Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 1058

The sound of the river, surging like waves, grew intense once more.

Mo Ja-Seon shook her head.

‘There is nothing that can be called proof.’

‘Then we cannot accept you either.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s voice was calm.

There was no hostility towards her. If she had evaded the answer with pointless wordplay, it would have been different, but she had spoken her true feelings honestly.

He did not harbor hostility or murderous intent towards someone he didn’t know was friend or foe.

He was merely wary because she could potentially become an enemy.

Mo Ja-Seon shook her head.

‘If that is the will of the Black Emperor Castle, then I have nothing more to say.’

‘I see.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong withdrew the Black Dragon Hand Axe.

It was a magnificent hand axe, barely two spans long [a span is the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is outstretched], but just by withdrawing it, the cold air seemed to warm up considerably.

‘I don’t know how the Martial Alliance will evaluate you. Just because I, representing the Black Path [a term referring to a faction or group associated with darker or more unconventional martial arts], don’t trust you, doesn’t mean the Martial Alliance will follow suit.’

‘……’

‘I apologize for treating you like outsiders. Of course, you are outsiders, but the timing of your arrival in the Central Plains was very inappropriate. Since you are aware of the current situation, I hope you will understand our attitude.’

It was a composed conclusion.

Mo Ja-Seon liked Yeon Ho-Jeong’s attitude and personality. Although their desires differed, Yeon Ho-Jeong had been harsh for a clear reason, but he had not crossed the line.

‘Indeed.’

Moyong Gun, the young leader of the Martial Alliance, had a gentle yet firm demeanor that was certainly impressive.

However, for her, who had lived almost her entire life as a member of the Ice Palace, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s attitude was more appealing.

‘However.’

Mo Ja-Seon felt curiosity towards a person for the first time since entering the Central Plains.

It was partly due to Yeon Ho-Jeong’s uniqueness, but also because she had met someone she had only heard rumors about.

‘He’s not naive, but he’s quite broad-minded.’

‘Hmm?’

‘As you said, I am neither someone you can be sure is an enemy nor someone you can be sure is an ally. In other words, there’s a fifty percent chance I could be an enemy, yet you’re just letting me go?’

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

‘Take it as I saw your sincerity.’

‘Can you risk the lives of many people on just one person’s sincerity?’

‘A person’s sincerity doesn’t lead the world to righteousness. But I saw that you are not a bad person.’

‘That’s excessively subjective.’

‘It is subjective. However, I don’t think my judgment is bad. If you betray my judgment and conviction and run wild, then I will show you hell.’

‘Don’t you think that’s too complacent for a leader who encompasses all people?’

‘Not at all.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Gang Ryang.

Gang Ryang grinned.

‘They all followed me on their own because they believe in my abilities. At least, that’s how it is in the Black Emperor Castle. I didn’t become their master just by declaring myself one. I’m only playing the role of master because they believe in me.’

‘……!’

‘I have always lived this era with that mindset. Some might say I’m overconfident and ask how I’ll take responsibility if something unexpected happens, but I’ll tell those people this: if you’re so worried about the unexpected, don’t even come into this world.’

‘……’

‘Well, even if it’s not me, there are many great people in the Martial Alliance. Among them, there are people so wise that I can’t even raise my head. If you are truly an enemy, you will soon realize that it’s impossible to hide your identity as a spy in front of them.’

‘Isn’t the Martial Alliance… the group you were fighting with?’

‘I’m also from the Martial Alliance. Haven’t you heard that rumor?’

‘……I have heard it.’

‘Even if we were fighting, reality doesn’t change. You’d better remember my words that there are many great people over there.’

‘……’

‘I’ve talked too much. I can tell without fighting. I don’t know much about the Ice Palace’s martial arts, but your martial arts are genuine. There’s no trace of any evil demonic arts.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong clasped his hands in a respectful bow.

‘I sincerely hope that you will join forces with the Martial Alliance and be of great help in our, and your, fight.’

After finishing his words, Yeon Ho-Jeong spoke to Gang Ryang.

‘You’ll have to work a bit harder. The Ice Palace Lord is unfamiliar with the geography of the Central Plains, so guide them to the vicinity of the Martial Alliance.’

‘Don’t worry.’

‘I’m not worried. I’m just telling you to do it.’

‘If you keep acting like this, I’m quitting my role as a general.’

‘You’re showing such a bad attitude in front of everyone. You’re dead when we get back.’

‘I might just go into the Martial Alliance like this.’

It was a conversation that brought a smile, a conversation that could only be shown between close friends.

The most surprised by that conversation was Mo Ja-Seon. The people of the Ice Palace, at least among the blood relatives, did not use honorifics, but they were not so relaxed as to allow such casual jokes.

‘It’s not relaxed.’

That’s right. It wasn’t relaxed.

Rather, it was because they were bound by a bond of steel that could not be melted by any fire or cut by any sword that such a conversation was possible.

Mo Ja-Seon closed her eyes.

‘It’s easy to believe arbitrarily. But it’s hard to form trust. Conversely, betrayal is not difficult. That’s why one betrayal destroys trust.’

Those words that the person who had become the object of hatred, disgust, gratitude, and sorrow had said as they were dying.

Mo Ja-Seon, who had opened her eyes, spoke to Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was walking away with his back to her.

‘What is the weather like in Honam?’

Yeon Ho-Jeong glanced at Mo Ja-Seon.

‘It’s good, why?’

‘Does it snow in the winter?’

‘It snows heavily. Especially in the highlands, it’s hard to even walk.’

‘It must be snowing now.’

‘It is snowing now.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.

‘But why the sudden interest in the weather in Honam?’

‘How can I prove it?’

‘What?’

‘I asked how I can prove that I am not a spy for the Blood Demon Cult.’

‘……?!’

This time, it was Yeon Ho-Jeong’s turn to be surprised.

‘I can’t know what you don’t know. From the start, you didn’t even intend to prove it to me. Why are you asking that now?’

‘I’ve become interested in you.’

‘……?’

‘I am innocent. But there is no way to prove this innocence. If I can fight alongside someone I like, I should do even what I don’t have to prove, but I don’t know how, so I’m asking you.’

What on earth was she saying?

It was a statement that could be misunderstood in the sentiments of the Central Plains. Mo Ja-Seon was much older in actual age, but judging by appearance alone, there was not much difference between her and Yeon Ho-Jeong, which made it even more so.

Of course, Yeon Ho-Jeong did not misunderstand her statement.

However, even if he didn’t misunderstand, he was still flustered.

‘You like me, so you’ll join me?’

‘The Ice Palace abandoned its long-standing base. We will reclaim it someday. But no one knows when that time will come. And…’

‘……’

‘There are many among the current generation who want to leave their hometown and see the wider world. There have been too many freedoms sacrificed to keep the young people bound by the traditions and customs of the Ice Palace.’

‘In other words, you will settle on the continent?’

‘That’s right. A hometown is just a hometown. Reclaiming it is natural. But we came this long way with the determination to completely relocate.’

‘……’

‘I am different from you. Unlike you, who could become a master because everyone wanted it, I didn’t have time to care about everyone’s wishes. You are an already made master, and I am a master who fought to prove that I am a master.’

‘……’

‘But there is a commonality between us.’

Mo Ja-Seon pointed at Gang Ryang with her hand.

‘My people who came with me also believe in me. Although it is different from the form of trust you show, I can risk my life for them, and they can jump into a sea of fire for me.’

‘……’

‘They trust my judgment.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face also became serious.

Apart from the different cultures and personalities, it was not easy to show this much sincerity. She was not a difficult person to analyze in the first place, but Mo Ja-Seon was revealing everything about herself in front of someone she had just met.

‘She probably isn’t.’

As he had said, Yeon Ho-Jeong also thought deep down that they were not enemies.

However, the situation in the Black Emperor Castle was not good enough to just accept them and join forces.

It was not a matter of power, but of disarray. It had not been long since the Black Emperor Castle had abandoned the name of the Mukryong Faction [a previous name or identity of the Black Emperor Castle] and moved to the surface.

In such a situation, if they started taking in people from the Ice Palace of the Outer Lands, there was a possibility that the organizations of the Black Emperor Castle, which were gradually taking shape, would be shaken.

‘Of course, if I wanted to, I could find a way to accept them.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.

‘But why did you like me?’

Mo Ja-Seon seemed even more bewildered by that question.

‘Does there have to be a reason for liking someone?’

‘No, well…’

‘If I had to find one, I liked your attitude. You are clear in your decisions and merciless to your enemies. From what I’ve heard, your reputation seems to be true, and it’s not easy for a man with that much ability to abandon his arrogance and humble himself.’

‘Ugh…’

‘I liked the attitude you showed. Your strength is also genuine. I want to see you more closely.’

Mo Ja-Seon gave a faint smile.

‘Of course, if you don’t like me, I can leave at any time.’

‘You’re really headstrong.’

‘Aren’t you the same? I think both you and I have sacrificed a lot to be able to do as we please.’

At this point, it was even more difficult to refuse.

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Mo Ja-Seon with a cautious gaze.

‘I intuitively think that you are not a spy for the Blood Demon Cult. No, I don’t think you are a spy for the Four Evils or the Divine Cult either.’

‘That’s obvious.’

‘But you said you have no way to prove it, and I don’t have any ideas either.’

‘Does that mean we can’t go to the Black Emperor Castle?’

After a moment of thought, Yeon Ho-Jeong scratched his head and said.

‘We’ll have to go through various procedures. You are also the master of a sect, and your martial prowess is great, so we will give you a high position. However, you will not have any official authority to exert influence in the Black Emperor Castle. Is that okay?’

Mo Ja-Seon nodded as if it were perfectly natural.

‘We came here to fight, relying on each other. That’s enough.’

‘……’

‘However, if we can fight together and prove ourselves to each other, I hope that the Black Emperor Castle will actively help the people of the Ice Palace establish a new base after the war.’

‘That much, not only us but even the Martial Alliance can help. Of course…’

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled bitterly.

‘If we can survive, that is.’

Mo Ja-Seon’s smile deepened.

‘I’m glad you’re a man who is rigid but can communicate. I look forward to working with you.’

‘Don’t come in here and complain later. This is the Central Plains. Try to accept everything, from the culture to the way people act.’

‘I will try.’

‘It’s not about trying, you just have to do it.’

‘I can’t be sure about that.’

She was critical of Yeon Ho-Jeong for being strict, but she was just as strict in these areas.

Yeon Ho-Jeong also smiled back at Mo Ja-Seon.

However, his eyes did not smile.

‘I don’t know how Gi Cheon-Woong will change in the future. This woman is the same. Since their martial arts are said to be natural enemies, if either one betrays, it could be a countermeasure against it.’