Chapter 62
Noticing that her hand was being twisted, Yoo Somyung immediately reacted and applied force in the opposite direction, but it was already too late.
Crack.
“Kyaak…!”
I twisted her wrist as painlessly as I could, then immediately bound her with a rope.
She shouted at me with a flustered expression.
“W-what are you doing…! I’m being made a hostage; don’t tell me…”
“It’s exactly as it sounds. It seems the Young Lady’s father particularly cherishes you. When I give the signal, just cry and throw out a line like, 'Father, please save me.' You can do that much, right?”
“…”
For a moment, Yoo Somyung’s eyes grew cold as she looked at me. It was certainly not a gaze meant for a fellow human being.
“…To think I had feelings for a son of a bitch like this.”
At some point, that curse word seemed to stick perfectly to her lips.
I patted her head while tying up her torso with my other hand.
“Young Lady, don’t worry too much. You’re, well…, like insurance, the ultimate weapon to use just in case your father rejects my proposal or shows signs of invading our Mountain Stronghold.”
“…My father is someone who strictly distinguishes between public and private matters. If he thinks striking the Green Forest is the right decision, he’ll make his move even if I’m held hostage. What will you do then?”
“Then, well…”
What other choice would there be?
“We’ll all have to run away outside the Central Plains together. How many sons and daughters should we have?”
“You…! Is this the time to joke around…, kyaak-!”
While she was trying to continue speaking in annoyance, I completed the Capture.
I pulled the rope she was tied with, drew her into my arms, and ran off while holding her.
“There’s no time, Young Lady. Your father will be here soon.”
“I-I get it, but you tied the rope too tight…! It’s chafing; it hurts-! Kyak-!”
Like that, there were the orthodox and Unorthodox paths. The young man and woman descended the mountain walking opposite paths, yet with their bodies pressed together amicably.
* * *
A few days later.
Step.
A middle-aged man stepped into the Beggar's Sect Hunan Branch alone.
On the outside, he was just a man with a good-natured, kind impression, but Branch Master Jangsong was more tense than ever.
The Family Head of the Shanxi Yu Family and one who held a seat among the Ten Great Masters of the World…
Righteous Sword Knight-errant Yu Haseong.
Even though he held the title of Branch Master, it was his first time facing someone of such high status so closely, aside from the Beggar's Sect Leader.
Jangsong, who had already been waiting at the entrance outside the Branch, gulped every time Yu Haseong took a step closer.
Then, while he was observing his appearance, a question arose in his mind.
‘But why is he coming alone?’
It was true that the main forces of the Murim Alliance had all gone to Qinghai. However, the incident that occurred here in Hunan was also quite significant, so wouldn’t the Murim Alliance send more than just him?
Jangsong looked to see if there was anyone in stealth nearby, but he couldn’t find anyone either.
And…
Step.
…While he was looking around, Yu Haseong had somehow arrived just an inch in front of him.
‘What kind of footwork…!’
Startled by his sudden approach, Jangsong pretended to be unfazed and immediately offered a Cupped Fist Salute.
“Great Hero, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Jangsong, serving as Branch Master of the Beggar's Sect Hunan Branch.”
“…I am Yu Haseong of the Shanxi Yu Family. Branch Master, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
A greeting that introduced only his family without his alias or title might differ slightly from the etiquette of the Murim Alliance, but his consideration and humility could be felt within it.
‘Is this truly the Righteous Sword Knight-errant…?’
Seeing the Family Head of the Shanxi Yu Family, who was renowned for his gentleness, like this made Jangsong feel as if that alias was truly fitting.
“Let us go inside and talk.”
“Let’s do that.”
Jangsong guided Yu Haseong inside the Branch. As expected of a Beggar’s den, it was not clean, but Yu Haseong did not particularly show any signs of dislike at the sight.
In fact, to Jangsong, who hoped this matter between the Green Forest and the Murim Alliance would end without any issues, Yu Haseong’s demeanor was a welcome sight.
‘Somehow, I feel like this might go smoothly.’
Thinking so, Jangsong asked Yu Haseong first.
“Great Hero Yu, What orders did you receive from the Murim Alliance regarding this matter?”
“There are no orders to speak of…; the Murim Alliance Leader personally entrusted me with full authority over this matter.”
“F-full authority…”
The Murim Alliance Leader personally entrusting him with full authority meant he would not be held responsible no matter what happened here.
That meant the Righteous Sword Knight-errant did not necessarily have to shed the blood of the bandits.
‘Good.’
At this, Jangsong cheered inwardly and spoke to Yu Haseong in a slightly raised voice.
However…
“Great Hero, I will explain this matter to you in detail. This clash with the Green Forest is…”
“Stop.”
“…Pardon? I haven’t explained…”
“I have already heard all the details regarding this matter beforehand.”
…Yu Haseong, who Jangsong thought would only listen to his words with a calm face, raised his right hand and cut him off.
Then, he continued with a slightly hardened face.
“And…, there is something I am a bit curious about…”
“P-please speak.”
“Is the Branch Master someone from the Unorthodox Faction? Or someone from the Murim Alliance?”
At Yu Haseong’s question, Jangsong was greatly shocked and startled.
“W-what do you mean by that! Of course, I am from the Beggar's Sect of the Nine Great Sects and One Alliance! That is, I am part of the Murim Alliance!”
“Then why do you keep taking the side of the Green Forest and trying to express their position?”
“…”
At this moment, Jangsong’s heart had indeed leaned toward the Green Forest, so he had nothing in particular to say. In the meantime, Yu Haseong’s reprimand that wasn’t quite a reprimand continued.
“I thought it was strange even before I came. The document you sent was written as if our Murim Alliance had committed a sin.”
“…Great Hero, that is.”
“In fact, if you had not held the title of Branch Master, I wouldn’t have even stepped foot in here in the first place. Still, considering you as part of the same family, I came to at least give you this Ultimatum.”
“An Ultimatum?”
When Jangsong asked with a trembling voice, Yu Haseong replied calmly.
And…
“Right now, three Armed Forces of the Murim Alliance are waiting on the outskirts.”
“…!”
…Hearing his subsequent answer, Jangsong jumped up from his seat in surprise and shouted.
“Great Hero! For three Armed Forces to have come means…!”
The Murim Alliance had over twenty Armed Forces in total. However, due to the incident in Qinghai, most of them had been deployed there.
Three Armed Forces brought from among them were by no means a small number.
If so…
Yu Haseong nodded as if Jangsong’s expectation was correct.
“I said the Alliance Leader entrusted me with full authority. I came here on the premise of subjugating the Green Forest.”
“…”
There was something Jangsong had overlooked about Yu Haseong.
Everyone who encountered his character thought he would be warm to everyone.
But this was a mistaken illusion.
The alias Righteous Sword Knight-errant was something he earned while performing chivalrous deeds in his youth.
What were chivalrous deeds? They meant wandering the Jianghu, eradicating the world’s malice according to chivalry, and doing beneficial deeds.
Among the chivalrous deeds he performed, there were many instances where he mercilessly cut down evildoers.
That was right.
He was endlessly warm to his colleagues, Subordinates, and the Common People, but he possessed a ruthless nature toward those judged to be villains.
“When the sun rises tomorrow, I will lead the Armed Forces here. In the meantime, the Branch Master should ensure that no harm comes to the Common People…”
“Great Hero.”
Thud.
As Yu Haseong continued speaking as if he had made a final decision, the Branch Master knelt down with an anguished expression. Seeing that, Yu Haseong put on a bewildered look.
“Haa…, why are you doing this? Please get up.”
“When I heard the Great Hero was coming, I thought you had agreed to the meeting with the Green Forest. The opposing side must have already arrived at the Meeting Place. I am not asking you to unconditionally accept my will. Just try talking with them.”
“…What is there to talk about with those wicked Unorthodox Faction bastards?”
“There is a fact I could not convey because I was too ashamed to say it with my own mouth. Perhaps in this matter, the Green Forest might be the victim…”
“Victim?!”
As soon as the word victim came out, a Roar of Rage erupted for the first time from Yu Haseong, who had been speaking quietly until then.
“Dozens of young talents of the Murim Alliance died by the blades of the Green Forest, and you bring up the word victim!”
“…Ugh.”
Jangsong, whose ears were fully exposed, suffered as internal energy mixed into his voice. While Yu Haseong realized his mistake, Jangsong continued speaking.
“…Great Hero. A Sword without ears can take the lives of innocent people.”
“…Are you saying the Green Forest are innocent people?”
“This time…, they might be.”
“…”
Yu Haseong stared blankly at Jangsong, who was showing such a desperate attitude. The Beggar's Sect was originally a group of people known for their strong chivalry. His heart was also slightly moved, seeing a Branch Master of such a Beggar's Sect act like this.
“Haa…”
So, after sweeping his bangs back once, he made this decision.
“I originally had no intention of even paying attention to it, but…, since the Branch Master is acting like this…, let’s go take a look.”
“…Thank you, Great Hero.”
Yu Haseong adjusted his clothing and asked the Branch Master.
“…You said the name of the Green Forest Leader was definitely Muyeon, right?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“…I didn’t expect to meet him like this.”
He had already been briefed on what had happened to the family while he was away. Whether his relationship with them was ill-fated or fortunate, he had left a profound impact on the Shanxi Yu Family.
“I wonder what kind of person he is…”
Yu Haseong let his imagination run wild a bit and set off following Jangsong’s guidance.
* * *
Today was finally the day I would speak with the Murim Alliance for the first time.
Munseok Ajae and I arrived at the Meeting Place early and waited for the other party to arrive.
“Anyway, why are they taking so long? Ah…, and why are my ears so itchy… Is someone talking about me?”
“The opposing side must be talking about you. No matter what anyone says, you are the Green Forest’s Representative.”
“Ah, is that so…”
Tremble.
Munseok Ajae looked at my leg and asked subtly.
“…Are you nervous?”
“Nervous? Who? Me? Ajae, I don’t even know the meaning of the word 'nervous'.”
“Your leg is shaking quite a bit, though?”
“This is just because of blood circulation…”
“What kind of excuse is that…”
Munseok Ajae stared at me, let out a sigh, and patted my shoulder.
“Don’t be nervous and look confident. If you look weak, everyone will look weak.”
“A-alright…”
Ajae was unusually talkative today. Still, I thought this would be the end of it, but…
“More importantly, why did you Capture the daughter of the Shanxi Yu Family?”
…His nagging tune wasn’t over yet.
“No, if things go wrong, I have to threaten them, so I need at least a hostage…”
“…Did you not think that seeing his daughter in such a rough state might make him lose his reason and attack?”
“I heard he makes a clear Distinction Between Public and Private Matters, so would he really be that shaken?”
“Ugh, you fool!”
Munseok didn’t just nag; he smacked my shoulder repeatedly.
“Who distinguishes between public and private matters when their own daughter is held hostage! Does that even make sense right now!”
“Ack! I get it! Even so, there’s no need to hit me…”
“Don’t even bring up the 'H' in hostage. Understood?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“You still haven’t come to your senses…!”
It was when Munseok Ajae was about to raise his arm once again.
Grab.
I caught it and calmed him down because…
“…They’re coming.”
“R-right now?”
“Yeah.”
…It was because I felt two people walking this way. Hearing my words, Munseok Ajae immediately straightened his posture.
And at that moment…
Rattle-.
This was an inn Haomun didn’t use. Thanks to that, the friction sound of the old door could be heard all too well.
As soon as we heard that, we stood up from our seats. The two people approaching us came into view.
One was a Beggar no matter who looked at him…, and the other was so no matter who looked at him…
‘Somyung’s dad, huh?’
…It was my first time seeing a father and daughter look so alike. He was a handsome middle-aged man with a soft vibe resembling Somyung, and his impression was…
‘Like a gentle scholar whose unassuming demeanor belies a sharp intellect and formidable reputation.’
Anyway, his overall face was gentle, but it looked like strictness was hidden within.
“It is an honor to meet you, Great Hero. I am Munseok, in charge of the Haomun Hunan Branch.”
As soon as he saw the two, Munseok Ajae put on a business smile and offered a Cupped Fist Salute. I followed him and took the Cupped Fist Salute.
However…
“…”
Unlike the Beggar's Sect Branch Master, who returned the Cupped Fist Salute, he showed no reaction even after seeing it.
“…G-Great Hero.”
Even though the startled Branch Master looked with a flustered face to his side at this…
“…”
He remained completely unmoving.
His eyes held contempt directed at us.
‘…This pisses me off?’
Doing that with a face that somewhat resembles Somyung makes me even more annoyed.
Annoyance aside, this current method wasn’t right. If the opponent came out so forcefully and we bowed down, we wouldn’t be able to gain the upper hand in the negotiation.
Munseok Ajae next to me hadn’t lost his smile yet, but he visibly looked flustered by the opponent’s excessive coldness.
And then, the words Munseok had told me earlier popped into my head.
‘Don’t be nervous and look confident. If you look weak, everyone will look weak.’
Right, so you’re telling me to be confident?
Since those were Munseok Ajae’s words, Ajae would have to take responsibility.
Tuck.
I shoved my left hand into my pocket and extended my right hand toward Somyung’s dad.
Just from that sight alone, I could see the Beggar's Sect Branch Master and Munseok Ajae freaking out, but it was already a done deed.
I smiled brightly and opened my mouth.
“I am the lea… of the Green Forest Twenty Strongholds.”
I stopped speaking just as I was about to introduce myself as the Leader.
My Subordinates called me Leader, or Grand Leader, and I also referred to myself as Leader.
But didn’t 'Leader' sound too low-class?
‘Then what should I…, ah.’
I pondered for a moment, then smiled and spoke again.
My hand was still extended toward Somyung’s dad.
“Nice to meet you, I am Muyeon, the General Stronghold Master of the Green Forest Twenty Strongholds. And you?”
“…”
“…”
“…”
Amidst the silent clamor, I saw Somyung’s dad’s eyes stiffen.
At this rate, it was practically a perfect first impression.