Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: A Master's Melancholy
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“Sigh…”
Neung Un-bi rested his head on his arms, which were propped up on the desk, and sighed as he watched the snow fall outside the open door.
The world, turned white by the ceaselessly falling snow, seemed to calm his heart.
“Sigh…”
But all that came out was another sigh.
The room he was in now was not the humble thatched cottage outside the castle where he had lived for the past year.
It was a grand manor located on the eastern side of the Demonic Cult's main fortress.
Though it was called the New Moon Pavilion, it was a manor all the same. It was a place provided by the Elder's Department when Neung Un-bi became the Cult Leader's third disciple, a sizable estate with five main halls.
*A manor named after the moon, for a bunch of Demonic Cult bastards…*
It was probably a holdover from a time long ago when they were called the Sun and Moon Divine Cult.
Still, it had a certain charm.
*Gak, Sin, Sak, Mi, Hyeon.* Weren't they all names for the crescent moon?
For those who stood at the starting line, vying for the Cult Leader's throne, what name could be more fitting than the crescent moon, waxing toward the full moon?
In any case, the room Neung Un-bi was in was mainly used for studying martial arts texts.
Scrolls inscribed with the poems of Li Bai and Du Fu hung on the walls, and on a mother-of-pearl chest sat a pot of orchids that looked to be worth dozens of nyang.
There was even a maid outside dedicated solely to caring for it; it was an extravagance beyond extravagance.
But what good was a nice room?
“Sigh…”
In the morning, he had filled his stomach with a feast of the finest delicacies and cleansed his palate with the most exquisite wine, but what good did that do?
“Sigh…”
On a bookshelf lining one wall, countless secret manuals of fearsome martial arts were neatly arranged, seemingly ready to expand his knowledge… but what was the point of learning more martial arts?
They felt like nothing more than useless scraps of paper now.
“Sigh… Dammit…”
All he could do was sigh and curse.
His escape had failed. Surrounded by the warriors of the Snow Mountain Manor, he had been brought back to his residence within the fortress.
No, he had been dragged back. The chance to escape, which he had prepared for so long, had vanished into thin air.
There would be no next time. It might have been possible with only Wang Cheon to worry about, but now he was saddled with the men the Snow Mountain Manor had assigned to him. How could he possibly escape now?
And he was in the main fortress, a place under constant, iron-clad security.
Was that all? Claiming they needed to prepare for external threats, the bastards from Snow Mountain Manor even said they would sacrifice their sleep to guard the manor's perimeter.
*Sigh… Goddamn bastards.*
Unless a stroke of heavenly luck allowed him to reach the enlightenment of the river and gain the power to snap all their necks, there was no way out.
“*Sob*.”
Overcome with frustration and resentment, his sighs turned into tears. They streamed down his face, falling drop by drop, soaking the martial arts manual on the desk.
“Um, Master…? Is there some sad story behind the manual you’re reading?”
Hearing Neung Un-bi’s sobs, the guard standing watch outside the door asked in a careful, polite tone.
The disciple of a Cult Leader was entitled to two guard units.
The Personal Guard Unit, responsible for close-quarters protection, and the Protectorate Guard, which secured the surroundings during outings.
Wang Cheon, now the Guard Captain, was in charge of the first. The man who had just spoken was in charge of the second.
He was the Commander of the New Moon Guard.
Since Neung Un-bi had not yet earned a proper title, they had settled on that for now.
“Um… what could possibly be the reason?”
“…”
As the subordinate asked again, Neung Un-bi wiped his tears and looked at him.
It was none other than Ju Seung.
The man who had been dismissed from his position as the Black Panther Unit Leader and appointed Commander of the New Moon Guard upon Neung Un-bi's return to the main fortress.
“Master, if you tell me the reason for your weeping, I will do everything in my power to help.”
“…”
*Don’t ask. Don’t ask me why, why I’m sobbing like this.*
*Do you think I’m crying over some tragic story in a martial arts manual?*
*I’m sad because of you, you bastard.*
*The valley was right there. But because you were so diligent in helping with my ‘training’… If it weren’t for you…*
Just looking at Ju Seung’s face now made him burn with anger.
“Ju Seung.”
“Yes, Master! Your command?”
At the quiet call, Ju Seung immediately knelt and bowed his head.
His manners were impeccable.
Still, Neung Un-bi hated him.
But he didn't want to send him back to the Snow Mountain Manor either.
Why would he? He had to keep him close so he could torment him for years to come.
The problem was, he couldn't find any fault with him.
He had been watching him like a hawk since their return to the New Moon Pavilion, but to no avail.
The damn man was so competent, he handled everything with incredible efficiency.
Whether it was managing people or buildings.
He was no amateur, processing everything with a sharp intuition without needing to be told. Matters that would have taken Wang Cheon ages were resolved in an instant, and the long-vacant New Moon Pavilion was running normally in no time.
How could he possibly find fault with that?
*But just you wait.*
*I will never forget this.*
*Once I get my emotions in check, you are so dead.*
“Master, your command.”
“…”
When he called the name but said nothing more, Ju Seung prompted him for an order.
“Move. You’re blocking my view of the snow.”
“What? Oh! My apologies.”
At Neung Un-bi's rebuke, Ju Seung hastily shuffled back from the doorway on his knees and awaited another command.
“Master, your command…”
“Stay still.”
“…”
“Just stay still. Like that…”
“What? Yes…”
Neung Un-bi issued the command nonchalantly and went back to gazing at the endlessly falling snow.
Ju Seung, not understanding, remained perfectly still, waiting.
On his knees.
*That’s right, stay like that, you damn bastard.*
*Until your legs go numb and cramp up.*
He wanted to tell him to hold his arms straight up, touching his ears, but wouldn't that make it too obvious he was being punished?
For now, making his knees hurt would have to do. He would make him hold that position for as long as possible…
It was the petty revenge of a small-minded Neung Un-bi.
***
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. What’s the big deal about my legs being a little numb?”
Wang Cheon, who had returned in the evening, looked at the limping Ju Seung with a sympathetic expression.
“Our Master can be quite something. He could have at least given you an order. Making you suffer for no reason…”
“Please don’t say that, Guard Captain. How can a subordinate blame his master? It is my own inadequacy for failing to read his heart.”
“Good heavens… Even so. To make you kneel for six hours.”
“It was seven hours. He just kept staring at the falling snow.”
“You mean he stayed like that until dinner?”
“I managed to secretly stretch my legs when he went to the privy for a moment.”
“Good thinking.”
“I feel heavy-hearted, as if I have committed an act of disloyalty.”
“…”
Wang Cheon shook his head at Ju Seung, who considered briefly stretching his numb legs an act of disloyalty.
“But the Master was too harsh. How could someone who just became his guard be expected to read his mind…”
“It’s alright. I will simply have to work harder to serve him.”
“…”
“But he looked terribly sad. He was even shedding tears, you know.”
“Tears? He was crying?”
When Ju Seung nodded, Wang Cheon frowned in confusion.
Neung Un-bi? Crying?
That didn’t sound like the Master he knew.
In all his time by Neung Un-bi’s side, Wang Cheon had never seen a hint of moisture in his eyes.
Wasn't he better than anyone at hiding his emotions?
Laughing when he was sad, laughing when he was angry…
For such a person to shed tears was unbelievable.
“Hmm, this is strange…”
“Why? Do you know something?”
“Ah, well… If it’s the Master I know, this is definitely…”
“Definitely!?”
Seeing Wang Cheon's serious expression, Ju Seung gulped and waited for his next words.
“…a way of breaking you in, I think.”
“Breaking… what?”
“You know, what they do to new recruits to break them in. In cruder terms, it’s like hazing, or just being a pain.”
“…”
Ju Seung stared blankly at Wang Cheon, who spoke with a completely serious and convinced expression.
“Come now, Guard Captain. Surely the Master is not some third-rate ruffian.”
“He’s not, but sometimes he can be… how should I put it… more of a ruffian than an actual ruffian…”
“Haha, you’re being too informal. You must have grown comfortable after serving him for so long.”
“You think so?”
“Of course. How could a subordinate call his master a ruff… ahem. In any case, that can’t be it.”
“Hmm…”
Wang Cheon couldn't bring himself to say more.
It was obvious to anyone that Neung Un-bi was just giving him a hard time, but what could he do when Ju Seung’s faith and loyalty were so unshakable?
“Anyway, Commander of the New Moon Guard, you are truly something else. Your loyalty to the Master is no less than my own.”
“You praise me too highly. I must serve him with even greater devotion. To ensure he surpasses the other disciples and ascends to the position of Cult Leader.”
“Of course! That’s how it must be.”
Was it the thought of the glorious path to success in the distant future?
Wang Cheon’s eyes sparkled.
“Hmm, anyway, tears… The Commander couldn't have seen wrong.”
“…”
“How about we take the Master out for some fresh air?”
“Fresh air?”
“Yes. Having been away from the New Moon Pavilion for so long, he will likely have trouble sleeping.”
“I see. Perhaps that’s why he was just staring blankly with a manual open all day.”
“My point exactly.”
“Then where should we go?”
“There are plenty of taverns in the fortress. I know a place that serves some rather fine liquor.”
“Fine liquor?”
“Have you ever heard of Tianshan Snow Wine?”
“Ah! You mean the Extreme Demon Wine?”
“Oh! You know of it!”
“I’ve heard the rumors. They say if you get good and drunk, you feel an ecstasy like you’ve entered the ultimate demonic state, hence the name.”
“That’s the one. Let’s have a drink to lift the Master’s spirits and to celebrate your appointment as Commander of the New Moon Guard.”
“Excellent idea.”
“Then, hurry and get ready with the men of the New Moon Guard.”
“What? The men of the New Moon Guard?”
“Of course. We’re all family now, how can we drink alone? The Master wouldn't want that either.”
“Understood. I will have them prepared and on standby immediately.”
“Good.”
Wang Cheon smiled warmly as he watched Ju Seung, his face bright with rare excitement, run off while licking his lips.
Thirty men in the New Moon Guard.
It would cost a small fortune for all of them to enjoy a night of drinking.
But who cared? There was always a way.
***
“What? Drinks?”
“Yes.”
At Wang Cheon’s words, Neung Un-bi’s brow furrowed, but he swallowed hard.
Tianshan Snow Wine, of all things.
He knew it well from the occasional outings with Wang Cheon.
A viscous liquid would coat the inside of his mouth before sliding smoothly down his throat, leaving a lingering, fiery heat and a deep sweetness…
“Should… should I?”
“You should. If you join us, Master, it will be a great boost to the morale of the New Moon Guard.”
“Hmm… But, are you buying?”
“Come on, how could I afford such expensive liquor on my budget? I’m not the young lord of the Snow Mountain Manor anymore. My stipend is nowhere near enough.”
“Then am I buying? I don’t have any money either.”
“Good heavens, why would you pay for it yourself?”
“Then who’s paying? If you’re not and I’m not… Is Ju Seung paying?”
As much as he disliked the man, that wasn't right.
Even if it was an unwanted position, he had his dignity to maintain. Making the newly appointed Commander of the New Moon Guard pay for drinks was not befitting of a master.
He’d rather it be Wang Cheon.
As Neung Un-bi scowled, Wang Cheon spoke with confidence.
“We’ll bill the First Elder’s Department.”
“Huh?”
“The excuse is perfect, isn't it?”
“…”
“The inauguration ceremony for the Third Young Master’s personal guard unit.”
“Ah!”
“The First Elder probably won’t say a word.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Think of all the money he’s spent cleaning up the messes you’ve made, Third Young Master. Now that you’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and work hard, you want to have a few drinks…”
“That sounds a bit off. Almost like an insult…”
“It’s just your imagination.”
“…”
Neung Un-bi glared at Wang Cheon before sighing and getting to his feet.
He was already depressed about his failed escape. It didn't seem like a bad idea to get blackout drunk, forget everything, and then start planning anew.
“Fine, good. Let’s do that.”
“Aren’t you going to take Biyeon?”
“That thing?”
“Yes.”
At Wang Cheon’s words, Neung Un-bi glanced at the corner of the room.
The sword Wang Cheon had brought for him after searching the Snow Mountain Manor’s treasury, Biyeon.
“Forget it. It’s not like we’re going to war.”
“I went to all the trouble of picking out the best one, and you’re just going to leave it behind? Then I’ll carry it.”
“Do whatever you want.”
Neung Un-bi chuckled and led the way out. Wang Cheon followed, cradling Biyeon in his arms.
Outside, the fully dressed New Moon Guard was already waiting, swallowing in anticipation.
“Alright, let’s go!”
“Yes, Master!”
His first day back in the main fortress.
Neung Un-bi’s first official act, taken with confident strides, was to head to a tavern.
Where the Tianshan Snow Wine awaited…
Of course, the bill would go to the First Elder’s Department, while the credit would go to Neung Un-bi.
After all, isn't free booze always the tastiest?