Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 509

509. The Price of Sacrifice

The fast ships of the Northern Sea Fleet docked at the pier, and Unhyun and his party disembarked.

The Grand Palace Lord respectfully bowed.

“The Grand Palace Lord pays respects to the Blue Wolf of the North Sea.”

Unhyun smiled faintly.

“It’s been a while, Grand Palace Lord.”

“Yes, it has been.”

The Grand Palace Lord replied, raising her head.

Unhyun glanced around.

By the carriage stood Binghun, a warrior of the North Sea.

When his eyes met Unhyun’s, Binghun lightly bowed his head.

Returning the bow, Unhyun said,

“I see the Third Palace Lord hasn’t come.”

The Third Palace Lord was the Grand Palace Lord’s younger sister and had accompanied them to the North Sea in the past.

Unhyun clearly remembered her, somewhat clumsy yet cute, resembling the Grand Palace Lord.

“No.”

The Grand Palace Lord replied in a calm voice.

“I regret to say that the Vice Chief of the Outer Court is unable to attend due to pressing matters of the sect.”

The Vice Chief of the Outer Court was the position held by the Third Palace Lord in the North Sea One Sect.

The voice sounded somewhat sharp, causing Unhyun to turn his head.

However, the Grand Palace Lord’s gaze was already directed towards Guest Elder.

“It’s been a while, Elder.”

Guest Elder nodded at the Grand Palace Lord’s greeting.

That was all, but it was enough for the Grand Palace Lord.

Rustle.

The Grand Palace Lord raised her head and straightened her body.

Her eyes were fixed on Sword Saint Lee Geomhak.

“…It’s been a while.”

The Grand Palace Lord said softly.

“I heard you were here.”

Lee Geomhak looked at the Grand Palace Lord with a calm gaze.

“The Head of the North Sea One Sect, Bing-hu, must have been very permissive to allow that.”

“I didn’t need her permission.”

The Grand Palace Lord said with a faint smile.

“I am the Grand Palace Lord of the North Sea, after all.”

“Hmm.”

Lee Geomhak nodded.

A fleeting memory of the distant past crossed his eyes as he looked at the Grand Palace Lord, but it was only for a moment.

Step.

Lee Geomhak moved past the Grand Palace Lord.

The Grand Palace Lord closed her eyes slightly.

But soon, she opened her eyes and, with a smile, spoke to the rest of the group.

“Welcome, esteemed guests. We have prepared a place for you to rest, though it may be inadequate. Please, come with me.”

The Grand Palace Lord said in a gentle voice.

Then, she suddenly met eyes with Sa Ilcheon.

The Grand Palace Lord’s eyes were filled with a light of curiosity, but Unhyun, who had been watching her, quickly stepped forward.

“This is Scholar Sa Ilcheon. He is my senior and is better known by the title ‘Irun’ [a wandering scholar or hermit].”

‘Irun!’

The Grand Palace Lord’s eyes shook violently.

However, she soon bowed politely.

“I am the Head of the North Sea One Sect. It is an honor to meet you.”

“Sa Ilcheon.”

The Grand Palace Lord raised her head.

And soon met Sa Ilcheon’s intriguing gaze.

“So, you’re the Grand Palace Lord of the North Sea. Scholar Un praised you so much, I wondered what kind of person you were, and indeed, you are quite something.”

“S-Senior.”

Unhyun said in embarrassment, but it was already too late.

A faint smile spread across the Grand Palace Lord’s lips, and Sa Ilcheon said with a gentle expression.

“Bloodlines cannot be denied, after all.”

A strange light flashed in the Grand Palace Lord’s eyes.

“…Do you know Bingje?”

Sa Ilcheon shook his head.

“No. I merely had a slight connection with someone who used to be in the North Sea Ice Palace. She was truly beautiful as well.”

The Grand Palace Lord was momentarily puzzled but soon nodded.

Bingje had brought more than one or two concubines into the North Sea Ice Palace, and they had many children.

It was not strange that ‘Irun,’ a mysterious figure in the Jianghu [the martial arts world], had a connection with one of them.

“I see. It’s truly a pleasure to hear that you have a connection with the North Sea.”

The Grand Palace Lord smiled and said to the group.

“Then, let us go.”

Swish.

The Grand Palace Lord walked towards the carriage.

Several splendid carriages were waiting for the group, in addition to her large, white carriage.

Step.

The Grand Palace Lord, passing by Unhyun, suddenly stopped.

She said to Unhyun with a gentle expression.

“Ah, Alliance Leader. Would you mind riding in my carriage?”

“Of course, I don’t mind.”

Unhyun replied with a puzzled expression.

He had ridden in the Grand Palace Lord’s carriage more than once or twice, so why was she suddenly asking this question?

The Grand Palace Lord smiled faintly and said.

“I was just wondering if you would be reluctant to ride in another woman’s carriage. I heard it’s fashionable these days to be considerate of one’s lover in that way.”

“Lover? No, I’m not like that…”

“I’m glad you don’t mind.”

The Grand Palace Lord interrupted Unhyun in a calm tone.

And, as if nothing had happened, she moved towards the carriage.

Step, step.

Unhyun stared at the Grand Palace Lord’s back.

He didn’t understand what she was talking about.

“That child is still the same.”

Guest Elder suddenly said.

Guest Elder’s gaze, which had been on the Grand Palace Lord, turned to Unhyun.

“She can’t control herself when she meets you. And neither can you.”

Unhyun gave a wry smile.

He certainly felt strangely flustered in front of the Grand Palace Lord.

Just like when he first met her.

“Let’s go.”

At Unhyun’s words, Guest Elder nodded.

The two of them walked towards the Grand Palace Lord, who was getting into the carriage.

As a result, they failed to notice Sa Ilcheon’s expression, which had turned serious as he looked at the Grand Palace Lord.

***

The people who rode in the Grand Palace Lord’s carriage were not only Guest Elder and Unhyun.

Bingsul, as well as Sword Saint Lee Geomhak and Sa Ilcheon, were all in the carriage, making a total of six people.

Clatter, clatter.

The carriage, having left the pier, sped towards the city of Jungyeong.

Unhyun looked at the Grand Palace Lord, who was sitting across from him.

However, the Grand Palace Lord, with her head turned, was looking outside and said nothing.

He wanted to ask how she had been, but the atmosphere was clearly one of refusal, so Unhyun let out a soft sigh.

“Why are you sighing?”

The Grand Palace Lord’s voice was suddenly heard.

When Unhyun raised his head, he saw the Grand Palace Lord’s eyes.

“Is there perhaps a problem?”

The Grand Palace Lord’s eyes were quite serious.

Unhyun quickly shook his head.

“No, it’s just that I was wondering how you’ve been…”

Unhyun trailed off with an awkward smile.

The Grand Palace Lord seemed slightly surprised, her eyes widening slightly, and then she let out a faint laugh.

“I’ve been busy. Many merchants wanting to trade with the North Sea have flocked to us, and I also had to do the things that the Alliance Leader ordered. Besides, the North Sea One Sect is still a newly established sect, so there are many problems to deal with.”

From fine horses and precious metals to rare medicinal herbs, all of the North Sea’s specialties were traded at high prices.

Due to the closed nature of the North Sea, the volume of trade was small and there were many restrictions, so the North Sea One Sect was an extremely important trading partner for merchants who wanted North Sea goods.

“You requested the recovery of the Ghoul Pill from the large merchant guilds, didn’t you? If you had told me from the beginning, I could have done it much more efficiently. Of course, I have already put pressure on the guilds, so you don’t have to worry.”

The Grand Palace Lord’s eyes sparkled as she spoke.

Listening to her clear voice, Unhyun smiled gently.

“I see. Thank you.”

The Grand Palace Lord stared at Unhyun for a moment.

Unhyun asked with a puzzled expression.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

The Grand Palace Lord sighed softly.

And looking straight at Unhyun, she said.

“Thank you. For allowing Bingsul the opportunity.”

“I should be the one giving thanks.”

Unhyun said with a gentle expression.

“Bingsul Yeohyeop’s [a female martial artist] help has been a great strength in the subjugation of the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect. And she has also clearly shown the martial arts of the North Sea to the other elders.”

Looking at Bingsul, Unhyun continued.

“I felt it even when we first sparred, but you are truly an amazing person.”

Even with Unhyun’s praise, Bingsul’s expression did not change.

However, Bingsul’s eyes changed only when she faced Sword Saint Lee Geomhak.

Lee Geomhak, too, had a clear curiosity in his gaze as he looked at Bingsul, unlike before.

“Ah, and.”

Unhyun turned to the Grand Palace Lord.

And quietly lowered his head.

Swish.

“Although it is late, I sincerely thank you for the sacrifice and dedication of Seolyeongdae [a special unit or group within the North Sea One Sect].”

Clatter, clatter.

The sound of hooves echoed in the carriage.

The Grand Palace Lord bit her lip.

And bowing her head, she returned Unhyun’s greeting.

“…Thank you.”

Rustle.

The Grand Palace Lord, raising her head, smiled faintly and continued.

“To receive the gratitude of the Blue Wolf, it will surely be a great honor for the warriors of the North Sea.”

Unhyun straightened his body.

“I don’t think a few words can repay their sacrifice.”

Unhyun’s eyes, looking at the Grand Palace Lord, were extremely serious.

“If there is anything I can do for the North Sea One Sect, I will do anything.”

A moment of silence passed.

The Grand Palace Lord, who had been stiff, let out a hollow laugh.

“Is it okay for you to say such things? Guest Elder is here, as well as Sword Saint and Irun. What if I…?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Unhyun said in a firm voice.

“Life cannot be replaced by anything.”

The Grand Palace Lord’s eyes trembled.

“…I see.”

The Grand Palace Lord, muttering softly, raised her eyes.

And looking straight at Unhyun, she said.

“Then please remember. That there were North Sea warriors who died for your cause.”

“Yes. I will remember.”

Unhyun did not hesitate at all.

“As long as I live, I will never forget.”

“That is enough.”

The Grand Palace Lord said, her eyes shining.

To be remembered by the Blue Wolf was the greatest honor for the warriors of the North Sea.

He was the only being who could receive Bingje’s respect and give teachings, and a figure who would live forever in legends, that was the Blue Wolf of the North Sea.

“And.”

Looking straight at the Grand Palace Lord, Unhyun said softly.

“I will not forget your pain, having to order them to give up their lives.”

It was a perfectly natural remark for Unhyun.

The person who had accepted Unhyun’s order was none other than the Grand Palace Lord.

However, at that moment, the Grand Palace Lord bit her lip without realizing it.

It was because she felt that she would not be able to suppress the emotions rising from within her heart otherwise.

Rustle.

The Grand Palace Lord turned her head.

And said in a small voice.

“…Thank you.”

Everyone could tell that her voice was trembling slightly.

But no one opened their mouths.

Clatter, clatter.

The carriage had already entered the bustling streets of Jungyeong.

The splendid streets of Jungyeong flashed past the Grand Palace Lord’s vision, but she saw nothing.

Even her intelligent mind had not anticipated that her heart would be so overwhelmed by those words, which were not at all sweet.

***

The accommodation prepared by the Grand Palace Lord was a high-rise pavilion located in the heart of Jungyeong’s bustling district.

The Grand Palace Lord had provided this place, originally a famous tea house, as the group’s temporary accommodation.

“Good.”

Cheonsu Shinni said, chanting a Buddhist invocation.

The unique, old-fashioned, and gentle atmosphere of the tea house and the subtle fragrance were to Cheonsu Shinni’s liking.

The elders of Mount Hua and Wudang, as well as the heads of families including Jegal-myung, were also satisfied.

“Oh, but isn’t a place like this expensive?”

Geum Hwayeong asked, looking around.

Even she, who was ignorant of the ways of the world, could quickly tell that this place looked luxurious.

But the Grand Palace Lord smiled.

“It’s alright. The North Sea One Sect bought it recently.”

“Oh, really? You seem to be quite wealthy.”

The Grand Palace Lord quietly smiled but did not answer.

However, the eyes of the family heads flashed with curiosity.

If they could afford to acquire a high-end tea house in the heart of Jungyeong without hesitation, they could fully guess the wealth of the North Sea One Sect.

They could also easily see how much power the North Sea One Sect had expanded in the meantime.

The difficulties faced by emerging sects were an exception for the North Sea One Sect, which was a formal sect of the Azure Dragon Alliance.

“If you are not tired, would it be alright to get to the main point now?”

The Grand Palace Lord said in a clear voice.

No matter how difficult the journey on the Yangtze River was, Unhyun and his party would not be tired to this extent.

The Grand Palace Lord smiled at the group’s sparkling eyes.

“The places suspected of manufacturing the Ghoul Pill are four locations on the outskirts of Jungyeong and three locations near Seoan.”

The Grand Palace Lord opened her mouth, her red lips glistening.

“Among them, the four locations in Jungyeong and two locations in Seoan have been identified as private medicinal herb stores or doctors. Of course, you can verify the facts yourself.”

“Then…”

“Yes.”

Before Unhyun’s voice could finish, the Grand Palace Lord said.

“The manufacturing location of the Ghoul Pill is, in fact, near Seoan.”

Her eyes, as she spoke, were shining sharply like ice flowers.