Jeong Yeonshin left the metropolitan examination grounds with Mungok.
Step.
Two shadows of clearly different heights and an old-fashioned wall stretched along an alley. The lantern lights were gradually dimming. Dawn was already breaking before he knew it.
Jeong Yeonshin carefully opened his mouth.
“But.”
“Speak comfortably. Even if this humble one wears the robes of a high official, Master Jeong is still my friend.”
“It is nothing, but.”
“Why would you hesitate? It is unlike you, Master Jeong.”
“If you go this far and end up failing again.”
“……?”
“The drawbridge to the main fortress moat is always lowered.”
Jeong Yeonshin said it calmly. He had phrased it indirectly because saying that the gates of the Desolate Fortress were always open felt too trite. And he endured Mungok’s silence.
It had to be said. If Mungok developed a Heart Demon after failing, it would be a serious matter. Jeong Yeonshin praised himself.
‘A place to return to is necessary.’
Only one who can embrace even those who have left his bosom may be called a gentleman. Even if Mungok were to challenge him to a life-and-death arm wrestling match. It was then.
Jeong Yeonshin suddenly stopped walking.
“Ah.”
“What is it?”
“It was not yet time to worry about what comes after failing… but it is too late.”