Chapter: 817
By the time I returned from my conversation with the Head of Gyecheonmun, the sun had already set.
As I entered the branch, I went inside without any particular security checks, and the first place I arrived at was a prepared room set up on one side.
It was quite a large space arranged for our battalion.
Hot!
Ugh!
I could hear shouts ringing in my ears. They were voices coming from the training room adjacent to the residence.
It looked like they were really engrossed in their training.
I turned and headed in that direction.
The training center wasn’t particularly spacious, so there weren’t many people. I counted them, and there were no more than ten.
Furthermore.
‘They’re exactly the guys I expected.’
The ones placed there by the alliance weren’t visible; only the ones I personally picked were present.
It wouldn’t be possible to train openly with all the Dokmun martial arts on display. Perhaps it was just simple physical training?
I waved my hand slightly.
Phew-!!
The energy gathered inside burst out through the window.
The gazes of the members who felt the phenomenon turned this way.
“Your Majesty?”
“I told you to rest, but you really wouldn’t listen.”
“Have you arrived?”
“Oh, was everything okay?”
“Yes. Thanks to the branch’s consideration, I was able to rest comfortably.”
“Well, this isn’t really resting, but… Anyway. What about the others?”
“They’re probably each in their assigned places.”
“Is that so?”
I turned my gaze away, asking a question I already knew the answer to.
It was to remember the faces of those who were training.
I needed to observe them because I might have to use that information later.
“Party leader.”
I called out to Dang So-yeol, who was training with the others.
Dang So-yeol widened her eyes and responded to my call.
“Oh, yes.”
“I have something to discuss, so come to me as soon as you’re done training. You’ll be able to come to me by Hashi, right?”
“Oh, I understand.”
After delivering my message, I turned my back immediately.
My business at the training grounds was concluded. I strolled around the area, casually looking for someone.
Not long after, I stumbled upon something peculiar.
“…Hmm?”
I found myself witnessing a rather delicate sight.
Crunch, crunch.
“Stop it, stop it… .”
Crunch, crunch.
At the back of the residence’s deck, there were Bong-soon and someone sitting together. There was no need to check who it was.
Because, at this time of night, there was only one person with that shimmering head.
Only.
‘…What are those two doing?’
Why was Bong-soon touching that shiny head?
That was just slightly puzzling.
“Hehehe. That’s amazing! It feels good.”
“Just, just stop…”
The hand movements were unhindered, as if treating it like a round ball.
The poor fellow being touched was flushed all the way to the ears and had lost his senses.
‘…’
What could I even call that?
The sight of Shaolin’s rising star being treated like a toy in Bong-soon’s hands…
It was a form that was frankly difficult to express.
Especially.
‘That crazy girl is playing with him like he’s a real toy!’
The poor fellow caught in her clutches had his scalp glowing red like a ripe tomato.
That kid… .
‘…It seems he has more wicked intentions than I expected?’
It’s no wonder Ddaengjung has such dark thoughts.
How on earth can he carry on the will of the Buddha like this?
Moreover, that kid has a tendency to devour meat stealthily.
Last time, I caught him sneaking in dumplings.
Thinking back on it confirmed my suspicions.
‘Shaolin is doomed.’
Shenlong is bound to become the head monk someday, but in this state, Shaolin’s future looks dim.
Ah, of course, it’s not my problem.
“Hmm.”
Should I sneak up on them and tease them? Should I suggest that they’re just indulging in lewd hand movements instead of actually training?
‘That could be amusing.’
Just imagining Shenlong’s reaction sends a thrill of excitement through me.
Although it had only been a few days, Shenlong proved to be a more irresistible target for teasing than I’d anticipated.
Should I really do it? I hesitated for a moment… and ultimately decided to turn away.
It would certainly be entertaining, but now wasn’t the time for such things.
‘Wiseolana and Namgungbia….’
I hadn’t seen them in the training room. Are they resting?
‘They aren’t the type to just rest, though.’
It didn’t seem like they were taking a break. They were the kind of kids that generally don’t like to train where others can see them, so even if they were training, they were probably doing so in a quiet spot.
While I’d love to seek them out, I had to restrain myself once again.
If I searched for them, there were Cheoljiseon and Seongyul as well.
‘Those guys… they’ll manage on their own.’
I have absolutely no interest in that.
From the very start, I had assigned Cheol Ji-seon some tasks immediately upon arrival.
‘Seongyul isn’t fully recovered yet, so it’s hard to put him to use.’
Following our fight with Peng Woo-jin, Seongyul’s recovery wasn’t complete.
The divine spirit mentioned that his regeneration speed felt unusually slow for a martial artist.
‘Is that the aftermath of the Thousand Killers?’
It might just be.
His ability level is certainly not low, but if he’s slow, then there’s an underlying problem.
So I planned to check this aspect later.
How to check? Well… why not break something and evaluate the recovery speed?
‘Not a bad idea. That sounds good.’
It’s the most accurate and quickest verification.
Of course, Seongyul had no say in the matter. But since I had some fondness for him, I could afford to break something without causing him too much pain.
Anyway, while I was processing all this one step at a time, I overheard…
“Oh my. Really?”
“Hahaha. Yes! That’s exactly why back then…”
“More importantly, about Hanam this time….”
Upon reaching my destination, I heard cheerful words wafting in from afar.
Laughter mixed with numerous voices. Hearing it made me smile involuntarily.
A conspicuous smirk.
‘There they go again.’
As I drew closer, stifling my laughter, the situation gradually came into view.
Several figures were gathered by the pond at the front of the residence.
It looked like most of those who had skipped training were there.
The problematic part was….
“Hahahaha. Jin hyung, don’t tell me that’s just a bit of bravado?”
“What? Bravado?”
“No, I was just a bit surprised you claimed to face a hundred people at once. Oh, hope you aren’t offended! Just kidding.”
“Ha… hahaha. Well, I feel bad. It’s just a joke, so I will say it.”
“By the way, there’s a big festival coming up at the headquarters starting next month… .”
The relentless back-and-forth banter. They seemed friendly at first glance, but the atmosphere between them was taut with a fierce undertone.
They masked their swords with laughter while continuously probing their opponent’s weaknesses.
It felt reminiscent of a dark and unsettling political arena.
I sensed a mounting somberness as their expressions were completely disheveled.
‘Oh dear.’
I pondered what they were up to, and despite knowing the reason, I found myself speechless.
That was a struggle.
A struggle among males trying to gain the favor of a precious female.
“Isn’t that right, Yeon So-jeong?”
“Haha. Yes, you all seem incredibly amazing.”
“Cough….”
A slight cheer caused one male to redden.
Others were similarly affected.
“So, last time….”
“No, so the upper-ranked members told me….”
They were eager to add an extra line.
To gain more applause from the females.
Most of them desperately attended to their discourse, grasping for any opportunity to interact. Why they were trying so hard struck me as odd, but the larger issue was…
‘There are so many males, yet there’s only one female.’
The problematic fact was that the crowded male assembly was in pursuit of just one female.
“Haha.”
A woman was smiling seductively while covering her mouth.
Yeonhong, one of the ones I had brought, was that female.
As she smiled ever so slightly, the reactions from the surrounding men were intense.
A sinister shade of jealousy loomed behind their gaze. Observing them struggle to win her over was downright comical.
Imagine how much more murky the political scene would become with added competition. It was a flawless scene that dispelled any lingering curiosity I had regarding it.
‘Impressive, truly.’
How can it be so desperately intense? It remains beyond my comprehension.
Moreover, the fact that they could all swarm around Yeonhong was baffling too.
‘This is something.’
Yeonhong isn’t the only woman around. There’s also Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bia. Additionally, the deputy leader, Dang So-yeol, is a woman; yet, none of them perpetrate such bizarre antics toward the guys.
The reason for this is simple.
‘It’s likely too far removed to even reach out.’
The levels of distinction are so great.
Perhaps that was part of it. Oh, there are times when some would try to approach her, but I’ve shot them deadly glares or used my energy to send them packing. Was that part of it, too?
That could very well be the case. No matter what, in this moment, they’d glance her way but wouldn’t dare approach.
In this atmosphere, Yeonhong’s presence resembled a breath of fresh air on a scorching drought.
Although she was beautiful, she didn’t possess an overwhelmingly striking appearance; however, her inner aura was powerfully captivating.
To put it another way, she was a precious item that one might hope to procure with effort?
This naturally meant that the males were in a frenzied state of impatience, thus leading to the current scenario playing out.
The battle of wits surrounding Yeonhong.
Each of them sought her favor by posturing nobility while veiling their swords in their words.
For some reason, it seemed desperate for them… .
‘There’s never been a situation quite this absurd.’
To me, it was simply laughable.
When might I eventually put a stop to this? Well, I suppose that isn’t necessary. Yeonhong… if she is the author of this chaos, she likely has her own plans.
With that thought, I made my way toward her.
As I approached, I also called out to the smiling woman.
“Yeonhong.”
Upon hearing my voice, the chatter abruptly came to a halt, and all eyes turned in my direction.
The men cast wary glances at me as though I were yet another rival, but once they realized who I was, they all jumped to their feet.
“Y-Your Majesty!”
“It’s an honor to see you, Your Majesty.”
“… Oh, right. I hope you all have been resting well.”
“Yes…!”
Their reactions were as sharp as a blade. I must have left quite an impression after a few solid smackdowns on the way to Sacheon.
“I hate to interrupt your fun, but I am taking Yeonhong with me. There’s something I’d like to discuss with her privately.”
“Oh….”
“Ah, I… understand.”
Regret dripped from their voices.
These kids…?
‘The one responsible hasn’t said anything, so why are you all feeling so sorry?’
How ridiculous.
I let out a slight sigh and averted my gaze. I looked at Yeonhong, who had also stood up.
Yeonhong had her mouth covered and was wearing her signature smile.
“Shall we go now?”
“Yeah. Just follow me.”
“Understood.”
Yeonhong, with a slight bow, made her way through the crowd of men.
As she passed, she threw them a subtle smile.
“It was fun, gentlemen. Please share more stories next time.”
“Uh… heh heh, of course!”
“Feel free to tell us anytime!”
She skillfully cast her net wide.
It appeared she wouldn’t be making a swift exit.
After observing this, I clicked my tongue briefly and turned away.
“… Let her go.”
“Yes.”
And so, the two of us departed…
“….”
“….”
Silence descended among the remaining men.
Given their collective association with Yeonhong, there was nothing to say once they were alone.
They were all competitors. What could there possibly be to discuss?
Best to simply refrain from unleashing any hostility toward one another.
So, just as I was preparing to quietly wrap it up for them…
“Um… excuse me.”
One of the males piped up.
“Does anyone know what kind of relationship Your Majesty and Yeon So-jeong have?”
“…”
“…”
Everyone froze at the mention of the quiet subject.
What relationship could there be between Your Majesty and Yeonhong? I’d wanted to ask that, but it never seemed appropriate.
“D-do you really think they share something more than just a casual relationship?”
“P-please, don’t say something ridiculous. Your Majesty is engaged to someone else!”
Another guy interjected, as if the argument was absurd.
It’s well-known that the Holy King is engaged to the sword dancer who defeated Eunrang Sword.
“Indeed, that’s true. How could someone with an engagement like that look at another woman?”
I couldn’t forget the shock I felt the first time I saw the Sword Dancer.
How could a person be so beautiful? Though we belonged to the same generation and had traveled to Sacheon together, I found it genuinely difficult to look at her.
Could there really be another connection with Yeonhong alongside such an engagement? It seemed utterly impossible.
…However.
“If that’s the case….”
“…Hmm, isn’t that right…?”
Several of them began to ponder.
“Even looking at Seomwolgeom or… simply the Deputy Party Leader, isn’t it a bit different?”
Seomwolgeom Wi Seol-ah and Dokkwon Dang So-yeol.
They were astonishingly beautiful, comparable to Sword Dancer. The members were aware of this fact.
“Last time, I was almost killed by the Majesty for staring too long….”
To be precise, I hadn’t been killed, but he had glared at me as if he might.
“I thought I’d just casually say something to her, but I received a warning that cautioned me against doing anything foolish. That moment almost rendered me unconscious.”
The speaker’s face had been terrifying enough that I nearly lost my mind.
“When you look at it this way, doesn’t it seem like the lord holds you two in special regard?”
“Th-that’s….”
“And there are even rumors.”
“Ah…! Those rumors?”
The mention triggered a recollection across the group.
The most prevalent of the rumors about the Holy King in the Middle Plains.
Contrary to his heroic image, the King was said to have the appearance of a ghost.
He flaunted a lecherous nature, coveting beautiful women, and paraded them around him.
That seemed to be the case.
With that in mind, the men started to feel anxious.
What if.
What if, just maybe.
“Y-Yeon So-jeong might also… .”
“Surely not… with Your Majesty…?”
The feeling began to take root in everyone’s mind: could those two really have that kind of relationship?
While the men indulged in their fantasies and ground their teeth in frustration, I pulled Yeonhong into the room.
Inside the room, my belongings lay already organized and spread out.
It seemed that the branch office had prepared it for me.
Hah.
I let out a sigh as I entered the room.
At that moment, Yeonhong was already inside.
As night deepened, the lanterns illuminated the room.
As a subtle atmosphere wrapped around us, I gazed at Yeonhong.
Her figure draped in light was utterly enchanting.
Especially her downward-turned eyes complimented by a subtle smile were captivating in their own right.
It carried that unique charm that men invariably adored. I felt it intensively.
I observed her with a steady gaze…
“Well then.”
I spoke in a softer tone.
“Now, please take it off.”
Upon hearing that, Yeonhong gently tucked her hair back behind her ear.
“Oh, can’t we just converse like this?”
“…Honestly, I find it a bit uncomfortable.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. So, please go ahead and remove it.”
Only after I firmly stated it twice did Yeonhong finally begin to move.
Rustle. Rustle.
She began to shed her clothes piece by piece. There was no hesitation.
It was a relationship where hesitation was unnecessary from the start.
Swish!
Rustle!
The garments gradually loosened.
Watching the clothing fall to the floor, I nodded in satisfaction.
‘Now it’s getting interesting.’
My eyes focused intently on Yeonhong.
Despite her having removed her clothes, surprisingly she wasn’t naked.
Even though she clearly took off her clothes, for some reason, she still wore a black uniform.
And then—
Fzzzz—!!!
Suddenly, she grabbed at her skin and peeled it away, revealing a new face underneath.
That face belonged to the “man” who is called the master of the night and the king of assassins.
“The Dark King.”
The Dark King.
That was Yeonhong’s true identity.
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