Chapter 601 – Peach Lips (1)

[Breaking news.]
[One would be hard-pressed to find anyone unaware of this figure. The Hunter Association, and its former president, Mugung, passed away on the 5th…]

A period of national mourning for the death of a single person. Is this not overblown?

It’s a topic that has repeatedly been a bone of contention in the political sphere, yet this time, not a single voice of dispute could be heard.

Dictators who have devoted their lives to the nation are destined to be etched in history. A century ago, under the rule of Mugung, who swallowed politics whole, the Republic of Korea achieved growth unparalleled in its history.

Despite numerous experts predicting his downfall, his decisions and choices were without a single error.

The broadcaster within the TV meticulously detailed each of Mugung’s accomplishments.

Recognizing the worth of certain dungeons and practically monopolizing numerous dungeons worldwide. Establishing the Hunter Association’s base in Korea, a move that caused anxiety among many nations, significantly elevated Korea’s stature. In a country that closely resembles a theocracy, he secured sovereignty by being entrusted with the power of the World Tree.

Korea, once a small country in the East, underwent a transformation under the influence of a single tree named Mugung, and with a dramatic leap, stood tall as a global powerhouse.

His dignity doesn’t cease at Korea’s borders. The near elimination of discrimination against Asians in modern times is testament to that.

Thus, a lengthy funeral procession unfolded. A line of elders stretching from the main roads in Seoul to the metropolitan outskirts. The roads, which should have been choked with morning commute traffic, saw no vehicles aside from fire trucks and the association’s supervisory cars.

‘The spectacle is excessive,’ I mused.

Mugung was a political juggernaut, his capabilities exceeding even mine and my father’s.

I knew Mugung well enough to think that he would utilize even his own death. And reality did not deviate much from that expectation.

– Thud.

The crowd painstakingly advances one step at a time. People clothed in black congregated, commemorating his demise.

The elders who had seen Mugung’s miracle firsthand wept loudly, as if their grief exploded from within.

[Following the death of former president Mugung, 24 National Assembly members died simultaneously… A political assassin. Who could it be?]

The World Tree’s and Flower’s representatives have passed away. The political factions that echoed their will crumbled instantly, collapsing one after another without regard for party lines.

I couldn’t not know that this, too, was Mugung’s will.

‘It’s impressive in a way,’ I thought.

It feels futile. Conversely, he knew his death well.

Gazing at Korea’s night view, soon to become a gray void, I took a step forward.

I took hold of the incense and knelt. My shadow, wavering in front of the candlelight, engulfed the image of Mugung from a single photo.

– Plunk.

In the world of the World Tree, there exists a unique memorial practice.

Grasp a handful of soil and scatter it before the deceased’s photo.

He plants the seeds of the tree’s kind, setting down the pot before it.

Years pass. The sprout that grows into a tree is seen as his reincarnation, nurtured for a lifetime.

I extend my hand to the mound of soil in the flowerpot, drawing a line. Soo-yeon’s face, observing my disguised form, appears somber. The stars were present too. Physically injured, but inescapably present this time.

‘Did he die because of me?’

Mugung was impaled by the King of Trees, losing his life.

It was an unpleasant turn of events, but I considered it plausible.

‘Well.’

Regrettable as it was not to reach a resolution, I was devoid of any feelings now.

Does that sound too nihilistic? There were times I gritted my teeth to surpass this senile man.

“He feasted on everything then ran away. The most infuriating one is dead, so what’s this unexpected turn?”

The words escaping my lips were too quiet for anyone to hear.

Mugung’s death redirects my heart towards our mentor. Heaven failed to avenge her father. I can’t fathom the depth of her resulting loss.

Regardless, the inevitable new era is rushed by the collapse of this colossus. I smirk, observing the place where I inserted the incense stick with narrowed eyes.

“Let’s not meet in the next life.”

The back of the passing mourner casts backlight behind me. The more it did, the darker my shadow became. The picture of Mugung, which had a slight border, was entirely consumed by my shadow.

I have my life.

I even find myself thinking how nice it would be if the World Tree and Sisyphus could step back in the same manner.

-Clank.

Then, Si-woo’s voice resonates.

“Hero, you must have had a hard journey coming here.”
“No. No matter how busy one is, they need to show their face in a place like this. He taught me swordsmanship, albeit just a little.”

I gaze at Jung Si-woo from a place where he won’t notice.

Where a colossal star collapses, another is bound to emerge.

Kim Soo-yeon, Jung Si-woo… Even if the stars fall, these two left in Mugung’s wake are no ordinary adversaries.

I once heard that Heaven and Mugung had a disagreement over their disciples.

Could these two be adversaries at par with Mugung?

‘Only time will tell.’

I shift my gaze.

-Beep?

Next to Soo-yeon, a glance of a girl in a wooden nightgown briefly crosses my sight.

* * * * * * * * * * *

“Master.”
“Is it Si-heon?”

-Spring up.

As the curtain was drawn back, Cheondo, freshly arisen, greeted me with a smile radiating anticipation.

“…Why such excitement?”

In response to my query, her face hardened instantaneously. To reclaim her master’s dignity, Cheondo, clearing her throat, cast aside the blanket that had been draped over her thighs and spoke with unyielding conviction.

“Ahem, ahem. Isn’t it because you’ve been away for so long?”
“I apologize, I was briefly occupied with a dungeon excursion…”

Her face bore a cold expression with eyes tightly shut, but anyone could see the charmingly petulant figure she cut. Truly, how can our teacher be so endearing?

I set the basket I had brought along on a side table and began slicing the peaches.

“Is that fruit?”
“Yes. Simply recline and open your mouth.”

The sound of thin slices of peach being cut filled the room.

The assortment was varied, including soft, firm, and tart fruits. I wielded my knife deftly, inserting the meticulously sliced peach into Cheondo’s mouth.

“Mmm.”
“Is it to your liking?”
“It tastes sweeter because my pupil prepared it.”
“That’s not sweeter, peaches are naturally so.”

Due to her infirmity, Cheondo, forever confined to this room, seemed to grow more whimsical each time I saw her.

I questioned her while placing a piece of peach in my mouth.

“Have you heard the news? Rumors of the old man’s demise.”
“Are you referring to Mugung?”
“Yes.”
“I heard. He met a rather ignominious end, didn’t he? Murdered by an assassin… . I wonder who?”

While it was indeed my doing, I had no desire to cause unnecessary concern. The one who silenced Mugung was an entity I was destined to exterminate.

“I’m not certain either, so are you coping well, teacher?”
“What do you mean?”
“Revenge, the unfulfilled kind.”
“Revenge. Whose revenge are you referring to?”

Ah, father…
Upon uttering those words, Cheondo’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

“Did I ever express such sentiments?”
“…Er, let’s bypass that for now, I’m referring to Hwangdo and Baekdo.”

I had narrowly avoided dredging up past memories.

In response to my evasive answer and change of topic, Cheondo observed me with a suspicious gaze before breaking into a small, knowing smile and nodding.

“I’m fine. It’s profoundly satisfying to know that my pupil has survived.”
“Indeed?”
“Catching an ancient tiger is hardly profitable, given the meager value of its hide.”

She was jesting, yet I sensed a tinge of regret.

This time, I offered Cheondo a piece of firm peach. She found it delectable.

“Master.”
“Yes?”
“Have the two of them yet to awaken?”
“….”

Cheondo fell silent. Avoiding my gaze, she chewed her peach, her lips moving silently, she had yet to swallow.

“They haven’t shown any response yet…”

Her voice lacked conviction.
It was akin to admitting she couldn’t guarantee the survival of the two individuals.

I ceased my cutting and gazed at Cheondo. A hint of guilt flickered in her eyes.

“Ahem. They ought to awaken soon.”

“Hmm! So, that’s the plan. Ah, the elderly are ever tardy.”

Cheondo faltered in her speech.

Although I hold great affection for those two, Cheondo might harbor an even deeper attachment to the sisters than I do. She maintains a poised demeanor, speaking with an air of confidence right before me. Yet, having deciphered countless expressions of our Master, I could perceive the solitude lurking within Cheondo’s countenance.

“Are you weary?”
“…What do you mean?”

Our former master, Heavenly Demon, conceals numerous emotions from us. She might yearn for someone from her past days in Do-won, indeed, she was always more sentimental than anyone I’ve known.

A mentor who is invariably stern with herself but a dependable figure to others. I wonder if the drooping of her shoulders, more so than usual, could be attributed to her mood.

– Overwhelm her.

Venice’s counsel abruptly echoes in my mind.

– Men who show up when a woman is struggling are the most appealing.

Could this be too audacious, though?

But then, I find myself nodding involuntarily to the justification that follows. I’m merely expressing my feelings. For now, I’ll proceed with caution.

“Do you feel desolate?”
“Why would I?”
“Don’t feign strength. I yearn to hear your sincerity, Master.”
“Let me rephrase. Could you ever utter words of weakness before your disciple?”
“That sounds like loneliness.”

If it is a pretense, then so be it.

Our compatibility is impeccable now. Annoyance flickered on Cheondo’s face, seemingly irritated by a disciple who could read her so well.

She always yearns to appear strong before me. Well, she is my mentor.

A stubborn soul who worried about my future until the moment of her demise. Although I acknowledge this is a bond that might never occur in my lifetime, it doesn’t progress due to this very reason.

“…Enough with the nonsense. Feed me a peach. Now, ah!”

Cheondo, who opens her mouth as a given, forces me to seal my lips.

I paused to select a peach.

Her eyes hold a hint of moisture.
Did she shed tears alone this morning? Her eyelids appear slightly swollen.

Our mentor is as vulnerable as she is stringent with herself. Recollecting the story of her crying over a fallen flower as told by young Zodiac, it doesn’t seem strange…

For Cheondo to feel profoundly saddened and lonely without Zodiac and White Peach, it doesn’t seem strange at all.

– Swish.

The damp bedding.
A slightly moist pillowcase.

“When will you give it to me?”
“……”

Spellbound, I bowed my head and closed in on Cheondo’s lips.

– Smack.

“Huh!?”

A man’s lips intruded into the mouth of our Master, who anticipated the arrival of a peach.

The intoxicating aroma of peach is trapped, unable to escape from my mouth.

“What- What is this-!”

Sweet.
Plush.
Soft.

A flustered Cheondo pushes against my chest and tears away.

A kiss that lightly nibbles the lips, refraining from intruding with a tongue.

Despite her lips being tightly pressed together, preventing any intrusion, my intentions lay elsewhere.

“Lee Si-heon, if you have any decency, stop! Or else… Ugh!”

I interlace my fingers with those of Cheondo, who breaks away from our kiss to shout defiantly.

I seize her wrist that had been pushing against me. Cheondo, weaker than I remember, is effortlessly overpowered by me.

With her small, soft hands pinned to the pillow, I climb onto the bed, straddle Cheondo, and kiss her relentlessly.

“Hmm… Siheon…”

Her face is mournful, her eyes welling with unshed tears. Although she resists, her words are laced with a tender affection.

Cheondo recognizes my feelings, but she has rejected me, citing her love for another and my involvement with Zodiac.

When all is laid bare, Zodiac remains unconscious and the man Cheondo loved hovers between life and death.

“Master, we are all that remain.”

All that’s left is us. I am the only person remaining in Cheondo’s life.

It was me who cared for her when she was injured. It will be me who serves as her protector until death parts us. I’ve already made that vow.

Could it be that she feels no hint of attraction towards me?

Perhaps, her guilt towards Zodiac and the sadness of betraying her love loom too large.

“Hmm, hmm…!”

Cheondo’s breath cascades over me from such a close proximity. It’s sweeter than any I’ve ever known.

The tangy, sweet taste of her saliva. Like biting into a ripe peach, the juice slightly stains my lips.

“Master.”
“Stop… Please, stop…”
“Master. Master.”

In my fervor, my hands wrap around Cheondo, but she pushes me away in panic.

“Siheon, please, I… Huh?!”

Again, I capture her lips. As her loneliness fills her heart, as she succumbs to despair,

I sense her sorrowful soul, and I seize that vulnerability. Cheondo, who had been weeping in solitude, slowly surrenders to my advances.

She reciprocates. There was indeed an attraction. She too, had been waiting for someone to untangle her feelings.

The moment I felt her hand patting my shoulder, then slide down, I experienced a flutter in my chest for the first time in three years.

“Puha… Hmm, hoo.”

With our lips parting and her breath coming out in ragged gasps, Cheondo looks at me with trembling eyes.

Yearning, affection… an earnest love. The moment I perceive her feelings for me, I am overcome with elation. But just as quickly, Cheondo, like a scared rabbit, buries her emotions deep within.

Because I am her master, because I am already spoken for.

“Do not… go any further.”
“…So, kissing is acceptable?”
“That is…”

A small victory.

When a man and woman embrace each other, their lips meeting in a kiss, the product of shared affection becomes apparent. Today, Cheondo has come to recognize it.

She, who had waited for me, alone for countless months.

In an instant, the solitude that had once enveloped me subsides.
How could I possibly renounce such an intoxicating sensation?

“So, going forward, you mean we can continue to this extent?”
“No, no…”

With eyes brimming with confusion, Heaven responds before a blush could claim her face.

“Truly, this is all. Only until Zodiac rises… nothing beyond that. Give me your word.”
“I promise.”

An extraordinary circumstance has shattered the once-imposing barrier of my mentor.

“Well… I understand. Permission granted. But in return… don’t render me wretched.”

Our lips might barely graze each other, but even that sends us into rapture.
Heaven, her face struggling with my ragged breaths.

“Let the mentor execute it.”
“I’d rather not…”
“Understood. For now, I’ll be content with this.”
“What do you mean ‘for now’? That implies…”

– Smack, smack… smack.

Clinging to my mentor, I spend hours savoring her lips.

– Startled!

Heaven, who had steeled herself with closed eyes until now, gradually starts to respond with honesty to her body’s reactions.

Every time I glide my tongue between her lips, the gradual relaxation of her expression is incredibly enticing.
The innocent French kiss continues until morning.

– Smack, smack.

“Mentor, I cherish you.”
“…….”

How many hours have passed?
Heaven, who has already heard my fourth confession, blinks her dazed eyes, unable to find words to respond.