My Return - 1
Pungseong's complexion had grown even more haggard over the past few days.
"These six are the younger brothers who will be heading to Kaepyeong with me. As you mentioned, Your Excellency, they're proactive and utterly fearless."
"I see."
I pointed casually at the six scholars standing behind me, keeping my voice as neutral as possible. Unlike Pungseong, their faces were beaming with pure innocence. He'd surely explained why they were going to the capital, yet there was no tension on their faces—only excitement bubbling over.
Mad bastards.
It was astonishing. Even the boldest people would tremble at the thought of facing the Emperor, the merit subjects, and the ministers. But these guys? Not only were they not shaking—they looked ready to dive into a debate right then and there. They were beyond bold; they were superhuman. Sadly, the only fitting description was "insane."
Mad scholars.
Truth be told, anyone who stands out in any field tends to be a bit crazy. Calling these guys specialists in the art of debate wasn't a stretch. I just never expected to encounter six of them in the same era, same place. It was almost frightening to think there might be even more "second-string crazies" who didn't make the cut.
"You've heard the details from Pungseong, but I'll say it one last time. You'll be debating the treatment of the old murim in the imperial court. In front of His Majesty watching—and countless merit subjects and ministers—you'll have to passionately argue your position and refute your opponents' claims."
As I spoke, the six scholars' eyes sparkled brighter and brighter. In inverse proportion, Pungseong's face darkened. The sight drew an involuntary chuckle from me.
Honestly, I'd been about to say, "If you're scared now, you can back out." But instead of flinching, their morale was skyrocketing.
"While you're in Kaepyeong, Giwangga will provide every convenience. No need to worry about food or lodging—just show His Majesty your absolute best."
"Yes, Your Excellency!"
"Thank you! We'll keep that in mind!"
So I gave up on the warning and fanned the flames in their hearts. It was the Emperor's order; I couldn't call off the debate. Better to egg them on to unleash 120% of their potential in front of him than try to rein them in. If a calm, mild-mannered discussion followed after His Majesty had set the stage—expecting the scholars' eyes to roll back in frenzy—that would be a problem in itself. He'd heard reports of Akrok Academy's scholars going berserk and called this court debate precisely for that. Failing to deliver the madness he anticipated would make it seem like a false alarm.
"And..."
I paused before adding the final line. Was this really wise? Would tacking this on push us across an irreversible river?
Do it.
The hesitation was brief. No point in half-measures; better to go all in. An ambiguous middle ground was the worst position.
"Not just conveniences—Giwangga will guarantee your safety as well. During the debate, of course, and even after. No one will be able to take issue with your lawful statements."
If any merit subject or minister took offense at their words and tried to reprimand them, Giwangga would shield them. The debate would end as a debate—no need to hold back; pour it all out.
"Y-Your Excellency, we're grateful enough for the conveniences, but lending Giwangga's name—"
"We'll never forget your grace, even in death!"
"We'll uphold your noble intent and give our all!"
"If we hesitate, we'll bite our tongues and die! We won't disappoint you!"
Pungseong tried to intervene, sensing the backlash from my words, but the scholars reacted faster. Their sparkling eyes ignited into blazing infernos. Their childlike innocence at hearing about the trip turned into the stern resolve of warriors facing battle.
Yes, they were crazy, not stupid. They were scholars from the renowned Akrok Academy, one of the four great academies, armed with vast knowledge and wisdom to debate deranged topics all day. They knew exactly what it meant for Giwangga to offer protection under its name.
Suppress fire with counterfire.
If the Emperor had laid the stage, we'd burn it spectacularly. Not ambiguously enough to annoy the audience, but so thoroughly they'd be left speechless. Just enough to make people say, "The young ones these days are on fire." Or "Radical, but not wrong."
This is the right call.
I patted Pungseong's shoulder, convincing myself. The higher their combat power, the harder it'd be for him as the mediator.
"His Majesty will be pleased with whatever you say, so long as you observe propriety. No need to fear—just fulfill your duty."
"...Yes, Your Excellency. We will."
Pungseong nodded with a forlorn expression at my mix of encouragement and warning. Giwangga as shield. The Emperor pleased if propriety is kept. On the surface, pure motivation—but interpreted differently, it was a perfectly sensible caveat: "If you irk His Majesty, even I can't save you."
Of course, the Emperor wouldn't be displeased in a stage he'd set himself, but better safe than sorry.
"If this debate goes smoothly, you'll get attention too. A past exam graduate mediating a thorny topic without issue? It'd be weirder if no one noticed."
Pungseong nodded silently. Truth be told, as the nephew of Duke Wi-guk, he didn't need to shoulder this burden. Even if he'd passed the exams on merit alone, once in officialdom, family ties were inevitable. Even Nam Ok, commandant of Jiayu Pass, quietly benefited from his brother-in-law Duke Ak.
Yet Pungseong volunteered as mediator. To keep his academy brothers from social or physical death.
This guy's worth pushing forward.
Deep down, I'd love for him to ditch bureaucracy and stay at Akrok forever, but that was too harsh. When Duke Wi-guk pushes him, Giwangga would too.
Rest in Hyeongju, rest in Jangsa, rest in Wuhuan. Then leisurely decide the next stop from there.
That was the original plan, scrapped with Pungseong and the six scholars added. No time for leisure—we had to head straight to Kaepyeong.
Who knows what'll happen if we visit other cities.
Besides, Hyeongju revealed corrupt scholars during "rest," Jangsa uncovered mad ones. Pattern suggested Wuhuan would yield lunatics too. Why did incidents never cease in this damn Central Plains?
Don't observe, and no incidents...
So I gritted my teeth and ignored other cities. Wuhuan has weirdos? Central Plains full of drama? Just don't look. Unobserved by me, nothing happened. Like Schrödinger's cat, the crown prince in the chest, or the king in Yiju.
Their existence? Unknown until observed.
"Sorry. I wanted to sightsee leisurely on the way, but it ended up like this."
An unavoidable choice for my mental health. But I'd hyped it up: leisurely tourism to Kaepyeong, lighthearted local jaunts. Filled Ak I-yeon with expectations, only to opt for straight travel after work. Shame kept my head bowed.
Should've gone with Grandfather if I'd known.
"It's fine. Thanks to you, we punished the corrupt academy and met these passionate scholars. It's a trip in its own way."
No, it's not.
That was 100% pure work. I nearly retorted instinctively but held back. Contradicting her kind words for this pathetic fiancé? That'd make me an emotionless psychopath.
"And something better than travel awaits in Kaepyeong. I'm actually thrilled."
"Better?"
As I tilted my head, Ak I-yeon smiled softly and whispered.
"Our wedding. Once we're in Kaepyeong, we'll be official husband and wife. How could I not be happy?"
"Ah."
Her words warmed my chest, drawing a sigh. Right. In Kaepyeong: Grandfather's welcome banquet, the Emperor's surprise promotion—and our wedding.
"Were you not looking forward to it? Just me?"
Her mock-pout drew a chuckle. Obvious acting.
"In my heart, we're already married. I sometimes forget we're not official yet."
Playing along with her jest deepened her smile.
Marriage.
The word stirred something odd. Not reluctance, of course. Since our betrothal, I'd never dreaded it. Just the timing was vague; destiny someday. And while she once avoided me, legally strangers but practically spouses now. Balking at marriage would be like cheating.
But with it suddenly looming, unfamiliar feelings stirred.
I get to have a marriage in this life too.
Died single in my past life. Lucky this time—I'd pair up before dying.
"Hey, dear."
"Yeah?"
"Once we're married, you'll stay in Kaepyeong for a while, right?"
"Kaepyeong for life."
Her giggle at my earnest reply led her to stroke Kki-ing-i carrying us.
"Then how about leaving Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i alone for a bit? They're married too, and they've worked hard traveling Central Plains with you."
- Kki-iing~
Kki-ing-i let out a clear cry at her words. Fair enough. Without me, they'd have kids by now—their chemistry was that good.
"Sure. If the master's on honeymoon, they should honeymoon too."
And I'd wondered forever: offspring of spirit beasts like Kki-ing-i and Kki-ong-i—normal beasts or spirits? Finally, answers.
His Majesty had sent a letter. The scholars traveling with the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief would debate in court, so let's appreciate these future leaders who'll guide the realm.
This rascal Un.
My eyes went straight to "Left Vice Censor-in-Chief" over the court debate. I'm busting my ass preparing the banquet, and what have you been doing? Why travel with scholars?
Told him to rest easy on the way.
My eldest grandson. Sadly, his fate isn't the smoothest.