I finally responded with a forced smile.

“It’s not a big issue. I simply had a lot on my mind and came out late at night despite knowing it wasn’t polite. If anything, I should be the one apologizing.”

“No need to apologize like that. Are you okay with coming over here and taking a look at the lake?”

Is there something in the lake?

I slowly approached Danju, maintaining a distance of about half an arm’s length. Looking down at the lake, I saw only a few ordinary carp swimming lazily around.

“There’s nothing spectacular, but for some reason, watching these fish swim brings me a little peace of mind. That’s why I suggested it.”

“I see. It’s a peaceful sight.”

I was fortunate to have been watching the fish in the lake. The eerie feeling I had earlier washed away. After a moment of silence standing side by side, Danju spoke again.

“Since you mentioned you have a lot on your mind, there’s something I’d like to say. Would you care to listen?”

At those words, I glanced at him. It was evident that the discussion pertained to recent events. My mind was already a mess, so hearing a few more words wouldn’t make a significant difference. I slowly nodded my head in response.

“Yes, I’ll listen attentively.”

“No need to take it too seriously.”

Danju spoke with a forced smile.

“It’s not much, just meddling on my part, but if you’re troubled by letting the sorcerer who impersonated my eldest son escape… There was something I’ve been wanting to say for a few days now. I hope I haven’t upset you by bringing this up so abruptly.”

I wasn’t upset, but rather curious about what he wanted to discuss. From his demeanor, it didn’t seem like he was blaming me for the escape, which made me more curious.

“I’m not upset.”

“That’s good to hear. Um.”

Danju paused for a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing.

“When I learned that my eldest son had committed such a heinous act, and all the circumstances were revealed, it was undoubtedly a shock. But then this thought crossed my mind. If it hadn’t been for this incident, I might have lost my second son, my daughters, perhaps even my wife, and even the estate that my grandfather built and has been maintained until now. In all that misfortune, I would have pitied my eldest son, wrongly thinking him innocent.”
He let out a soft sigh.

“Actually, there have been a few suspicious incidents lately that have disrupted our order. And it turns out that Heukcheomun was behind it all.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, but now that Heukcheomun has been dealt with at the volcano, he can no longer disrupt our order. Moreover, I still have three children to look after, a wife, and parents. The truth was painful, but perhaps it gave me the strength to walk in a better direction.”

“Ah…”

For a moment, I let out a soft sigh. Danju, who looked back at me and smiled softly, resumed speaking.

“Well, of course, that mysterious…”

A slight pause entered. He seemed to be at a loss for words.

“…sorcerer who entered this manor and wandered around arbitrarily was certainly unpleasant. It’s true that not knowing his intentions makes it more nerve-wracking. But I have no intention of blaming the Dojang for that, so please know.”

“That is…”

“Rushing to solve any problem often complicates it. I said I’d help at the volcano, so there’s no need to worry. Therefore, the Dojang doesn’t need to keep worrying about it. And, although I don’t know how this will be received, but…”

Danju lowered his voice a bit.

“My eldest son, despite his sins, is still my child… Since we found out before he committed an irreparable crime, perhaps it was a good thing that the man impersonated him. It allows my son to atone to some extent. Even though I know it’s a dangerous thought.”

For a moment, I felt confused.

‘So right now…’

A dark sorcerer caused trouble, and as a result, an existing problem grew like a snowball and finally burst. And the revealed truth provided an opportunity for a blessing in disguise, and regarding his eldest son, he even felt a bit grateful. Is that what he’s saying?