𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧 !

「 𝟎 𝟏 𝟕 」

yi zaha kinda ooc here idkkkkk
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"What a fucking joke. They were raring to kill us as a group a while ago, and now they're licking our feet." Dokgo clicks his tongue, the room laughing as Yi Zaha agrees.

Yoo Sacheong doesn't laugh, resulting in another slap from the red haired man. The silver phantom, having been raised in a family from the white faction, had never experienced such treatment toward himself before. He sits in quiet shock, unable to ground himself in the present, as if his body has betrayed him by freezing. 

You grimaced, sighing before taking a sip from your cup.

"Do you feel bad for the white faction boy?" Yi Zaha leans in beside you, voice hushed. 

You can't help but tell the truth, "Well, yes..."

He chuckles. Not mockingly—soft, thoughtful. Like he's amused by your answer but not surprised. You glance at him, studying his face longer than you should, trying to decipher what exactlu goes on in that bright mind of his. 

"Union Master, Madam Cheolseom has come to see you."

You perk up at the familiar name, recalling when a hail of finely-crafted weapons rained from the rear lines. He clan was famous was that: ambushes, assassins, exquisitely made small arms. You wonder if she's come to surrender. 

She enters alone, her purple robes flowing like ink in water. No disciples. No guards. Her presence, poised and elegant, is tinged with visible unease—her smile forced, shoulders too still. 

"Are you Madam Cheolseom?" Yi Zaha greets her smoothly. "I saw how skilled your subordinates were as they threw hidden weapons from the rear. Their skills in throwing weapons were no joke." 

"Yes, Union Master." She bows low, one hand over her chest in sincerity. "I deeply apologize. My disciples and I are thinking of leaving Elder Hornless Dragon King's side and returning to Pomegranate Blossom Valley. I will also warn my close friends not to get in the way of the black faction from now on. Please forgive our mistakes from today." 

Zaha nods, "Well, these things can happen in a battle. Let us do that, and now that we've come to know each other. I'd appreciate it if the entire pomegranate blossom valley does not become my enemy."

"Understood."

For a moment, it feels like the meeting is ending. But then she reaches into a robe and draws a knife.

Your breath catches.

A small and simple knife lays within her hands as she presents it before the clan leader, "Union master, as a token of my words from today, I will offer you the moonlight dagger that I've treasured since I was young."

She pauses before turning to you, bringing out a golden box with intricate designs. "And for you, little mantis."

That nickname—little mantis—hits you like a stone in a still pond, sending quiet ripples through your thoughts. You blink as she opens the box, revealing a rope dart crafted from rare ores, the handles engraved in special patters.

Madam Cheolseom steps closer to you and gently hands you the weapon with a smile, feeling pride in the way you sparkle like a child receiving a gift on Christmas day. Even if you already had a full collection of weapons stashed away in a safe space, every blade held a story untold, only pushing you to care for each and every gift she gives you.

"Thank you Madam Cheolseom." Is all you can manage to say as she nods before pulling you closer to whisper in your ear.

"It's nice to see you've finally found yourself a husband."