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I drained my drink and observed Maeng-cheon’s expression.

There was no trace of malice in his eyes. However, neither did any readable emotions seem to surface.

The third cup was exchanged. Finally, Maeng-cheon opened his mouth.

“Why have you spent over ten years learning the Three Disasters Sword Technique?”

“…I believed it was my path.”

“Is that truly why you swung your sword?”

“…….”

I had to mix truth with lies.

Only then could I deceive the opponent.

“I thought the only way to support my family was to become a warrior. Isn’t that better than wielding farming tools?”

“It’s about money. It’s important. So what happened?”

“As you can see, I did not achieve great success. Even the Three Disasters Sword Technique… my talent was not enough to become a warrior.”

“What did your father say?”

“…My father…”

I bit my lip slightly.

“He didn’t say anything.”

“I see.”

Our cups clinked again.

A slight intoxication began to rise.

“I thought it was something I had to do anyway. It’s just a shame I couldn’t achieve it in the end.”

“I see. You matured early. How old are you?”

“I’m twenty-six this year.”

“When did you first wield a sword?”

“…when I was fourteen.”

I covered my real age with a slight falsehood.

Maeng-cheon muttered while holding the cup.

“You were… quite diligent.”

“I was diligent, but I have nothing to show for it.”

“How can that be your fault? It’s the heavens’ fault. There’s no need to feel guilt toward yourself.”

“……..?”

There was no particular malice. Yet, it didn’t seem he was probing for something either.

Then why did he bring me here?

I peered into my cup. It didn’t look poisoned. If Cheongeop had discovered something, he would have expelled the poison by now.

The side dishes were the same. Nothing on the table seemed problematic.

“…I have a son.”

Ah.

Perhaps the problem was not with the table.

I fell silent while Maeng-cheon drank alone. After emptying one cup, he immediately poured himself another.

“He’s different from you. Too different. Maybe it’s because he’s the eldest; I pampered him too much.”

“If I had a child, I would have behaved just like you, Lord.”

“Look at this natural consideration. This is something one only sees in someone who’s faced life and death. My son doesn’t have that. He’s never faced danger or hardship… nothing at all.”

Maeng-cheon chuckled softly.

“The Black Heaven Sect. Our sect has been honing axes for generations. I have, and all the disciples in our sect learned to use axes as well. They may be simple, but they are advantageous weapons compared to others. Two sides of a coin. Just like the principles of life.”

“……”

“My son says he doesn’t want to learn this. So, I hired an appropriate martial arts instructor. But even that he didn’t want. He’s always said he wouldn’t lift a finger unless it was for some extraordinary martial art.”

“That must be troubling.”

“Troubling? It’s more than that. So-hong. I originally had a second son. But he died. Do you know how?”

Maeng-cheon fiddled with his cup.

“It seems he was playing near the lake. By the time the eldest yelled, it was already too late. After that, I had all the lakes in the estate removed. But even so, my second son wouldn’t return.”

“……”

“My wife saw our second son die and hanged herself. Did she believe her negligence caused his death? There wasn’t even a note.”

“…Lord.”

“There’s no need to force your sympathy. I’m fine. Loneliness is something that seeps into one’s bones but eventually becomes part of oneself, right? And I still have my eldest son. I swore in front of my wife’s grave that I would raise this child well.”

“I will follow you.”

“It’s alright. I still have my hands.”

Maeng-cheon filled his cup to the brim and downed it again.

“But you see, my eldest son has no talent for anything. Is that all? His temperament is cruel, and he constantly torments the younger children. Even the bodies of the servants found in the Black Heaven Sect are numerous. Everyone knows who’s responsible.”

“……..”

“There are times I think, if only I had punished him in time—what would have happened? But before I know it, the day is gone. Lately, I’ve found it hard to concentrate on my work. Now that child has changed, it’s become even worse. Sometimes my hands tremble. I can’t even grasp an axe.”

Maeng-cheon muttered gloomily.

“The leader of the Black Heaven Sect can’t even grasp an axe and is succumbing to the heart demon… the world would surely laugh at this. But I’ve decided to consider this as my karma. This must be my fault for failing to raise one son well…”

“…….”

I had gleaned the necessary information.

But at the same time, I hesitated.

Maeng-cheon. He was weaker than I’d thought. He was nothing more than a father, not a warrior.

I picked up the side dish and chewed. It stuck in my throat and I had to wash it down with some alcohol.

Emptying the cup, Maeng-cheon poured himself another.

“It’s a gloomy tale. So-hong. The reason I brought you here is this.”

“…You have a request for me?”

“Just listen to me as you have now. Just hearing me out is enough. I’ve been feeling stifled. I couldn’t tell anyone. The leader is the pillar of the sect, right? If the pillar shakes, the sect itself collapses. No one close can show weakness.”

“Why me, a mere outsider…?”

“Didn’t you learn the Three Disasters Sword Technique for ten years? The sword signifies a person. Even if your sword lacks talent, it has resoluteness. I can trust someone with that kind of tenacity. Come back tomorrow. I will reward you generously.”

Maeng-cheon chuckled softly.

“I’m sorry for sharing an old man’s troubles. So-hong.”

“…….”

Could I gain even more information?

It didn’t pose a threat to me.

After all, I only needed to entertain him for five days.

“I understand, Lord.”

“Thank you.”

…

I told the story of what happened with Twenty-Nine.

Twenty-Nine stared at me intently.

“To maintain your current status, it’s better to keep the connection. That’s… logically a wiser choice.”

“You think so too, Twenty-Nine.”

“Are you okay?”

“Of course, I’m fine.”

Twenty-Nine turned her head.

“Keep saying you’re fine. Don’t change your mind. Remember. We are the Blood Demons. We are not hunters.”

“…I understand.”

The next day, I met with Maeng-cheon. He greeted me with a broad smile and handed me a pouch of coins.

“This is something I’ve set aside from my personal funds.”

“That’s too much.”

“It’s not a small amount for a drinking buddy. So this is… a friends’ fee? Something like that? So-hong, what did you do today?”

“I searched the mountains. I looked for wild beasts, but couldn’t find any.”

“You’re diligent. That diligence will undoubtedly help your future. I just wish my son were like that. Tsk.”

Most of what Maeng-cheon spoke was complaints and grievances about his son.

But it wasn’t just filled with contempt.

“There was a time, you know. My son brought something to me. Seeing him fidgeting, I thought he was going to cause trouble again—then I found out he had liquor behind him.”

“Liquor?”

“It wasn’t precious, but he slipped it inside the gate for me. He’s not simply a brutish creature. Thinking back, there were still decent parts in him.”

“He’s probably the same now.”

“Is that so? So-hong, my son has changed. For some reason… his appetite has increased. As his body grows larger, his temperament has become even more ferocious. Even when I called a physician, they couldn’t figure it out.”

“Could he have consumed poison…?”

“So I called a physician from further away. I heard he’s a disciple of Man-sa-shin-ui. He’s on his way, so he’ll probably arrive soon. Until then, I’m trying to accommodate my son as best as I can.”

Maeng-cheon downed some liquor, fiddling with his cup before suddenly asking me.

“If he gains weight, can’t he lose it afterward? Right?”

“Of course, Lord.”

“His discomfort has surely increased his temperament. Once he gets better, all will be resolved. Ha, just saying that makes me feel a bit better. Well, it’s not a certainty, but…”

“…….”

“If I don’t believe, who will believe my son.”

Maeng-cheon was a father.

Without a doubt, a definite father.

At the same time, he was quite a funny man.

“Have you considered learning how to use an axe?”

“Lord, if I did that, everything you’ve told me would just become foolishness.”

“Hehe, just joking. Why so serious?”

“It’s not that serious.”

“Ah, a man should be serious. You know?”

“Lord.”

“Be serious.”

With a thick sense of playfulness, I sighed.

“You’ve had quite a bit to drink.”

“Is that so? I suppose I do feel a little tipsy. What a while. I’ve kept a young friend too long. I’ll take my leave now. See you tomorrow.”

“If you keep drinking daily, it won’t be good for your health.”

“Then I’ll try something different tomorrow.”

The next day, Maeng-cheon stood in the garden with his axe. He lightly waved at me.

“A man should enjoy something else besides liquor. If you only indulge in alcohol, one can easily become a beggar, right?”

“…I can’t dare to counteract the leader’s philosophy.”

“I know. Just watch me. You should properly move on from feeling despondent. I’m just trying to lightly exercise since it’s time for rehabilitation.”

“In that case, I don’t necessarily have to be here…”

“Just look on. So-hong.”

Maeng-cheon’s axe moved. A decisive movement. It shattered everything it touched.

The air split with the descending movement. The gust of wind brushed my hair.

“How is it?”

“…It’s excellent.”

“Is that so? It’s excellent. But my son said it was terrible.”

That was absolutely a no-go. I wanted to sincerely express myself.

It was evident to him. The years piled up. The sorrow that resided in the axe’s edge.

The spirit of a man who had to stand under the name “leader” until the moment right before collapsing.

“It’s the most splendid technique, Lord.”

“Really think so?”

“You praised my Three Disasters Sword Technique.”

I took a defensive stance.

“That praise is most suited for you, Lord.”

“You lack talent?”

“…That’s not what I mean!”

“Your voice is quite boisterous. It’s the first time I’ve heard you raise your voice like this.”

Maeng-cheon chuckled.

“What do you say? Shall we lightly clash with the ends of our weapons?”

“…Is that alright?”

“Don’t worry. I will adjust. Since ancient times, it’s said that warriors dancing with swords share deeper sentiments.”

Maeng-cheon handed me his sword.

“How about we share more profound conversations, So-hong?”

“If that’s the case…”

I grabbed the sword without hesitation. It was an opportunity to witness Maeng-cheon’s axe.

I did my best but ultimately lost. However, it wasn’t without gain.

“Your sword is heavy. Truly heavy.”

“Yet I still couldn’t block your axe.”

“That may be true for now. But what if countless tales intertwined within? The sword signifies life. The time passed merges within it. One day, your sword will… ”

Maeng-cheon laughed.

“The weight will become heavier than a thousand-pound rock.”

“…I’m embarrassed. But no matter how strong I get, I don’t think I can win against your axe. Your axe could surely crush even rocks.”

“Hehe. Have you seen it?”

“Yes. It was heavy.”

“And inside?”

“……..”

I kept my words close.

Maeng-cheon set his axe down.

“It’s trembling. It’s breaking apart. The rehabilitation has been delayed considerably. By the time the disciple of Man-sa-shin-ui arrives… it may become impossible to maintain my martial arts.”

“Couldn’t you just show yourself to the physician?”

“The heart demon is greater than I thought. Even holding an axe, it doesn’t feel like I’m truly gripping it. I’ve been breaking down from the inside. In truth… it has been what I’ve thought all along. Do I deserve to wield an axe…?”

Maeng-cheon caressed the end of the axe.

“It’s time I truly focused on my eldest son. My last hope isn’t martial arts. It’s him. Although it’s late… isn’t it time I should properly be a father?”

“…I believe you can do it, Lord.”

“Thank you, So-hong. You’ve been truly helpful. Will you come tomorrow?”

“…Tomorrow…”

“I hope you will come.”

“I will.”

“Good.”

With his axe hanging at his waist, Maeng-cheon turned his head slightly.

“So-hong.”

“Yes?”

“Move on.”

He gave a faint smile.

“Efforts will never betray you. The sword you’ve tirelessly swung will benefit you. Surely.”

“…….”

Returning to my lodgings, I shared everything I’d learned with Twenty-Nine.

She let out a sigh of relief.

“A crumbling master. Assassination might be relatively easy. It could end in a single strike.”

“…….”

“You don’t look so good. Thirty.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Is that alright?”

“I’m fine.”

I was fine.

I truly was fine.

On the last day before the action, I sought out Maeng-cheon again. He welcomed me with a smile.

“So-hong! I’ve heard the disciple of Man-sa-shin-ui is nearby! He’s supposed to arrive today!”

“Is that true?”

“If that person arrives, my eldest will return to normal. I’m relieved. Isn’t this a great stroke of luck?”

Maeng-cheon rummaged through his pockets.

“I’m grateful for your help during this short time. Thanks to you, I was able to express my innermost thoughts.”

“It was my honor, Lord.”

“I have something for you, So-hong.”

Maeng-cheon handed me a pouch.

“This is Hwandan. Looking at you, your internal energy is poor. Maybe all the causes originate there? If you absorb it well, it could increase your energy by ten years.”

“……”

“Don’t make that face, So-hong. It’s not that expensive. And aren’t we already friends? Of course, I should give you what I can. Just looking at you makes me think…”

Maeng-cheon smirked.

“If my second son had grown up, he would have been like you.”

I bit my lip.

“…Lord.”

“Then please accept it. No need to refuse. Here, take it. There’s a decent amount of money in it. Unfortunately, we can’t have a drinking session today. But this isn’t the end. Don’t forget to occasionally be my conversation partner, So-hong.”

Maeng-cheon patted my shoulder.

“Thank you for listening to my tales. If the pillar of the Black Heaven Sect is me, then for a while, you supported me.”

“…….”

“I won’t stray far. Come back and visit again. Not as a hunter, but as my friend.”

I turned my feet and exited Black Heaven Sect. After a few more steps, I realized.

I couldn’t kill Maeng-cheon.

From the moment he called me a son, I…

Realized I could not kill him.

“Thirty.”

“…Yes.”

“Tomorrow is the execution day. You know that, right?”

“I know.”

I fiddled with my sword. I looked out at the darkened streets beyond my lodgings.

I drew my sword. The shining blade reflected me back.

Jeok-un.

What will you do?

I stayed awake all night.

Then the next morning, I sought out Black Heaven Sect early.

Not to share something, but merely because I wanted to have another conversation with that Maeng-cheon.

That’s all.

But…

“…The leader has passed away.”

He’s dead.

Even before we unsheathed our swords.

“He died in an accident. Go back. We aren’t receiving guests today.”

“Please tell me the reason. Who…”

“It seems there was an accident while treating the eldest son, Maeng-so-un. The disciple of Man-sa-shin-ui confirmed it.”

The doorkeeper’s face also twisted. It was as if he lamented his own fate, forced to accept the absurdity.

“Go back, So-hong. There’s no one left here to welcome you…”

 

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