Sword Mound of Chunggyeong Castle (6)
So, right now, the young lord of Yeon Yu-mun thought the emperor sending a princess to push for the marriage was some kind of test or scheme.
No, why?
A fleeting doubt crossed his mind, but he soon nodded in understanding.
From his perspective, it made perfect sense.
The imperial envoys who had come to Chunggyeong Castle had exploited them, and not content with that, they had raped his sister, driving her to suicide.
Yet the emperor had done nothing to resolve it.
Only after the scandal erupted involving Crown Prince Ju-hyeon did the emperor dispatch the Gold Guard to handle it—but by then, the castle lord had lost an arm, and the young lord of Yeon Yu-mun had suffered great humiliation at their hands.
If I hadn't intervened, he would have met the same horrific end as in his previous life.
Thinking about it that way, the emperor looks like a real villain.
But from the emperor's side, it was unjust too—the incident stemmed from the Gold Guard he had trusted.
Still, since the emperor had sent the envoys who plundered Chunggyeong Castle and dispatched the Gold Guard, the young lord of Yeon Yu-mun, poised to inherit the castle lord's position, had every reason to feel uneasy.
He might even suspect they were plotting to eliminate them under the pretext of lusting after the princess.
That's why he was asking like this.
"I don't fail to understand your anxiety, young lord. But this time, you have no need to worry."
"You're saying it's not a trap?"
"Exactly. In truth, the previous incident shocked His Majesty as well. When you think about it, he nearly lost his son because of the subordinates he trusted, didn't he?"
"That's true."
"His Majesty wishes for his influence to reach every corner of the empire. That's why he sent the princess here."
I continued.
"And the princess who has come this time is one of His Majesty's most cherished daughters. She's exceptionally wise, so she won't bring harm to Chunggyeong Castle."
I smiled.
"Besides, who would dare play foul where the princess resides? That would elevate a mere bribery charge to high treason, punishable by the severest penalty."
He nodded at my explanation.
"Now that you mention it, that makes sense. But..."
He trailed off, looking worried.
"Working in the imperial palace must be tough, right?"
"Pardon?"
"Once this is over, I'll have to go to the palace too. You said you'd help me build practical skills by staying there for three years. A son-in-law without real-world experience—what use is he...?"
He gazed up at the sky with a gloomy expression, leaving me speechless.
Well, His Majesty is indeed a fearsome man.
No matter the circumstances, he wouldn't pair his beloved princess with someone lacking.
He's pushing this marriage because the young lord shows such promise.
Huh? So he's taking the son of Chunggyeong Castle's lord as a hostage and plans to make full use of him.
"..."
I reached out, patted his shoulder, and said,
"Don't worry too much. His Majesty knows exactly how hard to push without causing overwork death. You won't die from exhaustion."
.
.
.
After breakfast, we immediately began exploring the sword mound.
The most crucial task was investigating the entrances and exits.
That was left to the imperial experts who had come with us.
Curious as to why the imperial household had specialists skilled in tomb raiding, I asked Kwon Daewoo.
"Ah, well, you see..."
Kwon Daewoo explained readily.
"There are more grave robbers than you'd think. They've become experts from doing it so much."
"Ah... I see."
What an absurd reason.
"We've found the sword mound's entrance."
At that moment, Cha Geoi, the head craftsman leading the experts, approached us.
"So it really exists. Where is it?"
"I'll guide you there."
We headed to the reported entrance of the sword mound.
Hm? This place?
Seeing it, I blinked in surprise.
This was exactly where the young lord of Yeon Yu-mun had brought me that morning to consult his worries.
In other words, inside the castle.
Deep within the inner citadel, no less.
That's why they were scheming to seize or destroy Chunggyeong Castle.
To enter the sword mound, they'd have to deal with the current rulers first.
"We're now searching for a smaller entrance."
Cha Jangdu seemed convinced there was another one.
I asked,
"It'd be great if there was another entrance, but does it really exist?"
"Of course."
Cha Jangdu replied.
"Places like sword mounds almost always have two entrances. They've gone to great lengths with traps and mechanisms—turning back inside would be like smashing your own finely crafted pottery. Unless you're dying in there, there has to be an exit that lets you leave without damaging the contents."
"I see."
About an hour had passed since we arrived at the sword mound's entrance upon notification.
Then, someone shouted.
"Here! We found the dog hole!"
Dog hole?
Noticing my confusion, Cha Jangdu explained.
"We call the secondary entrance a dog hole."
"Well, it fits the name."
"Then we'll begin the next phase."
"Proceed."
Kwon Daewoo nodded, and Cha Jangdu headed toward the sword mound's entrance.
A moment later, Kwon Daewoo murmured softly.
"Thanks, by the way."
"Pardon?"
"The young lord of Yeon seems resolved."
Ah, he's talking about the marriage to the princess.
But pretending ignorance wouldn't help here.
"I'm not entirely sure what you mean."
"Haha, no need to play coy. I already know the young lord consulted you. You encouraged him."
"Ah..."
I scratched the back of my neck.
What did I say again?
I'd said he wouldn't die from overwork—did he take that as encouragement?
"He seemed scared from the horrific ordeal, so I just cleared up the misunderstanding."
"I see. And you're not surprised."
"About what?"
"Didn't you realize Seo-im Daewon was the princess?"
I feigned shock at his words.
"What? Really?"
"...You seem genuinely surprised, but I know you too well. His Majesty said you'd have figured it out already. So, when did you?"
"The first day."
"Ahem, I see."
I'd imagined sword mound exploration as blindly stumbling forward, but the experts moved with surprising systematic precision.
"Judging by this entrance's shape, something heavy drops from above as soon as you enter."
"But we don't know if it's triggered by opening the door or by detecting weight."
"Then toss in some bait."
"Yes."
They opened the door and threw in sandbags roughly matching a person's weight.
Thud-!
As expected, a massive stone structure crashed down from above.
Anyone ignorant enough to just open and enter would've been flattened.
Ugh... Terrifying just thinking about it.
"Then let's clear this rock."
"Yes!"
The stonemasons rushed in, chipping away the boulder, creating a safe entry path.
This is why they're tomb and sword mound specialists.
Imperial tombs or sword mounds all follow similar structures.
It's no wonder they say leave leatherwork to tanners and pottery to potters.
"Entering!"
Entry soon began, with the warriors splitting into two teams: two-thirds going in, the rest guarding outside for emergencies.
"Eun So-danju."
"Yes."
"Planning to go in too?"
I nodded at Kwon Daewoo's question.
"Yes, of course."
"It could be dangerous."
"I'm prepared for that."
"True enough. And considering your skills, you might be safer than us. Very well, do as you wish."
"Thank you."
With Kwon Daewoo's permission, I called my group.
"I'm heading into the sword mound now. We need to decide who stays behind. Two volunteers."
"..."
No one responded.
Every eye burned with determination to follow me no matter what.
"I will absolutely go in with you, young master!"
"What are you talking about? You stay here."
"Pardon? What nonsense is that?"
"If I go inside, who'll manage supplies for everyone here in my stead?"
"Lieutenant Gwak is here."
"Then who'll assist Lieutenant Gwak?"
"...Me."
"Exactly."
Palgap's ears drooped like a sulking bear in an instant.
"I'm entrusting it to him because it's you. If you don't understand that, it'll break my heart..."
I pretended to wipe a tear.
"N-no, young master! I was short-sighted!"
Palgap quickly corrected himself upon seeing me.
"Of course! As your loyal servant, I must stay here so you won't worry."
"Good, take care."
I turned to the warriors. The tension had eased a bit thanks to Palgap.
Myongjong Warrior spoke first.
"First, Jin Yu Warrior must go. And for the lord's safety, prioritize high-realm experts."
Regret filled his face.
He clearly disliked suggesting he be left behind.
After a moment's thought, I called out names.
"I'll take Jin Yu Warrior, Myongjong Warrior, Changun Warrior, and I-pil Warrior."
"Pardon?"
Everyone's eyes widened in surprise.
Seeing their puzzled looks, I explained calmly.
"This experience will be invaluable for you all."
If I always took only the high-realm escorts, the lower ones would have no chance to grow.
I wanted to give them this opportunity to gain experience.
Of course, it was risky—but warriors who avoid danger never improve.
With the sword mound experts and Gold Guard, it shouldn't be too perilous.
Moreover, Seo-u Warrior and Yeo Eung-am Warrior had duties here.
I sent them a sound transmission, and they nodded.
"Prepare to depart."
"Yes."
Turning to Seo-hyang Sojeo, she said,
"Please take care."
"I will."
"And..."
She whispered something softly, and I smiled.
"Thanks for the advice."
Thump-thump-thump!
With the drumbeat came Kwon Daewoo's voice from behind.
"Entering now!"
"Yes!"
.
.
.
We entered cautiously.
The craftsmen had already cleared a path, so movement was fairly easy.
Everyone inside had assigned roles.
The craftsmen dismantled traps and mechanisms to blaze the trail.
If force was needed, the Gold Guard took the front while craftsmen fell back.
The laborers we brought prepared meals or carried gear.
As supply manager, I coordinated the laborers.
The sword mound's interior was pitch black, requiring torches.
I led the laborers, torch in hand, touching walls confirmed safe.
Even underground, there was no characteristic dampness.
The builder must have been a master craftsman.
Ordinary sword mounds suffer from accumulated moisture, but this one, ancient as it was, had almost none.
And in the humid Yunnam Province, no less.
What on earth is this sword mound for?
Why invest such immense money, time, and effort?
I followed the front line with those questions in mind, then sent a sound transmission to Geum-ryeong.
—Geum-ryeong.
—Kkwi?
—If you sense anything valuable here, let me know.
—Kkwi? Kkwi?
—Silver coins? Of course I'll pay.
—Kkwi!
I felt Geum-ryeong wagging its tail excitedly in my sleeve after our deal.
We walked for about an hour.
Hunger was starting to set in.
"Eun So-danju, prepare a meal."
"Understood."
Kwon Daewoo announced a break for all, and laborers readied food at my command.
Not ideal for a leisurely meal or proper cooking, so it was jerky, dried fruit, and tea.
"Sorry it's so simple."
"Nonsense."
Cha Gongdu said,
"This is a feast. In the last tomb, we chewed raw rice."
"Elder! Those nightmares again!"
"Haha, sorry."
I smiled at their banter, glancing at Kwon Daewoo.
The Gold Guard ate without complaint.
They were used to sparse meals on duty.
After eating, we resumed exploration.
Two more hours passed, yet no sign of the goal.
Geum-ryeong was quiet, so we must be far from valuables.
"We can rest here."
"Agreed."
It was a wider clearing than before, perfect for a short sleep.
"And don't touch anything except what we deem safe."
"Got it."
I tasked the laborers with meal prep.
Then—
Rumble-rumble-rumble.
Suddenly, the sword mound began to shake.