Chapter 265
Chapter 265
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 265
Chapter Title: Noble Person (2)
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The inauguration ceremony had concluded.
The academy's board of directors, along with distinguished guests led by the Alliance Leader, headed to the dean's office.
"Committee members and honored guests, please follow me."
After seeing off the adults, I turned my gaze to the cadets who were set to attend the meeting.
"Let us head to the conference room."
The attendees were primarily the student council presidents from the four great dormitories, but Yin Xia Lian had also decided to join.
In truth, they had only selected a president and vice president so far, and the organization hadn't even been officially launched yet, leaving no other executives. So, she had agreed to take on the role of secretary.
'It also gives us a chance to explain one of the initiatives we're pushing forward.'
Anyway.
Once all the attendees had entered the conference room and taken their seats,
I opened my mouth toward the group.
"Before we begin the meeting, I'd like to explain why I believe the role of student council president is necessary."
Then, Yun Seong-ju, the student council president from Yun Nation Hall, countered.
"Didn't we discuss this on the day we resolved to establish the student council? You said that after seeing the Murim Alliance Leader, you realized the Righteous Martial Academy needed a central figure to unite everyone?"
"That's correct. That was the primary reason. However, there was one more reason I didn't mention that day."
"In that case, it must be something you later-generation disciples wanted to discuss among yourselves... Hm. I think I have an idea what it is."
Yun Seong-ju nodded slowly at my words.
However, Ho Yeon-chan, the student council president from Cloud Plum Hall, didn't seem to catch on.
"I don't get it. So, Seong-ju or Junior Eon, whichever—someone explain it plainly."
Mae Jin-ak, the student council president from Fragrant Orchid Hall, chided Ho Yeon-chan.
"Don't treat him like a junior. Eon is the inaugural student council president. Many precedents will be set by him. We should start by creating an atmosphere of respect."
Now that he mentioned it, that made sense.
Ho Yeon-chan seemed to agree, nodding in assent.
"Understood. My apologies, President."
"Personally, I'm not one for formalities, so it's fine. But President Mae is right, so I'll accept your apology. Feel free to speak casually from now on as well."
I chuckled and accepted Ho Yeon-chan's apology.
He then posed another question.
"So, what is this thing you say wasn't mentioned?"
"The elders undoubtedly possess far greater experience than us. However, many look down on the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. And they hesitate. Such hesitation can lead to wise decisions, but it can also cause them to miss once-in-a-lifetime opportunities."
With that preface, I brought up the matter of the assault on the Demon Cult's fortress.
"Take the Hou Fortress as an example. It was a threat right at our doorstep. Yet even in the face of such danger, some sought reasons not to fight."
Zhuge Seol-ja nodded and added,
"Indeed. Those who opposed the assault cited the risk of a Great War between righteousness and evil—even after we explained why that wouldn't happen, they still opposed it."
"But when we stepped forward, they lent their aid. Whether out of concern or shame, the reason doesn't matter—they helped."
Ho Yeon-chan stroked his chin at my words.
"So, you're saying that when us later-generation disciples take the lead, the elders have no choice but to follow...?"
"Yes. However, it must not stem from reckless youthful hot-bloodedness or empty bravado."
It was at this point that Yun Seong-ju spoke up.
"To avoid reckless actions, we need to understand the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. It seems necessary for the cadets to study the research materials from the Anti-Demon Alliance."
"Well said. I understand it's already covered in a section of the yearly 'Rivers and Lakes Survival Guide' classes this semester, but efforts at the student council level would be beneficial. I'll send selected materials to each council. It would be ideal if the cadets develop interest and hold discussions on their own."
As I responded, the four student council presidents nodded simultaneously and replied,
"Fragrant Orchid Hall will actively cooperate with the student council."
"Azure Bamboo Hall will cooperate as well."
"Count me in too! Hm. But the kids in our Cloud Plum Hall aren't the type to discuss things among themselves like that...?"
"We can assign tasks at the student council level and set up debate forums. Yun Nation Hall will actively cooperate."
I grinned and voiced the remaining matter.
"...Additionally, we should make the morning training, which was previously optional, mandatory. No objections, I presume?"
"Of course! We can't be the only ones suffering... Er, Azure Bamboo Hall has been doing it all along anyway, so no big deal. We fully agree!"
"......"
"......"
"......"
Brother Gyeong-ryong was delighted, but the other presidents swallowed dryly.
"I'll take that as agreement. The next item will be explained by Cadet Yin Xia Lian here."
I quickly passed the agenda and nodded toward Yin Xia Lian.
"I'm Yin Xia Lian, Director of General Affairs for Azure Bamboo Hall. The proposal I'm here to discuss concerns the newsletter."
Having caught my gaze, Yin Xia Lian began politely.
"It originally started as an Azure Bamboo Hall initiative. As such, the content reflected Azure Bamboo Hall's perspective, and distribution was limited to major cities in each province."
She attached her prepared notes to the blackboard and began explaining the expansion plan for the newsletter business.
"However, if talented cadets from the four great dormitories and their affiliated sects participate, we can deliver quality news to even the remotest corners of the land. This would help prevent the spread of unorthodox teachings... ."
What Yin Xia Lian was saying had already been reviewed by Azure Bamboo Hall and the Anti-Demon Alliance.
So, instead, I recalled the Alliance Leader's telepathic message.
'The imperial family... .'
People commonly referred to the relationship between the court and the martial world as "court and martial untouched."
It meant they did not interfere with each other.
'It appears that way on the surface.'
In the original story, the imperial family mostly stayed on the periphery.
But having witnessed the Alliance Leader's actions firsthand and pursued various ventures with Yin Xia Lian, I realized the reality was far more complex.
'Lowly court soldiers and third-rate martial artists pass each other like cows and chickens.'
The relationship between organized martial sects and families and the court was entirely different.
With money, people, and power intertwined, complete separation was impossible.
From the court's perspective, martial artists were influential clans wielding swords.
From the martial world's view, the court was an opponent that could annihilate a sect if confronted head-on.
Various dealings happened behind the scenes among the elders.
Thus, I was curious.
'Who does he intend to introduce?'
Given the Alliance Leader's temperament—and calling it a "gift"—
It wouldn't be an ordinary high official.
'Someone holding a major position in the Imperial Guard or the Eastern Depot, perhaps?'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After finishing the meeting in the student council office, I delegated the arising tasks to Zhuge Seol-ja and Yin Xia Lian, then headed to the dormitory alone.
Upon arriving at the dormitory, I found the Murim Alliance Leader playing with Eun-yong-i.
Ho-ruruk!
The moment the Alliance Leader spotted me, he pointed northward.
"Thinking back now, those Each Palace Guard fellows are quite amusing too."
"What about them?"
As I asked, the Alliance Leader's pointing finger shifted from north to Eun-yong-i.
"They didn't give me a fellow like this one."
"Didn't you receive a messenger falcon?"
"I did, but not one this clever."
"By that logic, they didn't exactly give one to me either. It was more like I was chosen. I formed a bond after visiting a place full of trained hawks and eagles."
Ho-ruk!
At my words, Eun-yong-i puffed out its chest,
and the Alliance Leader burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! Look at this little one? Did you choose it?"
"Shall I prepare some tea first?"
"Sounds good. Let's taste tea brewed by the inaugural student council president."
"Don't expect much. I just drink it once the color comes out."
As I prepared tea for the Alliance Leader, I asked,
"What happened with Hou Fortress?"
"No further assaults. Given its strategic location, the Murim Alliance, Northern Sea Ice Palace, and Each Palace Guard plan to jointly patrol and secure the area with minimal forces."
"I see."
"By the way, that was a commendable idea."
"You mean establishing the student council?"
The Alliance Leader nodded at my question.
"Yes."
"It stemmed from your words encouraging everyone to do their best, so please don't overpraise me— it'd embarrass this lowly disciple."
"Overpraise? The Grand Marshal skimmed the process and was impressed too. Said it was better than mine."
"The process?"
"The Grand Marshal probably meant how you used the bulletin boards to shape cadet opinion first. But I liked the follow-through. Stubbornly executing the plan. The other later-generation disciples sending support too—truly, the martial world's future is bright. That must be your charm, Yong-un."
"...What's this about charm now?"
"Oh right. You reconciled with Fragrant Orchid Hall too?"
"...Well, if you call it reconciliation, then yes."
"You endured well. When that Cadet Tang Jun-ki brought out his strategy, I thought a toothless tiger had emerged. My prediction was way off. Has his spirit been tamed?"
"...How do you see people?"
At that moment, Master chimed in.
- Didn't I see him right?
'?'
'?'
I wanted to discuss what Master meant by "saw him right," but the tea had just finished steeping.
Instead of pressing Master, I poured the tea and offered it to the Alliance Leader.
Hurup—
"The taste is..."
"Good, right?"
"Nonexistent."
"......"
"Truly flavorless. But one must have flaws. Can't be too perfect."
"...Then give me back that tasteless tea."
"Heh. It's warm, so I'll hold onto it."
"Regarding what you mentioned via transmission? Introducing someone from the imperial family?"
"Precisely, an introduction. There's a royal with ties to me. He said to meet on his way from the capital to his fief. If you're willing, Yong-un, how about joining me for an audience?"
"For someone of your stature to say 'audience'... And a royal heading to a fief?"
"His Highness, the Prince of Chu."
"......"
The Prince of Chu was the current emperor's most cherished younger brother.
I'd thought maybe a high official in the Imperial Guard or Eastern Depot, but this was far beyond expectations.
Noticing my complicated expression, the Alliance Leader spoke up immediately.
"Is it a burden? Sayings like 'noble blood doesn't judge inferiors' or 'court and martial untouched' exist, but connections to royals aren't a bad thing."
Not just not bad—it was a connection one might never even exchange words with in a lifetime.
"Someone who calls a person like me 'friend' can't be overly haughty. If you lead the white path martial world someday, Yong-un..."
The Alliance Leader kept persuading, perhaps fearing refusal.
I answered calmly.
"It's not a burden, nor do I dislike it."
"...Then why the long face?"
"For the audience with His Highness, may I bring a few more people?"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Having spent considerable time in the upper reaches, bringing Yin Xia Lian, who had solid court connections, seemed advantageous in various ways.
It wasn't something to say before the Prince of Chu anyway, but
the Alliance Leader readily agreed to inquire.
It could be seen as irreverence, yet his willingness to ask showed his ties to the Prince weren't ordinary.
A few days later,
the Alliance Leader's response was unexpected.
"I made contact, and surprisingly, they requested to see not just you, Yong-un, but several cadets as well."
"They chose from our side? Who's on the list?"
"You, Yong-un; Yin Xia Lian; Yin Ha-seong; Woo So-rung; Jeong Hyeon; Cadet Tang O-ki. Six in total."
"All first-years from Azure Bamboo Hall."
"...Isn't Cadet Tang O-ki from Fragrant Orchid Hall?"
Anyway, Yin Xia Lian was included, and all were my junior siblings—a good turn of events.
When I informed the parties involved, they appeared burdened, showing tense expressions.
Especially Woo So-rung, who was the most nervous.
From the moment we left the academy, his face paled,
and he trembled throughout the boat ride north from Dan River Port, until we reached the serene manor in Henan, the rendezvous point, where he asked an unnecessary question.
"...Why would such a high noble want to see me, of all people—not Senior Nangong or Lady Zhuge? C-could it be punishment for my late father's deeds?"
Yin Ha-seong smirked slyly at Woo So-rung and spoke.
"Ah, right. Looks like Junior Woo's getting nabbed. It's been fun while it... Gah!"
He meant it as a joke,
but Woo So-rung's face turned ashen like paper, so I smacked Yin Ha-seong on the head.
"Serves you right. Good riddance."
Tang O-ki pointed at Yin Ha-seong,
and Jeong Hyeon and Yin Xia Lian reassured Woo So-rung.
"His Highness the Prince of Chu is renowned for his excellent character and generosity toward martial artists. Moreover, Young Hero Woo's father was not like those corrupt thieves preying on the common folk. There's no way they'd hold it against you."
"Dojo Jeong is right. Calling just us like this suggests they have business with Azure Bamboo Hall."
It was then that a commotion erupted from within the manor, accompanied by a young boy's voice.
"Out of my way! Make way!"
"Y-Your Highness! You mustn't!"
"Open the gate quickly!"
Soon, the gate opened, and a plump-cheeked boy who appeared about seven or eight years old stepped out.
The moment the Alliance Leader saw the boy, he dropped to one knee.
"I greet Your Highness the Prince!"
No wonder he exuded an air of nobility.
My junior siblings and I hurriedly followed suit.
"I greet Your Highness the Prince!"
As we paid our respects, the little prince urgently replied,
"P-please, everyone rise!"
Yet, oddly, the young prince's voice carried a hint of shyness.
The reason became clear as we stood.
- Why is the prince wearing Azure Bamboo Hall's uniform?
'...Huh. Indeed?'
Someone had tailored it for him—the prince wore a blue uniform emblazoned with "Azure Bamboo" on the chest.
The book in his hand was no ordinary tome either.
- And what's that book? The title says 'Azure Dragon Heroes' Chronicles'?
'...Must be the compiled newsletter that Senior Ye Hae-su wrote and distributed. It's popular these days.'
Now I understood why the Prince of Chu's household had selected our group of six.
Senior Ye Hae-su's newsletter focused heavily on Azure Bamboo Hall's juniors.
'The little prince must have admired Azure Bamboo Hall after reading that book.'
As the little prince, eyes sparkling, stared at us while crossing the manor threshold, he spoke up.
"A-are you the great hero Eon Yong-un from the tales? If it's not too rude, could I get your signature on this book?"
"'Great hero' is too much, but yes, I'm Eon Yong-... ."
Before I could finish, a general from the Prince of Chu's household dashed across the threshold and thrust his spear horizontally, blocking our path.
"Your Highness, you must be cautious. How can you approach these people so carelessly?"
These people?
Th-that's a bit harsh.