Chapter 146 - Gwan Baek's Oath
Yeon-hoo asked the man who appeared to be the leader, Janghan.
"Where is your captain now?"
"If you head north from here for about a day, you'll find him there."
It was unexpected. The Red Wolf Corps base that Yeon-hoo knew of was much farther north.
"Then, can you guide me there?"
"Of course. We'll escort you."
Janghan treated Yeon-hoo with utmost respect. Naturally, it was thanks to Gwan-ryang's token.
A short while later, they set off northward, dragging the captured pirates as prisoners.
After marching relentlessly north for a full day, as dawn broke the next morning with the sun rising, a vast plain unfolded before them.
Yeon-hoo gazed at the thousands of white tents blanketing the plain, his eyes cooling into a steady calm.
It was the Red Wolf Corps camp.
As expected...
The tents were arranged in a flawless formation. If anyone dared charge into that array, escaping would be all but impossible—a perfect defensive setup.
But why were they heading south?
Janghan had said the entire Red Wolf Corps was moving south. When asked the reason, he claimed ignorance.
"Please proceed slowly. I'll ride ahead and inform the captain."
"Much obliged."
Thud thud thud!
Janghan spurred his horse, kicking up dust as he galloped off.
Moments later, two riders appeared alongside him—Gwan Baek and Gwan-ryang.
Gwan-ryang spotted Yeon-hoo and broke into a wide grin. Yeon-hoo felt a spark of fondness upon seeing him too. He had taken a liking to the man from their first meeting.
Thud thud thud!
Gwan-ryang leaped from his charging horse without slowing, deploying his lightness skill to land gracefully before Yeon-hoo.
Whoosh!
"It's been a while, young master... Ah, no—Lord of the North now, I hear. My heartfelt congratulations!"
"Likewise."
Yeon-hoo responded calmly, then lifted his gaze to Gwan Baek.
Gwan Baek was dismounting, meeting Yeon-hoo's eyes with a cupped-fist salute and a slight bow of the head. No words were exchanged, but for the renowned Gwan Baek to lower his head was more than enough for Yeon-hoo. It signaled clear recognition of him as the North's lord.
Yeon-hoo spoke evenly.
"I'd like a word in private."
"As you wish."
Gwan-ryang's eyes widened.
"The sun's barely up. Shouldn't we head to the tents first...?"
"He seems to have urgent business. Attend to the others."
"...Understood."
Cheol-u glanced at Yeon-hoo, who gave a reassuring nod. Cheol-u then followed Gwan-ryang into the Red Wolf Corps camp with Jo Yeong and Noegeom.
Gwan Baek mounted his horse and drew alongside Yeon-hoo.
"This spot has a fine sunrise. Shall we head to the sea?"
"Lead on."
Gwan Baek's tone toward Yeon-hoo had already shifted. Yet his inherent rugged aura remained undiminished.
The two rode side by side toward the coast at an easy pace. The horizon flushed red as the sun began to peek over it.
Yeon-hoo paused, momentarily captivated by nature's grandeur. Watching the dawn sun paint the world crimson stirred an involuntary swell in his chest.
Gwan Baek watched in silence, then drew a steady breath and spoke.
"I hear the Northwest has declared war."
"Indeed."
"And they've allied with the Blood Clan, no less."
"The situation is graver still."
A glint flickered in Gwan Baek's eyes. Despite the words, not a trace of worry marred his expression.
Now it was Yeon-hoo's turn to ask.
"I heard you're heading south... May I inquire why?"
"Likely the same reason that brought you here."
Yeon-hoo fell silent at Gwan Baek's implication that he fully grasped his intent, reining in his horse.
They had reached the edge of the white sands.
Standing side by side, they watched the sunrise. The dawn light spreading from the horizon now bathed the entire world in red.
A profound silence settled between them, broken only by a flock of geese honking raucously overhead.
Quack! Quack!
Yeon-hoo spoke first.
"I won't ask you to join us out of mere vengeance against Wi Yeon Gwang."
"Nor do I intend to demand excessive compensation for our participation."
"Excessive, you say..."
Yeon-hoo trailed off, turning to Gwan Baek. Their gazes locked in the air.
"What do you want?"
"Land to call our home. That suffices. As for one more thing... a blood alliance is feasible, but anything beyond that—we'll need time to deliberate."
The words carried subtle weight. Yeon-hoo discerned the implication.
He rejects a lord-vassal bond, but it could change depending on my actions?
As the North's lord, it grated somewhat. Yet Yeon-hoo was unperturbed. Willingness to deliberate over time was enough.
Winning the imminent war came first; he trusted his ability to shape the aftermath as desired.
"I'll grant you the lands north of Yoyeongseong."
"...!"
"Taxes and obligations to the lord's house will match other regions. Your rights, however, we'll deliberate in due time."
Yeon-hoo had no intention of conceding everything at once. His stance on rights was a direct response to Gwan Baek's conditional stance on fealty.
"And one more thing."
Yeon-hoo's tone hardened further.
"Blood alliance or otherwise, once we commit to fighting together, you must acknowledge and follow me as your lord."
Gwan Baek fell silent.
"Take your time to consider. But given the pressing circumstances, I'll give you until tomorrow."
"No need."
Gwan Baek's eyes shifted. Staring straight at Yeon-hoo, he posed the unexpected.
"Will you place the Red Wolf Corps at the vanguard?"
"The vanguard falls to my friend. But the Red Wolf Corps will bear a mission equally vital."
"What mission?"
"I can't divulge secrets to one not yet my ally."
"..."
Their gazes intertwined once more. Then a faint smile tugged at Gwan Baek's lips. He dismounted and dropped to one knee on the ground.
Thud!
"I, Gwan Baek, swear before the heavens to become my lord's blade. Should I break this vow, let the Red Wolf Corps' iron code be my judgment..."
"Enough."
"..."
"It's not the Red Wolf Corps I trust—it's you. Your word alone suffices. Rise."
Gwan Baek's eyes quivered faintly—a reaction laced with positivity.
Yeon-hoo offered a subtle smile.
"Are you confident?"
"That's what I should ask you first."
"How do I seem to you?"
"Your confidence borders on excess—enough to unsettle me."
"I see you the same. But I'm not unsettled. I trust in you and the Red Wolf Corps' prowess."
"Your high regard humbles me."
Gwan Baek steadied his surging emotions. They had carved out a life in the north, growing into a force all revered, yet dismissed as wandering mercenaries by all.
Now, the North's lord had granted them a home. The northern reaches of Yoyeongseong—shunned by others as frontier—was a perfect fit for their nature. Satisfaction swelled within him.
Yet that wasn't the sole reason for his trembling heart. An old memory surfaced: the face of Yi Yeom, who had once sought him out.
'You are not the vessel to hold me. But your son... he seems a vessel vast enough for the entire world.'
"Captain."
"Yes, my lord."
"Let's get some food."
"As you command."
Yeon-hoo turned his horse first. Gwan Baek watched his back, then lifted his gaze to the northern sky.
'A fine day for once.'
* * *
Cheol-u and his group, arriving first at the Red Wolf Corps camp, were treated to a lavish spread despite the early hour. What seemed simple outside yielded boiled chicken, roasted meats, stir-fried vegetables, and hearty soup filling the table.
"It's early, so the fare is modest. Eat your fill."
Jo Yeong asked, "Any... liquor?"
"At this hour?"
At Gwan-ryang's retort, Jo Yeong glanced at Cheol-u, who nodded silently. Gwan-ryang called out, and soon two bottles arrived, commencing the meal in earnest.
Jo Yeong and Noegeom, starved from relentless marches without proper meals, devoured with relish alongside drinks. Cheol-u, as ever, ate sparingly—mere bites of meat and vegetables, rinsed with a single cup. That was his breakfast.
Jo Yeong's eyes bulged. "Done already?"
"Eat slowly."
Cheol-u set down his chopsticks and headed out, Gwan-ryang trailing.
He went straight to the captured pirates.
Gwan-ryang spoke as he kept pace. "There's a sizable island nearby—their base. I haven't seen it myself, but rumors say thousands of pirates, with warships rivaling any navy. I've been itching to wipe them out properly."
"That's for my lord to decide."
"This sea's been neglected by all until now..."
Gwan-ryang trailed off, wary of offending.
The Iron Blood Family's reach barely extended here. Thus, the Red Wolf Corps had patrolled and purged pirates for nearly a decade, suffering casualties—recently more than ever.
Gwan-ryang changed tack. "Heard the Wall Thunder elder council head lost his head to someone from the Iron Blood Family... Was it you?"
"Why assume me?"
"Just a hunch."
Cheol-u walked on wordlessly. Spotting Yeon-hoo and Gwan Baek riding in from the beach, he halted.
Gwan-ryang stopped too, tilting his head. Gwan Baek was smiling.
'Uncle smiling like that... it's been ages.'
Cheol-u eyed Yeon-hoo, narrowing his brow faintly. His lord's face was its usual impassive chill. Yet to Cheol-u's eyes, it betrayed otherwise.
He wears that look when pleased... Talks went well.
Convinced Yeon-hoo had secured his desire, a fierce heat welled from Cheol-u's depths.
'The Blood King Army and now the Red Wolf Corps... More than enough to fight with.'