Childhood Friend of the Zenith

"Me?"

I repeated the Poison King's words, clearly taken aback.

So it's my fault that the relationship between Tang So-yeol and the Poison King has become strained?

I couldn't understand what he meant, so I just stared at him blankly. The Poison King, wearing a conflicted expression, continued speaking.

"No, I misspoke... To be precise, it's not entirely your fault."

"And that means...?"

"The last time I saw her, my daughter looked unusually troubled."

If he meant the last time, then it must have been the event Tang So-yeol mentioned—two years ago.

"And so, at the time, I naturally assumed it was because of you."

"Excuse me?"

What kind of absurd reasoning is this?

Because Tang So-yeol seemed upset, he immediately blamed me? Ridiculous.

But—

"Most of the time, when my daughter was sad, it was because of you."

"..."

For some reason, those words, though infuriating, left me speechless.

I had nothing to say in my defense, and the Poison King's expression made it clear that he knew it too.

That look on his face said, 'You can't really argue with that, can you?'

Since I truly didn't have a rebuttal, I stayed silent.

"That's why I thought it might be the same this time. However, she seemed especially distressed, so I made two assumptions."

"Assumptions, you say..."

"The first was... I thought it was your doing this time as well."

At that, my eyebrows twitched slightly. The way he said 'thought' implied it wasn't actually my fault.

"And the second..."

There was a moment of silence, a hesitation in the Poison King's demeanor.

A few seconds passed before he finally reopened his tightly shut lips.

"I assumed my daughter was still a child."

"Hmm."

That statement didn't quite make sense to me. Assuming she was still a child?

"Isn't that just what all parents do?"

I recalled someone saying once that no matter how old their children get, parents will always see them as kids.

Setting aside my own dysfunctional family, that sentiment seemed reasonable.

It was clear that the Poison King cared deeply for Tang So-yeol. That much was obvious.

But... something about his words felt different.

It seemed like further explanation was necessary.

As I quietly observed him, he spoke again.

"I already mentioned the first assumption, didn't I?"

"You mean that you thought it was my fault?"

"Exactly."

"Yes, I heard that."

"Back then, I truly believed that. Honestly, I still don't think I was entirely wrong."

"..."

His candid response didn't bother me as much as I thought it would.

"But the problem was the solution I proposed at the time. Do you know what I said to my daughter?"

"I don't."

He sighed and continued, his tone sounding almost like a complaint.

"I told her, 'If you want, I can break off the engagement between the Gu and Namgung families and arrange for our family to be tied to the Tang Clan instead.'"

"...!"

"That's what I said."

My brows furrowed instinctively. I pressed down the irritation welling up inside me, but it was too late—the Poison King had already noticed my displeasure.

He smiled awkwardly and spoke again.

"Seems like you didn't think it was a particularly good choice either."

"...It's not about good or bad. I just find it... unpleasant, personally."

Though his suggestion was meant for Tang So-yeol's sake, from my perspective, it was far from welcome.

The Poison King, of course, must have known this.

Still, the fact that he brought it up anyway suggested there was more to be said.

"Yes, it wasn't a great idea. And as it turns out, my daughter felt the same way."

"Miss Tang did?"

The fact that Tang So-yeol was upset seemed to be the critical point here.

"When she heard what I said, she immediately got angry and told me not to say such ridiculous things."

"..."

"It was the first time I'd ever seen her so furious."

The Poison King laughed as he recounted this memory.

"She said, 'If that's the kind of solution you're offering, then don't even bother. What do you think of all the efforts I've been making? And in the end—'"

The laughter faded slightly, and a hint of emotion crept into his expression.

"'If this is the approach you're [N O V E L I G H T] taking, doesn't that just mean the Tang Clan isn't willing to change?'"

"...!"

"That's what she said. Then, disappointed, she left the Tang Clan."

"..."

I swallowed hard.

It must have been around that time that Tang So-yeol left Sichuan and came to the Gu family.

Afterward, she followed the Shadow King elsewhere, and I had simply assumed it was for training.

"So this was the real reason?"

I hadn't known.

"When I heard her words, it felt like a dagger to my heart. A very deep one."

The Poison King gently placed a hand over his chest as if to emphasize his point.

"She was right. I had vowed to bear the sins of the clan and redeem its name. Yet, the path I chose for her was narrow-minded and short-sighted."

His voice, tinged with self-deprecation, grew weaker. It was clear he felt more regret than resentment.

He wasn't just apologizing for what he had said—he was apologizing for putting her in a position where she felt compelled to say such things.

The Poison King's emotions were evident.

"That's why I understand if my daughter hates me. She has every reason to."

Had he resigned himself to that fact? His expression suggested as much.

Watching him, I reflected on the situation.

I understood why Tang So-yeol distanced herself from him.

I understood that the Poison King was partially at fault.

I also understood why Tang So-yeol had been angry.

But—

"Is that really all there is to it?"

Was this really just about Tang So-yeol's anger? Something about that conclusion felt incomplete.

"No."

In my opinion, that wasn't the whole story.

Even if Tang So-yeol had been angry, I didn't think that was the entirety of the situation.

After pondering for a moment, I spoke to the Poison King.

"Master Tang."

At my call, he looked at me, his gaze still somewhat heavy.

"It's just a thought, but I don't think Miss Tang purely hates you."

"...What do you mean?"

"I mean..."

I met his gaze, pausing briefly to consider how best to phrase my thoughts.

"...Miss Tang takes after you."

It was the most straightforward way I could put it. And I meant it sincerely.

The Poison King's expression, however, showed confusion.

He didn't seem to understand.

"What do you mean by that...?"

"There's no need to overthink it. It just means what it means. And I don't think you need to worry too much about her."

"..."

Though I understood the nature of his worries, from my perspective, they didn't seem insurmountable.

"As you yourself said, Miss Tang is neither weak nor helpless."

"..."

"Tang So-yeol is neither weak nor a child. Sourced directly from MV6LEMP6YR.

In fact, she's strong and resilient. I remember how she stood firm, never breaking, no matter the circumstances she faced.

Since Poison Queen herself was like that, Tang So-yeol now must surely be the same."

"If you're still worried, why not meet her yourself?"

"...But the child..."

"Let's be honest, you haven't even tried to meet her, have you?"

"..."

At my pointed remark, the Poison King's lips clamped shut. It was obvious—he had been too hesitant to make the effort.

"Am I wrong?"

Silence is as good as agreement.

The Poison King didn't respond, and that silence was answer enough.

Seeing his reaction, I spoke with a slightly awkward tone.

"At least try to talk to her. Don't just stay silent."

I wanted to sound as nonchalant as possible, but I couldn't.

After all, here I was, offering advice about conversations when I couldn't even recall ever having a proper one with my own father.

"Conversations."

Don't stay silent—at least try talking.

The words I spoke came back to me, piercing with their own implications.

"I suppose I'll have to."

It was something I should have done long ago. If I could have in my previous life, it would have been better.

But since I hadn't, I had to face it now.

Suppressing the discomfort rising in my chest, I bit down on my tongue slightly and added to my words.

"Anyway... I understand the situation now. It's ultimately your decision to make, but I apologize if I overstepped."

"...It was helpful, so don't worry about it. And for what it's worth, I also apologize."

The Poison King offered an apology, acknowledging not just his earlier mention of breaking the Gu-Namgung engagement but also his suggestion to arrange one with the Tang family.

"Understood."

I accepted it without much reaction. I could have pressed further, but I saw no need to do so.

Considering my relationship with the Poison King and, more importantly, Tang So-yeol, it was better to let it slide.

Just as the conversation seemed to reach its conclusion—

"...Next."

I added, pulling out a letter from my inner pocket.

"I won't be staying long, so I've organized a rough schedule."

"Organized? You didn't have the time for that."

"No, but I found some time by accident."

Specifically, I had stayed up all night in frustration when a certain flame didn't ignite, and I used the leftover time productively.

"For now, regarding the Dokcheon Pill, there's more research to be done. I suggest discussing this further with a trading company for their assistance."

"A trading company?"

"Baekhwa Trading Company."

"...I see."

As expected, it was the Baekhwa Trading Company. The Poison King nodded in understanding upon hearing the name.

There was no other choice. That was the only connection I had. And conveniently—

"The head of the Sichuan branch is someone I know well, so there should be no problems."

Since the branch manager was someone easy to deal with, it was an ideal choice.

The only concern was—

"It'd be better if another company could handle it, for Madam Mi's sake."

Given the Tang Clan's current reputation in Zhongyuan, any dealings could potentially tarnish Baekhwa Trading Company's image.

That thought made me feel guilty toward Madam Mi.

"...But there's no other way."

I didn't have many cards to play in this matter.

If I were to consider another option—

"The Central Trading Company."

The top trading company in Zhongyuan, currently focused on me.

Using them was a possibility, but—

"Too risky."

Relying on an unfamiliar entity could easily become a shackle around my neck.

In the end, dealing with Baekhwa Trading Company was the best option.

"...Will it be all right?"

The Poison King asked, aware of the burden this arrangement might bring.

But after weighing the options, this was the best course.

Without external support, the Tang Clan might not be able to secure materials in the future.

Even Shaolin and Mount Hua had contracts with trading companies for resource supplies.

"It'll be fine."

I had already decided. If I was going to do it, I had to be ready to endure the consequences.

"If you say so, then I won't refuse."

"This is something I'm doing for my own benefit, after all."

The Tang Clan could reclaim its lost legacy, and I would get what I wanted in return.

It was a transaction, plain and simple.

After handing over the letter, I addressed the Poison King again.

"I'd like to verify things more directly, but... I'll have to leave soon."

"You're leaving immediately?"

"Yes. It seems there's trouble brewing. Oh, but I'll stop by once more before heading back."

"Understood."

"Then."

With a brief bow, I turned, grasping the doorknob to leave.

******************

Thud.

The sound echoed as Gu Yangcheon left the room.

The Poison King, left alone, stood silently, staring at the door as if lost in thought.

"You've never even tried to meet her, have you?"

The words struck him to his core.

It was something he hadn't dared to do, paralyzed by fear of his daughter's resentment.

"...Damn it."

He had been called out on the very thing he had been avoiding. The accuracy of the remark was so sharp it left him unable to respond.

Why hadn't he thought about it more deeply? Why had he avoided it altogether?

"Did the burden of the Tang Clan's sins weigh on me so much?"

The initial resolve had been clear—to bear the sins of his ancestors. But when faced with reality, had his conviction wavered?

The overwhelming pressure seemed to have clouded his vision, making even simple truths hard to grasp.

"Haah..."

The Poison King exhaled deeply, rubbing his face as if trying to scrub away his fatigue.

"How foolish of me."

His voice carried heavy self-reproach.

Yet, faintly intertwined with that regret was a newfound determination.

Without wasting another moment, he stood up.

There was somewhere he needed to go before it was too late.

"...I'll have to thank him properly later."

When he saw Gu Yangcheon again, he would make sure to express his gratitude. With that resolution in mind, the Poison King began to move—but then froze.

Something had crossed his mind, halting him in his tracks.

As he thought about Gu Yangcheon, a forgotten detail suddenly surfaced.

"Ah."

A bitter laugh escaped his lips.

"He got me."

He realized that he hadn't asked the questions he wanted to, hadn't gotten to the heart of the matter.

Instead, he'd ended up talking about himself, while Gu Yangcheon merely listened and left at the perfect moment.

This wasn't a coincidence.

The Poison King knew exactly what had happened.

It was all part of Gu Yangcheon's plan—to distract him with words and leave without addressing the real issue.

"Hah."

Understanding this, the Poison King laughed to himself.

"As expected... there's no way I can give my daughter to someone like him."

He vowed once more that he couldn't entrust his precious daughter to such a cunning man.

But deep down, even he knew—

He didn't really mean it.