Be Careful When Agreeing to Terms and Conditions - Be Careful When Agreeing to Terms and Conditions chapter 69

7. Human or Good Man (5)

Long ago, a god was born. It was a story that went back thousands of years. However, he was not a god from the beginning. He simply lived for a long time, gained followers, and before he knew it, they had formed a city. That’s how God became king.

The king cared for his people. Even with his great power, he did not persecute the weak or seek to satisfy his own self-interest. He single-handedly brought peace to the chaotic Liyue of his time. The infamous Dragon King of the Earth became his friend, the weak Salt Demon God bowed to him, and the Whirlpool Demon God that dominated the sea did not even come before him. It was a peaceful era. The king liked those times.

But sometimes fate flows like a torrent. The land was small, and there were many strong people. The king’s people were too weak to live in such a gap. Every time they cried, the king’s heart seemed to be torn apart, and the good people who followed him died one by one.

The decision was neither too early nor too slow. One day the king realized. Fate is such a cruel thing. In order to choose something, you have to give up something. He could not touch the watery eyes of his beloved people. The noble divine beast roams only in the sky. So the king had no intention of interfering in the hustle and bustle of human affairs. However, the sea is infested with demons, and an evil dragon lurks in the mountains.

The good people who followed him gathered. Those who were once his friends became his enemies. From then on, he always had to smell the strong scent of blood. As much as the people praised him, the voices of his friends resenting him grew louder day by day.

There was a friend who wanted to rule the world together. The great dragon king of the mountains, he cried out in pain of broken friendship at the last moment. But the king buried the cry in his heart, and his friend also buried it. The king’s friend will have to spend thousands of years sealed underground.

There was a goddess with many tears. She loved her people like a king, but unlike the king, her heart was soft. She died before the king could step forward. It was because she was too weak to overcome the chaos of the times. Her people, whom she cherished so much, were turned into salt statues. The king caught a glimpse of her in silence, looking at her face filled with fear as she remained in that statue.

There was a demon god who ruled the sea. When the massive body raised itself, a tsunami occurred, and when it moved its tentacles, not even a sailing ship could withstand its force. The king himself cut him down. Blood colored the sea, and the world became more peaceful, but who could know the king’s heart?

Several times after that, he cut down those who were once his friends. He plunged the spear into the sea, and the blood on his hands never dried for a while. The good men who followed him also lost their lives countless times. And through that sacrifice, Li Yue achieved prosperity.

That was Li Yue’s first contract. No one knew how many scars were left on the king’s heart in the process of purifying the world and protecting the people.

Thousands of years have passed. The world became peaceful, and his people became part of the wealthiest city. He rose to a great position, one of only seven on the continent of Tivat. People praised him highly.

He is the King of Darkness and the martial god of the Tivat continent. In front of his spear blade, the demon turned into a handful of blood and flowed down, and the evil Dragon King was sealed under the ground, never to see the light of day again. And with that insight penetrating the heavens and earth, Liyue prospered endlessly and became a lamp that did not go out at night.

So the king became a god again. It was well over 3,000 years. But nothing in this world is permanent. The gods who had once stood shoulder to shoulder with him were all dead except one, and a new era was approaching like the tide.

The gods were gradually being worn away. His keen wisdom was losing its luster, and his once-violent heart was slowly losing its resonance. Just as falling water pierces a rock, time also pierces the heart of God. That was the fate of the rock from which God was born and whom he also loved. As he had done thousands of years ago, God decided to submit to his fate.

Now it is time to conclude the contract. However, the scar still remained and writhed in his chest. The friends I loved and everything I loved. When he remembered those he had to kill and bury with his own hands, he had to swallow his groans in silence. In this way, the life that God carries is harsh and cruel. There were so many things he gave up to protect his people.

God had a dream. If he could live as just one human, what would that life be like? So he faked his death. The trigger was a girl’s bold words. A girl with light purple hair and eyes burning with passion.

“You have already protected Liyue for a thousand years. But will that be the case in the next thousand, ten thousand, and hundred thousand years?”

God laughed when he heard those words. The people of Liyue could not understand God’s will and just looked at him with bewildered faces. But how could you not laugh?

“Child, you are so wise. So how could I not use you as important?”

A new era was coming, and there was no need for God in that era. Liyue was not the dangerous country it had been in those days, where gods and sages had to protect and rule.

The era was now the era of humans. After realizing this fact, God decided to take a step back and watch humans. He came back to earth wearing a human shell. And while he was living as a human being, he was able to form new relationships. The young head of Wangsaengdang, who has no clue what’s going on, the cheerful executive of the Wooindan, who always wants to fight, and again.

It was around that time that ‘Jongryeo’, who had been lost in thoughts, opened his eyes. Senses that had been closed off along with vision gradually return. The subtle heat of the drinking party, the somewhat excited voices of the drunks, and even the mouth-watering scent of the food hand-cooked by his new friend.

The golden gaze of the palm was aimed at a man. A young man with fierce eyes, but an appearance that anyone would like. At first glance, he looked like a Young master of noble status, dressed in Liyue’s traditional clothing to follow Liyue’s culture.

I guess that’s why it got that nickname. When they first heard the name ‘Golden Prince’ from the man’s mouth, neither Palm nor Tartaglia could hold back their laughter. It wasn’t because the nickname was strange, but because she hated her man so much.

He was an amazing human being. He chases gold, but is not caught by it. Only such a person could be reborn as a true giant. And he thinks about loyalty rather than profit, and relationships rather than loyalty. Innate humility and morality seemed to be the result of long education.

I liked him. So he soon became a friend. And his new friend, Siwoo, was now more excited than ever. Of course, this was because he had been drinking for a while, but Siwoo had another good reason.

“No, does that make sense! There is no evidence, and there are no witnesses… They say he was the culprit just because he was there. At that time, I really… Wow, aren’t these guys really crazy? Then I opened my eyes and asked myself, “Where is Lumine now?” Ha, indeed. Really… ….”

Siwoo was once again recalling his memories from a while ago. He was so angry just thinking about it that his body trembled. As if he couldn’t bear it anymore, Siwoo picked up his glass and drank it down. So Palm and Tartaglia couldn’t stay still.

I couldn’t even remember how many times I had already had a drink. Siu’s face was already flushed, and his eyes were slowly drooping, and even Tartaglia, the drunkard, was seeing a blush appear on his face. It was evidence that the drunkenness was rising.

Tartaglia closed her eyes and nodded her head sharply. That exaggerated reaction was the hallmark of a drunkard. Even the palm tree, which was originally a god, was gradually losing its focus due to the gentle heat. No matter how strong he was, there was no way Tartaglia, who was just a human, would be fine.

Jong-li smiled bitterly and sipped his drink. I felt like I had to tell them the truth. According to his plan, it was a story that should not be revealed yet.

But there were things to hide from friends, and there were things that were not. As Siu was deeply involved in this issue, it was a problem he could no longer hide. Palm was just timing the right time. When will Tartaglia and Siwoo’s shock be lessened?

Even though Jongryeo kept his mouth shut, the story continued. Tar Taglia spoke her words as if to comfort Siu.

“Don’t worry too much though, Siwoo. Huh? I told you so. “I helped ‘Jesu’ escape.”

“…… ‘Sister-in-law’, dude. And you said you weren’t dating yet.”

That pointless battle of pride still persisted. Still, looking at them bickering, Siu seemed a little relieved to know Lumine’s whereabouts. When we met for the first time today, there was literally no emotion on Siwoo’s face.

He was just drinking in silence. Those fierce and sharp eyes. Even a person who is determined to kill a person would not have eyes that are scarier than that. I knew how much Siwoo valued his colleagues, but it was still a bit surprising.

So the palm trees had no choice but to remain even more silent. Even a god who has lived for thousands of years has a way of knowing. There was no way he wouldn’t have known what kind of criticism he would receive if he had said to Si-woo, who had that look on his face, ‘Actually, I am the King of Darkness, and your colleague was wrongfully accused because of me.’

It was fortunate that the atmosphere was calming down now. Jong-ryu received Si-woo’s words.

“Okay, don’t worry too much. Still, as time passes and the chaotic situation is resolved, won’t the upper echelons of Liyue regain their sense of reason?”

“…… “We can’t leave it like that.”

However, even with the words mixed in above the palm of his hand, Siwoo was just grinding his teeth. His gaze became harsh again. There was strength in his hand holding the glass. He took a sip of his drink with a cold gaze. Jong-ri looked at that and sighed inwardly.

I’m really angry. It was worth it. I don’t know the details, but Si-woo and his colleague were presumed to be lovers. In fact, there were a couple more women who were presumed to be his lovers, but in any case, a wanted order had been issued for the woman with whom he had a special relationship, so Si-woo’s anger was understandable.

I was wondering if it might be time to talk. At that time, Siwoo’s mouth opened.

“I think…….”

Jongryeo and Tartaglia, who were sipping drinks, turned their gaze towards Siwoo. Si-woo’s eyes were a little droopy, but his gaze was still intact. He laid out his reasoning in a half-convinced voice.

“…… “I think Li Yue Chilsung is behind the ‘military assassination incident.’”

Jong-ryu stopped the hand that was lowering the drink at those words. ‘Liyue Chilseong’ was the term used to refer to the seven agents who assisted him in running Liyue’s state affairs. Why are they suddenly being talked about now? However, unlike Palm, Tartaglia, who was intoxicated by alcohol, seemed to be interested in those words.

“Really? “That Liyue Chilseong?”

“Okay, think about it… ‘The assassination of your soldiers’ is a major incident. How much preparation and effort would it take to kill that great rock god? There are only a handful of people who can do that in the first place, but even if they could do it, there is no way they would put it into practice if there were no equivalent benefits.”

It was a more logical deduction than I thought. Palm felt a cold sweat break out. It seemed that if something went wrong, there would be one more person who would be falsely accused. Jong-ri opened his mouth to sip his drink.

“Well, actually… ….”

“A group with the ability and motivation to do that? The only place like that is Liyue Chilseong! Listen, at that time, Li Yue Chilseong and Cheon Kwon Seong Eunggwanginji immediately responded like that. And after that, Liyue Chilseong quickly took over real power of Liyue. Does this make sense? “There are seven leaders, so how can they move in an orderly manner without any fights in an event of this magnitude?”

It was a problem that could be explained by saying that it was simply because Li Yue Chil-seong was too talented, but even in Jong-ryeo’s opinion, it seemed like a flimsy excuse. In fact, it was more reasonable to think that there was some kind of conspiracy lurking around rather than that Li Yue Chilsung was so capable. And people also liked those stories more.

This was proven by the fact that Tartaglia and Siu did not even pretend to hear what Jongryeo said. The two were deeply immersed in the conspiracy theory raised by Siwoo. Tar Taglia closed her eyes and seemed to think a little, then nodded her head as if she had a point.

“Well, that’s certainly true, but…” ….”

“…… First of all, I don’t think it’s Ok Seongseong. In my view, each office is not the type of person to do that, and even if you exclude the private sense, he is the person who would be most suspected due to his political inclinations if he were to be involved in the assassination of Emperor Amwang, so that cannot be possible. No matter how much I think about it, I think Eung-gwang is suspicious… The person who organized the Cheongsin ceremony that day, the person who immediately moved Cheonamgun, and the person who erased all suspicion by issuing a wanted order for Lumine. “It’s all her!”

Siwoo, who was making guesses, soon became so excited that he slammed his hand on the table. But no one blamed it. After all, that table was Siwoo’s property. As Tartaglia listened, she just shook her head excitedly as if what she was saying was true.

It was dangerous. Siwoo’s words always seemed like conspiracy theories, but they soon turned into reasonable doubts, which was scary. Even now, his persuasive power was clearly being demonstrated. Jong-ri began to look closely.

As Siu got excited, Tartaglia, who was listening to him, also got excited. Tartaglia asked in a slightly flushed voice.

“Okay, then what? Should I just go and throw it all away? I wanted to hang out with Liwol Chilseong at least once…….”

“…… Hey, how come all your conclusions flow in that direction? “There’s no need to do that.”

Suddenly, doubts became convictions, and convictions became truths. At this drinking party, the inference that ‘Liwol Chilseong is behind the assassination incident’ was already being treated as an obvious fact. Jong-ri hid her embarrassment with a glass of wine.

Whether Jongryeo said it or not, Siwoo smiled coolly. She had a smile that only someone who was hiding something could make.

“Just let me mediate. “Because I have one move in mind.”

What did Tartaglia say? She said and made a sound that contained her doubts. Tar Taglia, who was leaning against her back and sipping her drink, leaned her upper body forward.

“Siwoo… As you probably know, private is private, and public is public. Once I stand as a mediator, I cannot give power to one side. “Because the trust of the Northern Bank is at stake with me.”

Despite Tartaglia’s serious tone, Siwoo remained calm. Rather, he even showed the leisure to snort.

“Who says what? Do it fairly. “I don’t plan on thanking my friend that much either.”

At that point, Palm couldn’t help but become a little interested. Anyway, confessing the truth today at a drinking party was already a waste of time. Jong-ri tried to ignore his uncomfortable feelings and asked Si-woo.

“…… Hmm, I have no idea what you are thinking. “Can I ask what you’re thinking?”

Of course, Si-woo immediately answered as if he had nothing to hide and took out a piece of paper from his pocket. And he took up the document and showed it to Palm and Tartaglia. At the top, there was this phrase written in large letters.

‘Liyue’s largest mine, layered rock blockade’

However, there was no one among them who could guess Si-woo’s thoughts just by looking at the words. As Jongryeo and Tartaglia still looked at each other with doubts, Siwoo just grinned. He had a somewhat fierce smile.

“I heard that Liyue is famous for its minerals. Shouldn’t I try going there once?”

Liyue’s largest mine was blocked due to a mysterious mineral, and many of Liyue’s merchants involved in it were having difficulties in supplying inventory. And among the numerous tops, there was one that was unique in its scale.

Needless to say, it was the top of the crowd. War always starts by stabbing the opponent’s weak point.

**

‘Layered Rock Geoyeon’ was the largest mine in Liyue. There is a legend that the Dragon King, who ruled the rugged mountains of Liyue long ago, rests deep in that place, and all kinds of minerals used to be discovered there. Layered Rock Geoyeon was a place where not only common ores such as iron ore but also precious ores such as ‘col lapis’ were frequently discovered.

However, the largest mine in Liyue was blocked. This was because a mysterious ore appeared. The miners who came into contact with the ore soon lost consciousness and collapsed, and the reason was unknown. Therefore, Liyue’s General Affairs Department announced the blockade of the Layered Rock Complex and immediately began an investigation. There were no riddles without reason on the Tivat continent. The mysterious ore that appeared in the layered rock formation could also be involved in some kind of danger.

However, in the meantime, a major incident called the ‘assassination of King Emperor Emperor’ occurred, and the upper class of Liyue, in a state of panic, gave up on investigating the incident. Even so, the road occupied by monsters, treasure hunters, and friends who smelled something suspicious became even more dangerous.

The ones who immediately caught fire were Liyue’s merchants engaged in the mineral industry. Layered Rock Mine, as it was nicknamed the largest mine in Liyue, accounted for more than half of Liyue’s mineral production. In particular, rare ores such as ‘Kolapis’ were rarely found except in layered rock formations. It was bound to be an embarrassing situation for Liyue merchants who needed to immediately supply inventory.

Some of them went bankrupt, and others had to notify their clients of non-performance of contracts. However, there was only one top that was firmly maintaining its position even in such chaos. It was the top of Eunggwang.

The meaning of ‘contract’ was special in Liyue. Even so, the contract was one of the things that must be observed from the perspective of running a business. This was because credit was directly connected, and credit was directly connected to the amount of money that could be moved. Moreover, Liyue was a place where the ‘god of contract’ was worshiped. Failure to fulfill the contract in Liyue was tantamount to a death sentence for the merchant.

Eung-gwang was a thorough woman. She has never once broken a contract. She did this no matter how trivial the contract was. It was famous in her commercial circles that she left blank the section specifying her penalty if she defaulted on her contract. Because it didn’t matter what I wrote. No matter what Eung-gwang did, she strictly kept her contract.

Such perfectionism made Eung-gwang a tycoon in the commercial world. Based on this evaluation by the world, she rose to the position of Tian Quan Sheng, who oversees the ancient laws of Liyue, which are famous for their strictness. Eung-gwang, who was otherwise capable, was given power. She was literally like giving wings to a tiger, and Eung-gwang became one of the most wealthy people on the Tibat continent.

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So, even if Layeram Geoyeon was sealed off, there was no way Eung-gwang could break her contract. Rather, the top of Eunggwang swept away the last items for sale from the layered rock, proving without fail that ‘Eunggwang always keeps his contracts.’ In fact, the reason the remaining merchants caught up in the Layered Rock Geoyeon went through such a difficult time was because they could not even compete with the merchants of Eungwang.

Nevertheless, there were still contracts that Eunggwang had to fulfill, and Eunggwang’s top company did not preoccupy all of the properties for sale in Layered Rock Geoyeon. Then one day, a bid notice was registered to dispose of all the last minerals from the layered rock. It was a bidding notice boasting the largest quantity of items for sale so far.

At first, Li Yue Sanggye did not pay any attention to the news. After all, all those minerals belonged to Eung-gwang. Until now, Eung-gwang has had friction with countless top companies, and without exception, the ending has been Eung-gwang’s victory. She was even the first woman in charge of the Liyue Seven Stars. There was no top that was big enough to challenge that myth and authority.

However, a few days later, when another news came, Liyue’s merchants had no choice but to shift their attention to Layangyangeyan once again. This was because there was news that a fearless merchant had entered into a bidding war with Eunggwang’s merchant.

‘Siwoo Sangdan’, a stranger from Mond challenged Eung-gwang to a fight. Some people clicked their tongues, saying that the owner of the top tier, who was still just a kid, seemed to be acting recklessly, while others speculated that Eung-gwang’s top tier had something to want from him and was expecting a suitable compromise. But either way, their vision of the future was the same.

It was destruction. That was the meaning of challenging Yung Guang in Liyue. This was especially true in matters involving contracts. In order to challenge Eung-gwang, even risking his life and death was not enough. If Eung-gwang also loses, it will be a fatal blow to the credibility he has maintained so far, but that was only an if-if.

Because Eung-gwang has never been defeated. That was the reason why Gamwoo was moving quickly. She was heading to the highest floor of the Siwoo Sangdan building, the head of the Sangdan office. She said the secretary recognized Kam-woo’s face and tried to greet her, but Kam-woo didn’t even make an effort.

Before the secretary could give her directions, Gamwoo burst open the door to her office. Siwoo was sitting inside, as always. All kinds of documents were piled up on the desk in the office. He was frowning as if he was in pain, but as soon as he saw Gamwoo’s face, he smiled.

“Sister Kamwoo, what happened today…? … !”

“Stop it.”

However, Gam-woo’s attitude towards Si-woo was extremely resolute. It was a voice that gave me a slightly cold feeling. Si-woo looked dazed for a moment, then looked at Gam-woo’s cold face and sighed. He meant he knew what he was talking about.

“…… “There are a lot of people saying that these days.”

“You have good friends, little brother Siwoo. “It would be better to follow that advice.”

Siwoo did not say anything, but conveyed his intention to come in with a glance. The door closed, leaving only the two of them in the office. There was no worry about the story leaking out.

Kamu showed no sign of taking her seat. Siwoo didn’t seem to have any intention of offering her a seat either. This was because I sensed that this was not a story to be shared in such a comfortable atmosphere. Siwoo said in a sighing voice.

“That can’t be possible.”

“…… “Why?”

Gamwoo’s tone of voice when he said that was sharp. It was like an interrogator interrogating a criminal. That was her other side. The general secretary of Wolhaejeong, who handles and makes judgments on all pending issues in Liyue. It was not a job that could be carried out in a relaxed manner.

“Is it because of Siwoo’s younger brother’s colleague? Don’t worry too much about that. If she is not guilty, she will be released soon. I’ll take a closer look at that…….”

“…… Are you saying they arrested me and imprisoned me without any evidence?”

Hearing Gam-woo’s next words, Si-woo’s gaze also became a little sharper. ‘If there is no sin’? It was natural that there was no guilt. Because Lumine was not a sinner. At least until the relevant evidence came out, it was natural to judge it that way.

But Gam-u did not seem to think so. Siwoo felt a little moved by that fact.

Gamwoo looked at Siwoo without saying anything for a while. A subtle anger was coming out of Siwoo’s eyes. Gamwoo finally sighed. She softened her cold demeanor a little and spoke in a tone that seemed to soothe her young child.

“…… Siwoo’s younger brother.”

Gamwoo’s mysterious purple eyes turned towards Siwoo with concern. Siwoo averted his gaze. He wasn’t feeling well, but he knew it. The fact that Gam-woo came because he cherished him.

“The King of Amwang was assassinated.”

In Gam-woo’s voice as he said that, I could feel the pain remaining in my heart. A look of pain passed by Gamwoo’s eyes. He was someone whom Gamwoo could not help but respect. She made a promise to the King of Darkness a long time ago, and she has kept that promise ever since.

So to speak, she was like her roots. One day, such a being suddenly died. She didn’t have enough time to accept that fact and calm down. In the midst of such confusion, Gam-u heard news of Si-woo.

‘No way’, Gamwoo thought as soon as he heard the news. It was right after she lost her father figure. He didn’t want to lose someone he cherished again. So before Gam-u could properly gather his thoughts, he took his steps straight away. He wanted to meet Siwoo and persuade him.

Her younger brother, whom she loved, was just keeping silent. Gam-u smiled bitterly and continued his words in a soft tone.

“It is a serious matter equivalent to treason. It is something that we have no choice but to look at carefully, even if something happens. So even if there is no evidence, first of all, anyone who has even the slightest suspicion should be investigated…….”

“I cannot admit it.”

However, Siwoo’s attitude was firm. At those words, Gamwoo’s gaze sank coldly again.

You can’t admit it, what? King Amwang was assassinated. Is there a clearer justification than this? However, even after receiving Gamwoo’s cold gaze, Siwoo seemed to have no intention of giving in at all. Rather, he raised his voice.

“The assassination of Emperor Amwang is a serious tragedy. I know. But then you issue a wanted order without any evidence and accuse someone of being a criminal? Does that make sense? And while there is no one prime suspect, they say they will single out Lumine and arrest him. How on earth can you believe that?”

“…… Siwoo’s younger brother.”

Gamwoo was in tears, but held it back for once. He quietly called his younger brother’s name. However, the piled up emotions could not be resolved with just a few words. Si-Woo spewed out even more words with burning eyes. It was a voice filled with anger.

“Speaking of which, why is the assassination of the King of Darkness a reason for Lumine to sacrifice herself? There is no evidence! Important national matter? What on earth does Lumine care whether the great god of Liyue dies or not? ….”

“Little brother Siwoo!”

In the end, Gamwoo could not stand it anymore and screamed. She expressed her emotions in a way that was uncharacteristic of her. Burning with anger, Si-woo looked into Kam-woo’s purple eyes. That cool cold was stabbing Siwoo with hostility.

Siwoo ended up chewing his lips and avoiding his gaze. Gamwoo warned in a cold voice.

“…… Be careful what you say. “This is Liyue.”

There was no one here to point out Gamwoo’s tone, which had suddenly become stiff. Si-woo spoke in a sighing voice, avoiding Gam-woo’s gaze.

“…… Anyway, I have no intention of quitting. “If you hurt someone’s precious person, you have to pay the price.”

However, Gamwoo was not the type to end the story just like that. Gam-woo asked Si-woo once again in a sharp voice.

“Does younger brother Siwoo even know what it means to challenge Liyue Chilseong?”

Siwoo turned his unpleasant gaze towards Gamwoo. The emotional rift was deepening. I knew it, but I couldn’t stop it.

Her disappointment over her younger brother not understanding her feelings, the death of her respected King Jegun, and even Si-woo’s attitude of thinking nothing of it. Even without that, a typhoon was blowing in Gamwoo’s confused mind. The current Kamu was just a small boat swaying precariously in the typhoon.

I couldn’t maintain my senses at all. Gam-woo continued to shoot Si-woo.

“Liyue Chilseong is a system created by Emperor Amwang immediately after he conquered the Liyue area. That’s what has been passed down for thousands of years, and challenging them is the same as going against that tradition and authority. “How are you going to beat them, Si-woo’s brother, who has just begun to take root in Liyue?”

“…… “Why not?”

Siwoo asked that question. Gam-woo paused for a moment, took a breath, and waited for Si-woo to speak. Those purple eyes were staring at Siwoo with a cold gaze. However, Siwoo did not seem to care about that fact.

Because his eyes were burning too. Siwoo gritted his teeth and spit out a few words.

“The long reign of Emperor Amwang is now over. Times are changing. The tradition of Liyue Chilseong? Authority? hahahaha… The essence of merchants lies only in Mora. “When it comes to money coming and going, such issues are not important.”

In fact, ‘tradition’ and ‘authority’ were very important issues. No matter how important money was, in the end, it was something people did. It wasn’t that Siwoo didn’t know that fact, but the truth wasn’t important right now.

What mattered now were emotions. Gam-woo and Si-woo’s gazes were intertwined in the air. Cold and hot, tradition and change. And good people and humans.

Gam-woo, who had been glaring at Si-woo without saying anything for a while, slowly parted his lips. The voice that came out between them was as cold as the first frost at dawn.

“…… “Brother Siwoo, I warned you before.”

Siwoo thought back to those days in silence. It was the day he had his first drink with Gamwoo. At that time, Gamwoo clearly said that. ‘Respect the traditions of Liyue.’ Siwoo laughed it off, saying he would keep it in mind at that time.

The results were revealed today. Gam-woo continued speaking with a cold expression on his face, not even a trace of warmth.

“If you do not respect Liyue’s traditions, you will turn all of Liyue into enemies.”

And among that ‘all of Li Yue’, Gam Yu was undoubtedly included. Realizing it once again, I felt a coldness in my heart, but Siwoo remained silent.

Because Siwoo swore. It was a vow he had engraved deep in his heart ever since he first set off on a journey to Liyue, or perhaps even from the day he first met Rumine.

Protect Lumine. To achieve that, I could have done anything. Even if it means being hostile to a woman who is a sister-in-law.

“…… Is it really that valuable? To the extent that you want to protect Li Yue even if it means turning him into an enemy?”

Hearing those words, Siwoo let out a long sigh. The answer was fixed. However, once he gave this answer, he could no longer turn back. But the worries did not last long.

“…… Yes.”

It was an assertion. In response to that short answer, Gam-u said nothing more. She just looked at Siwoo, who didn’t even make eye contact with her, and spoke in a slightly sad voice.

“I’m jealous that I can be loved so much by Siwoo’s younger brother… ….”

It was a weak voice. Siwoo didn’t add anything about it. Gam-woo also had no intention of talking to Si-woo anymore.

The will of the two people was firm. Siwoo and Kamwoo too. Parallel lines where neither side backs down. Because I realized that further conversation was meaningless.

Gamwoo just bowed his head and politely said goodbye.

“…… “Then I will leave now, Lord Sangsan.”

It was not ‘Siwoo’s younger brother.’ Siwoo felt like his heart was pounding at that title, but in the end he couldn’t say anything. However, he just placed his hand on his chest and bowed his head deeply.

“Please return safely, Wolhaejeong’s general secretary.”

The times were changing dramatically, and conflict was a predestined process. The death of King Empress had plunged Li Yue into a torrent. And today, the stranger of Mond, who is at the center of it all, had to soothe his aching heart with a glass of alcohol. Without realizing that the woman with the mysterious blue hair was also thinking of him and letting out her watery sigh.