A member of the Supreme Operating Council must not reveal their identity, nor should anyone discover it.
Then how should official announcements or instructions be made?
Couldn’t someone arbitrarily use the name of the Supreme Operating Council and cause confusion?
Therefore.
The Supreme Operating Council had an Administrative Bureau.
And the highest person in charge of that Administrative Bureau is the Administrative Bureau Chief.
In other words, he was the representative of the Supreme Operating Council.
***
They say that representative of the Supreme Operating Council, the Administrative Bureau Chief, has visited the Third Young Master faction’s encampment.
What kind of announcement will there be?
What instructions will the Supreme Operating Council give?
Silence fell inside the tent that seemed about to burst with Elder Yeom and the entire command unit of the Third Young Master faction’s encampment.
“……”
Seeing those who were falling silent in that anxious and uncomfortable silence, Yeon So-hyeon burst into laughter cheerfully.
“I don’t know where your earlier momentum has gone. Why is everyone so tense?”
“…….”
Some glared at Yeon So-hyeon,
Some stared fiercely.
Some were constantly giving instructions to their subordinates outside via sound transmission to grasp the situation,
Some seemed not to have heard Yeon So-hyeon’s words, deep in thought.
“…….”
Seeing the Third Young Master faction’s command unit maintaining silence even at his blatant mockery, Yeon So-hyeon couldn’t hold back and giggled.
The faces of the Third Young Master faction’s figures who heard that laughter turned red, with veins popping on their foreheads.
‘As expected, my lord’s personality is…’
Seeing that sight, Elder Yeom inwardly shook his head.
Among the people he knew, there was no one who played with an opponent who had fallen into their palm as well as Yeon So-hyeon.
‘Still.’
He inwardly smiled as he looked at the Third Young Master faction’s command unit that had been pressuring him for almost a day.
‘It feels good.’
Elder Yeom was a self-made man, but due to timing and circumstances, he didn’t have much connection with the Grand Elder, Yeon So-hyeon’s father.
He had never received anyone’s protection or help as he rose up and gained recognition through his own strength.
Sword Peak Mountain Breaker.
Perhaps that name was the result of a man who had nowhere to lean on becoming a towering mountain by himself.
Therefore, he,
Now understood the feeling he had been experiencing.
‘I was feeling a sense of relief in my lord’s presence…’
At that realization, he inwardly laughed bitterly.
No longer having to suffer from endless missions related to the North.
No longer having to constantly worry about maintaining his position within the Council of Elders.
No longer having to deal with power groups banded together like the Second Young Master or Third Young Master factions.
No longer dreaming of returning to the North and living amidst battle and tension as a single warrior.
All of it had disappeared before he knew it.
‘I see.’
He looked at the boy sitting on his desk, expecting what was about to unfold with keen interest.
He looked at the reliable presence that effortlessly took care of all the matters he should have been concerned about.
If he was Sword Peak – a mountain range of swords, then that boy, Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon, was undoubtedly like the vast earth supporting that mountain range.
‘That person is…’
A smile unknowingly spread across the face of Sword Peak Mountain Breaker Yeom Gwak-chu.
‘My lord.’
Therefore, he.
“The Administrative Bureau Chief of the Supreme Operating Council has arrived.”
The moment the representative of the Supreme Operating Council appeared leading his subordinates, he was able to speak before anyone else.
His shoulders, broad like a mountain range, straightened, and his resounding voice echoed as if it might blow away the tent.
“The Eldest Young Master of the main family is here. So the Administrative Bureau Chief should first pay respects to the Eldest Young Master.”
Everyone stepped aside to the left and right.
The Administrative Bureau Chief, discovering Yeon So-hyeon sitting on the desk, knelt down along with his subordinates and clasped his hands.
“Administrative Bureau Chief Hwang so-and-so greets the Eldest Young Master of the main family.”
“We greet the Eldest Young Master of the main family!”
The Administrative Bureau Chief’s greeting was very polite, without a single flaw to pick at.
The personnel of the Administrative Bureau following him bowed their heads one level deeper than their leader.
“…….”
And at that sight, the personnel of the Third Young Master faction’s encampment command unit realized once again.
“…….”
That boy who had been mocking them until just now.
That boy they had glared at, pressured.
Was the undisputed
Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House.
The Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House, Yeon So-hyeon, answered.
“It’s good to see you, Administrative Bureau Chief. I am Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.”
As he gestured leisurely and comfortably, the Administrative Bureau Chief and his subordinates carefully rose from their seats.
Looking at them, Yeon So-hyeon spoke while still sitting.
“I’ve just come to observe for a moment. Don’t mind me and do what you need to do.”
“Thank you, Eldest Young Master.”
At those words, the Administrative Bureau Chief with a white beard bowed his head in gratitude and unrolled the scroll he had brought.
“I am here to convey the order on behalf of the Supreme Operating Council of the main family, according to the authority granted by the Sword House Law.”
Someone who stepped forward one step from behind him said.
“So everyone show respect, observe the Sword House Law, submit to the authority of the Supreme Operating Council, and show loyalty to the main family.”
Everyone filling the inside of the tent knelt on one knee in unison to show respect.
“…….”
The only person who didn’t show respect along with them was Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon, who was swinging his legs.
“Ahem.”
Had he received some kind of signal?
The Administrative Bureau Chief’s eyes met with Yeon So-hyeon’s for a moment, but he paid no attention and cleared his throat to continue what he had to say.
“I convey the decision of the Supreme Operating Council.”
If it had been to Yeon So-hyeon’s taste, he would have certainly drawn it out here.
But the Administrative Bureau Chief was a person faithful and loyal to the duty entrusted to him.
“His Majesty the Emperor’s loyal servant, the Governor of Luoyang, has taken responsibility for the disturbance in question and resigned, and has issued an order to mitigate the crimes of the unwise and pitiless people, sentencing them to permanent labor.”
“……!”
Why suddenly mention the Governor of Luoyang?
Why is the Governor of Luoyang, who was said to be bedridden due to illness, suddenly appearing here?
‘Forced labor…?!’
‘Just how are things unfolding…?!’
The pupils of the Third Young Master faction’s figures shook as if an earthquake had occurred.
“Thus, as the Supreme Operating Council of the Luoyang Sword House must also obey the order of the Governor of Luoyang, who carries out the will of His Majesty the Emperor, as subjects of the empire.”
‘What is this nonsense?!’
‘How can the Supreme Operating Council of the main family be swayed by a mere Governor of Luoyang?!’
‘It’s correct in name, but…’
Without even looking at them, the Administrative Bureau Chief continued speaking.
“Acknowledging the main family’s mistake in not properly caring for the people, and following the Governor of Luoyang’s order, from now on, their guidance and responsibility…”
The Administrative Bureau Chief’s gaze turned to Yeon So-hyeon.
Everyone’s gaze, which had been raised to grasp the situation, also followed and turned to Yeon So-hyeon.
The Administrative Bureau Chief continued speaking while looking at Yeon So-hyeon.
“Is fully entrusted to the Eldest Young Master of the main family, Yeon So-hyeon.”
Yeon So-hyeon immediately answered.
“I, Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon, have certainly received the authority.”
The Administrative Bureau Chief bowed his head.
“May the spirits of the great Luoyang Sword House bless the path ahead of Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.”
What just happened?
“Uh, uhh?”
The silence was brief.
“Wh-what just…?!”
Someone jumped to their feet.
“I understand that we have to let go, but to hand over all the workers to the Eldest Young Master?!”
As one person shouted like that, the cries of those raising their voices in protest spread like wildfire on a dry day.
“After handing them all over to the Eldest Young Master, how are we supposed to finish the construction?!”
“Even if we start recruiting anew now, it’s not the basic stage, it’s the finishing stage! The finishing stage! It’s a time when skills are needed!”
“There’s no way we can meet the scheduled construction period properly with newly recruited riffraff!”
The Administrative Bureau Chief shouted.
“Silence!”
Though it was a shout without a single point of internal energy, the Administrative Bureau Chief’s voice carried an authority they couldn’t refuse.
“…….”
Those who desire power and are thirsty for power have no choice but to submit to power.
“The order delivery is not over yet, so show respect again!”
The order delivery is not over?
Everyone’s faces turned pale.
“……!”
As if they had predicted what words would follow.
Those who couldn’t even notice that much couldn’t survive in the political world of the Luoyang Sword House.
***
Luoyang Sword House, Administrative Bureau.
The Administrative Bureau Chief’s office.
In the Administrative Bureau Chief’s absence, it was the Vice Administrative Bureau Chief who received the Left and Right Grand Military Advisors of the Third Young Master’s side.
He finished speaking and drank the tea placed in front of him, but
The Left and Right Grand Military Advisors couldn’t do the same.
“Wh-What did you just say?!”
Had youthful passion broken down the wall of reason?
“Not only handing over all the laborers to the Young Master…!”
Grand Military Advisor Zhuge jumped up from his seat and pointed accusingly.
“You’re entrusting the completion of the Dragon Phoenix Association stadium to the Young Master as well!”
Along with the decision to implement the Governor of Luoyang’s order,
That was the Supreme Operating Council’s additional decision.
“Are the Supreme Council members in their right minds?! That Yeon So-hyeon has no experience with such large-scale construction, no organization to support him, and no preparation!”
Tea spilled from the overturned cup Grand Military Advisor Zhuge had knocked over, soaking the table and dripping to the floor.
“Grand Military Advisor Zhuge.”
The Vice Administrative Bureau Chief, who had been watching the scene with a frown while hiding his face behind his teacup, raised his gaze towards Grand Military Advisor Zhuge.
“Did you just insult the main house’s Supreme Council members and mock the main house’s Young Master in front of me?”
Undisguisable anger glistened in his eyes.
“That’s-“
“Shut up.”
Grand Military Advisor Zhuge closed his mouth, realizing his mistake.
But the situation, like his teacup, was already spilled water.
“I’ve disliked you people from the beginning.”
The Vice Administrative Bureau Chief spoke without hiding his contempt for the Left and Right Grand Military Advisors.
“Grand Military Advisors, indeed. You’re just playing at ‘Wulin Alliance’ games that disappeared and perished long ago…”
Like the ‘Jiangnan Strategic Group’, the think tank of the Second Young Master’s faction,
The Third Young Master’s ‘Military Department’ was the same.
“What exactly are your duties in this Luoyang Sword House, and what are your official positions? Have you been formally appointed to anything?”
They hadn’t.
“…….”
These were people who had sprouted like mold, riding on the authority of the Grand Elder Ladies after the Grand Elder collapsed and the succession issue arose.
Now their affiliated groups had grown too strong, and they acted as if they were something in the Sword House.
The Vice Administrative Bureau Chief was glaring at Grand Military Advisor Zhuge with such a gaze.
“It seems I’ve conveyed the Supreme Operating Council’s position in full.”
He raised his hand to point at the exit.
It was a dismissal.
“But this is too one-sidedly advantageous for the Young Master…!”
The old Grand Military Advisor Sima cut off the young marshal’s words.
“Brother Zhuge.”
Grand Military Advisor Zhuge lowered his head at the old man’s gaze.
“…Kuk.”
Grand Military Advisor Sima rose from his seat, maintaining his manners without showing emotion.
“Thank you for your time. I deeply appreciate the Vice Administrative Bureau Chief’s kindness.”
The Vice Administrative Bureau Chief stood up to receive his farewell.
“…I was merely performing my duty.”
No matter how lacking in official titles they might be, the Left and Right Grand Military Advisors were individuals with immense authority and power in the Third Young Master’s camp.
He had to be satisfied with warning them not to cross the line.
“Well then.”
The Left and Right Grand Military Advisors left, feeling piercing gazes on their backs.
***
“Damn it!”
On the main road returning to the Military Department of the Third Young Master’s camp.
Grand Military Advisor Zhuge made no attempt to hide his displeasure.
“Yeon So-hyeon! That cursed bastard…!”
Following Grand Military Advisor Sima’s eye signal, the troops escorting them moved to block the gazes of others.
He didn’t look at the temperamental Grand Military Advisor Zhuge with disapproving eyes.
Rather, in the old man’s gaze as he looked at the young man, there was a hint of envy for that volcanic passion and spirit.
“Brother Zhuge. You said something at that time.”
“What are you talking about…?”
Grand Military Advisor Sima spoke with a calm smile, recalling their conversation from that time.
“After the issue related to the Clan Head’s seal that the Young Master possessed was resolved, you said this.”
“…I was just a little disappointed because everything went as expected.”
A gloomy expression clouded Grand Military Advisor Zhuge’s handsome face.
“Is this all there is to the Young Master that so many in this Sword House feared?”
That clever mind couldn’t possibly have forgotten that conversation.
“…….”
Smiling at Grand Military Advisor Zhuge, who had hardened his expression, Grand Military Advisor Sima said,
“That Young Master, through whatever means, has moved the self-serving Governor of Luoyang.”
“…There must have been a deal. Something to make him throw away the position of Luoyang Governor.”
“And in this short moment, it seems the Young Master has already coordinated with the leadership of the laborers who caused the disturbance.”
“That’s why those ignorant fools who were rampaging about are now so docile.”
“Plus the commotion caused by that Sovereign of Dark Heavens.”
“…If it weren’t for that Sovereign of Dark Heavens, the Hyeongsan Bukryu’s beheading unit would have succeeded. What kind of relationship could there be between that Sovereign of Dark Heavens and the Young Master?”
Goosebumps rose on the back of Grand Military Advisor Zhuge’s neck as he recalled, one by one, the actions the Young Master had taken in places they hadn’t even known about, matching Grand Military Advisor Sima’s words.
“…He’s a frightening person. That Young Master.”
“Indeed. That’s why the Supreme Operating Council made their decision.”
Grand Military Advisor Zhuge, who had now fully regained his usual composure, picked up Grand Military Advisor Sima’s words in a low voice.
“…This decision is tantamount to the Supreme Operating Council expressing that they have no intention of ending the succession issue as a two-way battle.”
“And that the Young Master has proven his outstanding abilities enough for them to acknowledge it this way.”
“…And now, like this, we’re having our fully cooked rice snatched away pot and all, unable to even make a proper protest.”
“Because we moved troops without orders and tried to use force first, my friend.”
After arbitrarily attempting to execute force, now formally objecting to the Supreme Operating Council’s official decision?
It would be suicide.
“So this is the Young Master’s ability that Brother Zhuge was expecting.”
The young genius of the Zhuge family, who had never found a proper match in his life until now, closed his mouth.
“…….”
Seeing this, Grand Military Advisor Sima, with his whirlwind bone structure, let out a chuckle between his teeth.
‘Young Master, Yeon So-hyeon.’
Unlike the almost immortal-like laugh, his deep eyes looking towards the end of the road were glistening with excitement and anticipation.
‘Things are going to get much more interesting from now on.’
The response to this disturbance…
Was coming to an end with an ambush that the Young Master couldn’t have imagined.
It was their complete defeat.
***
The completion of the Dragon Phoenix Association stadium is entrusted to Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.
At the Supreme Operating Council’s decision, the mouths of the Third Young Master’s people wouldn’t close.
“…….”
“…Such!”
Seeing that no one could speak properly even with their mouths open so wide, Young Master Yeon So-hyeon chuckled.
“Well, well.”
He spoke as if to himself, enjoying the gazes gathering on him.
“I just came to observe, but suddenly I’ve become the person in charge. Well, it can’t be helped.”
A deep smile appeared on his lips.
“Now that it’s come to this, shouldn’t I do my best?”
At those brazen words, everyone was struck speechless once again.