“I think so too. If I hadn’t met Grandfather that day, I wouldn’t be here.”

Strictly speaking, the White Tiger would have protected me. Still, until I became an adult, Grandfather’s help was crucial for me to grow up without much hardship.
As if recalling that time, a satisfied smile spread across Grandfather’s face. However, a trace of gloominess crossed his face again, and he asked in a displeased tone.

“…Does it really have to be him? Thinking about how you almost died because of him, the mere thought still makes my blood boil.”

Oh, here we go again. I chuckled while covering my lips.

“Why do you keep dwelling on the past? They say as you age, you tend to think about the past a lot. Since Grandfather is still young, you shouldn’t do that.”

Usually, saying this would shut Grandfather up, but today he continued to grumble.

“Did I not raise you well? It seems there isn’t a single thing you find favorable about me from our first meeting until now.”

“You’re quite something, Grandfather.”

Looking directly into Grandfather’s eyes, I spoke steadily.

“He is someone I love.”

“Hmm.”

As I said that emphatically, Grandfather seemed at a loss for words or maybe sighed. Even when I grinned without showing any signs of giving in, Grandfather eventually let out a heavy sigh and responded.

“…If you say he’s the one you love, I suppose I must step back. Seems like I need to make a very big decision.”

It seemed like he recalled what he had said earlier about Danmokbi; if I were Danmokbi and claimed to love someone else, he would step back without saying a word. I asked with a gentle voice.

“Is Grandfather’s love for me less than that?”

If you truly love me, please accept the person I have chosen. That was the meaning of my words, and perceptive Grandfather immediately understood, squeezing my forehead with his finger.

“No need to be impulsive, my child.”

“Hehe.”

I grinned while rubbing my forehead. Even though Grandfather was frowning, he gestured for the troublemakers to clear the front gate.

“Still, stay at Jegalsega until the Blood Alliance issue is resolved. It would be too worrisome if you were at Danmoksa during this time.”

“Yes.”

From my perspective, it was better to stay prepared at Jegalsega with everyone until the Blood Alliance issue was settled rather than facing Hyuljung Hyeok alone. Nodding vigorously, I added, “I understand.”

Even as I grinned, Grandfather, who was watching me carefully, spoke with a soft voice.

“Promise me one thing.”

“Yes?”

What is he asking for now?

“If it’s about not expressing affection for Danmokbi, I might not be able to keep that promise.”

I tried hard not to recall those memories that I was intentionally avoiding, but they suddenly surged up like droplets of water. Large, rough hands and breath that touched my ear closely.

“Kyaa! I was barely managing to forget about it.”

My face turned red in an instant. As I fanned myself desperately, Grandfather looked at me with a suspicious expression. Then, with a stern voice, he added.

“Do not engage in risky behavior.”

“Risky behavior?”

Grandfather’s explanation was very detailed.
“I told you not to unnecessarily put us in danger or stand in front of the Blood Sect leader as if you saved us.”

“Oh, come on. Am I that foolish to do such a thing?”

I chuckled and bumped fists with Grandfather. However, Grandfather, with a stern face, continued to admonish.

“Do you understand that now? You are a foolish child. If you were a little weaker, I wouldn’t have these worries.”

No, Grandfather’s words are too harsh.

“Hehe, Grandfather worries too much. That’s not true. I’m an extremely selfish and naughty child.”

“Fine, let’s assume that.”

“That’s true!”

However, Grandfather’s plea wasn’t entirely baseless. Just a while ago, I was worried about what to do if Jegalsega captured people and demanded me to come out.

“Yeah, even if such a thing happens, I shouldn’t act recklessly. If I’m caught by the Blood Sect leader, Grandfather would be sad.”

And both Grandfather, Danmokbi, Jegal Min, and Jegal Gaju were not weaker than Hyuljung Hyeok. Trying to solve the problem alone meant not trusting them.

I tightly held onto Grandfather’s arm and made a promise.

“I will never do anything that would make Grandfather shed tears.”

“Okay. I trust only you.”

Finally, Grandfather smiled as if relieved. I realized he was pretending to be tough but was anxious, fearing that something like what happened to my mother might happen again. So, I silently vowed once again.

“I must never be dragged away by Hyuljung Hyeok. Whatever happens, I must discuss it with my family first.”

But frighteningly enough, the next day, I found myself in a situation where I might break my promise with Grandfather.

Instead of a paper doll torn at the Jegalsega gate, there was a letter attached.

“[You have a cat.]”

“A cat?”

“Who’s playing a prank? There’s no cat in Jegalsega.”

“Well, wait a minute. Wasn’t there one?”

“Come to think of it, it has been a while since I last saw it. The white cat, right?”

The gossiping sibis, who didn’t understand the meaning, chatted among themselves. However, I understood the meaning as soon as I saw it.

“Ho-baek!”

The cat that hadn’t been seen recently was, in fact, held by Hyuljung Hyeok!