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Sulesphere V5.2 Beta
A specialized program for translating Korean manhwa into English, allowing users to understand texts and stories easily and accurately.
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Original language
Korean
Target language
English
Should be translate document
Should be translate document
Country
America
Chapter 38: The Grand Duke of Cheonhwa Seogo Will Die Tomorrow
As I stepped outside and walked with my two younger brothers, Bumong kept winking at Yun and nudging his shoulder.
"If you have something to say, just say it."
"Brother, please spare some time for lunch tomorrow."
Yun scratched his head as he spoke, seemingly out of nowhere.
"Did you find a good restaurant or something?"
"Yes, Hongmi Banjeom has introduced a new dish, and they say the taste is out of this world. It’s said to make you forget all your worldly worries with just one bite. I’d like to take you there."
"You’ve suddenly grown shy, haven’t you?"
"Huh?"
"Is this something to hesitate about?"
"Haha, no."
"Remember this. When it comes to good food and restaurants, there’s no room for hesitation!"
"Hehe, I’ll remember that. You won’t regret it."
"If I do regret it, you’d better be prepared."
**
That night.
Amidst the glow of the red-light district and the melodies of songs,
Chwi Woon-gae of Gaebang's Buntaju tailed a man.
The man appeared to be in his early to mid-fifties, with narrow eyes and a rat-like mustache.
Near the edge of the bustling district,
the elderly man stopped in front of an inn and turned around.
"How long do you plan to keep following me?"
The night street behind him lay empty.
But soon, dust swirled in the air, and with a swift motion, Chwi Woon-gae materialized before him. It was as though he had torn through the fabric of space itself, emerging mysteriously from the dust.
"Kkeulkkeul, if you knew I was following, you should’ve stopped earlier. I thought we were playing tag!"
Chwi Woon-gae chuckled lightly.
The elderly man scowled.
"If you’re playing tag, then catch me already. This is tiresome."
"Senior, let’s talk."
"No."
"Don’t be like that."
Chwi Woon-gae raised one corner of his mouth.
His eyes glowed coldly, tinged with blue.
The elderly man bit his lip.
"Fine, you brat. When the great Lord Buntaju of Gaebang speaks, I suppose I must listen. Might as well clean my ears first."
"Kkeulkkeul, how could I ever compare to you, Senior? I’m merely fortunate to have a good master. Please sit."
"Wow, who knew there were chairs here?"
Chwi Woon-gae gestured to the ground as if offering a seat, leaving the elderly man dumbfounded.
Undeterred, Chwi Woon-gae plopped down unceremoniously.
"Or you could sit comfortably on my lap instead."
"Your cheekiness suggests your skills have improved. Fine, what do you want to know?"
The two sat side by side against the wall.
"One Meeting, One Death*. You’ve suddenly appeared in northern Anhui. Who dies this time?"
One Meeting, One Death (一見一死): A moniker meaning "one encounter, one death." Among the many titles for the elderly man, this referred to the rumor that his appearance always preceded someone’s demise.
"What’s with this ‘One Meeting’ nonsense? I’m a normal person! Since when does this damn martial world spread such absurd rumors?"
"Ehe~ Why the act, Senior? Let me in on the fun."
"You brat! Trust me—would I meddle with Gaebang or pick fights? Why treat me like a criminal the moment you see me?"
"Then let me ask one thing."
"One thing."
"Is this related to the Seomun Family?"
"Absolutely not. Not at all."
The elderly man crossed his arms emphatically.
"Can you swear to it?"
"Damn it, want me to crack open my skull and show you?"
"Kkeulkkeulkkeul, that would suffice."
"Bullshit."
"Then rest well."
Chwi Woon-gae rose with a sly grin.
The elderly man stood too, asking:
"Brat. Is the Seomun Family rumor true?"
"You already know. Farewell."
"Good. Let’s never meet again. And wash up sometime."
Chwi Woon-gae waved without turning back.
The elderly man remained rooted, watching his retreating figure with a scoff.
‘Fool. Should’ve asked about Cheonhwa Seogo instead.’
**
The elderly man entered the inn.
The clamor of clinking cups and boisterous conversations filled the air.
"It’s true, I tell you! They say the Grand Duke of Cheonhwa Seogo contributed most to the Seomun Family’s downfall!"
"Nonsense. I know Cheonhwa Seogo is mysterious, but must you spout such drivel? Since when does their Grand Duke rival the martial prowess of Yeomhwa Gakju or the Cheongwol Sect Leader?"
"I don’t believe it either, but there’s no smoke without fire. He must’ve played a major role for everyone to gossip like this."
"Baffling. Why’s the Grand Duke—once rumored dead—suddenly appearing everywhere?"
Recent debates in Chang’an centered on the Seomun Family’s atrocities and whether Cheonhwa Seogo’s Grand Duke truly spearheaded their downfall.
The elderly man bypassed the crowd, scanning the second floor for empty seats.
A waiter noticed and scurried over, but the man waved him off and climbed the stairs.
The third and fourth floors housed guest rooms.
He reached the fourth floor, walked down the corridor, and entered a middle chamber.
Inside, a young man sitting at a table by the window turned to face him.
The youth’s demeanor was extraordinary—calm-eyed with refined features that commanded reverence.
"Master Man. You’re late. And why so troubled?"
"Lord Joo. Something’s amiss. We should halt this matter here."
"Why say that again?"
"Circumstances have changed. Verification is needed."
"Stop."
"……?"
At the soft-spoken words, Man Bak-ja furrowed his brow.
The young man smiled faintly, but his eyes remained lifeless.
"The Grand Duke of Cheonhwa Seogo will die tomorrow. Without fail."
**
The following noon.
Yun and Bumong skipped down the mountain, unable to contain their glee.
Today was the day.
They would meet their eldest brother’s closest friend—his only true companion, Lord Joo Yang.
Their brother remained unaware, making this the ultimate surprise.
Who could contain such joy? Even Lord Joo Yang would weep upon seeing their transformed brother.
The thought made Yun and Bumong grin wider.
"Your giddiness suggests great confidence in this meal."
Hugong, oblivious to their secret, eyed them skeptically.
"Yes, Brother. Today, you’ll taste the most unforgettable dish of your life."
Hugong snorted.
"Hmph, I’ll believe it when I taste it."
"Trust me, Brother. Have I ever lied to you?"
"Ah, right. That explains why you couldn’t distinguish between a ‘beautiful face’ and a ‘fortunate face’ earlier."
That morning, Jong Moo-geuk—recently released—had visited with his young daughter and plump wife. Hugong, recalling Yun’s past praise of Jong’s "beautiful wife," had asked, "Where is your wife?"
Jong Moo-geuk pointed to the plump woman and laughed.
Grand Duke, this is my wife.
For a moment, Hugong thought the ground had shaken.
By any measure, Jong’s wife resembled a matronly figure—wholesome and pleasant.
"Brother, I wasn’t wrong. If Jong Moo-geuk finds her beautiful, who am I to disagree?"
"Brat, you’ve grown shameless. But if you dismiss the food’s taste with ‘everything’s delicious if eaten happily,’ prepare for consequences."
"Why would I need to?"
Yun’s carefree grin made Hugong suspicious.
‘He’s acting odd. Is there more to this? Or is Hongmi Banjeom’s new dish truly exceptional?’
**
Meanwhile, at Hongmi Banjeom’s fourth-floor window seat,
Joo Yang sipped tea while Man Bak-ja fidgeted across from him.
"Master Man, still uneasy?"
Man Bak-ja twitched his nose, brow furrowed.
"Lord Joo, I’m saying we should verify first. Better safe than sorry!"
"You misunderstand my friend."
Man Bak-ja leaned forward, whispering harshly:
"Damn it! What if we confirm first and kill him later? What if you regret this?"
"There will be no regrets."
Joo Yang remained calm despite the profanity.
Man Bak-ja sighed deeply.
"Ha… Today, I’ll kill an innocent man. I shouldn’t have gotten involved… What a mess."
"Hmm…"
"Don’t ‘hmm’ me!"
"Hmm… Very well. I’ll show you this."
"Huh?"
Joo Yang produced six letters from his robe.
"Master Man, these letters are from Beomhang. Read them."
After scrutinizing each, Man Bak-ja frowned.
"What am I supposed to see? They’re just mundane letters about weather and birds."
"Correct. Now stack them in order."
"Stack?"
Man Bak-ja layered the letters by date, pressed them until semi-transparent, and gasped.
"What… How…?"
"These are coded letters only Beomhang and I understand."
The overlapping letters revealed a hidden message—no weather, no trivialities. Only stark words:
*To Joo Yang,
I live as one already dead.
Cheonhwa Seogo languishes in darkness because of me.
My existence perpetuates my family’s grief.
Thus, I beg you: grant me death.
Only then will their sorrow end.
Fulfill our pact.
I yearn for death.
Request this gift from you.
On the day I step outside to meet you,
let hired hands deliver my end.
Stay hidden.
Let none know the truth.
I depart in secrecy.
Beomhang*
Man Bak-ja’s jaw hung open.
Six mundane letters had concealed a murder contract—crafted to evade Cheonhwa Seogo’s scrutiny.
"Do you believe now? Do you feel Beomhang’s desperation?"
"……"
"Master Man, will Mugeuk Salbu’s assassins suffice?"
"Worrying’s pointless. But you should’ve shown me this sooner!"
Man Bak-ja glared.
Renowned as a fixer who resolved even the thorniest issues—for a hefty fee—he’d earned the title "One Meeting, One Death" through the fatalities that often followed his interventions.
"Rest easy. Mugeuk Salbu ranks among the gangho’s top three assassination groups. They excel at killing."
Jeokhonbu, Eunjarim, Mugeuk Salbu—these three dominated the underworld. Among them, Mugeuk Salbu held distinct advantages.
