DW 08

DW

Posted by cinderella, Released on October 13, 2025

Chapter 8

Doa stepped forward.

“Negotiation is only possible when the other party is willing.”

Her usually indifferent gaze now shimmered with anger—a sight rare even for someone trained in the serene composure of the traditional liquor masters. Doa stood straight like a pine tree, her voice unwavering.

“I’ve said it before! Our Ihwa-do Sect will not talk to Daesung Judo under any circumstances. Leave before I call the police!”

Behind her, the members of [Ihwa-do] braced like a folding screen, ready to intervene at a moment’s notice. Yet the group dressed in black didn’t budge. They glanced at their watches, checked their phones—calm, collected, as if waiting for someone.

From the inner courtyard of [Ihwa-do], someone was watching the standoff through the roof tiles.

“Wow… When did you call them?”

It was none other than Kwon-ha and Secretary Shin. The black-clad men were familiar to them—they were the very security personnel who guarded Kwon-ha daily.

“Multi-tasking is my specialty. I’m not like some people who focus only on meals.”
“Ah… yes.”

This had been planned since the moment they sat on the veranda of the annex. The idea was simple: if Daesung Judo disgusts people, how can they be won over? Why not stage a theatrical performance—an unforgettable action scene right here at [Ihwa-do]? The security team leader had already been briefed; it was now just a matter of timing.

“…Who is that woman?”

Kwon-ha was taken aback. The picture before him had no place in his expectations. Of course, he knew her stubborn nature from the orchard earlier, and the same applied inside the annex. Yet to see Doa, standing firm in front of a group of burly men, without even a hint of hesitation, was remarkable. Unlike the naturally arrogant Koko Kang Mira or Seo Hee-jin, or any other women he knew, Doa carried an entirely different aura.

“Even if we give you all of Daesung Judo, you still won’t let a single step into Ihwa-do?”
“There’s no value in talking.”

The pounding of his heart disappeared whenever he looked at Doa’s face, leaving only her clear, piercing voice echoing in his ears.

“No matter what you offer, not a single step inside Ihwa-do.”

If Ihwa flowers bloomed in the snowy mountains, she would be like them. For a fleeting moment, the fragile Doa appeared as a subterranean general. Though the resemblance was merely her gender, the illusion was uncanny.

The security team leader smirked.

“Tried to settle this peacefully, huh? Looks like that’s out the window.”

As if rehearsed, the entire security team sprang into action. The timing was now perfect for Kwon-ha to step in.

“Hey, where are you going, Chief!”
“Fix the title first,” he muttered, springing like a coiled spring over the wall with astonishing agility.

“What’s the matter?”

Kwon-ha asked the man at the farthest pavilion, who kept a careful watch on the security team.

“They came from Daesung Judo again. Nasty-looking bunch. Looks like trouble waiting to happen.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”
“Huh? You, sir?”
“Yes. Someone has to pay their dues.”

Kwon-ha removed the cufflinks from his shirt sleeves, rolled them up crisply, and strode forward. Passing through the human shield, he finally stood beside Doa. The sudden intrusion shifted Doa’s gaze upward. Her wary stance softened slightly upon recognizing him.

“Why are you here?”
“To pay my dues.”

Kwon-ha felt a subtle thrill. Just a hint of her lowered guard brought a strange satisfaction.

“Leave this to me, and go inside. Take them with you.”
“I’ll call the police.”
“It won’t help. I already set things in motion before coming here.”
“…How do you know that?”

“It’s Daesung Judo. They’re meticulous.”

Doa remained silent, acknowledging the truth in his words.

“I know how to deal with them.”
“How?”

Leaning in, Kwon-ha lowered his voice as if sharing a secret, his warm breath brushing close to her ear.

“I know their weakness.”

He studied her carefully. Most women would blush, flinch, or hold their breath when he approached this way—but not Doa. Unfazed, she allowed him to step past her.

“Hey, let’s talk.”
“What are you…!”

The security team leader flinched briefly at the lock of their eyes. Shaking off his surprise, Kwon-ha lifted his chin and gestured toward the orchard.

“Not here. Let’s move.”

In the center of the pear orchard, in full bloom, Kwon-ha whispered to the team leader.

“Hit him once.”
“No.”
“I said hit him.”
“Impossible, Chief. He’s under protection.”
“He’s the one giving the order.”

The team leader, a former UDT operative, clenched his fist decisively. One strike from him could lay out an ordinary man for at least four weeks. But Kwon-ha was different—a natural in offense and defense, almost a boxer if not for Daesung Judo.

“Where should I strike?”

In a split second, the team leader’s expression changed.

A few members of [Ihwa-do] remained, nervously watching where Kwon-ha and his group had gone.

“Are they going to be okay? Seven against one…”
“Don’t worry. He’s got a safe hand. Confident as he is.”
“He’s tall, tough… and probably won’t budge even if hit. Right, Doa?”

Doa said nothing. She didn’t feel reassured. Words alone wouldn’t help.

‘Better they don’t hit him too much,’ she thought.

She regretted not calling the police. Even previous attempts had been useless. Her anger at the mysterious power of Daesung Judo surged.

“Ah! Here they come!”

Someone’s shout drew Doa’s gaze.

It was him. The man had come alone, the Daesung Judo members nowhere in sight. His shirt was smeared with dirt and dotted with white petals of the pear blossoms, which fluttered as he moved.

“…You’re hurt.”
“If this is what I get, imagine them.”
“I can’t say. I didn’t see it.”
“They’ll probably be a bit inconvenienced. Maybe permanently.”

He looked proud, as if expecting praise. Doa let out a small sigh.

“Go to the hospital first. There’s a general hospital in town—you can get treated there, and Ihwa-do will cover it.”
“No, just some ointment will do.”
“No. You need to go.”

Kwon-ha revealed a glimpse of his true intent, but Doa ignored it. Yet he needed some acknowledgment for setting this whole scenario into motion. His persistent, unwavering gaze anchored her attention.

“They might come back. They seem to be retreating for now, but you know what Daesung Judo is like.”
“…”
“They obsess over things ruthlessly. I don’t think anyone here could handle them like I can. Better I stay until they quiet down.”

Half of it was true; it was easy to speak in his own favor.