Danmokbi’s lips slowly met mine. A kiss followed, utterly different from my quick peck that had hastily bumped and run away.

His intertwining breath, seemingly showing me his desire for me, made my heart pound.

My hands that were tightly clasped at some point embraced his sturdy neck. And so, our seemingly endless kiss continued.

With a rustling noise, a small voice echoed near us.

“Huh?”

“……!!!”

At that sound, I was startled, and Danmokbi hid me behind his back.

The owner of the approaching footsteps that rustled was none other than Namgunglyeo.

She was scratching her head, holding two pheasants upside down.

“Did I interrupt?”

Looking at her ridiculous smiling face, I couldn’t even get angry. I smirked, and Danmokbi raked his hair back, letting out a long sigh.

(This is a time delimiter.)

Meanwhile, at the Danmok residence, a quarrel was unfolding at the main gate. It was a dispute between Danmoksu, who wanted to enter the Danmok residence, and the residence’s warriors, who were stopping him.

Danmoksu yelled in an offended tone,

“How dare you block my way and think you’ll be safe!”

Even if Danmoksu hadn’t become a top martial artist in the world, he was not so weak that he couldn’t contend with the residence’s warriors. The warriors, appearing tense yet resolute, stubbornly blocked Danmoksu’s way.

“Step back, master.”

“Well said.”

Danmoksu openly mocked the warrior. The term “master” was laughable when he was not treated as such in practice.

“Yes. I am the master of the Danmok residence. So why can’t I enter my house?”

“It’s an order not to let anyone in.”

“And whose order is that?”

“…….”

Who else could it be? It was Danmokbi’s command.

After banishing Danmoksu, Danmokbi brutally murdered those who had been Danmoksu’s righthand men. Half of the original warriors were scared away, and the other half pledged loyalty to Danmokbi.

So now, all the warriors in the residence were those who followed only Danmokbi.

‘These fellows know how brutal the nephew can be, so even if I show force, they won’t let me through.’

But now he was not trying to enter the residence without a reason. Danmoksu puffed out his chest and said boastfully,
“He’s on his way to meet me from Jegalsega, but what will he say if I’m not in Danmoksega?”

“I wouldn’t worry about it affecting the Duke’s honor.”

The response, lacking any flattery, reminded me of my second son. A subordinate fitting for his superior.

But I could not back down here. The reason I proposed in Jegalsega in the first place was to drive Danmokbi away.

‘Somehow, I must make this proposal a success.’

Then Danmokbi would find out that the servant I valued became the wife of my elder brother, and he would boil with rage. Jegalsega will lend its strength to make my family’s daughter the Duke’s wife.

The goal was clear, so my lips moved more cunningly than ever.

“Do you really think so? The Duke of Jegalsega will be very angry and protest, and do you think Yeona will protect you even then?”

The warrior’s expression wavered. Danmoksuga noticed I had struck a chord and indicated our family with a chin gesture.

“This is about the marriage negotiations with Jegalsega. Don’t cut it off at your line and ask Yeona’s opinion.”

“……”

But the warrior did not falter even as he shook. Danmoksuga quickly realized what was happening.

“Judging by your stillness, it seems Yeona is out on a trip now. Right?”

“……”

Just not answering won’t do anything. Since being driven out of Danmoksega, all that had increased was his perception.

‘Yeona’s absence is even better. Heaven is on my side.’

Danmoksuga played his lips vigorously.

“The absence of the master makes your responsibility all the greater. What indeed will be the wise decision?”

Eventually, the warrior bowed his head and opened the door to the family home. Danmoksuga walked proudly, enjoying the view of the family home he had returned to after a long time.

Following behind him, Danmokchang whispered in a slithering tone.

“Father, I think this might backfire later. Danmokbi already sees the two of us as eyesores.”

Danmoksuga looked at his weak first son with annoyed eyes.

“Tsk tsk, that’s why you’re inferior to that child. Do you really think I’ve returned to Danmoksega solely for the marriage negotiations?”

“Then why?”

There was a trick, but it couldn’t be told to Danmokchang. His weak side was not trustworthy.

Instead, Danmoksuga laughed slyly.

“Danmokbi, he will pay dearly for taking his father lightly. Of course, there’s something you must do for that.”

A chilling gaze turned towards Danmokchang.

“You must seduce Jegalyeon and make sure she falls for you.”

It was something Danmokchang had heard even in Jegalsega. He bowed his head with a complicated expression.

‘I hate myself for wanting to be with her, even as it disgusts me.’

A deep selfmockery stained his heart black.