Sect Master’s Guide to Babysitting

Continuing last night, they had dinner. Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a hearty broth. The kids all ate at the long table in the dining hall, talking amongst each other more freely than they had in the morning. Ae-rin was laughing at Chul-woo's corny jokes, and Han-ju was teasing Woo-jin about messing up the stance in the training drill earlier. Although, despite their banters, there was a sense of camaraderie that had not been there the days before.

Once everyone was full, Heuk Cheon stood at the head of the long table. Conversations quickly stopped, their attention was turning towards him.

"Tomorrow, we will do it again," he said while his voice was carrying a sense of warmth to hide his sternness. "Chores, breakfast, lessons, and then more martial training if you are worthy of it. I want this place to be well maintained. Redwood Estate is not just some place to sleep. It is all our home now, and in return, we must look after this place as our own.

A wave of whispered agreement passed through the kids. Han-ju and Jin-mu both looked at each other and nodded. Ae-rin, Su-yeon, and the others glanced at each other with shy smiles. Even the energetic Chul-woo, managed to remain respectful.

Heuk Cheon's eyes quickly observed all of them. "If there is trouble, whether it be in or outside, we shall face it as a collective. Does everyone understand?"

A moment of silence followed, then the children, in unison. "Yes!"

Seo Ryung couldn't help but give a contented grin. This was the same person who used to terrorize the martial world? Now he looks like a strict but weirdly enough caring headmaster. He is forging a sense of unitedness among this lot of war-weary brats.

When it was night time, the kids all went up to their rooms. A few of them needed to be convinced again, Chul-woo still did not want to sleep, until he fell asleep while talking. Ae-rin and Su-yeon was whispering with each other about tomorrow's chores and whether or not the fat spider would return. Jin-mu climbed into his bed carefully, as he was being mindful of his bandaged arm. While Han-ju confidently sprawled onto his bed with his arms crossed behind his head. He was trying to project something even while sleeping.

Downstairs, Lee Jin-Ho was cleaning up the dining hall, picking up stray cups and wooden bowls. Do-won and Jung-soo locked the iron gates while doing a final roundabout of the estate. The moon was shining through the estate's newly renovated windows, showing the soft shadows on the freshly swept wooden floors.

Heuk Cheon was lingering at a small table in a corner room that was serving as his temporary office. One lantern was blinking, brightening the parchments that the Murim Alliance had sent. It was a bunch of progress reports, list of supplies they needed, and other official details of running an orphanage. He analyzed them absently, while his mind was thinking about the many duties he had to face tomorrow.

What new chaos will a houseful of brats bring? he entertained in his thoughts. And what about the one lurki-

A familiar voice cut in as he was thinking. Seo Ryung was standing by the door with his arms folded. "You're still up, Master?"

Heuk Cheon exhaled while putting the parchments aside. "I'm just making sure everything is organized and dealt with."

Seo Ryung nodded while stepping inside into the room. "Master, about your old enemies, should they choose to come, I'll be right here with you."

Heuk Cheon paused and then looked up at him. "I know. And I won't let anything happen to these brats."

Outside, the moonlight was hanging low, painting the manor's courtyard in silver. A gust of wind was making noise in the tall grass near the estate's fences, hinting at the ghostly presence again. If there was really someone observing them, they are set on remaining hidden, leaving Redwood Estate undisturbed for another night.

Inside, Heuk Cheon decided to make one final patrol in the night. He stopped near Ae-rin and Su-yeon's door, he was satisfied as they were sleeping quite well. Then, while stepping into the corridor, he had a moment of reflection. Who would have thought that I would end up here? Training these brats, scolding them about a porridge spill, and protecting them like a father.

Yet as alien as his position felt, a silent sense of pride was brimming in his chest. Let the martial world watch. I shall show them a Demon Lord that can do more than destroy. I will build something worth defending.

After patrolling about, he returned to his sleeping quarter. He was sure that tomorrow would bring another moment of chaos. Bur for now, Redwood Estate stands as a new chapter in his life.

And in the quiet sounds of the moonlit night, the children's warm presence wove a blanket that soothed the old demon lord's restless soul.

As the night fell, the sun woke up. Beams of sunlight warmed the courtyard of the Redwood Estate, streaming in through the newly dusted windows and illuminating every cobblestone corner. Morning had just broken, but the vibes was pumping with a buzz of excitement. Today, Heuk Cheon was forced to agree to an unexpected venture. To take some orphans outside the estate walls for a day trip into the town that was nearby.

In the main chamber, Lee Jin-Ho was kneeling on the floor, as he was carefully double checking his list on the parchment. "Let's see," he mumbled. "We will need supplies, some flour, vegetables, extra fabrics, maybe some basic medicinal herbs..." He tapped his quill softly. "And the children's clothes for the trip... we cannot let them run around without any shoes in town.

"Don't forget extra snacks, hehe!" Su-yeon cut in while standing up on her toes. She was clinging to her scratched up doll with one hand, while the other was hovering over Lee Jin-Ho's shoulder to make sure that snacks was in his list.

"You had snacks twice the normal amount yesterday," Seo Ryung butted in, while coming out from the corridor with a small bag. "We cannot have you eating all crazily."

Su-yeon while pouting, "But aren't trips more fun if we have food!"

Before their arguments could get any higher, Heuk Cheon went in with his arms folded. "We are not going on a picnic," he said with authority. "We are only going out for our needs. And only a select few of you are going to come with us. Those who earned it with behaved behaviors.

When he said those words, their eyes was looking around all nervously, each of them was wondering if they had been chosen or would they be the ones left behind. Chul-woo, in specific, was shaking with excitement, while Han-ju was trying his best to look calm.

Ae-rin while playing with the hem of her shirt, asked shyly, "S-So who... who gets to go, then?"

Heuk Cheon answered back with a calm look in his eyes. "You will find out after we eat breakfast."

A hearty meal of congee and fresh bread was fed to the kids for the morning's main event. They were all gathered in the dining hall, the kids was eating with surprising calmness, each of them impatiently waiting for Heuk Cheon's decision. Even the most notorious among them Chul-woo was managing to keep his elbows off the table, well, for once.

Finally, Heuk Cheon that was seated at the head of the table, cleared his throat. "Those who will come with us to the town are, Han-ju, Ae-rin, Su-yeon, Jin-mu, and Chul-woo."

A jumbled bunch of reactions happened.

Han-ju sat up straighter than before, with a hint of pride manifesting in his eyes.

Ae-rin was blinking excitedly.

Su-yeon glowed, while hugging her doll tight.

Jin-mu who was picking at this bandaged arm with disinterest, gave a slight smile of satisfaction.

Chul-woo let out a scream of happiness before almost knocking over his bowl of congee.

The other kids all yelled in disappointment. Dae-hyun was banging his spoon on the table. "No fair! I did lots of chores, too!"

Heuk Cheon gave him a warning glance. "You also caused that mop incident in the greenhouse. So, next time, try to behave better."

Dae-hyun was sulking in the near table. On the other hand, Seo Ryung was folding his arms. "I will stay right here to watch the rest. Master, don't let them wander off." he advised Heuk Cheon.

Heuk Cheon laughed. "As if I would lose track of a bunch of snotty brats."

By the middle of the day, the select orphans gathered near the Redwood Estate's front gates, each of them wearing slight neater clothes than their usual. Han-ju and Chul-woo both carried small bags, while Ae-rin was holding a purse that was made for her by Lee Jin-Ho. Su-yeon was clinging on to her doll much more tight than before, refusing to leave it at the manor. Jin-mu was distancing himself around them, trying to look nonchalant but there was a hint of excitement with every movement of his bandaged arm. 

Heuk Cheon was standing in front of them, wearing plain but sturdy robes that was concealing his power as the former demon lord. A wooden carriage was hitched to a single horse that was waiting outside, brought to them by a native farmer that was doing business with the Redwood Estate on occasion.

"We will ride this carriage into town," Heuk Cheon explained to them, while analyzing each child's formation. "No running around aimlessly, no holding other people's stuff, and definitely do not start or get into any fight."

Chul-woo raises his hand like he was inside a classroom. "What if someone tries to harm us?"

A spark of the old Demon Lord's aura manifested in Heuk Cheon's eyes. "They won't," he said, "unless they know don't know any better." Then, in a warmer tone. "You all will be safe, I guarantee it."

Satisfied, Chul-woo was the first to get into the back of the carriage. The other kids joined him, with Ae-rin stopping to look back at the Redwood Estate, she was having thoughts of eagerness and anxiousness.

Heuk Cheon reached out to her while giving her a reassuring nod. "Stay close to me, you'll be all right."

The carriage was rattling along a dusty path covered in tall grass and tiny patches of wildflowers. A cold gust of wind kept the sun's heat at bay. Han-ju was seating near the front, his eyes was observing his surroundings with curiosity. Ae-rin was sitting beside him, on occasion she would point at a passing bird or a patch of beautiful flowers.

On the other hand, Chul-woo could not manage to sit still, running from side to side to look at the different sceneries. "What's the town like?" he asked. "Are there going to be swords everywhere?" Are the people there super strong?"

Heuk Cheon was the one guiding the horse's ropes, he annoyingly answered. "We are going to a market town, not a martial arts tournament." But still, he could not hide the slight grin he had on his lips.

Jin-mu, while leaning against the wooden side, asks quietly, "We're really just going there to buy supplies and materials, right? Not any trouble?"

A flash of suspicions manifested in Heuk Cheon's mind. "We will avoid it if we can." he replied back in care. He remembered the feeling of being stalked around Redwood Estate, whoever it was that was lurking about out there might not just stay in the estate's perimeter. However, sharing that thought might cause the children to be anxious, so he kept his tone calm.

Su-yeon absentmindedly stroking her doll's hair. "I've never seen a real market before," she said shyly. "I wonder if they have any candy..."

Han-ju laughed. "You are so obsessed with sweets."

Su-yeon pouted, but Chul-woo was giggling. "Don't worry," he said to her, "I'll find you some candy if we see any stalls that sell sweets!"

An hour later, the carriage made its way into the noisy town square. Dirt paths gave way to cobblestones, and tall wooden buildings was along the streets. A bunch of vendors was calling out to those passing by, yelling about their fresh produce to handmade souvenirs. The air smelled of roasting chestnuts, boiled herbs, and a fading smell of horse feces.

In an instant, the children's eyes widened in curiosity. Ae-rin was clutching her little purse tighter, she was nervous as there was a bunch of strangers. Han-ju tried to appear disinterested but he could not help looking in awe of the different stalls. Chul-woo literally was shaking in excitement, and while tugging at Jin-mu's sleeve. Look! That place has swords in display!"

"Swords?" Jin-mu asked while craning his neck. Sure enough, an old blacksmith was hammering away at a makeshift stall, displaying cheap daggers and basic farming equipment.

"Don't even think about it," Heuk Cheon warning them over his shoulder while stopping the carriage. "We aren't here to shop for weapons."

A portly stableman waved them over, he offered them a space to park the carriage in exchange for a small silver coin. Heuk Cheon paid him without negotiations, then turned his attention to the kids. "Stick close. This town may look like they are friendly, but pickpockets are sure to roam these streets."

Chul-woo's head was looking back and forth, with eyes full of mischief. "Pickpockets? Ooh!!"

Heuk Cheon gave him a scary glance. "That is not an invitation to become a victim of one."