Book 24 Chapter 10

Gate, Beyond

― Yeonbi, Encountered

Yeonbi was walking through a passage made of stone. The final match was about to begin. Only the winner would earn the right to fight Hyulyeomje Chilshangheon. A stroll was hardly appropriate before such an important match. The destination of this stroll was the waiting room where her opponent, whom she would fight shortly, was waiting. There was a message to deliver.

"I cannot meet with my sister right now. So, Yeonbi, please deliver my words in my stead."

"You've made up your mind, Rin?"

"Yes."

If it hadn't been for Na Yerim's request, Yeonbi wouldn't have moved like this. Of course, she didn't think the current situation could be resolved through conversation. Yeonbi thought Yeongnyeong was not yet showing her full strength. She could tell just by watching her fight. Indeed, Yeongnyeong had defeated all her opponents to get this far, likely due to her solid fundamentals. The two maids who assisted her also possessed skills unbecoming of their station. Although she had struggled a bit midway, the winner had always been Monghwansamyeong, to which Yeongnyeong belonged. However, the swordsmanship displayed so far was new to both Yeonbi and Na Yerim. The two, who had been closely watching to see if Yeongnyeong's swordsmanship would reveal characteristics of the Geomgak, had come up empty. And then, the moment of the decisive battle approached.

Na Yerim was the only one who could take on this match. Yeonbi herself had no place to step in here. Nor should she.

Yeonbi, out of habit, walked with her presence suppressed. The door to the waiting room was firmly shut, as if refusing visitors. Of course, Yeonbi ignored it and walked forward. The moment she raised her hand to knock, she heard someone speaking from beyond the closed door.

'A man's voice?'

Yeonbi stopped her hand, which was about to knock, and completely erased her presence, not even allowing her breath to be felt. The members of Monghwansamyeong were all women. Furthermore, Monghwansangmu, who followed Yeongnyeong like a shadow, were not even men disguised as women like Yun Misoreoje. Then?

'Who is it?'

Yeonbi maximized her hearing. The single layer of wooden door could not block her ears.

'Chilshangheon… definitely… secret….'

She couldn't grasp the meaning of anything else, as there was no preceding or succeeding context. However, she could clearly make out the last words.

"And I have one more thing to say."

It wasn't a mistake. It was definitely a man's voice, and a young one at that.

'Who is it?'

It was a voice she had heard somewhere before. It was quite familiar. But she couldn't remember who it was.

"I await your command."

This time, it was Yeongnyeong's voice. The two maids felt her presence but remained silent.

"Lately, I've heard strange stories. The name of the young lady who tells you these stories was Na Yerim, wasn't it?"

When Na Yerim's name was mentioned, Yeonbi's ears perked up even more.

"……"

Yeongnyeong was silent. And she waited for his words. The man asked again.

"Are you suspicious?"

Yeongnyeong, startled, replied.

"Not at all. You are my master. My loyalty is unwavering."

"It's understandable to waver, for the human heart is endlessly weak."

It sounded like a low sigh. Then, Yeongnyeong's unease could be felt even through the door.

"My heart is strong. Words like that will not shake it."

"Can I trust you, Yeongnyeong?"

"Of course."

Yeongnyeong's voice replied with firm conviction.

"Then, as your master, I command you."

"Yes, your servant Yeongnyeong awaits your command."

The sound of Yeongnyeong prostrating herself was heard. The man was silent for a moment, then commanded with an unyielding voice.

"Kill Na Yerim!"

Yeonbi's body stiffened.

'Who dares!'

A monstrous rage silently boiled up from the depths of Yeonbi's heart. She could dismiss those half-baked braggarts who ran their mouths about killing or dying with a mere scoff. And she could deal with them casually, depending on the situation, just for fun. Anger was too precious to waste on such imbeciles. But harboring such feelings towards Na Yerim was unforgivable.

'I will never forgive anyone who tries to hurt Yerim. Even if it is God, Buddha, or the devil.'

It was a resolve akin to an oath. The desire to split this seemingly weak door in half and storm in, like a cloud, arose within her, but she barely suppressed it. If she did that now, the confrontation between Yerim and Yeongnyeong would be ruined.

"Are you saying to kill her?"

Yeongnyeong seemed startled as well.

"She is an obstacle. She will stand in our way. You must kill her. If you can't kill anyone else, you must kill Bingbaekbong. Can you do it?"

"……"

Yeongnyeong hesitated, unable to answer easily. Did she still have lingering feelings? As the silence lengthened, the unknown man spoke again.

"If you cannot, I will not force you."

The man seemed to be turning away. Yeonbi could tell by the sound.

'Not force you. That's forcing, no matter how you look at it! You bad guy!'

Even without saying it was coercion, it was clearly coercion. Subtly applying psychological pressure is also a fine form of coercion, and in some cases, it is even more malicious. The man inside was truly wicked. Yeonbi concluded that she would never like him.

"What will you do?"

This question was the final touch of coercion. It was like the finishing stroke of this coercion. Now, there was only one possible answer left for Yeongnyeong.

"……I will do it!"

Yeongnyeong replied, as if she had made up her mind.

"Do what?"

The man retorted.

"……I will kill Na Yerim."

After that, no more conversation could be heard.

'Well now… So, what should I do?'

Should I mess with this, or not? It was a moment of deliberation. The desire to split the door into four pieces grew even stronger. But she exercised patience again, counting up to seven fingers, and barely managed to suppress her anger. It was not yet her time to intervene. There was still something for Na Yerim to resolve on her own. The fact that all she could do was watch was a lamentable regret.

Just then, she felt movement from beyond the door. The door would open soon.

'Should I hide?'

Yeonbi hesitated for a moment. But the hesitation didn't last long. She had only considered it out of courtesy because she might just slap the person if she met them face-to-face.

'Right, let's see that face.'

After all, if she knew who this insignificant person was, she could settle the score later. For now, she would endure, but the time for reckoning didn't seem far off. Yeonbi desperately suppressed the urge to lose her reason again.

Screeeech!

With an unpleasant metallic friction sound, the waiting room door opened. A man stood there. Accompanied by a stout man who stood half a step behind him, as if escorting him.

He was 'Eunmyeong (隱名)'.

Screeeech!

The rusty hinges grated, their unpleasant sound echoing throughout the corridor. The two men who emerged from inside were startled as they saw the woman in black standing defiantly before the door with her arms crossed.

'I didn't feel any presence at all?'

The gazes of the two men conveyed such thoughts.

Swoosh!

Eunmyeong, trying to conceal his expression, glanced at the man in black standing behind him. The man, carrying a large weapon wrapped in cloth on his back, was none other than Majik Ik Chumyeong. His face was as pale as if he had committed a grave mistake. It was understandable, as it was his responsibility to be vigilant when his master was discussing important confidential matters.

"You don't need to stare at me like you're going to devour a subordinate. It's not that he's incompetent, it's just that I'm too capable."

Yeonbi said with a smile. However, it was a smile that was rigidly fixed and held no sincerity.

"Eavesdropping on private conversations, you are quite ill-mannered."

Eunmyeong, who had been silent, spoke.

"Well, I was just standing outside, how would you know if I heard or not? Did you see me directly?"

"Humans possess the ability to deduce and infer from the surrounding circumstances without directly observing."

"Deduction ability, what nonsense, it's just delusion."

Yeonbi replied with a chuckle.

"Who are you?"

His tone was remarkably calm. It was a great display of self-control to not reveal his inner turmoil. Yeonbi judged that this man was no mere hanger-on.

"You're not asking because you don't know, are you? You're not an idiot."

Yeonbi retorted sarcastically.

"How dare you!"

The escort, who had lunged forward in anger, calmed down like a docile sheep upon seeing his master raise an arm. To control such a ferocious beast with a mere gesture. Yeonbi's eyes briefly flashed with interest at the level of training and immediate obedience.

"That's just a hanger-on."

Yeonbi muttered.

"What did you just say?"

"You don't need to worry about it, it's nothing much. More importantly, you don't really not know, do you?"

Eunmyeong replied after a moment of thought.

"Hmm… Of course not. But unless you tell me yourself, how can I confirm if you are who I suspect you to be?"

Then Yeonbi chuckled and replied.

"In that case, you're better than me. I can't quite guess who you are either."

"We're meeting for the first time, so naturally."

Eunmyeong replied in a calm tone.

"Meeting for the first time? Are we really meeting for the first time?"

Yeonbi tilted her head and asked.

"Of course. Why, is it strange?"

"I feel like I've met you somewhere before?"

"If you are trying to seduce me, I am busy, so please give up."

Eunmyeong said without changing his expression. Yeonbi chuckled again at his words.

"That's a boring joke."

"I hear that often."

Eunmyeong replied in a curt voice.

"Then, what business did you have inside?"

"No business."

"You're not only unfunny, you're also bad at lying."

"Even if I did, I have no obligation to tell you."

That's true, Yeonbi conceded.

"Then, if I ask who you are, will you tell me?"

Yeonbi asked with a sharp gaze.

"Since I have committed no sin, of course. I do not possess a name that I need to hide from others."

"Hoho? You say you have committed no sin? A truly interesting statement. Very interesting."

Yeonbi clapped and laughed, as if amused. However, Eunmyeong's expression remained emotionless as he watched her.

"Let's introduce ourselves. I am Yeonbi from Cheonmu Academy. I am the unfortunate soul destined to fight the person behind that door in the finals."

"I am Eunmyeong, Captain of the Third Unit of the Matheon Thirteen Great Divisions."

At that, Yeonbi's eyes widened.

"Oh ho, I get to meet one of the rumored captains in such a peculiar situation. Should I say it's an honor to meet you at this moment for the correct usage?"

"You don't necessarily have to say that."

"That's a relief. I was holding back from cursing, you see. I'm a bit shy, so when I try to say something like that, curses come out first. It's a relief, truly a relief."

Yeonbi smiled and Eunmyeong smiled. However, the air itself was tense like a drawn bowstring.

"I've heard of you. The King of the North Sea, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, is Eunmyeong, Captain of the Third Unit."

She had researched him because the "Four Heavenly Kings" were so often mentioned. In a system like Matheon Pavilion, where ability was paramount and most captain positions were held by those of Musabu rank, being a captain while still a student meant his talent was exceptional.

"It is an honor that you know the name of this ignorant one."

Eunmyeong greeted her with feigned humility.

"Still, you seem somewhat normal? I thought all those called the Four Heavenly Kings were perverts and madmen?"

"You mean the incident with the King of the East Sea? I heard about it. That friend is a bit strange. I admit it. But seeing you in person, I truly feel the saying 'reputation precedes the person' is fitting. There are many strong women in Matheon Pavilion, but I have never seen anyone like you."

"Oh, you flatter me. But I have one thing to ask?"

"Ask me anything."

Eunmyeong said with a benevolent expression.

"Aren't we old acquaintances?"

Yeonbi asked, her smile unwavering.

"…As I said earlier, we are meeting for the first time."

He played ignorant. But Yeonbi did not back down. It wouldn't hurt to provoke him a little more.

"Let's just say that for now. Oh, and if you want to shut me up, come find me anytime, you're very welcome."

The golden light flickered in Yeonbi's amber eyes, and the smile on her lips deepened.

"Is that a seduction?"

Eunmyeong retorted. But he had picked the wrong opponent.

"Interpretation is up to the individual."

Yeonbi said, still with a smile on her lips.

"Well, I suppose your taste in women is a bit unusual. For example, a beauty with one eye missing, or a hobby of taking out one eye from a beauty who originally had two?"

Hiccup, Eunmyeong showed a violent reaction for the first time. However, it was not an outward reaction. But Yeonbi could clearly feel the fierce killing intent swirling within Eunmyeong for a moment.

But Yeonbi was not the type to cry out "Ouch, it burns!" just because her opponent radiated killing intent.

"If you want, we can settle this here and now."

Responding to provocation with provocation suited Yeonbi's nature.

"It's best not to be too overconfident. You don't look like you're in peak condition."

'Tsk!'

Yeonbi grumbled inwardly. Perhaps due to pushing herself too hard, cold sweat formed on her forehead. Normally, this wouldn't happen with just this much effort. This was all happening because her body was not in normal condition. She was furious, thinking it was all thanks to her damned master.

Just then, the door burst open.

"What is the commotion in front of someone else's waiting room?"

The one who opened the door was Yeongnyeong. She glared fiercely at Yeonbi with her exposed right eye. It was as if she was saying, 'How dare you touch my master?'

"Wasn't the one with business here me? You wouldn't have any business with her, would you?"

"That was the original plan. However, a different matter arose in the meantime."

"Then please finish your business quickly and leave. I don't want my concentration to be broken before the next match. Or are you here to distract me because you're not confident you'll win?"

"Of course not. I have business that I must certainly handle. Don't worry. I'll leave after I'm done with my business."

"Business?"

Yeonbi nodded and said.

"She said, 'I will definitely bring her back, sister!'"

Yeonbi and Yeongnyeong's gazes locked in mid-air.

"Whose message is it?"

Yeongnyeong asked, even though she knew. Yeonbi knew she knew, but she told her anyway.

"Someone you might kill."

The words carried weight, instantly freezing Yeongnyeong's body. Yeonbi then looked back at Eunmyeong and his escort. The escort was incessantly sending signals. He was blatantly shouting that he would carve up that arrogant girl any second if given the command.

"Let me say just one thing."

"Go ahead."

Eunmyeong replied in a calm tone.

"You will never achieve what you desire, never."

Then Eunmyeong tilted his head.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You don't know?"

"I don't know."

Eunmyeong played innocent to the end. Yeonbi, without taking her eyes off his, stated like a nail being driven in.

"You will both know soon."

Then, as if she had forgotten, she added one more thing.

"Oh, and be careful at night."

Eunmyeong's expression hardened. Majik Ik seemed ready to pounce.

"What does that mean? Are you perhaps threatening me, Eunmyeong, Captain of the Third Unit?"

Then Yeonbi smiled innocently, as if nothing had happened.

"No, of course not. I'm just afraid you might wet the bed."

"……?"

Then a 'sneaky' evil smile formed on Yeonbi's lips.

"You know, there are old sayings, right? Like, 'If you like playing with fire, you'll wet the bed at night,' and so on."

He flinched slightly. Yeonbi watched the subtle change without missing it.

"You're still someone who says things nobody can understand."

However, only Majik Ik, who stood behind him, glared at Yeonbi menacingly.

"Then, excuse me."

Yeonbi said only that, turned around, and walked away. Her confident gait seemed to dare anyone to attack her if they had the courage. Majik Ik seemed to find it hard to resist the temptation. It wouldn't have been a problem to deal with her here. She wouldn't have to worry about disposing of the body either. This was their territory.

"Lord!"

His eyes were sharp. If we let her go like this, it's dangerous, he seemed to be asking for permission. His sharp, eagle-like eyes seemed to say that.

"Hold on. Can't you see that defenseless back? If you move first, you might be the one to die. And I am your Captain, not your Lord."

"Yes, Captain!"

Eunmyeong watched Yeonbi's retreating figure, now vanished into the shadows of the corridor, his eyes gleaming.

"Yeonbi… One more name to remember. Who on earth is she? Such a skilled person wouldn't just fall from the sky."

However, there was nothing to indicate her origin. As far as he knew, the only skilled person who appeared so suddenly was that unlucky 'long-haired guy' who had blocked his path at Huashan.

"Keep a close watch on her."

"Understood."

The answer came immediately.

"Um… Captain?"

Majik Ik called out to Eunmyeong in a voice that was almost a whisper.

"What?"

Eunmyeong, who was deep in thought, replied in a cold voice.

"That woman…"

Majik Ik glanced back, his face extremely serious.

"Do you know something?"

Then Majik Ik shook his head and replied.

"Well… she's pretty. And she has spirit."

Eunmyeong was dumbfounded at the implicit 'She's exactly my type.' He looked into Majik Ik's eyes and saw that they were a little glazed over.

"……"

Eunmyeong contemplated his subordinate's attire and his own leadership qualities for a while, remaining silent.

"Your taste is quite peculiar."