Chapter 64
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 64
Chapter Title: I'll Start the Operation (4)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"..."
"And with that, I conclude the explanation of the terms of our trade."
Having finished his piece, Seo Ryang leaned back comfortably in his chair.
Unlike Seo Ryang, whose face was full of relaxed smiles, So Yeonsim looked as if she were sitting on pins and needles.
Her expression was a mixture of bewilderment, perplexity, a hint of regret, and deep worry.
"Um... Young Master."
"Speak."
"C-could I hear that one more time?"
"Ah, of course. I can repeat it anytime. So, my demand is this."
Seo Ryang explained it again. Word for word, without a single mistake.
So Yeonsim's hand trembled.
"So, what you're saying, Young Master, is..."
"Yes."
"..."
"That's right. I know you're quite sharp, Lord So, so I trust you understood everything."
Despite saying he would explain it again anytime, he drew a firm line.
Of course, that wasn't the important part. So Yeonsim asked in a voice laced with utter disbelief.
"So, you're asking me to let you join the transport unit?"
"See? You understood perfectly."
"I also know that you're quite sharp, Young Master. Am I right?"
"I'd say so."
"Then you must also know how utterly ridiculous your demand is, don't you?"
"I also recall you yourself confirming that this was a trade, not a favor."
"..."
"A trade must be honored."
"Can't we just end this as a favor?"
"As you know, that ship has already sailed."
"...Damn it."
The word "damn it" even escaped her noble lips. That's how preposterous she knew Seo Ryang's demand was.
"Young Master. The transport unit can only be composed of members from our Garden."
"Really?"
"...Of course, on occasion, members from other organizations do join."
"Then we're all set."
"Only in extremely exceptional cases."
"Just consider this to be one of those exceptions."
"This is different. You, Young Master, are none other than a disciple of the Cult Leader."
"Is that a problem?"
So Yeonsim felt her world collapsing. If she could, she would have pounded her chest in frustration.
"If a succession candidate is found in the transport unit of all places, how will others view the Garden of Joy! They'll surely look at me with suspicion, won't they?!"
"You said it yourself before, Lord So. That you have the power to quash any rumors that might spread."
"When did I say that!"
"I recall you saying something to that effect. And it's true, isn't it?"
She couldn't deny it. But the conversation couldn't continue like this.
"Fine, you're right. I do have that kind of ability."
"There you go, then."
"Let me finish!"
Her nerves were so frayed that her voice cracked at the end. Seo Ryang recoiled slightly.
"Alright. Please, continue."
"As you know, this is on a completely different level from simple political retaliation or spreading malicious rumors. It's not because I find dealing with pointless rumors a hassle. If this goes wrong, other organizations will start eyeing each other and trying to connect with the candidates. That will shake the Divine Cult to its core!"
"Surely it won't go that far?"
"Are you really asking that when you know full well what could happen?"
"Hmph."
"I can handle problems that affect me personally. But I can't accept a demand that could destabilize the Divine Cult."
Her voice sounded almost pitiful, but Seo Ryang felt no sympathy for her.
"You just have to quash the rumors before they even start."
"You know that's ridiculous, don't you?"
"Whether rumors spread because I asked for a favor or because I joined the transport unit, it's a headache for you either way, isn't it?"
"...Just why are you pushing so relentlessly? I'd like to hear the reason."
Seo Ryang shook his head firmly. Of course, he couldn't tell her the reason.
"Just think of it as me wanting to get some fresh air outside."
"You know how vast the main headquarters is. You can get plenty of fresh air here."
"A fishbowl the size of a mountain is still no match for the ocean."
"But even a fish doesn't swim through the entire ocean."
"I'm a good swimmer."
His way with words was truly unbeatable.
So Yeonsim, who had almost been swayed, composed herself and shook her head.
"No. The stakes are too high."
"So that's your final answer?"
"I have no choice. If you had asked me for a hundred thousand taels, I would have given it to you."
"You don't have that kind of money."
"That's how absurd your demand is!"
"Then what did you expect?"
"What?"
"Did you not stop to consider what a person who saved a life, and even brought them back from the brink on the exact day you desired, would demand in return?"
"...!"
"I won't bring up the value of a life. I don't particularly like it. But this was a trade. And you were the one who preferred a trade over a favor."
"..."
"Don't try to change your tune now."
Staring at Seo Ryang with bloodshot eyes, So Yeonsim let out a sigh.
"...I see I have no choice."
"A wise decision."
"I truly never imagined you would make such a demand."
"I have a certain spark to me. A cunning nature, you could say."
"Enough. First, stop by the Office of the Grand Marshal. We have to leave tomorrow, so there's no time."
"Why the Office of the Grand Marshal?"
"You need to get permission to leave the cult."
Seo Ryang tilted his head.
"That's what I'm asking. Why is that necessary?"
"You have to get permission directly from the Cult Leader. Then again, if you get permission to leave, you wouldn't need to go with the transport unit..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"That's not it, is it?"
"..."
"If you get permission from the Cult Leader, you won't need to join the transport unit, and if you try to get permission from the Office of the Grand Marshal, a report will go to the Cult Leader anyway... So you're not asking me to sneak you into the transport unit, are you?"
"Isn't it obvious? Why else would I have so stubbornly insisted on joining the transport unit and gotten on your nerves like this, Lord So?"
"No way!!"
So Yeonsim finally erupted.
"Deceive the Cult Leader? That's absurd! I'll pretend I never heard this demand."
"How is this deceiving the Cult Leader? It's deceiving other people, yes, but not him."
"What kind of bullsh— I mean, what are you talking about?!"
"The Cult Leader has never been interested in his disciples. He merely reigns; he does not rule. Why? Because that is the way of a god. You know that too, don't you, Lord?"
"..."
"Thinking about it, I get it now. I was wondering why you kept going on about rumors... Don't worry. We can just switch me with one of your subordinates. No one will ever find out."
"You say that so casually. Do you think swapping people is easy?"
"Do I have to think of that, too? I'm just making the demand. So that our trade can conclude cleanly."
"..."
"..."
"Fine. Let's say it's not deceiving the Cult Leader. Still, this is too reckless! What kind of person in their right mind would...!"
"..."
"I'm sorry. I misspoke."
"That's not why."
"What?"
"You said swapping people isn't easy, right?"
"...And?"
Seo Ryang grinned.
"I just had a great idea."
* * *
*Rustle. Rustle.*
The sight of Juhwa dressing, one layer at a time, was breathtakingly beautiful.
Though she had been bedridden for months, her unique beauty hadn't faded. Even emaciated, her looks were dazzling.
Fully dressed, Juhwa slowly sat down in a chair.
Unused muscles are bound to atrophy. The muscles in her limbs, her entire body, and even her internal organs had weakened, which should have made movement difficult.
And yet, Juhwa's posture was perfectly straight. It was more natural than anyone's, as if she had maintained that posture her entire life.
She let out a light breath.
"Hoo."
The soft exhale carried a lingering sense of bewilderment and wonder.
'It's only been half a month since I lost consciousness?'
It was unbelievable.
The martial arts formula the Lord had given her was truly mysterious. As she practiced the art, said to be skilled in healing, her body, which had been ravaged by Qi Deviation, recovered at a remarkable rate.
But she had expected it to take three months at the very least. Of course, a full recovery in just three months would have been astonishing in itself.
To think she would be completely healed in less than half a month.
Now that her body, upended by Qi Deviation, was back to normal, it was possible to regain her former martial prowess. It would take some time, but not an excessive amount.
The despair brought on by the condition of Qi Deviation.
The feeling of being revived after floundering in that swamp of despair was difficult to put into words.
*Squeeze.*
She clenched her gaunt hand into a fist. She couldn't feel the same strength as before, but in its place, a powerful will blazed.
'I need to recover quickly.'
How she had healed in half a month without even circulating her energy was a secondary concern. Having been bedridden for months, the amount of work piled up must be immense.
'I must return to my duties soon.'
To see her steeling her resolve not even half a day after waking up showed she was certainly no ordinary person.
It was while she was deep in thought about the future.
"May I come in?"
Juhwa was startled. How could she have not even noticed someone approaching the door?
'Ah.'
It couldn't be helped. Though her damaged dantian was now fine, her ability to sense energy hadn't returned yet.
Juhwa opened her mouth to speak.
"Who is it?"
"Something like a physician."
She tilted her head. A physician is a physician, but what was "something like a physician"?
*Creeak.*
The door opened without waiting for her permission.
The person who entered through the open door was a young man who looked to be about her age. He was a handsome youth with a solid build, a tall stature, and refreshing, clear-cut features that were pleasing to the eye.
The handsome youth, Seo Ryang, smiled.
"To be able to move like that already, you truly have a strong constitution."
Juhwa's eyes narrowed.
'A master?!'
Her energy sense might have dulled, but her eye for skill was as sharp as ever. His fluid gait, the unmoving line of his shoulders, and his clear eyes all proved that he was a master, trained both inside and out.
"You've lost quite a bit of muscle, but your cardiorespiratory function was originally excellent, so your stamina shouldn't be an issue."
"Who are you?"
"I told you. Something like a physician."
"I'm not asking for your profession, I'm asking for your identity."
"My identity... Well, you can hear that from the Lord."
"...?"
"Ah, I can explain it like this. I'm the one who gave the martial arts formula to Lord So so that you could escape your Qi Deviation."
For a moment, Juhwa's eyes widened.
"...You mean you're the original owner of that healing art?"
"That's right."
Juhwa was flustered. She was resolute enough to reignite her will so soon after waking, but she hadn't expected to come face-to-face with the person who had healed her.
Slowly, she stood up and bowed her head.
"I am grateful for your grace."
Seo Ryang's eyes twinkled.
"You believe me without even knowing who I am?"
"Bowing my head once is no great feat. Besides, this is the Garden of Joy. It's not a place where a suspicious person could just walk in."
The corners of Seo Ryang's mouth lifted.
'She's no ordinary woman.'
Her judgment is quick. I heard she had a resolute character, but she possesses a degree of flexibility as well.
"There was a reason Lord So praised you so highly."
Juhwa's eyebrow twitched. He may be her benefactor, but she didn't like how casually he referred to So Yeonsim.
"Mm, good. If you revive your true energy through circulation and spend half a day warming up, you should have no problem traveling."
"...What do you mean by that?"
Just then, the door opened and So Yeonsim entered. She clearly hadn't expected Seo Ryang to be inside already, as her face was flushed red with embarrassment.
Seo Ryang grinned at So Yeonsim.
"She's in much better shape than I thought. She should be fine to go with us."
"Young Master, really..."
"It's better for you if we confirm things quickly, isn't it, Lord So?"
So Yeonsim bit her lip.
Seo Ryang stood up.
"It's better to help her circulate her energy day by day right beside her than to be separated for several days. If anything, this will be good for Chief Juhwa, don't you think?"
What on earth was this conversation?
As a bewildered Juhwa looked at So Yeonsim.
"Chief Juhwa."
"...Yes?"
"We're leaving tomorrow, so take good care of yourself."
"L-leaving? To where?"
Seo Ryang grinned.
"Who knows? To a place where freedom breathes?"