Book 13: Chapter 7: Darkest Under the Lamp

“But this Eldest Young Master has neither the intention nor any reason to receive your guidance, Lord of the Law Enforcement Court.”

Yeon So-hyeon completely trampled upon the intention of peace that the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court had indirectly expressed.

“…….”

“…….”

The inner courtyard of the Law Enforcement Court fell into instant silence.

The people who had gathered to welcome the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon all shut their mouths and froze.

In that wide inner courtyard of the Law Enforcement Court.

Not even the sound of a rustling collar could be heard.

“…….”

Kang Ho, who was performing his duties standing right behind the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon, wanted to flee from the spot.

“…….”

Even a cold chill flowed over the face of the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court, whose expression had completely vanished.

If.

He had been glaring directly at Kang Ho himself, instead of looking at the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon who stood in front of Kang Ho.

Kang Ho would not have been able to endure that pressure for even a few seconds.

“Gulp.”

It was to the point where one could hear the sound of dry saliva being swallowed, though it was unclear whose it was.

“…Eldest Young Master.”

It was the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court himself who spoke in a low voice.

“Did you not have business with this Law Enforcement Court?”

His black, glass-like eyeballs turned toward the Bank Director of the Sword Family Bank.

Was not the cooperation of the Law Enforcement Court essential to save the Bank Director of the Sword Family Bank, who was in a political crisis?

The words and actions of the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court were intended to remind the Eldest Young Master of that fact.

“That is so.”

The Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon acknowledged it quite readily.

“Indeed, is it not so?”

At Yeon So-hyeon's readily given reply, the expression of the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court softened for a moment.

At that moment when the bystanders exhaled their held breath, Yeon So-hyeon's words continued.

“However, the one this Eldest Young Master has business with is the Law Enforcement Court, not you, the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court.”

“…What?”

The Lord of the Law Enforcement Court widened his eyes.

This time, it was not just a glare, but actual pressure could be felt.

Kang Ho barely swallowed a scream inwardly.

“……!”

Thanks to the voluminous hem of his robes worn for courtesy, his trembling legs were barely concealed.

“It seems the Eldest Young Master does not know well…”

With veins bulging on his forehead, the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court looked down at Yeon So-hyeon with a fierce glare, without blinking, and said.

“I, the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court, am indeed the Law Enforcement Court.”

How arrogant those words were.

It was like a tenant farmer acting as the landlord.

But.

To those who had privatized the power of the Luoyang Sword Family since the Grand Patriarch collapsed.

It was arrogant, but not incorrect.

“…….”

“…….”

Now, in the silence, everyone's gaze turned toward the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.

“Oh?”

But unexpectedly.

The reply came from elsewhere.

“You dare raise your internal energy in front of the Eldest Young Master of the main family?”

The pressure of internal energy generated by the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court himself.

The tone sounded as if he did not care in the slightest about the silent pressure generated by the gathered members of the Law Enforcement Court.

“The weather is hot, so are you suggesting we cool down the courtyard with blood?”

At the tone that suggested he did not care even if he made the entire Law Enforcement Court his enemy, the hands of the combatants of the Law Enforcement Court stealthily.

Moved toward their swords.

“Well, that sounds good. Let's have some proper fun with me today.”

However.

Those who were reaching for their swords stopped their movements as they saw the owner of the voice step forward.

“…Life-Snatching Ghost Sword.”

At the name someone muttered, the Life-Snatching Ghost Sword smiled, revealing his sharp teeth.

“Yeah, it's me.”

Simultaneously with those words.

The swords on his back began to slide out without him even touching them.

“…Sword-Controlling Art!”

The person who did not recognize that technique, which was practically the signature technique of the Life-Snatching Ghost Sword.

Did not exist, at least not in the Luoyang Sword Family.

“…….”

The gaze of the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court turned to the Life-Snatching Ghost Sword first, but.

“Good, good. I heard there are so many decent warriors in the Law Enforcement Court, I'll be able to enjoy myself properly today!”

The Life-Snatching Ghost Sword did not care in the slightest.

If someone did not stop him.

A sinister energy close to a determination to see blood no matter what could be felt.

“…….”

Next, the gaze of the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court turned toward the Bank Director of the Sword Family Bank.

“…….”

Beneath the deep wrinkles of the Bank Director, accumulated through numerous experiences.

Reading his mind was no easy task.

“…….”

Giving up on finding any intention to intervene in the calmly settled eyes of the Bank Director, the eyes of the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court.

Turned toward Yeon So-hyeon's attendants this time.

“…….”

“…….”

However, no one.

Not even the mere maids, at the very least.

Far from uttering words of mediation to Yeon So-hyeon on the spot, they instead stealthily took a step forward.

Looking ready to draw their swords at any moment.

“…….”

In the end.

The Lord of the Law Enforcement Court, as a last resort.

Had no choice but to look at the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.

*Smirk.* he saw a blatant sneer hanging on the lips of Yeon So-hyeon, whose eyes met his.

‘…What on earth is this?’

He was the Eldest Young Master who had brought the Bank Director here, despite the latter being extremely short on time.

It meant that the one who was desperate was the Eldest Young Master.

‘That is why I even reached out my hand first…’

Not only did the Eldest Young Master slap that hand away, but now he was openly.

Condoning even the martial provocations of his subordinates.

[Lord Court Lord.] an aide to the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court, who was watching the situation, sent a transmission from close range.

[Although our Law Enforcement Court's military power is sufficient. Clashing with the Eldest Young Master with force like this is madness.] the opponent was no longer the Eldest Young Master of the past.

[It will only leave immense political and material damage on our side.] his gaze turned once again toward the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.

[I know that, too.] the problem was…

“…….”

A smile that grew even deeper.

What did that smile mean?

‘What on earth is that fellow aiming for?’

But.

For him, the time to deliberate.

‘What on earth is he relying on?’

Such leisure no longer existed.

‘Damn it…!’

He had no choice but to, first.

Bow his head toward the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.

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

Surrounding him.

The Lord of the Law Enforcement Court could feel the members of the Law Enforcement Court gritting their teeth.

They must be frustrated.

“…….”

“…….”

But at the same time, he could also feel that they were inwardly relieved.

“I am sorry.”

But.

Even though he bowed his head.

“Now…”

Regardless of that, the swords of the Life-Snatching Ghost Sword.

“Let's do this.”

Finally slipped out of their scabbards and were completely drawn.

“……!”

At that moment when the dumbfounded members of the Law Enforcement Court were in a flurry, unable to do this or that.

“Stop.”

Yeon So-hyeon's voice echoed softly.

Only then did the swords of the Life-Snatching Ghost Sword return to their scabbards.

And at the sound of the swords shearing back into their scabbards, sighs of relief escaping from here and there blended together.

“Loyalty.”

As the Life-Snatching Ghost Sword stepped back with a short reply, Yeon So-hyeon's gaze turned toward the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court.

“I accept your apology. Then—” before Yeon So-hyeon's voice could even finish, the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court cupped his hands.

“However.”

“It turns out that the reception department has completely run out of tea. Welcoming guests like this would be a great discourtesy.”

Though it was an indirect expression.

“So, when we are properly prepared, we will welcome you again.”

It was a clear dismissal of guests.

No matter what Yeon So-hyeon desired, it meant they would not even give him the opportunity to obtain it here.

“I apologize, Eldest Young Master.”

Even while pouring out apologies with his mouth, the gaze of the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court, curved in an arc.

Stealthily directed toward the Bank Director of the Sword Family Bank.

“…….”

Although it was a brief moment that most would not even notice.

The Lord of the Law Enforcement Court definitely confirmed that the Bank Director's eyes shook for that split second.

‘If you thought I would back down so easily, you are mistaken, Eldest Young Master.’

With this.

The Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon ended up wasting time and making a futile trip… or so.

At least.

The Lord of the Law Enforcement Court judged so.

“Haha.”

Yeon So-hyeon's short and refreshing laughter rang out.

“No tea, how very unfortunate.”

‘…What is it?’

However, to the ears of the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court, that laughter grated more than a devil's laugh.

‘Does the Eldest Young Master still have a move left?’

No matter that he could not compare to Yeon So-hyeon.

The extraordinary mind of the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court instantly flashed with insight from Yeon So-hyeon's relaxed attitude.

‘Could it be…?!’

“However. Did I not say from the very beginning?”

Yeon So-hyeon, slyly.

Leisurely continued his words.

“That this Eldest Young Master does not need you.”

With that, Yeon So-hyeon's gaze turned leisurely toward one side.

Toward the direction Yeon So-hyeon was looking.

The Lord of the Law Enforcement Court turned his head reflexively.

“I greet the Eldest Young Master.”

A blunt voice.

The one who had been standing silently in the corner all this time stepped forward and bowed to Yeon So-hyeon.

“My subordinates have prepared tea for the Eldest Young Master. I will guide you.”

Upon identifying the person, the mouth of the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court opened involuntarily.

“Department Head of the Sixth Department…!”

The Department Head of the Sixth Department of Law Enforcement.

The youngest of the department heads of the Law Enforcement Court.

Although he had been taking on various tasks recently.

He, who usually did not stand out particularly nor caused major friction, absurdly.

Stepped forward to oppose the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court head-on at this very moment.

“What are you doing right now?!”

“Are you out of your mind?!”

The startled department heads around him shouted, but the Department Head of the Sixth Department did not even look at them.

“Please, this way.”

Far from checking their expressions.

He took another step forward and volunteered to guide the Eldest Young Master in person.

[Department Head of the Sixth Department.] the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court's transmission sounded like a stab in the ear of the Department Head of the Sixth Department.

[How I will take this matter. You have fully prepared yourself for it, right?] a warning.

However, as if he had not even heard the transmission, the Department Head of the Sixth Department calmly guided Yeon So-hyeon and his party inside.

[…Come to think of it, Lord Court Lord!] while the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court stared at the departing back with a frosty gaze, a transmission from his aide reached him.

[Currently, the one in charge of the investigation related to the Sword Family Bank. It is precisely the Sixth Department of Law Enforcement!] and Yeon So-hyeon's business was entirely related to the Sword Family Bank.

The Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon, accurately.

As if he had foreseen it in advance.

Had won over the Department Head of the Sixth Department, the very person he needed.

‘But when…?’

The Lord of the Law Enforcement Court sent a transmission to his aides.

[Does not the Sixth Department of Law Enforcement have quite a few major cases they are currently handling besides the Sword Family Bank?] the Department Head of the Sixth Department, who was in charge of the overall investigation and legal affairs related to the 'site construction for the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering arena' pushed by the Third Young Master's side.

Such a Department Head of the Sixth Department was handling the Sword Family Bank as well?

[How on earth did the Sixth Department of Law Enforcement end up handling even this case…!] reaching the answer himself, the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court ground his teeth.

‘Central Inspection Department…!’

The first start of the investigation into the Sword Family Bank was definitely the Central Inspection Department.

That Central Inspection Department had requested investigative cooperation from the Sixth Department of Law Enforcement on the grounds of a shortage of personnel.

Thus, naturally.

The Sixth Department of Law Enforcement participated even in the investigation of the Sword Family Bank.

Since the Sixth Department of Law Enforcement had been reporting the entire investigation process until now.

The Lord of the Law Enforcement Court himself had also failed to notice the issue.

‘Damn it…!’

Forgetting his dignity, the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court ground his teeth without realizing it.

This case was not just a matter of having one's nose sliced off while one's eyes were open.

Buzz, buzz.

In the place where these numerous members of the Law Enforcement Court gathered to welcome the Eldest Young Master were watching.

Buzz, buzz.

The sight of him being stabbed in the back by his direct subordinate was exposed all too vividly.

“Lord of the Law Enforcement Court.”

Piercing through the buzzing, the voice of the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon was heard.

As he, who was moving along the guidance of the Department Head of the Sixth Department, stopped, turned around, and spoke.

“…….”

“…….”

The members of the Law Enforcement Court parted to clear the path between the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court and Yeon So-hyeon.

“If you wanted to play the master of the Law Enforcement Court, you should have remained faithful only to the Law Enforcement Court. Why did you peek into the political arena of the main family as well?”

The Lord of the Law Enforcement Court could clearly see the sneer hanging on Yeon So-hyeon's lips.

“That is why you cannot even look after your own people properly, nor lead them properly.”

“…….”

In the ears of the Lord of the Law Enforcement Court, the sound of Yeon So-hyeon clicking his tongue as he moved away.

And the buzzing of the surrounding people felt as if they would never stop.