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Juk Igeon calmly kept eating his meal while I stood there trembling.
Relief that I had survived slowly settled in, but there was nothing I could do about the irritation boiling up at his composed attitude.
Still, it wasn’t my place to question him, so all I could do was quietly attend to his meal.
The only thing to lament was that I had to do this four times a day.
Back when I was an office worker, I was happy just eating two meals a day.
But here, even three weren’t enough, and I had to prepare late-night snacks too.
Given that he constantly trained, it wasn’t impossible to understand, but from the worker’s perspective, it was extremely annoying.
I missed the days when I just did laundry all day.
Carrying the empty tray back to Jamigwan step by step, I felt so pitiful that my chest tightened.
I was already drained from the very first day, so the thought of enduring two whole months felt overwhelming.
Still, at least I got through breakfast safely.
I forced myself to think positively.
Negative thoughts damage your health and lower your confidence.
Didn’t the ice water work too?
Since I got off to a good start, maybe it wouldn’t be bad to be a little bolder.
“There she is! Seolha’s back!”
“Seolha!”
Before I could even enter Jamigwan, the maids, including Soyok, rushed toward me.
“What did the Second Young Master say?”
“It’s the first time he’s ever asked for ice water! No, it’s the first time he’s ever requested anything from Jamigwan!”
“What should we make for lunch?”
“Did he say he wants anything else?”
All this fuss over a single cup of ice water.
Come to think of it, Juk Igeon hadn’t really done anything. If anything, he just made things more troublesome.
And yet they were all this excited. He really was something else.
Well, that’s why he’s the protagonist.
Suddenly, irritation surged up.
Listening to them praise Juk Igeon nonstop made my stomach twist.
If I could, I’d grab someone and rant about what he’s really like, but I’d probably be labeled a traitor among the maids.
Honestly, I doubted they’d even believe me. Even later in the story, when he reveals his true nature, no one dares to badmouth him.
Because everyone values their life.
And I absolutely needed Jamigwan’s help going forward.
For that, it was better to throw them bait they’d like.
Looks like I’ll be saying a lot of things I don’t mean for a while.
It pricked my conscience, but I was just trying to survive.
So I decided not to feel too guilty.
“Thank you so much for today. The Second Young Master really liked it the moment he drank it.”
“Oh my! That quiet man actually said he liked it?”
“Really?”
“Yes. He said it exactly like this. ‘Good.’”
I deliberately imitated Juk Igeon’s blunt tone.
Immediately, squeals erupted everywhere.
“We should’ve brought it sooner!”
“Ahh, I want to hear his voice too!”
They’re really that happy?
I barely suppressed a sigh and added,
“If possible, it might be good to prepare ice water with his meals from now on… though I suppose that would be difficult, since ice is so rare.”
“No way! Not at all!”
“Right, there’s plenty of ice in the ice storage!”
“Hardly anyone even asks for it, so that’s fine!”
“This is perfect, we can finally make those ice-storage workers do some actual work instead of wasting time!”
Okay, that secures the ice water.
“How about noodles for lunch?”
“Noodles?”
“Yes. It seemed like he likes noodle dishes. If we top it with plenty of meat, it’ll make a great meal.”
“Perfect! I’m putting my life into the noodle dough today!”
“I’ll handle the broth. I’ll boil a whole chicken until it’s rich!”
The masters of Jamigwan cooking rolled up their sleeves, their eyes blazing with zeal like fanatics.
I quietly slipped away from their energy and approached Soyok.
“Soyok, do you happen to have any snacks left over?”
“What? Did you skip breakfast worrying about the Young Master? Geez, wait a moment.”
Truly, there’s nothing better than a good coworker.
Soon, Soyok discreetly tucked a fairly heavy bundle into my sleeve.
I thanked her with my eyes and returned to Geonyeonggak.
I had heard that at this hour, Juk Igeon and Cheon Gang would each be training at their personal training grounds.
During that time, my main duties were cleaning the areas I hadn’t finished or checking the work of the other maids like Senior Doae.
I had been ready to scold them for slacking off using the excuse of sore arms, but perhaps my earlier warning worked, because everything was spotless.
The hostility in their eyes hadn’t completely disappeared, but I could clearly feel that they were afraid of me.
Grandmother said not to reveal my martial arts carelessly…
Well, what could happen?
Even thinking back, I couldn’t have endured that situation earlier.
Still, I had to remember to handle things outside Geonyeonggak next time.
After giving a few instructions, I headed back to Jamigwan.
Until yesterday, the laundry area had been my main workplace and resting spot, so this path still felt unfamiliar.
But I’d get used to it soon. Starting today, it would be the road I walked the most.
For lunch, I had to bring Juk Igeon’s meal directly to the training ground.
According to the booklet Madam Gwak gave me, he usually ate lunch later than others at the training ground.
Training at dawn.
Training again after breakfast.
Eating lunch while training, dinner after bathing.
Then reading for a bit before having a late-night snack and sleeping.
Wasn’t he incredibly diligent?
That’s probably why he reached such a monstrous level at such a young age.
Of course, he also had a few fortunate encounters as the protagonist.
I remembered rereading those parts because they were so interesting.
Would those events happen the same way this time?
The thought crossed my mind, but I dismissed it.
I wouldn’t even be here by then.
Whether he gained opportunities or not had nothing to do with me.
I was going to escape this demonic cult and go far, far away.
“But what’s that sound?”
As I neared the training ground with the noodles, a fierce tearing sound split the air, and the ground trembled like an earthquake.
“Ah—no!”
Afraid the soup would spill, I instinctively circulated my internal energy and steadied my body.
“Don’t tell me that just now was…!”
The moment I stepped into the training ground, my suspicion vanished.
Juk Igeon was practicing sword forms.
At a glance, he wasn’t using any internal energy, relying purely on physical strength.
Wow… that’s possible without internal energy?
I was completely overwhelmed.
Not just by the dazzling techniques, but by his focused presence.
This was the first time since coming to this world that I had seen true high-level martial arts.
“Place the meal on the pavilion over there.”
I had completely lost myself.
“…Yes.”
Startled by the sudden voice beside me, I snapped back to my senses.
To think I was spying on Juk Igeon’s training.
I felt disgusted with myself for repeatedly doing such reckless things.
After bowing to Cheon Gang, I quickly set the meal in the pavilion.
As if waiting, Juk Igeon put down his sword and immediately came over.
Before uncovering the noodles, I poured him a cup of ice water.
Perhaps because he had already tried it once, he drank it without comment.
Seems “good” was a one-time thing.
Cold bastard.
But I still had my trump card.
The moment I lifted the lid of the noodles, I noticed him pause.
Heh. Didn’t expect this, did you?
Whether in Korea or here, noodles were a commoner’s food.
Born and raised as the noble Second Young Master of the Demonic Cult, Juk Igeon had only encountered noodles after unifying the martial world.
Before that, he probably didn’t even know such a dish existed.
Despite being a psychopath, his taste was simple. Afterward, he always ordered noodles wherever he went.
If he never got tired of them then, he’d surely like them now.
But faced with unfamiliar food, he simply stared at me again.
I really can’t get used to those eyes.
Lowering my gaze quickly, I explained,
“This is a dish called chicken kalguksu. The broth is made by boiling chicken, and the noodles are sliced from kneaded flour. It may not look appealing, but it should suit your taste.”
Even after my explanation, his sharp gaze didn’t soften.
Suppressing my tension, I added,
“It is nutritious and helps restore stamina. Since you train every day, you may think of it as a health food.”
Now are you interested?
At the word “health food,” his pupils clearly trembled.
Go on, try it. I’ll bet my life you’ll finish the whole thing.
After a moment of hesitation, he picked up his chopsticks.
He lifted the noodles and ate. Then again. Soon, his movements quickened, and before long, he was slurping them down.
There it is.
He’s even slurping.
Watching him lift the bowl and drink the broth, I couldn’t help but smirk.
Now you’re curious what comes next, aren’t you?
They say nothing is more effective than food when it comes to winning people over.
I wasn’t actually trying to win him over, but still, lunch was a success.
‘Maybe my lifespan just increased by a day or two.’
With a quiet sigh of relief, I watched him eat with a sly smile.
“I don’t need empty compliments about how good it tastes.”
With Juk Igeon’s personality, he wouldn’t say such things anyway, and the completely empty bowl already spoke for itself.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
Although Cheon Gang had advised me to speak as little as possible around him, from half a day’s experience, he actually tended to ask for explanations.
I was still nervous, but from now on, I intended to say what needed to be said.
I didn’t want to die for staying silent.
Huh?
Why won’t this lift?
After announcing my departure, I tried to pick up the tray.
But it wouldn’t budge.
The noodles and ice water were gone, so it should’ve been lighter, yet it felt like a boulder.
“…Y-Young Master?”
The cause wasn’t hard to find.
Juk Igeon was pressing down on the tray.
With just one finger.
He wasn’t even applying force, just lightly resting it there, yet the tray felt glued to the ground.
Flustered, I held both sides of the tray and looked at him.
As expected, he was staring at me again.
If you want something, just say it, you bastard!
What’s the point of having a mouth?
Do I have to read your mind too?
While cursing inwardly, I frantically thought.
What does he want?
Wait… is it that?
Juk Igeon was nineteen.
In Korea, that’s about a high school senior.
At that age, one bowl of noodles wouldn’t be enough.
Even instant ramen gets eaten in multiple packs.
And he trained constantly.
“I… would you like more noodles?”
He didn’t nod or reply.
He simply lifted his finger.
A silent command to bring more immediately.
‘Seriously.’
The Jamigwan girls will go crazy.
Carrying the tray, I ran.
From his expression, I felt like something bad would happen if I was late.
Fortunately, there was plenty of kalguksu prepared, and I returned in time.
He started eating again.
Just in case, I had brought nearly double the amount, and he devoured it all in no time.
Yet not a single drop of broth splashed. Even while eating like that, he was strangely refined.
After finishing the second bowl, his face looked thoroughly satisfied.
Maybe I should serve different kinds of noodles for lunch from now on.
At least he won’t pin down the tray again.
As if proving my worry unnecessary, the tray lifted easily this time.
Finally free, I quickly left the pavilion.
Dinner and late-night snacks still remained, but just getting through lunch made me feel much lighter.
I need to get as far away from here as possible.
For my mental health, if nothing else.
“It seems the Young Master has quite an appetite today.”
Under a large zelkova tree near the training ground, Cheon Gang approached me with a smile.
Wow, my favorite smiling at me.
That’s a huge improvement from this morning.
“He must’ve been very hungry. What about you, Cheon Gang?”
I set the tray down.
“I didn’t see you eat this morning or at lunch. Aren’t you hungry?”
“Do not worry about me. You are the Young Master’s maid. Focus on him.”
“Yes, but people need to eat to work. Especially for a bodyguard like you, shouldn’t you take care of yourself?”
“No, I…”
“Here, take this.”
I handed him a rice ball Soyok had given me.
“They’re really good. Just one will fill you up.”
“I truly am fine. I cannot take what your friend gave you.”
“I didn’t say I’d give you all of them.”
“…What?”
“I have one too.”
I showed him the other rice ball.
“Your advice this morning helped me a lot. Please accept this as thanks.”
After a pause, he accepted it.
“Very well. Thank you.”
He took a big bite right there.
Really? Here?
I thought he’d eat quietly somewhere else, but he was more easygoing than I expected.
“That was no exaggeration.”
After swallowing, his expression changed.
“This is the best rice ball I’ve ever had.”
“Right? My friend is amazing.”
Soon, the rice ball disappeared.
A trace of regret flickered in his eyes.
Yes, success!
“I’ll bring more next time.”
“I will be in your debt.”
He would normally refuse, but it must’ve been that good.
Food really is the best way to win people over.
“Well then, I’ll get going. See you at dinner!”
I still had cleaning to finish.
Juk Igeon was a neat freak. The booklet said the place had to be cleaned twice a day.
So troublesome.
Carrying the tray, I walked toward the exit.
Then I glanced back.
“…!”
I almost dropped the tray.
Why is he staring like that again?!
From a distance, Juk Igeon was glaring at me.
The intensity felt like it could cut my throat.
My heart nearly stopped.
Did I do something wrong?
Even thinking hard, I couldn’t find a reason.
You just ate two bowls of noodles!
Why act like this now?
I ran away from the training ground, reminded once again never to let my guard down.
At Jamigwan, I was held up for nearly an hour.
As expected, the whole place was in chaos over the noodle refill.
All because he enjoyed a dish.
Everyone was thrilled that the most handsome man in the Demonic Cult had finally taken interest in Jamigwan.
Some even started grooming themselves.
Others asked me how to win his favor.
Apparently, I was gaining attention too.
Good thing I escaped using the excuse of serving him, or I might’ve been stuck there until dinner.
“His popularity is insane.”
Even for a protagonist, this is too much.
I wanted to stay unnoticed until I left, but things felt uncertain.
“Think positive!”
Just two months.
If I endure that, I live.
“That’s right, no one cares about us maids anyway.”
Back at Geonyeonggak, it was silent as a temple.
Too quiet.
And… no guards?
Strange.
Well, not my problem.
Time to clean.
Later, the bathwater incident…
“The water’s gone cold?!”
They did it on purpose.
That Doae.
Unbelievable nerve.
I reheated everything myself.
“Next time, I’ll check before letting them leave.”
After preparing the perfect temperature, I added a medicinal soak.
A gamble.
Would he like it?
Soon, he arrived.
“You put something in the water?”
“Yes. It relieves fatigue.”
Then—
“Come here.”
“…Yes?”
I approached carefully.
“What did you give earlier?”
“Huh?”
“Cheon Gang.”
Ah.
“The rice ball.”
“You gave it to him, not me…”
“…!”
My heart dropped.
This was bad.
Very bad.
“P-please spare me! I failed to consider your feelings!”
I bowed flat on the ground.
“When did I say I’d kill you?”
He scoffed.
“You seem overly afraid of me.”
“I-I’ve only heard of your noble character!”
“Then explain.”
So I did.
“Rice balls are for servants. Not someone of your status.”
“Cheon Gang seemed to enjoy it.”
“If you wish, I can prepare it properly for dinner.”
“Fine. Do so.”
…That’s what he wanted?
You nearly killed me over that?!
Later, dinner.
He devoured only the rice balls.
Not even touching the side dishes.
If those were stones, his teeth would be gone.
But no.
I have to survive.
After dinner…
“Only the late-night snack left…”
I was exhausted.
Then—
“Seolha!”
Senior Gaye appeared.
“A celebration.”
“…I can’t leave…”
“It’s fine.”
She dragged me along.
Suspicious.
Then—
“I told you we’d meet later.”
Doae.
And another girl.
“My sister.”
Ah.
So that’s it.
“You dared hit my sister?”
“Self-defense.”
“Still.”
Then—
A slap came flying.
I stepped back.
“Huh?”
She followed.
Not normal movement.
Footwork.
So she knows martial arts.
But too bad.
I’m not losing.
Grandmother didn’t raise me weak.
