Chapter 7

“However. I have no intention, nor any reason, to be guided by you, Head of the Court of Judiciary.”

With those words, Yeon So-hyeon utterly crushed the veiled offer of peace the Head of the Court of Judiciary had extended.

An oppressive, suffocating silence descended upon the inner courtyard. The entire assembly of personnel, who had gathered to receive the Grand Young Master, froze as one, their mouths shut, their bodies still. In that wide, open space, not even the whisper of a sleeve brushing against a robe could be heard.

Standing directly behind Yeon So-hyeon, his secretary Kang Ho was so terrified he had the sudden, overwhelming urge to simply turn and flee.

The Head of the Court of Judiciary’s face had been wiped clean of all expression, and a palpable chill was rolling off him in waves. Had that murderous gaze been directed at Kang Ho himself, rather than at the Grand Young Master who stood before him, Kang Ho was certain he wouldn’t have been able to withstand the pressure for even a few seconds.

Gulp.

The sound of someone swallowing their dry terror was shockingly loud in the absolute stillness.

“…Grand Young Master.”

It was the Head of the Court of Judiciary himself who broke the silence, his voice low and dangerous. “Did you not come to this Court of Judiciary on an errand?”

His eyes, like polished black glass, slid toward the Director of the Treasury. The implication was clear: to save the politically endangered Director, the Court of Judiciary’s cooperation was essential. The Head of the Court of Judiciary’s words and actions were designed to remind the Grand Young Master of this fundamental fact.

“I did,” Yeon So-hyeon’s agreement was surprisingly immediate. “Indeed, I did, did I not?”

At this easy concession, the Head of the Court of Judiciary’s expression momentarily relaxed, and the surrounding officials, who had been holding their breath, began to breathe again. In that exact instant, Yeon So-hyeon’s next words fell.

“However, my business is with the Court of Judiciary. Not with you, Head of the Court of Judiciary.”

“…What?”

The Head of the Court of Judiciary’s eyes flew open. This time, it wasn’t just a glare; a real, tangible pressure emanated from him. Kang Ho had to physically swallow a scream. The voluminous robes of his formal attire were the only thing concealing the violent trembling of his legs.

“The Grand Young Master seems to be unaware…” the Head of the Court of Judiciary said, a vein pulsing in his temple. He stared down at Yeon So-hyeon, not blinking, his eyes glittering with a cold blue light. “I am the Court of Judiciary.”

What an astoundingly arrogant claim. It was the declaration of a mere steward acting as the lord. But for those who had been privatizing the Luoyang Sword Clan’s power since the true Lord’s collapse, it was, in its own arrogant way, the truth.

Now, the silence returned, and every eye in the courtyard fixed on Yeon So-hyeon.

“Oh?”

But surprisingly, the answer came from a different quarter.

“You dare to raise your internal energy before the Grand Young Master of the Main Clan?”

The voice was utterly unconcerned with the oppressive weight of the Head of the Court of Judiciary’s aura, or the silent, unified menace of his assembled subordinates.

“It’s a hot day. Are you offering to cool the courtyard with your blood?”

This tone, which implied he was more than happy to take on the entire Court of Judiciary, made the hands of the Court’s combat personnel drift slowly, slowly toward the hilts of their swords.

“Good. That’s good. I heard the Court of Judiciary had plenty of skilled warriors. Looks like I’ll get to enjoy myself today!”

However, the moment the speaker stepped forward, those hands that were drifting toward their swords froze solid.

“…The Life-Stealing Ghost Sword.”

As someone in the crowd whispered the name, the Life-Stealing Ghost Sword flashed a smile, revealing sharp, predatory teeth.

“That’s right. It’s me.”

Simultaneously, ssseurrrk. The swords on his back began to slide from their scabbards, untouched by his hands.

“Controlling Sword with Qi!”

There was no one in the Luoyang Sword Clan who did not recognize this, his legendary signature technique.

The Head of the Court of Judiciary’s gaze first snapped to the Ghost Sword.

“Yes, good. Let’s have some real fun!”

The Ghost Sword paid him no mind, radiating a palpable, ghostly aura that made it clear: if someone didn’t stop this, he was fully intent on seeing blood.

Next, the Head of the Court of Judiciary’s gaze shifted to the Director of the Treasury. But the Director’s face was a mask of deep-set wrinkles, and it was impossible to read his intentions from beneath those layers of experience.

Giving up on finding any intervention there, the Head of the Court of Judiciary’s eyes swept over Yeon So-hyeon’s attendants. But not one of them, not even the lowest handmaiden, showed any sign of trying to mediate. Instead, they all seemed to take a subtle, collective step forward, their posture broadcasting their readiness to draw their own swords at any moment.

Finally, left with no other choice, the Head of the Court of Judiciary looked back at the Grand Young Master, Yeon So-hyeon.

Pfft.

He saw it. As their eyes met, an open, mocking sneer spread across Yeon So-hyeon’s lips.

‘What is this?’

The Grand Young Master was the one who had brought the time-pressed Director here. He was the one in need.

‘That’s why I offered him a way out…’

But the Grand Young Master had not only slapped that hand away, he was now blatantly condoning a military provocation from his subordinate.

[My Lord.] A telepathic message came from one of his trusted aides, his voice tight with panic. [Our Hall’s forces are sufficient, but a direct, armed clash with the Grand Young Master is madness. He is not the same Grand Young Master of old. It will only result in massive political and material losses for our side.]

[I know that.]

The problem was…

His gaze returned to Yeon So-hyeon.

That smile, which had only deepened. What did it mean?

‘What is he aiming for?’

But he had no time to ponder.

‘What in the hell is he trusting in?’

That luxury was gone.

‘Damn it…!’

He was forced to be the first to bow his head.

“…I apologize for my rudeness, Grand Young Master.”

He could feel his subordinates grinding their teeth in humiliation, but he could also feel their collective, hidden relief.

“My apologies.”

And yet, even as he bowed, the Ghost Sword’s blades—

“Alright…”

—didn’t stop.

“Let’s dance.”

They finally slid completely free of their scabbards.

Just as the Court’s personnel looked on, aghast, frozen in bewilderment, not knowing whether to draw their own weapons or flee—

“Enough.”

Yeon So-hyeon’s voice cut through the air, low and clear.

Only then did the Ghost Sword’s blades slide back into their sheaths. The sharp shing of them locking into place mixed with the audible sighs of relief from all around the courtyard.

“Loyalty,” the Ghost Sword grunted, stepping back.

Yeon So-hyeon’s gaze returned to the Head of the Court of Judiciary. “Your apology is accepted. Now then—”

“However,” the Head of the Court of Judiciary interjected, his voice regaining its composure as he raised his clasped hands. “It seems our hospitality staff has just run out of tea. It would be a great discourtesy to receive you in such a state.”

It was a roundabout expression, but its meaning was unmistakable.

“Therefore, once we are properly prepared, we will send an invitation to host you again.”

It was a clear order to leave.

He was denying Yeon So-hyeon the very chance to accomplish what he came for, whatever it might be.

“My apologies, Grand Young Master.”

As he spoke the words of apology, the Head of the Court of Judiciary’s eyes, curved in a mocking arc, flickered almost imperceptibly toward the Director of the Treasury. It was for less than a second, a glance most would have missed, but the Head of the Court of Judiciary clearly saw the Director’s eyes waver in renewed panic.

‘If you thought I would roll over so easily, Grand Young Master, you were mistaken.’

With this, Yeon So-hyeon had wasted his time and his effort… or so the Head of the Court of Judiciary believed.

“Haha.”

A short, clear laugh burst from Yeon So-hyeon.

“No tea, you say? What a terrible shame.”

‘…What is this?’

To the Head of the Court of Judiciary’s ears, that laugh was more grating, more unsettling, than a demon’s cackle.

‘Does he still have another card to play?’

His sharp mind, though no match for Yeon So-hyeon’s, sparked at the Grand Young Master’s relaxed posture.

‘Don’t tell me…?!’

“But did I not say from the beginning?” Yeon So-hyeon said, his voice smooth and taunting. “I have no need of you.”

As he spoke, his gaze drifted lazily to one side.

The Head of the Court of Judiciary’s head snapped in that direction reflexively.

“We greet the Grand Young Master.”

A curt, emotionless voice.

A man who had been standing silently in the corner of the assembly stepped forward and bowed to Yeon So-hyeon.

“My subordinates have prepared tea for you. I will escort you.”

The Head of the Court of Judiciary’s mouth fell open as he recognized the man.

“Sixth Department Head…!”

The Head of the Sixth Department of the Court of Judiciary. The youngest of the department heads. He had been handling various cases recently, but he had never stood out, never caused any major friction. And now, unbelievably, in this exact moment, he was openly defying the Head of the Court of Judiciary to his face.

“What do you think you’re doing?!”

“Are you out of your mind?!”

The other department heads hissed at him, but the Sixth Department Head didn’t even spare them a glance.

“This way, please.”

Far from being cowed, he took another step forward, personally inviting the Grand Young Master inside.

[Sixth Department Head.] The Head of the Court of Judiciary’s telepathic voice stabbed into his ear. [I trust you are fully prepared to accept the consequences of this action?]

It was a clear warning. But the Sixth Department Head simply continued to escort Yeon So-hyeon and his entourage, as if he hadn’t heard a thing.

[…My Lord!] The aide’s frantic message came again. [The person currently in charge of the investigation related to the Treasury… it’s the Sixth Department of the Court of Judiciary!]

And Yeon So-hyeon’s only business here was related to the Treasury.

The Grand Young Master, as if he had foreseen this exact moment, had perfectly and precisely suborned the exact person he needed.

‘But when…?’

The Head of the Court of Judiciary sent a sharp mental query to his aides. [The Sixth Department is handling other major cases, are they not?]

The Sixth Department was in charge of all legal and investigative matters related to the Third Young Master’s “Dragon and Phoenix Assembly Stadium Construction” plot. And he’s in charge of the Treasury case too? How did this…

He found the answer himself and ground his teeth.

‘The Central Inspectorate…!’

The initial investigation into the Treasury had begun with them. The Central Inspectorate had requested the Sixth Department’s assistance, citing a ‘shortage of manpower.’ Just like that, the Sixth Department had been seamlessly integrated into the investigation. And because they had been reporting on the investigation’s progress all this time, he himself had never sensed a problem.

‘Damn it…!’

Forgetting all decorum, the Head of the Court of Judiciary audibly ground his teeth in rage. This wasn’t just being blindsided; this was like having his nose cut off while his eyes were wide open.

Murmur… murmur…

In front of all the Court of Judiciary personnel he had gathered to put on a show of force…

Murmur… murmur…

He had been stabbed in the back by his own direct subordinate, and the betrayal was laid bare for all to see.

“Head of the Court of Judiciary.”

Through the growing whispers, Yeon So-hyeon’s voice cut through. He had paused on his way inside, turning back. The crowd instinctively parted, creating a direct, open line of sight between him and the Head of the Court of Judiciary.

The Head of the Court of Judiciary could clearly see the cold, mocking sneer on Yeon So-hyeon’s face.

“If you wanted to play the part of the Court’s master, you should have remained loyal to the Court. Why did you meddle in the main clan’s political games?”

“That is why you cannot even manage your own house, let alone lead it.”

The Head of the Court of Judiciary could hear, as Yeon So-hyeon turned and walked away, the distinct tsk, tsk of his tongue, and the sound of his own people whispering. It felt as if those sounds would echo forever.