Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: Mission 2
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After three days, Baek Moo-jin and Seo Moon-geuk arrived at the West Light Branch. They revealed their names and identities before stepping into the main hall.
"Where is the Branch Chief?"
In response to Baek Moo-jin's question, the West Light Branch's Deputy Branch Chief—who had guided them—replied with a stiff expression.
"He's stepped out for the moment. But what brings you from the Alliance? We received no prior notice."
Baek Moo-jin listened silently as Seo Moon-geuk replied.
"If he's stepped out, he must have left word on where he went."
"Please tell me the reason first. I'm in charge while the Branch Chief is away."
"It's no concern of the Deputy Branch Chief's for now."
At that moment, the main hall doors burst open as West Light Branch warriors came rushing in with a clamor.
"What's going on?"
"From the Alliance?"
The newcomers eyed Baek Moo-jin and Seo Moon-geuk up and down. Spotting the two young men seated there, they seemed inwardly relieved.
Baek Moo-jin and Seo Moon-geuk exchanged glances.
'Something's off.'
Baek Moo-jin spoke up.
"Even though it's not late evening, the Branch Chief has stepped out, and the West Light Branch can't say where? Is that your answer?"
Baek Moo-jin struck at the heart of the matter, word for word. He had deliberately dropped the honorific from "Branch Chief" while quietly observing their reactions. Sure enough, one warrior who had entered late immediately raised his voice at Baek Moo-jin's tone.
"Did you just say 'Branch Chief' without respect?"
Deputy Branch Chief Jeong In-hyeok quickly interjected.
"They are envoys from the Alliance Leader. Watch your words."
Silence fell over the room at Jeong In-hyeok's declaration.
'...'
Everyone looked flustered at the mention of the Alliance Leader's envoys.
Baek Moo-jin rose to his feet.
"If you won't tell us, we'll find him ourselves."
As Seo Moon-geuk stood as well, Deputy Branch Chief Jeong In-hyeok spoke calmly.
"No need. We'll find out right away and inform you. Please have a seat."
Jeong In-hyeok glanced around.
"What are you all standing around for? Locate the Branch Chief and bring him here. And serve some tea."
"Understood."
The men bowed and filed out of the main hall. The doors shut with a resounding thud.
Only the three remained inside.
Yet the atmosphere reeked of them having trapped Baek Moo-jin and Seo Moon-geuk in the hall while rushing off to alert the Branch Chief.
2.
West Light Branch Chief Bong Yoo-hak had been entertaining a guest at Yongjeong Pavilion—a brothel—since midday when his subordinate's report drew him quietly into the corridor.
"Who came?"
"From the Alliance, sir. Ever heard the names Baek Moo-jin or Seo Moon-geuk?"
Bong Yoo-hak frowned deeply and shook his head.
"No idea. They only sent two? What grade warriors?"
"They didn't specify."
"Ages?"
"Young. Early to mid-twenties, both."
"I see."
"Yes, sir. The Deputy Branch Chief has them pinned in the main hall. They insisted on going to look themselves."
"No word on their business?"
"They'll only tell you directly."
"Bad news, then. Understood. I'll wrap up and head over."
His subordinate bowed and withdrew. Bong Yoo-hak slipped back inside with an awkward smile.
"Apologies. Seems I have a visitor."
A man in his thirties—who had courtesans tucked under both arms—chuckled in reply.
"A visitor?"
As the man grinned, the two long scars snaking across his cheek twisted grotesquely. The sight never failed to unsettle Bong Yoo-hak. Feigning nonchalance, he brushed it off.
"Nothing serious."
The man wagged his head.
"Bong Branch Chief."
"Yes."
"Business demands certainty, no? I overheard—from the Alliance. Sharp ears, you know. If you're drawing lines, make them firm. The Gang Leader's already endorsed your position and the whole branch outright. He'll even send more men... And under our Gang Leader? No more petty summons from the Alliance. You don't handle this alone."
The man flicked his eyes toward the black sword atop the table.
"Better I swing the blade if needed, eh? You just play ignorant, Bong Branch Chief."
He barked a laugh, then turned to the courtesan at his side.
"Suryeon, wouldn't your loyal patron find it easier with the Borrowed Blade Stratagem—letting another's sword do the deed? Still uneasy, aren't you?"
Suryeon smiled back with a vapid reply, utterly off-topic.
"Elder Mak So-gwang, what's the Borrowed Blade Stratagem?"
Mak So-gwang tsked, ignoring her, and pressed Bong Yoo-hak.
"Come along or fetch them. No papers, but let's seal this deal. Bong Branch Chief, dragged in like this? Lightest penalty's demotion."
Bong Yoo-hak paled.
'Damn bastard...'
He'd learn later the bribe leak likely came from this very man across from him. Started innocent enough—just brothel chats—but he was an Iron Blood Gang rising star.
No proof of the leak. And the feasts and bribes that followed? Undeniable. Nothing left to report to the Alliance.
Utterly played.
Worse, Mak So-gwang belonged to the Iron Blood Gang.
Smirking knowingly, Mak So-gwang rose.
"Tch, Bong Branch Chief dithers so. I'll sort it. Claim they died in a brawl. North Heaven Alliance sending a Sword Unit? We'll match it. Settle it here at West Light Branch. What's the worry?"
Mak So-gwang seized his sword. Bong Yoo-hak's face hardened.
"Stay put. I'll send them packing."
"Hah, just shoo them off? Those two? Letters failed, so they sent men. Who knows who—but an expert to take down a Branch Chief easy. You up for it?"
Bong Yoo-hak's head spun with every word. At last, the bottled thought escaped—tantamount to assent.
"Envoys mean... First Grade Warrior, likely. Not a numbers game."
"First Grade?"
Mak So-gwang grinned wolfishly.
"First? Second? Right, North Heaven Alliance grades. So what grade am I? Hah! Let's go meet this mighty First Grade Warrior of theirs."
Baek Moo-jin and Seo Moon-geuk sensed today wouldn't end smoothly. The lingering staff radiated tension.
Three hard days on the road had worn Seo Moon-geuk. Baek Moo-jin thus stretched the wait with tea and light fare, giving him respite.
Soon the main hall doors flew open. Strangers poured in.
Baek Moo-jin focused on the lead pair.
One bore a strained face, barely containing panic. The other: a blade-master with twin facial scars.
The scarred one—Mack So-gwang—curled his lips and boomed a cheery greeting.
"Long trip, eh? Welcome. Two of you! North Heaven Alliance First Grade Warriors..."
Baek Moo-jin clocked the thirties blade-man as no Branch Chief. He turned quietly to the uneasy forties man who'd masked discomfort since entry.
"West Light Branch Chief. Who is this?"
Baek Moo-jin slowly scanned the room.
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