Chapter 95
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 95
Chapter Title: Drunken Brotherhood
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“W-Will you really do that?”
“Hmm…….”
Yeo Eung-seo pondered deeply at Yu Hyun’s immediate response.
No, he was pretending to ponder. For Yu Hyun’s benefit…….
“It would be too difficult, wouldn’t it?”
“…….”
Yu Hyun let out a sigh, his face filled with disappointment.
“I understand. It seems I’ve put the Patriarch in a difficult spot with my thoughtless words.”
“Pardon?”
“After all, it wasn’t just anyone—it was the Patriarch’s precious daughter, the future lady of Hae-nam Island. How could the offense be considered minor when one collides with such a person?”
“…….”
“Please pretend you never heard it.”
As Yu Hyun suddenly backed off, Yeo Eung-seo’s expression shifted slightly.
It was a natural reaction, since things weren’t going as he had planned.
Now it was time to make him sweat even more. To make him cling to Yu Hyun’s trouser leg.
“Whew, since I’ve committed a crime, there’s no helping it. If it were the Central Plains, it might be different, but here on Hae-nam Island, I have no choice but to follow the island’s laws.”
“……N-No, that’s not…….”
“No, please don’t worry about it. It’s just that my heart was too hasty.”
As Yeo Eung-seo tried to continue, Yu Hyun swiftly cut him off.
This was the crucial part.
To tame an opponent driven by greed, one must keep tossing bait relentlessly.
But not too easily. Easy prey might have poison smeared on it, breeding suspicion.
“I’ll take my leave now.”
“P-Pardon?”
Yu Hyun rose with a stern expression and bowed politely, making Yeo Eung-seo’s face all the more entertaining.
He must be dying of regret, the bastard. He has to catch it, but can’t, and can’t let it slip away either…….
Now it was time to drive the wedge in.
“At this rate, I’ll have no choice but to go to Lord Gu…… Ah, what face will I show the Beggars’ Sect Leader? He entrusted her to me with such earnest pleas…… No helping it. If worst comes to worst, I’ll have to ask my father the Imperial Tutor, or even the Governor of Guangxi Province…….”
“……!”
He had name-dropped the Beggars’ Sect Leader, the Imperial Tutor, and even the Governor of Guangxi Province.
By revealing a bit of his backing, Yeo Eung-seo’s greed must be bubbling up to the top of his head by now.
Step, step, step.
Yu Hyun deliberately made his footsteps audible.
Come on, what are you waiting for? The door is just a few steps away.
Three, two……
“Latent Dragon Captain!”
“……Yes?”
Yu Hyun turned slowly, neither too fast nor too slow.
“Well, now.”
“…….”
“To think the situation is so dire. I can’t very well ignore the Latent Dragon Captain’s position.”
“…….”
“Come, sit down. I’m not sure if it’s right to show favor to a sinner, but let’s talk it through step by step.”
“……What do you mean by that?”
“Heh heh, it was just a collision, wasn’t it? It may be a grave offense by Hae-nam Island’s laws, but in the Central Plains, it’s no crime at all.”
“……?”
“……So we can’t apply it equally to someone from the Central Plains, can we?”
“……!”
At Yeo Eung-seo’s words, Yu Hyun deliberately widened his eyes in thrilled surprise.
What utter nonsense—haven’t seen bullshit this thick in ages.
A grave offense?
What law in the world demands punishment for something like that?
A sincere apology and taking responsibility for the ruined clothes would suffice.
Punishment in the clan prison? That was just because that daughter of his had a spoiled, bitchy personality.
Yet Yeo Eung-seo framed it as a grave offense under island law to squeeze out more for himself.
Total horseshit, but for now, Yu Hyun had to play along.
Having done a good deed, he’d wag his tail expecting a pat on the head, wouldn’t he?
“To think someone who knows Hae-nam Island’s laws would see it that way—I’m at a loss for words.”
“Heh heh, no need to go that far. Though I serve as Patriarch here, I lived in the Central Plains in my youth. How could I not understand?”
“Pardon? The Central Plains?”
“Ah, you didn’t know?”
“What do you mean……?”
“Ha ha. It’s been about thirty years since us Huan Clan folk migrated from southern Guangxi to Hae-nam Island by the founding ancestor’s will.”
“Ah! Is that so? Goodness, I’ve made a huge blunder out of ignorance about Hae-nam Island.”
“A blunder? Nonsense. It’s been far longer than your years, Latent Dragon Captain. Come, come, sit down. It’s a rare chance to speak with a hero of the Central Plains martial world, so let’s discuss leniency for your imprisoned subordinate, and catch up on the state of the world…….”
“What magnanimity! I can’t help but be astonished by the Patriarch’s noble heart.”
“Hah hah! Even if it’s flattery, I’m glad you recognize it. It puts me in high spirits.”
“Flattery? I mean it sincerely.”
“Ha ha ha!”
Amid the exchange of compliments, the mood turned warm and jovial in an instant.
When one’s mood lifts, certain things come naturally.
Especially if there’s something to gain from the other party!
“Someone! We have an honored guest, yet the hospitality is sorely lacking. Prepare a feast and bring wine and food!”
Just as expected!
The situation was unfolding exactly as Yu Hyun had intended.
* * *
“Ha ha ha ha! To think I failed to recognize such a noble guest. You’re that close to the Nangong Clan?”
“Nangong Seong, who came with me, is my nephew. The Sword King caused such a fuss about betrothing him to their daughter, saying he’d give a hefty fortune if they just held the wedding.”
“He favors him that much?”
“It’s all thanks to my father.”
“How modest…… Surely the Sword King didn’t do it just for an old connection? He must have seen something in him. Of course!”
“You overpraise. Why lift me up so?”
As Yu Hyun scratched his head shyly, Yeo Eung-seo waved it off as if it were absurd.
“Come now, Young Master Yu. Can one choose what they’re born with? Accept it as talent bestowed by heaven.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course!”
Before long, the speech had turned casual, and the address to “Young Master Yu.”
It meant the wariness had mostly crumbled.
“Hmm, even if you have no intent to enter officialdom, all those merchant houses and escort agencies won’t just become the possessions of a meritorious retainer?”
“Well, yes. This is a secret, but the late Emperor treated me like a grandson.”
“The Emperor?”
“Yes. The young Crown Prince follows me like an uncle. But is that because of me? It’s all my father’s shadow.”
“Heh heh, your humility is excessive.”
“Humility? Nonsense. That’s how I always see it. My father-in-law, the Dam Clan Lord of Hubei Province, set his sights on the military and took every key post in the Five Armies Governorate. He even prepared a general’s position for me, urging me to join, but should I rely on backing instead of my own ability?”
“A general’s position, no less?”
“Yes, and he keeps pushing despite my refusals.”
“…….”
Yu Hyun emphasized his backing further with humble words, inflating it tenfold.
So, what now? I’m that kind of person.
With a troubled expression to boot, Yeo Eung-seo was overjoyed, not knowing what to do.
He must be thrilled. Thinking he’d hooked a real monster……
As cups were passed back and forth, the drinking grew merrier, and the greed swelled ever larger.
Now, time for this……
“By the way, since we’re fated like this, if it’s not rude, may I call you brother…….”
“Brother?”
“Yes. Hearing you’re from the Central Plains too makes me feel even closer.”
“…….”
“Ha ha, too big an age gap, right? My tolerance for liquor is low, so I must be drunk. Having no siblings, I can’t contain my feelings when I meet a good man…….”
“…….”
As Yu Hyun smiled wistfully, revealing his drunkenness, Yeo Eung-seo watched for a long moment before chuckling and slowly shaking his head.
“No, no. What flaw is there in brothers bonding when our intentions align? If you wish, I’ll be your elder brother.”
“R-Really?”
“Of course! Would I say one thing and mean another?”
“Oh! Thank you. Brother, please accept this bow.”
“You fool…….”
Yeo Eung-seo rose hurriedly, but Yu Hyun was already kneeling and kowtowing on the floor.
“Ha ha ha ha!”
Laughter boomed through the banquet hall as if it would bring the roof down.
A bow? He’d take a hundred more.
Laugh it up. Now I’ll properly entangle you.
“To celebrate gaining a young brother, I’ll foot a grand bill. Let’s drink till our noses bend!”
“Yes! I won’t let you return to your chambers tonight!”
“Drink!”
“Sounds good!”
And so people drank the liquor, and the liquor drank the people.
Of course, Yu Hyun was subtly expelling the alcohol so Yeo Eung-seo wouldn’t notice.
Little by little, very little……
“By the way, it must have been tough. I shouldn’t say this, but the new Island Lord doesn’t seem like much…….”
“Is it just the new Island Lord? Thinking of how I’ve been slighted by those five clans all this time…….”
Yeo Eung-seo vented like he was unloading grudges, recounting all he’d endured.
Building rapport is simple: curse others behind their backs and nod along to tighten bonds.
Well, we’re close enough now. I’ve played the fool, broaching brotherhood despite the age gap, so now I’ll play the scatterbrain.
“Brother.”
“What is it?”
As Yu Hyun suddenly turned serious, Yeo Eung-seo looked puzzled.
“One thing—siding with the new Island Lord was a mistake.”
“……?”
With drunken eyes half-lidded and tongue slurring, Yu Hyun spoke, and a glint flashed in Yeo Eung-seo’s eyes.
After laying the groundwork and pausing dramatically, Yu Hyun sighed heavily, feigning deep thought before slowly speaking.
“This is…… a secret. Because I like you, brother…… Only because it’s you. Got it?”
“What is it?”
“Never breathe a word to anyone else.”
“Good grief, out with it! What can’t we share between brothers? Why would I repeat your words?”
“…….”
Yu Hyun grimaced, bowing his head as if wrestling with it.
Bastard, from now on, we’re the kind who’ll trade blades.
And spill it if you must.
“Sigh…… Brother, if possible, don’t side with the Island Lord.”
“Little brother, what on earth do you mean?”
“Think about it. Why did we come here so suddenly?”
“…….”
“Truth is, I came to Hae-nam Island with the Latent Dragon Squad to monitor that man.”
“M-Monitor?”
Yeo Eung-seo’s eyes widened as if the drunkenness had vanished at Yu Hyun’s words.
“Yes, monitor. It’s a special mission just for me. The other two don’t know.”
“…….”
Yeo Eung-seo swallowed hard, the sound like thunder in Yu Hyun’s ears.
“Truth is, there was intel that the new Island Lord colluded with some shadowy force…… and did something vile to the former Island Lord and Deputy…… Maybe even the Huifeng Squad is tied to that shadowy force.”
“…….”
“I arrived at a different time from the other two…… and met the Wol Clan first…… all for that. I’ve already secured evidence. The Wol Clan was caught, but…… I plan to report to the Righteous Alliance at dawn…….”
“…….”
As Yu Hyun slurred on, breaking mid-sentence like a drunk, Yeo Eung-seo’s eyes grew wider.
Damn, hide your face a bit. Don’t make the actor feel good……
“I’m only telling you, brother…… Only you…….”
“…….”
“Only you, brother…….”
“…….”
“…….”
His voice trailed off softer and softer, until Yu Hyun slumped forward, snoring lowly in sleep.
Yeo Eung-seo said nothing, just watched.
With eyes closed, Yu Hyun smirked inwardly.
He’ll be grinding his teeth.
Shadowy force, Righteous Alliance surveillance.
If he had no connection, it wouldn’t bother him.
But the deeper his ties, the more those two drunken “truths” would gnaw at him. He’d judge soon and act.
If the new Island Lord’s crimes surfaced through the Righteous Alliance, he’d be swept up too.
His relations with the other clans were already poor, deepened by betraying the Wol Clan. If the new Island Lord was exposed in the investigation, he couldn’t escape blame.
No excuse would save him—like a one-way ticket on the San-do River ferry.
Then what use was his bond with Yu Hyun?
Whether backed by Yu Seong-hwan or the Emperor, it only helped while Yu Hyun lived.
As Yu Hyun faked deeper sleep with louder snores, convincing Yeo Eung-seo he was out cold, the man hardened his resolve and spoke.
“Someone!”
“Yes.”
“Move the Latent Dragon Captain to his quarters and watch him without a gap for a fly to escape.”
“Yes!”
Soon after Yu Hyun was carried by warriors to an inner chamber, a messenger pigeon took flight from Huan Clan lands.
Flutter, flutter.
And someone watched the pigeon piercing the darkness from atop a roof.
“That traitorous bastard…….”
On the roof of the tallest building in the Huan village.
Yu Hyun, whom they thought asleep, sat astride the ridgepole, wearing a cold smile.