Stealing the Chair (3)
The suspension notices weren't just for Moyong Jaehwa's class. The White Tiger Sword Formation class for the qualifiers, the theoretical classes on ice and fire arts including the five elements qi—every single class Jin Sowoon had created received suspension orders. And this was for a representative team that hadn't even been officially approved yet.
"This crosses the line—way over it! I know a threat like this is nothing to you, Lord Jin, but...!"
Even the usually composed Eunho couldn't hide his agitation at Seong Moran's words.
"Senior Brother, we need to file a formal protest."
"......"
But Jin Sowoon simply sat with both hands on the table, covering his mouth, silent as ever. Those who had been fired up suddenly felt a chill from his gaze.
'Senior Brother's at it again...?'
'Lord Jin's scheming something...?'
Was it because half his face was hidden? Even Namgung Seonhwa couldn't quite read his intentions as she stared at him.
Then Nam Hwaseong shot to his feet.
"Fuck this! This is bullshit! Just say the word, Representative Jin! You won't even have to lift a finger—I'll go break every damn leg in the Baekdohoe!"
As he glared up at the fuming Nam Hwaseong, Jin Sowoon finally spoke.
"Sit down, you spy."
"F-Fuck, I'm not a spy!"
The word "spy," usually tossed out as a casual joke, came out flat and emotionless this time. Namgung Seonhwa felt a twinge of unease and moved to calm the group.
"Hold on... We need to think this through calmly. If they're being this bold, they must have something solid backing them."
Her words brought the excited group back to their senses one by one.
"Sister Seonhwa's right. Either way, if we go by academy student participation rates, we're at an advantage."
Jang Ujae nodded at Hong Saryeon's comment.
"True, but according to Lady Namgung, the instructors have already been informed. They must have pulled strings from their families."
"......"
"The best would be to disband them outright, but if not, we need more mobilized personnel than them for the event. That way, even if the instructors step in, they'll lose their justification."
The shift in numbers supporting Jin Sowoon wasn't dramatic.
"Roughly a little over half, I'd say..."
Eunho's estimate matched what everyone in the representative committee expected for academy student participation.
"It'd be great if the Jeongdohoe members who went to Sichuan joined in."
"The lay sect disciples will step up, but the key Jeongdohoe figures are the worry."
"Representative Jin... what are your thoughts?"
As Jang Ujae spoke, expectant gazes turned to Jin Sowoon.
# I had no choice but to admit it. I didn't want to, but I had to.
This itchy feeling at the tip of my nose.
'Hmm... the fragrance still lingers.'
I had no idea. That tea was so fragrant.
Chilsik-hwa really was delicious. No wonder Beijing's high officials preferred it over army mountain dew or dragon well tea.
I'd thought it was just bitter at first sip, but its subtle aroma lingered in my mouth all day. Even the next day and the day after, the taste stuck with me. Top-notch stuff.
Part of me wanted to head back to Jegal Jeonggi for more freebies, but those guys were at odds with our representative team right now. Too many eyes around—no way I could just stroll in.
I'd even asked the maid if she could get me some chilsik-hwa, but she flat-out refused, saying ten stalks cost a month's groceries for an average family. I had money, sure, but I wasn't brain-dead enough to blow it on that.
'How can I score chilsik-hwa without paying?'
I was lost in that thought when—
"Lord Jin! You're not plotting something bad, are you?"
I snapped back and looked around. Everyone stared at me with worried faces.
'What's going on?'
Then it hit me. Jegal Jeonggi had suspended my classes.
Why was that guy stirring up pointless trouble?
Sure, he'd tried planting guilt in me last time, but did he really think that'd work? In a drought-stricken desert, even weeds won't grow. Before a winter avalanche, even vibrant flowers freeze and die. As if I'd feel guilt for striking back at people coming for me.
He saw me as a total pushover. Guess that's what happens when you grow up pampered in one of the Five Great Families.
To reassure the flustered committee, I looked each one in the eye.
"Don't worry. I'm not shaken by cheap provocations like this."
"......"
Huh? But their stares felt off. Especially Eunho, who'd known me since we were kids—pure bafflement in his eyes.
What was with the vibe?
"Eunho. Why are you staring like that?"
My question made his expression even stranger.
"Senior Brother... do we look like we're worried about you?"
"Huh?"
Who else would you be worried about if not me...?
Then Nam Hwaseong jumped in.
"See? He has no clue how dangerous and crazy he is! I've known since he casually brought back that Blood Cult young lord's head...!"
What the hell was this guy on about? I was about to snap back when—
The whole committee nodded along with him. Seriously, what?
Seong Moran spoke up next.
"Lord Jin... even if you're pissed, taking all their heads as interim rep execs is something you should really hold off on... "
What the hell were they talking about? That's when I realized the real issue.
They weren't worried I'd get hurt by Jegal Jeonggi and the Baekdohoe's schemes.
'They're scared I'll go overboard instead?'
Should I be grateful they trusted me that much, or pissed they saw me as some heartless maniac? Tch.
I cleared my throat to reassure the execs in a different way.
"Ahem, don't worry. Chopping heads is a hassle anyway. And with their backers, cleanup would be a pain..."
"......"
Hmm, it was a joke, but why did their faces go even paler? Anyway, after soothing the execs as their rep, I pictured Jegal Jeonggi.
He acted all smug, but it seemed like a puffed-up defense against his own impatience.
What had driven him to snatch the rep seat so desperately?
'Probably something the Jegal family finished.'
If so, his aggressive moves made sense. Something world-shaking was coming, so snagging one academy rep spot was no big deal to him.
As I pondered, resolve hardened on Namgung Seonhwa's face.
"I'll look into it more for now."
Unlike the others, worry for me showed on her face.
Made me feel kinda awkward.
"It's fine..."
Bang—
Before I could finish, she stormed out.
"It really is fine..."
Truth was, I'd already roughed out a plan to deal with Jegal Jeonggi and his fake team.
Still, her running around to help warmed my heart. Then a great idea hit.
Thud.
"Senior Brother?"
Maybe I slammed the table too hard. My palm stung.
"I'll go meet Jegal Jeonggi for a bit."
"M-Meet him? To do what? You’re not gonna smash his head, right? If you do now..."
What did people think I was?
"Just talk."
No one would guess I was there for chilsik-hwa.
# "L-Lady Namgung... Didn't I tell you? This is trouble..."
The man glanced around frantically, checking for onlookers. Getting caught with her could get him booted from the Baekdohoe anytime.
"That's why I'm asking. What's Jegal Jeonggi so confident about? What'd he prepare to act this blatant?"
"I don't know."
He tried to wrap it up and bolt, but Namgung Seonhwa blocked him, pressing relentlessly.
"Scared of Gipyo oppa but not me?"
"......"
"You know the hierarchy between main and branch Namgung is getting sorted, right?"
"......Haa."
He scanned around, then whispered as low as possible.
"Heard the Jegal family prepared something new."
"Something new?"
"Yeah. And at the same time, formation masters setting up absolute barriers..."
As Namgung Seonhwa hung on his every word—
The man trailed off, staring shocked behind her.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"......I-I, th-this is..."
A powerful aura grazed past Namgung Seonhwa and slammed the man's chest.
Cough.
"Urk!"
The man spat blood from the sudden ambush.
"What is this!"
Namgung Seonhwa moved to react but froze upon seeing the attacker.
"Gipyo... oppa."
There stood Namgung Gipyo, his eyes sharper than usual.
# 'Ah... why...'
I'd visited the fake rep team, but no chilsik-hwa this time. Jegal Jeonggi loved showing off, though...
Run out already?
"What brings you here today?"
"What do you think?"
I dazedly eyed the army mountain dew, then looked up to see Jegal Jeonggi smirking triumphantly.
What to say? Admit I came for chilsik-hwa? Would he share?
"......Hm. What do you think brought me here?"
He spun his finger on the table, then met my eyes.
"Dunno. If it's about the suspension notices, no need. They’re meaningless if you hold the rep seat."
Jegal Jeonggi was definitely a step below Jegal Cheongi.
He gestured at me with his chin.
"Exactly."
Why had past-life Jegal Cheongi rotted in prison while this guy thrived in the Murim Alliance with family backing?
"That confident?"
He swept his hand around the room.
"Would I spend this much otherwise?"
The fake rep office was decked out—top-grade furniture and finishes. Especially his work chair: plain at first glance, but channeling energy revealed meticulous craftsmanship everywhere. A luxury piece.
Ho, nice.
"That chair's unique..."
"Heh. You noticed? Only third-rank officials and above in Beijing use those. Real luxury."
Damn, seriously nice.
"What happens to all this if the fake team disbands?"
Laughter leaked from Jegal Jeonggi's mouth.
"Who knows? Never thought about it."
If it all got scrapped post-dissolution, it'd hurt. What a waste. Extravagance is like an enemy to watch. Frugality ties to character and morals.
And mine was pretty solid.
"If the fake team disbands, why not leave the facilities? No room to take them anyway."
"......"
Jegal Jeonggi's face stiffened for the first time.
"Betting on Hyeonsanpa? Won't happen. Once you see what Baekdohoe prepared..."
"If you're that sure, promise to leave it all."
He leaned back, trying to look imposing.
"Haha! Confident in the master invite? Too bad, can't count on Namgung help..."
All talk, as usual. I cut him off.
"So you'll leave it? Or haul it off like beggars?"
"......"
After a couple interruptions, irritation showed on his face. Tough luck. I liked the setup—and the chilsik-hwa.
I scanned the room with calm eyes again.
"Consumables inside too, ideally."
Then magnanimously added,
"Oh, and we'll announce it as a Baekdohoe donation."
"......Do what you want."
I nodded cheerfully at Jegal Jeonggi, who trembled but forced a smirk.
"Oh right! Why army mountain dew today instead of chilsik-hwa? Not out, I hope?"
His face crumpled like paper.
Oh well. I'd come for the tea originally.
# "What the hell are you doing!"
Namgung Gipyo sneered at Namgung Seonhwa.
"Dealt with a rat."
"......"
"Not like you. Spying? He put you up to it?"
"Spying? That's harsh, oppa."
Tsk. Namgung Gipyo clicked his tongue in disgust.
"Heard you’ve been poking around the academy. For that Jin Sowoon?"
"I moved for the legitimate rep team."
"Even selling out Grandpa for him."
"......What are you even saying!"
"Like him that much you'd betray the family?"
"......"
Namgung Seonhwa bit her lip.
"Namgung has traditionally been part of the Five Families in Baekdohoe. Our people and lay sects are all under it."
Namgung Gipyo bored into her.
"And a main line Namgung betrays Baekdohoe for her man, selling out the family... No shame?"
She knew the whispers behind her. But she didn't retort because it wasn't valid.
Baekdohoe membership wasn't mandatory. Nor were all their actions just.
Just look at their moves against legit rep Jin Sowoon.
Still, the barbs stabbed her heart. She knew allying with him was right, yet a sliver of guilt for betraying others choked her.
Namgung Gipyo exploited that weakness perfectly.
"Shameless bitch."
Namgung Seonhwa froze like her pressure points were sealed, unable even to flinch at the insult. Only massive shame flushed her face.
Thud.
A dull impact, and Namgung Gipyo crumpled with a weird expression.
"Wh-Which bastard!"
He thrashed, scrambling up.
But—
Thud.
Another thud, and he clutched his face, screaming.
"Argh!"
Calm footsteps cut through the scream.
"This guy's totally nuts. No low too dirty for Lady Seonhwa."
The familiar rough voice belonged to none other than Jin Sowoon.
=======
Hello. This is Jeok Seolmok.
Thank you so much for all the overwhelming interest in Jin Sowoon lately. Thanks to you, I've been able to write his story day by day with real joy as an author—I'm always deeply grateful.
Recently, back-to-back COVID and enteritis plunged me into a deep qi deviation funk, messing with my condition. Seems like it affected the work; I sense some of you readers felt it was a bit off.
Fortunately, I met a renowned divine physician who fed me the spirit elixirs of the herb gatherers, pulling me out of qi deviation. Now I just need to get my groove back.
I'll work hard to get Jin Sowoon's tale back on track. Please keep enjoying his story.
Oh, and one more chapter goes up in about an hour today. Thanks always.
Jeok Seolmok