Chapter 67: The Three Princes (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 67: The Three Princes (1)
This is quite a predicament.
To think that King Yeong, one of the three princes, would come looking for me the moment I arrived. At this rate, I’ll be dragged into things whether I like it or not.
Go Jotak, the deputy official prostrating beside me, stole a glance and signaled me with his eyes. It was as if he were emphasizing the warning he had given me earlier.
—What are you going to do?
What else could I do?
There was nothing to be gained from getting on King Yeong’s bad side right now. I had to handle this as smoothly as possible. Since our introductions had been interrupted, I first offered a fist-and-palm salute to King Yeong and spoke.
“I greet His Highness, King Yeong.”
At that moment, a thunderous shout erupted from somewhere.
“How dare you not prostrate yourself in His Highness’s presence!”
The voice was booming, infused with powerful energy. Looking toward the source, I saw a middle-aged man dressed in gray martial robes. Based on my energy sense, he possessed the martial prowess of the Supreme Peak Realm. Since I didn't recognize his face, I had no idea who he was.
“How can you show such insolence before a Prince of the Great Yan Empire—”
Before the man could finish, King Yeong raised a hand, signaling him to be silent.
“Your Highness!”
“Who told you to step forward, Guard Ga?”
Guard?
It seemed this man was a guardian warrior protecting King Yeong. Seeing that even his guard possessed such exceptional martial prowess, it hit home just how much King Yeong truly valued the martial arts.
The man called Guard Ga took a few strides forward and opened his mouth again.
“But Your Highness, this is a matter of imperial—”
“Enough. If I say it is fine, why do you interfere? Furthermore, martial artists have their own etiquette. Why would you force ours upon them?”
“...I crave your forgiveness.”
At those words, Guard Ga finally lowered his head and apologized.
It was unexpected. Although the government and the martial world had signed a treaty, many high-ranking officials and members of the imperial family still refused to acknowledge it. Contrary to my concerns, King Yeong seemed to have a more open-minded perspective than I thought.
Or was it simply because of his intense desire for martial power?
King Yeong then spoke to me.
“Please overlook my guard’s rudeness. Imperial protocol is simply the way it is.”
“Not at all. How could I take offense at a guard’s loyalty?”
At my response, a strange light flickered in King Yeong’s eyes.
“You are quite different from what I’ve heard.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Strategist Sama of the Orthodox Martial Alliance told me that many martial artists from the Blood Cult or the Evil Faction are violent, ignorant, and lacking in dignity, and warned me not to associate with them.”
Strategist Sama?
I had assumed the strategist from the Martial Alliance present here would be the Third Strategist, Baek Wi-hyang, but it turned out to be Sama Jung-hyeon. It seemed he had been busy laying the groundwork beforehand. I could easily imagine what he had told the other princes.
I gave a thin smile and replied.
“While it is true that many among us are more free-spirited and honest about our desires, that does not mean we are ignorant or undignified.”
“Seeing you, that certainly seems to be the case.”
“I am deeply moved that you see me in such a favorable light.”
“Hahaha. I was curious to see what kind of person a member of the Blood Cult would be, but since we communicate so well, this has turned out for the better.”
It felt like things were proceeding a bit too smoothly. However, when I stole a glance at Go Jotak, his expression remained grim. Why was he acting like that?
Then, King Yeong said something entirely unexpected.
“Since we have formed this connection, I wish to offer you my assistance.”
“Assistance? What kind of assistance?”
The glint in King Yeong’s eyes bothered me. Unlike his friendly demeanor until now, I could see a hint of personal greed. Was this what Go Jotak had been worried about?
“I heard you were summoned on charges of violating a national decree.”
“...That is correct.”
“I shall use my authority to see those charges dismissed.”
Dismiss the charges?
The Right Army Commander's Office had already destroyed all the physical evidence, so there wasn't really a charge to dismiss in the first place.
“I am not entirely sure what you mean. The trial hasn't even begun yet.”
I drew a line for now. My instincts were screaming that getting involved with this man would be nothing but trouble.
King Yeong smiled at me.
“I know you complied with the Commander's Office's summons to avoid conflict with the government.”
“......”
If even Go Jotak knew, there was no way someone of King Yeong’s stature wouldn't know if he set his mind to it. But what was his true intention in bringing this up?
“I am saying that I will remove that source of anxiety for you.”
I offered another fist-and-palm salute.
“I am grateful for Your Highness’s consideration, but as you said, I complied with the summons for the sake of a smooth relationship with the government. I am prepared to face the trial.”
“Heh, if you do that, I fear your wish will go unfulfilled. Are you certain?”
“What do you mean by that?”
In response to my question, a voice reached my ears via sound transmission.
[Besides myself, my elder brothers have also graced this place with their presence.]
The fact that he was using sound transmission meant he didn't want others to hear this. King Yeong continued.
[When the trial begins, my elder brothers will be in attendance as observers.]
I already knew this much. Go Jotak had mentioned that the three princes were interested in this case.
[I have heard as much.]
[Then you must realize. Strategist Sama of the Martial Alliance and Taoist Master Manjong, the leader of the Quanzhen Sect, are currently here.]
Taoist Master Manjong, the leader of the Quanzhen Sect, also known as the Heaven’s Net Swordsman. He was the Sixth Elder of the Martial Alliance and one of the top-ranked swordsmen in the Orthodox Faction. I had seen him a few times before my regression; despite his boisterous personality, he was merciless toward those on the heretical path.
Actually, what bothered me more was the fact that he was a Taoist. Go Jotak had said that King Jin revered Taoism. Perhaps they intended to use this connection to have King Jin interfere in the trial.
[His Highness King Jin holds Taoism in special regard. He has petitioned His Majesty several times to ban all religions other than the state religion. He views groups like the Blood Cult as nothing more than heathens.]
[We are closer to a martial sect.]
[But you do have a creed, do you not?]
I couldn't deny that.
[My elder brother will undoubtedly bring up other charges during the trial to corner you. If that happens, your wish for a peaceful resolution will not be granted.]
This was getting exhausting. If the princes hadn't been involved, it wouldn't have been this difficult. With the Martial Alliance and the princes all tangled up, the situation had become incredibly complex.
I let out a sigh and asked via sound transmission.
[What is it that you want?]
[I believe it is a request that isn't bad for you either.]
[Please, speak.]
[I value talent. Therefore, I wish to take you and the Blood Cult under my wing as my subordinates.]
'!?'
This was a completely unexpected demand. I never imagined he would want me and the entire Blood Cult. And he thought this wasn't a bad request?
[You may not know this, but the Empire will soon enter a period of chaos.]
He was likely referring to the current Emperor’s failing health. Since he assumed I didn't know, he couldn't say it outright. But what did that have to do with this?
[Since the time of the Golden Emperor, the government and the martial world have maintained a treaty. As long as neither side crossed the line, you were left alone.]
[This doesn't seem relevant to our conversation.]
[It is relevant. My father and the previous emperors have upheld that treaty. However, my brother, King Jin, has a different view.]
[And what might that be?]
[His Highness wishes to purge all martial artists he deems harmful to the state.]
'!!!'
In other words, he intended to suppress everyone except for the Orthodox Martial Alliance, which maintained a favorable relationship with the Great Yan Empire—just as the Golden Emperor had done. To think he harbored such terrifying intentions; it was quite shocking.
[I am proposing an alternative.]
[And that alternative is for us to enter your service?]
[Precisely. It seems the Martial Alliance has 'great expectations' for my brother, as they continue to support him.]
Great expectations. I knew exactly what that meant. The Martial Alliance believed King Jin would ascend to the throne. Since he was the Empress Dowager’s son, it was a natural prediction. Their favorable ties with the government weren't just for immediate gain; they were a safeguard for the future.
—So, does King Jin become the Emperor?
Unfortunately, no. The Martial Alliance had bet on the wrong horse. Although King Jin was the Empress Dowager’s son, he would never become Emperor.
—Huh? Then...
Sodamgeom tried to ask something else, but King Yeong’s voice cut in again.
[If you and the Blood Cult enter my service, I shall make you a promise.]
[What kind of promise?]
[Did I not call it an alternative? If King Jin protects the Orthodox Faction and the Martial Alliance, I shall support the Blood Cult.]
[...You will support us?]
[Indeed. All you have to do is prevent the Martial Alliance from overstepping their bounds in supporting my brother. If you do that, once I ascend to the position above all others, the Martial Alliance will vanish forever.]
King Yeong was revealing his ambitions. In the end, he had shown his greed for the throne. If things went exactly as he proposed, it wasn't a bad deal at all.
—What kind of offer did he make?
In response to Sodamgeom’s question, I briefly explained the situation. Sodamgeom then spoke.
—Isn't that a good deal? It means King Yeong will protect you if you have trouble with the government. If the Martial Alliance is using King Jin, you can just do the same with him.
It might seem that way if you thought about it simply. But it wasn't like that at all.
—Why?
No matter which side ascended to the throne, the martial world would never be the same.
—What do you mean?
Do you think it’s easy to escape once you’ve allied yourself with the government? This wasn't something to be taken lightly. Even if King Jin became Emperor, the Martial Alliance would have to maintain their ties with the government, and if King Yeong became Emperor, we would be stuck in the same position. The treaty established since the Golden Emperor’s reign would become meaningless, and the martial world would fall under the heavy influence of the state.
—So you’d be losing your freedom?
Exactly. King Yeong told me to become his subordinate. He spoke with sweet words, but once you become a subordinate, there is no escape. Ultimately, both King Jin and King Yeong intended to use the martial world for their own ends and then keep them as servants indefinitely.
—Is the Martial Alliance willing to accept that?
I don't know. Based on what King Yeong said, it seems so, but is the Martial Alliance really that naive? They might have a separate treaty with King Jin to ensure they don't lose out. Or, King Yeong could be lying to me.
—What are you going to do? Regardless of the details, if you refuse here, won't this King Yeong guy turn into an enemy?
Perhaps. That smile of his... he seemed certain that I had no way out. Go Jotak’s fears had become reality.
King Yeong asked me.
[What is your answer?]
I looked at him and smiled.
[I am grateful for Your Highness’s consideration. It is a tempting offer.]
[Then, your loyalty to me—]
[Please give me one day to think it over.]
At those words, one of King Yeong’s eyebrows arched.
[A day? The trial begins tomorrow at noon. Will that be enough?]
[Did Your Highness not say that you could make the charges and the trial disappear if you exerted your influence?]
King Yeong nodded at my words. Then he spoke to me aloud.
“Very well. I shall give you a day’s grace. Think on it carefully. I trust you will reach a conclusion that benefits both you and the Blood Cult.”
With that, King Yeong turned and walked back the way he had come. Once he was gone, Go Jotak stood up and spoke to me.
“I knew something like this would happen. King Yeong is a stubborn man. What on earth did the two of you talk about?”
He seemed curious since the conversation had been held via sound transmission. I gave a short laugh and replied.
“A conversation that brings no benefit.”
“No benefit?”
Ignoring his confusion, I asked him a question.
“Brother Go. Where is His Highness, King Gyeong?”
“Why do you ask that?”
“I’m just curious.”
Go Jotak let out a sigh and warned me.
“You were summoned because of the charges against you. You cannot leave the Right Army Commander's Office until the trial tomorrow, so please, behave yourself.”
“I’ll do that.”
I said the words, but I had no intention of following them. If I just sat still, there was no telling what would happen tomorrow.
Late that night.
Near the end of the Hour of the Dog (around 9 PM).
Having heard that King Gyeong had returned to his quarters in the Commander's Office, I made my way there. He was different from King Jin, who was spending his time reading Taoist scriptures with Taoist Master Manjong, or King Yeong, who spent all day training in the martial arts field.
Apparently, he had been out since the afternoon and had spent the entire time in a tavern, drinking and dallying with courtesans.
—He’s something else.
I thought so too. Among the three princes, he was the most eccentric. That was why Go Jotak had specifically warned me not to seek out King Gyeong. He said King Gyeong was the most violent and unpredictable of the princes, and that it would be better to avoid him entirely.
But I had to meet him. Because...
—Are you sure that profligate man really becomes the Emperor? You’re not remembering wrong, are you?
I’m sure. That’s why I’m going to see him.
The area around King Gyeong’s quarters was noisy. It seemed the party was still going on. Imperial guards stood watch at the gates of the pavilion leading to his quarters. It would be difficult to get past them directly.
—Swish!
Using the Wind Shadow Step, I leaped over the wall of the quarters. Then, I headed toward the source of the noise.
In the middle of the garden, a large feast had been laid out, and he was drinking with courtesans. Men who appeared to be King Gyeong’s subordinates were drinking alongside him.
“Your Highness, King Gyeong.”
At my call, a handsome man with a pale face and long hair tied back, his upper robe hanging open and a liquor bottle in his hand, looked at me. His face was flushed from the alcohol, and he asked with half-lidded eyes.
“Who are you?”
Was this man King Gyeong? He was far more handsome than I expected. His features looked as if they had been carved from stone, and the chest visible through his open robe appeared muscular.
I stared at him for a moment before answering.
“I am the Leader of the Blood Cult.”
“What?”
A frown creased King Gyeong’s handsome brow. He probably hadn't expected me to show up in his quarters like this. King Gyeong took a swig from his bottle and spoke.
“The man who is to be tried tomorrow for violating a national decree comes to my quarters in the middle of the night? You have quite the nerve.”
“I have come seeking a private audience with Your Highness.”
“A private audience?”
“It won't take long. Please, spare me a moment of your time.”
King Gyeong let out a short laugh. He raised his bottle, drained it in one go, and then threw it violently to the ground.
—Crash!
“As you can see, I’ve had a lot to drink and have nothing to say to you. Go back. I’m in a good mood today, so be grateful that I’m letting you leave.”
I gave a thin smile and replied.
“Since the trial is tomorrow, I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
With those words, I took a step forward to approach him. At that exact moment—
—Sh-sh-sh-sh-sh!
About ten figures dressed in black martial robes and masks appeared like shadows, blocking my path and leveling their swords and sabers at me. They were quite skilled in concealment arts.
King Gyeong’s voice drifted from behind the wall of masked men.
“Do not cross the line any further. This is my final warning. You don't expect to walk away unscathed after provoking a King, do you?”
I scanned the masked men. They stared back at me, their faces filled with wariness.
“You’re in the way, so sleep for a while.”
“What is this man talking abou—”
—Thump!
One of the masked men started to speak but suddenly collapsed to the ground. But he wasn't the only one.
—Thump! Thump! Thump!
The other nine masked men, who were about to charge with their weapons, all collapsed as well.
King Gyeong, sitting before his feast, narrowed his eyes.
“...What did you do?”