Ch 352 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

포쾌 – 5 The chase is on, with 도문 moving yet again. I asked the chief of police to apprehend the gambler who brokered the origami crane and hurried towards the mansion. “We’re being followed. I’ll steer the carriage onto the main road.” The bodyguard, hired from the gambling den, quietly informed me of our pursuit. “Do we need to prepare?” Did I manage to bring enough tools with me? Discovering that 도문 is on the move once more, only to be pursued immediately—their identity is painfully obvious. “Fortunately, it seems they’re not attempting to corner us. Ah! It looks like they noticed that we’ve spotted them. They’re backing off.” The bodyguard sneakily glanced out the window, then smiled to reassure me. “That’s a relief.” “They must’ve made a mistake.” “A mistake, you say?” “I was hesitating about mentioning it because I wasn’t sure, but there have been suspicious eyes lingering around Young Master 강.” “Could they be the ones who ambushed me before?” “Well... that's the odd part.” The bodyguard hesitated as if he wasn’t fully convinced. “Odd, you say?” “They’re not as aggressive as before, nor do they seem malevolent. It might just be that with all the buzz surrounding Young Master 강 lately, they got too close while trying to catch a glimpse of his face.” Did I overplay my hand? In their eyes, who is the murderer of the house’s last owner? Not the true 무영신투, just a fake. The real culprit is the surrogate child. And why the culprit? What about the last actions of the house's owner, and where is the evidence? I had enthralled them with a mystery show, one that most people might never witness in their lifetime, and now even strangers come to see this face from the rumors. “It seems my humble fame is causing you all some trouble.” “Shall we assign more guards to trace them back instead?” “No, that would decrease the security for 제갈 소저 at the mansion. Seems like I'm quite popular, something to keep in mind.” I joked to ease the tension among the alert bodyguards. “Haha! When there’s fame and money, flies are sure to gather. Don’t worry; we’ll keep watch for now. Ah! We’ve arrived at the mansion.” “Thank you.” Could it be someone just curious to see the face behind the rumors? Or 도문 itself? I went inside to relay the news I had gathered. ———- “So, 도문 has finally caught on.” I informed 임하연 and 제갈향 about the developments with 도문. “With the 무영신투 rumors spreading across the entire region, it was only a matter of time they would notice.” It was only the manner of interference that was unexpected. I never assumed 도문 would be oblivious forever. 임하연 nodded, resigned to hearing the inevitable. “Using a fake 무영신투 with origami cranes... Quite the cunning strategy to tarnish the reputation.” I thwarted it all by declaring the truth, rendering their ploy useless in an instant. Even 도문 couldn’t have imagined I’d become the bailiff—though, neither did I. “This is rather unusual.” 임하연 mused, her expression dim with wonder. “What’s unusual?” “If they knew of our plan, wouldn’t 도문 take more direct action? There’s no need to deal with the fake 무영신투 instead of targeting 기문 or the mansion.” Indeed. If they had discovered the 무영신투 initiative, wouldn’t it make more sense to abduct 임하연 more aggressively? Why take a detour by trying to sabotage 무영신투’s reputation? Though she asked me, a clear answer didn’t come to mind. “Umm...” 제갈향 cautiously called my attention, breaking the silence. “Miss 제갈, do you have something to say?” “Is it not because they wish to avoid stirring up trouble before they’re certain?” Stirring the grass might startle the snake. That could be it. “They might not be entirely sure.” “Yes, yes. That's exactly it. Haha.” 제갈향 nodded with a smile, seemingly pleased that her short comment was understood. “What’s being said?” “It means they’re not completely convinced that Lady 하연 is the real 무영신투.” I promptly explained 제갈 소저’s meaning to 하연 소저. “Ah...” “무영신투 is ultimately the name of a thief from a novel by 호필. Officially, the authorities have denied any connection between 다서각 and 무영신투.” In the world of lawlessness, the authority's influence is undoubted in theft cases. 강윤호 is innocent. The thief merely co-opted 호필's fame. If they picked a fight with 다서각, the authorities would not stand by. With the official notice bearing the state seal, confusion for 도문 is only natural. “Officially, I’m under protection somewhere within 무한 교방. The official word was that our connection was severed.” Since her return to the mansion, 임하연 has remained there, barring 무영신투 ventures. Even recent outings used disguises and transportation strictly from the authorities, so there was no risk of exposure. “도문 couldn’t be sure that 기문 knows who Lady 하연’s father is. Proclaiming her to be the daughter of 무영신투 is a secret that isn’t beneficial to share.” “It does seem like a precaution. If I wasn’t the one performing 무영신투 activities, rushing into action might backfire. 도문향주 would fear that overt moves might alert other 향주 to his ambitions.” “Yes, yes. Even if there’s treasure in a bear's lair during its hibernation, you wouldn't want to wake the bear.” 임하연 nodded, impressed with 제갈향’s insight that led her to this conclusion in an instant. As expected from the 제갈 family. It’s no wonder the martial alliance aims to secure at least one member from them. “It’s time to prepare for the next steps.” Since they’re moving, it’s time for us to act as well. I smiled, attempting to lift the slightly gloomy atmosphere from the incoming threats. “Are we really doing it?” 임하연 asked with a worried look. “We’ve been diligently preparing together. Let’s wrap it up before the situation explodes.” Fortunately, we continue to stay a step ahead of 도문’s actions. The fact that 도문 remains uncertain but still vigilant indicates a cautious step ahead. If they hesitate, we must make the first move. "GuGu. GuGuGoot!" "A letter from the 기문 has arrived." An unusual creature fluttered in through the window. GuGu. That thing can open windows? Wait, didn’t I lock that window? Could it even open doors? "GuGu, come here." "Goot!" While I was taken aback, 임하연 deftly retrieved the letter tied to GuGu’s leg and unfolded it. "What does it say?" "It’s an invitation to meet at the 투문. The 향주님 arranged a meeting." The news I had been waiting for arrived while 도문 was still faltering. ** "Out of the way!" A warrior with a saber at his waist rushed urgently and shouted at the guards in front of the large tent. "They're in a meeting. Return later." "I have an urgent message! Move aside!" "I can’t allow—" "Let him in." "Ch-, Chung! Enter." At the deep voice from inside the tent, the guards trembled and stepped aside for the saber-carrying warrior. "Tch. Interrupting a meeting." As the man entered the tent, he found countless warriors gathered around a long table. Though they all scowled at the interruption, none dared openly complain. The one who permitted his entry was seated at the far end of the table, in the seat of honor. "Speak." At his command, the room fell silent instantly. The man who had entered knelt towards the head of the table to show his respect. Though he was being treated dismissively despite bringing important news, he thought, soon you'll be the ones to kneel before the news I bring. He began to speak. "We’ve found the whereabouts of Dangsu님!" The place they were in was the headquarters that was once known as Black Tiger Fort, now the infamous 활빈당. "What?!" "Is that true?!" The meeting room erupted into a frenzy. "Where is Dangsu?” Everyone shared a thought as they saw even the formidable Sutalin tremble at the news yet no one voiced it aloud. "Dangsu was in 무한.” "Dangsu is in 무한? What is he doing there?" Dangsu, who had renounced all power and riches and stepped down—what life has he been living? Sutalin, who always wondered about the elusive answer, listened intently to the messenger. "The people of 무한 refer to Dangsu as a traveling merchant, a bookstore manager." "Hah! Are you saying the lofty Dangsu has become a merchant?" Some couldn’t hide their disappointment at the thought of 활빈당's Dangsu lowering himself to trade. "Watch your mouth! He forsook the bourgeois life and all its trappings and renounced power and wealth for a simple life!" "These newcomers! How dare you speak ill of Dangsu!" Veterans who had heard and wept over Dangsu's past words displayed stark hostility towards the new recruits. "Who’s speaking now? Truly, the person who should become Dangsu is still lingering among the ranks." In the heated center of the meeting room, the messenger secretly smiled. These pathetic souls. Is this the joy of knowing information ahead of time? Savoring this unseen joy, the man prepared to drop another bombshell. "The populace doesn’t recognize his true identity! Dangsu wears a mask to deceive the world!" At this, all eyes locked onto the messenger. "A mask?" "What do you mean?" The traveling merchant. The bookstore manager. None in 무한 recognized Dangsu's true identity. But he couldn't hide it from one of his own. A member of 활빈당 like the messenger himself. "The Phantom 무영신투! The notorious thief appearing in 무한, known as the righteous outlaw to the world, is none other than Dangsu’s subordinate!" The legendary thief 무영신투—a concept conceived only by one man: the leader of 활빈당, 강모. The man was certain. "What?!" "Is that a fact?" "Yes! Without a doubt! Recently, he endured severe hardships, arrested by officials during his act of righteousness." The man began to lay out the information he gathered by shadowing 강윤호. "Those filthy officials!!! How dare they harm Dangsu!!!" "Draw your swords! We march to 무한 now!" "P-, please calm down!" "Calm down, you say?! When Dangsu has suffered torture, you expect calm!!!" The meeting room roiled like a boiling cauldron. "Lay down your weapon." The Secretary, Sutalin, spoke to the enraged attendees in a calm voice. "Even you, Secretary... Hah! Your hand, Secretary!" In truth, only Sutalin’s voice was calm. The hand gripping his sword was pale and trembling with fury. "Continue." As Secretary Sutalin composed himself, the room regained its silence. "Despite enduring such hardships, Dangsu concealed his identity! The officials, fooled, failed to see his true self and ended up apologizing!" "To deceive such vile officials. Indeed, he is Dangsu." Dangsu, who endured much until the pivotal uprising, endured a hardship unmatched. Sutalin thought highly of Dangsu's resilience, voicing his admiration. "Indeed, right now, the corrupt wealthy in 무한 tremble with fear at night, unable to sleep, worrying over an impending visit from 무영신투!" The man proudly shared tales of 무영신투’s exploits he amassed from 무한. "I wondered. A phantom thief? A righteous bandit? Who dares mimic our 활빈당’s work? When I sent someone to investigate... indeed, it was Dangsu." "We barely operate on the outskirts of Hubei Province! Acting as a righteous thief in the capital, 무한. Truly, it is Dangsu!" "Hah! Having joined the 활빈당 not long ago, I've heard endless tales of Dangsu, and truly, he is an extraordinary man." "Indeed, Dangsu! His very essence is remarkable!" The meeting room heated up with a different fervor than before—everyone but one man, that is. "This is my fault. All my fault." Secretary Sutalin rose from his seat, striking his chest with a voice oozing regret. "Secretary?" The mighty Secretary looked so pained—what could be happening? The leaders were puzzled. "I must have displeased Dangsu." "Impossible! Secretary! He must have taken a pause to gather strength, only for the unity of our forces!" To unify the 72 clans of the Green Forest under one flag. A great vision had spurred them onward, but securing just one more stronghold within the Green Forest brought much sacrifice. "He knew everything! Fully aware, he chose to move again, perhaps to reprimand me and embolden us!" Sutalin's words spilled out with guilt, as he turned back to the leaders. "He knew, you say?" "Dangsu, who renounced power, wealth, everything, returned to the wilderness—he's asking us, if I can be a righteous thief, what are you doing now?" As if questioning why only he understood, Sutalin confronted the leaders vehemently. "Indeed!" "He was watching over us all along!" "The heart of 활빈 still burns within him, even in his exile! The tear-drinking brats of the bourgeois, thriving on wealth and tears—he couldn’t bear to watch them any longer!" Sutalin, reminded sharply of Dangsu’s slap-like impact once more, clenched his fist tightly, consumed with self-reflection. "Dangsu!" "I long to see Dangsu!" "Khhup!" "How foolish I was! In my ambition to expand, I neglected the ways of the righteous thief! We must show Dangsu! Prove to him that we still have the heart of 활빈 burning brightly within us! Rise up! Everyone, raise your swords!" "Chung!" The entire assembly of righteous thieves raised their swords high. Leading them stood the Secretary, Sutalin. "Tonight, we hunt the bourgeois." Awakened by Dangsu's reprimand, the 활빈당 prepared to rise again with renewed vigor.