Chapter 431

〈 Chapter 431: Part 1, Chapter 18, Section 13 〉

Maamryong Azidahaka.

Even though she’s now an irreparably light-headed woman, in the original story, she was a classic tsundere heroine. Always trying to hide her feelings but never quite succeeding, she embodied the archetype of someone who constantly says “Don’t get the wrong idea!”

This tsunderish nature mixed with queen bee tendencies, making Azidahaka surrounded by monsters captivated by this charm gap. As a queen, she maintained an air of aloofness, yet still cared enough to inspire loyalty among the monsters.

Her method involved vicarious satisfaction through avatars, meticulously operating in the shadows in the original story. She claimed all these actions were merely practice for when the real prince would arrive, portraying herself as a demure lady in front of him.

The monsters lusted after Azidahaka’s virginity as Maamryong, deepening their obsession with her. In fact, she was considered a saint among them, indulging in every kind of play and even accepting bizarre fetishes.

Azidahaka stood at the center of it all, an extremely extroverted leader often described as a social butterfly, always surrounded by handsome male monsters. She enjoyed seeing them pining for her.

On the other hand, Maamryong had the exact opposite personality:

An outcast. With severe social anxiety.

Uncomfortable forming relationships, Maamryong preferred doing everything alone, fearing collaboration with others. Conversations rarely flowed smoothly, and she dreaded talking to people altogether.

“What? Why not?”

Trapped in unnecessary competitiveness and brimming with distrust, Maamryong spoke briefly, coolly, and irritably. So much so that after her transformation into a spirit, some even requested she return to being Azidahaka—Maamryong simply made people uneasy.

This outsider trait suited Kim Nori perfectly. Though family ties improved before things worsened, Kim Nori too was once ostracized at home.

Just like Kim Nori, whose deep thoughts and formidable mental strength became apparent over time, Maamryong also opened up gradually upon understanding. The truth was, Maamryong didn’t know how to interact with people and deliberately avoided speaking for fear of exposing her inner thoughts. As trust grew, conversations became more natural, successfully rehabilitating a closed-off S-rank spirit back into society.

“Can I kiss you? … Just kidding… no, wait, I wasn’t joking, uh, it’s not that I don’t want to kiss you, I mean, our relationship has deepened so much… Why aren’t you answering? Do you not want me to kiss you? If you don’t, well, there’s nothing I can do, but I’d prefer to go further than just kissing, AAAAHHHH!!!”

So began the bonus scene during their night market date.

Azidahaka was cosplaying—or rather, acting—as Maamryong. Likely awakened 20 years ago (though erased from my memory), she probably knows Maamryong better than anyone else.

I should have stopped it, but couldn’t. If I interfered now, everything would be ruined, and I might never capture Azidahaka again.

‘Trust him.’

I earnestly hoped Lee Seung-hyung could maintain his resolve and resist Azidahaka’s allure.

* * *

In the chaotic heart of a club, Seung-hyung sipped on a Black Russian while sizing up his opponent. Despite knowing better, the figure before him seemed too hard to believe as Azidahaka.

Perfectly smooth black straight hair without a single strand out of place, a flawless white shirt pressed to perfection paired with a sleek black suit.

Though hidden by the table, holographic scans via magical gear confirmed navy heels and nearly transparent black stockings adorned her legs. A red tie caught his eye, but what truly mesmerized Seung-hyung was the teardrop-shaped mole beneath her left eye.

‘This reminds me of one of Gaeul-nim’s favorite dramas.’

Why does meeting you make me think of tragic drama protagonists? Not because of infidelity or revenge spirits, but due to an aura that demanded attention despite her already elegant appearance.

“Is there something on my face?”

Her voice sounded stiff yet oddly gentle. Realizing he’d been staring too long, Seung-hyung quickly bowed his head.

“My apologies… uh…”

Then he realized—he didn’t know her name. Even someone prone to verbal slip-ups like Seung-hyung wouldn’t dare call her “Ms. Azidahaka” here. His gaze fell onto the name tag pinned to her suit vest.

[ANG].

Only three letters were written on the badge. Seung-hyung tried figuring out its connection to Azidahaka but struggled more with how to pronounce it.

“Ang?”

“Angr.”

For the first time, Azidahaka—Angr—raised her voice slightly. Seung-hyung unintentionally turned her name into a teasing tone, prompting her to correct him. He cleared his throat and adjusted his posture.

“My apologies, Ms. Angr… Is that your real name?”

“No.”

Angr began shaking another cocktail. Though Seung-hyung hadn’t finished his Black Russian, he instinctively gulped down the rest.

“You don’t have to rush.”

“I’m completely fine.”

“Everyone says that.”

Seung-hyung sensed Angr misunderstood him. Following Phoenix’s plan, he needed to act like someone who’d just suffered a breakup. He sighed deeply, pretending to have a poignant backstory.

“…But I’m really okay?”

However, Seung-hyung didn’t play along. For the first time, Angr smiled wryly, seemingly empathizing with his supposed misfortune but tinged with subtle mockery.

“If you’re really fine…”

Angr mixed another drink, serving him a sweet Kahlúa Milk this time. Surprised by this unexpected suggestion compared to typical cocktails, Seung-hyung hesitated.

“…Uh, I actually don’t like that much—”

“It’s mine.”

Without hesitation, Angr took a small sip of the Kahlúa Milk herself. The milk foam lingering on her crimson lips caused Seung-hyung to swallow nervously.

Trying to seduce her proved far harder than expected. True to form, having corrupted countless S-rank men, each of her movements exuded allure.

Sip.

She delicately licked the foam off her lips. Seung-hyung found himself involuntarily following suit.

“One glass?”

“No, just a light Mojito.”

Almost immediately after placing his order, Angr disappeared into the kitchen with an empty glass. Seung-hyung grabbed a random bottle nearby to quench his burning throat.

“Hmm?”

It was a strong rum, but it posed no issue for him. To impress the onlookers, he ignited a blue flame atop the open bottle, setting it ablaze like a candle beside his seat.

“…Ahem, Mr. Blaze?”

The club owner discreetly gestured toward the inside. Knife-cutting sounds echoed from the kitchen.

“Would you like a private booth?”

“A private booth? What—”

“Hehe, don’t worry. You see, Angr only comes when she feels like it.”

“…A bartender?”

Seung-hyung momentarily froze at the owner’s explanation. Showing up whenever she pleased was foreign territory for punctuality-obsessed Seung-hyung.

“She’s incredibly skilled at mixing drinks. Not just alcohol—can you see anyone else around?”

The owner subtly pointed toward the crowd. Everyone appeared engrossed in their own conversations, yet their gazes subtly lingered on Seung-hyung sitting at the bar.

Snap.

Those who met his eyes gave him a thumbs-up, encouraging him. Awkwardly nodding back, someone winked suggestively.

“Ugh…”

“Hehe, they’re all cheering for you. And since you’re Mr. Blaze, let me share something confidential…”

Leaning close, the owner whispered into Seung-hyung’s ear.

“Angr rarely touches alcohol herself—”

Clang.

A loud sound accompanied a glass of icy mojito placed before Seung-hyung. Angr returned to the bar with her usual cold demeanor, dismissing the owner with a wave.

“Thank you.”

“…Perhaps this is fate.”

Tilting forward, Angr raised her glass. Seung-hyung followed suit with his mojito. Though technically disqualified as a bartender, her composed elegance somehow made him feel warm below the waist.

Could there be something in the drink? Eager to confront Garura soon, Seung-hyung felt his body heating up.

“To your new connections, cheers.”

“Cheers.”

Their glasses clinked together. Though low in alcohol content, Seung-hyung almost got lost in Angr’s intense gaze.

“……”

In her pitch-black eyes, Seung-hyung saw a vision of Angr bound naked. His arousal faded instantly, and he burned the mojito in his mouth instead.

“Hmph.”

His heavy sigh settled onto the bar. Calming his eyelids, Seung-hyung reopened them sharply. It was time to begin ‘Operation’.

“Owner.”

“Yes?”

“Can I use that grand piano over there for a bit?”

“Cindi, actually.”

“Whatever.”

Seung-hyung carried a Bacardi bottle and sat in front of the synthesizer. Despite the unimpressive setup, it was enough to stir excitement.

“Ah, um, ah! Let me sing one song. Why? Because I just feel like singing.”

Pulling out black sunglasses from his jacket pocket, Seung-hyung donned them dramatically. Though random, everyone accepted his impromptu performance eagerly since he was the unofficial star of the night.

“We’re unfamiliar with Korean songs.”

The band sheepishly admitted their ignorance, but Seung-hyung waved it off casually.

“This will suffice. Ah, then—”

He started tapping the rhythm with his sneakers, mimicking drum beats. The audience held their breath at the lively yet melancholic tune.

* * *

“…”

Angr, or Azidahaka, sipped her Kahlúa Milk, observing Seung-hyung intently.

‘I wonder how well this man sings.’

Through a man’s singing voice, Azidahaka could predict the moans he’d emit in bed. A European weapon company owner once portrayed a dominant macho figure but secretly preferred being harshly dominated by women.

That night, he squealed like a pig being slaughtered, leading Azidahaka to experiment with penetration for the first time—a regrettable experience she remedied by sending him through a dimensional gate to Manchester.

‘How about Phoenix’s prized apprentice in bed…’

Already scanned with magic, Azidahaka knew Phoenix cherished Seung-hyung greatly. Allowing him to remain human despite infusing him with such powerful magic suggested possible affection.

‘The more precious, the sweeter the theft.’

Sending Seung-hyung to Seoul and opening a dimensional gate above the 63 Building thrilled her immensely. Imagining Phoenix’s reaction filled her with static electricity.

With the prelude ending, Seung-hyung began singing. Azidahaka closed her eyes.

“No matter how much you insist—it’s hopeless…”

Azidahaka nearly shattered her glass in shock.