Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 313

“Hmm.”

Moyong Gun, who had been reviewing dozens of documents while drinking tea, finally spoke after a full half-hour had passed.

“Things are progressing well, as expected. However, considering this upcoming election, I’m now contemplating whether to put on the brakes or continue as is.”

Moyong Gun glanced sideways.

Moyong Woo stood there with his hands behind his back. Despite standing there for a full half-hour, Moyong Woo didn’t even blink.

“What do you think?”

“About what, sir?”

“About the matters written in these documents.”

“I still don’t know what’s written in those documents.”

Moyong Gun clicked his tongue.

“That’s to be expected. I’ve never shown them to you. These documents were all brought by Yeon-hwa, meaning they were sent from the Mukryong Faction [a political faction or family].”

“I know that.”

“Knowing that, you chased away the attendant who came with Yeon-hwa?”

It was a rare rebuke from Moyong Gun.

In fact, if the other party had been someone else, he might have made a decision on the spot. However, since the target was Moyong Woo, he thought there might be a reason and didn’t scold him right away.

Even so, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger. That’s why he had made Moyong Woo stand there for half an hour, trying to calm his mind.

“You don’t know what’s written here, nor what they want. Yet, you chased away their person as you pleased, without even getting my permission.”

“That’s what happened.”

“Was there a reason?”

“Surely, you don’t think I would do such a thing without a good reason?”

Curiosity appeared on Moyong Gun’s face.

Putting aside his anger, his kind and gentle younger brother’s sudden actions were surprising and puzzling to him.

“Why on earth did you do such a thing? Let me hear it.”

“Because it’s dangerous.”

“Dangerous?”

Moyong Woo looked directly at Moyong Gun.

At that moment, Moyong Gun couldn’t help but be inwardly surprised.

‘Woo can make such an expression?’

Moyong Woo’s eyes were extremely cold. At the same time, they held an unknown anger, and he couldn’t tell where that anger came from.

“Brother.”

“Speak.”

“It was only a day ago that you said you had reflected on yourself. So, I think it’s meaningless to say this now, but I’ll say it anyway.”

“……?”

“Look at the situation properly.”

It was like being hit by an unexpected blow.

Moyong Gun’s eyes deepened.

“Look at the situation properly?”

“Yes.”

“Explain.”

“Commander Yeon already suspects that you’ve joined hands with the Mukryong Faction. In such a situation, do you really not know how dangerous it is to bring their people in openly?”

“Of course, I know it’s dangerous. But if you thought I hadn’t considered that, then you’ve underestimated your brother too much.”

“Still, you were wrong.”

“Why?”

“What if, by any chance, the person who was there before Yeon-hwa entered the inner sanctum was Commander Yeon, not me?”

Moyong Gun’s face hardened at that moment.

“I roughly know Yeon Ho-Jeong’s movements and location. That’s why I told them to come at that time.”

“What about Strategist Jeagal? What about the Yeon Family Head? What about the Tang Family Head, and what about the eyes of countless others?”

“……”

“The boldness shown at unexpected moments can be a masterstroke. But if you become accustomed to that boldness and neglect the small things, you might fall into the mire at a crucial moment.”

Wrinkles formed around Moyong Gun’s eyes.

“I know what you’re worried about. However, I have prepared all countermeasures for that. I repeat, I have prepared ‘all’ countermeasures. I’m not so naive as to bring in people from Mukryong without such preparations.”

“That’s also a problem. Why are you taking such unreasonable risks?”

“……!”

“Don’t create situations that require preparation. When it’s time to wait, you must wait thoroughly. With each self-inflicted risk, the enemy is gathering sharp daggers.”

Moyong Gun felt speechless.

Moyong Woo continued.

“Joined hands with Mukryong? Does that mean we have to move forward together as equals with Mukryong?”

“……”

“After all, Mukryong can only access this situation through information, not experience it firsthand. Therefore, you, brother, must be the one to lead this deal thoroughly. There’s no need to be mindful of their gaze.”

“…Do you really think so?”

“Of course. If one side’s power in a transaction goes too far, it becomes robbery, not a transaction. However, leading within a reasonable limit can secure maximum profit and minimum loss simultaneously.”

Moyong Woo’s eyes intensified.

“Please consider why I haven’t properly stepped into your affairs until now. You have been handling everything in the best possible way without my intervention. But now, I don’t know.”

“…Is that how it looked in your eyes?”

“Yes.”

“Huh!”

Moyong Gun sighed.

It wasn’t because he was dumbfounded. Rather, each word from Moyong Woo was piercing his heart.

“Alright, you’re right. There’s no need to create problems unnecessarily.”

“Also, if you’re going to keep Yeon-hwa, you need to start her education again.”

It was a frightening statement.

Considering an ordinary family, this was a statement that crossed the line.

Moyong Gun tilted his head.

“In your opinion, is Yeon-hwa that lacking?”

“Even good iron can only become a club if it’s not properly forged. That’s what Yeon-hwa is like. Yeon-hwa was born with good talent, but she lacks experience and patience, so she’s not even using half of her talent.”

“Hmm.”

“Including both allies and enemies, there are many great talents around you, brother. Perhaps even you can see Yeon-hwa’s mistakes as displeasing. But if you look at it coldly, it’s hard to find a talent like Yeon-hwa.”

“She’s too good to throw away?”

“Yes. She’s a talent too good to throw away.”

Moyong Woo readily accepted Moyong Gun’s words, which were adding fuel to the fire.

“If you plan to keep her, it’s not too late to start now.”

“Conversely.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes gleamed ominously.

“If I don’t plan to keep her?”

“Then.”

Moyong Woo’s eyes also became similar to Moyong Gun’s.

“Use her properly and then discard her.”

“…Heh heh.”

Moyong Gun clicked his tongue.

“I’m seeing a new side of you today.”

The anger he had felt towards Moyong Woo had vanished without a trace. Rather, he was startled by Moyong Woo’s harsh words.

‘Is he serious?’

Just in case, he looked closely, and it was definitely genuine.

He was not the kind of brother who would say something that wasn’t genuine.

‘He doesn’t care about the means or methods to achieve his goal… Even if his nature is kind, the blood flowing in his veins is definitely that of Moyong’s history.’

The ruthlessness of the Moyong clan, proven at crucial moments.

It seemed that ruthlessness had also been passed down to his younger brother. And with that fact, Moyong Gun felt a deep sense of relief and joy.

Moyong Gun spoke calmly.

“No matter how clear the reason was, it was your mistake to chase away the Mukryong’s person without my permission.”

“I know.”

“I can’t just let this mistake slide. Leaving aside our brotherhood, as the head of the family and a member of the clan, it seems appropriate to punish you.”

Moyong Woo nodded as if it were natural.

“The family will be at peace only when the family laws are upheld. Unless it’s wartime, do not make exceptions to fairness.”

This was truly an unimaginable statement.

Moyong Gun couldn’t help but speak honestly.

“You’ve really set out to surprise me today.”

“However, please don’t forget, brother.”

Moyong Woo’s eyes blazed.

Even Moyong Gun couldn’t help but flinch at the fierce glare.

“You must become the best. And the moment you soar, I will overhaul the main family from its roots.”

“……”

“There’s still plenty of time. There’s no need to rush. So, please understand. Just as the bond of brotherhood that has blossomed with me, a talent who rolled in on his own, I cannot offer you the same brotherhood as before if you forget your purpose.”

“……”

“I will go to my residence and reflect. Please let me know when the level of punishment is decided.”

Moyong Woo, who had bowed his head, headed towards the door.

Moyong Gun, who had been quietly watching him, said as if throwing it away.

“Do you think that this brotherly affection I have for you is not just a personal affection?”

Moyong Woo, who turned around, smiled bitterly.

“Did you think that this youngest brother’s choice, made at the age of thirty, was simply due to family ties?”

“……”

“Rest well.”

Thud.

Moyong Woo left the room.

Moyong Gun, who was staring at the closed door, burst into a bitter laugh.

“I thought he was just a child, but when did he sharpen his fangs so sharply?”

It was surprising. It was also admirable.

On one hand, he felt sorry for him, and at the same time, he was delighted.

‘There was no resentment in Woo’s eyes. He wasn’t angry about Mukryong, nor about Yeon-hwa. He was simply disappointed in my mistakes and misjudgments.’

Moyong Gun, who had been lost in thought for a while, suddenly burst into loud laughter.

“Hahahaha! Haven’t I lived a truly foolish life! I couldn’t even wield the sword by my side properly, yet I was coveting someone else’s famous sword. My eyes must have been like pinholes.”

He felt a strong disappointment in himself.

At the same time, he was so happy and proud.

Moyong Gun looked out the window.

In the distance, Moyong Woo was walking towards the Tangma Faction’s residence.

“Woo, now I feel like I can trust you without any ulterior motives.”

It felt like the clothes that had been too tight and uncomfortable now fit perfectly.

Moyong Gun said with a smile.

“Is anyone outside?”

“Yes, Head of the Family.”

“Where is Yeon-hwa?”

“She is in her residence.”

Moyong Gun nodded.

“Call Yeon-hwa. I need to give that girl a good scolding today.”

Moyong Yeon-hwa should learn from Moyong Woo.

Furthermore, he needed to properly cultivate the insight of his daughter, who had been running wild without knowing how to judge her own capacity.

Now that he was finally starting to cultivate himself and his family, the path to governing the country and bringing peace to the world would not be far off.

* * *

“This is quite something.”

Tang Gwan frowned.

“Since when has my residence become so cheap?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“How can a building become cheap? If it has become cheap, it’s probably your heart that has become cheap, Head of the Family.”

“Your three-inch tongue is still the same.”

“Thanks to this sharp tongue and fist, your status as the Head of the Family might rise, right?”

“It wouldn’t be so hateful if you couldn’t talk.”

“I’ve been hated from all sides, so I’ve become immune to it now.”

“Enough with the nonsense. Tell me why you came.”

“Oh? Won’t you offer me a cup of tea?”

“With a dignity that doesn’t even reach your father’s toes, what tea are you talking about? Stop with the useless talk and tell me your business.”

“Haha, I understand.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said with a serious face.

“There’s a place I need you to come with me. Right now.”

“Where is it?”

“It’s the residence of Grand Master Gong Gong.”

“……?!”