“Oh, it’s like a candle burning in the wind.”

The future of the Sma Family is just like that.

The head of Cheonakmun gazed at the candle in front of him. The flame was weak. The wax that had dripped down was stuck to the floor, indicating it had burned down quite a bit.

How strong is the candlelight? The wick is almost at its end. That little flame that remains seems like it could go out at any moment.

The flame won’t last until tomorrow.

The Sma Family will be the same.

“Master.”

A man stepped out of the shadows. Beside him stood another man who looked a bit anxious.

His gaze was low. His back was hunched. Even the sword on his back was trembling slightly.

He’s trembling. As if this is his first time in a serious situation.

I can’t gauge his abilities. But the man next to him was different. The one who spoke exuded an intense aura, like a wild beast.

“I’ve heard the story.”

“…I didn’t expect the Soul Stealing Sword to come personally.”

“Aren’t you the famous Sma Family? Even if the clan is in decline, someone like me should step out.”

“Who is the person next to you?”

“My disciple. Even among the Na-chal sect, his talent stands out.”

“…….”

“Calm your nerves. It’s natural to feel tension. This kid is experiencing real combat for the first time.”

“…First combat…?”

All hopeful followers are sent to the Magic Academy. It’s a rule at our school to wield a sword from a young age.

Those who have no talent drop out, while those with talent endure and become warriors of the main school.

Sometimes, those lacking talent might become warriors.

However, very few kids who have never experienced real combat become warriors.

“…Is this kid not from the Magic Academy?”

“He’s a kid who was working as a lackey for the Na-chal sect. When we found him, he was scrawny and hauling things around.”

“How old is he…?”

“He’s twenty-five now. It’s been a year since we took him in.”

“That’s too late to pick up a sword.”

“But despite that, he was worth bringing in.”

The Soul Stealing Sword, No Hwa-cheon, grinned.

“Even though it’s been less than a year since he picked up a sword, he’s looking to surpass a wall, can you believe it?”

“…What do you mean…?”

“The more he experiences real combat, the faster his growth rate will surely be. That’s why I brought him along.”

The head of Cheonakmun’s face hardened.

“Old master. This time, we can’t afford to spill too much blood. The subordinates are innocent. We should only catch those who have caused trouble, right?”

“You have a kind heart. I’ll keep that in mind. Where is the Blood Demon?”

“Currently residing in the Sma Family.”

“It seems your words hold weight. Despite having been here for nearly a month, they haven’t shown any significant actions…”

No Hwa-cheon sighed.

“Are you sure you’ve passed along information?”

“I am certain.”

“Even after checking the Sma Family’s warehouse, they haven’t acted. It’s clear the Blood Demon has accepted bribes. But it’s surprising. Master, who values righteousness, would seek our aid.”

“Isn’t it true that the main text also serves the Na-chal sect, even if it’s a small faction? Our roots originate from the Sma Family, but in this day, we are much closer to the Na-chal sect.”

“You’re right. Cheonakmun and the Na-chal sect are one. The Sma Family… who would have guessed they were skimming off tribute intended for the Master? This is a matter connected to the Master’s prestige. Anyone involved will inevitably face severe punishment.”

“Despite the Sma Family’s difficulties, as the leader of a faction, I couldn’t just leave it be.”

“I understand. It must have been a heavy decision. The evidence you’ve sent has been thoroughly reviewed. No doubt about it. Some individuals who were secretly hidden checked the inside of the warehouse. There were several boxes that should have contained valuable items, yet they were empty. Moreover, there have been recent disturbances from bandits nearby.”

No Hwa-cheon’s expression turned cold.

“To think the Sma Family would stage a ruse to intentionally skim off tribute. If they released some of the stolen tribute into the market, it would surely lead back to them. The audacity to collude with the righteous—this intent is wicked indeed. The worst kind of traitor.”

“Old master. If that guy escapes, I will have no face to show the Master.”

“I know. That’s why I’m here in person. I will capture that fellow myself. If circumstances turn unfriendly, I might even bring back the head of the clan.”

The voice of the Soul Stealing Sword, No Hwa-cheon, was heavy.

It was impossible to find the opponent.

“Everything will end tonight,” he stated.

The head of Cheonakmun struggled to suppress a smile.

Yes. Tonight is the night. Once this night is over, everything will unfold according to plan.

The blood has already been shed, and there’s enough justification.

It’s easy to take possession of a beast that has lost its head.

The name of the Sma Family will also be concealed under the name of Cheonakmun.

It’s coming.

The conclusion of years of planning.

…

“…Soul Stealing Sword?”

Smaak’s expression stiffened.

“You’re saying Soul Stealing Sword, No Hwa-cheon is coming here?”

“Yes! That’s right!”

“What the heck… from Cheonakmun… since when…?”

In the ongoing report, I felt a distinct malice from one person.

“I told you there are no damn bandits! We’ve searched the mountains! There was nothing! It was just a rumor!”

“Those who attacked our headquarters are…”

“I don’t know about that. But it’s obvious what’s happening. The source of the rumor started from Cheonakmun, with some faceless individuals tormenting the Sma Family while masquerading as bandits! And the source of that rumor is Cheonakmun!”

“How did you find that out?”

“Courtesan! Gambler! Damn! I have a deep connection with those living below! I know how their world operates! The filthy rats are the ones who usually know the most! And I’m from such a place! I tried to lay low, but… damn that Thirty!”

One document slipped out of the possession of Twenty-Nine.

“This was something we retrieved from Cheonakmun. I seduced a maid.”

“……?”

“Why?! What do you mean?! I was totally disgusted! And I don’t even like girls, so don’t look at me funny! It was just a mission!”

Smaak snatched the document as if to capture it.

The moment he glanced at the contents, his expression crumbled.

“…What is this…?”

“You can see what’s written there, right? There was a Sma Family warrior who frequently visited Cheonakmun. They must have intended to meet discreetly, but there were more eyes on them than they expected. Many have seen them.”

“……”

“I gathered the testimonies of those who encountered them, and that gave me a sketch of the outline. Following that outline led me to the figure, and eventually I stepped on the shadow as well. I figured it would be essential to have solid evidence, so I obtained that too.”

Smaak staggered and pressed his forehead with his hand. I snatched the paper from his grasp to take a look.

“There’s another secret warehouse within Cheonakmun. Only a limited number of personnel can enter it. Once inside, one’s name must be recorded. If entry ledgers are not carefully managed, betrayers may emerge within. This is the copy of the ledger that was hidden deep within Cheonakmun.”

Names were written.

The name of Bodyguard Chu Yi-gyeong appeared.

“Chu Yi-gyeong is the traitor. He has been stealing the tribute and delivering it to Cheonakmun. We don’t know the reason.”

It’s certain…

Almost certain evidence.

Smaak leaned against the wall, his face drained of color. He took a deep breath before lifting his head.

“…Why is the Soul Stealing Sword suddenly coming here?”

“Word has reached the Na-chal sect, which Cheonakmun is a part of. The head of Cheonakmun reported us saying, ‘The Blood Demon received information but has done nothing legitimate. They must have received a bribe.’ Thus, the matter escalated into a bigger problem, and the Na-chal sect, concerned about the influence of the Blood Demon, sent someone our way. That would be the Soul Stealing Sword.”

“So you’re saying a master from the Na-chal sect is coming to capture me.”

“Yes. That’s right. And it’s likely they’ll also come to capture us. They’ll probably seize us, and once they do, they’ll be very clear about the situation. But if the Master gets caught with the manufactured evidence that Cheonakmun has almost assuredly planted…”

“We’re finished. Silently. If I die, there’s no one who’d even care to speak up for me.”

“Even if the Soul Stealing Sword doesn’t kill you, if the Master gets captured, Cheonakmun will surely intervene from inside.”

Twenty-Nine turned to look at me.

“Thirty. Things have soured. We don’t know just how deep Cheonakmun has infiltrated the Sma Family. Even with just Bodyguard Chu Yi-gyeong, other warriors might be working together with Cheonakmun too.”

“We can hardly seek help.”

“The moment they capture the Master, there’s a high chance they will hand him over to Cheonakmun. And we would also shed blood. We do have a way to avoid getting dragged into this. We could just pretend we saw nothing.”

Twenty-Nine was asking me something.

Even if we took the easy route, it wouldn’t be too late.

“…We can just hand over the head of the Sma Family to the Soul Stealing Sword right now. If we show that we acted, we can escape suspicion of having taken bribes.”

Those were cold words.

At the same time, they were the words most fitting for survival.

I fell silent. The Soul Stealing Sword. I had heard that name before.

A famous master even within the Na-chal sect. His appearance meant he intended to quickly wrap things up.

I couldn’t match up against the Soul Stealing Sword.

Only death awaited me.

Even without having met him, I know I can’t win. Just looking at the many achievements he has accomplished shows me that.

Those who have aliases have them for a reason.

They possess the power befitting that name to be called something else.

“There’s no time left. Thirty.”

Smaak was staring at me without uttering a word. His gaze was almost resigned.

I racked my brain. The head of Cheonakmun. The traps he has laid.

He must have spent a long time preparing to bring down the Sma Family. Whether it was out of resentment or greed, I couldn’t tell.

What’s important is that it’s not too late. I can still draw my sword to Smaak’s throat. Secure my identity and hand him over to the approaching Soul Stealing Sword.

The Blood Demon would gain evidence of action taken, while the Soul Stealing Sword would return with Smaak.

Smaak of the Sma Family may be eliminated. The clan itself might also be uprooted.

But a person can survive.

At least, I can survive.

“…….”

There…

What awaits me?

Twenty-Nine fidgeted. Smaak wiped his face.

“Chu Yi-gyeong. How could he? He has served the Sma Family since grandfather’s time.”

“……”

“Were all of this just an empty dream? There was no reason to struggle in the first place. Had I noticed it beforehand, it wouldn’t have been too late to escape. Even if I hold this, no one would believe me. The Soul Stealing Sword would at least catch me, and the moment they do, I’ll be dead.”

“……”

“Thirty.”

He cast a glance at me.

“Capture me. That way, that pathetic life might survive.”

“…Why.”

“I’m tired. I am.”

Smaak let out a bitter laugh.

“My time with you has been unbearable. A damn nightmare I never want to think of again. Even if you tell me to fall, I cling onto you like a filthy leech.”

“……”

“Well. Fine. It’s no longer necessary. If you’re not going to capture me, I will walk away myself. The head of the Sma Family can’t beg for his life. I want to die with dignity at least.”

The sound of something brushing against the wall could be heard. Something unknown was moving toward this place.

Twenty-Nine flinched and turned around.

A clear murderous intent. The sinking silence.

In that space, the presence of a massive beast seemed to be stretching out.

“Looks like Cheonakmun is becoming the new master of the Sma Family.”

Smaak stepped forward.

“…I can only hope that there is mercy in that hand.”

The two figures descended in front of the building. The weighty footsteps shook the structure.

The frightened gatekeeper fled. The inside was filled with silence.

A massive figure stretched out its foot forward. The blazing eyes and bleached hair reminded me of Sma.

But different. If he were an ever-hungry beast…

—The author has clearly bared the fangs of a wild beast.

“You’re from the Blood Demon?”

At my utterance, Smaak scoffed.

“Trying to pin the blame on me. I was in a position where I couldn’t move an inch.”

“…The situation seems different from what I had heard.”

“It seems you’re also from the Blood Demon? This is insanity. There’s no way out. Just when I thought there were no bodyguards, this whole mess happened.”

“You are the head of the Sma Family?”

“Yes. That’s correct. State your name.”

“The world knows me as the Soul Stealing Sword, No Hwa-cheon.”

“The significant figure has arrived. And who is that beside you? A disciple? Ah, I suppose it doesn’t matter.”

Smaak sneered.

“It seems the hounds have come for me. Well… impressive, Blood Demon. Forcing out hidden truths. Did you call them here as well?”

He’s acting.

For my sake.

“…Hmm. Isn’t it true that the Blood Demon accepted bribes?”

Dark eyebrows twitched. Testing my intentions, the Soul Stealing Sword, No Hwa-cheon, opened his mouth.

“Blood Demon. Send him this way. He has committed a grave crime of diverting the tribute meant for the Heavenly Demon. We plan to thoroughly investigate this matter within the Na-chal sect, and we will secure his safety.”

He extended his hand.

“Come here. Head of the Sma Family. If you cooperate willingly, I won’t draw my sword.”

Smaak stepped forward. I looked at that foot.

It’s shaking. The toes tremble. Frightened but trying hard to hide it.

He too is terrified. He realizes his fate hangs in the balance and is precariously swaying.

But…

Despite that, he’s extending his foot. He’s pretending to be imposing, raising his lip in arrogance.

He’s defending me.

To keep me from being dragged in.

“The kind-hearted man of virtue and our wise elder…”

The servants of the Sma Family liked him. The low-ranking people looked up to him and worked hard to do even a little more for him.

A man who struggled to hold onto what he had, working tirelessly, sacrificing himself to keep the name of the Sma Family alive.

Sma Il-kyeom.

I recalled his sword.

It wasn’t great, but he struggled to put forth that sword.

That sword, deeply embedded in the wooden pillar, hardly budging.

Twenty-Nine whispered my name.

“Thirty.”

I know.

I should not step forward.

Simply remaining silent would mean everything would unfold just fine.

The mission would surely be completed. Not just clearing the suspicions, but the fact that I helped in apprehending the traitor would be widely known.

Ilma would be pleased. No doubt. The Heavenly Demon would also surely smile at my actions.

A false palace built on lies.

False praise piled upon falsehood.

…But.

What meaning does it hold?

“Everything will be fine, right?”

I remembered a conversation with a young servant. I still recall his voice.

Trembling yet asking that certain question. The candy he had given me.

To protect his lord, that little voice stood up for me.

Smaak was that kind of person.

No one was around that kind of person now.

So shouldn’t I become that?

I had already seen it.

What I had seen cannot be undone.

Even if everyone praised the false palace built on lies, I am sure I would know.

This moment of turning my sights away.

“Sma-Aak.”

For the first time, I called him by that name, not as the head of the clan.

Smaak turned to me. His face twisted in disbelief.

“You can’t mean…?”

“How could you speak lies like that?”

I poured past responses into the clenched sword.

“…Of course.”

In that short answer, there was meaning.

Every word I had uttered carried a burden of responsibility.

“There’s one left here.”

There was something eaten.

There was something seen.

There was something heard.

Standing before an unbeatable enemy.

The cup of wine shared.

While twisted, it was also a somewhat honest conversation.

Even the small promises stacked on top…

“Everything will turn out okay. Young master.”

At the moment I was to draw my sword, I pulled it out.

“—The Bodyguard of the Sma Family.”