Chapter 38 - Bloodline is Everything

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]

Chapter 38: A Bloodline Accompanies (3)

A figure appeared on the glass screen—30 million dollars. The host’s jaw dropped at the sudden spike in price.

“Th-thirty million dollars! We have thirty million! Any higher bids?”

A long silence followed. Then, someone raised the stakes again.

“Thirty-five million dollars! We have thirty-five! Any more bids…?”

Without hesitation, Kwon Seonwoo pressed his button and spoke again.

“Fifty million dollars.”

The host’s mouth opened even wider in shock. Looking around, he shouted, “Fifty million dollars! Fifty million has been bid! Any higher?”

Several minutes passed, but no one called out a higher amount. The host raised his fist and declared,

“Sold at fifty million dollars!”

Kwon Hanul sat dazed, watching it all unfold.

Just a few months ago, he had trembled over a few hundred thousand won. Now, someone had spent fifty million dollars—almost 60 billion Korean won—without a second thought. He couldn't wrap his head around it.

“That Sacred Emperor’s Water is yours now.”

Hanul whipped around in shock to face Seonwoo.

“You’re giving that to me?”

“Didn’t I say it was a reward for passing the test?”

Hanul sat in stunned silence, mouth agape. As he sat frozen, Seonwoo turned to Joo Hayun.

“Hayun, turn off the screen now.”

Hayun stood and operated the switch.

The auction scene disappeared, replaced by a blank wall.

It was clear—they had no more interest in the auction. Hanul felt even more confused by this.

‘Did they really come to the auction just to test me?’

He couldn’t help but wonder if all these chairman-types were just twisted in the head.

Just then, Joo Hayun sat beside him and whispered, “Congratulations. The Chairman has acknowledged you.”

“What’s with the sudden change in attitude?”

“Considering what you achieved at the Mei family, it’s not so strange.”

It should have been a joyous moment. Yet, Hanul’s mind was a tangled mess.

This was the first time Seonwoo had treated him with any warmth.

Suddenly, the intercom buzzed. Hayun picked it up.

“Yes, what is it?”

—“Apologies for the interruption. One of the guests is eager to acquire the Sacred Emperor’s Water and wishes to propose a trade.”

Hayun looked at Seonwoo. He gestured for her to hand him the intercom.

“They want to trade for the Sacred Emperor’s Water?”

—“Yes, that’s correct.”

“In this situation, wouldn’t it be proper to state one’s identity first?”

Each auction house had its own rules.

At Delos Auction House, after an auction concluded, personal negotiations could take place—but only after revealing one’s identity.

That way, the other party could properly consider the offer.

—“It’s a request from Catalina Blaga.”

Blaga?

Hanul’s eyes widened.

There was no way he wouldn’t know that name. The Blaga family was one of the Western Royal Bloodlines, wielding power so great that even the Hyukcheon could not disregard them.

In terms of raw power, the Blaga family was far behind the Hyukcheon clan.

Yet, the reason the Hyukcheon couldn’t treat them lightly was because of the Blaga family’s immense connections and influence.

…Or so he thought.

“That wretched courtesan wants the Sacred Emperor’s Water?”

From Seonwoo’s tone, it was clear—he didn’t give a damn about the Blaga family.

“Tell her to buzz off—”

Suddenly, Seonwoo’s expression changed. Stroking his chin, he seemed to contemplate something.

“Fine. Tell her we’ll meet face to face.”

—“Understood. Lady Catalina Blaga will be with you shortly.”

Seonwoo set the intercom down and asked, “Do you know what kind of family the Blagas are?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Then you must also know of their bloodline ability, correct?”

Hanul nodded.

The Blaga family had few members.

There were less than ten purebloods, and the inferior-bloods and mixed-bloods were also scarce.

Even so, their influence was comparable to any other family’s.

Why? Because of their blood-bound power—the ability to dominate and control others.

The Blagas used this power to enslave humans, manipulate them, and expand their reach.

Catalina Blaga was one of their rare purebloods and among the five elders who led the Blaga family.

Her domination ability had to be formidable.

“When you meet Catalina Blaga, don’t let your guard down for even a second. Or you’ll fall under her control.”

“Yes, understood.”

“If you get ensnared by that witch, I’ll personally crush your skull.”

“…That’s a joke, right?”

“Did that sound like a joke to you?”

There was a chilling glint in Seonwoo’s eyes. Hanul gulped.

“As long as I live, I won’t tolerate a Hyukcheon bloodline being bewitched by such filth.”

Hanul bit back a retort—Then why are you letting her come here at all?

‘Wait, could this… be another test?’

Considering Seonwoo’s personality, it wouldn’t be out of the question.

If so, this was a seriously twisted game.

As he pondered, a knock came at the door.

“Lady Catalina Blaga has arrived.”

Click—the door opened. A sickly sweet fragrance filled the room.

The scent parted, and a woman entered. Two men followed behind her.

The moment Hanul laid eyes on her, he felt as if his entire body froze from the toes up. He barely noticed the two men.

Her golden hair, gleaming like sunlight, and a red dress that clung to her body like skin—

“…Haah.”

The woman let out a long sigh, a palpable thirst in the air—as if her desire was smoldering.

“I was wondering who could’ve paid fifty million dollars for the Sacred Emperor's Water…”

Catalina Blaga.

“Never would’ve guessed it’d be the Chairman of Hyukcheon.”

The pureblood of the Blaga family clicked her tongue as she spoke.

“If it had been someone else, getting the Sacred Emperor's Water would’ve been much easier…”

Catalina Blaga pressed a finger against her temple. Even such a small gesture was enough to tug at the heartstrings.

“You haven’t changed a bit, not then, not now. Still up to your vulgar tricks.”

“Vulgar? Using a bloodline’s ability isn’t wrong, is it?”

Catalina replied nonchalantly, while Kwon Seonwoo responded with a cold sneer.

“That very attitude is what makes it vulgar.”

“Such a shame. If only you’d let go of that rigid way of thinking, you’d be such an attractive man, Chairman.”

Catalina licked her lips. Her moist, crimson tongue flickered briefly into view.

“What do you say? Why don’t we spend a long, intimate night together—just the two of us?”

“I’ll pass. I have no interest in lying on rags.”

At those words, one of the men behind her bristled with anger—a young man, seemingly about the same age as Kwon Hanul.

Catalina glanced at him, and though displeased, he restrained himself.

“Chairman, won’t you let me have the Sacred Emperor's Water?”

“What do you plan to use it for?”

“You shouldn’t pry into others’ secrets like that.”

Catalina smiled with her eyes—an enchanting sight that could make one's heart race—but Kwon Seonwoo only scowled.

“Even if you ask me, it’s not my decision to make. The Sacred Emperor's Water belongs to someone else.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, that child over there is the rightful owner. You’ll need to negotiate directly with him.”

Kwon Seonwoo pointed at Kwon Hanul. Their eyes met—Hanul’s and Catalina Blaga’s.

“You won’t regret those words, Chairman?”

Catalina said, smiling. Unconsciously, Hanul swallowed hard.

“By the way, who is this person? I’ve never seen him before.”

“You should know already. Word’s spread across the world by now.”

“Word?”

Catalina’s eyes widened gradually.

“...Don’t tell me this is Hyukcheon’s Little Dragon, the one who killed the ‘Greatest Sword of the Central Plains’?”

Hanul grimaced at the nickname.

“Who came up with that childish name?”

“Oh my, he spoke! Your voice is quite pleasant to listen to.”

“Can we get back to the point?”

Catalina tilted her head slightly, as if puzzled.

“That’s the nickname given to the super rookie who took down the Greatest Sword. Isn’t it adorable?”

“It’s childish.”

“Oh dear, don’t like it? Too bad. Everyone who talks about you is calling you Little Dragon.”

He really hated it.

He couldn’t control his expression. Little Dragon, seriously?

Seeing Hanul’s reaction, Catalina nodded thoughtfully once again.

“You seem a little off.”

“What?”

“Oh, nothing at all.”

She shook her head. Every movement of hers was both charming and bewitching.

“I’ve been curious about what Hyukcheon’s Little Dragon was like, and now I get to meet you. It’s a pleasure!”

Catalina extended her hand. Hanul, before he realized it, took it.

Her skin was smooth like silk. A current surged through Hanul’s body.

Sensing danger, he tried to pull away—but Catalina was faster. She tugged him toward her.

Their faces were now so close, their noses almost touched.

“So, Little Dragon, won’t you give me the Sacred Emperor's Water?”

She wrapped her arms around his forearm, the softness of her body pressing fully against him.

“I’m asking you nicely.”

A sweet scent invaded his nose, making his head spin.

“Please? Pretty please?”

Her nasal, coquettish tone dug into his ears—it felt like his brain was being toyed with.

In that dizzying moment, Hanul answered.

“No.”

Flatly, without hesitation.

When Hanul first met Catalina Blaga, he felt fear.

Not the kind he felt in front of a strong opponent. This was different—an instinctive, primal fear as a man.

She’s terrifying…

No man—no human—could resist her charm. Even Hanul himself was struggling against it.

If things had gone just slightly differently, he would’ve fallen for her and handed over the Sacred Emperor's Water.

If it weren’t for his Genius Bloodline...

Hanul forcibly pulled his arm away from Catalina.

Even as his bloodline resisted her, part of him regretted it—proof that Catalina’s power was monstrously strong.

That was close…

To shake off the lingering feeling, Hanul dusted off his arm.

“The Sacred Emperor's Water is something I absolutely need. I can’t give it to you.”

“Even though I’m asking like this?”

Catalina looked up at him with glistening, pleading eyes.

“Yes.”

Hanul’s unwavering reply caused Catalina’s face to harden.

As if her world had just collapsed.

“…Interesting.”

Her gaze shifted. Her once-innocent eyes now curved like a snake’s tail.

Not just her eyes—the entire atmosphere had flipped.

“A mere youth, even if a Hyukcheon bloodline, dares to reject me?”

Danger.

Instinct screamed at him. Stay here, and you won’t come out unscathed. Get out—now.

“As a woman, more than as a Blaga bloodline, I’m deeply insulted.”

Her eyes slit like a serpent’s. In that moment, Hanul felt an invisible force gripping his heart.

Then it happened.

<‘???’ responds to the authority of The Blood of Vassal.>

A message appeared before his eyes.

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]