“Ugh…!”

I blinked my eyes open, regaining the consciousness I had lost for a moment.

‘Did I actually pass out?’

My head throbbed as I tried to steady my breathing. It felt like only an instant had passed, but there was no telling what had happened during that time.

I struggled to get to my feet, realizing that I had been sleeping on something.

Wondering what I had been resting my head on, I turned my head.

“…Huh?” “...”

I found myself staring into a pair of harsh and intimidating eyes.

It was my father’s shoulder I had been lying on.

“...” “...”

We shared a silent moment, locking eyes in complete silence.

‘I’m screwed.’

That was the only thought in my mind. I even noticed a faint trace of drool on his shoulder. Apparently, I had drooled in my sleep.

My father remained silent, just watching me.

Was he waiting for me to apologize? It felt like he was scolding me with his gaze alone.

I could feel my body trembling. It was so noticeable that I wondered if it was fear that made my skin crawl.

It seemed like that was the case.

“I’m sorry…”

Rather than trying to explain myself, I decided to apologize first. I never imagined I’d end up sleeping on my father’s shoulder in my life.

My father turned his head away without saying anything in response to my apology. Fortunately, it seemed he had no intention of scolding me.

‘This bastard…’

I ground my teeth. I quickly turned to look in the direction where the Blood Demon had been.

He was gone. It wasn’t just the Blood Demon. The leader and other members of the Martial Alliance who had been on stage were also nowhere to be seen.

…Does that mean?

I shifted my gaze to look around the stage area.

“...”

And I quickly realized. The meeting had already ended. Everyone was moving towards the exit.

In other words,

I had been sleeping throughout the entire meeting.

‘Damn. I’m seriously screwed.’

As a direct member of a noble family summoned to this gathering, I had not only slept through the leader and the sect heads’ discussions but even drooled all over my father’s shoulder, only waking up after everything was over.

Cold sweat dripped down my back.

There was no way I could ignore my father’s gaze.

Even though everyone else was leaving, my father had stayed back. Was it because I was still asleep?

I wasn’t sure. My father didn’t seem like that type of person.

“…Yangcheon.”

I turned my head to the familiar voice beside me. There was Cheol Jiseon, looking completely pale.

“…What’s with you?” “What’s with me? What’s with you?!”

I was taken aback by Cheol Jiseon’s expression. He looked like he was full of resentment toward me.

“What? Did something happen?” “...”

Cheol Jiseon wobbled, as if his soul had left him. What was wrong with him?

“…Do you know what happened during the meeting?” “I don’t, do I?” “Of course, you don’t! You were sleeping…!” “Oh…yeah. I was.”

I answered awkwardly to Cheol Jiseon’s words.

After all, it was true that I had been sleeping. But the fact that he was this angry with me meant something serious must have happened.

I was about to ask him what had happened when—

Screeech.

My father stood up. His sudden movement startled me.

“It’s over. Let’s go.” “…Y-Yes.”

It wasn’t me who answered but Cheol Jiseon. Why was he the one responding first?

As I watched him stand up quickly, I asked,

“What’s wrong with you?”

What’s going on? Did my father hit him while I was asleep or something? Although my father wasn’t the type to hit people recklessly.

“…Let’s go. He said we’re leaving.”

Cheol Jiseon nudged my shoulder, urging me to stand up quickly.

What the hell?

Still bewildered, I got to my feet as well. Seeing the situation, I decided it was best to leave.

Outside, other sect members and martial artists were gathering. I could spot Lady Mi and Gu Hee-bi among them.

And—

‘Is that…?’

Amidst the crowd, I recognized a familiar face. It was none other than the Sect Leader of Wudang.

Known by the nickname, the Sword Immortal of Wudang, he was an elder.

While I stood there hesitating, my father approached him without hesitation.

Noticing my father’s approach, the Sword Immortal of Wudang turned his sharp gaze toward us.

He wasn’t particularly large, but his eyes held a keen, piercing presence.

“It’s been a while.” “I hope you’ve been well, Gu Gaju.” “Yes.”

Seeing them greet each other, I walked over slowly, feeling it was only right for me to pay my respects as well.

“I greet the Sect Leader of Wudang.”

At my greeting, the Sword Immortal of Wudang turned his gaze to me.

“This is my son.” “Ah, so this is the Little Lord of the Underworld I’ve heard about.” “…That’s a bit of an exaggeration…”

I reluctantly halted my words, finding it hard to downplay the nickname.

The most irritating part was seeing Gu Hee-bi stifling her laughter as she watched me.

‘You crazy sister…’

Just you wait. I knew the nickname Gu Hee-bi would eventually earn. I’d make sure to tease her about it mercilessly in the future.

“I’d heard much about his prowess. Now that I see him with my own eyes, it’s clear. Gu Gaju must be blessed with a remarkable child.” “You flatter me.” “If anything, that praise may not be enough.”

The Sword Immortal of Wudang then directed his question at me.

“I hear you’re close with our Hyuk.” “Ah. Yes…that’s right.”

The “Hyuk” he mentioned referred to the Sleeping Dragon.

The Sword Immortal seemed pleased with my response, nodding.

“A true friend is a rare treasure in life. Please continue to look after our Hyuk. He may be lacking more than you think.” “Yes.”

I managed a weary smile in response, finding this interaction far different from how he treated me in my past life.

What did he say back then?

Something about needing to be of the same rank to understand each other. This old man, who once looked down on me for not matching the Sleeping Dragon’s level, was now asking me to watch over him.

So many thoughts raced through my mind.

The Sword Immortal glanced toward Lady Mi, as if he had business with her.

“Well then… I look forward to hearing good news.” “Yes. I’ll consider it positively.”

With a courteous bow, the Sword Immortal left with his sect members, heading toward the exit.

It seemed like they had some sort of deal with the Baekhwa Merchant Group.

‘Wudang dealing with the Baekhwa Merchant Group?’

I couldn’t fathom what kind of business a Taoist sect like Wudang had with a merchant group.

“Yangcheon.” “Yes?” “Are you hungry?”

Lady Mi’s sudden question interrupted my thoughts. Was I hungry…?

“Well, I suppose I’m fine.”

I wasn’t particularly concerned. Even if I was a bit hungry, missing a meal wouldn’t hurt me.

Lady Mi nodded slightly at my response. Was she just asking out of curiosity?

Just as I began to wonder, she turned to my father with another question.

“Shall we go pick up Yeonseo together?”

She was referring to fetching Gu Yeonseo from the guesthouse. Though it sounded like a question, it felt like there was no option to refuse.

Sensing this, my father also nodded in agreement.

I thought my father’s reaction was a bit unusual. At the same time, Lady Mi addressed me with another remark.

“After that, I plan to rent out a guesthouse for a meal together.” “Rent out…a guesthouse?” “Yes.”

It seemed a bit excessive just for a meal.

But everyone knew that the Baekhwa Merchant Group had significant financial resources, and Lady Mi, the head, was likely one of the wealthiest individuals. So, it wasn’t an issue.

The problem lay with me.

‘That sounds uncomfortable.’

Meals with family were always awkward for me. As I contemplated an escape, Lady Mi’s gaze hardened.

“This time, I’d like everyone to attend.”

It was a statement that didn’t leave room for refusal. Though Lady Mi was an ordinary person, she exuded an intimidating presence.

That was enough to make me submit.

“…Yes.”

Lady Mi turned and headed toward the exit, satisfied with my response.

I was about to follow when I sent a message to my father.

-Gaju-nim.

My father paused at my message.

Though he didn’t turn to face me, I knew he was listening.

-After the meal, could I have some time with you?

There were things I needed to ask him about.

-It’s about Mother. I have some questions for you.

My father slightly turned his head, his eyes meeting mine. I couldn’t discern any emotions in his gaze.

He watched me for a moment before responding.

-Alright.

With that answer, he resumed walking toward Lady Mi.

Only after hearing his reply did I exhale the breath I had been holding.

I had been so tense over a simple request that I was practically sweating.

“Hah…”

Honestly, dealing with matters like this was more exhausting than fighting someone.

‘Anyway… That’s settled. Now, what’s left is…’

It seemed things were resolved with my father. Now, there was only one thing left to do.

I turned to Cheol Jiseon, who was still standing beside me.

“Hey.” “Huh…?” “Spill it.”

“Spill what?”

“The meeting.”

I had missed the entire thing while sleeping and drooling.

“What happened?”

I needed to hear from Cheol Jiseon about what had transpired during the meeting.