Chapter 31
Chapter 31
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: A Lamp in the Wind
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They say it's like a lamp flickering in the wind.
And so is the future of the Sima family.
The leader of the Cheonak Gate stared at the candle flame before him. Its glow was faint. The wax had melted and pooled on the floor, burned down to nearly nothing.
How weak was that candle's light. The wick was almost at its end. The flame that had so little time left flickered as if it might go out at any moment.
This flame wouldn't last through the night.
Nor would the Sima family.
"Gate Leader."
A man stepped out from the shadows. Beside him stood another man who looked somewhat uneasy.
His gaze was downcast. His back was hunched. Even the sword strapped to it trembled faintly.
He was shaking. As if this were his first time in the field.
His skill was impossible to gauge. But the man beside him was different. The one who had spoken exuded overwhelming power, a beast in human form through sheer presence alone.
"I've heard the story."
"...I didn't expect the Soul-Seizing Sword himself to come."
"It's the renowned Sima family, isn't it? Even if the house is declining, someone of my caliber has to step up."
"And who is this beside you?"
"A disciple I took in. His talent is top-notch, even among the entire Rakshasa Sect."
"......."
"Ease your worries. It's natural to be tense. This is the boy's first real combat."
"...His first real combat...?"
Hopeful cultists were all sent to the Demonic Academy. Grasping the sword from a young age was the cult's iron rule.
Those without talent were weeded out there, while the talented endured to become true cult warriors.
It wasn't unheard of for the untalented to become warriors anyway.
But it was exceedingly rare for someone who had never seen real combat to become one.
"...Isn't he a boy from the Demonic Academy?"
"He was just a lowly laborer in the Rakshasa Sect. When I found him, he was skin and bones, hauling cargo."
"His age..."
"He's twenty-five now. It's been a year since I took him in."
"He picked up the sword far too late."
"And yet, he was worth taking in."
The Soul-Seizing Sword, No Ha-cheon, grinned.
"Would you believe me if I said he's already on the verge of breaking through a wall after less than a year with the sword?"
"...What do you...?"
"With more real combat, his growth will accelerate even further. That's why I keep him around."
The Cheonak Gate leader's face hardened.
"Elder No, we can't afford heavy bloodshed this time. The lower ranks have done nothing wrong. We should only seize those who started this."
"You have a soft heart. I'll keep that in mind. Where is the Blood Demon Squad now?"
"They're currently residing in the Sima family estate."
"Looks like you're right. They've been there nearly a month with no action..."
No Ha-cheon sighed.
"Is the intel solid?"
"Absolutely."
"They confirmed the Sima warehouse and still took no action. The Blood Demon Squad must be on the take. But it's surprising, Gate Leader. You, who values righteousness so highly, coming to us for help."
"We're but a small sect serving the Rakshasa Sect. Even if our roots trace back to the Sima family, we're far closer to the Rakshasa Sect now."
"You're right. Cheonak Gate and Rakshasa Sect are one. Who could've known the Sima family was siphoning off tribute meant for the Cult Leader? This ties directly to the Leader's prestige. Anyone involved will face severe punishment."
"The Sima family's plight is pitiful, but... as the head of my own sect, I couldn't stand by."
"I understand. It must've been a heavy decision. I reviewed all the evidence you sent-it's airtight. Our hidden agents checked the warehouse in secret. Several crates that should hold valuables were empty. And rumors of recent bandits have been stirring things up."
No Ha-cheon's expression turned icy.
"To stage a fake bandit attack just to divert tribute goods from the Sima family. If they'd sold some on the market, the trail might lead back, so they collude with the orthodox sects instead... What malice. Traitors among traitors."
"Elder, if he flees, I won't have the face to show the Cult Leader."
"I know. That's why I'm here myself. I'll drag that bastard back. If things go south, I'll bring the family head's head at least."
No Ha-cheon's voice was grave.
Impossibly so.
"Everything ends tonight."
The Cheonak Gate leader suppressed a smile with effort.
Yes. This night. Once it passes, all will go according to plan.
The bait was set, the justification ample.
Claiming a headless beast was simple.
The Sima family name would fade beneath Cheonak Gate's.
It's coming.
The finale of a years-long scheme.
...
"...Soul-Seizing Sword?"
Sima Ak's face stiffened.
"Soul-Seizing Sword No Ha-cheon is coming here?"
"Yes! That's right!"
"What is this... Cheonak Gate sold me out... Since when...?"
Through the stream of reports, I sensed one man's clear malice.
"There were never any damn bandits to begin with! We scoured the mountains-nothing! It was all just rumors!"
"The mysterious assailants who hit the merchant caravan..."
"I don't know about that part. But look at the circumstances! The rumors originated from Cheonak Gate territory. Phantoms with no substance are plaguing the Sima family. Bandits in disguise! And the source traces back to Cheonak Gate!"
"How did you find out?"
"Courtesans! Gamblers! Damn it! I have deep ties with the underbelly! I know how their world turns! Rats always know the most! And I came from that world! I tried to stop at a reasonable point... but with Number 30 on the job, no choice! I just couldn't rest easy!"
A document slipped from Number 20's bosom.
"This is something I nabbed from Cheonak Gate. Seduced one of their maids."
"......?"
"What?! So what?! Servants hate that stuff! And I don't even like women, so don't give me that look! It was just the mission!"
Sima Ak snatched the document.
His expression crumbled the moment he read it.
"...What is this...?"
"You can see what's written, right? One of the Sima family's warriors frequented Cheonak Gate. They probably thought it was discreet, but there were too many eyes. Plenty of witnesses."
"......"
"Collected their testimonies, pieced together the outline. Followed it to the shape, then the shadow itself. Needed solid proof, so I got this too."
Sima Ak staggered, clutching his forehead. I took the paper from his hand and examined it.
"Cheonak Gate has a secret warehouse only a select few can enter. Anyone who goes in gets their name logged-no exceptions. They manage the ledger meticulously to prevent internal betrayal. This is a copy of the deepest-hidden one. That's the item."
A name was listed.
Escort warrior Chu Ui-kyung's name.
"Chu Ui-kyung is the traitor. He diverted the tribute goods to Cheonak Gate. Motive unknown."
Solid...
Nearly ironclad proof.
Sima Ak leaned against the wall, face drained of color. He took a deep breath and looked up.
"...Why is the Soul-Seizing Sword suddenly heading here?"
"Word reached the Rakshasa Sect, which Cheonak Gate belongs to. When we didn't act, their leader reported us: 'Blood Demon Squad got the intel but won't do their duty justly. Must be bribes.' Turned a small issue big. Rakshasa Sect worries about our influence, so they sent someone. That's him."
"A Rakshasa Sect elite coming to arrest me."
"Yes. And conveniently grabbing us too. They'll interrogate after capture. But with Cheonak Gate's fabricated evidence looking airtight, if the family head is taken..."
"I'll die. Quietly. No one will complain even if I do."
"Even if Soul-Seizing Sword doesn't kill you, once you're in custody, Cheonak Gate will make their move from inside."
Number 20 turned to me.
"Number 30. Things got messy. We don't know how deep Cheonak Gate's infiltrated the Sima family. Escort warrior Chu Ui-kyung alone is bad enough-others might be in league too."
"No help coming, then."
"High chance they'll hand the family head straight to Cheonak Gate. And we'll see blood too. Way to stay out: pretend we saw nothing."
Number 20 was asking me.
That it wasn't too late to take the easy path.
"...Hand the Sima family head to Soul-Seizing Sword even now. Show we acted late but acted-avoids the bribe suspicion."
Cold words.
But the most sensible for survival.
I stayed silent. Soul-Seizing Sword. I'd heard the moniker before.
A famed expert in Rakshasa Sect. His involvement meant swift resolution.
Couldn't face him.
Just death.
I knew without meeting him-I couldn't win. His feats alone numbered dozens.
One doesn't earn a title lightly.
They wield the power to deserve another name.
"No time, Number 30."
Sima Ak stared at me wordlessly. His eyes near resignation.
I racked my brain. Cheonak Gate leader. His trap.
Long-prepared to topple the Sima family. Grudge or greed-who knows.
Key point: not too late. Press a blade to Sima Ak's neck now. Secure identity, hand to arriving Soul-Seizing Sword.
Blood Demon Squad gets proof of action; Soul-Seizing Sword takes Sima Ak.
Sima family head might die. The house uprooted.
But one could live.
At least I could.
"......."
What...
awaits me there?
Number 20 stamped impatiently. Sima Ak wiped his face.
"Chu Ui-kyung... How? He's served the Sima family since Grandfather's time."
"......"
"Was it all a vain dream? No point struggling from the start. If I'd known sooner, maybe. Too late to escape now. Even with this, no one will believe. Soul-Seizing Sword grabs me first; I'm dead the moment I'm caught."
"......"
"Number 30."
He looked at me.
"Capture me. Might save your worthless life."
"...Why."
"I'm tired. Exhausted."
Sima Ak chuckled bitterly.
"Time with you was hellish. Damn it. A nightmare I never want to relive. Told you to leave, but you stuck like glue."
"......"
"Whatever. Doesn't matter now. If you won't grab me, I'll walk out myself. Sima family head can't beg for life. At least die proud."
A sound scraped the outer wall. Something unknown approached.
Number 20 flinched and turned.
Killing intent flared. Silence descended.
Through it, a massive beast seemed to extend its claws.
"Sima family's new master will be Cheonak Gate."
Sima Ak stepped forward.
"...I can only hope for mercy."
Two figures landed before the building. Heavy footfalls shook the structure.
The frightened gatekeeper fled. The grounds filled with hush.
A hulking man strode forward. His glaring eyes and snow-white hair evoked a lion.
But different. If he was an endless predator...
---that one was a beast baring its fangs openly.
"Blood Demon Squad?"
Sima Ak snorted at the gruff query.
"They accused me. I was caught unable to move."
"...This differs from what I heard."
"You with Blood Demon Squad too? This is insane. No escape. Of all times, no escorts when this hits."
"Are you the Sima family head?"
"Yes. That's me. State your name."
"The world calls me Soul-Seizing Sword No Ha-cheon."
"A big shot arrives. Who's that beside you? Disciple? Ah. Doesn't matter anyway."
Sima Ak grinned wickedly.
"Hunt dogs come biting; no choice. Impressive... Blood Demon Squad. Forcing out hidden truths. You called them too?"
Acting.
For my sake.
"...Hmm. So Blood Demon Squad didn't take bribes?"
Thick brows twitched. Soul-Seizing Sword No Ha-cheon probed.
"Blood Demon Squad. Send him over. He committed treason diverting tribute for the Heavenly Demon. Rakshasa Sect will investigate fully; we'll secure him."
He extended a hand.
"Come here, Sima family head. Cooperate quietly, and I won't draw my sword."
Sima Ak stepped forward. I watched his foot.
It trembled. The toes. Fear gripped him, though he hid it.
He was scared too. His fate dangling precariously.
Yet...
Still, he advanced. Spouting lies, arrogantly curling his lip.
He defended me.
To keep me out of it.
「The master is a kind man, and our elders are kind too...」
Sima family servants liked him. Lowly ones admired him, striving to give more.
A man fighting alone to keep what was his. Sleepless toil, risking life to preserve the Sima name.
Sima One Sword.
I recalled his sword.
Pitiful, labored strike.
Deep in the wooden pillar, unyielding.
Number 20 whispered my name.
"Number 30."
I knew.
Not to step in.
Silence alone would resolve everything smoothly.
Mission complete. Cleared of suspicion, plus aid in capturing a traitor-word would spread.
First Demon would rejoice. Heavenly Demon would smile at my actions.
Merit built on lies.
Praise piled on falsehoods.
...But.
What meaning in that?
「It'll all work out, right?」
I remembered the young servant's talk. His voice lingered.
Trembling question. Candy he gave me.
That small voice raging in his stead to protect his lord.
That was Sima Ak.
No one stood by him now.
Then it must turn out right.
I'd already seen.
And what you've seen can't be unseen.
Even if all praise the false merit, I'd know.
This moment, eyes turned away.
"Sima Ak."
First time calling his name, not "family head."
Sima Ak turned. His face twisted.
"You don't mean..."
"What if you lie?"
I gripped my sword, channeling past words.
「...Of course.」
Meaning in the short reply.
Responsibility in every word spoken.
"One remains here."
Things eaten.
Things seen.
Things heard.
Face unbeatable foe.
Shared cup of liquor.
Crooked but honest talk.
Small promise atop it all...
「Everything will work out, little brother.」
Draw sword when the moment demands.
"---Sima family's escort warrior."