Chapter: 844
The commotion in the surroundings faded away.
A few murmurs could be heard, but they quickly sank into silence.
The only sound was the crackling of embers from the lamps affixed to the wall.
After being buried in that stillness for quite some time.
– Just now… what did Lord Seongryong say?
One of the members standing at a distance whispered.
From that point onward, whispers began to swell again. The difference this time was that most of the chatter revolved around Ilcheonggeom.
– … The Lord uses poison?
– No, it’s not just poison… What does Gyecheonmunju even mean?
The voice was surprisingly loud for a brief utterance. Thanks to this, everyone around heard it, and the reaction was as intense as expected.
– The Great Lord is involved with Gyecheonmunju? What on earth is that supposed to mean…?
– I’ve heard it seems like the Lord has joined hands with that Sapa guy.
– What kind of nonsense is this—!!
It didn’t take long for confusion to turn into anger.
Could it be that my faith in Ilcheonggeom was stronger? Who knows. I couldn’t care less.
What was crucial was not their reaction but Ilcheonggeom’s response.
‘Good.’
A smile crept onto my face. How could I not smirk when I looked at Ilcheonggeom?
It was truly a sight to behold.
From his trembling eyes to the beads of sweat forming quietly, even the wavering energy that seemed to prove his inner anxiety.
He was showing just how flustered he truly was.
One.
“…What nonsense are you talking about now?”
This guy has been active in this central region for decades.
The momentary anxiety was evident, but even that was wiped clean within a few seconds.
“Are you planning to fool me with absurdities just because you’re being pushed around by words?”
The confusion on his face turned back into anger.
I felt it during our last encounter, too; this man is quite the formidable opponent.
‘I would have doubted it too if I hadn’t had the intel.’
Is such a level of cunning necessary to hide one’s true personality and survive in this world?
Just imagining it feels exhausting.
“A joke? That’s quite a stingy remark.”
“If this isn’t a joke, then what is?! No matter how much I dislike the situation with the deputy lord, as you said, we came here to support you. We shouldn’t have to endure such insults!”
The raised voice radiated genuine feelings of insult and contempt.
How could he genuinely feel that way?
‘Is he masking his anxiety and confusion with anger?’
I often hear that I’m terribly bad at lying, but if it’s possible, I’d love to learn how to do that.
But….
“If you found my words insulting, I apologize… but I’m merely relaying information that I have received.”
“…Information?”
Ilcheonggeom’s eyebrows twitched momentarily.
“What information are you referring to?”
“Well, it’s nothing much. I just heard that Ilcheonggeom used poison to do something reckless to me.”
“Who would even say such nonsense…!”
He tried to retort but stopped when he caught sight of my fingertip.
I was pointing right at Moon Do-hyeok. Ilcheonggeom grimaced after recognizing the guy.
He seemed to grasp the situation unfolding.
Moon Do-hyeok stiffened when his eyes met Ilcheonggeom’s, and before long, he averted his gaze.
The emotion visible in his eyes was fear. Watching this, I nodded to myself.
‘That should suffice.’
Given his reaction, it seems betrayal was indeed on the table.
Of course, I could be wrong, but my gut told me that what I saw was genuine.
“Does this count as a response from the source?”
I know everything you’ve done. Your actions prove that point.
Ilcheonggeom frowned, showing a clear sign of distress.
“What’s the issue with that agent?”
‘Oh?’
I couldn’t help but mentally applaud at the words he chose to use.
‘Ah, so you insist on pretending not to understand?’
That’s certainly not a bad strategy.
After all, there’s no evidence, so playing the fool right now would actually be pretty wise.
“So, what you’re essentially saying, senior, is that you’ve never done anything foolish towards me?”
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I am the leader of the Great Martial Arts Alliance that upholds justice and harmony.”
Kkuuk-! Ilcheonggeom tightened his grip on the sword.
“It’s true I have my issues with Lord Seongryong, but he’s not someone who would throw his honor to the ground for trivial matters.”
“Wow.”
I nearly clapped my hands in response to Ilcheonggeom’s words.
How can he display such shamelessness?
‘Justice and harmony? Honor? What a joke.’
I desperately wanted to laugh aloud, but suppressing it became a painful struggle.
Really….
‘You guys don’t change at all.’
The deeper you dig into their character, the murkier the depths become—at this point, it’s practically admirable.
Since he showed that depth, it seems only fair that I give something back.
“Then again, there’s no evidence yet. I apologize for the initial suspicion.”
I took a step back.
Moreover.
“I’ve only heard rumors regarding the Gyecheonmun situation, but you’re saying this is also false?”
There was no evidence; I was merely relaying rumors. Upon saying this, Ilcheonggeom interrupted me immediately.
“I will not endure any further insulting comments. I don’t know where you heard such slander, but I’d rather give up everything than ally myself with the likes of Sapa.”
“That’s true…! Our lord wouldn’t go that far!”
“To conspire with Sapa… how could anyone suggest such a thing?”
Many rallied to support Ilcheonggeom’s denial. Their faith in him was astounding.
Observing their reactions, I quietly murmured.
“… Stick your neck out.”
Just loud enough for Ilcheonggeom to catch it.
“Or perhaps it’s lucky for you. Anyway, I just happened to come here to ask about poison, and this turned into a whole spectacle.”
I continued talking as I approached Ilcheonggeom, still on high alert.
“I do apologize for putting your deputy in that state. However, I believe I have provided a sufficient explanation.”
“… Is that flimsy reasoning an explanation?”
“Yes. If it displeases you, as you said, punish me at the main office or make a formal complaint. However, we must also address my suspicions about you.”
“…”
Even if you’re complacent now, what will you do when you return? Those words held a hint of a deeper meaning, and Ilcheonggeom pursed his lips in thoughts.
“Certainly. I’ve committed no wrongs, so there’s no reason for me to be fearful. But what if all of Lord Seongryong’s suspicions are unfounded?”
If all my words were lies, what would happen? That scenario is unlikely, but still…
“What would happen? I’d be forced to kneel and beg for forgiveness. For having harbored unfounded doubts. For being in the wrong.”
“Ah… now that’s an enticing narrative.”
I could glean a lot from the dialogue unfolding.
‘Feels like it doesn’t mean much anyway.’
Whether I’m subjected to an investigation or not, it matters little. It wasn’t just me; Ilcheonggeom certainly seemed unfazed too.
Maybe the reasoning is the same as mine.
‘Because there’s no way he can go back from here.’
You can’t go back from this place.
That’s clearly the thought racing through both his mind and mine.
“Anyway….”
As I walked, I realized I was now right in front of him.
Thankfully or not, despite the close distance, Ilcheonggeom didn’t swing his sword.
He merely stared at me, channeling his energy.
Shooting him a look filled with malice, I asked.
“If you’re not going to handle this, I’ve delivered all my messages… and shown you everything needed. Can I leave now?”
Despite having caused a ruckus with your deputy, I boldly claimed I would be on my way.
Under normal circumstances, Ilcheonggeom would not have let that slide.
With his position on the line, he would undoubtedly try to keep me bound here.
That much was certain.
‘As expected.’
Ilcheonggeom merely glared without taking any action.
I briefly considered mocking him, but I decided to simply walk past him instead.
“I’ll gather the ‘before and after’ details from our comrades and come back to you later. I believe that’s something you’d like as well, senior. Is that right?”
“…”
Silence answered me. It was always the case that silence signifies agreement.
Isn’t that something you want too? What this implies is that he needs time to formulate an excuse.
Or else….
‘Time to prepare for an even more ludicrous plan.’
That sincerity was cleverly embedded in my statement. Then, Ilcheonggeom responded.
“I’ll say it again; I won’t let this slide easily.”
Ilcheonggeom growled that statement.
While his words were packed with bravado, ultimately, they indicated he was willing to let this slide for now.
In other words, it was wordplay at its best. Recognizing this, I merely smirked.
“Sure, go right ahead.”
“Snap.”
I completely passed Ilcheonggeom.
His stare was still affixed to my face. The other Blue Dragon members were glaring at me with ferocity.
Feeling their intensity, I mumbled.
“What are you looking at? Look down, you bunch of brats.”
Saaaaaaaa—!!
“… Ugh!”
“Cough…!”
Once the pressure was released, all the stares receded.
At the same time, I held my breath and felt my heart race.
‘That almost went south.’
Anger surged, transforming into a chilling intensity.
I had temporarily forgotten the state of my body; I needed to be cautious.
“Haah….”
I took a low breath and shifted my gaze. After a short walk, I spotted the person I was looking for.
“Hey.”
“Yes, yes…!”
The one who hurriedly responded to my call was Song Ho-jeong, the lieutenant of Lord Seongryong.
“Wanna chat?”
“…”
As I twisted my face to speak, Song Ho-jeong gulped nervously.
I clicked my tongue briefly and started walking, with the members trailing behind me.
After Gu Yangcheon’s departure.
Once Gu Yangcheon left, the Blue Dragon’s quarters were infused with silence.
No one found the courage to speak up.
Quietly, they observed Ilcheonggeom’s expression, trying to grasp whether Gu Yangcheon had fully vanished.
After some time passed, confidence began to build.
“Damn it…! What does that kid know?!”
It was as if they had been waiting for this moment; a member finally broke the silence.
“How dare you doubt our Great Lord? What poison is this? Absurd!”
“That’s right! Who dares to speak such nonsense?!”
“Of course, it’s because he’s young. Immaturity causes them to see only what they want.”
“No matter how talented he might be, with that attitude, I can’t help but wonder if he can run this battalion effectively.”
The majority of their discussion revolved around Gu Yangcheon.
“While it’s clear he’s strong, the position of the Grand Master of the Alliance can’t be obtained solely by strength.”
“That’s true. He performed excellently during the ambush, but… this time he overstepped.”
The criticisms kept flowing, and everyone appeared to resonate with this sentiment, heated up in their discussions.
If they chose to, they could easily keep this going.
Just as I felt words I had been holding surge to the surface,
“This is something I must insist on to my superiors when I return to Hanam, even if it’s for the sake of our Great Lord…”
“Stop.”
The brewing discourse came to an abrupt end due to that brief command. It was the words that Ilcheonggeom, who had been quietly listening, spat out with authority.
The intensity in his voice silenced everyone instantly.
In this hushed atmosphere, Ilcheonggeom continued.
“Let’s end unnecessary discussions here and focus on resolving the situation first. We must take the deputy commander to the medical officer.”
“Oh, understood…!”
At Ilcheonggeom’s command, people hurried to assist him.
In their fixation on Gu Yangcheon, they only then realized that the deputy commander had collapsed.
Several members rushed to aid the dazed commander’s side.
“Ugh… Huuuu.”
“Bounty Lord, are you alright…?”
“Move quickly…!”
They walked while supporting the disheveled body of the deputy commander.
Just as they passed Ilcheonggeom with the injured commander.
“…!”
One member froze, staring at Ilcheonggeom, who radiated a terrifying aura.
It made sense, for at that moment, Ilcheonggeom’s face was twisted into a sinister expression, brimming with malice.
As if—
He was dead set on killing someone.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.