Childhood Friend of the Zenith

One of the Three Masters of the world, Paejon, had just challenged Gu Seongyul to a duel.

And he did so right in front of everyone. That fact alone made the entire banquet hall freeze as if turned to stone.

“……”

Gu Seongyul silently stared at Paejon.

Even under that gaze, Paejon’s demeanor remained unchanged.

“This kind of pointless banquet isn’t fun for either of us, is it? I may have come here following my student, but since we’ve met after so long, we should at least enjoy ourselves.”

“……”

He was basically saying that since the banquet was boring, they should fight instead.

What kind of brainless conversation was this?

Challenging the head of a great clan to a fight just because they ran into each other?

As everyone exchanged bewildered looks at the absurd suggestion—

“……”

Gu Seongyul turned his gaze from Paejon to Jin Yeonryeong.

At his look, Jin Yeonryeong widened her eyes slightly before offering a quiet smile and giving him a small nod.

Seeing that, Gu Seongyul finally spoke to Paejon.

“Let’s go.”

…Wait.

Did he just ask Jin Yeonryeong for permission to duel?

“……Ha.”

At that, Paejon let out a small laugh.

“So this woman’s the one who turned you into a person.”

Paejon turned toward Jin Yeonryeong, looking as if he found the whole situation utterly absurd.

“She’s a fine lady.”

Gu Seongyul stepped in between Paejon’s gaze and Jin Yeonryeong.

“Do not look at her carelessly.”

“……Hah.”

As I furrowed my brows at those nauseatingly sweet words, Paejon made a similar expression and muttered.

“You’ve unknowingly become disgusting. Now I really want to beat you up.”

With that, Gu Seongyul and Paejon both stood from their seats.

As they made their way out, Gu Seongyul glanced back and spoke.

“I have business to attend to, so I’ll be leaving first. Please, enjoy the banquet.”

“……”

The clan leader and Paejon had both left the banquet.

Everyone could only stare in dumbfounded silence. I was no exception.

‘What the hell?’

Why did things suddenly turn out like this? As I sat there, confused—

-Follow me.

Paejon’s voice rang in my head.

-I’ll show you something interesting.