Chapter: 846
Silence enveloped the room. Breaking the stillness, I spoke to Song Ho-jeong.
“I have no intention of hearing excuses. You’re being honest, right?”
He probably feared I would go and create havoc if he heard the truth, or that the young lord would reach out to the Blue Dragon Corps and get swept away. Even without those reasons, Song Ho-jeong just couldn’t bring himself to trust me.
If he had known, he wouldn’t have acted so recklessly.
“Did you want to avoid causing harm to the battalion? Or did you think you could handle it all by yourself? Either way, your actions were wrong.”
“…”
The response trailed off. It didn’t matter.
“I’ve already told the Blue Dragon Lord. My job is to take responsibility for you. You aren’t here to take responsibility for me. Besides.”
I took a few deep breaths, worried that my slightly open eyes might betray a hint of murderous intent.
“If you had said something earlier, do you think this mess would have happened just now?”
Honestly, even if I had been upfront, this mess might have occurred regardless. Perhaps it would have been less intense… but wouldn’t it still have been somewhat similar?
One thing was for sure, though—this wasn’t the key issue right now, so I pressed on.
“Answer me.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Tsk.”
There was no point in saying more. I clicked my tongue briefly and pondered. So, what should I do next?
If it were up to me, I’d like to strip him of his vice-captain position and finish this right here.
‘Giving it to someone else in this situation feels… awkward.’
Well, Song Ho-jeong was still the better option.
To begin with, it was harder to find someone among the Maeng faction’s unmanned warriors who wasn’t a spy. Plus, knowing that the Red Dragon Lord had sent a decent person made it all the more complicated.
If that’s the case, it would be fair to conclude that he was being lenient because of the Red Dragon Lord.
“…You’re out of commission for the time being.”
“Oh, my lord…”
“Get out. I’ll handle the Blue Dragon Corps from here, so stop worrying about it.”
I issued a dismissal order without waiting for him to finish.
That was about the right limit.
Song Ho-jeong licked his lips. He ultimately stepped outside, and I then turned my gaze to the remaining guy.
“Now, speak.”
“…Yes?”
Moon Do-hyeok responded, seemingly flustered by my request.
It seemed he didn’t quite grasp what I was implying.
So, I elaborated a bit further.
“It seems you have something you wanted to say from earlier. Spit it out quickly.”
Those were the eyes that had been fixated on me while I rattled on about Song Ho-jeong.
Hence, I laid the groundwork for him to find it easier to speak.
“Ah… that is… um…”
“I’m not feeling well, so make it quick and precise.”
“…Ilcheonggeom has found out about the situation. I can’t tell if it will be okay or not.”
Upon hearing that, I instinctively rubbed the back of my neck. My muscles tensed, trying to hold back the heat rising within me.
Moon Do-hyeok was talking about how I had personally mentioned my betrayal to Ilcheonggeom.
“What’s not okay?”
“U-um…”
“Why? Are you worried about what Ilcheonggeom might do to you?”
He averted his eyes. It looked like what I said struck a chord. Honestly, I wasn’t inclined to dwell on it.
‘It’s a valid concern.’
After all, Ilcheonggeom had shot Moon Do-hyeok a glance that practically oozed murder. He must have noticed it too.
“If that worries you, just go back. I doubt they’ll turn you away.”
“B-but… that’s not it… I’m really just concerned…”
“Just kidding.”
If I had meant it, I wouldn’t have sent him back.
I grinned slyly at Moon Do-hyeok.
“Are you curious about why I brought up the facts then?”
Why did I mention Ilcheonggeom’s crimes at that time?
That must be what lay at the heart of Moon Do-hyeok’s curiosity. Honestly, I had no real reason to even care.
“No?”
“Yes… that’s correct.”
You traveled all this way to align with my interests, only to find your life in jeopardy.
It appeared to bother him a little…
“It’s okay. This was all done with great consideration.”
“Concerning?”
“I had a plan. You don’t believe me?”
“No… I-I believe.”
“Good. Now that you’re on my side, just trust me. I’ll handle everything.”
Honestly, it was none of my concern. And that made perfect sense.
‘I plan to wipe them all out anyway.’
Ilcheonggeom, or anyone else, including Moon Do-hyeok—there was no intention of mercy in me. So, my indifference was justified.
“So just stop worrying. I’ll take care of everything, so you can relax… Oh, wait.”
Just when I was about to send Moon Do-hyeok off, something suddenly flashed in my mind.
“You should wait; I suspect I’ll need you for something later.”
“All right…”
Moon Do-hyeok’s uneasy expression gave a slight nod.
He definitely didn’t seem entirely convinced.
But that wouldn’t matter. He had no choice other than me by now.
“If you understand, get out.”
“…Understood.”
“Oh, while you’re at it, ask someone to come in.”
“Yes? What sort of person are you referring to?”
I smiled in response to Moon Do-hyeok’s question.
“He’s probably sleeping right now… so wake him up and send him in. I have business to discuss.”
There just happened to be someone I needed at the moment.
As time slipped by, night gradually settled, and a guest entered my quarters.
He looked like a young man clearly fighting to stay awake.
He bore a thoroughly dissatisfied expression, as if questioning what the heck I wanted at this hour.
That young man was Cheol Ji-seon.
Letting out a sigh, he queried with his voice heavy with weariness.
“…What’s the matter?”
“Welcome!”
I grinned at the utterly exhausted fellow, but his expression did not improve one bit.
“Um… Yang-cheon…”
“Yeah?”
“…I’m on night watch.”
“That’s right. You’ve been working hard.”
“…Huuuh.”
Cheol Ji-seon rubbed his forehead tiredly.
Yeah, being assigned to the night watch was the worst duty one could have. Even worse that it was a fixed schedule.
He had never once escaped from that assignment since starting his time in Sichuan.
‘I ordered him to do it that way.’
It wasn’t just Cheol Ji-seon; anyone I had a connection with was in the same boat.
Excluding the likes of Dangsoyeol because he was a vice-captain, even people like Wi Seola or Namgung Bi-ah were tied to that schedule.
Hence, the guy looked absolutely drained.
“What can I do? You know this is how it is.”
“That’s not the issue. If you know that, then why did you call me out now?”
It was almost time for the shift change, and he seemed disgruntled to be called out just before that.
But what could I do about it?
“Then go be a lord.”
“…”
“What’s the matter? Are your eyes too pretty to open? Should we spar a bit since it’s been a while?”
“Hahaha… Hah… I’m awake!”
“Right, that’s the spirit!”
Waking him up wasn’t exactly considerate, but I needed it to get done.
The sooner, the better for me.
“The reason I called you here isn’t anything tricky. By the way, do you happen to plan on staying up all night?”
“…Is that even a choice?”
“Nope.”
“Well then… why did you even ask…? Got it. What do you need me for?”
He shot me a disgruntled look, and Cheol Ji-seon nodded in understanding. Quite the perceptive fellow.
I liked that and nodded back at him.
“It’s nothing out of the ordinary; it’s just about that time.”
“Time?”
“Yeah, time.”
“Which time are you talking about?”
As he feigned ignorance, I clicked my tongue and replied.
“What do you think? It’s high time we started harvesting the traps I’ve laid out.”
“…”
Upon my words, Cheol Ji-seon squinted his eyes slightly. He seemed to understand exactly what I meant.
“Now?”
“Yep, right now. It’s time to reap the rewards, so I need you to get going.”
After arriving in Sichuan, it had become necessary to trigger everything prepared beforehand.
However.
“Isn’t this a bit… rushed?”
Cheol Ji-seon seemed a bit unsettled with how things were lining up and raised an eyebrow at me.
That was natural since I had mentioned that the scheduled date was still three days away.
Honestly, I wanted to stretch it just a little longer. But…
“I’ve had some… developments.”
Some situations had arisen, necessitating an adjustment of my plans.
“Rushing it a bit shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
“I don’t think… it would be a problem. What do you have in mind?”
“What do you mean by ‘what to do’?”
“I get that you’re fine with messing with the Gui Clan. But Ilcheonggeom is your target, right? Then… Going to stir things up right now seems….”
“What difference does it make?”
“Pardon?”
I nodded along.
“Can’t we deal with both at the same time?”
“What?”
Cheol Ji-seon reacted as if shocked, but frankly, that reaction was a bit odd to me.
What was the problem?
“The situation is perfect.”
To me, anything is fair game to justify whatever I want to do.
Creeeak.
I leaned back in my chair and rested my chin on my hand while continuing to speak to Cheol Ji-seon.
“A respected figure in the Central Plains, Ilcheonggeom, is actually plotting treachery and seeks to tear everything apart.”
Thud thud. My hand lightly slapped my thigh.
“So, the Seongryong Corps will undoubtedly storm in.”
“…”
“In the process, a battle will break out. Oops…! Because the fighting ended up being too intense, we lost control and accidentally wiped them all out, didn’t we?”
The more I elaborated, the more Cheol Ji-seon’s expression twisted into a mix of disbelief and intrigue. I didn’t care.
“Even the Seongryong Corps lost members during the fight… Quite the tragic affair, wouldn’t you say?”
“…Yang-cheon, you…”
“So, with all that in mind, do you think there might be a problem?”
“…”
“In my view, none whatsoever.”
Unless a plethora of unexpected variables arose, there wouldn’t be an issue.
And those variables?
“You’ll be the one to eliminate them.”
Cheol Ji-seon would handle that.
As I laid out that plan, Cheol Ji-seon squinted at me, eyebrows furrowing.
“…Are you saying you’ll kill them all?”
“All? Where’s the scary accusation in that?”
Anyone hearing this would think I have a penchant for murder.
“I’ve told you before: I only kill the ones who deserve it.”
“But there are also… unavoidable sacrifices in battle….”
“Hahaha… Ji-seon.”
I laughed, and Cheol Ji-seon went silent.
“If you’re going to argue about this, isn’t it too late to bring it up now? Don’t you think it’s already too late?”
“…”
“And concerning those unavoidable sacrifices you mentioned, I’m asking you to move your legs even more to minimize them. Does that not register?”
“…No, I understand.”
“Then you’ll act according to my orders.”
I issue orders, and you follow. That’s always enough.
It was a phrase meant to be devoid of guilt for Cheol Ji-seon.
“So just do as you’re told. As always, I’ll take the responsibility.”
Whatever happens falls squarely on me.
It was the most vital part to consider when evaluating a situation.
“I’ve already organized the work-related matters in these letters. Follow these and proceed step by step.”
I handed the scroll over to Cheol Ji-seon.
That meant he could now handle everything except the request I’d asked of him.
And as I began to think of the next agenda…
“What about you?”
Cheol Ji-seon suddenly questioned me.
“What?”
“If you take all the responsibility for everything, who will take responsibility for you?”
“…”
I was momentarily caught off guard by that unexpected comment.
Fortunately, it didn’t leave me speechless for too long.
“What do you mean? Why would you need to be responsible for me? I’ll take care of myself.”
“You… always…”
Argh!
Cheol Ji-seon was about to utter something but then distorted his face, turning his back to me.
“…I’ll finish the tasks assigned to me before today’s over.”
With that, Cheol Ji-seon exited the room. I found myself scratching my temples as I watched him leave.
—Who will take responsibility for you?
His parting words continued to echo in my head.
It seemed it’d linger for a while.
“Tsk… That brat, spouting unnecessary nonsense.”
I’d just obey the orders without involving myself in that nonsense.
Who would take responsibility for me? I had no need or desire for such a thing.
‘It’s because I don’t want to make anyone suffer that I’m going through all this trouble.’
So, it would be best to forget such thoughts and carry on.
“Huuuh.”
I buried my head in my hands, trying to shake off the thoughts. I needed to discard them quickly.
‘Don’t delve too deep. Think about something else.’
Getting caught up in such thoughts wouldn’t allow me to function. So I quickly shifted to another line of reasoning.
‘Pulling the plans ahead is fine, but… the bothersome parts…’
I concentrated on controlling my body, especially focusing on my heart.
Then, I felt a faint stirring inside me, a sensation that was hard to contain.
An uncontrolled urge to kill.
Or perhaps something I referred to as “Xinma.”
Feeling it, I bit down on my lip.
‘This is a variable.’
A variable that would arise during combat.
I needed to take care of things before action unfolded, and the brighter side of it was…
“…I need to drop by the Tang Clan for a moment.”
Thankfully, I had figured out a method, at least to some extent.
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.