Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Unwanted Protection
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It was a sudden visit.
And he'd kicked the door open, no less.
Even for the Great Protector, wasn't this going too far?
Bringing his subordinates with him...
Since he claimed to be here on the Cult Leader's orders, Neung Un-bi served him tea, but he made no effort to hide his displeasure.
But the topic Yang Seon brought up was anything but ordinary.
"Wang Cheon?"
"Yes."
"..."
At Yang Seon's words, Neung Un-bi whipped his head around to glare at Wang Cheon.
He had come back late, but Neung Un-bi had firmly believed he'd just gone to relieve himself.
Hadn't he kept his mouth shut during last night's drinking?
"Hehe."
Meeting Neung Un-bi's gaze, Wang Cheon scratched his head bashfully.
But his expression practically screamed, 'Didn't I do a great job?' dying to show off.
Ah, that bastard...
I want to throw my teacup right in his face.
Why had he held back? If he'd wanted to, he could have beaten not just Yeo Jin-gang but all his guards to a pulp.
But the only reason he hadn't was that he didn't want the attention.
After the duel with the Cult Leader and the support from Snow Mountain Manor, he was afraid of drawing even more notice.
"H-how many, you said?"
To Neung Un-bi's question, asked through a clenched-jaw smile, Yang Seon impassively raised a hand and spread his fingers wide.
"Six."
"Ah... six."
That was the number of guards taken to the infirmary.
Yeo Jin-gang's guards, of course. Including the Guard Captain, Chu Seong-gyun.
From minor injuries like fractured fingers to serious ones like broken limbs and shattered noses.
Yang Seon relayed the damage report dispassionately, but Neung Un-bi had no desire to know the details.
"According to the Seventh Elder, they developed frostbite on their wounds, so they aren't healing well."
"Frostbite... too?"
"Yes."
It seemed that, true to his identity as the eldest son of Snow Mountain Manor, he had made thorough use of his ice arts.
"Neither the New Moon Pavilion nor the Hall of Benevolent Hearts has filed a formal complaint, but as this incident arose from a conflict between guards, I have been assigned to investigate."
"Ah, I see."
"However, you need not worry too much."
"..."
"My preliminary investigation has confirmed that the fault lies with them."
"Is that so?"
Despite Yang Seon's impassive reassurance, Neung Un-bi remained indifferent.
Dammit, who cares whose fault it is?
The problem is that I've drawn attention again.
"Yes. Chu Seong-gyun has admitted that he was the first to attack the Third Young Master with a grappling technique."
"..."
"It seems he was on his way to follow the Second Young Master's order to apologize for acting without instruction when he ran into Wang Cheon."
At those words, Neung Un-bi, who had been listening with half an ear, showed a flicker of disbelief in his eyes.
"What did you say?"
"Is something wrong?"
"..."
"That is what my investigation has revealed. The Second Young Master has also testified as such."
"..."
"Do you happen to know anything different? If you tell me, I will consider it in my investigation."
"...No. I don't."
Neung Un-bi scoffed inwardly and shook his head.
So that's how it turned out?
It's truly absurd. Does he mean to say he pinned the blame on his subordinates and slipped away himself?
In truth, even if Yeo Jin-gang had been involved, it wouldn't have been a major issue.
Squabbles between the disciples were nothing new, making last night's friction utterly trivial.
It was just six injured guards.
Compared to the assassination attempts, poisonings, and other threats the original Neung Un-bi had faced, it was truly nothing.
An investigation? A culprit?
Such things were mere formalities from the start. The investigations were cursory, and the results often fizzled out into nothing.
And people would remember it like this.
He challenged for the succession but was too weak to withstand an ambush.
Well, I get it. It's the Demonic Cult, after all.
But that bastard used his subordinates as a shield and slipped away like an eel.
To Neung Un-bi, who knew the truth of the matter, it was utterly ridiculous, but those who didn't would believe Yang Seon's findings.
The reason he acted that way was obvious.
He was relying on the reputation he had cultivated in people's minds.
The perception that the original Neung Un-bi and others had of Yeo Jin-gang was consistent.
A disciple uninterested in the Cult Leader's throne. One who would rather become a strategist.
What a joke. That was just an image he had painstakingly engraved in people's minds over a long time.
In the original Neung Un-bi's mind, and in the minds of the other disciples.
It was easy enough to deduce just from the memories of Yeo Jin-gang and his behavior at the inn.
The bastard had become a cunning beast, avoiding fights. Sometimes he'd provoke, other times he'd incite conflict, repeatedly inducing the disciples to tear each other apart.
He was probably waiting for them to weaken.
Staying back, hiding his claws, until only one remained.
And that victor would be far from unscathed.
All he had to do was prey on the last, wounded beast, exhausted from the long fight.
How easy would that be?
However, he didn't know about me, so he made a mistake.
Unaware that his opponent was Cheok Wol-rin possessing Neung Un-bi's memories, he had acted as he always did.
The thought that he might be realizing his mistake right now, smashing things in his residence to vent his anger, made a laugh escape.
"Heh, hehehe."
"...Why are you laughing?"
"No, it's nothing. Hehe."
"...?"
Yang Seon looked puzzled, but there was no need to explain.
Why stir up trouble for no reason?
I'll be leaving soon enough anyway.
You guys can fight amongst yourselves. I have no interest in the Cult Leader's throne.
"Anyway, I understand. It sounds like the investigation is mostly finished, and since they've admitted fault, I won't press the matter further."
"Yes, I see. It's a relief that the incident seems to be more or less resolved."
"Well then, is our business concluded? I'm a bit tired... could I ask Wang Cheon to see you out?"
"Ah, there is one more thing I must tell you."
"...?"
"Everyone is very concerned about this incident."
"Concerned?"
"Yes. Is the Cult Leader's birthday banquet not just around the corner? An order has been given to prepare for any unfortunate events."
"And so?"
"I will personally guard the Waning Moon Pavilion with the warriors of the Protectorate."
"..."
Neung Un-bi, who had been gloating over Yeo Jin-gang's predicament, thought he had misheard for a moment.
"You'll what?"
"I will guard you."
"...Why?"
"I have already stated the reason. From now until the birthday banquet, I will personally stay by the Third Young Master's side to protect you."
"..."
For a moment, his mind went blank.
What is this nonsense?
I'm already swarming with goons from Snow Mountain Manor, making it hard to move freely... and now you're adding more guards?
At this rate, I won't even be able to take a leak in peace.
"Haha, Great Protector. I already have plenty of guards. And since my older brother has decided not to press charges... wouldn't involving the Protectorate be a waste of manpower?"
He said this as gently as possible.
Of course, his inner thought was, 'Go! Get lost! I don't need you!'
The Great Protector couldn't possibly have missed the hint, but he shook his head at once.
Dammit, his headshake was so sharp it could cut flesh.
"The Cult Leader has commanded me to ensure that nothing happens."
"Dammit! Why! Why would he give such an order so recklessly? Without any consultation with me!"
"Is the Cult Leader someone who needs to consult with you?"
"...I suppose not."
He flinched for a second.
The man's gaze was terrifying.
Having recoiled, Neung Un-bi let out a deep sigh, his eyes filled with despair.
Ah, this goddamn Demonic Cult...
"However, I will explain the reason for his decision."
"..."
"It is because the Third Young Master is weak."
"..."
With those final words, Yang Seon bowed and left.
That bastard. He just had to state the plain truth and twist my insides.
Yeah, must be nice being strong.
As he glared at the spot where Yang Seon had disappeared, a cheerful voice rang out.
"This is a huge relief, my lord."
"..."
"To be honest, I was a little worried. I was thinking, what if the Second Young Master holds a grudge and tries to ambush you?"
He looked to his side and saw Wang Cheon grinning, showing all his teeth.
The one who claims to be worried is the one who caused all this trouble.
But don't smile. It makes me want to knock out all your damn teeth.
"Now there's nothing to worry about. Since the Great Protector himself will be watching over you, you can sleep soundly."
"..."
"I will also do my best. I will protect you by your side, my lord."
The sight of Wang Cheon clenching his fist and making a vow was truly reassuring.
So reassuring that I want to poke him in his sparkling eyes.
And I'm supposed to call that a guard...
"Get out."
"Pardon?"
"I said, get out."
"...But I'm your personal guard. It's not like we've only been together for a day or two."
"..."
Staring at Wang Cheon's innocently smiling face, Neung Un-bi gripped his teacup tightly.
"Get out! Get out! Nothing ever goes right because of you!"
Neung Un-bi finally exploded, and Wang Cheon, after taking a wooden pillow squarely to the head, scrambled outside.
*Thud.*
"Geez, did puberty hit him all of a sudden? Why would he laugh one moment and fly into a rage the next?"
Closing the door, Wang Cheon pouted and grumbled.
"Wang Cheon."
"Ah, yes, Great Protector."
Rubbing the spot on his head where the pillow had hit, Wang Cheon quickly answered Yang Seon's call.
"It will only be for a few days, but I'm in your care."
"Not at all. I should be the one asking for your cooperation. Thank you for your help, Great Protector."
"It is the Cult Leader's command. There is no need to thank me."
"...Yes, well, anyway. Haha. Let's go. First, I'll introduce you to the current Waning Moon Guard."
"Lead the way."
As Yang Seon started to follow Wang Cheon, who was walking ahead, a loud crashing sound, as if furniture was being smashed, came from Neung Un-bi's residence.
The order given by the Cult Leader last night, after realizing Neung Un-bi wanted to go to the Central Plains.
Ensure nothing happens to Neung Un-bi.
In other words, control of the Waning Moon Pavilion. Not only would no one be able to approach, but no one inside would be able to leave.
"Hoo, I wonder what plan the Cult Leader is devising now."
Yang Seon gave a wry smile and walked on.
* * *
"My lord, preparations are complete."
"..."
"My lord!"
Wang Cheon had already called out several times from outside.
But Neung Un-bi was glued to the floor, showing no intention of moving.
Eyes red as a rabbit's. A face worn with fatigue.
"Haa, that damn Yang Seon."
Neung Un-bi muttered with a deep sigh.
Yang Seon and the Protectorate warriors had only left on the morning of the birthday banquet.
They had guarded him like an iron fortress. A goddamn iron fortress.
It was called protection, but it was basically surveillance.
At first, he had no idea. But when he didn't see anyone other than Yang Seon, he grew suspicious and carefully scanned his surroundings.
As a result, he found a few of them hiding in the shadows.
Their skill in concealment was so profound that he could only find two of them. And even then, he wouldn't have noticed if he hadn't been paying close attention.
In the end, Neung Un-bi deliberately lit up his room brightly and tried to sleep.
But it was impossible to fall asleep when it was as bright as day.
And amidst it all, he could feel them, having managed to find shadows even within the room to hide in.
The feeling was so unnerving, making the hair on the back of his neck stand up, that he couldn't get any proper sleep.
They were truly a bunch of madmen.
How in the world could the Cult Leader sleep with people like this around him?
Anyway, after spending his nights like that, he was so exhausted that he spent his days dozing off, unable to do anything.
Unable to sleep at night from the nerves, and unable to do anything during the day from dozing...
"Haa..."
A sigh escaped him automatically.
I have to leave this damn Demonic Cult quickly. At this rate, I'll have a nervous breakdown and won't even die a natural death.
"My lord! It's really time to go now!"
"..."
Wang Cheon kept calling.
I'm dead tired...
"My lord!"
"I know! I get it!"
Under the constant urging, Neung Un-bi finally managed to lift his heavy bottom off the floor.
Haa, let's go.
To hell with the birthday banquet. I'll just present the gift and then doze off for a bit.