Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 270

“Hmm, the aroma is quite pleasant,” Moyong Gun said with a smile.

“So, how is the Tangma Army’s training going these days?”

“It’s progressing smoothly. Of course, I think we need a few more practical exercises.”

“If you’re confident, then it’s something to look forward to.”

Moyong Woo shook his head.

“It’s useless if it doesn’t work in real combat. It seems like we can handle a full-scale battle in an open field, but I’m not sure about combat in special environments like urban warfare or mountain warfare.”

“Aren’t they all heavily armored cavalry units? They’re not suited for urban or mountain warfare in the first place.”

“The Myeolsa Army is different.”

“Hmm?”

“The Myeolsa Army is skilled in urban and mountain warfare. They’re probably excellent in full-scale battles in open fields as well.”

Moyong Gun chuckled.

“Most of the Myeolsa Army members are from prestigious families. The more prestigious the martial arts, the more distinct their individual styles. Rather than uniting as one to crush the enemy, tactics that utilize each individual’s strengths would be more effective. There’s a reason why Yeon Ho-Jeong had his troops wear light armor.”

“I think so too.”

“The Tangma Army is specialized in full-scale battles with overwhelming firepower, while the Myeolsa Army is specialized in special operations with their skillful adaptability. It’s good for both organizations to develop by leveraging their respective strengths.”

Moyong Woo thought.

At times like this, Moyong Gun really seemed like someone who was dedicated to the Murim Alliance [a martial arts alliance].

His sincerity was evident in his words, which made him think that even more.

“Anyway.”

Moyong Gun smiled.

“You handled this matter well.”

Moyong Woo’s eyes deepened.

“Thank you.”

“Indeed, your business acumen is extraordinary. This matter must have been quite tricky to handle, but you did a really good job.”

“The Gwi Joo Merchant Guild is one of the hidden powerhouses in the business world. If we hadn’t taken the initiative right away, I think we would have had a lot of headaches because of this.”

“You saw it well.”

“From now on, transactions with the main family will be much smoother. You can rest assured.”

“Hahaha!”

Moyong Gun burst into laughter.

“I knew about your change since you said you would help me. But this time was really unexpected. I didn’t know you had such decisiveness.”

“Cultivating character is important. But it’s a sin not to do what needs to be done because of one’s character.”

Anyone who knew what Moyong Woo was aiming for would have found this statement very meaningful.

Moyong Gun smiled contentedly.

“That’s right. Ha! It seems like you’re really fully prepared now.”

Moyong Woo said decisively.

“I can’t just wait for my brother to throw me a bone. Now, I’m going to run my own race.”

“Kuhahaha!”

Moyong Gun was tightening himself up after a single mistake.

In other words, while he was reorganizing, Moyong Woo’s decisiveness was truly welcome. He wondered if his younger brother had ever been this reliable before.

It was then.

“Patriarch.”

“What is it?”

“Excuse me, but a letter has arrived for the Tangma Army Commander.”

“For Woo? Let him in.”

Moyong Woo received the letter and unfolded it.

His eyes sparkled for a moment.

“Who is the letter from?”

“It’s from the Myeolsa Army Commander.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes immediately sharpened.

“Yeon Ho-Jeong, that bastard?”

“Yes.”

“What does he say?”

“Brother.”

“Yes?”

Moyong Woo stood up from his seat.

“I’ll go meet Commander Yeon. I’ll tell you the details when I return.”

* * *

“Yo.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong waved his hand from the second-floor window.

Moyong Woo chuckled.

“Can I go up to the second floor?”

“Are you going to drink outside in this cold weather?”

“Alcohol?”

“How can we have a conversation without alcohol? Come on up.”

Did that guy like alcohol this much?

Moyong Woo entered Yeon Ho-Jeong’s residence. On the table in front of the window, there was a plate of fragrant braised fish and two bottles of strong liquor.

Moyong Woo clicked his tongue.

“More liquor?”

“What’s wrong with liquor?”

“It’s not that I dislike it, but you’ll ruin your stomach if you only drink liquor. It’s so strong.”

“Strong liquor has a good aftertaste.”

“Clean liquor that is strong has a good aftertaste. This liquor, just by looking at it, seems like it was made just to get drunk?”

“Then why else would you drink alcohol if not to get drunk? Sit down first. You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”

“That’s right.”

Moyong Woo picked up a piece of well-cooked meat.

“Did Yeon-je cook this?”

“Yeah, it was snowing too much, so I was too lazy to go to the dining hall.”

“You can get there in an instant if you want to. What’s with being lazy?”

“I just feel like it. How’s the taste?”

“Amazing. It’s quite delicious. Yeon-je is good at cooking too.”

“If you live alone, even a fool can make this much.”

“I was a fool…”

Yeon Ho-Jeong filled Moyong Woo’s glass.

“How is Moyong Gun?”

Moyong Woo said with a calm face.

“He’s being cautious. It seems like he’s greatly aware of his mistake this time.”

“As expected.”

“Indeed, my brother’s actions this time were too clumsy. He was reckless.”

Moyong Woo also filled Yeon Ho-Jeong’s glass.

“So, is the reason you didn’t properly retaliate because of the Mukryong Faction [a powerful faction]?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“Your insight has become very sharp?”

“It’s not insight. I would never have guessed it if I hadn’t heard it beforehand.”

Moyong Woo fiddled with his glass.

“Preparing properly and then striking… It seems like he’s waiting for next year’s election.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“You have to launch an unexpected surprise attack to reduce the possibility of retaliation. It will be a somewhat terrifying result for Moyong Gun, but what can you do? If you want to win, you have to use any means necessary.”

“You should choose your means and methods. Are you trying to become the same person as your brother?”

“I won’t choose my means and methods, but I’ll at least keep the minimum ethics. Don’t worry.”

“Haha.”

Moyong Woo raised his glass.

“Let’s have a drink.”

“Good.”

The two men clinked their glasses and downed the liquor.

“Kuh, it’s too strong. The liquor seems particularly strong today.”

“That’s when you need a side dish. Eat quickly. I even added a lot of oil on purpose.”

Moyong Woo hurriedly chewed and swallowed the meat. The oil in his stomach made him feel much better.

“By the way…”

Moyong Woo wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and asked.

“Did something happen?”

“Hmm?”

“It seems like the atmosphere has changed. You seem more stable than before, or something.”

“Really?”

“Did you solve a long-standing problem or something?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“It’s not that, I just feel more at ease.”

He didn’t know if it really looked that way, but if the atmosphere had changed, it was probably because his father had accepted his past.

He hadn’t shown it, but keeping that secret to himself without telling anyone was a considerable burden. Every time he handled something, he had to create a justification and reason, so it was inevitable.

But not anymore. Not only because of Muk Bi, but just the fact that his father knew made his shoulders feel lighter.

“That’s a good thing. Yes, you shouldn’t have any burdens on your mind.”

“And you, brother, seem sharper?”

“Does it look like that?”

“Yeah. But still, you don’t look tired. Are you going to start running for real now?”

Moyong Woo smiled wryly.

“Yeon-je’s eyes are really sharp.”

“It’s not that my eyes are sharp, it’s that you’re easy to read.”

“Haha, is that so?”

Moyong Woo refilled Yeon Ho-Jeong’s glass and asked.

“So, why did you call me? Seeing as you sent a letter even though you knew my brother was here, it seems like it’s an official matter.”

“That’s right.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong pointed at Moyong Woo with his chopsticks.

“If you’re not busy, would you like to go for a breath of fresh air with me this time?”

“A breath of fresh air?”

“Do you know the Western Divine Maiden?”

“Ah, of course. Isn’t she the Saintess of the age?”

“Oh, you know? I had no idea.”

“Well, you might not know. I’ve heard a lot of rumors about the business world. But why the Western Divine Maiden?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong told him the details.

Moyong Woo’s eyes lit up.

“Escort?”

“Yeah.”

“Then wouldn’t it be better for the entire Myeolsa Army or Tangma Army to go?”

“I thought so at first, but it’s an escort, not some other task. Even though our army is guaranteed freedom, using them for escort duty is a bit much. Besides, our guys are in the middle of practicing their formations.”

“Oh.”

“The Tangma Army is also busy, right? Didn’t you say they were working hard to improve their response capabilities during chaotic battles?”

“That’s right. They’re still working hard.”

“That’s what I’m saying. Personally, I’m planning to roam around the entire Central Plains and return to the Alliance when the Myeolsa Army goes on its next expedition. It’s a bit of a waste of time to spend it on this kind of thing.”

“Tch, the expression ‘waste of time’ is a bit much. Escorting someone like that could be a great honor.”

“Let’s share that great honor together. We can talk and train while we’re at it. Sounds good, right?”

“Hmm.”

Moyong Woo’s eyes sparkled.

“An escort under the guise of an official mission… Well, it won’t be a headache.”

“Anyway, my father and the Military Advisor are in the Alliance. Moyong Gun won’t be able to act recklessly for the time being, and the timing seems perfect.”

Moyong Woo smiled.

“If there’s nothing else holding me back, I’m all for it.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“Good. Then we’ll depart in three days, so make sure you’re fully prepared by then.”

“Sounds good. Ah! But…”

“Hmm?”

“Is it just me and Yeon-je going? No other companions?”

“Well…”

Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.

“I’m considering one guy, but I can’t trust his mental state.”

* * *

Three days later.

“Alright, have a safe trip.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Even if nothing happens, make sure to send letters.”

“Don’t worry.”

Yeon-wi nodded.

“Alright. Ah! And I heard that Ji-Pyeong has departed. I told them to contact me through the Beggars’ Union every moment, so if you can meet him along the way, it might be good to bring him along.”

“Oh, that’s good.”

It was then.

“We’re ready.”

Gang Ryang and Muk Bi walked out.

Yeon Ho-Jeong blinked.

“Muk Bi, why are you here?”

“I’m going too.”

“Where?”

Muk Bi pointed at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.

“If you go, who will train the kids?”

“Ayeon will. And the soldiers aren’t kids. They’ll do well on their own even without a superior.”

“…”

“Besides, we’re going to escort a VIP. It wouldn’t be excessive to move an entire unit, but if we’re leaving them behind to train, then I should go too.”

Yeon-wi looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“I didn’t say it, but I agree with Bi-a.”

Muk Bi grinned.

“See, Father agrees too.”

Gang Ryang scratched his head.

“Wasn’t this a training trip?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong sighed.

“Alright, let’s go together. Well, if something happens, your archery will be a great help.”

“Right?”

At that moment, Moyong Woo rode his horse to the front gate.

“Are you ready?”

“…Sort of.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong placed the Gwangryong Bow [a powerful bow] on his shoulder.

“Well, it’s just escorting one person back, nothing much will happen. Let’s get it over with quickly.”