Chapter: 774
The Holy King ascends to the position of the great lord of Bonmyeong.
Suddenly, news reached Hanam. Given that it was an official statement announced through an open declaration, it was filled with credibility.
It seemed that quite a bit of effort was put in, as it spread throughout Hanam in less than a day. Various discussions were taking place about it.
– Is it true that the Holy King is going to become the Great Lord…?
– I’ve never heard of a king-level warrior taking on such a role!
The six thrones. No, now there are seven kings who have transformed into the seven thrones.
Since the founding of the Murim Alliance, there has never been a king-level warrior entering the main realm.
While there might be records of them ascending as leaders, there has never been an instance of becoming a great lord, causing quite a stir regarding this news.
– What does it even matter? Didn’t the late Tao King come to the martial arts festival to become the Lord of the Dragon?
Mentioning that the Tao King participated in the martial arts festival was able to bring a bit of calm.
Considering that the prize for winning this Shinryong Martial Arts Festival included the title of Grand Master of the Shinryongdae, it implied that if the Tao King had won, the Grand Master position of Shinryongdae would go to him.
So in that light, it wasn’t entirely bizarre for the Holy King to become the Great Lord.
– Regardless, the Holy King is still just past his youth.
The newly adult Holy King. Some pointed out that regardless of his actions in Hanam, he is simply too young.
One person remarked,
– What does age have to do with it? I’d rather feel reassured if it’s the Holy King!
– The Holy King is sacrificing himself for the broken alliance—why are you nitpicking about age now?
Those in the crowd, visibly outraged, quickly stamped out the opposing views.
Public sentiment towards the alliance is currently not very favorable.
To be exact, it seems they can hold it together for now, but it won’t be long before it crumbles.
In such a context,
– If it’s the Holy King, I feel safe!
– That’s the only reliable thing we have!
– It bothers me that it’s the Murim Alliance, but if it’s the Holy King…
As the hero who saved Hanam chose the alliance, the angry sentiment among the masses was slowly being quelled.
While anger toward the alliance still lingered, there now existed a reason to suppress it temporarily.
This was the effect of even just the Holy King’s association with the alliance.
When things settle down, the unity that has gathered tends to unravel.
The anger that had been directed at the alliance began to waver with this news.
In addition,
– Did you hear that story too?
The confusion deepened further with another piece of news that equaled the significance of the Holy King’s announcement.
– They say Shinryongdae will reemerge this time!
– Shinryongdae…?
The Divine Dragon Corps.
Each of their members was incredibly strong, and the leader of the Shinryongdae at that time became one of the most significant figures in history.
It was the representative swordsmanship of the Murim Alliance, known as the unit directly under the leader, and it wielded immense influence.
Even though the Cheongryongdae currently performs similar duties, the past level of influence was incomparable.
As such a symbolic organization as the Shinryongdae announced its revival, countless conversations were being exchanged about it.
However,
– No, weren’t they supposed to select from the martial arts festival?
– I heard the winner would take the Grand Master role… what does that mean now?
It had already been anticipated that the Shinryongdae would be resurrected through the Shinryong Martial Arts Festival.
Upon hearing this news, everyone expressed their puzzlement first.
The tournament had already been interrupted due to an attack, and no winner had been confirmed.
No, the issue arose from the very moment they announced that they would select the Great Lord through the martial arts competition.
Anyone versed in even a bit of Shinryongdae’s lore would have doubts.
This was because there was one particular quirk about the Shinryongdae.
While the identity of the Great Lord remains a mystery, they don’t know who the members of Shinryongdae are.
That was the hallmark of the Shinryongdae.
What this means is that upon ascending to the role, the Great Lord moves about while wearing a mask and doesn’t reveal their identity until their term concludes.
Of course,
– It’s like playing peek-a-boo.
In any event, given that martial artists each express their own uniqueness, the pool of candidates fitting to become the Lord of the Divine Dragon shrinks considerably.
For this reason, there exists a culture of tacit understanding where even if their identities are guessed, silence is maintained.
As an example, take Geomjon, the 11th Great Dragon Lord.
Before he was recognized as the leader and sword master.
When he operated as the Lord of the Dragons, he wore a golden fox mask while delegating the position of Lord of the Dragons.
Since the Moonlight Dance technique itself is quite distinctive, many recognized Geomjon as the Divine Dragon Lord.
Moreover, most of the historical Grand Lords also shared this trait. If any managed to escape detection…
– The last Dragon Lord.
The 16th Grand Master, who held the position before Shinryongdae’s downfall.
Hardly anything is known about him.
Originally, it would be standard for the Grand Lord to reveal their identity upon stepping down, but since the last event culminated in the dissolution of the Shinryongdae, it seems the identity of the Grand Lord was left unspoken.
This was a significant event that transpired almost twenty years ago.
Given this situation, when it was announced that both the Grand Lord and the sword master would be determined through martial arts competition alongside the rebirth of the Shinryongdae, quite a buzz was created.
If the winner is to be made the Grand Lord, there’s no longer a reason to conceal their identity.
Does this mean the uniqueness of Shinryongdae is fading?
While various discussions were brewing, suddenly announcing the revival of Shinryongdae amidst the suspension of the martial arts competition stirred more opinions about how this would pan out…
“…Ha.”
As the evening sun began to set.
Hearing this, the Murong household’s little imp let out a light sigh.
Seeing that made me swallow a dry gulp.
It was a habit that pops up when something doesn’t sit right or when someone is holding back anger.
Here, one has to exercise utmost caution.
At that moment.
“Anyway…”
The Murong household’s little miser, Murong Hee-ah, broke the silence.
“What’s this about the Shinryongdae? In the end, isn’t it the matter that the Prince will assume the Great Lord position? Isn’t that it?”
“Well… that’s what it seems.”
“I heard you already stamped the contract.”
“No, I just… verbally agreed…”
“So, you didn’t sign?”
“…It’s not a stamp. It’s more like a seal rather…”
“…”
“Sorry.”
I quickly apologized under her burning gaze.
It seemed none of my excuses were getting through.
“Really? Is that the kind of thing you’d say now?”
“If I say that you’re correct here, you’ll just get mad at me… sorry.”
As Murong Hee-ah lifted the nearby water bottle, I grasped her hand while repeatedly apologizing.
“Aren’t you going to let go?”
“If you let go, it’ll become a missile aimed at my head!”
“That wouldn’t happen. At your level, you won’t even get a scratch—just take it like a champ!”
“Just because it won’t hurt doesn’t mean it won’t sting…”
“Then why hit me at all? If it’s not going to bother you, why even bother? I’ll explode from frustration, so just take it!”
“Take it easy. Let’s sort this out with words. Violence isn’t the answer.”
“Do you even realize how out of touch that sounds coming from you?”
I know very well.
But at this moment, I had to comply.
“…No, seriously, I did say the conditions were really good. They even added more!”
I maintained my grip on her arm while speaking.
After hearing my words, the strength in Murong Hee-ah’s hands eased ever so slightly.
Yet her expression remained as firm and unchanged as ever as she continued.
“Of course, it would have been appealing. If it weren’t, the Prince wouldn’t have accepted!”
“Yeah, so just…”
“But did you forget that you promised to inform me first of any developments?”
“…”
My mouth clamped shut after that reminder. Indeed, I had made that promise.
I had noddingly agreed to her request, that anything significant, particularly business and transactional matters, should come through me first.
Though Murong Hee-ah is no pushover, especially with bright minds like Gu Cheol-woon and Jeong Hyuk, in scenarios like this, she has a better grip than them.
Shuffling a bit toward her allowed me to acknowledge her interference would be beneficial.
This was also my way to sidestep anything shady behind the scenes.
“…It’s because you looked awfully busy.”
“…”
I was indeed worried about how overwhelmed Murong Hee-ah had recently become.
She spent her days buried in paperwork.
What used to be a pile of work doubled due to the raid’s aftermath. And it was Murong Hee-ah who ahead of Mrs. Mi in suggesting support for the refugees, initiating the search for assistance.
I couldn’t imagine how much there was on her plate.
Is she even eating or sleeping? She was pushing her frail body to the limit. Bringing up trivial subjects under such pressure just felt all wrong.
“That’s why I kept silent. Moreover, judging by how things were flowing, everything seemed to be well…Let’s ease the tension…”
“Who am I even busy for?”
“Huh?”
Just as I tried explaining the details, my words froze on my lips due to a cold voice piercing through the silence.
Could it be my imagination?
The temperature around Murong Hee-ah seemed to drop dramatically, as if it were snowing, despite being under a sound roof!
What on earth…?
“I’m busy because of you…!”
“Wait a moment…!”
“I’m struggling to be pretty just for you, sacrificing my sleep! What? You couldn’t tell me because I seemed busy!? That’s outrageous!”
“Calm down! Just take a breather…!”
“Take a breather? Really? I’m not a human at this point! Even if you swapped wit and martial prowess, this is beyond sanity!”
In a sense… He’s no longer human.
Oddly, that thought crossed my mind at that moment.
But did it matter now?
In an instant, I had let her go.
With the pressure lifted, the water bottle soared high into the air.
This is a pickle.
Knowing I should just take what’s coming, I slightly furrowed my brows.
“…Ugh…”
Murong Hee-ah couldn’t bring herself to strike me; instead, she held the water bottle while blushing.
“Uh?”
Then Murong Hee-ah’s eyes began to turn red as tears filled them, starting to glisten.
This sight widened my eyes for I had never seen anything like it before.
No way, could it be…?
The world’s beauty, Murong Hee-ah, crying…?
I’d never witnessed such a sight in either my past or this life.
Seeing this made me freeze up completely in bewilderment.
In that fleeting moment, Murong Hee-ah placed the water bottle aside and took a swift turn.
“…Never mind. I’ll leave first because I have tons of work to do.”
“…Huh…? Huh?”
Just like that, Murong Hee-ah was gone. I was left standing there, staring at her retreating figure without uttering a word.
Oh great, this looks like it’s about to be a huge mess.
I glanced aside, my eyes creaking as I did so.
There, countless gazes awaited me.
Among them, the women’s stares were piercingly fierce.
It had been a long time since everyone gathered to have a meal together.
As it was a perfect opportunity to bring up the topic regarding the Grand Lord, I didn’t expect Murong Hee-ah to explode like that after hearing it.
“…”
An uncomfortable silence descended, heavy with weight.
The awkward stillness lingered on.
“…I feel kind of awkward saying this.”
The first to break the silence was Wi Seol-ah, who had already polished off three bowls of rice.
“This time, the Prince was in the wrong.”
“…”
Namgung Bi-ah and Dang So-yeol nodded in agreement with Wi Seol-ah’s words.
Only then did I realize how epically I had messed things up.
Upon finishing my meal, I promptly sprang into action.
Although I desperately wanted to track down Murong Hee-ah, I couldn’t due to a prior commitment.
“Did you have a spat?”
It was the first thing that greeted me as soon as I stepped into the meeting spot.
“…How did you know?”
“Your answers clearly point to something having gone down.”
“A total unilaterally loss, really…”
As bluntly as I could be, I was close to beaten up.
It wasn’t so much a fight as a one-sided smackdown. I couldn’t find the words due to being perpetually assaulted while the one who hit me was the one storming off in tears.
“Anyway, how did you know?”
I asked in sheer bewilderment. The master of this establishment, Lady Mi of the White Flowers, fixed her gaze upon me.
“The branch manager’s expression resembles someone so much, it’s unmissable.”
“Who?”
“That foolish and ludicrous woman.”
As she spoke, Lady Mi flashed a small smile.
It was surprising, but the words needed to be spoken.
“Well, I can see they don’t look much alike at all.”
“…?”
“It’s not like she’s a fool. If anything, she’s rather smart.”
“…”
The thought of labeling Murong Hee-ah foolish was intolerable.
Thus, I retorted, leading Lady Mi’s smile to deepen a fraction.
“You’re better at this than your father.”
“…Out of nowhere?”
Why did my father suddenly come into the fold here?
Crackle.
Having said her piece, Lady Mi resumed her review of the letters one by one.
The pile of letters had indeed grown since last time.
“I’ve heard the news. You’re taking on the role of Grand Lord?”
This remark, delivered mid-reading, sent a chill down my spine.
“…Yes.”
Would I catch another reprimand for this? My nerves began to tighten.
“Youngest Grand Lord, huh?”
Lady Mi posed a question completely out of the blue.
“…Yeah? Oh, yes.”
“Holy King, the youngest king they say, right?”
“Yeah, that’s correct.”
“Do you know what this youngest title means?”
“Sure, I know.”
“It means to rise to the highest point at the youngest age.”
“Yeah, I’m aware.”
I had clearly acknowledged understanding! Why was she continuing?
“It highlights that despite their young years, they possess the rare talent and capability to surpass their seniors in combat.”
“So… I know…”
“The youngest king and the youngest Grand Lord… Quite the achievement indeed. Truly colossal.”
Whoah, what was that whiplash?
Lady Mi, who had almost been smiling, suddenly suppressed her laughter, downturned mouth.
What’s with this mood? With Murong Hee-ah’s tears still fresh, this moment was even harder to grasp.
“Ah, do you have a copy of the contract with you?”
“Yes, I do.”
Of course, I had brought it right away upon receipt.
At my request for paper and a brush, Mukyeon reached into her chest and promptly handed them over, looking as though she hadn’t intended to part with them had I not asked.
It felt like an ancient relic suddenly brought to light. From that standpoint, I really must stay vigilant.
“I’d like to see it later, if that’s alright?”
“…If you desire it, I could call someone to relay it to you.”
“Alright.”
Lady Mi nodded in satisfaction with my response.
Was the conversation coming to a close?
Were there no inquiries about the underlying reasons or motives for all of this?
The entire exchange was far more monotonous than I had anticipated.
Was this why I had been summoned? Because Lady Mi called, I had entered filled with nerves.
“…”
“…”
Words hung in the air, remaining unspoken. The dialogue seemed to draw to an end.
Thus, I considered taking my leave, cautiously extending my goodbyes.
“…And.”
Lady Mi paused, gathering her words.
The moment her voice wobbled, my body froze in place.
“Yes?”
“Um…”
“Yes?”
“Um…”
“…?”
They must have called me for a purpose, yet Lady Mi hesitated to express herself.
Had she forgotten what she meant to say? Surely not. The world’s most charming woman could never forget!
Yet, as I pondered this, a sense of curiosity crept in during the growing silence.
“…Well done.”
Lady Mi offered me that much.
“…Um…”
Hearing that flipped my mind blank for a moment.
“…Thank you.”
I barely managed to squeeze a reply out of myself, finding it hard to gather further thoughts.
It felt like such a simple compliment, yet why was there something strange about it?
“…Alright, you may head inside now.”
“…Yes. Until next time then.”
After a hesitant goodbye, I exited the chamber.
“…”
Once Gu Yangcheon exited,
Lady Mi remained alone, poring over the letters before her.
Rustle.
Rustle.
The sound of her fingers skimming over the sheets echoed for a while.
“Ah, they say he’s the youngest.”
Suddenly, Lady Mi uttered.
Although the room appeared empty, someone definitely listened in.
– Yes.
The voice emanating from the ceiling.
“The Holy King… despite Maeng’s little tricks, he’s climbed to the throne. Becoming the youngest Grand Lord too.”
– I’ve heard that as well.
“…Quite the marvel, isn’t it? Enchanting, really, and a source of pride.”
-…
“It seems I need to have the branch manager send something over. Now, if he’s to be functioning as Grand Lord, a bit of cash flow is needed, starting with what’s available at the branch…”
– Why not bring this up while your son is around?
“…”
As she spoke with a happy demeanor moments earlier, Lady Mi stopped abruptly at the escort’s remark.
Her eyes twitched. The guard had noticed her slip and added,
– If you heard this, the Master would be pleased too.
Surely, this cannot be true.
The guard dutifully meant it as reassurance.
“Not quite.”
Lady Mi’s tone shifted to something quieter compared to earlier as she addressed the escort.
“Out of fear, I cannot risk that just yet.”
– What do you mean?
A woman fearing nothing in this world.
That felt like too weak a statement for someone who seemed irreproachable to any opponent despite having no martial arts training.
“Isn’t that a burden for the child? Thus, not just now.”
-…
That’s not correct. Say it now.
The escort wanted to say just that but held back.
Going further crosses a boundary.
Understanding this, the escort decided to pivot the conversation instead.
– Are you avoiding the subject?
“What are you implying?”
– The matter of…
The way Lady Mi didn’t seem to understand made the escort suspect it wasn’t an honest question.
– How the elder Gu so and so is coming to Hanam with the former chief of the family.
What was intended to be the main point, an inquiry to summon Gu Yangcheon.
The escort asked the reason for the silence on this matter.
The moment those words were uttered.
– …The Grand Master?
“…”
The escort could see it clearly.
The serene visage of the Flower Master showed the first signs of fracturing.
In this unbelievable situation, the escort cautiously asked,
– …Could you have forgotten?
“…”
Yes, that was the truth.
Lady Mi had been so enraptured she lost track of her intended points.
This was one of her rarer missteps in life.
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