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Chapter 219: Omen (5)

“How long has it been since I’ve seen this?”

Ever since I killed Elder Jeok, I hadn’t laid eyes on Gu Jeolyub once.

It wasn’t that I didn’t go looking for him either.

I thought it would have been problematic just seeing his face.

“There’s nothing I could have done if I went to see him.”

Should I have apologized at least?

That certainly wasn’t an option.

It wasn’t something I’d done impulsively.

If it had been that way, I shouldn’t have killed him at all.

I gazed at Gu Jeolyub with a somewhat flustered expression.

His face looked haggard compared to before.

Clearly, he had been through a lot of mental strain, looking like a complete wreck.

“I didn’t expect you to come looking for me.”

With matters related to the Gu Exemplar Sect, we would have to face each other eventually.

Since the Elder Council had ended, I intended to visit him soon.

But I never imagined Gu Jeolyub would come looking for me first.

He approached me slowly, taking one step at a time.

“Hmm…”

Given the situation, I didn’t know what Gu Jeolyub might want to do with me.

I remained silent for now, just observing him.

At that moment.

Wi Seol-Ah stepped in front of me, as if to protect me, prompting me to grasp her shoulders firmly.

I had to tell her to ease up.

“First Prince.”

“Yeah.”

After what felt like an eternity, Gu Jeolyub stood before me.

“I… have something to ask.”

His desire to ask me something piqued my curiosity.

It seemed he wasn’t planning to do something against me.

Of course, even if he did plan to, I had no intention of complying.

In this tense moment, he had something he wanted to ask.

“Go ahead.”

Though my permission had been granted, Gu Jeolyub’s lips didn’t part easily.

I waited quietly for him to speak.

After a little while, his lips finally opened.

“Why did you do it?”

He asked with a quiver in his voice.

“Huh.”

To spring that question on me so suddenly, it was neither resentment nor a curse filled with fury.

He was asking me for a reason.

“So, you really didn’t come out of your room for awhile.”

I had been quietly keeping up with the news.

After Elder Jeok’s death, it seemed he had shut himself away.

“Why did you do it?”

“Yes.”

“Did you not hear? Why I did it?”

“No, I did.”

I figured he had probably heard it through Elder Lee or maybe from Muyeon or other Sword Team members.

It wasn’t small news; there would have been plenty of gossip swirling around.

“So, why do you ask? You said you heard everything.”

“I needed to hear it directly from you.”

How strange.

Gu Jeolyub’s eyes were still locked onto me.

The feelings bottled inside him were showing, boiling just beneath the surface.

Those simmering emotions hadn’t cooled in all this time.

Amidst all this, Gu Jeolyub had come to ask me why.

Surely, it was possible he took this approach because he couldn’t do anything about me.

“You don’t plan to run away, do you?”

Could I even call it a ‘run’?

Regardless, Gu Jeolyub had come to see me in person.

Thinking of that, I spoke to him.

“Your grandfather crossed a line with me.”

My voice came out firm and resolute.

“He didn’t just cross me; he pushed those around me. Furthermore, he became a toxic influence.”

I spoke those words with cold clarity, devoid of any melodic tone.

I unleashed a brutally honest truth to Gu Jeolyub.

This wasn’t the time for niceties.

“I couldn’t let it slide, so I took action myself.”

“…”

“If you thought you could hear something different from me, I’m sorry, but that’s not happening.”

I had no idea why Gu Jeolyub came to see me, but those were the only words I could offer.

After hearing my response, Gu Jeolyub looked silently at me and finally spoke.

“I didn’t expect any words of hope.”

“Then what?”

“I just don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t know?”

I frowned a little, puzzled by what he meant.

What exactly did he not know?

“I don’t know how to proceed from here…”

“So you came to ask me?”

“…No, that’s not it.”

I understood why so much was in turmoil, causing him to feel lost.

However, if he thought seeking me out would solve anything, that was truly unfortunate.

‘What a naive kid.’

What did he hope to gain from confronting the one who killed his grandfather?

It seemed Gu Jeolyub himself wasn’t even aware.

Yeah, he was just a kid who hadn’t even reached full adulthood yet.

At this point, he was merely a boy overwhelmed by the situation.

I asked him.

“Do you resent me?”

“Yes.”

His answer was unwavering.

“Do you want revenge?”

“…”

This time, he didn’t respond.

It seemed he wanted to affirm, but there was hesitation.

“Is that a no?”

“…That’s right.”

“But why the hesitation?”

Was it daunting for him to declare he wanted to kill a member of his own clan?

If viewed that way, it made sense.

However, if it were me, I wouldn’t have hesitated.

‘Could I stay sane facing the one who killed my family?’

I didn’t know what I’d do now, but back then?

At Gu Jeolyub’s age, I certainly wouldn’t have managed it.

While I pondered how he could react this way, Gu Jeolyub finally responded.

“…Because it goes against the agreement.”

“Agreement?”

That was a rather unexpected comment.

What agreement?

“Indeed, if the Gate Master… If my grandfather really did something as the First Prince said…”

Gu Jeolyub’s shoulders trembled a bit.

“…I have no right to resent the Prince.”

He hadn’t concealed his ambition.

He had brazenly set up obstacles within his own clan to make his grandson the clan leader.

He was secretly concocting schemes behind the clan’s back.

If all that were accurate, Gu Jeolyub declared he had no right to resent me.

Yet, he must also be grappling with the conflict of resenting himself.

That was something I couldn’t comprehend.

“You’re overcomplicating things.”

“…”

“I really don’t get why suddenly there’s talk about agreements. I can’t give you anything.”

Whether Gu Jeolyub resented me or truly harbored malicious intent, I couldn’t do anything about it.

Even if he did harbor malice, he need not worry about me caring.

If he did wish to take action, then.

‘I’d have to kill him.’

I would kill him.

There would be no second chances.

What I could offer in terms of leeway was not interfering with Gu Jeolyub for now.

| | ..

In the aftermath of Elder Jeok’s death, while a funeral had been held, he wouldn’t be resting in the clan’s most prominent cemetery.

I couldn’t leave a sinner like that in peace.

Once Elder Jeok’s sins were fully revealed, Gu Jeolyub’s fate would be in suspense.

If he inherited his grandfather’s sins, who knows what might happen.

Even if Gu Jeolyub were innocent, the blood-tinged karma of this damned land could not be escaped.

Reducing the damage as much as possible.

That was the limit of what I could do for him.

‘Although I’m unsure if this is what he hopes for…’

As I recalled the unhinged nature of Gu Jeolyub, I figured he likely hoped for something else.

“What’s the decision regarding the Gu Exemplar Sect?”

“…Elder Lee said he’d handle things for a while.”

“Elder Lee did?”

I was slightly taken aback by Gu Jeolyub’s words.

That Elder, having no connection to the Sword Team, was taking on the Gu Exemplar Sect?

Was he only overseeing while someone else managed the key decisions?

‘That’s better than letting the Third or Fourth Elders handle it.’

It felt a bit out of place, but still.

“Are you fine with that?”

“…I have no strength. I have neither the skills nor the qualifications to lead.”

He indeed bore the title of a prospective clan leader.

But that was also simply because he was Elder Jeok’s grandson.

He was talented, no doubt.

But that wouldn’t resolve everything.

“Whatever your intentions for coming to see me, I can’t point you the way.”

“…”

“Especially, you coming to ask me for guidance seems absurd.”

Telling Gu Jeolyub what to do wasn’t right.

Conversely, wanting something from me—the one who killed his grandfather—was even more absurd.

Resentment, at least, he had the right to do that.

“While I feel sorry about what happened, that’s about all.”

No matter his stature, he had killed his kin.

I felt regret over that.

“If you want to resent and hate me, go ahead. I’ll accept it.”

Though I wouldn’t take responsibility for it.

I was open to listening.

What choices Gu Jeolyub would make as a result, I had no clue.

Listening to me, Gu Jeolyub didn’t hide the dark expression on his face, mumbling softly.

“I… don’t know.”

“Then think about it. What you want to do.”

At this point, I couldn’t apologize any further.

Therefore, I wasn’t in a position to console him.

Even if given a chance to go back, I wouldn’t have chosen anything other than killing Elder Jeok.

‘Even if I saved him, I wouldn’t have done it myself. In the end, he would still die.’

I’d have crushed his Lower Dantian to let him die slowly.

Or else, I would have found another way.

Just like my choice, Elder Jeok would have made no different decisions.

With his sunken face staring at the ground, Gu Jeolyub tiredly wiped his face with his hand.

I continued to watch him without saying anything.

The wind was quietly blowing.

As Gu Jeolyub chewed on his lips, he slowly asked me.

“I hear you’re heading towards the front line?”

“When did you hear that?”

It had just been mentioned, so where had he learned it?

“Elder Lee told me. He said the First Prince was going to the front line.”

“What?!”

What was this nonsense?

Elder Lee had already hinted I’d be sent to the front line?

This meant…

‘…Did my father and Elder Lee already talk this over?’

Already planning to send me to the front line as punishment for this incident?

“The big guy must still be in a fit about me breaking out of prison.”

I had been dodging the consequences for sure.

I looked at Gu Jeolyub and asked again.

“So, why do you care?”

He replied, his expression weary.

“I want to go with you.”

“What? Where?”

“To the front line you’re going.”

“Have you lost your mind?”

What was this nonsense?

He wants to go to the front line with me?!

“What’s your intention?”

“I want to follow you to find out.”

“You must be crazy.”

To follow me, the one who killed his grandfather?

‘Does he want to make a pact to assassinate me or something?’

If it wasn’t that, then I truly couldn’t understand what was going through Gu Jeolyub’s head.

“I want to decide what to do afterward.”

Whether he wanted to live harboring resentment or seeking revenge.

Or if all he desired was to accept and live in peace.

It seemed he had resolved to confront me instead of remaining lost.

“I see.”

But his decision was unfathomable to me.

It was a choice I wouldn’t have made.

“…Fine. But I can’t guarantee they’ll allow that.”

It might have been different in the past.

But given the current mess, I really couldn’t let Gu Jeolyub—a possible enemy—see the light of day.

Even if there was a slight chance they might allow it.

“I said I would accept your resentment, but that’s all I can offer.”

As I mentioned earlier.

If he let anything else develop beyond that…

I would definitely sever ties with him.

Once I finished my statement, Gu Jeolyub quietly looked at me before bowing his head and turning away.

In the distance, I could see some martial artists from the Gu Exemplar Sect approaching.

They might be coming to protect Gu Jeolyub, or perhaps they were wary of what he might do to me.

[Oh man.]

Watching Gu Jeolyub’s retreating figure, Shin Noya spoke to me.

‘Are you saying that I should just kill him if necessary?’

[I wouldn’t have done that, but you’re nothing if not reckless.]

That hit me hard.

If it had been in the past, I would have killed Gu Jeolyub without a second thought.

Just like when I killed Elder Jeok.

But I couldn’t do that now.

Even if Gu Jeolyub bore a grudge against me and sought revenge down the line.

I didn’t want to kill him if he stayed within the boundaries.

I had a desire to live differently from my past.

And secondly, I felt it was pitiable that someone’s life would be ruined due to familial ties.

I had gone through that myself.

[That’s why you held back.]

‘That’s right.’

Now, as the omen of a Blood Calamity grew nearer.

It would be wise to leave some embers behind.

But—

“…I wanted to indulge in such a hope just once.”

[Hmph.]

After that, Shin Noya didn’t speak anymore.

I felt something wrap around my hand and turned to find Wi Seol-Ah gently holding onto it.

“Young Master… Are you alright?”

“What? Do I look unwell?”

“Um… You look exhausted.”

“Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

I didn’t understand why Wi Seol-Ah was looking at me like that.

But I was okay, as usual. I had to remain fine. I patted her head, which was filled with concern for me.

Addressing the emptiness around us.

“Then, please share your thoughts now.”

It seemed like no one was around, but someone was there.

Rustling-.

From behind the bushes by the tree, a figure appeared that raised my suspicions about how they had hidden so well.

It was Elder Lee, who looked like he hadn’t fully recovered yet, bandages wrapped around him.

“You’ve gotten a bit sharper than before.”

“Isn’t it strange for you to be hiding out there in that condition?”

Even if I said that, Elder Lee’s stealth skills were impressive.

If I hadn’t caught any qi signs, I might not have realized he was there.

“Did you have a reason for telling that kid about the front line?”

“He asked, so I told him.”

“And you didn’t tell me?”

“Why would I tell some little brat who doesn’t listen a thing?”

“…”

Just as I’d expected.

Elder Lee still seemed to hold a grudge regarding my prison break.

Feeling a tad uncomfortable, I rubbed my cheek while Elder Lee continued.

“I know you asked him to look out for Jeolyub.”

“…Huh.”

I was surprised he knew, as I’d confided that to my father in secret.

“So you took on the role of overseeing the Gu Exemplar Sect?”

“Better me than the Third or Fourth Elders. I’ll just oversee it. The main responsibilities regarding the martial arts of our clan will be on the Sword Team Master.”

“The Sword Team Master?”

In terms of swordsmanship, the Sword Team Master was the strongest in the clan.

I wasn’t sure how he compared to Elder Jeok in his prime.

But at the moment, that was his role.

‘If it’s the Sword Team Master… it should be alright.’

Recalling him, he was surely a far better person than others.

At least, he wouldn’t be someone eyeing to create plots from the sidelines.

“Are you feeling any better now?”

“Remarkably quick to ask that.”

“Better to ask than not… Will you stop with the fists? Elder Lee, you’re unwell!”

It seems the old man hadn’t lost his temper, even at a time like this.

“I’m perfectly fine, just a little scraped up. Nothing serious.”

“…What kind of magic spit would heal you?”

If that were the case, why would there ever be a need for martial artists?

“By the way, you brought back a rather strange guest.”

“Ah.”

Elder Lee’s comment prompted me to recall the old man currently in the Gu Clan’s prison.

‘I almost forgot about the Hao Gate Master.’

I had temporarily forgotten about the Hao Gate Master I brought back from the Black Night Palace.

“What led to that?”

“Do you know him, Elder Lee?”

My question prompted Elder Lee to stroke his beard and clear his throat.

“I saw him briefly on the way over. I thought he’d end up in a spot like that.”

‘Elder Lee was aware of the Hao Gate Master too.’

Why did everyone seem to know so much about him, while there was scant information shared?

‘As I thought, this isn’t your typical family setup.’

The moment I solidified my thoughts, I mentioned,

“The old man found at the Black Night Palace—my father said to bring him back.”

In times like this, it was best to make a decent excuse about my father.

True to form, once I mentioned my father, Elder Lee didn’t have any further comments and nodded.

“…Then it seems the Clan Leader will handle it.”

Whether he’d make a connection with the Hao Gate or use him for another purpose—I didn’t know.

But with the Hao Gate Master now under my father’s watchful eye…

That was a matter beyond my reach.

As for the guest, considering the abrupt end to the conversation, Elder Lee pulled out a letter from his robe, handing it to me.

“I never guessed you’d have connections with the Beggar Clan.”

“The Beggar Clan?”

Suddenly, the mention of the Beggar Clan startled me.

What was he even talking about?

I took the letter, only to find it bore the seal of the Beggar Clan.

‘This is…’

The small name underneath the seal revealed who wrote it.

Chu Yong.

The future King of the Beggar Clan had sent me a letter.

‘I knew a letter would arrive eventually.’

But it came quicker than I expected.

What did this pertain to, I wondered?

If it was information regarding Muk-Gwon or the Pejon—just as I’d asked him about back in Hanam…

‘I really hope it’s about Pejon.’

If I had to choose, it would definitely be about Pejon, since that was the more pressing issue.

‘Just as long as there aren’t any problems.’

The short letter Chu Yong sent contained a few phrases.

– Jin Ryong Prince… Alive…

– No issues.

“…”

While the first line seemed to trail off and then was wiped away, reading the second line I carefully folded the letter back into my pocket.

Then I nodded and whispered.

“Guess he got caught.”

I felt I could forget about Chu Yong for a while.

He’d likely do fine on his own. After all, he was supposedly the King of the Beggar Clan.

 

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