Chapter 56

Chapter 56
Je-gal Hyeon sat inside Daroo Tea House, gently sipping from his warm cup.

His unfocused eyes wandered toward the people strolling past on the street outside. A middle-aged traveler hurried along his way, a knot of young folks shared bright laughter and easy banter, a mother held her little one’s fingers firmly in her grasp, and an affectionate pair paused to examine merchant trinkets.

None of these ordinary folk had the slightest inkling of what approached. They remained entirely oblivious to the dark storm gathering above their heads. The moment open war erupted, this precious, fragile tranquility would vanish into ash.

*No matter what it takes, I have to prevent that calamity.*

His brief reverie was clouded by unease when he noticed his expected guest drawing nearer through the thoroughfare.

It was Bi-gak Lord On Byeok-hwa.

Renowned far and wide as the preeminent heroine of the realm, she had been directly recruited from the broader lands by the Alliance Lord himself to assume command over Bi-gak.

Je-gal Hyeon remained uncertain as to how the Alliance Lord had developed such an extraordinary depth of acquaintance with her, but their mutual trust was undeniable.

Catching sight of Je-gal Hyeon, she offered a light wave of recognition.

He rose from his seat to welcome her arrival.

Moments later, she stepped through the front entrance of Daroo.

“Greetings, Pavilion Lord.”

“Forgive my slight delay, Strategist. I hope you were not waiting long.”

“Not at all. I reached here only moments ago.”

The pair took their places across the table from one another.

“I sampled the brew here on an earlier occasion, and its flavor was truly remarkable. Sitting together in this space felt far more pleasant than lingering inside the suffocating halls of the Alliance headquarters.”

“Understood.”

At that moment, the youthful attendant of Daroo trotted up to receive their request.

“Please serve me whatever beverage this gentleman is having.”

“Right away, honored guest!”

The young server scurried quickly toward the back kitchen.

Turning back to face him, On Byeok-hwa asked, “What matter prompted your invitation today?”

“I hoped to speak with you regarding the events at yesterday’s reception.”

“Speak freely.”

“I am aware that you spend considerable time in the company of the Alliance Lord.”

“I drop by his quarters now and then to share pleasant conversation.”

“To be frank, I find myself entirely unable to discern the Alliance Lord’s intentions regarding Baek the Captain. With my limited discernment, yesterday’s celebration seemed completely baffling.”

On Byeok-hwa nodded softly, grasping the core of his confusion.

“I actually inquired about Baek the Captain during a past conversation with the Alliance Lord.”

“And what was his response?”

“He remarked that he ought to hold him in higher esteem… yet the feelings of the heart cannot always be steered so easily. Those were his words.”

The heavy implication behind those syllables caused Je-gal Hyeon to fall into a thoughtful silence.

Right then, the server returned bearing the fresh vessel of tea.

“Allow me to pour for you.”

The attendant filled On Byeok-hwa’s teacup with careful precision.

“Please drink to your heart’s content! Let me know if you require anything further.”

“Much appreciated, little one.”

The youthful figure scurried back to take up a post on the seat beside the front counter.

With privacy restored, their exchange continued.

Je-gal Hyeon spoke candidly: “To state matters plain, what Baek the Captain pulled off throughout the previous conflict was nothing less than astounding. Were it not for his heroic stand, the righteous Murim would right now be languishing under the heel of the Black Heaven Alliance. Every martial practitioner owes him a profound debt.”

On Byeok-hwa remained quiet, gently sipping the fragrant liquid while lending an attentive ear.

“We will desperately require his presence during the coming strife as well. Even if his internal reserves have depleted, his unparalleled strategic prowess on the field remains unmatched. Along with his rare ability to guide men…”

“Indeed, I share that view.”

“My greatest wish is that the Alliance Lord and Baek the Captain might mend their rift and return to their former camaraderie. I would be immensely grateful if you lent your influence toward achieving that end.”

“Naturally, I will offer whatever assistance I can. It is without question the proper course for the sake of the Alliance and our entire martial realm. Even so, you surely know that personal friction between two individuals can rarely be resolved merely through outside pressure.”

“That is precisely why your cooperation is vital. With your quiet encouragement alongside my own efforts, we can gradually guide their connection toward reconciliation.”

“I will do my part.”

“You have my deepest thanks.”

The two remained together for some time, thoroughly dissecting the current state of affairs before eventually taking their leave.

Once the pair had departed the establishment, the child who had attended to their charges made his way into the rear kitchen area.

Standing inside rather than the tea house’s usual culinary staff were Baek So-cheon and Cheon-geuk. The server child had in truth been Na-sa-rin all along.

Baek So-cheon had paid handsomely to rent out the entire tea shop for the span of the day just to arrange this encounter. Thankfully, Cheon-geuk possessed an intimate familiarity with high-grade teas, making the brewing process in the back room entirely seamless.

“What did you observe?”

“That woman exhibits no indicators of the Soul Subjugation Art, nor does she appear to be an individual who practices such a discipline.”

Na-sa-rin had reached this definitive conclusion within the brief moments it took to record the order and pour the liquid.

“My sincerest gratitude, Elder.”

“It was a minor endeavor.”

Among the three individuals closest to the leader, she had seemed the most probable suspect. If she was innocent, that left only his direct heir, Ak Seo-pyeong, or Pung-geuk-an, who led the Secret Guards.

Securing an isolated audience with either of those two, however, would prove significantly more difficult. In particular, Pung-geuk-an was known to never depart from the Alliance Lord’s side.

The most straightforward route would have been scrutinizing the Alliance Lord in person, but arranging such proximity was exceedingly tough—not to mention the high likelihood that the Alliance Lord would immediately identify Na-sa-rin for who she truly was.

“Would you be willing to grant a bit more aid, if it is not an excessive imposition?”

“Of course.”

While Pung-geuk-an could hardly be approached in public without arousing suspicion, an audience with Ak Seo-pyeong could easily be brokered via Je-gal Hyeon. Even if On Byeok-hwa became aware of such a gathering, she would likely perceive it merely as Je-gal Hyeon making earnest rounds on Baek So-cheon’s behalf.

“I will have to reserve this establishment for another full day.”

That evening, Baek So-cheon did not return to his residence, choosing to remain within Daroo instead.

Behind barred windows and secured doors, he sat alone with his cup.

“Have I made you wait an unbearable length of time?”

Na-sa-rin quietly slipped inside.

“Not at all. Please, sit.”

He had remained behind purely because she had suggested sharing a private draught together.

She gave the vessel clutched in her small fingers a light shake, smiling subtly.

“I brought along a vintage of superior quality.”

Baek So-cheon promptly fetched cups along with an assortment of simple refreshments he had arranged within the pantry.

“You even prepared dishes to accompany it?”

“I did, though I cannot take credit for cooking them—they were acquired from the tavern down the street.”

He had carefully plated them upon the most elegant ceramic platters Daroo possessed.

“These vessels are quite charming.”

Regardless of having lived past eighty winters, a lady remained a lady at heart.

Baek So-cheon had recalled how Cheon-geuk had once served drinks alongside carefully presented side dishes. It was a modest touch, but it left a remarkably positive impression on Na-sa-rin.

“I appreciate your consideration.”

“You are most welcome. Here, permit me to pour.”

Baek So-cheon respectfully filled her cup.

“Ah, an exquisite taste.”

“A fine brew indeed.”

“Once I learned of your identity, I felt an urge to share a meaningful dialogue with you at least once, considering how our paths have intertwined. That was why I extended this invitation.”

“I am listening.”

“When I first opened my eyes to the world around me, I had already been cast as a killer for hire. Yet I lacked the innate martial talent required for the trade. In that line of work, such inadequacy typically earns you an early grave during basic instruction. A grim existence, wouldn’t you say?”

Baek So-cheon offered no spoken interruption, listening peacefully while nursing his cup.

“By sheer fortune, a prominent figure took pity upon my plight—my teacher. Owning to her benevolence, I survived that brutal regime and acquired mastery over the Soul Subjugation Art. One might wonder what use a guild of assassins would have for such a craft, but the Sal-su Yeon-maeng Lord of that era harbor suspicion toward every living soul. His paranoia bordered on sheer madness. He retained a master skilled in the Soul Subjugation Art by his side solely to expose falsehoods.”

Her words carried a tranquil cadence as she walked through the memory of her years.

Baek So-cheon had half-expected her to touch upon the strange affliction that arrested her physical maturity. Instead, her thoughts remained entirely fixed upon Sal-su Yeon-maeng.

A sudden realization dawned on him.

It was entirely possible this senior figure had never been permitted an existence she could truly call her own.

Swept along by the relentless tide of fate, drifting in a perpetual daze—was it the coldness of the world that caused it, or the inherent brutality of Murim itself? By the time one grew conscious of the trap, it was invariably far too late to break free.

“Forgive an old woman’s rambling. The true reason I sought this private exchange was to ask a singular favor of you.”

“Name it.”

“When immense chaos sweeps over Murim once more, do not draw our syndicate into the conflagration.”

Her earnest entreaty stemmed from discerning the unusual depth of sentiment Cheon-geuk harbored toward Baek So-cheon. She dreaded the prospect that Cheon-geuk might recklessly wager the entirety of Sal-su Yeon-maeng merely to shield him—a gesture born out of sheer devotion to the girl’s well-being.

“You are under no obligation to protect us. Merely refrain from pushing our people toward the precipice. Take this as this old woman’s heartfelt plea.”

Baek So-cheon lifted his cup and finished the contents in a single gulp, keeping his reply simple.

“You have my word. In exchange, I hold a solitary condition of my own.”

“State it.”

“The ultimate pledge lies in the hands of the Alliance Lord, but he will surely abide by the terms.”

“Then the matter is settled.”

In truth, Baek So-cheon never harbored any desire to employ Sal-su Yeon-maeng within the theater of war to begin with. His prior assault against their ranks had been purely reactionary, ignited by fury over their ceaseless waves of assassins dispatched to claim his life.

“Let us enjoy another pour.”

“Certainly.”

The two shared their cups in quiet harmony.

Presently, Na-sa-rin aimed her gaze in the direction of the kitchen partition. “You can stop cowering behind that narrow wall now. Step forward.”

Dropping her hidden presence, Cheon-geuk cautiously emerged from behind the service counter.

She wore an embarrassed smile upon her lips. “The aroma drifting from that bottle was simply impossible to ignore.”

Her excuse was entirely transparent, of course. She had lurked in the shadows purely to listen in, eager to learn what words Na-sa-rin meant to share with Baek So-cheon.

Retrieving an extra cup from the back, she settled beside them.

“What matters were the two of you discussing?”

Both Baek So-cheon and Na-sa-rin remained completely silent, fixing their eyes upon her.

“What is with those stares? Were you speaking about me?”

Baek So-cheon poured liquor into her clean vessel. “I was aware of your presence from the very moment you crept in. Your stealth work seems to be getting sloppier.”

“Come, let us share a toast.”

The trio clinked their glasses together and drank.

Cheon-geuk felt a boundless gratitude toward Na-sa-rin. Her sole wish was for the elder woman to remain safely at her side for all the days to come.

The heavens opened the following morning, sweeping down in a fierce, unyielding torrent.

Je-gal Hyeon sat waiting for Ak Seo-pyeong inside the exact same chambers of Daroo where he had conversed with On Byeok-hwa the previous day.

Ak Seo-pyeong possessed the refined, appealing visage typical of the Honam region’s noble youth. Shrugging off his water-drenched outer coat, he bowed with utmost courtesy toward Je-gal Hyeon.

“I hope you have been keeping well, uncle? My apologies for making you venture out in such dismal weather.”

Having watched Ak Seo-pyeong grow up since boyhood, Je-gal Hyeon spoke without rigid formality.

“Think nothing of it. It provided a rare chance to appreciate a tranquil stroll through the falling drops.”

While polite pleasantries were traded, Na-sa-rin emerged from the back, playing the part of the youthful server to take their order just as before.

Their idle chatter wound on until the steaming refreshments were delivered.

Je-gal Hyeon spoke with total honesty. His heart had always been consumed by deep concern for the Alliance and the fate of the righteous Murim, so he felt no need to mince his words before the young man.

“I sought this meeting today because I am deeply troubled regarding the growing rift between your father and Baek the Captain.”

“I share your exact distress.”

“Truly?”

“Indeed. I have noticed Father actively creating distance between himself and Baek the Captain of late. It may come as a surprise to you, but I have held deep respect and fondness for the captain for many years. Truthfully, I always aspired to grow into a martial warrior just like him.”

“Is that the truth?”

Such a declaration required an immense degree of caution. Traditionally, propriety dictated that the youth should profess a desire to mirror his own father.

*Could it possibly be?*

Je-gal Hyeon wondered if the Alliance Lord, having caught wind of his son’s admiration, had grown envious and sought to cast Baek So-cheon aside out of petty jealousy.

*No, he would never be so petty.*

The Ak So-gun he had served possessed a soul of immense magnanimity. That very grandness of spirit was what made him the undisputed choice to lead the Murim Alliance.

“Have you ever revealed those feelings directly to your father?”

“Never. This is the very first instance I have ever spoken the words aloud.”

“I see.”

That eliminated the possibility of Ak Seo-pyeong being the source of the conflict.

“I caught wind of the gathering held the other evening. I was told the confiscated weapon was returned to its rightful owner.”

“That is correct.”

“Yielding the blade back of his own free will implies that Father’s heart may finally be softening toward him.”

At that juncture, the brewed tea was served. Na-sa-rin poured the cups cleanly and slipped back out of sight.

Following a brief extension of their dialogue, the two men stood and departed into the storm, allowing Na-sa-rin to secure the entrance behind them. Soon after, Baek So-cheon and Cheon-geuk stepped out from their hiding spot in the rear.

“His spirit is unblemished as well. Not a single thread of the Soul Subjugation Art lingers upon him.”

That left only a single individual remaining to be evaluated.

Pung-geuk-an, the longstanding commander of the Secret Guards who shielded the Alliance Lord from all harm.

Because he never drifted from his master’s immediate presence, seeking an audience with him was functionally identical to facing the Alliance Lord himself.

A truly daunting barrier.

Observing the shadow of concern settling over Baek So-cheon’s brow, Cheon-geuk spoke softly: “We are already neck-deep in this affair. We intend to linger close by for the time being, so do not rush yourself.”

“Thank you.”

Baek So-cheon met her gaze directly. From procuring the rare celestial herb to her tireless devotion here, his heart held boundless, authentic gratitude toward her.

“I will ensure that you never come to regret placing your trust in me.”

Cheon-geuk’s gaze shimmered with subtle light at his vow.

Being a woman herself, Na-sa-rin could not fail to perceive the emotional storm swirling within her companion.

She could sense the burning intensity of Cheon-geuk’s passion. It filled her with genuine trepidation. A professional slayer who burned with such blazing heat inevitably courted self-destruction; those in their trade were meant to remain eternally frigid.

Yet, she found herself entirely unable to utter the words that would extinguish that flame.

She herself stood at the dusk of an existence marked by unyielding coldness. Not once had her own spirit burned with such vibrant heat.

Could she truly look Cheon-geuk in the eyes and claim that her own bleak, lonely path was one worth walking?

The steady downpour battered the tiles outside as all three stared into the sheet of gray rain, their minds drifting down entirely different currents of contemplation.

As Baek So-cheon kept his eyes fixed upon the endlessly falling water, an abrupt realization sparked within his thoughts.

*What if?*

If circumstances prevented him from guiding her into the Alliance Lord’s chambers, what reason was there he could not step forward on his own?

“Could you instruct me in the method required to detect the Soul Subjugation Art?”