Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Night of Overlapping Moons

Clouds veiled parts of the sky, making the night seem even darker.

"A member of the Gu Clan, you say?"

Paejon, who had led me into a secluded corner, spread his aura barrier before asking me.

I remained silent.

Seeing my lack of response, Paejon stared at me, unblinking. The meaning behind his gaze was simple—he wasn't going to stop staring until I answered.

How should I respond? No, that wasn’t the right question. My answer had already been decided.

If I wasn't going to stay silent, there was only one thing I could say.

"...Yes."

The moment the Bloodwheel Pearl activated, Paejon must have seen everything. There was no point in denying it.

"Hmm."

Paejon kept staring at me.

"I thought you looked somewhat familiar… but I never imagined you'd be that bastard’s kid."

I clenched my lips.

That bastard.

The words left a bitter taste in my mouth. Not because I held any affection for my grandfather—I didn’t. But hearing it said aloud still left me with a sense of unease.

Strangely enough, Paejon bit his lips as well, his expression laced with a peculiar frustration.

"That bastard sure has insane luck with his offspring. I’m almost jealous."

He was obviously referring to my father and me.

"Tsk."

Clicking his tongue, he continued.

"Are you a bastard child?"

"Something like that."

"Figures. Knowing Gu Clan's head, there's no way he would have left you alone if he knew."

His words carried little emotion, only mild disinterest. Even after learning I was a Gu, his attitude remained unchanged.

"Strange. That bastard never seemed the type to go around sowing his seed."

"That’s a rather crude way of putting it."