Daldal: Main story

Chapter 117

"Even if I denied it, you wouldn't believe me anyway."

Being a close servant, Kang-hee understood that Chae Yoon-sa didn't come to conclusions lightly.
He only did so when there's certainty or a pressing need.

"Why should I believe your word over my decision? Well..."

"It seems there isn't a reason."

That's why Chae Yoon-sa didn't easily sway. Common excuses wouldn't bend him. The offered chance was more of a hopeful torment than a rescue intention.

In a world where a Master's words become law, here, Chae Yoon-sa's words were the final say for Cha Ga-won. Kang-hee had neither the authority nor the skill to overturn the conclusion.

The more lies, the more precarious the situation becomes. Excuses, no matter how plausible, eventually unravel. Even if he denies it, with the revelation that he helped Eun-oh run away, there's no escape. Whether he denies or admits, the outcome remains the same.

It's exhausting.

Closing his eyes tightly, Kang-hee let go of pointless explanations, useless struggles, and desperate pleas. In the past, he might have summoned determination to escape this crisis, but now, he felt no urge. Maybe because he had lost everything.

He was simply... tired.

Tired enough to entertain the thought of ending it all here

The silence at this moment spoke of surrender, and surrender carried a strength similar to acknowledgment.

"It looks like you're admitting, is that right?"

"Young Master has already reached a conclusion. Whatever I say won't change that. So, yes, I admit."

Yohwan couldn't help but be anxious about Kang-hee's resigned attitude. It seemed like Chae Yoon-sa would cut Kang-hee's hand and pull out his tongue if he continued like this.

"One more thing. I suspect you leaked information from the documents, diverting my prey. What do you think about that?"

"I won't admit. Because I didn't. I have no reason to."

"No reason."

"Yes. What more could I hide now, Young Master?"

Yoon Chae-sa studied Kang-hee's expression intently, trying to uncover the truth amid his surrender. Yet, Kang-hee's total submission made it difficult, even for Yoon Chae-sa to read his true intentions.

"If you won't hide anything, then let me ask this."

Nodding toward Eun-oh, he continued, "Why would he willingly take the blame? Persisting in a theft he didn't commit-I'm genuinely curious about the underlying circumstances. There must be something going on between you two. Tell me about it"

The moment to reveal the secret had arrived. A single word could do it.

If Kang-hee said he is a Yokai...

Kang-hee's gaze remained fixed on Eun-oh, who grappled with the fear that exposing the secret would seal his fate. His dry lips quivered as he faced the daunting prospect.

"I... "

It was the moment of decision.

In this critical moment, Eun-oh's life hanged entirely on Kang-hee's decision. If he revealed Eun-oh is a Yokai, Eun-oh would not escape unharmed. Kang-hee was well aware of the deep-seated animosity residing in Yoon Chae-sa's heart, and the unforgiving intensity of that hatred. Despite his fondness for Eun-oh, Kang-hee knew that Yoon Chae-sa wouldn't easily forgive.