Childhood Friend of the Zenith

What did I just hear?

‘Did he say he’s banned from entering...?

’ Whether it was a ban on entry or just a restriction on approach didn’t matter.

The important part was that Elder Il had been hit with one.

‘If that’s true, then by who?

’ Judging from how he worded it, it had to be the Martial Alliance.

But no matter how I thought about it, it didn’t make sense.

‘Why Elder Il?

’ Sure, he was fiery, foul-tempered, and one of the most eccentric figures in the Gu family—top two, without question.

“You’re making a strange face.

Are you cursing this old man in your head?

” “Of course not.

” And quick-witted, too.

But at least he wasn’t someone who would commit actual crimes.

‘...

’ I paused for a moment.

Wasn’t he?

Memories from my childhood began to resurface.

“Urgh...!

” “You okay, Yangcheon?

” A sudden dizziness hit me—probably because I didn’t want to think about those memories.

For a brief second, I wondered if it really was possible.

But— ‘...

No, even he wouldn’t go that far.

’ Unless someone caused a huge incident, the Martial Alliance wouldn’t hand down such a harsh order.

For an entry ban to be enforced— ‘It’s basically the same as labeling someone a heretic.

’ For martial artists, that meant being classified as part of the unorthodox sects.

For anyone else, it meant openly rejecting or defying the Martial Alliance.

If the Martial Alliance went as far as banning him from an entire region— ‘Elder Il...?

’ A noble family elder and orthodox master, known as the Flame Serpent Fist, banned from Hanam?

What the hell would someone even have to do to end up like that?

And the strangest part—despite this punishment, he wasn’t declared a heretic.

There hadn’t even been any rumors about it.

“Elder Il...

what exactly did you just say?

” “What do you mean?

” “Just now.

” “What about it?

” “You said you were banned from coming to Hanam—” “What are you talking about?

” “...

” I see.

Watching Elder Il play dumb, I nodded.

‘So that’s how it’s going to be?

’ He was trying to pretend it never happened.

Did he think I’d just let it go?

“Oh no, you’re not getting out of this.

” There was no way I’d let him dodge the question.

I grabbed onto his words and refused to let go.

“You just said you were banned from—” “Oh, by the way,” Elder Il suddenly cut me off.

“Yangcheon, I was wondering...

Now that you’ve taken the leader’s seat, what happens to your position as the heir?

” “...

It might not work out.

I’m sure something will come up.

” “Right?

” “Yes, exactly.

” “Hahaha—!

” “Haha...

” I quickly switched tracks and laughed along.

‘This damn old man...

’ Of course.

He knew exactly what I was worried about and changed the subject to warn me off.

‘Damn it.

’ For now, I had no choice but to let it go.

Even after all this time, he was still impossible to deal with.

Thump.

Thump.

Elder Il patted my shoulder again with his massive hands.

“You seem to be doing well.

That’s good to see.

” “...

Just to be clear,” I said cautiously, “are you even allowed to be here?

You are banned, right?

” I didn’t press him about why he was banned, but I had to ask if it was okay for him to be here.

Wouldn’t this cause problems?

“Hmm?

Oh, hahaha—!

Don’t worry about that.

” Elder Il laughed heartily.

“As long as no one finds out, it’s fine!

Hahahaha—!

” “...

” I rubbed my temples.

‘Goddamn it.

That’s not fine at all.

’ There was no reasoning with him.

The more we talked, the more exasperated I felt.

“Phew...

” I let out a deep sigh, only to feel a sudden pang on my back.

Smack!

“Ugh!?

” “Tsk, tsk.

What’s a young man like you sighing for?

” “...

” Because of you, obviously.

But I couldn’t say that, so I just shook my head.

Anyway— “Whatever.

Let’s just drop it.

So, did you really come all the way here just to check on me?

” I asked, trying to focus on the bigger issue.

What about the incident with the Crimson-Rank Beast?

What about my title being changed?

Was that really why he came?

“Hmm, not exactly.

That was part of it, but it wasn’t the main reason.

” Hearing that, I felt a small wave of relief.

So it was one of the reasons, but not the only one.

I focused on his words.

‘Right.

That makes more sense.

’ The distance between Shanxi and Hanam—and the time it took for information to travel— If he had rushed here immediately after hearing the news, it wouldn’t have added up.

Not unless— ‘Unless he pushed his body to the limit.

’ As a Hwagyeong-level master, Elder Il was capable of incredible feats.

His martial arts allowed him to push his physical limits to the extreme.

So it wasn’t impossible—but I really hoped that wasn’t the case.

That’s why I felt relieved when he said it wasn’t the main reason.

“You have no idea how shocked I was when I heard.

How could you scare this old man like that?

” Elder Il ruffled my hair again.

I was pretty sure it couldn’t get any messier at this point.

“...

Nothing happened.

” “Nothing happened?!

” Elder Il grabbed my shoulders and shook me.

“This brat—!

” “So why exactly are you here?

Just get to the point already.

” Cutting him off before he could ramble any further, I asked directly.

Elder Il frowned, and for a moment, I hesitated.

This man had a naturally intimidating face—practically monstrous—and I half-wondered if he was about to lose his temper.

I prepared myself to bolt, just in case.

“...

It’s nothing serious.

” Fortunately, Elder Il didn’t get angry.

Instead, he spoke in a reluctant tone.

“There’s an old geezer who’s been pestering me to go with him somewhere.

” “...

Excuse me?

” “Some stubborn fool who refuses to stay put and insists he needs a bodyguard.

Said he couldn’t travel without one.

” “...?

” The more he talked, the more confused I got.

So let me get this straight— ‘Some old man dragged him along...

because he needed a bodyguard?

’ Elder Il?

Acting as a bodyguard?

‘What kind of insane nonsense is this?

’ If this wasn’t insanity, I didn’t know what was.

In the Gu family, there were few people—even my father—who could speak casually to Elder Il.

Technically, my father outranked him as head of the family, but it was more of a respectful partnership than a superior-subordinate dynamic.

And despite his fiery temper and eccentric ways, Elder Il’s position as an elder remained unshaken—even after dealing with my chaos.

So why the hell was he playing the role of a bodyguard in Hanam?

“What are you even talking about?

” “Hah, as if getting old wasn’t bad enough.

Stubbornness just keeps piling up...

no wonder his daughter hates him so much.

” “Elder Il...?

” “Anyway, let’s go.

” “...

Go where?

And for what?

” Nothing had been resolved, and now Elder Il was suddenly dragging me somewhere.

Naturally, I planted my feet and refused to budge.

“Huh?

” “Don’t ‘huh’ me!

Where do you think you’re taking me?!

” “Oh.

It’s nothing big.

The old man just wanted to see you.

” “And you’re saying this like we’re going out for a casual meal?

Why should I meet someone I don’t even know?

” From what I gathered, this mystery man was someone Elder Il had brought along.

But why did he want to see me?

And why should I bother?

I already had enough on my plate today.

I hadn’t even checked on my people yet—there was no time for this nonsense.

I had every intention of refusing.

“Well...

I suppose you don’t completely not know him.

” Elder Il stroked his beard thoughtfully before dropping a bombshell.

“If you must know, he’s your grandfather.

” “...

What?

” My expression soured instantly.

The word grandfather didn’t bring back fond memories these days.

**************** It was past noon, and the sun was climbing higher.

In Hanam—specifically within an area managed by the Baekhwa Trading Company—two figures strolled along a well-maintained path.

They were both women, strikingly beautiful, with distinct features.

One had long, black hair with a faint red sheen and looked visibly irritated as if something about the situation deeply unsettled her.

The other, walking beside her, had dark hair as well but seemed far more interested in admiring the scenery than worrying about anything.

After walking a bit, they suddenly stopped.

“...

Why do you think we were called?

” One of them—Gu Heebi—voiced her anxiety.

“Seriously.

Why?

Did we do something wrong?

No, that can’t be it...

I hid everything I did perfectly.

” Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Clearly nervous, Gu Heebi began chewing on her fingernails.

Seeing this, the other woman grabbed her arm.

“Sis.

Don’t bite your nails.

” “...

Oh.

Right.

” “Calm down.

” “...

You’re calm, huh?

” “...

Not really?

” It was a lie, of course.

The other woman knew perfectly well that Gu Heebi had been trembling ever since receiving the letter earlier that morning.

“Really, I’m fine.

” Gu Heebi forced a smile, but the way her lips twisted only made it look more fake.

“Sure.

” The other woman simply nodded.

If Gu Heebi said so, then fine.

No need to push.

“I-I mean it.

It’ll be fine.

It has to be, right?

” “...

Want to go home instead?

” “No!

If I go back now, I might actually die.

” “Why?

” “Remember what I told you before?

” Gu Heebi ran her fingers over her arm, as if she’d just gotten chills.

“There are only two things in this world I’m afraid of.

” Only two.

Gu Heebi had precisely two fears.

And one of them was— “...

Mom.

” “Your mom?

” “Yeah.

She’s terrifying when she’s angry.

” Just thinking about it made her shiver.

Despite never having learned martial arts, Gu Heebi’s mother, Mi Horan, could terrify her like nothing else.

“...

There was this one time I got in trouble playing with my brother.

” Her younger brother—the only «N.

o.

v.

e.

l.

i.

g.

h.

t» one she had.

They’d been messing around, having fun, when he fell from a height and rolled down.

Gu Yangcheon had said he didn’t want to do it because it was scary, but Gu Heebi had pushed him anyway, convinced it would be fun.

—“N-no, this is too—ahhh!

” Back then, she hadn’t thought it through.

She figured that if she could always land safely, so could he.

But Gu Yangcheon hadn’t been able to.

He’d hit the ground and ended up with a nasty cut on his face.

If it hadn’t been treated quickly, it might have scarred.

Fortunately, he recovered without any lasting damage.

‘...

But the problem was Mom.

’ When Mi Horan found out, she dropped everything and rushed home.

She checked on Gu Yangcheon, got the full story, then called Gu Heebi in for a “talk.

” ‘...

Ugh.

’ Just remembering it made Gu Heebi shudder.

That day was hell.

She learned firsthand how someone could practically kill with words alone.

Not only did Mi Horan list hundreds of reasons why what she’d done was wrong, but she also warned her in graphic detail what would happen if it ever happened again.

She even decided Gu Heebi needed “proper discipline” and made her life miserable for months.

It was so bad that even her usually stern father had to step in and tell Mi Horan to ease up.

To Gu Heebi, nothing in the world was scarier than Mi Horan’s anger.

And when Mi Horan got angry— ‘...

She sent letters like this.

’ Not coming herself, but summoning her victims instead.

So they could walk straight into the punishment she had planned.

“...

Wait, what did I do?

” Gu Heebi’s mind raced, trying to piece things together.

What could this be about?

No—what accident had been found out?

The more she thought about it, the more her head spun.

‘There are too many.

’ There were way too many incidents to choose from.

Was it the time she kicked some arrogant heir of a minor clan between the legs when he tried to flirt with her?

Or maybe it was when she burned off that fat merchant’s hair after catching him harassing a servant girl?

She did hear he had connections to the Baekhwa Trading Company...

If not that— ‘Did they find out I sold Mother’s prized vase in secret?

’ Her options weren’t looking good.

And worst of all— ‘What if it’s everything?

’ What if they’d found out everything?

That would be a death sentence.

Maybe she should just run.

Yeah.

That seemed like the only option.

Gu Heebi made up her mind and turned to leave, but— “Young Miss.

” “...

” Her steps froze.

She’d already reached the destination without realizing it, and someone was waiting to escort her inside.

Forcing a stiff smile, Gu Heebi greeted him.

“...

Long time no see.

” “I trust you’ve been well, Young Miss.

” “...

Sure...

” “I’ll guide you in from here.

” “Oh, but I think I left something behind!

I should probably go grab it real quick—” “Ah, I understand.

But the Master is already waiting for you.

I was told to make sure you arrived promptly.

” “Let’s go.

” So much for running away.

Gu Heebi’s face turned pale as reality sank in.

Resigned, she followed the servant into the estate.

Like the road leading here, the interior was pristine—almost too perfect.

It felt like a mock celebration of her impending doom.

“Haha.

” “Pardon?

” “Nothing.

Just...

that butterfly looked funny, that’s all.

” “A butterfly?

” “Yeah.

” The servant tilted his head at the strange response but didn’t press the matter.

As they walked, Gu Heebi glanced sideways.

White blossoms bloomed everywhere, peeking out from the bushes.

“...

” Her gaze lingered on them for a moment.

She couldn’t remember the name of the flower.

It wasn’t her mother’s favorite, but it was the one Mi Horan grew the most.

Gu Heebi knew whose favorite flower it was.

—“Of course it suits you, Heebi.

You’re beautiful, so it’s only natural.

” A warm yet cold hand had once tucked those very flowers behind her ear.

The person who loved those flowers...

Their presence filled this place, blooming everywhere.

Back at the Gu estate, all of these flowers had been removed.

Yet here, they thrived in every corner.

Lost in thought, Gu Heebi barely noticed when the servant called out to her.

“Young Miss?

” “Coming.

” Shaking off her thoughts, she moved forward.

But— “...

” The dark-haired woman who had accompanied her earlier stopped, staring at the same flowers.

Even as Gu Heebi walked farther away, she remained there, eyes fixed on the blossoms as if memorizing every detail.

“...

” After a long pause, she finally turned and followed Gu Heebi inside.

****************** Gu Heebi was finally escorted inside the residence.

The closer she got, the more her expression soured—but there was no turning back.

The servant’s presence alone meant this was already Mi Horan’s domain.

Trying to run would only make things worse later.

‘Right.

’ If she was going to get scolded, it was better to just face it now.

She was Mi Horan’s daughter, after all.

Surely her mother wouldn’t actually kill her...

right?

Nodding as if to psych herself up, Gu Heebi took a deep breath.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.

” “Wait—can’t you stay just a little longer...?

” “Pardon?

” “No, never mind...

It’s nothing.

” For a brief second, she considered clinging to the servant for dear life.

But that would’ve been too pathetic—even for her.

The servant left, and Gu Heebi turned to examine her surroundings.

The residence felt cold and spacious.

As always, it was far too big for one person.

Though it wasn’t their main home, all of Mi Horan’s estates looked like this— Houses too large for a single occupant, filled with empty rooms, as if meant to host guests she never actually welcomed.

When Gu Heebi was younger, she thought maybe her mother just liked big houses.

But as she got older, she started to question if there was another reason.

“...

Where is Mother, anyway?

” She swallowed nervously and scanned the area.

Her expression was as tense as someone walking into the underworld to meet the King of Hell.

Eyes darting nervously, Gu Heebi froze when she heard voices.

—“...

And this one too?

” —“Mhm!

” —“Good, I’m glad you like it.

” —“Yeah!

It’s tasty!

” —“You eat so well.

” ‘Huh?

’ Gu Heebi’s brow furrowed.

Something felt...

off.

‘There are two voices.

’ Her mother was supposed to be alone here.

So why were there two voices?

And one of them belonged to a child.

Not only that, but it sounded strangely familiar— The kind of voice that made her want to tease and torment its owner just for fun.

Then there was the other voice— —“Oh my, don’t spill it.

Come here, I’ll wipe it for you.

” —“Okay.

” “...

” That voice was definitely Mi Horan’s— But Gu Heebi couldn’t believe it.

‘What the hell?

’ She had never heard her mother speak so gently.

Not once.

And the conversation itself— Telling someone to come closer so she could wipe their mouth?

‘Impossible.

’ This was the same woman who scolded her relentlessly about proper table manners.

And now she was acting like that?

None of it made sense.

Despite trembling, Gu Heebi forced herself to move forward.

—“Can I have more, Danju-nim?

” —“Of course.

Should I bring something different this time?

” —“Yeah!

I love Danju-nim!

” —“Not Danju-nim.

I told you to call me something else, didn’t I?

” —“Oh, right!

” By the time she reached the door, her hands were shaking.

Gu Heebi slowly grabbed the handle.

Click.

The door creaked open.

And there, inside the room— “I love you, Grandma!

” “I love you too, my dear grandch—” Mi Horan froze mid-sentence, her eyes locking with Gu Heebi’s.

“...

...

” “...

...

” They stared at each other in stunned silence.

For Gu Heebi, this was hell— But in a completely different way than she’d expected.