Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 1261

“……”

Yeon-wi’s face, as he looked around, was filled with a sense of pride.

‘It’s been a long time.’

The towns and villages surrounding his family’s estate still pulsed with life.

This vibrancy wasn’t just due to a large population. Being close to the sea, many people had rough temperaments, but within that roughness was a deep affection and generosity, making them endearing even just by hearing their voices.

Also, thanks to the Yeon family’s influence, there were many Confucian scholars, and many children learned to read from a young age.

‘I thought it hadn’t been that long, but being here, it feels like I’ve been gone for a decade.’

In reality, nothing had changed much in the grand scheme of things, but each alleyway and building had undergone subtle transformations.

Yeon-wi felt a pang of bitterness inside.

‘Even though I entrusted the family affairs to my retainers, I’ve only returned now as the head of the family… Even if it was unavoidable, I feel truly ashamed.’

However, too many significant events had occurred for him to dwell on shame.

“Is this where the Yeon family holds sway?”

“The word ‘sway’ is inappropriate. We are merely people living together.”

Gok-gyeong grinned.

For him, the Emperor’s closest aide, the idea of a martial arts clan dominating a region was unacceptable. He had asked just to be sure, but it seemed the Yeon family was indeed supporting the region with the benevolence and capability of a powerful figure, not as a ruler.

“By the way, why did you accompany me all the way here?”

“You ask that rather late.”

“In any case, it was a matter approved by His Majesty, so I wasn’t particularly curious when we departed.”

Gok-gyeong’s eyes sharpened.

“Now that it’s expected the enemy will rush in from the East Sea, it is my duty to see and confirm the terrain with my own eyes.”

Yeon-wi’s eyes widened.

“Are you going to war?”

“That’s right.”

His duty was to remain by the Emperor’s side and protect the throne until the end, yet he was saying he would go to war.

“I opposed it to the point of grabbing His Majesty’s royal robe for the first time, but it seems that since we don’t know the enemy’s strength, it would be better for me to go as well.”

Gok-gyeong sighed.

“If there wasn’t a powerful minister, I wouldn’t have left His Majesty’s side even if it meant risking my neck.”

That’s right. Now, the Great Master Mu Heo, the strongest martial artist in the world, was by the Emperor’s side.

Although guarding and killing were different realms, just the fact that Mu Heo was protecting the Emperor was a great comfort to Gok-gyeong.

“Moreover, I must deliver His Majesty’s decree to the navy guarding between Jiangsu and Zhejiang [two coastal provinces].”

Concern filled Yeon-wi’s face.

“I know that the Empire’s navy are tough, but… will it be alright?”

The Yeon family knew everything about the internal affairs of Jiangsu Province. Naturally, they also knew about the government and naval forces.

Unlike the navy of Zhejiang, the navy of Jiangsu was renowned for its strict discipline and outstanding combat capabilities. It was surprising how they managed to maintain their military strength even in an era when national power had declined.

However.

“His Majesty has spent decades in patience, hiding himself. Even if it were the army, it would be one thing, but the navy… their view of the Imperial Palace is not favorable.”

They couldn’t have paid attention to the naval forces when they couldn’t even properly govern the inland areas. Of course, the Emperor was watching everything, but just watching and actually governing were worlds apart.

“That’s why I’m going. If they have any grievances, I’ll resolve them, and if they don’t listen, I’ll have to discipline them.”

“Is it alright to do that when war is imminent?”

“What if it’s not alright? If even they don’t respond properly, Jiangsu Province could become a wasteland.”

That was not wrong.

The two talked about the current situation and arrived at the Yeon family estate. Although they were both imposing figures, they were wearing bamboo hats and completely concealing their presence, so they didn’t attract attention.

And finally.

“What brings you here?”

The gatekeepers’ response was perfect.

They maintained a vigilant posture with appropriate tension, yet their voices were friendly. They lowered the other party’s guard while never letting their own down, a truly exemplary response for gatekeepers.

Yeon-wi smiled and took off his bamboo hat.

“It’s been a while, Gwak-pyo.”

At that moment, Gwak-pyo, the gatekeeper, was stunned.

“Lord of the family?!”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“Lord of the family!!”

The gatekeepers knelt on the spot.

“We greet the Lord of the family!”

From their resounding voices and attitude, one could tell how much they respected Yeon-wi, the head of the family.

How long had he been away? Gok-gyeong could feel a deep bond in the foundation that supported their loyalty.

Thus, Yeon-wi returned to his family after a long time, a very long time.

He was so busy that he couldn’t even rest properly, but just by returning home, Yeon-wi was able to shake off all his mental and physical fatigue.

* * *

It was a truly long-awaited meeting.

“Is this the Black Emperor Castle?”

“That’s right.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes, as he looked around, were filled with an unreadable emotion.

“Good. It’s smaller than the Murim Alliance [a large martial arts organization], but it feels all the more substantial.”

Surprisingly, Moyong Gun had come alone. There were no attendants, let alone the Unja Clan, who were always with him like shadows.

“Is this your first time actually coming here?”

“That’s right. Even though information exchange was active, there was no reason to come inside. Of course, I did look around the exterior from outside the castle.”

“We shouldn’t waste the time of a busy person. Let’s go inside.”

“You don’t even give me time to rest. Very well.”

Shortly after, the two entered the military affairs office.

Inside were So Jeong-Gwang and Jeagal Ayeon.

Moyong Gun’s eyes sparkled.

“I knew that the eldest daughter of the Jeagal family was here, but it’s impressive that you’re holding up well in a place like this.”

It was quite a barbed remark, but Jeagal Ayeon’s response was skillful.

“How can one feel comfortable in a place that is only bright and cheerful? Even if it’s a bit dark and gloomy, if there are people who care for me, that place is the best place to rest.”

“You take after your father, with quite the way with words. So, is there the light you desire in this gloomy place?”

It was an unusual remark. It was as if he could see right through Jeagal Ayeon’s inner thoughts.

Even at that moment, Jeagal Ayeon did not panic.

“Light is everywhere. If it were something you could reach just by reaching out, there would be no war.”

“So, are you just going to wait? You know that the light I’m talking about isn’t just any light.”

“It’s the same in that you can’t reach it just by reaching out.”

“That’s a pity.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes sank.

“There were some frustrating aspects, but your father would have desperately tried to grasp his ideals. Even if he didn’t succeed, that tenacious obsession is what makes a person human. Whether the target was an ideal or a person, your father always knew how to move.”

Jeagal Ayeon smiled faintly.

“If you could get it by moving, the world would already be yours. Sometimes, you have to know how to give up and wait, wouldn’t you say?”

“Are you already talking about giving up at such a young age?”

“Youth is relative. I don’t think you are at an age to give up on anything yet, Lord of the family, but you have certainly given up.”

It was quite a dangerous statement. So much so that Yeon Ho-Jeong even gave Jeagal Ayeon a subtle warning glance.

However, rather, it seemed that such an aspect of Jeagal Ayeon was impressive to Moyong Gun.

A faint smile appeared on Moyong Gun’s stern face.

“If it were the words of a strategist who only had a glib tongue without any enlightenment, I wouldn’t even want to share a table with you, but you are surprisingly honest with yourself for a young person.”

“Thank you.”

“I wish my daughter would learn that aspect. Indeed, Strategist Jeagal has done a good job raising his children.”

The conversation, which had been full of sharp implications, suddenly turned amicable.

Moyong Gun shrugged his shoulders.

“Even if it’s full of cunning schemes, a strategy from an immature mouth is nothing more than a bad move, worse than a roadside pebble. I was curious why the people of the Black Emperor Castle put you in this important place, but now I understand.”

Jeagal Ayeon tilted her head.

“I feel the same way.”

“What do you mean?”

“I also have no desire to be in the same place as a hero who crossed the boundaries of good and evil to become the best, hiding his wicked intentions.”

“……Oh?”

“I still don’t know why the Lord of the Castle and Commander So called the Lord of the family to this place.”

Jeagal Ayeon’s smile was as fresh as ever.

“I hope that my small mind has the understanding to accept the thoughts of the two giants leading the Black Path [a term for the underworld].”

She had given a small measure and received a large one.

Moyong Gun, who had been quietly looking at Jeagal Ayeon, burst into laughter.

“I thought you were still a sapling, but you were already a large tree with abundant leaves and branches. I didn’t recognize you.”

In such cases, it’s more frightening to lower oneself and acknowledge it.

Jeagal Ayeon bowed her head.

“I apologize for disturbing the Lord of the family’s mind with unnecessary words.”

“I’ve never lived in a world so easy that I would be disturbed by that. However, since you apologized, I will accept it without any ulterior motives.”

Thus, the two’s battle of wits came to an end. The two, who had not paid any attention to each other in the Murim Alliance, could now clearly recognize each other’s presence.

“So, what is the reason you brought me here? As the Lord of the Castle knows, I am also quite busy.”

“Since I called you knowing that, please consider it the busiest matter.”

“That’s why I came. If you’re not going to offer me a drink, let’s get to the point.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong gestured to So Jeong-Gwang.

So Jeong-Gwang handed a letter that had been carefully placed to Moyong Gun.

“It’s a letter that came from the Dragon Head Chief of the Beggars’ Union recently.”

“Dragon Head Chief? Are you talking about Ga Deuk-Sang?”

“Yes.”

“Did he rise to the position of chief?”

“Everyone acknowledges it, so we are also just calling him the Dragon Head Chief.”

“A dangerous fellow.”

Moyong Gun clicked his tongue and unfolded the letter.

After a while.

“……Look at this?”

Moyong Gun openly frowned.

“This means we have to rearrange the board?”

Surprise flickered across Jeagal Ayeon’s face, and a different light appeared in So Jeong-Gwang’s eyes.

Only Yeon Ho-Jeong accepted Moyong Gun’s insight as if it were natural.

“What do you think? Do you understand why I called you?”

“I understand completely.”

It wasn’t just because Moyong Gun’s insight was close to Yeon Ho-Jeong’s. Of course, that was also important, but the really important thing was that Moyong Gun was the de facto leader of the Jiangxi Business Alliance.

“As the Lord of the Castle knows, the Business Alliance is proficient in information south of the Yangtze River, but relatively weak in information in the north.”

“I know.”

“However… I can confidently say that we are ahead of the Black Emperor Castle or the Beggars’ Union when it comes to information circulating in the same business world.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes deepened.

“There’s no time. The Shin Hwa Cult [a religious cult] has already occupied the Hebei Murim. The Murim Alliance is attacking, but that’s only temporary.”

“That’s right. If the Saeum Cult attacks using the Shin Hwa Cult as bait, they will show themselves as early as tomorrow.”

“The sea route is different from the land. No one knows if it will be tomorrow or ten days later. But it’s hard to believe that such thorough people wouldn’t have considered this variable.”

Moyong Gun’s face contorted.

“This is a checkmate?”