Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: A Backfired Plan
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Even if he was momentarily angry, he couldn't just turn back after coming all this way.
It was the famous Cheonsanseolju, after all. They didn't call it the Ultimate Demonic Wine for nothing. Just the thought of it made his mouth water...
“Ahem.”
Besides, there was the matter of morale.
If their master left just because he was in a bad mood, what would his subordinates think?
It was easy to imagine them growing sullen, overcome with disappointment and self-blame.
Besides, he had a few things to say to these men who had such a casual disregard for life.
But still...
Damn it, how could the reaction be the same, whether inside or out?
He had gone to great lengths to have the Lunar Eclipse unit move stealthily, arriving with Wang Cheon at a tavern that sold Cheonsanseolju, all while avoiding public attention.
Upon entering, he had simply stated his name and title. He'd said that a nice table out of sight would do, or just enough space for about thirty people.
In response, the tavern owner had started in surprise, bowed deeply, and then shouted at the boisterous patrons as if he were coughing up blood.
- "Everyone! Out! The Third Young Master has graced our tavern with his presence! Zhang San! Bolt the door! Cook Wang, what are you doing! Stoke the fire and prepare your finest dishes!"
He thought the tavern owner must have mastered the Lion's Roar technique.
Not only the sober customers but even the blackout drunks seemed to snap to their senses, abandoning their meals and vanishing in an instant. A waiter named Wang San cleared the tables with lightning speed, and a wave of heat and delicious aromas poured out from the kitchen.
...Truly remarkable.
Next time, I'm definitely not eating out.
What's the point of having the warriors of the Lunar Eclipse unit otherwise?
From now on, I'll just have them deliver.
“This way, please! Third Young Master!”
“…”
The tavern owner guided him to a table, his back bent at a ninety-degree angle.
“…Thank you.”
As Neung Un-bi headed for his seat, Ju Seung scanned the tavern with sharp eyes and issued an order to the Lunar Eclipse unit.
“First squad on the roof, second squad on the perimeter, third squad…”
“Hey!”
“Sir?”
Neung Un-bi's voice, thick with irritation, stopped Ju Seung just as he was deploying the warriors.
Perhaps because he'd been annoyed for a while, his tone kept coming out as a command.
Well, it was the only way they seemed to listen anyway.
“What do you think you're doing?”
“Establishing a protective perimeter so that you may enjoy your time in comfort, my lord.”
If only he weren't so damn eloquent...
Neung Un-bi shook his head and sighed.
It felt like all he did these days was sigh.
“Everyone, just sit.”
“Sir?”
“Didn't we all come here to drink together?”
“That may be, but… how could we neglect our duties… In that case, we will take turns, enjoying ourselves in shifts.”
“In shifts? What's the fun in that?”
“Sir?”
“Ugh, you're so rigid, it's impossible to talk to you.”
Neung Un-bi glanced over the warriors of the Lunar Eclipse unit.
“You there.”
“Yuk So-dong, leader of the first squad of the Lunar Eclipse unit.”
“Uh, right. You and the four next to you, that table over there. And the four next to them, over there…”
Neung Un-bi pointed out seats for all thirty members of the Lunar Eclipse unit, one by one.
“What are you doing? Not moving?”
“No, it's just…”
As the warriors hesitated, glancing at Ju Seung for approval, Neung Un-bi glared at them threateningly.
“It's an order…”
“…!”
*Fwip!*
Before he could even finish the word, the hesitant warriors scattered and took their seats in an instant.
“Sit!”
“Yes, sir!”
At that single, short command, the Lunar Eclipse warriors sat down in perfect unison, as if they were one body.
He didn't like how they sat with ramrod-straight backs, perfectly postured, but it would have to do for now.
Being the one in command was pretty great at times like this.
And it was a relief that they were all so ridiculously loyal.
“Ju Seung, Wang Cheon. You two, come sit here.”
“Hah, you really are something else…”
Wang Cheon sighed deeply and sat across from Neung Un-bi, who had plopped down at the centermost table.
Of course, the rigid one was still the same.
“My lord, you cannot do this. An enemy could appear at any time, from anywhere…”
“Then you can eat standing up.”
“Sir?”
“I don't like forcing people to do things they don't want to do. It's not like you treat your lord's words like dirt or anything…”
“…!”
As Neung Un-bi openly showed his annoyance, a visibly flustered Ju Seung sat down next to Wang Cheon.
“How could I dare to treat your words so… lightly? It is unthinkable. Please, understand my loyalty.”
Why did even his excuses sound so sincere?
What was he to do with this rigid fool?
Fine, I'll just have to change him, little by little.
“You there, owner.”
“Yes! Third Young Master.”
“Bring some wine to every table here.”
“What kind of wine would you prefer…?”
“Cheonsanseolju, of course. A bottle for each person, and plenty of side dishes.”
“Understood, Third Young Master. I'll prepare it at once.”
At Neung Un-bi's order, the tavern owner moved like a flash of lightning.
That man must have mastered more than just the Lion's Roar. Seeing him flash about all over the place, he had clearly learned the Art of Duplication at the very least.
Smiling in admiration at the owner's sublime movements, Neung Un-bi slowly looked around at the Lunar Eclipse unit.
The atmosphere was just fantastic.
Awkward… not knowing what to do…
Still, there was something he needed to say before the drinking started.
And it was much better for them to hear it while they were this tense. That way, the words would sink in deep.
“Hey, Ju Seung.”
“Yes, my lord. Your command?”
“Don't draw your sword so recklessly from now on. That kid almost got hurt.”
“My apologies. But what if it hadn't been a ball, but a firebomb or a hidden weapon? What if it wasn't a child, but an assassin? Then we would have been guards who failed to protect their master.”
“I know, I know. The moment you sliced that pig's bladder with your sword, the Lunar Eclipse members formed a shield in front of me. You think I don't understand your intentions? Of course I know you're trying to protect me, but still, don't do it.”
“My lord.”
“Hah, why did you learn the sword? To kill children?”
“…That's not.”
“I didn't think so. You probably learned it to become stronger. Now, that purpose has likely shifted to protecting me.”
“That is correct. From now on, that is my purpose in life. If I can one day die for you, my lord, I will consider it the greatest honor.”
“…”
At Ju Seung's unbending, straight-as-an-arrow attitude, Neung Un-bi couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
What kind of loyalty was this… that it blocked his ears?
He understood. He himself had once felt the same way.
He had to protect, had to help achieve.
That was why he had smiled joyfully even as he died a traitor.
Their positions were different, but he felt a sense of pity, seeing a reflection of himself in Ju Seung and the Lunar Eclipse unit.
And suddenly, he missed 'him'.
But even so, there were some things that should never change.
They say a warrior's sword has no eyes, but if you can't control where its tip is pointed, what makes you different from a slaughtering demon?
There should be no unnecessary killing, and every death must have a reason.
But would they understand?
To those who had lived their lives as members of the Demonic Cult, these might be unacceptable words… Wait a minute!
If I play this right…?
I might be able to get rid of these annoying bastards just by telling them what not to do.
The words he was about to say did not suit the Demonic Cult. It was an attempt to change the very conventions they were accustomed to.
There was no way they'd find it easy to accept.
In other words, they wouldn't be able to stand it.
And then?
They would naturally fall away, and he would be… free?
Having reached this convenient conclusion after mulling it over, Neung Un-bi grinned and spoke.
“Then let's do this.”
“Do what…?”
“Look. I don't think you and the members of the Lunar Eclipse are lacking in skill.”
“…”
“So from now on, I want you to distinguish.”
“Distinguish?”
“Between those who must be killed and those who must not.”
“But that is…”
“A difficult task. Especially in a place like before, where all sorts of people are mixed together.”
“…”
Ju Seung's face hardened.
It was a natural reaction.
Their duty was to protect Neung Un-bi under any circumstances. They had to be vigilant of their surroundings and act preemptively to eliminate any potential threats.
But if a gap appeared while they were trying to distinguish friend from foe, and Neung Un-bi was harmed in that split second?
They'd be executed on the spot. No questions asked.
Now then, shall I trap him so he can't even argue?
“Listen, Ju Seung.”
“Yes?”
Neung Un-bi called to Ju Seung in a subtle tone.
“You said it yourself, didn't you?”
“…”
“That you would serve me with all your heart until I become the Cult Leader.”
“That is correct.”
“Right, the Cult Leader. But should such a person indiscriminately kill those under his protection?”
“But in order to protect you, my lord, a certain amount of unnecessary sacrifice must be accepted…”
“Nonsense!”
“…”
“If that's the kind of Cult Leader you're talking about, then I refuse. I will never become a leader like that!”
At those firm words, Ju Seung's expression grew heavy, and Neung Un-bi smiled in triumph.
He who wishes to rise to the top must know how to look after those below.
That is how you win hearts. That is how you receive loyalty that comes from the soul.
That was the way of the true Orthodox factions. Well, though there were plenty who didn't follow it…
But the Demonic Cult was different.
To become the Cult Leader, one must rule through oppression. It was far faster and more effective than winning people's hearts.
Neung Un-bi studied Ju Seung's face.
It was only natural that his complex emotions were written all over it. He'd never lived that way before.
So just give up, you bastard. You and I were never meant to swim in the same waters.
While Neung Un-bi was smiling contentedly, anticipating an immediate resignation, the tavern owner cautiously bustled about, bringing wine and food to the tables.
“Oops, looks like I've made the atmosphere unnecessarily heavy. The wine is here, so let's all have a drink.”
“…”
At the smiling invitation, Ju Seung silently accepted a cup.
“You all fill your cups, too. It's the first round, we should all drink together. Of course!”
Cups were filled.
Emptied, and filled again.
Seeing Ju Seung silently drain cup after cup, he figured the man was mulling over his words, experiencing an ideological conflict.
“Gah! This Cheonsanseolju is the real deal! I might just reach the state of Ultimate Demon tonight!”
Alright, now for the final push.
Why? Conflicted?
Then let me help you make a decision.
“Listen, Ju Seung.”
“…Yes.”
“Don't trouble yourself over it. There is no room for compromise. This is my will and my command. If you feel you cannot follow it, return to the Snow Mountain Manor now. If your will is the same as mine, I will consider you a brother, but if it is different, we cannot walk the same path.”
At those words, Ju Seung's eyes widened as he stared at Neung Un-bi.
Soon, his pupils began to tremble.
He's made his decision. He'll probably choose to go back.
“My lord!”
“Huh? What? So you're giving up…”
“I will become stronger!”
“Huh?”
“So that I do not become a burden in achieving the noble will you have established, I will become even stronger!”
“…”
Neung Un-bi stared blankly at Ju Seung, who had practically shouted his declaration.
He'll do what now?
“My lord! If you command me to distinguish, then I shall do so!”
“…”
“And because I must still protect you, I will strive to become even stronger!”
B-But why is that the conclusion you reached?
Faced with an answer that had completely missed his expectations, Neung Un-bi could only blink.
“Lunar Eclipse unit, listen!”
“Yes, sir!”
“Take your lord's words to heart! He has even bestowed upon us the grace of calling us his brothers!”
“Yes, sir!”
“We will become stronger!”
“Yes, sir!”
The Lunar Eclipse unit answered Ju Seung's cry with a single, powerful voice.
Ah… fuck, you guys are sick in the head.
I'm going to be gone soon, you know? Why does your loyalty keep going up?
“My lord! Please accept my cup!”
“Uh… s-sure.”
The cup was filled.
Perhaps because of the burning intensity in Ju Seung's eyes, the wine tasted bitter.
“Hmm.”
“…?”
Wang Cheon, who had been listening silently, looked at Neung Un-bi as if something was off.
“My lord.”
“What.”
“But…”
“…?”
“Didn't you tell me I was your friend before I was your guard? It felt like I was the only one…”
“…”
“You even told me I was second only to you…”
“Y-Yeah, I, I did say that, didn't I?”
“Then what does that make these guys you're calling your brothers?”
Asking in a sullen voice, Wang Cheon seemed genuinely curious.
Is that really what's important right now?
You ambitious guard dog.
“Wang Cheon.”
“…Yessir.”
“Just shut up and drink.”
“…”
Just as Neung Un-bi, who had witnessed an unwanted boost in loyalty, swallowed a burgeoning sigh along with a cup of wine.
*Creeak.*
The tavern door opened.
And a neatly dressed man walked in with a smile on his face.
“Well, what a surprise. What brings my junior brother here?”
“…”
The man with the bright smile was Yeo Jin-gang, the Cult Leader's second disciple and Neung Un-bi's immediate senior brother.
…So what the hell are you doing here?