Another Eccentric
A predatory light flashed behind Dam Gogeum’s narrowed eyes. Yet, the smile remained fixed on his face as he spoke.
"Ho ho, I understand City Lord Im’s position perfectly. If the City Lord believes there is no issue, then I shall press the matter no further."
Dam Gogeum’s reaction defied the expectations of everyone watching. From that moment on, he didn't find a single fault with Bukjin. Instead, he turned his gaze toward another crystal screen, where a blonde boy named Jo Pacheon was displayed.
"That boy’s frame and bearing are quite extraordinary. His swordsmanship is so precise and elegant; it’s as if I’m looking at the direct lineage of White Cloud City. To think a disciple of White Cloud City was here in this small Unmong City... It’s quite a refreshing sight."
Im Gun-hyeon merely stared at the screen as if he hadn't heard a word. Dam Gogeum smiled and began to read through the records of the ten genius students brought by Sim Ji-jeol.
After a moment, Dam Gogeum spoke again.
"I see now. He is a disciple of the great Sword Saint Baek Hae-geum of White Cloud City. He temporarily enrolled in the 6th Junior Academy to win glory for Unmong City... Ho ho, the faculty of the 6th Academy certainly has spirit. It seems Master Baek Hae-geum is also here spectating. I believe it would be wonderful to invite him here to watch with us. What do you think, City Lord?"
Sim Ji-jeol looked toward Im Gun-hyeon. Im Gun-hyeon gave a dismissive wave of his hand, looking bored. Sim Ji-jeol immediately moved to bring Baek Hae-geum over.
When Baek Hae-geum arrived, Dam Gogeum stood up and welcomed him enthusiastically.
"I have heard much of Master Baek’s reputation. Meeting you today, I can feel a majesty even greater than the rumors suggested. Please, come this way... Hm? And this person is...?"
"This is Im Jin-nam, the head of the Im family of Unmong City," Baek Hae-geum introduced on his behalf. "He has long admired you, Excellency. Upon hearing that you had graced Unmong City with your presence, he expressed a strong desire to pay his respects..."
A thin smile played on Dam Gogeum’s lips.
"Ah, the head of the Im family. Ho ho, a loyal subject of the empire whose reputation precedes him. I have heard the story of the brave man who purged his own kin for the sake of the greater good and denounced the sins of the traitor Im Geun-nam. You are truly a model for our empire. Please, sit here."
Im Jin-nam was beaming with a wide, fawning grin.
"If my memory serves me, the family head's son is participating as a teammate of Master Baek’s disciple, Jo Pacheon, is that correct?"
Dam Gogeum’s demeanor had shifted completely from when he was speaking with Im Gun-hyeon. He was now as warm and welcoming as a spring breeze. If one hadn't seen his sharp edge earlier, they would have mistaken him for a naturally good-natured man.
How can someone’s personality flip so instantly?
Im Jin-nam clasped his hands in a respectful salute and said, "As you say, my lacking son is participating as a member of the White Cloud Team. He possesses only humble talent, but thanks to the kindness and help of Master Baek’s disciple, Jo Pacheon, he has been able to come this far."
Dam Gogeum waved his hand dismissively. "I have already read the records regarding your son. He is a fine talent with outstanding skills, exceptional even among his peers. He is more than worthy of participating in such a glorious event... Hm, yes. I brought an important administrative decree with me on this visit to Unmong City. Family Head Im, please accept this."
As he finished speaking, a Pungeo Province Administrative Decree, stamped with the seal of the Provincial Administrative Bureau, appeared in Dam Gogeum’s palm.
Im Jin-nam, perhaps realizing what it was, reached out with trembling hands. His voice shook as he spoke.
"Excellency, could this be...?"
Dam Gogeum laughed loudly. "Haha! Indeed. The resolution has already passed the Pungeo Province Administrative Bureau, and the Governor has given his royal assent. The Jeon-cheon-hu Manor, which was previously confiscated and cleared after the investigation, belongs to the lineage of Family Head Im as of today. I hope you will not fail the Governor’s expectations. Strive to renovate the Jeon-cheon-hu Manor, wash away the stain on the Im family’s name, and launch a new era for your clan."
An overwhelming joy washed over Im Jin-nam’s face.
Finally!
All the sleepless nights, the anxiety, and every effort he had made until now were for this single piece of paper.
"Thank you! Excellency!" Im Jin-nam looked as though he was about to fall to his knees.
Dam Gogeum smiled. "There is no need to thank me. This is all possible because you, Family Head Im, have shown such loyalty to the empire. I wish for your continued prosperity."
Thus, First Administrator Dam Gogeum, Baek Hae-geum, and Im Jin-nam continued their conversation in a jovial atmosphere. Im Gun-hyeon said nothing more. He even let out a yawn, looking utterly bored.
At the same time, out on the sea.
Two major battles were unfolding.
The Tonghan Im Bukjin-ho had encountered the White Cloud Team, while the 1st Academy Team had come face-to-face with the Ryuchae Jewelry Merchant Ship.
Jo Pacheon versus So Byeong-gam! Bukjin versus Wang Hyeong-yeo!
These four warships were still fiercely guarding their respective flags. It was a clash of titans, the highlight of the team battle. The spectators began to fall into a state of even greater excitement.
"H-Hyung-nim! W-Wait! Please, don't hit me! I-I'll give you the flag!"
Faced with Jo Pacheon’s team, So Byeong-gam immediately cowered and conceded defeat. Without showing even a hint of fighting spirit, he respectfully offered his team’s flag with both hands.
A commotion broke out among the citizens watching the scene.
"What is going on?"
"He’s just surrendering like that?"
It was a first since the team battle began. In fact, it was something that had never happened in the history of the Academic & Martial Arts Competition. Until now, even if contestants knew they were no match for their opponents, they had always challenged them with everything they had. Even in defeat, they faced it standing tall. That was the true spirit a swordsman should possess.
In that regard, So Byeong-gam was far too faint-hearted.
"Did Jo Pacheon recruit So Byeong-gam in advance and set this up?"
However, judging by Jo Pacheon’s expression, that didn't seem to be the case. Jo Pacheon looked genuinely amused and surprised.
"You’re admitting defeat already?" Im Yeok asked, sounding incredulous.
So Byeong-gam was a boy with a sturdy frame but a fair, chubby build. He had long hair and a soft, gentle face. He wasn't exactly handsome, but he had a comfortable, pleasant look about him. He gave a good-natured smile.
"Of course, of course. I know for a fact I can't win, so why waste energy and time struggling? I don't think there's any shame in admitting defeat and saving my strength."
Im Yeok looked like he didn't know what to say. It seemed he had never met an eccentric like So Byeong-gam in his life. Jo Pacheon remained silent for a moment, deep in thought. He figured that making an opponent submit without a fight was also a small achievement. In that sense, So Byeong-gam was starting to grow on him.
"Knowing when to fight and when to yield is also a talent. Your choice was very wise."
Jo Pacheon accepted So Byeong-gam’s flag and returned to his ship, the Baekun-ho. So Byeong-gam stood on the Tonghan Im Bukjin-ho, stretched leisurely, and beamed a bright smile. Thus, the two warships went their separate ways without any further conflict.
So Byeong-gam’s teammates all looked ashamed and angry, but So Byeong-gam didn't seem to care about their expressions at all.
"Haha, look at it this way: we got rid of that monster Jo Pacheon without taking any damage, right? Hm? Why are you guys making those faces? Come on, don't worry about it. We still have plenty of time."
So Byeong-gam’s teammates looked speechless.
If I knew this guy had no spine, I wouldn't have joined his team...
I joined the wrong team and now I'm just going to be humiliated.
So Byeong-gam grinned and pulled something out from his robe.
"Now, look at this. Do you know what this is?"
The teammates stared blankly at what was in So Byeong-gam’s hand.
Wait? The team battle flag...?
How did this happen?
So Byeong-gam gave a mischievous smile. "The one I gave that idiot Jo Pacheon just now was a fake. I had the real flag all along. Since we can't beat him in a fight, we have to use our wits, don't we? I managed to butter him up and send him away with a single fake flag, so I'd say it was a profitable trade! Hahaha! Well? Are you amazed by my great wisdom?"
His teammates stood frozen, lost for words. They never dreamed So Byeong-gam would use such a tactic.
"Why didn't you tell us in advance?" one teammate asked.
So Byeong-gam widened his eyes as he replied, "It's not that I was trying to trick you guys on purpose! It's just that, looking at your acting skills, I didn't see any other way... If I had told you, Jo Pacheon would have definitely noticed. There's no way you could have matched my performance with your subpar acting."
So Byeong-gam’s teammates were even more speechless now.
"But... Jo Pacheon will eventually find out he was tricked. You can fool him for a moment, but not forever," another teammate said.
At that, So Byeong-gam’s shoulders shook as he laughed playfully. "Of course I don't plan on fooling him forever. The next time we meet, he'll definitely try to get back at us."
"Then why didn't we just fight him now?"
So Byeong-gam sighed. "Is your brain not working? Just now, Jo Pacheon and his teammates were all in peak condition. What does that tell you? It means they haven't run into Im Bukjin yet. Every battle they've had so far must have been an easy victory. Their strength hasn't been depleted at all; they were at their best. Even if I could somehow take down Jo Pacheon today, could the four of you have handled the rest of his team? Engaging them head-on at a time like this is no different from drinking poison. Why would I do that?"
The teammates were silenced once again. However, they couldn't help but admit that So Byeong-gam’s logic was incredibly sound.
So Byeong-gam continued, "We’re going to lay low and be careful for now. We’ll wait for our chance, steadily and without rushing. Then, when Jo Pacheon and Im Bukjin have a massive battle and both are exhausted and drained... That’s when we, haha!"
As he spoke, So Byeong-gam became increasingly triumphant, eventually bursting into loud laughter toward the sky.
Everything he said was, of course, being broadcast to the spectator stands via the crystal screens. The audience members were all staring at the screen, looking stunned and bewildered.
The spectators had thought Bukjin was the only eccentric and funny character in this Academic & Martial Arts Competition. But as it turned out, there was another eccentric hiding in plain sight.