The Heavenly Demon Cult’s Strongest Maid - Chapter 61

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 61

“Didn’t you miss eating because of me?”

“How did you…?”

Don’t tell me he didn’t leave and was watching over me back then?

Surprised by my hesitation, Eok I-geon personally placed a pastry in my hand.

“You did well yesterday. It was more splendid than I expected.”

“Thank you.”

When teaching, he was like a tiger teacher, but now that it’s over, he’s giving me all sorts of praise.

“Ah! Since you’re here, may I tell you something?”

Having received the pastry, I proudly pointed to the dumplings wrapped in cloth.

“These are dumplings made by my grandmother, and I brought them to give to Prince Lee.”

“Didn’t you say your grandmother runs a noodle shop?”

“Originally yes, but somehow the people around who tasted grandmother’s dumplings kept asking her to sell them, so now she sells both together. The taste is absolutely amazing!”

I guarantee that the moment you eat these dumplings, ordinary dumplings won’t satisfy you anymore.

“Grandmother and I made them all night yesterday. Thank you for teaching me so much all this time.”

“…You made them?”

“Yes. I’ve been doing it since I was young, so I’m quite good at making dumplings.”

So you can trust them and eat with confidence.

I deliberately smiled brightly at Eok I-geon to reassure him.

Huh?

But his reaction was somehow strange.

Why is he suddenly glaring at the dumplings?

Don’t tell me he thinks I poisoned them?

You know I have the antidote, so would I do such a thing?

There’s a limit to ignoring someone’s sincerity.

“Should I taste them first?”

“Are you suggesting we dine together?”

“What? No, that’s not…”

“Good. Let’s eat this morning’s meal together at Yeong-eun Hall.”

What followed happened in a flash.

At Eok I-geon’s command to prepare, Sook quickly grabbed the dumpling bundle and ran to Jami-gwan.

I didn’t even have time to stop her. After getting caught up with Eok I-geon and coming to my senses, Sook was already becoming a dot in the distance.

What on earth is this situation?

“Hmm.”

Why am I sitting face to face with Eok I-geon, whom I thought I’d never see again, from this early morning?

And with grandmother’s steaming hot dumplings between us, no less.

I definitely didn’t pack all this to eat together with him.

“The taste is good.”

As expected, Eok I-geon was very satisfied and kept swallowing dumplings.

Can you even taste them when you barely chew a few times before swallowing?

“The spicy aftertaste is quite unique.”

What, did you secretly learn mind reading or something?

I was startled by Eok I-geon’s words, as if he had read my thoughts.

“The way they melt softly in your mouth makes them the best dumplings I’ve ever eaten.”

“Right? I grew up eating these dumplings, so I can’t buy them anywhere else.”

Even in this situation, I felt good hearing the praise.

I knew Shin Geum’s dumplings would work anywhere.

“But why aren’t you eating?”

“I ate a lot last night, so I’m not hungry. Please eat plenty, Prince Lee.”

The speed at which the dumplings disappeared was record-breaking.

If I picked up chopsticks too, filling Eok I-geon’s stomach would be hopeless.

As if reading my mind, I saw Sook quietly retreating.

She probably intended to bring my portion that I had set aside for her.

‘I shouldn’t have brought up the dumplings.’

Regret washed over me, but the water had already been spilled.

Wow, he finished all of that by himself.

As expected, Eok I-geon! You’re the best!

Just as I was inwardly paying respects to Eok I-geon’s stomach, Sook approached and handed me a letter.

“First Miss, the Third Prince has sent you a letter.”

A letter out of nowhere?

What could he and I possibly have to talk about?

I snorted and opened the letter, when suddenly I felt a cold gaze from ahead.

“Were you exchanging letters with Hwi-gyeom?”

“Pardon?”

“What business does that fellow have to send you a letter this morning?”

“That’s what I’m wondering. This is my first time experiencing this, so I don’t understand either. Why would the Third Prince send me a letter? And I’ve never written a letter to anyone except grandmother.”

Under Eok I-geon’s murderous gaze, I found myself rambling excuses without realizing it.

“Is that true?”

“Of course! How would I dare lie to you!”

“Then open it. I need to know what’s written there.”

“Yes.”

…Wait, hold on.

This is Yeong-eun Hall and the letter came to me, so why do I have to open it in front of Eok I-geon?

Isn’t this a clear invasion of privacy?

I’m not even a maid anymore.

“Hurry up and check it.”

“Yes.”

No matter how much rebellious feelings surged in my head, my physical body couldn’t follow suit.

I unfolded the letter and read it as if I had never hesitated at Eok I-geon’s command.

“Huh?”

What does this mean?

Who’s coming?

The letter’s contents were absurd enough to make me doubt my own eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“Look at this. It says the children of the Six Great Demon Clans are coming to greet me today. Is this true?”

“Was that day today?”

“You knew about this too, Prince Lee?”

“Didn’t you hear it together back then?”

“Back then?”

“It was when you were busy practicing martial arts. Seo-ryeon informed us, don’t you remember?”

Since I looked like I was about to jump in surprise, Eok I-geon uncharacteristically explained calmly.

But.

“Not at all. I can’t even recall a fragment of that memory.”

“You did seem too busy blocking my attacks to pay attention…”

Excuse me.

Then you should have told me again later when I was in my right mind!

What kind of bolt from the blue is this!

I was thinking of resting comfortably now that the martial arts tournament was over, but what’s this about receiving guests?

Moreover, if they were children of the Six Great Demon Clans, they were truly the most noble of nobles in the Demonic Sect.

Not just one, but six children from prestigious families different from my humble origins were coming to see me as a group.

Ugh.

‘I really hate this!’

I could already feel a headache coming on.

“But what does the visit of the Six Great Demon Clans’ children have to do with Hwi-gyeom?”

“Ah, he sent word that he would also attend that gathering.”

“On whose authority?”

Well, it would be Eok Hwi-gyeom’s own authority, of course.

From my perspective, whether there were six or seven guests didn’t make much difference.

I was just worried about how to lead the conversation as the owner of Yeong-eun Hall.

First, I should have them prepare thoroughly.

I immediately called Sook to explain the situation and asked her to pay special attention since this would be the first social gathering at my residence.

Fortunately, since Sook had been part of Jami-gwan, she had plenty of experience with banquets.

“I should be there too.”

“…Pardon?”

“I’m too anxious to leave it alone.”

“What are you anxious about? I appreciate the sentiment, but it’s fine.”

It wouldn’t be strange for Eok I-geon to join, but it would be better if he weren’t there so I could focus on the Six Great Demon Clans’ children.

If he got offended and ruined the gathering, it would only cause trouble for me.

‘I don’t want to see a bloodbath.’

Eok I-geon’s attendance wasn’t a matter of pros and cons, but a matter of life and death for me or someone else, so I unknowingly reacted a bit strongly.

“…Hwi-gyeom is allowed, but I’m not?”

Huh? Why is the conversation going in that direction?

I never told Eok Hwi-gyeom to come either.

I stared at Eok I-geon with bewildered eyes as he didn’t answer my question and only said irrelevant things. Then he suddenly warned me in a serious tone.

“Every word you say at the gathering will be reported directly to the Six Great Demon Clans. They’ll want to know your opinions, thoughts, future plans, and various other things, and they’ll try to gauge your martial arts level. They might even deliberately be rude to observe your reaction.”

“Like testing the waters, something like that?”

The pretext was that the heirs of the Six Great Demon Clans wanted to pay their respects to Cheonma’s first disciple.

“They probably want to judge whether you’re someone they can pull to their side or not.”

“Hmm, I probably won’t be much help to them.”

“That’s what you think.”

In the original story, neither Cheonma Eok Yeo-gwang nor Eok I-geon had disciples.

So I had no idea what kind of situations would arise for me.

“The gathering will include lunch, so I’ll come back around that time. Prepare well.”

“Yes.”

As soon as Eok I-geon left, Sook came running over in a hurry.

“Seolha, let’s change your clothes first!”

“Huh?”

“They say that for a woman not to be looked down upon, she must equip herself with beauty!”

“Who said that?”

“My mom.”

I don’t think she was originally this type of character, but her eyes looked slightly crazed.

“Your face is already a weapon, but let’s still find the best armor!”

My face is a weapon, and clothes are armor?

At this expression I’d never heard before, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“The sisters at Jami-gwan are also going crazy right now.”

“Why there?”

“They’re all fired up saying you can’t be intimidated in front of the Six Great Demon Clans’ children. I think some amazing cuisine is going to be born.”

Pfft!

I had just hoped they’d prepare something neat and tidy.

Who knew the support from those in similar situations would be so empowering.

“I’ll have to treat everyone big later.”

“Then let’s go to the wardrobe for now!”

Right, if it’s something I’ll have to face eventually, it’s better to get it over with quickly.

Sook was literally like a fish in water, flying around.

She moved so quickly that even I, who had learned martial arts, felt dizzy.

“Sook, calm down a little…”

“The purple is hard to give up too, but is this one better?”

After choosing one outfit and dressing me in it, Sook smiled with great satisfaction, clapping her hands in delight.

“Wow, Seolha! You’re really pretty! You don’t look like a person but exactly like a doll!”

Did Sook have this kind of talent?

My appearance after changing into the colorful outfit and even applying makeup looked quite presentable even to me.

In my hair, I wore the butterfly-shaped pin I received from Cheonma, and on one wrist, I even put on Hong-hwan.

My self-esteem suddenly soared – the saying that clothes make the person wasn’t just empty words.

At least I wouldn’t be outshone in appearance.

The anxious and nervous feelings I had after receiving Eok Hwi-gyeom’s letter had somehow transformed into confidence.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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