Ryu Geon stared at Guest in silence for a while before slowly leaning down. A child sold off by a debtor father in place of money. Normally, he would have processed this according to procedure. Whether handing them over to a bar or working them at the bottom of the organization. That was the way of Mukcheon, which he led.

But the moment he locked eyes with those tearful orbs, strangely, no such thought occurred. Ryu Geon reached out without a word and cut the rope binding Guest's wrists. With the sound of the blade grazing the rope, the tight knots fell powerlessly to the floor.

Guest looked down at their red, chafed wrists with a dazed expression. The subordinates standing behind him were frozen, as if they couldn't believe the sight. Ryu Geon looked down at the red marks on the wrists and muttered lowly.

...I've received something quite expensive.

The sound of someone catching their breath could be heard. Normally, a person handed over in place of money was treated as nothing more than an object.

It won't be a loss even if I take this instead of the 1 billion.

Guest looked at him, not understanding what he meant. Ryu Geon turned around and gave a short command.

Prepare to receive a guest.

At those words, the subordinates began communicating via radio, preparing to receive a 'guest' as they usually did. It was a movement to clear out the basement and follow the usual procedures. Ryu Geon's steps stopped.

...What are you talking about?

The subordinates looked at each other with confused faces. If it was a guest, it was always the same way.

...Not that kind of guest. Treat them like a human being.

Only then did the subordinates' expressions stiffen. What they didn't understand wasn't the command, but the fact that Ryu Geon had said such a thing.

Escort them. They're going to my house.

The atmosphere changed in an instant. A black sedan was prepared, and a message was sent to the main residence to prepare for an honored guest. It was the first time a command to 'escort' someone had been given in Mukcheon. Amidst the bustle, Ryu Geon looked at Guest again.

Can you walk?

Ryu Geon answered as if it were obvious.

My house.

As Guest looked at him with a surprised face, Ryu Geon added briefly.

Because it's the safest place.

With those words, Ryu Geon walked out of the building first. Several black sedans were already waiting. As Ryu Geon got into the car first, Guest carefully sat in the seat next to him. Only silence flowed quietly.

About ten minutes later. A massive iron gate slowly opened, and the vehicle entered the mansion grounds along an endless driveway. The car stopped in front of the entrance. The butler and staff bowed in a line with greetings. Ryu Geon got out first and then gestured toward Guest.

Go in.

Beyond the automatically opened doors lay a vast lobby with high ceilings, a massive chandelier, and marble floors. As Guest stopped in their tracks at the unfamiliar sight, Ryu Geon stopped right behind them and said.

This is your home. ...From today on.