Chapter 52
Ch. 52 .｡.:✧ A Role Reversal ✧:.｡.
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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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I glanced at the First-Rate warrior, sprawled on the ground, unable to withstand my aura.
‘Pathetic.’
I frowned, a wave of displeasure washing over me.
How dare these interlopers act like they owned the place?
He wouldn’t be able to move a finger for at least an hour.
“Open the gate,” I commanded.
“Y-Young Master…”
“I said, open the gate.”
“R-Right away!”
The gatekeepers, who had been watching me nervously, hesitated for a moment, then hurried to obey.
Creeeak—
The massive gates swung open, revealing the courtyard beyond.
I sighed, a short, sharp exhalation of frustration.
“Haa…”
‘What a mess.’
I had expected some disarray, but this was far worse than I’d imagined.
The state of the estate was truly appalling.
It seemed my return to Mount Hua would have to be postponed.
I stood there, silently assessing the situation, when one of the gatekeepers approached, his head bowed respectfully.
“I will escort you inside, Young Master,” he offered.
“Very well.”
I followed him into the courtyard, the faint rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze brushing against my ears.
The gatekeeper’s gaze darted nervously around, his apprehension palpable.
“…”
‘He’s far too nervous.’
I found his anxious demeanor irritating.
After what felt like an eternity, we finally reached my former residence, a familiar pavilion nestled amidst a tranquil garden.
“That’s far enough. You may leave,” I dismissed him.
“…P-Pardon? But…”
“I said, leave.”
“Y-Yes, Young Master.”
He scurried away, almost as if fleeing.
I watched him go, shaking my head in exasperation.
‘If even the gatekeepers are this timid, I can only imagine what’s happening inside.’
A wave of annoyance washed over me.
Perhaps leaving the family business and joining Mount Hua hadn’t been such a bad decision after all.
Thump. Thump—
My footsteps echoed on the stone path as I walked towards the pavilion, a simmering anger fueling my stride.
I paused by the pond, its surface once pristine, now covered in a layer of algae and fallen leaves.
‘They haven’t even bothered maintaining the gardens.’
It was absurd.
Even if the family had fallen on hard times, neglecting the residence of the most likely successor, me, was a blatant sign of disrespect.
I couldn’t fathom the extent of the retainers’ audacity.
Click!
I crossed the narrow bridge over the pond, clicking my tongue in disapproval.
Just then, a familiar voice called out.
“…Second Young Master?”
“…?”
I turned, surprised by the familiar voice, and saw a face I knew well, though it was thinner and dirtier than I remembered.
Disbelief warred with suspicion as I asked,
“Jang-sam? Is that you?”
“Oh, Second Young Master! It really is you…!”
Jang-sam dropped the bundle of firewood he was carrying and rushed towards me, his face a mixture of joy and sorrow.
I watched him approach, a small smile playing on my lips.
“What happened to you? You’ve lost so much weight,” I remarked.
“That’s not something you should be saying, Young Master!”
“It’s strange seeing you so… thin. You used to be quite round.”
“Well, I’m equally surprised to see you! You were just a little kid when you left, and now… look at you!”
He stopped in front of me, staring at me with a mixture of awe and disbelief.
I sighed, the weight of the situation settling upon me.
“Haa… What in the world happened here? This place has gone to hell.”
I said, gesturing at the neglected estate.
“Yes… it seems you can’t believe it either, Young Master.”
Jang-sam replied, his gaze mirroring my own dismay.
“Let’s go inside and talk,” I suggested.
“Yes, I’d like that very much. I have a lot to tell you, Young Master.”
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As we entered the pavilion, the first thing that struck me was the thick layer of dust covering everything.
Jang-sam noticed my reaction and shook his head, with a look of shame on his face.
“Please, don’t be too angry… I’ve tried my best… but…”
He mumbled, his voice trailing off.
“…Hmm.”
“It’s… difficult to keep up with everything.”
“Has this all happened recently?”
I asked, my voice low and dangerous.
“…!”
Jang-sam seemed startled by my tone.
He hesitated, then nodded slowly.
“…Yes. It all started after that swordsman, the Black Serpent, arrived and became a retainer.”
“…The Black Serpent?”
“It’s… a long story.”
Jang-sam reached for his teacup, his throat parched from his hurried arrival.
I listened intently, urging him to continue.
“Tell me more,” I said.
“Well… it’s like this…”
Jang-sam began his tale, recounting the events that had transpired during my absence.
Shortly after I’d left for Mount Hua, the family had started recruiting skilled martial artists as retainers.
This had initially seemed like a good idea, providing the trading company with much-needed protection.
But then the Black Serpent had arrived, and soon after, my father, the head of the family, had begun secluding himself, refusing to see anyone.
Jang-sam’s explanation was long and rambling, but the gist was clear.
‘So, they brought in martial artists as retainers for protection… and they ended up taking over.’
I smirked, resting my chin on my hand.
Jang-sam noticed my thoughtful expression and fell silent, watching me nervously.
He seemed to sense the change in me, the subtle shift in my demeanor after my training at Mount Hua.
‘I doubt the retainers are acting alone…’
I set down my teacup, the clink echoing in the quiet room.
My racing thoughts began to settle, replaced by a cold clarity.
‘…There’s someone pulling the strings. This isn’t just a simple power grab by the retainers. Something else happened to cause Father to withdraw like this.’
My initial plan had been to treat my brother’s illness with the Red Lotus, but it seemed another urgent matter had arisen.
‘I need to see Father. Immediately.’
Having formulated a plan, I picked up my teacup again and took a sip, the gentle slurp a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within me.
Jang-sam spoke hesitantly.
“…I heard you went to Mount Hua to learn martial arts. What brings you back?”
“That’s a long story as well… Do you have time?”
“Of course, Young Master. Actually, I’m glad you’re back. The atmosphere around here has been so tense lately… everyone’s walking on eggshells.”
“That’s ridiculous. The servants, who’ve been with the family for decades, shouldn’t be afraid of mere retainers.”
“Yes… it’s unsettling. I agree, Young Master.”
Jang-sam glanced around nervously, then looked at me, his eyes questioning.
“So, are you back for good, Second Young Master?”
“Hmm… I’m not sure. I intended to take care of a few things and return to Mount Hua… but now… it seems I’ll have to resolve these family matters first.”
“That’s… good news. I’ve been worried, seeing all those martial artists strutting around with their swords…”
Jang-sam sighed, squatting down on the floor.
“And then there’s Lady Ha-seol’s engagement… so much has happened… I’ve been with the family for decades, and I’ve never seen things this chaotic, both inside and outside the estate.”
“…”
I listened to Jang-sam’s lament, then murmured, my voice low enough that he couldn’t hear,
“…It seems some of these “guests” need to be… removed.”
“Pardon? What was that, Young Master?”
“Nothing. Just thinking aloud.”
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