“Hey! Good news… What were you doing?”
On the day the Hyang-joo meeting was held, Im Ha-yeon walked into my room with a happy face and asked me while standing in front of my desk.
“I was picking a mask.”
Do-mun Hyang-joo would definitely recognize my face.
It was said that the Do-mun Hyang-joo of the past could wear a mask to the meeting, so I planned to wear one to the Hyang-joo gathering.
“Can’t you just wear any mask that suits your face?”
“A mask is about making an impression. It could look mysterious, intimidating, or it could reveal who’s behind the mask to everyone but me. There are many types of masks.”
On my desk lay a mask that looked like it would tear a Rising Sun flag on Liberation Day, and another insect mask that seemed ready to use for a jumping kick as a finishing move.
“What about that white half mask in front? I have to wear a mask when I work too, but it gets uncomfortable when I cover my whole jaw.”
The mask Ha-yeon was pointing to was a half mask that covered the eyes and nose.
There’s a saying that even half-covered faces look completely different. It seemed like a decent choice.
“It kind of looks like a mask that would make you ponder over what went wrong after laying out a perfect plan and then failing.”
I didn’t like it.
“You could’ve just said you don’t want to wear it. No need to beat around the bush. Stand still. Let me help you choose.”
Ha-yeon picked up a mask from the desk and helped narrow down the candidates while contemplating which one would suit me.
I’ve never been to a department store with a girl, but I wonder if this is what it feels like. It felt a bit embarrassing.
“You’re having a tough time deciding.”
“Considering you just wear whatever you’re given for clothes, it’s surprising you’re choosing the mask so carefully.”
“After all, a mask is important for a man.”
If I had a transformation belt too, that would be the icing on the cake!
“I heard the Do-mun Hyang-joo stretches the bamboo legs to cover their field of vision, so choose something suitable.”
“I suppose I should just pick something that looks Joseon-like. But good news? What do you mean?”
Of course, Joseon people are synonymous with the Hahoe mask. I checked to see if the mask fit and then asked Ha-yeon about her reason for visiting me.
“Oh! By any chance, did you discuss anything with the Do-mun folks aside from the secret code?”
Aside from the secret code? I did say something while parting.
“I asked if they could hasten the ascension ceremony for the Do-mun Hyang-joo since time is of the essence.”
Ha-yeon clapped her hands as if that was just it.
“Exactly! The Do-mun contacted us. They said we could hold the meeting the day after the Hyang-joo gathering!”
A day earlier?
That was unexpected good news.
—
“Did you finish preparing for the gathering place?”
Before heading to the meeting spot, I called Ha-yeon and Miss Zhuge to the living room.
“Lastly, before we go over what will happen next, I have something to say. Miss Zhuge.”
I nodded at Ha-yeon’s question and called Miss Zhuge, who was looking at me with a worried expression.
“Yes?”
“How about you stay in Man Geum Battlefield for a while?”
“At my grandfather’s house?”
“In the worst-case scenario, this mansion could become dangerous. I don’t want you to be at risk because of Ha-yeon.”
“That’s true. You’ve helped enough until now.”
Seemingly understanding my words, Ha-yeon subtly suggested that Zhuge should seek refuge.
It could really get dangerous from now on.
Do-mun Hyang-joo is a person who would do anything to become the overlord of the Hao Moon.
They’ve killed the people of Seocheon Post Office to find Ha-yeon, slaughtering members of the same sect, committing countless crimes.
Although Miss Zhuge has made significant contributions to the activities of the Shadowless Thief, that doesn’t mean she should share our risks.
For her safety, it was time to return to Man Geum-jeon.
Miss Zhuge looked back and forth between us, unsure what to do. When she nodded, I looked at her without making her feel uncomfortable.
“…I-I don’t want to.”
But what came out of Miss Zhuge’s mouth was a firm refusal.
“Miss Zhuge?”
“I-I mean you want me to leave Master Kang and Ha-yeon, right? I-I don’t want to!”
Miss Zhuge looked straight into my eyes and spoke boldly.
“I didn’t mean that. It’s just…”
“I want to stay next to Master Kang! I also want to help Ha-yeon! A-Are you sure about this?”
Determination shone in Miss Zhuge’s eyes more than ever.
Who would have imagined Miss Zhuge would vehemently oppose someone else’s suggestion?
If I pressed her again, she might just disappointingly retreat, but that would mean ignoring her will.
“Miss Zhuge, thank you.”
I held her hands with both of mine and bowed my head.
“I’m truly grateful too.”
Ha-yeon also stepped forward and held the other hand of Zhuge.
“Ah, well, it’s nothing really…”
Her expression held firm resolve but quickly melted away.
Seeing Miss Zhuge’s beaming smile, Ha-yeon and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
—
“Now, let’s review the plan one last time. The outcome of today’s gathering will fall into one of three scenarios. The first is if we completely deceive Do-mun Hyang-joo.”
As I organized the atmosphere, I spread out the papers on the coffee table that contained our planned strategies.
“Ha-yeon will safely surpass today and become the Do-mun Hyang-joo.”
“I’ll neatly handle the courtesan issue, and the Do-mun’s plans will also be completely thwarted.”
That would be the best-case scenario.
Do-mun Hyang-joo would be fooled, and Ha-yeon would become Do-mun Hyang-joo. The four Do-mun Hyang-joo alliance would compel Do-mun Hyang-joo to retract their plans, shedding tears of rage.
Just imagining it puts me in a good mood, but…
“I’m not considering this scenario from the start.”
It wasn’t a situation to contemplate.
“The elders of the great houses said that those who act only on the best-case scenario are unfit to be strategists.”
Miss Zhuge nodded at my words.
“Yes, I agree. We only move considering the worst and second-worst situations.”
Although the best outcome would be nice, it’s nothing but a wishful thought.
Do-mun Hyang-joo hadn’t just sat idly by until now.
“The second scenario is the worst. It’s when the lies are exposed right at the gathering.”
“Then a civil war would break out. As soon as Do-mun Hyang-joo realizes everyone knows about their plot to become the overlord, they’ll mobilize the martial artists summoned to Wuhan.”
“The martial artists of the righteous faction won’t move. It’s the business of the faction. They’ll likely want to self-destruct among themselves. Probably.”
It’s a nightmare scenario I don’t want to imagine.
“At least, the fortunate thing is that the originally worst-case scenario won’t happen. There’s no worry about Ha-yeon getting caught at the gathering place.”
Thanks to my presence at the gathering spot, I could ensure Ha-yeon’s safety.
Unless Do-mun Hyang-joo could secure Ha-yeon, they could only bleed meaninglessly and chip away at their own flesh.
“That’s not all good news. I heard that if a civil war really happens, the ceremony cannot commence.”
If the worst-case situation arises, all that has been done will unravel, morphing into a power struggle.
It’s an unwanted scenario, but we should have a countermeasure in place even for the worst-case situation.
“Ha-yeon.”
I called her with a serious expression on my face.
“Yes?”
“If that happens, take refuge with the Master of Arcane Fragrance.”
This time it was Ha-yeon’s turn to receive my suggestion after proposing it to Miss Zhuge.
“What did you just say?”
Ha-yeon asked me with wide eyes, as if she couldn’t believe it.
“If a civil war breaks out, I don’t know who will win. Your ascendance to Do-mun Hyang-joo will be off the table. It’s best to find the best move even in the worst situation.”
It’s hard to predict accurately what happens post-civil war. But there’s something I can predict clearly.
Do-mun Hyang-joo wouldn’t let Im Ha-yeon go unscathed, believing her to be the culprit behind the civil unrest.
Rather than that, it would be better to follow the previous suggestion made by the Master of Arcane Fragrance and live a normal life away from Do-mun’s grip.
“But! If that happens!”
You won’t be able to meet again.
Ha-yeon looked at me with a speechless expression, but we weren’t on terms where I couldn’t read the plea hidden in her desperate gaze.
Seeing her trembling eyes, I chuckled softly.
“But that won’t happen. I’m going to deceive Do-mun Hyang-joo.”
I looked at Ha-yeon with conviction.
Your safety comes first. Stay alive no matter what. I didn’t come all this way to say that.
I’ve been racing to save you until now.
“You…”
“The third and second-worst scenario is that on the day of the meeting, a civil war does not occur. The sudden emergence of the Shadowless Thief agenda will waste a day.”
“Whether they approach thinking you’re the real deal or ponder if I’m fake, if they waste time, you can still become Do-mun Hyang-joo.”
Whether it’s the best or worst outcome, there are not many moves we can take. But the case of the second-worst is different.
If we can make it past one day, the ascension ceremony for Do-mun Hyang-joo will be held.
The countermeasures we prepared for the third situation we’ve laid out for the past eight days.
It’s a strategy devised to reach the finish line sooner in a race against time.
“Let’s move as planned. Also, let’s end this tedious association with Do-mun.”
—
“You’ve arrived. The Hyang-joo members who are already here are waiting.”
When we arrived at the meeting place, the Do-mun members approached me.
That’s a relief. I didn’t know who was working for Do-mun, so I thought I’d look all awkward like a sucker trying to sell second-hand stuff, babbling about if anyone was from Do-mun…huh? What? Oh, never mind.
But everyone showed up immediately with masks that practically screamed they were suspicious characters, so it wasn’t hard to recognize them.
“Who’s here?”
As the representative of the Hyang-joo gathering, I’m the highest-ranking Do-mun figure present. The Do-mun members naturally lowered their postures in response to my presence.
“Members from the Ma-mun, Si-mun, and Gi-mun are here.”
“What about Do-mun?”
“They’re said to be arriving shortly.”
“Fine.”
I don’t know where the Do-mun folks are hiding.
Leading the Do-mun members behind me, I would naturally appear as the next Hyang-joo. Let’s walk ahead confidently.
“It’s to your right, not your left.”
“……”
Ha-yeon was even impressed enough to applaud at a perfect 180-degree turn.
“I’ll guide you.”
The meeting place was in the top floor of an upscale restaurant overlooking the Yangtze River.
‘Everyone’s on high alert.’
The martial artists politely greeted us when opening the door, but their bodies were tense. As we climbed another level, the caliber of the martial artists guarding the area increased.
Hao Moon isn’t a powerful martial faction, but there are certainly martial artists they can utilize at the Hyang-joo level.
Could it be that the martial artists from Ma-mun, Si-mun, and Gi-mun are all gathered in one place? Do-mun might pull something today. It seems the Hyang-joo all share the same sentiment.
“You have arrived.”
“The Do-mun Hyang-joo hasn’t come yet. Settle in.”
I casually exchanged glances with the Hyang-joo and took my seat, which looked like the black market drama version of a bamboo chair.
‘Finally made it here.’
I took a deep breath and gazed beyond the bamboo chair.
Just one day. If I can deceive Do-mun Hyang-joo for just one day, everything will come to an end.
Calming my mind, I prepared myself.
“Do-mun Hyang-joo is here.”
The one responsible for all that has transpired made their entrance.
Heavy footsteps followed by light steps. The instigator of all events approached with a touch of frivolity, unpredictable as to where they would leap.
‘That person…’
Their eyes resembled those of a starving wolf and wore a sly grin.
The face of a ravenous wolf hunting for its prey drew closer, stopping before the bamboo chair.
“I’m seeing all the faces I’ve wanted to see.”
The gaze of the individual was fixed on me, as if they would pounce and tear me apart at any moment, determined to swallow the Hao Moon whole.
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