

“Excessive? When my presence affords them an easy, secure existence?”

“I would hardly characterize their situation in such terms.”

“Regardless, I certainly have no intention of sitting down to share drinks with the other wretches, do I?”

A brief moment passed before attendants entered bearing a magnificent table covered in spirits and delicacies. Following the feast came multiple women dressed in airy, dazzling silk robes designed to accentuate their graceful forms, their faces touched by mere hints of powder. Their sheer beauty easily matched the finest courtesans from renowned pleasure quarters.

A pair sat on either side of Yeom Hwa-sin, while another pair took positions beside Baek So-cheon.

“My humble greetings to the esteemed hero. I am Seol-ah.”

“And I answer to Cho-ah.”

Their manners were immaculate, showing polished discipline and poise.

Even so, Baek So-cheon saw right through their composure, catching the desperate struggle behind their smiles as they fought to suppress raw panic.

Within a typical entertainment pavilion, a clumsy misstep might provoke harsh words or a sharp blow across the cheek at most.

Before a figure like Yeom Hwa-sin, however, the slightest error carried the immediate threat of execution—not merely for the offender, but potentially condemning everyone dwelling within these walls to slaughter.

No amount of rigorous upbringing could shield maidens in their early twenties from an abyss of terror like that.

Baek So-cheon shifted his gaze toward Yeom Hwa-sin.

There was no way a man of his standing failed to register the dread trembling beneath their polished veneer. More likely than not, he took deep, quiet satisfaction in witnessing their fear.

“Your expression looks sour. Do these maidens fail to satisfy your standards?”

“Far from it. A very long time has passed since I last beheld women of such striking grace. I see clearly the sort of company you prefer.”

“Do they contrast with the kind of beauties that capture your own interest?”

“There is little real distinction between them, in truth.”

“Why the furrowed brow, then?”

“This sanctuary belongs entirely to your sphere. Being here simply does not sit right with my spirit.”

“I understand your sentiment.”

“If our intention is genuine recreation, why not head somewhere young crowds naturally congregate?”

“Which place do you have in mind?”

“You shall discover it upon arrival. For this outing, allow me to direct our path.”

“So be it.”

Yeom Hwa-sin agreed to the proposal without hesitation. The sudden suggestion seemed to pique his curiosity even further, coming from a companion who appeared entirely unsuited for frivolous pleasures.

“The journey covers a substantial span of road, however.”

“It makes little difference. The single thing we possess without limit is time.”

The two men stepped out into the open air once more.

While proceeding toward their waiting transport, Yeom Hwa-sin broke the quiet between them.

“You displayed entirely pointless consideration back there.”

At that very second, Baek So-cheon knew his companion had effortlessly perceived his underlying motive.

Another calculation had prompted his desire to abandon the estate so quickly.

Remaining behind to enjoy the lavish hospitality would have been effortless.

Yet an instinctive understanding warned him that the two maidens serving by his side would ultimately forfeit their lives for the indulgence. After all, the compound operated as his personal sanctuary. Wholly independent of any personal benevolence on his part, the rigid doctrines governing the secluded estate would almost certainly dictate their demise once the gathering ended. The entire compound stood exclusively for Yeom Hwa-sin’s whims.

“I am pulling us away, certainly, but your own posture remains the true obstacle.”

“What obstacle do you speak of?”

“Cast aside that pointless mantle of tyrannical haughtiness.”

“Haughtiness? Do you brand me an authoritarian figure?”

“Did you truly live in ignorance of that fact?”

“I always viewed myself as remarkably flexible and understanding.”

“Hardly. You embody pure authoritarianism through and through. This retreat owes its entire design to that exact flaw.”

Yeom Hwa-sin made no attempt to validate or refute the charge.

Taking full advantage of the silence, Baek So-cheon continued,

“Just before we arrived, did you not question whether I had ever tasted earthly delights? To my eyes, authentic amusement belongs to everyone equally and vanishes in a fleeting breath. The moment it becomes personal property, its essential character warps into something else entirely. Without question, a compound like this bears no relation whatsoever to genuine pleasure.”

“Hmph. Those words carry undeniable truth.”

Yeom Hwa-sin drifted into solemn contemplation.

A perspective like this likely represented the exact purpose behind their shared travel: confronting blind spots, embracing introspection, and allowing dispersed fragments of understanding to weave into true clarity.

The carriage rolled across the roads throughout the entire day before arriving at their intended destination—a bustling establishment known as Cheong-chun Jupjeom. It stood as the solitary venue Baek So-cheon connected with carefree revelry. During his initial days among the ranks of the Murim Alliance, he had frequented the establishment a handful of times alongside older peers.

“An age has truly drifted by since my last visit, yet by great fortune it continues to thrive.”

Indeed, the business had expanded beyond its former scale. Clusters of youthful patrons gathered near the wide doors, laughing and conversing in small groups. The surrounding atmosphere differed wildly from any conventional tavern or roadside rest stop.

Lingering beside the front door, Baek So-cheon offered Yeom Hwa-sin a firm condition.

“Give me a single pledge before we step beyond this threshold.”

“Name your term.”

“Should any conflict flare within, refrain from raising your palms under any circumstance.”

“Does that leave my kicks permitted?”

“Cease the dreadful banter. Play along, or we shall spend the night drinking in bitter solitude.”

“Very well. You have my word.”

“Excellent. Then let us advance!”

Both men crossed into the building.

The moment the entrance swung wide, an intoxicating wave of raw vitality rolled across them. The divergence extended far beyond the building’s exterior; the inner chamber existed on an entirely separate plane from common taverns.

Performers produced brisk, energetic melodies, while young men and maidens clustered around packed wooden tables, sharing loud banter and carefree laughter.

Patrons were never bound to individual chairs. Scattered groups drifted across the floor, mingling with ease and pulling up seats beside complete strangers without hesitation.

“Well! What manner of arrangement is this?”

“A gathering ground favored by the young. People pull up beside unfamiliar tables and strike up casual conversation as though it were the most natural habit in the world.”

“And should their eyes linger, do they slip away together?”

“That describes the general course of things.”

“How much time has slipped away since you last stepped inside?”

“A couple of excursions prior to the eruption of the war, keeping company with senior fellows.”

“Well, well.”

Yeom Hwa-sin swept his eyes across the vast dining floor, his expression displaying genuine wonder.

“A sight entirely foreign to my experience.”

“Word has it that such environments remain nonexistent within the unorthodox factions. The outcome seems rather obvious—among your comrades, such a setting would ignite relentless bloodletting by sundown.”

“We could easily establish our own enterprises of this kind. The profits would prove immense, would they not?”

“Are you speaking earnestly?”

“Without a doubt. The Alliance bleeds currency with war looming over the horizon. How could those short-sighted fools in the Finance Party overlook a boundless treasure trove like this?”

“Whenever talk turns like this, you seem entirely consumed by thoughts of battle.”

“Does the realization finally strike you? Harboring second thoughts about bringing me along?”

“Not in the slightest. In fact, you ought to oversee such a business venture yourself.”

“To what end?”

“Does an establishment of this magnitude flourish overnight? It demands reputation, patient cultivation, and steady backing. A lengthy delay to the conflict would serve your interests best.”

“A fair argument. Once we erase your comrades from the earth, the establishment can serve as pleasant spending coin. Hahaha!”

Yeom Hwa-sin let out a booming laugh, his spirit visibly lifted.

“Let us shelve military discussions while we linger here. We came to share cups alongside the youth—granting they tolerate our company.”

“They may very well cast us aside.”

“That goes without saying.”

“The prospect only fuels the urge to win them over.”

Right at that heartbeat, an attendant approached their position and bowed with smooth deference.

“Our humble regrets, esteemed gentlemen, but your places have been prepared on the upper level.”

“On the upper floor?”

Lifting their eyes, they observed older client groups occupying the second-story balconies.

When Yeom Hwa-sin’s brow instantly twitched with annoyance, Baek So-cheon stepped in without losing a beat.

“Remember your pledge!”

“Very well.”

Turning back toward the waiting attendant, Baek So-cheon nodded.

“Lead the way forward.”

“Right this way, sirs.”

Guided by the clerk, who remained entirely oblivious to the identities of his guests, the two mounted the wooden stairs. Unlike the raucous energy saturating the lower floor, the higher landing possessed a subdued elegance, filled largely with patrons of mature years.

They called for flagons of spirits alongside dishes of food. The prices stamped upon the menu towered multiple times over the rates charged by standard drinking houses.

“What comes next on your agenda?”

“Select maidens who catch your eye, walk over, and invite them to share your table.”

A woman of middle years across the floor offered Yeom Hwa-sin a knowing, coquettish glance. Shrugging off her silent advance, he leaned across the railing to observe the crowd below. Scanning the sea of faces, he singled out a figure.

“That maiden down there possesses undeniable beauty.”

The woman resting near the center of the first level radiated extraordinary elegance, standing out clearly amongst her three companions—her features rivaling even the courtesans dwelling within his hidden manor.

“Your preferences remain remarkably predictable.”

Even so, the renowned courtesan he once held close to his memory had stood miles apart from such aesthetic traits, which only heightened her unique allure. While this maiden matched his typical taste, his former love had represented its exact opposite.

“I shall go down and invite her up.”

“You?”

“Unless you intend to make the attempt yourself?”

“I could place her in this chair before you take another breath.”

“Undoubtedly.”

Through either brute intimidation or outright abduction.

“Remain seated and observe.”

Baek So-cheon descended the wooden flight and made his way toward the maidens.

To think that at my advanced station, I am wandering up to solicit company from young maidens!

The sheer unpredictability of the circumstance felt surreal even to him.

Closing the distance to their seats, Baek So-cheon spoke smoothly,

“Fair maidens, would you care to share a flagon at our table?”

Up until that exact second, his inner pride had remained unshakeable. His refined appearance could hold its ground against anyone, and his youthful countenance would hardly arouse suspicion regarding his true age.

The women lifted their gaze to examine his face before trading amused glances among themselves.

“Our regrets, but we are engaged in private talk tonight.”

“Truly sorry!”

“Please excuse us.”

Their excessive, bubbling apologies struck Baek So-cheon with sudden awkwardness instead.

“No matter, think nothing of it.”

He climbed back up the stairway, his cheeks burning red without having tasted a single drop of wine.

Having observed the entire exchange from the railing above, Yeom Hwa-sin smirked like an eager scoundrel waiting to pounce on an opening.

“What did their verdict turn out to be?”

Baek So-cheon hoisted his cup and swallowed the bitter drink of defeat in unbroken silence.

“Your youthful prime has undeniably abandoned you.”

“During my earlier days, women practically wrestled one another for the privilege of sharing my space.”

“The very maidens of that era now nurse daughters reaching these women’s ages.”

“Yet my features hardly convey such years.”

“Tell me, when was the last occasion a youthful maiden remarked on your youthful complexion?”

“Never.”

Such compliments came exclusively from companions his own age or wizened elders. Or perhaps his own reflection in the bronze glass.

“Young women harbor an instinctive sense for the passage of time.”

Having delivered his mocking jab, Yeom Hwa-sin pushed back his chair and rose.

“Where are you off to?”

“I have no desire to sit alone trading cups with an old friend after traveling this distance.”

He descended to the ground floor and strode directly toward the identical party.

Baek So-cheon tracked his movements with quiet anxiety. He did not anticipate a violent disturbance, yet the man’s volatile nature meant anything remained possible.

A moment later, an impossible sight unfolded before his eyes.

Following a brief exchange with Yeom Hwa-sin, the maidens pushed back their seats and began trailing him up the stairs.

Baek So-cheon stared in disbelief at the young woman who had dismissed his earlier approach.

“Did he happen to employ threats against you?”

A ripple of bright laughter escaped her lips.

“Not at all! He happens to be utterly hilarious. You hold no resentment over our earlier refusal, do you?”

“Naturally not.”

The three maidens settled around their table.

Yeom Hwa-sin turned toward Baek So-cheon, flashing the smug grin of an undisputed victor.

“During my youth, my charms left countless hearts scattered in my wake.”

His boast set the women off into amused giggles.

It stood as a decisive, humiliating defeat.

The maiden Yeom Hwa-sin had initially singled out leaned forward and queried,

“What connection binds the two of you together?”

Their answers rang out in unison:

“Comrades.”

“Sworn enemies.”

Yeom Hwa-sin offered “comrades,” while Baek So-cheon answered “sworn enemies.”

The contrast drove the young women into fits of delighted laughter.

They passed the subsequent hours sharing drink after drink, exchanging humorous anecdotes and lively conversation.

In time, the maidens prepared to depart and rose from their chairs.

“Until we meet again.”

One turned her focus toward Baek So-cheon, offering an encouraging smile.

“Never lose heart.”

Her companions joined in to bolster his morale.

“You shall find your footing soon enough!”

Watching their figures fade down the stairs, Baek So-cheon swung around to face Yeom Hwa-sin.

“What manner of trick did you pull?”

“What trick could you possibly mean?”

“Drop the facade and tell the truth. Immediately.”

Yeom Hwa-sin let out a rich, rumbling chuckle.

“While you were returning upstairs earlier, I told them you had reached this stage in life without ever holding the company of a woman. I claimed I dragged you to this establishment just so you might taste simple conversation with the opposite sex. I instructed them to play along as though I were your father.”

“Merciful heavens above!”

Speechless with shock, Baek So-cheon ultimately surrendered to an explosive burst of laughter.

“Hahaha!”

Who could have ever conceived that Yeom Hwa-sin would stoop to such absurd fabrications?

The sheer ridiculousness of the entire affair amused his spirit completely. Sharing drinks in an establishment of this nature alongside a man like him felt entirely surreal.

It was precisely at that instant.

A passerby walking near their seats threw a casual glance in Yeom Hwa-sin’s direction, only to freeze in utter horror, recoiling violently.

“You…!”

Baek So-cheon’s posture snapped taut in an instant.