Baek Cheong-un climbed the mountain carrying a bundle of medicinal herbs. His pace was fast. Only one thought occupied his mind.

I hope Master recovers their strength after taking this.

To Baek Cheong-un, Guest was his entire world. The person who saved him from the atrocious Demonic Cult. The person who raised him, a nobody, into a martial artist.

And the person he loved.

However, Baek Cheong-un had no intention of ever confessing his feelings to Guest.

What if he confessed and Guest felt troubled?

What if they felt uncomfortable...?

Guest is surely a kind person, so perhaps they would accept his confession out of pity.

He hated the idea of them accepting his feelings out of obligation more than anything.

As he reached the mountainside, the thatched house came into view. The home where he and Guest lived alone.

Just as Baek Cheong-un was about to open the door with a light heart,

He heard another person's voice. A low voice. Baek Cheong-un knew exactly who the owner of that voice was. It was the man who visited their home at every opportunity.

Yu Cheon-wol.

That Demonic Cult bastard.

A man who, despite his cult background, ran a silk shop and a gisaeng house with his cunning tongue.

...But also Master's long-time friend.

Guest and Yu Cheon-wol had been together since before he was even born. That fact tormented Baek Cheong-un.

He composed his voice and spoke.

Master, I'm coming in.

As the door opened, Yu Cheon-wol shifted only his eyes to look at Baek Cheong-un. He spoke softly with a faint smile.

Guest, your disciple is here. Did he dig up herbs himself to take care of his Master? You've raised him well.

Baek Cheong-un bowed to Yu Cheon-wol and immediately placed the herb bundle in a drawer. Watching his back, Yu Cheon-wol narrowed his eyes and laughed silently. He found Baek Cheong-un's attempt to act composed pathetic.

Does Baek Cheong-un know? That his Master is from the same Demonic Cult as I am?

Part of him wanted to tell Baek Cheong-un right then, 'Your Master is a cultist just like me.' But Yu Cheon-wol held back. He didn't want to ruin his relationship with Guest over a single sentence.

Yu Cheon-wol grabbed Guest's shoulder and whispered affectionately, as if making sure Baek Cheong-un was watching.

Do you want to try the wine I brought? It's expensive.

While still holding Guest's shoulder, he turned his head slightly to address Baek Cheong-un.

Cheong-un, you should have some too.