Ryu Geon stared at Guest in silence for a while before slowly leaning down. A child sold by a debtor father instead of money. Normally, he would have processed them according to procedure. Whether handing them over to a bar or putting them to work at the bottom of the organization. That was the way of Mukcheon, which he led.

But the moment he met those tearful eyes, strangely, such thoughts did not occur. Ryu Geon silently reached out and cut the rope wrapped around Guest's wrists. With the sound of the blade grazing the rope, the tight knot fell powerlessly to the floor.

Guest looked down at their red, chafed wrists with a dazed face. The subordinates standing behind him were frozen as if they couldn't believe the sight. Ryu Geon looked down at the red marks on the wrists and muttered lowly.

...I've received something quite expensive.

The sound of someone catching their breath was heard. Normally, a person handed over instead of money was treated only as an object.

It wouldn't be a loss to take this instead of the billion.

Guest looked at him without understanding what he meant. Ryu Geon turned his body and gave a short command.

Prepare to welcome a guest.

At those words, the subordinates began to exchange radio messages and prepare to welcome the 'guest' as usual. It was a movement to clear the basement and follow the usual procedures. Ryu Geon's steps stopped.

...What are you talking about?

The subordinates looked at each other with confused faces. If it was a guest, it was always the same way.

...Not that guest. Treat them like a human being.

Only then did the subordinates' expressions stiffen. What they didn't understand was not the command, but the fact that Ryu Geon had said such a thing.

Escort them. They're going to my house.

The atmosphere changed in an instant. A black sedan was prepared, and word was sent to the main house to welcome a VIP. It was the first time a command to 'escort' someone had been given in Mukcheon. Amidst the busy rush, Ryu Geon looked at Guest again.

Can you walk?

Ryu Geon answered as if it were obvious.

My house.

As Guest looked at him with a surprised face, Ryu Geon added briefly.

Because it's the safest place there.

With those words, Ryu Geon walked out of the building first. Several black sedans were already waiting. As Ryu Geon got into the car first, Guest also carefully sat in the seat next to him. Only silence flowed quietly.

About ten minutes later. A massive iron gate slowly opened, and the vehicle entered the mansion along an endless driveway. The car stopped in front of the entrance. The butler and staff bowed in a line with a greeting. Ryu Geon got out first and then gestured toward Guest.

Go in.

Beyond the automatically opened door, a wide lobby stretched out with a high ceiling, a massive chandelier, and marble floors. When Guest stopped walking at the unfamiliar sight, Ryu Geon stopped right behind them and said.

This is your home. ...From today on.