A Fox, a Eunuch, and Two Black Iron Knives
Inside Haetaewon, the Headmaster's private residence at the Mutual Righteousness Academy.
Jo Janglim, who had been quietly gazing at the pond in a corner of the garden, turned his head toward the gate.
Creak! Along with the sound of the opening gate, Ha Migwa, a eunuch hiding his face behind a folding fan, slowly walked inside. He then offered a polite fist-and-palm salute and bowed his head slightly.
"It has been far too long, and I have failed to greet you properly. I am Ha Migwa, the Associate Director of the Eastern Depot."
"Welcome, welcome."
Jo Janglim pointed toward the wooden platform with a warm, pleased smile.
No matter how distant the relationship between the Imperial Court and the Murim was, the Mutual Righteousness Academy was an educational institution officially authorized by the Emperor and high-ranking officials. Thus, even Ha Migwa could not afford to be rude to Jo Janglim.
Once Ha Migwa sat quietly on the platform, Jo Janglim reached his hand out into the empty air.
Instantly, a large bowl and a teapot resting behind the platform floated up on their own, gliding smoothly to settle right between the two men.
Telekinesis?
Ha Migwa narrowed his eyes as he stared at Jo Janglim, but the old man casually poured cold water into the bowl as if it were nothing.
Telekinesis.
It was a legendary technique that allowed one to freely manipulate distant physical objects using pure internal energy without any physical contact—a feat only possible for an Absolute Master.
He wears the face of a gentle, good-natured old man, yet he casually displays the overwhelming dignity of an Absolute Master.
As Ha Migwa took a tense sip of the cold water, Jo Janglim spoke with a pleasant expression.
"So, Associate Director Ha, what brings you to my humble abode?"
"The Son of Heaven wishes to seek your counsel, Headmaster."
"Haha, shouldn't the high and mighty of the Imperial Court seek counsel from their ministers and high officials? Or perhaps from the Eastern Depot, like yourself?"
"Because the matter we require counsel on concerns the Jianghu."
"The Jianghu..."
Jo Janglim took a sip of the cold water, his smile never wavering.
"I assumed you had no need for our help, considering how you went ahead with Chef Yoon's affairs entirely on your own."
"...!"
"Do not worry, the boy didn't say a word to me. It is just that when you sit in this position long enough, all sorts of rumors naturally find their way to your ears."
Unlike his casual, easygoing laugh, his words carried a heavy, bone-chilling weight.
Hearing that the Headmaster knew they had been spying on the academy staff and had nearly executed a scheme before backing off, Ha Migwa felt a cold sweat break out on the back of his neck.
"I deeply apologize for that. However..."
"In return, you built him an ice house and promised to put him in touch with a merchant group trading with the Western Regions, did you not?"
"T-That is correct."
"Hahaha, then all is well. I told you, Director Yoon is an incredibly shrewd man."
This meant that since Yoon Gomyung had already gotten the upper hand, the Headmaster would not press the matter any further.
Gentle, my foot... He's a sly old serpent who crushes you right from the start!
Ha Migwa resolved to immediately update his personal dossier on Jo Janglim as he slowly opened his mouth.
"His Majesty has issued an imperial decree."
"Mhm. And what does the decree say?"
"In accordance with the Secret Pact, he commands us to prevent an unprecedented crisis."
"I assume you do not mean the crisis of a chef using physical violence against an Eastern Depot eunuch, but rather this mysterious organization?"
"...Yes."
"Haha, how is an academy like ours supposed to stop such a thing? Surely you aren't asking our students, who are like our own grandchildren, to step forward?"
Jo Janglim stroked his beard with a wry, incredulous chuckle, to which Ha Migwa replied in a serious tone.
"But the instructors and staff are a different story."
"Hmm."
"Are there not many instructors and assistant instructors from the Nine Sects and One Gang, the Five Great Clans, the Demonic Cult, and the Unorthodox factions? Of course, there are also those of the Jeongsajigan who belong to neither side."
"I would prefer if you stopped beating around the bush and told me exactly what you want."
At Jo Janglim's blunt demand, Ha Migwa answered cautiously, his face tense.
"His Majesty fears that this mysterious organization might be the same one that caused Noksa's Rebellion."
"..."
"Noksa's Rebellion" was the official imperial term for the assassination of Prince Yang, the younger brother of the previous Emperor Hongri, at Noksa.
Of course, because they disliked the word "Rebellion," the people of the Jianghu referred to it as "Noksa's Incident."
"Therefore, the academy's staff must also pool their efforts to clear themselves of suspicion..."
"Associate Director Ha."
"Yes?"
Sigh...
Jo Janglim sighed and lightly rubbed his face. When he looked up, his gentle smile was completely gone, replaced by a cold, wrathful expression.
"Did you just say... 'suspicion'?"
Ah.
Realizing his mistake, Ha Migwa swallowed hard. Jo Janglim's pressure had made his true thoughts slip out.
Because the assassins of Prince Yang had used martial arts from start to finish, the imperial officials had tacitly branded all martial artists as the culprits.
Naturally, they assumed one of the Nine Sects, the Unorthodox factions, or the Demonic Cult was behind the "mysterious organization." Most officials, including the Eastern Depot, believed the martial sects needed to "prove their innocence."
But obviously, the proud martial artists of the Jianghu would never take kindly to such an attitude, and the imperial officials had been careful not to let this sentiment leak to the Murim.
Seeing Jo Janglim, whom he had thought to be a harmless, good-natured old man, show genuine anger, Ha Migwa felt his mouth go completely dry.
Anyone else would have faltered, but Ha Migwa did not give up.
If I back down here, I'll be demoted the moment I return to the Eastern Depot.
One mistake is an accident. Two is intentional—that was the Eastern Depot's logic.
Since the initiative of the conversation had completely shifted to Jo Janglim, Ha Migwa kept his mouth shut and quietly listened to the Headmaster's angry voice.
"Is the very purpose of this academy not to monitor the members of the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions to suit the Imperial Court's tastes?"
"..."
"Do you know or not that the vast majority of our staff have no idea how their reports are being used, believing they write them solely for the future of our students?"
"..."
"You call it peace and stability! But is there anyone who doesn't know that the only reason their sons, daughters, and beloved disciples are held as hostages by the Imperial Court and the Jianghu is because of Noksa's Incident? How dare someone who knows this truth speak of 'suspicion' in my presence!"
"But if we do not root out this mysterious organization..."
"If you do not!"
Slam!
Jo Janglim struck the wooden platform. A deep imprint of his right hand was left on the wood.
Normally, the platform should have shattered into splinters, but somehow it remained intact, miraculously holding together.
"If we do not, does the Imperial Court intend to brand that suspicion as fact and turn its blades against the Jianghu?"
"Not at all, Headmaster."
"Then? What did you mean by those words?"
Despite the palpable killing intent radiating from the Absolute Master Jo Janglim, Ha Migwa held his ground and spoke firmly.
"I am literally only asking for your cooperation."
"..."
"It is known that a rebellious organization hostile to the Murim Alliance, the academy, and the Imperial Court has appeared. Yet, is it not true that our response has been far too weak?"
"And what do you propose we do?"
"We must inform the respective sects of our staff members. It is crucial that we squeeze out every bit of information regarding those treasonous bastards and hunt them down."
Sensing Jo Janglim's anger subside slightly, Ha Migwa humbly accepted his mistake and bowed his head.
Quick wits. This was the secret to his survival in the Eastern Depot, and one of the reasons he had risen to the position of second-in-command.
"Furthermore, the word 'suspicion' was merely a slip of the tongue by a foolish, ignorant eunuch. I beg your forgiveness."
"Was it truly a mistake?"
"Of course. It was absolutely a mistake. Her Imperial Highness the Princess is currently residing at this academy; how could I possibly harbor such thoughts?"
As Ha Migwa stole a glance, Jo Janglim's expression had completely shifted back.
"You certainly know how to read a room quickly."
Jo Janglim did not press him further, returning to his hearty, gentle chuckle.
Just as Ha Migwa was letting out a silent sigh of relief, thinking the old man had calmed down, Jo Janglim asked:
"So, what is your plan now?"
"First, I hope you understand that the Imperial Court is not the enemy of the Jianghu, and His Majesty pities the common folk and the martial artists equally."
"Keep it short."
"...A summit is scheduled to be held, hosted jointly by the Imperial Court and the Murim Alliance."
"They hold meetings every single day. What makes this one so special?"
"This time, the scale is entirely different."
Jo Janglim stared at Ha Migwa, silently asking what was different. Ha Migwa answered with confidence:
"We intend to drag out the Four Blood Alliance and their leader, who have maintained their silence until now, to the negotiating table."
At the news that they planned to force the Four Blood Alliance, the giants of the Unorthodox path, to sit at the table, a smile finally spread across Jo Janglim's face.
"The rumors aren't just spreading, everyone is absolutely raving about it! As expected of our Head Chef!"
"Is that really true, Yeongji?"
"Yes... the seniors from Shaolin and Emei said they are extremely satisfied with the meals lately."
"Hey! I'm right here, why are you asking our junior instead of me!"
"Because her reaction is more realistic?"
"How could you!"
Yang Seoran held her head in mock despair, while Gongson Yeongji giggled.
This week, I had slightly lowered the proportion of meat and put newly introduced vegetarian dishes at the forefront, and the response was surprisingly good.
No matter how much young students love meat, they don't actually like eating only meat all the time.
In any case, I welcomed Yang Seoran and Gongson Yeongji, who had come to share the good news. Since they had already made it to the Inner Dining Hall Master's Office, I invited them inside, intending to feed them some snacks before sending them on their way.
"This tangyuan isn't too sweet, it's delicious!"
"I heard some good red beans came in, so I made some glutinous rice dumplings. Yeongji, does it suit your taste?"
"It's so chewy and delicious..."
Tangyuan is a winter snack made of glutinous rice dumplings stuffed with sweet red bean paste and boiled. This time, I served them in ice-cold water mixed with omija syrup.
The tartness of the omija and the sweetness of the dumplings paired perfectly, and both girls seemed highly satisfied.
Patting Yeongji's head at her reaction, I turned to Yang Seoran.
"How is the atmosphere in the Dongdo Association lately?"
"Excellent! Especially the other officers, they absolutely adore our junior! I think the duel before the break was the deciding factor!"
Was her name Yi Cheongmin?
The student who had led the bullying got utterly thrashed in a duel by the victim, so of course the results were obvious.
And it wasn't like our Gongson Yeongji lacked in the looks department.
Lately, Seonwoo Seol and Yang Seoran had been taking her out, buying her clothes, and helping her groom herself, so she looked like the most adorable first-year in the world.
"And she is incredibly good at her job as secretary! It makes me wonder if her surname is Zhuge instead of Gongson!"
"I-I'm not that good...?"
"No! Most martial artists are terrible at paperwork! That's why we hire people who failed the imperial exams or juren as administrative instructors!"
"Really? Is it that bad?"
"Martial artists can comprehend the profound mysteries of martial arts perfectly, yet they can't find the list of events hosted by the Dongdo Association last year! Even Director Woo, the head of the Discipline Hall, isn't a martial artist!"
Oh, is that so? Come to think of it, that makes sense.
"Of course, many of them are good people, but administrative instructors from martial backgrounds are generally quite frustrating!"
"For example?"
"I shouldn't badmouth people behind their backs! But yes, there are definitely some like that!"
Yang Seoran cleared her throat and cut herself off.
Thinking about it, Hwangbo Seong, the administrative instructor who first welcomed me to the academy, was exactly like that.
He wasn't a bad guy, but he was definitely clumsy with paperwork.
Afterward, he felt so bad about messing up the room assignment that he kept bringing me expensive alcohol and high-grade ingredients.
Thanks to him, I drank my fill of premium liquor.
"In that regard, our junior Gongson is the absolute best! The phrase 'the disciple surpasses the master' fits her perfectly!"
"Why 'surpasses the master'?"
"Because the reason Junior Gongson is so clever must be thanks to our Head Chef!"
"Oh, come on. Yeongji isn't actually my daughter. Enough with the flattery, have another bowl of tangyuan."
"I'd love to!"
"Chef Yoon, me too..."
"Oh, of course. Yeongji gets another bowl too."
As I scooped out more chilled tangyuan and chatted with them,
Knock, knock. A servant entered carrying something.
"Head Chef. A man named Yi Mok from the Capital sent a package for you."
"Oh?"
It's already done?
"Can I see it too?"
"Sure, you can, but... promise you won't get mad?"
"How could I ever get mad at our Head Chef! That would never happen!"
Yang Seoran thumped her chest confidently, but I was still highly skeptical. I leaned in and whispered to Gongson Yeongji:
"Did you tell Lady Yang that I was making kitchen knives out of Black Iron?"
When I had asked Yeongji to help find a blacksmith to forge the Black Iron knives, Yang Seoran wasn't around, so she didn't know the package contained Black Iron kitchen knives.
Gongson Yeongji, also aware of this, whispered back in a tiny voice:
"...I didn't. I thought Senior Yang would start screaming and jumping around."
Ah, as expected, our Gongson Yeongji is so quick-witted. She already foresaw the future.
"What are you two whispering about without me!"
"Just a few questions. I'll be right back, so enjoy your snacks."
Since the courier from the agency was waiting, I quickly went to the east gate and received a heavily sealed wooden box.
It was heavier than expected.
It seemed there was more than just the Black Iron inside.
When I returned to my office with the box, Yang Seoran's eyes sparkled.
"Now, hurry up and open that box!"
"What are you, a bandit looking for treasure? Just wait."
Since Yang Seoran might scream, I took a deep breath.
Whew.
Let's open it.
Crack!
I pried open the tightly nailed box with my bare hands. Inside, nestled among the straw, was another small, sturdy wooden box.
Thinking it was like a Russian nesting doll, he opened the smaller box. Resting inside were two gleaming, pitch-black kitchen knives.
At their exquisite, mesmerizing appearance, I unconsciously reached out and gripped one.
Ah, this cool, heavy sensation.
"As expected, it's Black Iron."
"What do you mean, Black Iron?!"
"I mean these kitchen knives were made of Black Iron."
Yang Seoran froze. She stared at me, then asked as if she couldn't comprehend:
"What... did you just say?"
"Black Iron."
"Kitchen knives... made of Black Iron?"
"Yes."
"..."
...Wait a minute. Why wasn't Yang Seoran shouting?
She stared at me and asked in an incredibly slow, quiet voice—a tone I had never heard from her before:
"……Why?"
I swallowed hard at her reaction.
Oh, this was completely unexpected.