Chapter 16
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Poison and a Promise
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Grind.
Veins bulged on her pale white fingers, and unable to contain her rage, crimson blood began to trickle from her clenched fist.
Yet, as if feeling no pain, the woman ground her teeth, glaring at the tournament grounds where the Sword Family Assembly was taking place.
How.
How could the ones receiving all the attention be that damn rogue and the other Namgung sons, and not her own?
The Namgung Family elders who had aligned with them had secretly sent word; this Sword Family Assembly was nothing less than the starting point of the succession war.
She knew instinctively, then, that her son had to display his boundless potential in this tournament and raise expectations as high as possible.
And so.
Did you deliver those secret manuals properly, Black Tiger?
Lady Pyeon had no choice but to press himBlack Tiger, the easiest one to push around.
The mission was completed.
The mission? Are you saying you don't know the result?
Well
If he had truly mastered those manuals, there's no way he would be reacting like that!
Just as she was about to scream at him for not even checking properly, Lady Pyeon caught sight of a child staring intently at her and stopped short.
Auntie! Your hand is bleeding! Blood!
It was Namgung Byeok, the youngest young lord of the Namgung Family, the one Lady Pyeon had tried to deal with in advance, fearing he might become an obstacle later. Her plans had been thwarted by the Great Young Lord's interference, but it didn't matter. He was a low-priority target she could handle anytime.
As Namgung Byeok made a fuss, the surrounding gazes turned to Lady Pyeon. She quickly smoothed over her contorting expression and hid her hands, afraid someone might see. Then, she forced a wide smile.
Oh, my. Byeok, you're so thoughtful. Thank you.
Hehe! It's nothing! Hehe!
Lady Baek, holding the brightly smiling Namgung Byeok, met Lady Pyeon's eyes, gave a slight nod, and then turned her gaze back to the tournament grounds.
Damn bitch.
Seducing the Family Head with that pretty face of yours, you've shamelessly made it this far.
As if I'd let a wench like you get a single coin. I'll never let that happen.
Seething with twisted resentment, Lady Pyeon shot a glare at Lady Baek before whipping her head around and motioning to Black Tiger.
How many more rounds are left, Black Tiger?
The first match has just ended. There are five more matches before the finals.
So there's still some time.
Staring blankly at Lady Pyeon, Black Tiger spoke cautiously.
It's just that Young Lord Gyeon still lacks real combat experience. If he uses this as a stepping stone to motivate himself and dedicates himself to his martial arts, he can certainly
Everything has its time and its flow. The Great Young Lord, who holds the title of 'rogue,' and his brothers, who are not yet fully matured. How long do you think they will wait for him?
At Lady Pyeon's endlessly cold tone, Black Tiger bit his lower lip.
But to do it honorably
If the Family Head had paid just a little more attention to Gyeon, would he have gone so astray? This is all the Family Head's fault.
Enough. Did you find out what I asked you earlier?
Cut off by Lady Pyeon's words, Black Tiger closed his mouth and nodded.
I have confirmed that the drinking water, tea, and light refreshments for the participants are prepared in the kitchen of the Namgung Family's annex.
Good.
May I ask why?
You don't need to know, Black Tiger. A mother does what a mother must. But please know and remember this one thing. When Gyeon becomes the Family Head in the future, you must ensure he never forgets his mother's contributions. Hoho.
Covering her mouth with the back of her hand as if something delighted her, Lady Pyeon left the stunned Black Tiger behind and walked away.
Following the direction Black Tiger had given her, she soon found the annex kitchen, bustling with people busy preparing refreshments and tea.
One of the Namgung Family's maids recognized Lady Pyeon, startling, and hastily bowed her head.
My lady. What brings you here?
Why? Have I come somewhere I shouldn't?
That is not what I meant.
Enough. Where is it?
Pardon?
I asked, where are the tea and refreshment trays for the Namgung young lords?
Uhm may I ask for what reason you inquire?
Glaring fiercely at the hesitating maid, Lady Pyeon took a step closer.
Is a mere thing like you questioning me?
Ah, ah I-I have committed a sin worthy of death.
The maid, who was already bowing so low her back was nearly bent in half, collapsed to the floor with a thud and pressed her forehead to the ground. It was a testament to the fearsome reputation Lady Pyeon had cultivated.
This is the last time I will be merciful. Do not make me ask the same question twice. Understand?
Yes, yes! My lady!
Lead the way.
Forced against her will, the maid had no choice but to lead Lady Pyeon to where the refreshment trays and teapots were.
Following the maid, Lady Pyeon arrived to see trays laid out on a table, one for each participant, including Namgung Ban, Namgung Hyeok, Namgung Gal, and Namgung Gyeon.
A smile formed on her lips.
Soon, the maids would move to distribute them to the Sword Family Assembly participants.
You must never speak of my visit here. Make sure the other maids who saw me keep their mouths shut as well. If a single word of this gets out, you will become dust, disappearing without a trace. Do you understand?
Ah, ah Yes, yes!
Tears welled up in the maid's large eyes at her words. She nodded her head several times, taking in Lady Pyeon's threat, and had to scurry away when told to return in a quarter of an hour.
Once she sensed she was alone, Lady Pyeon carefully unfolded a crumpled piece of paper from her robes. Seeing the fine white powder on it, she smiled with satisfaction.
Gentleman's Powder.
Just as its name, 'Gentleman,' suggested, it had the deadly advantage of causing no pain or harm, mixing seamlessly with water, and being especially difficult to detect. On the other hand, its poison was truly vicious, capable of preventing one from mustering their internal energy for twenty-four hours.
It had been difficult to obtain, but Lady Pyeon, judging this to be the perfect time, had no intention of stopping.
If they couldn't muster their internal energy, the Namgung young lords would all be eliminated before they even reached the finals.
Swish.
The Gentleman's Powder scattered, poured evenly into three teacups.
Hohoho, hohohohoho!
With everyone displaying such formidable skills, I, Namgungho, find myself truly impressed. I wonder if all of you feel the same.
At Namgungho's words, the crowd, which had been gasping in admiration at the Sword Family Assembly, erupted in cheers.
The support is more fervent than ever, and I find myself getting carried away by the excitement.
Stepping onto the blue steel stone floor where the Sword Family Assembly was held, Namgungho glanced over the tournament bracket. With the third round of matches now smoothly concluded, the pairings had begun to take shape.
The Namgung Family's infamous rogue, once a source of great concern, had transformed himself remarkably, and it was true that he had made a new, distinctly different impression on those who held countless grudges and resentments against him in Anhui.
Furthermore, the second young lord, Namgung Hyeok, and the third young lord, Namgung Gal, had displayed outstanding prowess, fighting on equal footing against young men four or five years their senior before ultimately clinching victory.
It was, in every sense, a festival celebrating the great fortune of the Namgung Family. And to heighten the excitement, Namgungho decided to put in a little more effort himself.
First, I, Namgungho, who has dedicated my entire being to the infinite glory and boundless prosperity of Anhui, would like to offer my thanks to you all once more.
Woooooaaaaah.
For all the people of Anhui who have responded with such passionate support and cheers, and for those who have traveled from afar, would it not be more enjoyable if this tournament became even more fierce than usual?
Hear, hear!
Make it more exciting!
Waaaaaah!
With every word from Namgungho, roars erupted, filling Anhui Castle.
And so, I make a request here today. To make this Sword Family Assembly shine even brighter, how about the Head of the Namgung Family personally offer words of encouragement and a fitting prize for the champion?
As he spoke, Namgungho naturally shifted his gaze, and the eyes of everyone watching the Sword Family Assembly followed, focusing on one spot: the seat where Namgung Mubaek, the master and head of the Azure Sky Namgung Family, was seated.
Of course, the head of the Namgung Family always personally commends the winner of the Sword Family Assembly and bestows a suitable reward.
But for Namgungho to bring it up again was a deliberate act to pour a barrel of oil on the blazing fire that was this tournament.
Because people go wild for the competitive drive to win such a prize and for the champion who earns it.
As the crowd's gazes and fervent cheers continued, Namgung Mubaek, as if he could no longer remain seated, slowly rose to his feet.
Namgung Mubaek swept his commanding gaze over the assembly before opening his mouth, his words seemingly heavy.
On my name, Namgung Mubaek, I will grant the winner whatever they desire. No matter what it is.
He finished his short, simple statement, but its implications were anything but light.
The ripples from that single, short sentence were immense.
G-grant a wish? On the Namgung Family Head's name?
He's lost his mind. What if someone asks to become the Namgung Head's disciple?
It's a promise made on his name, so of course he'd have to accept, right?
For those aiming for the Namgung throne, this could be their chance!
Wow!
Murmurs erupted from all corners, and the spectators' eyes widened in astonishment. Even Namgungho hadn't expected Namgung Mubaek to make such an unconventional offer; he could only stare at the Namgung Family Head with wide eyes.
Unsurprisingly, the Namgung Family elders and other officials were all mulling over Namgung Mubaek's declaration.
Th-this is utterly.
Family Head! What are you!
No matter the circumstances, to make such a declaration!
The elders' bewilderment was even greater.
Isn't this an open declaration that he'll appoint the winner as the Young Family Head?
He declared he would honor the winner's wish, no matter what it was. Doesn't that mean he'd have to immediately appoint the person they are backing as the Young Family Head?
He can't just say it; he has to show it through his actions.
Does this mean this Sword Family Assembly is no longer a simple festival and event, but should be seen as the competition for the position of Young Family Head?
Just as everyone's minds were reeling in confusion,
What are you doing? Proceed.
Snapping back to his senses at Namgung Mubaek's words, Namgungho had to compose himself to continue the tournament.
Truly, a grand gesture befitting the Head of the Azure Sky Namgung Family and his renowned title, the Azure Sky Divine Sword. Who could hear this and not feel their heart burn with passion? I imagine this will light a fire under the participants of this Sword Family Assembly, in particular. Hahaha!
In any case, just as Namgungho had intended, oil had been thoroughly poured on the fire.
And just as he said, the expressions on the faces of the participants, who were resting in their seats, were quite a sight to behold.
The participants' expressions were all the same. Namgung Mubaek's declaration had ignited in them a fierce determination to win.
All but one, that is.
As if.
The boy, arms crossed and face askew, wore a twisted smile.