The meeting had begun. Except for the instructors and researchers currently on duty, everyone else had been summoned.
“Hmm. Quite an impressive lineup.”
Gehenna, who had tagged along simply because she wanted to see her husband’s daily life, couldn’t help but marvel at the scene in the first-floor conference hall. The vast, open space that lifted her spirits, the massive marble pillars stretching from floor to ceiling, the clan members seated neatly according to rank, and Kim Suhyun presiding over the meeting from the highest seat—it all felt like a scene straight out of a medieval court, with a king and his vassals.
The first agenda item was to wrap up the recent expedition. Clan members who had participated were called out one by one, their achievements confirmed. Sitting quietly in a corner, Gehenna smiled contentedly, gently rubbing her belly. Since entering the hall, the baby inside had suddenly become very active. Whether it was responding to the king’s fate or simply happy to see its father, she couldn’t say. One thing was certain: the movements were twice as lively as when they were in hell. The excitement radiating from within made the occasional sharp kicks bearable.
“That’s right, little one. That man over there is your father. Take your fill of him while you can.”
Just as Gehenna was soothing the restless baby, a sharp voice cut through the room.
“What do you mean the Shin Koran Alliance still hasn’t implemented the Night District?”
The meeting had moved on to a new topic, and the angry voice echoed sharply through the hall. Kim Suhyun’s tone was low but carried a piercing authority that reached every corner. Even Jo Seungwoo, who took the brunt of it, flinched slightly.
“I don’t understand. I’m aware of the guidelines from Istanbul Low. But those apply only to the East City, not our South City. I gave my approval.”
“Yes, yes, but the situation isn’t that simple. If we proceed as is, Istanbul Low will suffer significant losses.”
“Losses? Please explain in more detail.”
“Well, there have been complaints from clans under Istanbul Low.”
Gehenna exhaled softly, her interest piqued as she watched the exchange. She wasn’t paying close attention to the details—after all, it wouldn’t do her much good—but she observed Kim Suhyun and the clan members’ reactions carefully.
“Complaints?”
“Specifically, it’s about Istanbul Low’s law banning the Night District.”
“Why is that a problem?”
“Just before the Shin Koran Alliance was about to implement the Night District, there was a massive declaration in the East City. They said if the Night District wasn’t allowed, they would withdraw their clans and move entirely to the South City.”
The chilling words hung in the air as Gehenna rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought.
“Not a bad gathering at all.”
She hadn’t been idle these past few days. Or rather, she had been quietly observing the human world’s recent developments—a kind of ‘game,’ if you will. Among the basics she’d learned was the mercenary clan system. She was curious about what kind of structure Kim Suhyun had established as ‘king.’
“But…”
Gehenna narrowed her eyes and looked ahead again.
“Could it really be that such a declaration was made? Still, given Istanbul Low’s lord’s character, I’d have thought he’d just let it slide.”
“That’s where things get complicated.”
“…?”
“Apparently, the instigator stirred up quite a few clans. If you look at the shares, it’s about 20% in the East City alone, and 40% if you include Monica.”
Kim Suhyun’s face twisted in displeasure while Jo Seungwoo spoke calmly.
‘The drive for centralization is way too strong. Almost excessive.’
Gehenna shook her head slightly as she watched the two.
“That much, huh… Hmm. But isn’t it a bit much to indefinitely halt the Night District’s implementation? It seems like they’re just kowtowing to Istanbul Low.”
“They had no choice. Because a serious problem arose right here.”
“No choice?”
“Yes. Clan Lord, if I may…”
Jo Seungwoo paused briefly, then cautiously approached Kim Suhyun and cast a Block Field spell. A misty veil rose around the two men, encircling them. The murmurs in the hall were instantly cut off, and silence fell. Meanwhile, Gehenna’s thoughts continued to churn.
‘So it’s taken root completely over time. I get that they want to control things, but that also exposes their weaknesses clearly.’
‘At least they realized it late, but it’s already too late. The shock of the ranking system might have hit hard, but once they get used to it, things will stagnate again.’
‘Subdivision isn’t the ultimate solution. It might provoke aggression, but a full cure is unlikely.’
‘They may look solid on the outside, but inside it’s a house of cards. What they need now is a gentle mistress to hold them together…’
It was remarkable. In just a few days, Gehenna’s keen insight had accurately diagnosed the state of the mercenary clans.
‘Hmm. I can’t just keep relying on them like this… And I’m tired of playing along with this ridiculous charade.’
‘Maybe it’s time to get a little serious.’
With that thought, Gehenna lifted her eyes. Several women sat near Kim Suhyun’s front row, their eyes glued to the Block Field. She stifled a chuckle.
‘Good grief. With so many vice-captains around… He really is a rake.’
Then, something caught her eye.
“…?”
“…!”
In a split second, Gehenna’s gaze met Go Yeonju’s as the latter glanced around a corner. Though Go Yeonju quickly looked away, Gehenna was certain she’d been noticed. Not just Go Yeonju—several women were sneaking glances at her. It wasn’t outright hostility, but the reaction was very different from when they’d been at the restaurant with Kim Suhyun.
Gehenna smiled quietly to herself, understanding why they acted that way. But to be honest, she felt no jealousy over Kim Suhyun’s many female companions. After all, they were mere humans. She could handle ancient evil gods like children; there was no way she’d see a mere human as a rival. Unless Hwajeong descended or a woman wielding Thanatos’s power appeared, her view of humans was no different from how humans see insects.
“…Then let’s proceed as planned.”
“Yes, understood. If called, they’ll come running immediately. Haha.”
The two men’s voices resumed. The secret discussion was over as Jo Seungwoo lifted the Block Field and stepped back, his expression noticeably lighter.
“We’ll end the meeting here.”
As Kim Suhyun announced the conclusion, the tense atmosphere in the hall relaxed. One by one, the clan members rose, and Gehenna leisurely stood as well. Just before exiting, she exchanged a glance and a subtle signal with Kim Suhyun, then turned lightly on her heel.
But did Gehenna truly realize that within days, she would face a human woman who would ignite an explosive jealousy within her?
After the meeting, Go Yeonju headed straight to her quarters. As an instructor, she couldn’t afford to be absent for long, and she needed to contact someone or meet someone before leaving. She had to move quickly to keep to schedule.
(How’s that monster doing lately?)
“Not a monster—Gehenna. And she’s showing no unusual activity. Quietly keeping to her promise.”
Go Yeonju smiled wryly at the communication crystal.
(I see. And Suhyun?)
“He’s awake, eating well, and handling meetings fine. Oh, after the meeting, it looked like he left with Gehenna.”
(Hmm. What does the Shadow Queen think? Does Suhyun seem happy?)
“Ah… I’m not sure yet.”
(Ha, I’m really worried. Suhyun’s gone and done all this, but he hasn’t even contacted me…)
“Heh. If you’re that worried, why not come see for yourself?”
The low voice from the crystal sounded almost like a sigh, and Go Yeonju smiled faintly, though it was a forced smile. The other party fell silent for a moment.
(…Sorry.)
“Huh? Why…?”
Startled by the sudden apology, Go Yeonju’s eyes widened.
(I think I made an unreasonable request.)
“No, it’s okay. Brother-in-law, I understand. It’s an unavoidable situation.”
(…)
“And once this is over, I plan to make Suhyun pay for it. We’re all gearing up for that, you know?”
Footsteps echoed softly down the corridor. Glancing back briefly, Go Yeonju still wore a smile as she spoke.
“Looks like Ha-yeon is coming. I’ll hang up now.”
(Understood. Please contact me immediately if anything happens.)
As the crystal’s light faded, a soft knock sounded on the door. The door opened quietly, revealing a woman with a somber expression—Jeong Ha-yeon.
“Why are you so late? I just finished talking with brother-in-law.”
“S-sorry. I got caught up watching something for a moment…”
Go Yeonju’s teasing tone drew a weak smile from Jeong Ha-yeon.
“Watching something?”
Go Yeonju raised her eyebrows in curiosity.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
“No, it’s fine. But… you should be going back now, right?”
Jung Ha-yeon asked cautiously. Ko Yeon-ju sighed and nodded, then began gathering the pre-packed luggage bit by bit.
“Yes. If we go today, I think we’ll have to stay for at least a couple of days. Even the user, Kim Soo-hyun, is on high alert.”
“I see…”
“Anyway, please take good care of things while I’m gone. Sang-nam and Nono unnie are doing their best, but there are still some clan members who seem awkward. Some don’t even show their faces at all.”
“Right…”
For some reason, Jung Ha-yeon’s voice trembled faintly.
“And… Ha-yeon?”
Ko Yeon-ju turned around, carrying her bags, and instinctively raised her voice. Something was off about Jung Ha-yeon’s condition. Her vacant eyes stared into space as if she were on the verge of fainting.
Then, it happened.
Her calm, ocean-blue eyes began to flicker, filling up with clear tears.
“Sniff.”
Suddenly, a tear slipped down her cheek. Unable to hold back the surge of emotion, Jung Ha-yeon closed her eyes and bowed her head.
“Sniff, sob, sniff, sniff!”
Her shoulders shook uncontrollably as tears streamed down.
“Ha, Ha-yeon?”
Startled, Ko Yeon-ju quickly stepped forward and grasped Jung Ha-yeon’s shoulders. Leaning in, she examined her tear-streaked face.
“Why are you crying all of a sudden?”
“I’m… I’m so frustrated. Sniff!”
“…What?”
“Sniff. I said I’m frustrated. I saw the two of them taking a walk together…”
“…”
“That… that was the first time I’d ever seen Soo-hyun’s face like that. So gentle, so happy. I haven’t seen that side of him even once in five years. It’s just so unfair…”
Stammering, Jung Ha-yeon kept crying. Ko Yeon-ju looked at her with a deeply saddened expression, then slowly reached out and pulled her into a hug. She gently patted her back, trying to soothe her.
“I know. How could I not understand how you feel? Soo-hyun really is a terrible guy.”
“Sniff, sob!”
“Just hold on a little longer. If we can get through just a few more days…”
“Sniff…”
Ko Yeon-ju’s voice trailed off, and Jung Ha-yeon’s sobbing gradually quieted.
What exactly had happened in the Mercenary Clan while Kim Soo-hyun was asleep?
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Gehenna: Meow♡, meow♡, meow♡, meow♡!
Ha-yeon: Myaa~. Myaaa~. ㅠ