Chapter 48
“What is all this?”
The day of the sparring tournament had finally arrived.
Despite staying up late training the night before, I didn’t feel tired at all, thanks to the Demonic Soul Rebirth Divine Art.
I was just feeling a bit nervous, perhaps.
It was my first official event as the Heavenly Demon’s disciple, so my mind was naturally filled with various thoughts.
“These are clothes sent by the Second Young Master for you, Lady Seol-ha.”
Seo Ryeon visited as I was just finishing my breakfast.
She entered Yeong-eun Pavilion with her arms full of clothing.
“All of this was sent by the Second Young Master?”
Without even counting, there seemed to be over a dozen outfits.
More than that, the clothes were in vibrant colors I had never worn before.
“He instructed that all your old clothes be discarded and your wardrobe entirely renewed.”
“As if anyone else would see them, anyway. Does he want me to stand out that much?”
The moment I entered the tournament venue, every gaze in the cult would be on me.
They’d scrutinize every word I spoke, every move I made.
In such circumstances, wearing flashy clothes was the last thing I wanted.
“If you’re going to attract attention anyway, wouldn’t it be better to leave a strong impression?”
“A strong impression?”
“Yes. To clearly imprint who the Heavenly Demon’s first disciple is. With that in mind, I recommend this.”
Seo Ryeon handed me a crimson ceremonial robe as if she’d been waiting for this moment.
“It will suit your fair skin perfectly, Lady Seol-ha.”
I knew that cool-toned red suited me well.
But after coming to this world and wearing dull-colored clothes every day, I felt hesitant to try something so bold.
Still, if they tell me to wear it, I have to wear it.
The discomfort would only be temporary.
Humans are adaptable creatures, after all.
As the Heavenly Demon’s disciple, this was part of my responsibility.
I stopped complaining and took the clothes from Seo Ryeon before heading to my room.
Although the outfit was a bit complicated to put on, my background made it manageable.
“Hmm, this isn’t bad at all.”
The clothes Seo Ryeon picked for me fit so well that my initial worries about feeling out of place disappeared.
Once I put them on, I realized the entire outfit wasn’t red. The crimson accents were strategically placed on the collar, shoulders, sleeves, and waist, giving it a sophisticated look.
“It’s easy to move in, too.”
After spinning around in front of a full-length mirror, I stepped out of my room, satisfied.
“Wow, Lady Seol-ha! You look stunning! I knew my judgment wouldn’t fail me.”
The moment Seo Ryeon saw me, she showered me with compliments.
If it had been someone else, I might have asked if they were being sincere.
But knowing that Seo Ryeon wasn’t one to flatter unnecessarily, I simply smiled and thanked her.
“Shall we head to the tournament venue?”
“The Eight Extremities matches won’t start until the afternoon. Wouldn’t it be better to stay at the pavilion until then?”
“There’s something about the atmosphere at the venue. I want to go early and immerse myself in it.”
“People will recognize you. Are you alright with that?”
“Maybe wearing a veil would help?”
“That might draw even more attention.”
“…What about a bamboo hat?”
“Bamboo hats obscure vision. How about a simpler face covering?”
“Anything works.”
“I’ll prepare it.”
It was as if she understood how determined I was to go. Seo Ryeon eventually had a maid bring a face covering.
“If the attention gets too overwhelming, please let me know.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not a child who’ll faint out of surprise.”
“I’m more worried about your mood being affected, Lady Seol-ha.”
“Ah, so there are a lot of rumors about me, I take it?”
“…”
Her silence confirmed it.
This was the Demonic Cult, after all—a place teeming with wicked minds.
Even in the righteous sects, people gossiped behind others’ backs, so it must be worse here.
Vulgar language, inappropriate comments, and outright insults were probably the norm.
But I wasn’t easily shaken.
Having grown up in an orphanage, I had endured endless teasing and harassment throughout my childhood.
Bullies surrounded me, and I’d learned to protect myself in my own way.
While I might look like a gentle and delicate girl on the outside, inside, I had the resilience of someone who’d overcome hardships and adversity.
No matter how much I told Seo Ryeon not to worry, she wouldn’t believe it.
As the saying goes, seeing is believing.
“I’ll show you. Let’s go.”
Just then, the maid returned with the face covering. Without any weapons, I put on the covering and headed to the tournament venue with Seo Ryeon.
“Were there always this many people in the Inner City?”
The sparring arena was located near the Mado Hall, where two stages had been set up.
The best seats, which offered the clearest view of the stage, were reserved under tents for the higher-ups, while the rest of the people were free to sit around the arena as they pleased.
Due to the preliminary rounds that had started early in the morning, the venue was already packed to the brim with people.
“This feels just like a festival.”
The sparring matches were in full swing on both stages.
Some spectators cheered at the top of their lungs while others were engrossed in food and drink, creating a bustling atmosphere.
It was a far cry from the intense and solemn tournament I had imagined.
“Our cult is known for its strict discipline. During rigorous training periods, even alcohol and romantic relationships are forbidden.”
“So, the sparring tournament held every quarter is a way to relieve that stress?”
“Yes, you could think of it as a kind of festival.”
If I’d known earlier, I would’ve come before.
I’d been avoiding the area to steer clear of Jeok I-geon, and now I regretted missing out.
“Are all those treats free?”
I pointed to the sweets displayed on a nearby stall.
A moment ago, I hadn’t been craving anything, but the sight of those sugary treats instantly made my mouth water.
“Of course.”
Seo Ryeon chuckled at my reaction and led the way.
With a delighted heart, I shyly followed behind her and picked up one of the treats.
Suddenly, the area became noisy just as I was about to take my first bite.
“Look over there!”
“It’s the Second Young Master!”
“What? Where?!”
Second Young Master? Jeok I-geon?
Hearing the crowd’s murmurs, my gaze naturally followed theirs.
“It really is him!”
“What’s he doing here?”
“Does it matter? Isn’t it amazing just to see that face in person?”
“Truly, he’s a beauty that could topple nations!”
It wasn’t uncommon in novels for phrases usually reserved for women to be used for Jeok I-geon.
With Jeok I-geon’s arrival, nearby women were suddenly adjusting their hair and causing a commotion.
Even the men weren’t much different.
Jeok I-geon’s appearance was so striking it could captivate even those of the same gender.
More than a few had flushed faces, coughing awkwardly.
He’s ridiculously handsome, I’ll give him that.
Under the bright sunlight, his blue robes billowed as he walked, looking like a model on a runway.
All the spotlight naturally fell on him.
Wait, hold on.
He’s walking this way? Where?
Don’t tell me he’s coming to me!
I had been admiring him like a piece of art in a gallery but quickly spun around in shock.
No, it can’t be.
It’s just a coincidence. Please, just walk past me.
Clutching the uneaten treat in my hand, I anxiously prayed he’d ignore me.
But the heavens weren’t on my side.
Hearing Jeok I-geon’s voice right behind me, I seriously considered unleashing the Demonic Phoenix Sky Art and fleeing.
“You’re here.”
“…Yes.”
If I could, I would’ve run ten times over.
But I didn’t have the nerve to actually do it.
In a small, mosquito-like voice, I answered and slowly turned to face him.
“The Eight Extremities matches won’t start until the afternoon. Why not rest in the meantime?”
“…I was curious about the venue.”
“Do you like sweets?”
I guess I do.
Not that I’d know since I couldn’t even taste it because of you.
I nodded, all the while subtly glancing around.
Sure enough, whispers buzzed around me like thunderclaps in my ears.
“Eight Extremities?”
“Aren’t they holding the preliminary rounds right now?”
“Didn’t they say the Heavenly Demon’s disciple would compete in today’s Eight Extremities matches?”
“Then that girl must be—!”
It didn’t take long for them to figure it out.
“She’s the Heavenly Demon’s disciple! The Heavenly Demon’s disciple is here!”
Someone’s shout turned the already lively area into complete chaos.
Though no one dared to come close and inspect me directly, dozens—no, hundreds—of eyes pierced me like needles.
So this is what it feels like.
The title of the Heavenly Demon’s disciple, which I had vaguely dreaded, now weighed down on me with overwhelming pressure.
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