39
The legacy of Salmak, inherited by Yeonghwang Yuse.
It was information she had already heard from Seol Seorin, so it wasn't particularly surprising.
"So, why were you sending men to my room around sunset, big brother?"
Although she couldn't see, Yeo-il sensed that Namgung Jeok-myeong was slightly embarrassed.
"...I was wondering how long you'd keep letting those assassins roam around. You haven't been acting as I expected, which has been unsettling."
This also explained why Namgung Jeok-myeong was convinced she was blind. The assassins he sent had never properly seen Yeo-il's face before losing consciousness.
"If I'd kept quiet, you'd still be sending those men over all the time, huh?"
Namgung Jeok-myeong let out a self-deprecating laugh.
"I suppose so. I don't want to look back and regret making the wrong decision, Soyo. I just want to protect as much of my family as possible."
"Is family that important? Even at the cost of personally ruining the achievements and reputation you've built?"
"So, you're saying it's not important? What's more important than the people you care about?"
"………………”
"Changpae Saryong or Cheonggeom Ilseom... what's so special about those titles anyway? Because I discarded those titles without a second thought, I could tell who was working with the imposter and who wasn't. I can handle an even worse reputation than that."
"Then all we have to do is expose Namgung Chu-myeong – he's the real problem."
She expected him to agree immediately, but Namgung Jeok-myeong hesitated.
Yeo-il couldn't understand.
"You can't be serious about waiting any longer, even with this evidence?"
"………………That imposter isn't the only one of the Yeonghwang Yuse who infiltrated the family."
"I thought you said you found the person working with him, too."
"I found them, but I can't connect them yet. Even if we expose the imposter, only he'll disappear. The imposter's partner will just pretend they had nothing to do with it and continue to disrupt the Namgung family. And since he's not wearing a mask, there's no other way to eliminate him."
From Namgung Jeok-myeong's cautious behavior, it seemed like Namgung Chu-myeong's partner held considerable influence within the family.
Jin Cheong-ak, who'd been observing them quietly, interjected, looking frustrated.
"So, who is this accomplice? Namgung Pae?"
"I can't say yet. Just wait a bit longer."
"Namgung Pae, huh? Even the head honcho's own brother is colluding with assassins, haha. Talk about a dysfunctional family."
Namgung Jeok-myeong glared at Jin Cheong-ak for a moment, but that was it. He sighed, looking weary, and told Yeo-il.
"I understand your frustration. But I'm planning to deal with them permanently after the Martial Arts Alliance competition, so please bear with it a little longer. I'm asking you, Soyo."
Namgung Jeok-myeong stared at Yeo-il, who remained silent. He started to say something, but then he glanced at Jin Cheong-ak and stopped.
"………………Soyo's legs aren't in good condition, so would you take her to her room?"
With that, Namgung Jeok-myeong left.
Jin Cheong-ak, who'd been watching him leave, removed his arm from Yeo-il's shoulder and chuckled.
"Like a mouse worrying about a cat."
Waiting until the Martial Arts Alliance competition is over...
'It's too late.'
Namgung Chu-myeong is already making his move.
The Namgung family might face tragedy the moment the Namgung brothers step down from their positions for the competition. That was not the future Yeo-il desired.
"What are you thinking so hard about, Namgung?"
With an 'Upsy-daisy,' Jin Cheong-ak lifted Yeo-il and looked her in the eyes.
"Do you have feelings for Namgung Jeok-myeong? He's totally your type. He's all about doing good, being righteous, having principles... Even when he makes mistakes, he gets back on his feet. Things you're not exactly known for, right?"
Yeo-il hated Jin Cheong-ak acting like he knew her.
What was even more annoying was that Jin Cheong-ak wasn't entirely wrong.
"He's useful, as you said."
Perhaps her casual agreement irritated him, because Jin Cheong-ak raised an eyebrow.
"...Really?"
"He's worth using, and easy to manipulate. Unlike someone."
"Haha."
Jin Cheong-ak shook his head and spoke in an exaggerated, theatrical tone.
"And that someone, unlike Namgung Jeok-myeong, isn't righteous, doesn't have any principles, does whatever he wants, and isn't even worth using. So when are you going to discard him, Namgung?"
Normally, she would've just ignored such nonsense.
"Pretty soon."
Just as sometimes, you get annoyed by trivial things. Yeo-il quietly blinked and murmured, as if to herself.
"When I'm done with all this."
Lingering attachments.
Yes, Yeo-il was searching for the Death Ledger to get rid of all that baggage.
After fulfilling all of the old man's wishes, if she could just confirm the life or death of 'that name' written in the Death Ledger...
If only she could do that, Yeo-il would no longer...
The uncharacteristically heavy silence lasted only a moment.
Jin Cheong-ak, suddenly all smiles again, brought his face close to Yeo-il's. So close their noses were touching.
"Really? Then cast aside those feelings quickly, Yeo-il. I want to be free of you as soon as possible... Ugh."
Jin Cheong-ak stumbled as Yeo-il grabbed his jaw as if she were going to rip it off.
After tormenting his handsome jawline with her fingernails for a moment, Yeo-il recalled her conversation with Namgung Jeok-myeong.
'His cautiousness might have helped him create detailed plans before, but now it's different. It's just him being lazy and complacent.'
Namgung Chu-myeong's mask is on the verge of wearing thin and falling apart.
'What if I were the imposter?'
Before leaving for an extended period to repair his mask, he'd deal with Namgung Jeok-myeong.
That way, his place to return would be secure.
'I'd like to wait quietly as he wishes, if possible.'
But that's foolish.
Yeo-il had no intention of wasting any more time.
Above all, if the opponent is inheriting the legacy of Salmak... shouldn't she also act in the manner of Salmak?
