Episode 30
Shadowing
"Truly, you live long enough to witness anything. The Little Sect Leader actually spoke of valuing someone with his own mouth."
Chamsu emerged from the elders' council chamber with a dazed expression, as if unable to believe what he'd just seen from the Little Sect Leader.
"He issued a warning. That he'd resemble the Heavenly Demon down to cautioning elders against mistreating a new assistant... It's shocking they aren't blood-related."
Jakwa clicked his tongue, recalling Cheonwoon's speech patterns mirroring the Heavenly Demon's.
"Regardless, the talent is undeniable. Rising faster than Elder Ryuon's offspring - Ma Sect's rising stars. Shouldn't you train your twins harder, Ryuon?"
Cheolgeun, a wolfish elder wielding a massive axe among the Eleven, taunted Seol Ryuon with a wild grin.
"While surpassing our children is impressive, I won't force them. They progress well at their own pace."
Ryuon materialized behind Cheolgeun, her silver hair fluttering - the gentle-faced second sister of North Sea Ice Palace's lord hiding formidable power.
"Frankly, I welcome this prodigy emerging while the Heavenly Demon's absent. We've lacked promising youth since our children's generation."
"Well said, Elder Ryuon. These youngsters will shoulder Ma Sect's future someday."
Ohaeng nodded in agreement.
"Enough jests! You always paint me the villain!"
Cheolgeun scowled at the two elders.
"Because you keep using our children as punchlines, Elder Cheolgeun."
"Speaking of which - where's that troublemaker Gwangyu? He was bursting to meet the new assistant."
Ryuon's sweet smile contrasted her sharp tongue, making Cheolgeun cough awkwardly.
"Isn't Gwangyu Ma Sect's official menace? We're lucky if he's not causing disasters elsewhere."
Yacha shook his head at the thought of the most accident-prone elder.
"Mother!"
Chaechae and Jangryu burst through the elders' gathering, sprinting toward Ryuon.
"My precious boys."
Ryuon's murderous aura vanished instantly as she embraced her sons.
"Such terrifying maternal devotion."
Cheolgeun watched warily as Ryuon transformed.
"Greetings, honored elders. Jangryu pays respects."
"Chaechae greets you."
The twins' formal bows warmed the elders' expressions.
"You've grown splendidly."
Even Cheolgeun softened his gruff demeanor.
"Thank you, Elder."
Their synchronized reply dripped with humility.
"Old bones make children uncomfortable. Let's clear out, Ohaeng."
"Agreed."
At Ohaeng's words, ten elders departed through various means, leaving Ryuon alone.
The twins immediately clung to their mother like ordinary boys.
"Mother, I missed you!"
"Me too!"
"Your mother missed you more. Any injuries?"
"Of course not! Whose son do you think I am?"
Chaechae grinned cheekily.
"My sweet Chaechae. But don't overexert yourself, understood?"
"I want to! Anyway, I have a request!"
Chaechae bulldozed through her concern.
"Let's hear it."
"I want a sister!"
"A... sister?"
Ryuon's composure cracked for the first time.
"You always said Jangryu was enough! Since when?"
"Since meeting Seol! The assistant our Little Sect Leader appointed!"
"Assistant Seol now," Jangryu corrected.
"My status as her brother remains!" Chaechae declared tearfully.
'The entire sect buzzes about this Seol... But my antisocial son taking interest?' Ryuon marveled.
"Mother, make her my sister! You're an Elder - you can!"
"Seol has her own family, Chaechae. This isn't our decision."
"But she came alone to this dangerous place! Her worn shoes suggest poor circumstances..."
Since when was Chaechae this observant? Ryuon's heart clenched.
'Did Seol inspire this growth?' Her curiosity burned.
"I'll discuss it with Assistant Seol."
"Thank you, Mother!"
"We'll be the best brothers!" Jangryu added quietly.
'Both sons invested?' Ryuon's intrigue deepened.
'Seol... like my niece's name.'
She recalled her sister's daughter, hidden away for protection - the twins' cousin.
Too innocent to understand their aunt's unjust death, she'd preserve their smiles awhile longer.
"Back to training now. Don't slack off."
"Yes, Mother!"
"I'll train extra hard to be an awesome brother!"
Ryuon watched them leave with bittersweet eyes.
'Sorry I failed you, sister.'
Her sorrow crystallized into vengeful resolve.
'But I'll protect her bloodline with my life.'
"Wow! So many people!"
I gaped at the ant-like crowds. Visiting market with Father felt nostalgic - he'd never allowed it since childhood.
"Byul. Stay in my arms."
Father scanned our surroundings nervously, clutching me like an infant.
"Let me walk!"
"What if you're trampled?"
'Do I look ant-sized to him?'
"I'm not tiny! Put me down or I'll hate you!"
"Hate... me?"
His devastated expression almost swayed me.
"Won't work! I can shop alone!"
After agonizing silence, Father set me down gravely.
"Very well. Prove yourself."
He produced a money pouch from his sleeve.
"Buy your Flower Shoes today."
"Really?!"
"...Yes."
'He looks ready to snatch me back.'
"I can do it! Believe in me?"
"...Always."
"Wait bravely! I'll hurry back!"
Before he could reconsider, I dove into the crowd.
'Perfect chance to get Ma Sect shoes!'
Halfway through, I glanced back.
'He wouldn't follow... right?'
Danghui stood stone-still where Cheonseong vanished.
'I want to chase her... But she'd hate that.'
His resolve lasted moments before his legs moved silently.
A sly smile crept across his face.
'She never mentioned stealthy protection.'
