I recognized Jeok Igeon at a glance.
‘There’s no way I wouldn’t…’
He possessed a beauty that couldn’t be fully captured by mere words, just as described in the novel.
It wouldn’t have been strange to believe he conquered the martial world not with martial arts, but with his face.
If not for that piercing glare, I might have wanted to keep staring at him forever.
Shinseolha, you’ve lost your mind.
What do you mean, keep staring?
That’s Jeok Igeon. A deranged murderer!
It was fortunate I hadn’t trembled uncontrollably at our first meeting, but acting like some fool dazzled by looks was just as dangerous.
Even introducing myself was forbidden. Cheon Gang’s warning not to speak to him echoed in my mind.
I hurriedly bowed, then fled the bedroom as if escaping.
“He won’t kill me just for ignoring him, right?”
Strictly speaking, I hadn’t completely ignored him.
I just didn’t speak—I did bow before leaving.
Since he preferred silence, maybe I even earned some points.
But wow… with that face, he killed people like that?
I had expected it, since he was described as the most handsome man in the world, but the gap between reading it and seeing him in person was overwhelming.
With that appearance, it was no wonder women went crazy over him.
While reading, I kept wondering what was so great about this cruel bastard, but now I understood—his face was the explanation.
If he debuted as a celebrity in South Korea, he would’ve made history.
Even with terrible acting, that face alone would’ve forgiven everything.
A mad psychopath who could enchant people just by existing—that was Jeok Igeon.
He was even more dangerous than I thought.
“Ugh…”
A chill ran down my spine belatedly.
Even knowing who he was, I had almost been captivated.
Realizing I was weak to handsome men like this left a bitter taste.
From now on, I should avoid looking at his face as much as possible.
Recalling his brutal deeds, I steeled my resolve once again.
Until breakfast arrived from Jamigwan, I kept up my mental discipline.
“Seolha!”
It was So-ok who brought the meal.
“What happened? So-ok, this isn’t your assigned area.”
“I switched just for today. I was curious how you’re doing. Did you meet the Second Young Master? How was he? Did he welcome you?”
“You could’ve asked me back at the quarters after work. You couldn’t wait and came all the way here?”
“I got pushed into it too, okay? Everyone at Jamigwan is waiting for me. They’re all dying to know.”
“Honestly… what’s there to be so curious about? Just give it to me before the food gets cold.”
Among the maids of the Demonic Sect, Jeok Igeon was basically a superstar.
Every little thing he did became gossip, and now I was getting dragged into it too.
…Or maybe, since I’m already involved, I should take advantage of it?
“So-ok, can I ask you a favor?”
“Of course. What is it?”
“Can you get me some ice from Seolbinggo?”
“Ice?”
“Yeah. The Second Young Master wants very, very cold water. Not much—just one or two pieces should be enough.”
“Wait right here! I’ve got five years of experience at Jamigwan. I’ll bring it right away!”
In this world without refrigerators, ice was extremely valuable.
It wasn’t easy to store, so even people of high status rarely had access to it.
So why was I asking for it?
Of course, to give it to Jeok Igeon.
He originally drank only cold water year-round.
Because of that, once he became Tianma, the staff of Seolbinggo fought a daily battle with ice.
Every meal, and even between meals, they had to serve him ice-cold water. Imagine the stress.
In many ways, he was a master at making people suffer.
But for now, while he was still hiding his true nature, he was probably forcing himself to drink tea he didn’t even like.
If I suddenly presented him with ice water at a moment like this, wouldn’t he appreciate it?
And maybe, just maybe, he’d see me as slightly useful.
That was exactly what I was aiming for.
I’d be scratching an itch he hadn’t even voiced.
If that worked, maybe he’d feel just a little less inclined to kill me.
My wish was very simple.
To leave Geonyeonggak alive in two months.
Please… let the ice work.
“Seolha, here!”
Just as my mind filled with chaotic thoughts, So-ok came running back, sweating.
Seeing the ice carefully wrapped in cloth so it wouldn’t melt made me incredibly grateful.
“I’ll repay you later. Thank you so much!”
I should sneak out the snacks I hid tonight.
Thanking her repeatedly, I picked up the tray and hurried inside.
“You’re only coming now?”
“Yes, Cheon Gang-nim. I’ve brought the meal.”
I ran into my favorite again in the hallway.
Come to think of it, what about his breakfast?
Does he eat separately?
As I hesitated briefly, Cheon Gang pointed toward the inner room on the right.
“The Gongja usually eats there.”
“Ah, yes.”
I almost took it to the bedroom.
I gave a slight bow of thanks and carried the tray into the inner room he indicated.
Jeok Igeon was seated at a round table, sipping tea.
Seeing him wearing the blue outfit I had chosen made the corners of my lips twitch upward.
He really is handsome, no matter how many times I see him.
It felt like I was admiring a painting.
I carefully approached and set the meal before him.
Normally, I would’ve announced the meal, but I strictly followed Cheon Gang’s warning.
As I lifted the lids one by one, a delicious aroma filled the room.
Meat, fish, vegetables—it was a lavish spread.
I began placing small portions onto an empty plate for tasting.
“That will do.”
At that moment, Jeok Igeon spoke for the first time.
Despite his beautiful appearance, his voice was unexpectedly deep and low.
It suited him perfectly.
But why stop the tasting?
What if the First Young Master had tampered with it again?
I even brought antidote pills just in case…
“Then what is this?”
As he picked up his chopsticks, he pointed at the ice container.
I quickly set the plate down, opened the lid, and poured it into a cup.
Where’s the water…
I spotted a kettle nearby and poured water over the ice.
Go on, drink it.
It’ll be nice and cold.
I stepped back and waited for his reaction.
But no matter how long I waited, I heard no movement.
Trying to avoid eye contact, I slowly raised my gaze.
And once again, I collided directly with those dark eyes.
“……!”
What the hell is that look for?!
Doesn’t he like cold water?
I couldn’t tell if he was angry or something else.
If only he’d say something—how am I supposed to understand otherwise?
I knew he was taciturn, but this was excessive.
I couldn’t grasp the meaning behind that terrifying gaze at all.
As fear flooded in and I was on the verge of panicking, Jeok Igeon finally spoke.
“You don’t seem unable to speak… so why do you keep your mouth shut?”
“…Pardon?”
“What is this?”
He pointed at the ice water again.
“Th-that… is ice water.”
“Do you think I asked because I didn’t know that?”
“Ah… well… since you trained early this morning and bathed in hot water, I thought you might want something refreshing… so I prepared it…”
Did I mess up?
I thought he’d like it, but I didn’t expect him to be so wary.
I’m dead.
Grandma… I’m going to die without even using the antidote pills.
Trembling, I thought of Lady Shingeum.
Trying to impress him had backfired.
No one told me to do this—I brought it upon myself.
If you’re going to kill me, at least make it quick and painless, you psychopath!
Just as I cursed internally—
“Good.”
Jeok Igeon set down the cup—he had already taken a sip—and spoke briefly.
Then he began eating the rice and side dishes without even tasting them first.
What?
Did I… do well?
Did the ice water actually work?
