3
6
6.
As soon as the investigation ended, the atmosphere in the room completely relaxed, and a commotion quickly broke out. ‘Not that there was any tension to begin with, though.’ Judging by the mood, it did not seem like they had any intention of creating and sharing a formal document.
To begin with, no question even came up that would lead to the creation of an important document.
Another department might request the exact same position.
Isn’t it the Murim Alliance’s disease… no, a beautiful tradition to have each department repeat the same work over and over again?
It’s not the first time the Murim Alliance has handled things like this, but it really drains my energy.
Now that it’s over, let’s go have a drink!
Are you alive today?
“Damn it, why me!”
“Should I upload the video of you breaking the wall earlier?”
“…….”
On the one hand, it feels bitter.
The way he didn’t get nervous no matter what enemy appeared seemed to show a momentary sense of composure, but to me, knowing what the future held, it looked like nothing more than carelessness.
Just then, a low voice rang in my ears.
It must be disgusting.
I wondered why they were expressing it so extremely, but I didn’t show it and looked toward the direction from which the sound came.
There, a man who had never asked me a single question until now was looking at me with a strange look.
“You’re really bold. Or are you just good at keeping your expressions straight?”
What do you mean?
“Either way, it’s not a good attitude. Superiors don’t like subordinates they can’t figure out.”
“……
okay.”
I didn’t quite understand, but I nodded.
That’s understandable, since this man doesn’t like subordinates whose true intentions are unknowable.
Why?
I think it would be better to keep your feelings hidden rather than rashly judging others’ emotions.
It must be because he is the most inscrutable person of all, and he knows all too well just how devious he is.
So-called hatred of one’s own kind.
what?”
The man’s face, which had always been like a smiling mask, contorts slightly.
Oh, I’ve never seen you make that kind of face, not even in a past life.
Was my question quite unexpected?
but.
“Haha. You’re a funny guy.”
Soon, his face returns to a smiling expression.
However, I cannot feel even a shred of affection or intimacy from that appearance.
Because this person is Jeong In, the Grand Master of ‘that’ White Tiger Pavilion.
Jeong In-bo nodded a few times and continued speaking.
“The Heavenly Wood Pavilion has already begun investigating the Muklim. Currently, Jeon Seo-eung is flying into the Heavenly Wood Pavilion in real-time every day. I am listening to your story not because I want to know more about the enemy, but simply to figure out how you responded.”
He kindly explains today’s position in a benevolent voice.
Did you tell me that out of consideration for my feelings?
Why bother now?
Ignoring my indifferent reaction, he gave a good-natured smile.
So don’t look down on them too much. Once the mastermind behind this case is revealed, they will be the ones busiest. They are currently preparing as much as possible for their next schedule in their own way.
That feigned kindness, as if expecting nothing in return, that seemingly lighthearted kindness.
I couldn’t simply accept it and nod my head.
Most of the academy instructors causing problems right now came from Baekhogak, and they were like the henchmen of ‘Jeong In-bo’.
“When I think about how they are being brutally tortured in the basement of the Executioner’s Pavilion right now… ‘The person who must hate me the most in here is Jeong In-bo.’ To think that such a being would send such goodwill and kindness.”
Doesn’t it look just like the smile of the Grim Reaper you face right before you die?
“That is why investigations like this are bound to be conducted lightly.”
I know.
Because he was a person who left a lingering sense of unease, I tried to leave as soon as possible.
However, he grabbed my shoulder as I tried to stealthily slip away and whispered softly in my ear.
“Of course, I think a more detailed and harsh investigation is necessary.” Why does the word “harsh” sound so particularly loud?
“Of course, I mean you.”
He was staring intently at my face, as if trying to read something from it.
I took his hand off my shoulder.
I don’t know what you are trying to say.
There is one thing I sensed from both the report and your explanation.
What is it?
The fact that they responded very well.
Just as I was about to snap back, thinking, “Is this just protecting their own again?”
“As if you knew in advance that ‘such’ an enemy would appear.”
What the hell are you trying to do?
I am disoriented by his sudden actions.
Sorcery? A net of heaven and earth? Pursuit squads? I can anticipate all of that. But you see… against an unknown enemy, without a single mistake, [combining]
How am I supposed to explain being able to command them to respond as if we had coordinated it? Simply because of superior ability?
Jeong In-bo was staring intently at my face without even blinking.
I answered as calmly as possible while reciting the nine chants of the Taeeuljingyeong to myself.
“Hmm, let’s just say it was because I was lucky.”
“Luck… luck. It’s a really good word.”
He kept turning his head slightly, perhaps finding it difficult to look at me in the same position, but his gaze remained fixed on my face, making the sight incredibly bizarre.
It is also a convenient word that requires no separate explanation.
“Ah, come to think of it, I haven’t apologized for the trouble you went through because of the instructors from our respective backgrounds. I’m sorry. I caused you trouble by not training you properly.”
He offered a handshake while babbling nonsense that felt completely insincere.
Ugh… what’s with the sudden handshake? Hesitating, I grabbed his hand, which was cold and damp like snake scales.
“I hope you are interested in Baekhogak. There are many vacancies because the clan heads who were supposed to return are imprisoned in the Golden Prison.”
I will think about it.
Yeah, good job.
It was the exact same offer I had received from others in Daejeon, but for some reason, it sounded chilling. Stepping out of Cheonmokgak to get some fresh air, I felt like I was coming back to my senses.
Come to think of it, dizzying things like this keep happening lately.
The way everything is rushing in without even a moment to properly compose myself feels like I am already experiencing a war.
It feels like unresolved problems keep piling up, piling up, and piling up again.
“Ow!!! Aaaah…….”
I was about to scream to somehow overcome the crushing weight when I suddenly met the eyes of the girl in front of me. ‘What is this?’ Unlike her rather well-dressed appearance, the girl looked extremely shabby.
Contradicting her decent attire, she gave off the impression of being unkempt, if you will. ‘More importantly, why is a kid in the Murim Alliance…’ Just then, the girl who had been staring at me suddenly spoke to me.
“Are you safe, sir?”
No.
“You’re not a samurai, so why are you carrying a weapon?”
I meant I wasn’t a man…
Then, are you safe, sir?
Huh! Ha! How could I be! Believe it or not, I’m actually called quite a handsome man… … .
“Are you safe, sir?”
I looked up to see if there was a guardian, but no one was paying attention to the child.
“You… how did you get in here?”
“afoot.”
“no…….”
My head is throbbing.
Right now, I need to sort out the intention behind what Jeong In-bo said, and figure out what it means that the Mugaks will get busy.… …
But I was too worried about the child to just leave.
This is a place you’re not supposed to enter without permission.
Yeah, I know.
“Right… huh? You know?”
Did you come to visit the Murim Alliance?
While serving in the Murim Alliance, there are restrictions on returning to your clan or headquarters.
Because of this, family members often came to visit.
“Yeah. I was told not to wear the clothes I wear every day. So I got new clothes.”
The girl spun around once as if showing off her skirt hem.
Anyway, I see he wasn’t listening to me at all.
Although I hold the verified ‘Dang Seo-hee Caregiver Qualification,’ it seems that doesn’t work for all children of the same age.
Ah… it was Adult Dang Seo-hee.
Anyway.
I was about to stand up from my seat to hand it over to anyone and return to the academy.
Tightly
The child grabbed my sword.
I want to play with my older brother.
Huh, big brother? Good grief.
It’s no use acting all sweet now.
I can’t turn my feelings around because I’ve already been called “Mister” three times.
I didn’t count the times on purpose. It’s absolutely unavoidable because of my memory.
“I came because I heard I could see my brother, but I couldn’t see him.”
“I realized you weren’t talking to me.”
Do I really just look like an old man to the kids?
The cruel reality leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
“Anyway, this uncle—not the old man… no, I mean, Uncle—has a lot of work to do, so I’ll be going now. Have a good time with your older brother, and well… there isn’t much to see, but enjoy the view before you go.”
Just as I was about to turn around after saying a few words, tightly
The guy clutches the hem of my clothes with his hand and looks up with clear eyes.
Looking at me like this makes my heart soften again…
“Can’t you find my older brother, Uncle?”
“No, you can’t. ‘Mister’ is a powerless person. He’s not even from here to begin with.”
“uncle…….”
“hmm……
Well then, I’m tired, but should I look into it? Or not?
As I pretended to be deep in thought, the little guy’s eyes sparkled.
As I stroked my chin and continued to ponder, he nodded as if he had made a big decision.
“Come to think of it, I think he’s not an uncle, but an older brother. Warrior Brother.”
Huh, look at this guy, so cunning.
Still, for some reason, I don’t dislike it.
I chuckled and patted his head.
“Alright. I’ll find it for you.”
“really?”
“okay.”
I have to go back the way I came, but there are a few designated places within the Murim Alliance where visits are allowed.
If you wander around that direction a bit, that guy called my older brother will probably show up soon.
“What is your brother’s name?”
“Yeah! My older brother’s name is Geum…….”
Just as the child was about to answer with an excited expression.
“Tae-seon! Geum Tae-seon!”
A woman who appeared to be in her early forties came rushing toward the child from behind.
“mom!”
“Where have you been!”
The child’s name must have been Taeseon.
However, the middle-aged woman’s attire is also truly peculiar.
Like Taeseon, the clothes themselves look quite new… but… it feels like they weren’t properly washed or repaired, if that makes sense?
It’s not as blatantly shabby as Taeseon’s, but the nape of the neck and wrists are pitch black.
The middle-aged woman slapped Taeseon’s buttocks a few times and kept bowing her head to me.
“I apologize. Did the child perhaps offend you, Samurai?”
You don’t need to scold him. I have never seen a child with such excellent manners.
“yes?”
The middle-aged woman looked at the child in disbelief, and the child glared at his mother defiantly, as if to say, “See?”
“Madam! Did you find Taeseon?”
Then, people who appeared to be part of the group began running towards them one by one.
What I felt while watching them was that… the combination was really strange.
They looked too different to be called relatives, and the age range was too diverse to be considered a single family.
Moreover, the sight of older people constantly bowing their heads to young people who appeared to be around my age intensified the sense of alienation.
“What on earth are you doing? I told you not to move recklessly.”
“I’m sorry. I was flustered…”
In the end, I found the attitude of my peers, who looked down on me as if such treatment was only natural, really annoying.
Was it because I hid my emotions too much earlier?
At the sigh that escaped my lips involuntarily, one of the young men glared at me with sharp eyes.
“What’s wrong with you?”
“It’s nothing… Ah, excuse me.”
I can’t control my emotions, so weird things are just coming out.
I mean, I should be staying home at times like this. They called me out to Tenmokgaku for no reason…
“Haa…! Say that again. What did you say?”
“Hmph, you still look young, are your ears already clogged? It’s nothing.”
“This bastard…….”
The young man who was about to charge at me without thinking was blocked by the hand of another man who hurriedly restrained him from the side.
Then, after whispering to each other, the wildcat that was about to lunge at me asked back in a slightly softer voice.
“Are you perhaps the Black Flame Dragon?”
“I said no……. Then are you Young Hero Jin So-un?”
If they ask that much, I suppose you have to assume they know me.
Well, I guess it can’t be hidden anymore.
“Phew… That’s right. I am Jin So-un.”
Just then, a middle-aged man who had been standing alone among the young people stepped forward and grabbed my hand.
“Damn it!! I almost committed an offense by not recognizing a hero.”… …
What is this again?
This person’s attire is more unique than anyone I have ever seen.
He is clearly wearing a tattered martial arts uniform, but it is incredibly neat.
What on earth is the true identity of these people…
I am Song Ju-saeng, the master of Ilhakmun.
“ah…….”
Song Ju-saeng introduced himself, but my gaze naturally drifted elsewhere.
To Taeseon, who still had a sulky expression after his mother’s scolding.
“I’ve heard plenty about the exploits of the Black Flame Dragon Young Hero in Mukrim…….”
It was clear that the child who had come to meet her older brother would ultimately not be able to meet him.
“Many of our Ilhakmun children there…….”
His older brother, Geum Taejong, was…
Because he stayed in Mukrim in my place.
