A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 254

254. The Heir of the Sword King Family

The Namgung Clan reigns supreme in Gangnam’s martial world, proudly known as a Sword King family.

The head of the family inherits the title of Thunder Sword and vows to never kneel before anyone.

However, the current head, Thunder Sword Namgung Kwon, felt the urge to kneel at any moment. The person scowling before him was none other than his father, the previous Thunder Sword, Namgung Cheon.

In the quiet room, occupied only by the two of them late into the night, silence had stretched for a full hour.

The former Thunder Sword, Namgung Cheon, sat before tea that had long gone cold, his eyes closed as if his son Namgung Kwon wasn’t even present.

“How was it?”

Suddenly, Namgung Cheon asked. Namgung Kwon, who had been looking down silently, quietly spoke.

“I realized there’s a sky I don’t know.”

Namgung Kwon’s shoulders trembled slightly as he spoke, not because of his father, Namgung Cheon, but because of the scene he had involuntarily recalled.

The unbelievable sword path [a swordsman’s journey or skill] that sent shivers down his spine just by thinking about it.

“Tsk tsk, didn’t I tell you? There’s a sky above the sky.”

In terms of martial mastery, Namgung Cheon was also an expert of the Outer World [a realm beyond the traditional martial arts world]. Since childhood, Namgung Cheon wasn’t just an expert to Namgung Kwon, but an absolute idol.

Just as the sky is naturally higher than the ground, it was only natural that he couldn’t reach his father’s level.

The level of Namgung Cheon that Namgung Kwon had witnessed was an object of awe and admiration.

However, the level of swordsmanship displayed by someone other than his father, a young man younger than himself, was a tremendous shock, a shock that felt like the sky was falling.

“Do you think it’s just Bin? That child known as the Sword Goddess of Destruction, the poison user of the Tang family—no, not a poison user anymore. And even the young man from Wudang [a famous Taoist monastery and martial arts school], all of them are capable of competing with this father.”

Namgung Kwon gritted his teeth. Emotionally, it was something he could never accept, but he couldn’t dare to deny it.

The Namgung family is a Sword King family, and they are more truthful than anyone else before the sword. Having witnessed their swordsmanship, how could he deny it?

“Why… why haven’t these people been known yet?”

It was a perfectly natural question, but instead of answering, Namgung Cheon looked at his son Namgung Kwon.

“You are smart and have deep schemes. Your ideas and responses are flexible, and you also have the ability to control people. For example, declaring that you wouldn’t oppose the Blood 봉 [a powerful and potentially dangerous group or faction] at the last meeting was truly timely. Above all, you succeeded in gaining the trust of Bin, who stepped in as a mediator.”

Namgung Kwon listened silently to his father’s praise. Namgung Cheon continued to speak.

“What is the Blood 봉 to us? Even if we lose half of Gangnam, it would be worth it if we could gain Bin’s trust. You instinctively realized that. If it’s you, you will probably increase the family’s prestige more than twofold within ten years, both in terms of honor and practical benefits.”

Namgung Cheon looked at his son Namgung Kwon with sparkling eyes. His voice was like that of a stern judge.

“So, if you are satisfied with being the head of the Namgung family, I have nothing more to say to you. Continue to live without knowing anything, considering them merely as eccentric people of the martial world. That is for your own good.”

Namgung Kwon bit his lip. Namgung Cheon, who was speaking, was no longer his father. He was an existence beyond the heavens, looking down on him from a distant, high place.

“But if you want to step into this place, you must be prepared to abandon everything you have.”

“Even… my life?”

“Life?”

Namgung Cheon smiled faintly, a sneer.

“Why fear a death that comes in an instant? What you must face is endless despair and frustration. When you stand before that fearful and cruel wall, you will realize to the bone why death is called an escape.”

Namgung Kwon clenched his fist, his large shoulders trembling.

“What are you going to do?”

There was a faint smile mixed in Namgung Cheon’s voice, because he already knew his son’s answer.

“I… cannot choose.”

Namgung Kwon raised his head, and when his eyes met Namgung Cheon’s, Namgung Cheon realized that one of his wishes had been fulfilled at this moment.

“Because my path has already been decided.”

The eyes of Namgung Kwon, looking at Namgung Cheon, were more challenging than ever, and burning more fiercely than anyone else. It was the very look he had wanted to see his entire life.

Thump.

Namgung Kwon rose from his seat and, without hesitation, knelt on the bare floor.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Namgung Kwon, the head of the Namgung family, bowed three times, not caring that his clothes were getting dirty, nor about the family’s rule that the head should not kneel before anyone.

“Namgung Kwon, I humbly await your teachings.”

Namgung Kwon said while kneeling. The former Thunder Sword, Namgung Cheon, did not answer, but his eyes were shining with joy.

“Good.”

Namgung Cheon said like a sigh, but it was a sigh of joy.

“Now, at last, I have found the one to inherit the Sword King family.”

With the current power and influence alone, the Namgung family will continue to exist.

However, for the Namgung family to reign as a true Sword King family, something more is needed.

That is the meaning of what Namgung Cheon said.

The voice of the former Thunder Sword, Namgung Cheon, was trembling faintly with joy. The future of the Namgung family was shining brightly before his eyes.

*

*

*

The next morning, Son Bin and the Blood 봉一行 [Blood 봉’s group] leaving the Namgung family were receiving a respectful send-off.

Although there weren’t many people in attendance, it could be said to be an extremely gracious send-off as the head of the family, Namgung Kwon, and the former Thunder Sword, Namgung Cheon, came out to see them off in person.

“Thank you, Great Person Son.”

The current head of the family, Namgung Kwon, paid his respects to Son Bin. It was a sincere respect, quite different from before when he treated him as ‘Father’s guest’.

Son Bin returned the greeting.

“I am the one who should be grateful. If the head of the family hadn’t trusted me, a young man, I wouldn’t have been able to fulfill my duty.”

The middle-aged Namgung Kwon smiled instead of answering.

Considering his years and reputation in the martial world, Son Bin’s words of ‘trusting him’ were natural, but in terms of swordsmanship, it was the opposite.

Son Bin had bestowed a favor on the Namgung family without any expectation of compensation.

Namgung Kwon, who was looking at Son Bin, quietly spoke.

“Will I ever… be able to exchange swords with Great Person Son?”

Namgung Kwon’s tone was so polite that Son Bin was rather embarrassed. Son Bin nodded.

“Of course. Ah, and I am not worthy of being called a Great Person…”

“Thank you.”

Namgung Kwon paid his respects again and continued.

“Of course, not right away… But I will definitely visit you.”

The spirit of Namgung Kwon speaking was quite impressive. Because of that, Son Bin also forgot what he was going to say and nodded seriously.

The head of the family, Namgung Kwon, then smiled again.

“The Namgung family never forgets a favor. As one who stands on the path of the sword, the Namgung family will gladly draw their swords at any time for Great Person Son, who has given us deep enlightenment.”

His words were heavy and meaningful. Son Bin was well aware that it wasn’t a simple figure of speech, so Son Bin responded to the words of the head of the family, Namgung Kwon, with a respectful greeting.

“Thank you.”

Namgung Kwon replied with a smile once more, then turned and paid respects to Noh Gun and Shinui, Sasu-yeon and Dang Worae, as well as Seo Rin, one by one.

“Thank you, Young Master Son.”

Namgung Hyang approached Son Bin with graceful steps and expressed her gratitude. Son Bin also paid his respects to her.

“You’re welcome, Miss Namgung. I am the one who should be grateful for the gracious hospitality.”

“It was a reckless request that I made arbitrarily, but you have worked so hard, I really don’t know how to thank you.”

“What do you mean? When you think about it, I didn’t do much.”

The agreement between the Namgung family and the Blood 봉 was concluded well even without Son Bin.

However, without Son Bin, the agreement itself wouldn’t have been possible.

“I am rather glad that I could be of help to you, Miss.”

Namgung Hyang said with a soft smile.

“That word is more pleasing to me than anything else.”

As a result of this incident, Namgung Hyang has solidified her position within the family.

It is also true that she has gained the full trust of the current head of the family, Namgung Kwon.

But Son Bin’s heart, which wanted to help her, was the best gift for her more than anything else.

Looking at Son Bin, Namgung Hyang continued to speak.

“Can I… send you letters again?”

Coming to the Namgung family this time, Son Bin brought a reply to her letters. There were more letters than she thought she had sent to the Seowon [a private academy], so Son Bin’s reply was quite long.

“Of course.”

Son Bin nodded.

“And one more thing.”

Son Bin moved closer to Namgung Hyang and lowered his voice. Namgung Hyang also brought her head closer to Son Bin. Son Bin whispered to Namgung Hyang.

“I want to know more about Miss’s opinion on that book from last time. I don’t know much about the martial world…”

“Are you going to do something?”

Namgung Hyang’s eyes sparkled. Son Bin smiled.

“Yes. I can’t just sit still and wait. I would be even happier if Miss could give me appropriate advice.”

Namgung Hyang laughed.

“Okay. After I analyze the book in detail, the contents…”

Namgung Hyang’s face turned red as she spoke. Suddenly, she realized that Son Bin’s face was too close. She didn’t notice because she was lowering her voice.

“The, the contents will be summarized in a, a letter…”

Her voice became smaller and smaller because of her shyness. Son Bin unknowingly brought his ear closer, and thanks to that, Namgung Hyang couldn’t even finish what she was saying.

“If, if you do this…”

“Yes?”

Son Bin looked at Namgung Hyang with a puzzled expression, and her face was too close. Surprised, Son Bin stepped back and coughed dryly.

Namgung Hyang lowered her head and stroked her flushed cheeks with one hand.

Son Bin quickly looked back at his party. Fortunately, everyone seemed to be busy greeting each other and not paying attention to this side. Or maybe they were pretending not to notice.

“I’m, I’m sorry.”

Son Bin apologized to Namgung Hyang. Namgung Hyang also nodded slightly, but somehow the atmosphere became awkward.

The people who changed the atmosphere were Blood 봉 and 귀견수라 [Ghostly Crazed Asura, likely a title or nickname]. Blood 봉, riding in a small cart, approached Son Bin and paid his respects. Son Bin welcomed Blood 봉 금사련 [Geum Sa-ryeon, likely a name] with a delighted expression.

“Miss Geum Sa-ryeon.”

“Thank you. I really don’t know how to express my gratitude.”

Son Bin lowered his body to match the eye level of Blood 봉 금사련.

“You’re welcome. I am the one who should be grateful. If it weren’t for Miss Geum, I would still be hesitating.”

“Young Master Son is the one who found the way. If it weren’t for Young Master Son…”

Blood 봉 금사련 paused for a moment and said with a firm expression.

“In fact, even this agreement is only a temporary reprieve for us. The fundamental problem still remains.”

The dispute between the Namgung family and the Blood 봉 has been settled for now, but the dead cannot return, and the bloody past cannot be erased. So Blood 봉’s words that it is only a temporary reprieve are correct.

“But that time is a time that could change the fate of many people. And the person who gave us that opportunity is Young Master Son. To me, and…”

Turning his head and looking up at 귀견수라 Arang, Blood 봉 continued to speak.

“To Arang too.”

귀견수라, who was holding Blood 봉’s cart, bowed his head and paid his respects to Son Bin.

He is still silent, and the expression hidden under the black hat is stiff.

But his eyes definitely had some kind of composure flowing out. He is no longer being chased.

“We will be very busy when we return. Now there is no reason to hesitate, no time to waste. But someday later, when we have time…”

Blood 봉 금사련’s small, white face hesitated as he looked at Son Bin.

“Can we visit the Seowon?”

“Of course.”

Son Bin stood up and paid his respects to Blood 봉 and 귀견수라.

“If it’s the two of you, you are welcome anytime.”

Blood 봉 금사련’s face brightened up, and he turned to look at 귀견수라 Arang and smiled brightly.

Son Bin saw a soft smile fleeting across 귀견수라’s face for a moment. It was something he couldn’t have imagined before.

Was it because of Son Bin’s surprised expression? 귀견수라’s smile quickly disappeared, but 귀견수라’s awkward avoidance of his gaze made Son Bin smile involuntarily.

“The children of the Seowon will probably… like it too.”

The image of 귀견수라 and Blood 봉 금사련 surrounded by children seemed to be drawn before his eyes.

The children have already adapted to Noh Gun and former 패검 [Conquering Sword] Hyeok Ryeon-wi, so they wouldn’t be afraid of 귀견수라.

After exchanging greetings with each other for the last time, Son Bin’s party and Blood 봉’s party boarded their respective carriages. Blood 봉 금사련 was personally held and seated in the carriage by 귀견수라, and the cart he was riding in was loaded in the back.

Flutter.

Blood 봉’s flag was raised. Who would have imagined that they could raise Blood 봉’s flag so proudly in front of the Namgung family?

“Giddy up!”

With the coachman’s cry, the carriage began to move. Before, 귀견수라 would have held the reins himself, but now he did not want to leave Blood 봉 금사련’s side.

Clatter, clatter.

The horses began to gallop powerfully. The carriage quickly moved away, but Son Bin did not miss the white hand that was slightly visible through the window, waving at him.

Son Bin smiled. It felt like he had gained a younger sister.

“Hyung [older brother], are you that happy?”

Seo Rin suddenly said from the side. Son Bin inwardly thought, ‘Oops,’ but Shinui added.

“He must be happy. This guy and that guy have been smiling since earlier.”

Shinui grumbled with a calm expression. The ‘that guy’ he was talking about, Noh Gun, was sitting in the driver’s seat, frowning.

“Why are you being so strict? Young men and women can shake hands with each other. Well, if that happens, good feelings may sprout…”

“No.”

Son Bin said with a serious expression to Noh Gun’s words. If the words were spread incorrectly, 귀견수라 might apply for a life-and-death duel.

“Anyway, it’s over. Let’s go back now. The children will be waiting.”

Those were words that came out by chance, but soon Son Bin’s heart was filled and overflowing.

“They are very cute and grateful children.”

His voice choked up without him realizing it. If it weren’t for those children, Son Bin wouldn’t be the same as he is today.

The image of the children waiting at the Seowon came to mind, and the desire to see them overflowed uncontrollably.

“Yes. I really want to see them.”

Sasu-yeon quietly accepted Son Bin’s words. A warm smile was also blooming on her face.

“Let’s go.”

Dang Worae said quietly. There is no one who doesn’t know that she feels the same way.

“Ahem, sorry for breaking the atmosphere.”

The former Thunder Sword, Namgung Cheon, coughed dryly next to the carriage and said.

“Everyone be careful. Senior, please be careful too.”

“Why me? Those who try to touch us should be careful.”

Noh Gun said grumbling, but Namgung Cheon’s firm expression did not loosen.

“Don’t you know? They are by no means easy opponents.”

“Are we easy? You should be careful. As that child said, your family seems to be not unrelated either.”

‘That child’ refers to Namgung Hyang. Although he added the premise of ‘just a feeling’, Namgung Hyang pointed out the possibility that this Namgung family incident was related to the mastermind of ‘Baek In-rok’.

There is someone from the Outer World behind Namgung Gyu, the perpetrator of the ‘attempted murder of the head of the family’.

And Baek In-rok expressed blatant hostility towards the Outer World.

Namgung Hyang’s argument was that these two incidents couldn’t have happened coincidentally at the same time.

“Is it that person after all?”

Suddenly, Namgung Cheon said something incomprehensible. Noh Gun frowned and said as if throwing it away.

“I don’t know. It’s been a while since I saw his face. I don’t even know if he’s dead or alive, but he probably didn’t die.”

Son Bin, who was listening, asked Namgung Cheon.

“What do you mean…”

Namgung Cheon looked at Noh Gun instead of answering.

“Didn’t you tell him yet?”

“Why would I talk about that?”

Namgung Cheon had a dumbfounded expression at Noh Gun’s words.

“You should tell him. Didn’t Bin say that he is ‘one who walks the path of the 무제 [Supreme Martial Artist]’?”

“Does that mean he has an obligation to take on other people’s grudges? Bin is Bin.”

Noh Gun was firm, but Namgung Cheon shook his head. He sighed and turned to look at Son Bin and said.

“There is someone who grinds his teeth at the Outer World. No, to be precise, I should say he grinds his teeth at 무제. As far as I know, 무제 also openly disliked that person…”

“Is there such a person? No, there’s nothing strange about it…”

Saja Hyeok must also have grudges. In fact, wasn’t his life-and-death duel also the result of grudges?

But still, Saja Hyeok respected them. It is quite unusual if Saja Hyeok, who respected them, openly disliked him.

‘Wait, come to think of it, someday…’

Saja Hyeok seems to have mentioned ‘a person he dislikes’. Son Bin was rummaging through his memories when Noh Gun suddenly said.

“Let’s go first. I’ll tell you later.”

Son Bin noticed that Noh Gun was uncomfortable. If he says he’ll tell him later, Son Bin will just wait.

Son Bin bowed to the people of the Namgung family. Namgung Cheon waved his hand, and the head of the family, Namgung Kwon, and Namgung Hyang lightly bowed their heads to pay their respects.

“Giddy up!”

When Noh Gun whipped the reins, the sturdy horses of Bukhae neighed and soon began to kick the ground.

The bustling streets of Namchang were moving away, and the party’s hearts were already heading towards the Seowon in Cheongwon.

After Son Bin’s party left, strange rumors circulated in Namchang, where the Namgung family was located.

It was said that there was a royal teacher (王師) [a teacher of royalty] in the Sword King family.

Royal teacher means the teacher of the king. So, according to the rumors, there is someone in the Namgung family who is revered as the teacher of the family.

The people of the Namgung family were furious at the rumors. They thought it was an absurd insult to have a ‘family teacher’ when the current head of the family and the former head of the family were alive.

However, the elders and the head of the Namgung family did not react at all. They were completely silent about this matter.

Originally, rumors grow when they clash with each other. When the Namgung family did not react at all, the rumors naturally subsided.

However, the saying that there was a ‘family teacher’ in the Namgung family lingered in Namchang for a while after that.