The Devil Judge [Bl Version] - Chapter 9: The KnockOff

The next day, Kang Yo-Han found himself standing in front of a sea of flashing cameras and eager news reporters. The air was thick with tension and anticipation, much like the aftermath of a storm. The explosion that had torn through his office was still fresh in everyone\’s minds, and the curiosity to know what had transpired hung heavy in the air.

Amidst the buzz of reporters\’ questions, Kang Yo-Han seized the moment. His voice, like a calm but powerful wave, cut through the noise. \”Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to address a matter of great importance.\”

The room fell silent, and the reporters\’ attention sharpened as Kang Yo-Han continued, \”It has come to my attention that there are those among us who abuse their power to exploit the weak and unfortunate. Today, I am here to announce that our commitment to justice extends beyond the confines of this incident.\”

He paused for dramatic effect, allowing his words to sink in, and then announced, \”Our next public trial will center around someone who has continually abused the weak and unfortunate. Minister Cha\’s son, Lee Young-min, will face the judgment of the public eye.\”

The shock that rippled through the room was palpable. Reporters exchanged astonished glances, their cameras capturing the wide range of emotions that played across their faces. Kang Yo-Han\’s declaration had taken them by surprise, and the implications of such a trial were immense.

In her lavish office, Minister Cha watched the press conference on a screen, her expression contorted in a mix of rage and disbelief. Her perfectly manicured nails dug into the armrest of her chair as she listened to Kang Yo-Han\’s words. This was an unexpected turn of events, a direct challenge to her influence and power.

The press conference had concluded, and as he made his way through the corridor, lost in thought, a voice sliced through the air, \”Kang Yo-Han.\”

Startled, he turned to find Soo-hyun, Ga-on\’s best friend, standing before him. Her eyes were a mix of worry and anger, a potent combination that held him in place. She approached him, her steps measured but determined.

\”What happened to Ga-on?\” Her words were laced with a fierce protectiveness, a loyalty that came naturally to her. She was privy to the deep connection between Ga-on and Kang Yo-Han, and her concern was genuine.

Kang Yo-Han met her gaze evenly, his own eyes revealing nothing of the storm within. \”He\’s safe,\” he replied.

Soo-hyun\’s gaze didn\’t waver. \”And how am I supposed to believe you?\” Her tone held a hint of accusation.

A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of Kang Yo-Han\’s lips. \”You don\’t have to believe me. But know this—Ga-on\’s safety is paramount to me. I didn\’t know he had a cop friend.\”

Soo-hyun\’s anger softened into a mixture of worry and skepticism. \”I\’m watching you,\” she warned, her voice low but unwavering. \”If you harm Ga-on in any way, I won\’t hesitate to make you regret it.\”

Kang Yo-Han\’s gaze held hers, his calm demeanor unbroken. \”Soo-hyun, I assure you, I mean him no harm. In fact, if there\’s one place Ga-on is safe, it\’s with me.\”

Soo-hyun\’s skepticism lingered, but she couldn\’t deny the intensity in his gaze. She knew Ga-on had formed a unique bond with this enigmatic man, and her trust in her friend\’s judgment wavered. With a final, searching look, she stepped back slightly.

\”You better not be playing games, Kang Yo-Han.\” Her words held a mix of a warning and a plea.

He nodded once, his expression remaining inscrutable. \”I understand.\”

Without another word, Kang Yo-Han turned and walked away, leaving Soo-hyun standing in the corridor, her thoughts tumultuous. As his figure disappeared around the corner, she sighed and whispered to herself, \”You better be true to your words Yo-Han.\”

*******************

On the other side,

As Ga-on\’s senses gradually returned, he was met with a loud crash that seemed to shatter the stillness of his surroundings. His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the soft light that filtered through the room. Before him stood a woman, her eyes wide as saucers, a food tray scattered at her feet.

\”Sorry, I didn\’t mean to startle you,\” she stammered, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness. Ga-on blinked at her, still groggy from his recent ordeal. \”It\’s alright,\” he mumbled, his confusion evident.

The woman\’s gaze seemed locked on him, an expression of bewilderment on her face. \”You… you look so much like…\”

Ga-on raised an eyebrow, prompting her to continue. \”Like who?\”

She shook her head, her gaze finally breaking away from his. \”It\’s nothing. I\’m just surprised. Master Yo-han didn\’t mention…\”

Before she could finish her sentence, she excused herself hurriedly, leaving Ga-on to puzzle over her odd behavior. He watched her leave the room, his mind a swirl of questions.

Curiosity piqued, Ga-on decided to explore the mansion. It was a grand, luxurious place situated on a picturesque seaside cliff. It felt like something out of a fairy tale, a stark contrast to his usual surroundings. He perused the shelves of the expansive library, the scent of old books and the sound of crashing waves outside creating an oddly soothing atmosphere.

A sudden presence caught him off guard. A young girl stood there, her expression less than welcoming. Her eyes glowered at him, and she folded her arms with a distinct air of hostility. \”And who might you be?\” she demanded, her voice dripping with disdain.

Ga-on straightened, slightly taken aback by her confrontational attitude. \”I\’m Ga-on,\” he replied, a hint of confusion in his tone. \”I\’m here with Master Yo-han.\”

The girl\’s scoff was almost palpable. \”Ga-on? Really? I don\’t know what he sees in you.\” She introduced herself with a roll of her eyes, \”Elijah.\”

His brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of her antagonism. \”Why are you so hostile? Did I do something to offend you?\”

Elijah\’s lips curled into a snarl. \”It\’s not about you personally,\” she spat. \”It\’s the fact that you\’re a knockoff.\”

Ga-on blinked, taken aback by her words. \”A knockoff? What are you talking about?\”

She waved her hand dismissively. \”You know, a cheap imitation of something better.\”

Ga-on\’s confusion deepened, and he couldn\’t help but feel the sting of her words. \”I don\’t understand. I\’m just trying to figure out what\’s going on here.\”

Elijah\’s gaze remained sharp, unyielding. \”Well, good luck with that. Just don\’t get in my way.\”

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Ga-on standing there, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. As he stared after her, he couldn\’t shake the feeling that there was more to this mansion and its inhabitants than met the eye.

To be continued……..