846 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Silence prevailed. Breaking through the stillness, I spoke to Song Hojeong. “I’m not interested in hearing your excuses. Honestly, isn't it true?” Perhaps he thought I might go cause a ruckus if I knew, or perhaps he feared the young lord would go and be swayed by Qinglong Division. Whatever the reason, Song Hojeong ultimately couldn't trust me. Had he known, he wouldn't have done something so senseless. “Did you want to minimize the damage to the division? Or did you believe you could handle it alone? Whatever the case, your actions were wrong.” “...” He remained silent. It didn't matter. “I told the Azure Dragon Lord, too. My role is to take responsibility for you all. It’s not your job to take responsibility for me. Moreover,...” I controlled my breathing, ensuring anger did not seep into my lowered eyes. “Do you think something like what just happened would have occurred if you'd told me earlier?” Even if he had been honest, something similar would have likely happened. It might have been less severe but still similar. However, it wasn't the point at the moment, so I pressed on. “Answer me.” “…I’m sorry.” “Click.” There was no point in saying anything more. I clicked my tongue in thought. So, what should I do now? I felt like taking away his position as vice lord and ending it here. ‘But given the situation, it's tricky to give it to someone else.’ For now, Song Hojeong was the better option. In truth, it’s harder to find someone among the alliance's warriors who isn't a spy. Furthermore, knowing that a good person was sent from the Red Dragon Division made it even more apparent. Ultimately, relieving this situation could be seen as a favor due to the Red Dragon Lord. “…For now, you'll stay out of missions.” “B-but, Lord...” “Get out. I’ll handle matters with the Qinglong Division from here, so don’t concern yourself further.” I dismissed whatever he was about to say next. This was as far as I would allow it to go. Song Hojeong's lips parted slightly, but he eventually stepped outside, leaving me with the remaining person. “Now, speak up.” “…Pardon?” Moo Do Hyeok responded, seemingly taken aback. He hadn’t grasped my intentions due to the abruptness of my words, so I offered further explanation. “Seems like you had something to say earlier. Hurry and say it.” His eyes had been watching throughout my scolding of Song Hojeong, so I encouraged him to speak freely. “Ah... well, it’s... uh…” “I’m not in a good mood now, so speak clearly and swiftly.” “…Il Cheonggeom found out about the situation. I'm unsure if it's alright.” His sudden admission made me rub the back of my neck, feeling tension in my muscles as I tried to calm down. Moo Do Hyeok was referring to the fact that I had personally mentioned his betrayal to Il Cheonggeom. “What exactly isn't alright?” “Well, it's just…” “Are you worried about what Il Cheonggeom will do to you?” He averted his gaze—my assumption had been right. I didn’t particularly blame him for that. ‘It’s understandable to be worried.’ Il Cheonggeom’s murderous gaze had indeed been directed at Moo Do Hyeok, and Moo Do Hyeok had seen it as well. “If you’re that anxious, you can always go back. I bet they’d take you back.” “It’s not that... I’m earnestly worried…” “Just kidding.” If he attempted to go back, they probably wouldn’t welcome him easily. Smirking, I addressed Moo Do Hyeok. “You’re wondering why I mentioned the truth there?” The root of Moo Do Hyeok’s curiosity lay in why I had brought up Il Cheonggeom's crime in that situation. “Isn’t it?” “Yes… it is.” Choosing my side only to find himself in a precarious situation. It seemed that part concerned him. But… “Don’t worry. I did it with a plan in mind.” “If you say, a plan…?” “What I mean is, there was a strategy to it. Don’t trust me?” “No… I trust you.” “Good. Since you’ve joined my side, just trust me. I’ll handle it.” It was nothing of consequence to me. Ultimately, because... ‘I'm going to kill them all anyway.’ Whether it was Il Cheonggeom or anyone else, I had no intention of sparing anyone. That’s why it didn’t matter. “So stop worrying, and trust that I’ll take care of everything... Actually, no, hold on.” I was about to dismiss Moo Do Hyeok when something crossed my mind. “There might be something for you to do later, so stand by.” “Understood…” Moo Do Hyeok nodded with a somewhat uneasy expression. Perhaps he didn’t fully trust me yet. But nothing was going to change. After all, he had no other options besides me. “If you understand, you can leave now.” “…Yes.” “And while you’re at it, send someone in.” “Pardon? Who should I call?” I smiled at Moo Do Hyeok’s question. “Might be someone asleep right now, but wake them up and tell them I have something to discuss.” There was someone I needed at this moment. ****************** As time passed and it grew later into the night, a guest entered my quarters. He was a young man with a quite sleepy look. His face, full of annoyance, seemed to wonder what business we could have at this hour. The young man was Cheol Jiseon. With a sigh, he asked me. “…What’s going on?” “Welcome.” I greeted the utterly exhausted man with a smile, but his expression didn’t improve. “Well… You know, Yangcheon.” “Yes?” “…I’m on night lookout.” “Indeed. You’ve been working hard.” “...Whew.” Cheol Jiseon rubbed his forehead tiredly. Yes, Cheol Jiseon was on the dreaded rotation of night watches, stuck at the most unfavorable time slot. And it was fixed. Since we embarked on the journey to Sichuan, he never stepped away from that rotation. ‘Because I assigned it that way.’ It wasn’t just Cheol Jiseon; anyone close to me had the same arrangement. Apart from Tang Sohyeol, owing to her vice-lord status, even Wi Seol ah and Namgung Bia were assigned to that rotation. This explains why he had that fatigued expression. “What else can be done? You know it’s necessary.” "No, that's not the issue... Why did you call me now, knowing all that?" It was nearly time for his shift change, and he seemed displeased about being summoned right before. But what could I do? "If you don't like it, become the lord." "…" "What, can't you open those pretty eyes of yours? How about we have some training for the first time in a while?" "Haha… ha… I’ve got them wide open." “Yes, much better.” I felt a bit guilty for waking him, but it was something I needed. It would be best to get it done quickly. “I brought you here for a specific reason. Oh, are you ready to stay up all night?” “...Do I get a choice?” “No choice.” “Then why even ask... alright, what do you need me to do?” Cheol Jiseon agreed, understanding my sarcastic inquiry. He was always quick on the uptake. His sharp perception pleased me, and I nodded in approval. “It’s nothing much; just that the time seems right now.” “The time?” “Yes, the time.” “What time are we talking about?” Feigning confusion, I clicked my tongue slightly. “What else could it be? The time to harvest all the traps we’ve set.” “…!” Cheol Jiseon narrowed his eyes, indicating he finally understood my words. “Now?” “Yes, now. Since we're harvesting everything, I need you to get moving.” During our time in Sichuan, I had subtly set things in motion. Now was the time to trigger them all. However... “Isn’t this a bit... rushed?” Cheol Jiseon expressed his concern, seeming uneasy with the current situation. It was natural, as the original schedule I mentioned was about three days later than now. I, too, wished I could have given more time. However... “Some things came up.” Certain unforeseen events necessitated moving the timetable forward. “It's not like advancing it a little will cause any problems, right?” “Problems... shouldn't arise. But how are you planning to do this?” “What do you mean, how?” “It’s one thing to deal with Gae Cheonmun, but isn't Il Cheonggeom your main target? If so, to move now seems rather…” “What does it matter?” “Uh?” I tilted my head and explained. “We'll handle both at once.” “What?” Cheol Jiseon reacted with surprise, yet I found his reaction puzzling. What was the problem? “This is the perfect timing.” In my view, whatever excuse we needed, the situation was optimal. Creaaak. Leaning back in my chair with my hand on my chin, I continued speaking to Cheol Jiseon. “Il Cheonggeom, who is revered by both the Central Plains and its fighters, had actually been plotting rebellion with a heretic scoundrel deserving of death.” Tapping my knee with my hand, I went on. “The Star Dragon Division, realizing the truth, launched a sudden attack.” “...” “In the process, a fight broke out. Oh no…! It was such fierce combat that we couldn’t subdue them and ended up killing them all, huh?” The more I elaborated, the more Cheol Jiseon’s face showed a mix of expressions. I paid it no mind. “And some of the Star Dragon Division members died in battle, too… terribly unfortunate, isn’t it?” “…Yangcheon, you…” “Well, do you foresee any issues with this plan?” “….” “I don’t see any.” As long as no unexpected variables appeared, there would be no issue. And as for those variables… “You're going to eliminate them.” The expectation was for Cheol Jiseon to handle that. When I mentioned this plan, his expression darkened as he questioned me. “… Are you saying to kill them all…?” “Kill them all? Oh my, what a terrifying thing to say!” To an outsider, it might sound like I enjoyed killing. “Didn't I say, I only kill those who need killing.” “But there are unavoidable casualties in battle as well…” “Ha ha ha… Jiseon.” With a light laugh, I stopped Cheol Jiseon from speaking further. “If you’re concerned about things like that, we shouldn’t have started at all. Don’t you think it’s too late?” “...” “And your idea of unavoidable sacrifices… I’ve been telling you to hustle to minimize those. Isn’t that clear?” “…No. I understand.” “Then just follow orders.” All he needed to do was follow orders, as he always had. That would suffice. It was a way to eliminate any guilt he might carry. “Just do as you're told. I’ll take responsibility, as always.” Whatever happened, taking the blame upon myself was key. “I’ve outlined the details in this missive. Follow the instructions step by step.” Cheol Jiseon took the missive I handed him. With that sorted, I could focus on moving forward with the rest of the plan. I was mulling over the next phase when Cheol Jiseon suddenly spoke up. “What about you?” “Huh?” “If you're going to take responsibility for everything, then... who takes responsibility for you?” “...” Caught off guard by his question, I briefly found myself at a loss for words. Thankfully, the pause didn't last long. “What do you mean? There's no need to take responsibility for me. I’ll manage myself.” “Why do you always...” Crunch! Cheol Jiseon, visibly frustrated, clenched his face, pivoted sharply, and exited the room. “I’ll finish what I’ve been assigned before the day ends.” With those words, he left my quarters. Watching him leave, I rubbed my temple. - Who takes responsibility for you? His parting words echoed in my mind. It seemed this would linger for a while. “Click… What pointless drivel.” If only he’d just do as told instead of meddling unnecessarily. Who would be responsible for me? That was neither necessary nor desired. ‘I do all this to ensure no one else has to bear that burden.’ Therefore, it would be best if thoughts like those left my mind. “Whew.” I cradled my throbbing head, needing to clear my thoughts quickly. ‘Don't delve into it. Focus on other matters.’ Getting embroiled in such thoughts would render me ineffective. Thus, I redirected my attention. ‘Accelerating the plan causes no issues. What bothers me is…’ Concentrating deeply, I focused on my body, particularly my heart. There, I sensed an unsettling, writhing presence. Unchecked intent to kill. Or something one might call the devil within. Sensing it, I bit my lip. ‘That’s the variable.’ A potential variable during the upcoming conflict. Before anything escalated, I needed to manage this aspect. The only saving grace was that it could be... “…I’ll have to visit the Tang Sect.” Fortunately, I had a semblance of an idea on how to handle it. --- Muyeob, 1 Comments, 3.2 / 79 Yeonu, 2024.10.28 07:09, Report Jiseon is sincere. 0 Only logged-in members can post comments. 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