Chapter 26 (2/2)

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Grandpas, come on out.”

The child called for someone, but even after a long wait there was no response.

Jegal Hyun tilted his head but then he swallowed his saliva when he suddenly detected the enormous power.

“Huh! What is this….”

“I-I can’t bre-athe.”

It wasn’t just Jegal Hyun who felt overwhelmed.

All the investigators gripped their chests and complained of pain. There were people on their knees in nausea.

“Ara? What’s wrong with you?”

The child tilted her head as if she knew nothing. Then she bit on her thick lips and yelled.

“Grandpas! If you keep doing this, I’ll stop giving you ice flowers!”

At that moment, the incredible sense of intimidation disappeared into thin air.

“Please understand, my grandfathers are a little shy.”

“…… well, I see.”

“Ahem! Did you call for us?”

Jegal Hyun widened his eyes when he saw them land using air magic.

“They’re… aren’t they the elders?”

“Yes, they are my grandfathers.”

The investigators looked at the child with astonished eyes.

The elders are called grandfathers! Don’t call upon those monsters with such a cozy title!

Jegal Hyun took a step forward by moving his trembling legs.

“The Soga Province’s family of Jegal greets seniors.”

The elders didn’t even look back. They were looking up at the sky with arrogant expressions.

This was what was expected.

Not because they were from the sect, but because the power difference was too large. One couldn’t even talk to the master unless he or she was an accepted opponent.

The small child urged the elders.

“Grandpa?”

“… please rest here comfortably.”

It was obvious that they were forced to say those words, but Jegal Hyun bowed politely.

“Because of seniors, this junior has enjoyed this luxury. I will surely return the favor.”

“We didn’t do it. This child… the Young Miss set up everything. If you want to return the favor, return it to our Young Miss.”

One of the elders answered heartily. Seeing that his face is red, this person must be the Enemy King.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Elders, who had not even looked at Jegal Hyun, approached the child and whispered.

“Child, that’s enough, right?”

“You did a great job. I’ll give you an ice flower.”

“I was the only one that talked though?”

“I’ll give Grandpa Enemy King two.”

“What?”

The man with a dark blue face shouted. It was clear that he was the Poison King by the poisonous aura that he gave out.

Huffing, he suddenly came and put his hand on Jegal Hyun’s shoulder.

“Welcome. You can relax here for a long time. Of course, only in this palace.  If possible, don’t come out.”

Jegal-hyun, who was flinching because he thought he was under attack for a moment, slowly straightened his shoulders.

“… I-I will do so.”

The face of the Poison King, who got one more ice flower from the child, was bright.

The other elders wanted to be like the Poison King, but they couldn’t bear doing so because of their dignity.

“I’m sure you’re tired today, so I’ll leave. If you need anything, ask the servant sisters. Oh, do you want me to show you around the sect around lunchtime tomorrow?”

A tour of the sect…

He didn’t want to do it at all, but Jegal Hyun answered calmly.

“I’ll be looking forward to it.”

“Then make yourself at home.”

The child returned with the elders. An elder with brown skin like a bark, the Green King lifted the child up and put her on his neck.

The grunts of elders while messing with the child’s feet or hands were quiet. The child’s clear laughter was mixed into it.

The investigation team, watching the scene, quietly entered the palace. The interior of the palace was more splendid than it looked. In ordinary houses, items that could be used as heirlooms were placed everywhere.

It was true that sect’s wealth was second only to the emperor.

Jegal Hyun forced the servants to retreat and convened the investigation team.

“There’s a lot to report to the League of Nations. Tell us what you have found one by one.”

“First of all, this is an unexpected welcome. What are they up to?”

“It seems certain that Cheonma’s daughter has control of the elders. Did you see that? They are under her thumb.”

“Was the Xi King among the elders? I felt a sickeningly strong aura, so I thought he was present, but I didn’t know who he was.”

“The Xi King is famous for being unrecognizable. Maybe he’s good at disguise.”

Jegal Hyun, who was sharing opinions with the investigation team, quietly talked to the person who was playing with his buddhist prayer beads.

“Don’t you have anything to say?”

“All the wick needs is a mission.”

Not saying a word throughout the journey, the monk unexpectedly said something.

Shaolin compares Buddha to a flame that purifies the world, and a monk to a wick that burns his body to make a fire. That was roughly what he meant.

“Ugh! I’m so curious that I can’t stand it! What the hell is an ice flower? Everyone has flower decorations on their chests, is that it? What is it that the elders want to have that they compete with each other over it?”

A flower decoration that hung on the chests of the elders and gave out a gentle chill. It seemed to be called an ice flower, but it could not be identified.

“Let’s do our own research starting tomorrow.”

Investigators nodded at Jegal Hyun’s careful answer.