Chapter 395: A Witness’s Testimony Is Enough
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 395: A Witness’s Testimony Is Enough
"Could you tell us exactly what you witnessed?"
Kang Ha-yoon spoke, her gaze fixed steadily on Lee Jae-won.
Look at this bitch.
Meeting her unwavering eyes, Lee Jae-won felt a surge of irritation. He hadn't expected Kang Ha-yoon to pounce on him so relentlessly.
"I’m hurt, Phoenix Hall Master. Are you doubting me?"
Lee Jae-won looked at her with a face full of feigned disappointment.
"I mean no offense. I simply wish to investigate the exact circumstances of the incident," Kang Ha-yoon replied in a calm, level tone.
Privately, Lee Jae-won was her beloved husband; publicly, he was the Leader of the Cheonmu Alliance. She didn't think he would lie. Nevertheless, she felt a thorough investigation was necessary. To her, no one—regardless of who they were—could be allowed to exist outside the rules.
This is exactly why I can't stand her.
Though he maintained a composed exterior, Lee Jae-won was cursing her out internally. He loathed her defiant attitude. Kang Ha-yoon was always like this. Usually, she was magnanimous and warm-hearted, but the moment she stepped into her official role, she underwent a total transformation. She became more than just stiff; she became inflexible, nitpicking every single detail of the process.
Lee Jae-won despised that side of her. Wasn't it the way of the world to show a little leniency and share some warmth, especially with those close to you? How could she draw such a sharp line between public and private matters? It was cold.
As someone who placed great importance on "propriety" and "the way," Lee Jae-won found Kang Ha-yoon’s behavior utterly distasteful.
This is why I don't sleep with you anymore.
Aside from the first three years of their marriage, Lee Jae-won had never shared a bed with her. Working with her had drained every ounce of affection he had. Of course, the fact that her breasts seemed to keep growing as if her growth plates hadn't closed yet played a part in his irritation as well.
"Very well. The circumstances of the incident must be investigated accurately," Lee Jae-won said with a smile, barely suppressing his boiling inner rage.
Arguing against a logical point would only make him look suspicious. In a situation like this, it was important to project an air of relaxed magnanimity by agreeing. If he did that...
"Phoenix Hall Master! What is the meaning of this rudeness?!"
...someone would surely step up to defend him.
"The Alliance Leader has already given his testimony to the Law Enforcement Hall! Why are you forcing him to repeat the same statement!?"
Paeng Ga-ryeon raised her voice, sounding genuinely incensed. She saw this as an opportunity—a chance to drive a wedge between Kang Ha-yoon and the Alliance Leader. Kang Ha-yoon was a constant thorn in her side, always interfering. She thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to make her fall out of the Leader's favor while securing more of her husband's affection for herself.
"I simply wish to hear that testimony with my own ears. It costs nothing to speak, nor does it require great effort, so why do you consider it rude?" Kang Ha-yoon countered, her voice rising as she refused to back down.
"The very fact that you do not trust the decision of the Law Enforcement Hall, which closed the case based on the Leader's testimony, is what's rude!"
"That is exactly why I want to hear it! I want to know just how detailed the testimony was for the case to be closed so quickly!"
Paeng Ga-ryeon and Kang Ha-yoon glared at each other, their voices clashing in a heated argument. Neither seemed willing to yield an inch.
"Enough."
Lee Jae-won, who had been listening in silence, finally spoke.
Vrooooooom—
Suddenly, a formless pressure surged out, instantly blanketing the entire meeting room. The two women, who had been in the middle of their spat, were forced to shut their mouths, crushed by the overwhelming momentum.
"What do you think you are doing? This is not a place for Hall Masters to engage in petty emotional squabbles. This is a place to discuss official business. How dare you ruin the atmosphere with your personal feelings!"
Lee Jae-won glared at them with a look of feigned anger.
"..."
"..."
The two women fell silent, unable to argue. They knew he was right.
"I will give you my testimony," Lee Jae-won said in a calm voice. "If the Phoenix Hall Master is not satisfied, then I must tell it personally. Even if the Law Enforcement Hall has already reached a conclusion."
Lee Jae-won directed those pointed words straight at Kang Ha-yoon. Originally, the authority to investigate and punish crimes within the Alliance was delegated entirely to the Law Enforcement Hall. To contest their decision was essentially to contest the Alliance Leader who gave them that authority. Lee Jae-won was subtly criticizing her for being arrogant.
"..."
Kang Ha-yoon lowered her head, having caught the hidden meaning behind his words.
"It was three days ago. I was returning to my quarters after finishing my usual late-night work. I looked up at the sky, and the moon seemed exceptionally bright that night. Seeing the moon put me in a good mood, and I felt like walking a bit longer."
Lee Jae-won began his story with a composed expression.
"I walked all over the place. From the Blue Dragon Hall to the Law Enforcement Hall, the Phoenix Hall, the Black Tortoise Hall, and the White Tiger Hall. As I walked, I reflected on many things. I felt guilty for being so buried in work that I hadn't properly looked around the interior of the Cheonmu Alliance. As I walked and pondered, I witnessed a shameful sight."
"A shameful sight?" Kang Ha-yoon asked, her expression filled with doubt.
"Indeed. I saw a woman and the Vice Hall Master of the White Tiger Hall, Gal Mu-ryang, embracing and engaging in a display of affection. It was quite embarrassing to witness."
Lee Jae-won continued in a steady tone.
"As the Alliance Leader, I was quite flustered. Knowing the character of the Blue Water Sword Hero, Gal Mu-ryang, I couldn't understand why he would engage in such an act in a place that, while secluded, was still quite exposed."
Lee Jae-won shook his head.
"I was torn. Normally, such a breach of public morals would warrant punishment, but I also understood their burning passion. How could I severely punish young people for sharing such intense affection? I, too, had such times in my youth."
Lee Jae-won’s eyes turned serious.
"I intended to settle it with a simple warning, so they wouldn't be caught by others. I immediately sent a Voice Transmission to the Blue Water Sword Hero, telling him that while his passion was fine, he should choose a better location. It was the best consideration I could offer."
He continued as if reminiscing.
"But that’s where the problem arose. Despite my Voice Transmission, the Blue Water Sword Hero did not respond. He must have heard me clearly. Feeling suspicious, I looked into his eyes. They were completely unfocused, as if he were drugged. Seeing that, I realized my Voice Transmission was futile. I judged that he was already intoxicated by lust. In the end, I had no choice but to pretend I hadn't seen anything and left quickly, thinking he might be ashamed if he realized I had caught them."
Lee Jae-won’s expression turned somber.
"The next day, I heard the news that the Blue Water Sword Hero had been brutally murdered. His limbs were severed, and his testicles were crushed. I couldn't believe it. Just the night before, I had seen him bathed in happiness. Driven by doubt, I went straight to the Law Enforcement Hall and reported exactly what I had seen. And then, I heard a shocking fact from the coroner."
His gaze became incredibly grave.
"The time of the Blue Water Sword Hero's death coincided exactly with the moment I sent that Voice Transmission. The cause of death was a heart attack brought on by an aphrodisiac overdose. Only then did I realize why he couldn't respond to my message. At the very moment they were 'sharing affection,' the Blue Water Sword Hero was already dead!"
Lee Jae-won looked pained.
"Upon realizing this, I lamented greatly. The body of my precious subordinate was being defiled by that wicked woman, and I failed to notice it. How could I not grieve?"
His eyes grew red as he continued.
"I pleaded with the Law Enforcement Hall Master. I told him I would provide any support necessary, but he must catch the culprit at all costs. He had to catch that enchantress who had desecrated my subordinate! A few days later, the Law Enforcement Hall Master approached me with a portrait, asking if the woman in it was the culprit."
Lee Jae-won glanced briefly at Kang Ha-yoon.
"The portrait perfectly captured the face of the wicked woman who had defiled the Blue Water Sword Hero. I confirmed it was her. And soon, I learned her identity."
Lee Jae-won glared at Kang Ha-yoon with sharp eyes.
"The woman in the portrait was Ja So-ryeong! A member of the Phoenix Hall who had vanished a few days prior!"
He continued in a scolding tone.
"I was beyond shocked! How could such a murder occur between fellow members of the Alliance? We should be helping one another to realize the justice of the Murim! I couldn't understand what could have driven her to kill a righteous man like the Blue Water Sword Hero. But the Law Enforcement Hall provided the answer!"
He pointed toward Paeng Ga-ryeon.
"I was told that a massive amount of Demonic Energy was radiating from the Blue Water Sword Hero's corpse! I asked to see the body myself, and I confirmed the Demonic Energy corroding his remains! That gave me certainty! The Demonic Cult is behind Ja So-ryeong, the one who murdered the Blue Water Sword Hero!"
Lee Jae-won poured out his speech with a face full of righteous fury.
"The Blue Water Sword Hero, who lived a life of benevolence and righteousness, was killed by the foul schemes of the Demonic Cult! They intended to break the spirit of the Orthodox Faction by murdering a top-tier chivalrous hero in such a gruesome manner!"
His face was flushed with apparent rage.
Perfect, isn't it?
Internally, he was marvelling at his own acting skills. He thought it was flawless.
Heh heh, twenty years of acting experience doesn't just disappear.
He chuckled inwardly, enjoying the reaction of the crowd. He was highly satisfied. He felt he had perfectly portrayed the image of a righteous Alliance Leader grieving for his subordinate. He was certain that even the inflexible Kang Ha-yoon would be convinced by such a passionate speech.
"Alliance Leader."
Kang Ha-yoon’s calm voice reached his ears.
"What is it?" Lee Jae-won asked, looking at her with a face that still seemed flushed with excitement.
"I only asked for the circumstances of the event you witnessed. I did not ask for your personal opinions. I believe we should refrain from speculation."
Her expression remained stiff.
"Wh-what do you mean by that...?"
Lee Jae-won tried to maintain his composure.
"Furthermore, there is no way to determine the exact time of death. We can only estimate a window of time," Kang Ha-yoon said, her eyes flashing sharply. "Also, you mentioned Demonic Energy was found, but I believe it is a stretch to conclude it was the work of the Demonic Cult based on that alone. Demonic arts are also frequently used by those in the Unorthodox Faction."
She continued, pointing out the inconsistencies one by one.
"And Alliance Leader, there is something I don't understand."
She looked directly at him.
"Speak."
"I find it hard to believe that you witnessed the already deceased Blue Water Sword Hero without realizing it."
"...What about it?"
"You are a person who has reached the exalted realm known as a Half-Immortal. It is hard to believe that someone of your stature could not distinguish whether a person was dead or alive."
"...Being in the Profound Realm does not mean one knows everything."
"That’s strange. I am only in the Transcendent Realm, yet I can tell if someone is breathing just by spreading my senses."
Kang Ha-yoon tilted her head as if puzzled.
"......Perhaps I was mistaken."
"About what?"
"It seems the Blue Water Sword Hero was still alive at the time I sent the Voice Transmission. He simply couldn't respond because he was drugged."
"Then you admit your previous statement was mere speculation?"
"......Yes."
Lee Jae-won furrowed his brow slightly.
"Good. Then I request a reinvestigation."
"......Why must it come to that?"
"I have judged that your personal influence was far too heavy in this investigation, Alliance Leader."
Kang Ha-yoon spoke with a calm, steady face.
"A witness’s testimony is enough. It shouldn't be the investigation itself."