Book 8: Chapter 22: Isolation

Luoyang Sword Family.

Sword Family Bank, Headquarters.

The Bank Director, the head of the Sword Family Bank, which exerted a dominant influence over the economy of North China.

A separate annex connected via a hallway from the headquarters was entirely a space for the Bank Director, which could be said to be an example showing how high the status of the Bank Director was. "……."

However, Yeon So-hyeon, who was walking along the connecting hallway, did not feel such luxury and grandeur.

Rather, to him, the annex looked like a shape that was separated and isolated all alone.

"This way, please."

As they entered through the door opened by the Bank Director's secretary, the scenery of an elegant reception room unfolded.

"Eldest Young Master."

Red Venom Spider, who had arrived first, rose from her seat and greeted him.

"How was the administration building?"

At his words, Red Venom Spider bowed her head and replied.

"It is excellent. There is no lack in the personnel, facilities, or anywhere else."

He nodded and looked to the side.

"…Eldest Young Master."

It was the Chief of the Central Inspection Department, Dokgo Ya-yeon.

"Although I cannot give you a detailed report on this department's investigation, everything is proceeding smoothly."

"Right."

"…Only, there is an issue where many evidences have already been destroyed, so we must reinforce many parts with testimonies."

"I see."

Once Yeon So-hyeon, who was awaited, arrived, the secretary guided them to the backyard of the annex located further inside.

Following behind Yeon So-hyeon, Red Venom Spider stole a glance at the Chief of the Central Inspection Department.

'The famous ghost of white hair and white eyes. I wonder what kind of relationship she has with the Eldest Young Master…'

After meeting in the reception room just a moment ago and only exchanging greetings, they had not spoken a single word.

After Red Venom Spider turned her gaze back forward, this time the Chief of the Central Inspection Department, Dokgo Ya-yeon, glanced at her.

'A woman about whom nothing has been revealed other than that she uses the surname Hong, is from the Sichuan Tang Family, and is the closest aide of the Fourth Young Master.'

Such a woman had introduced herself as the administrator, the head of the Eldest Young Master's administration building.

Dokgo Ya-yeon turned her gaze to look at Yeon So-hyeon, who was walking ahead.

'…Has the Eldest Young Master now begun to absorb the Fourth Young Master's forces?'

However, thoughts about each other were quickly pushed out of their heads.

'The Bank Director of the Sword Family Bank.'

'I wonder how he will act…'

To Dokgo Ya-yeon, the Bank Director was the head of the current investigation target, and to Red Venom Spider, the Bank Director was one of the highest authorities in the Luoyang Sword Family.

The opponent, by the name of the Bank Director of the Sword Family Bank alone, was a top-ranking figure who would receive generous treatment even in the Imperial Capital.

'I hope he is not hostile. Even if a problem arises, the Eldest Young Master must have his thoughts, right…?'

'…In the worst-case scenario, I must be prepared to face even the Bank Director, following the Deputy Bank Director.'

However, their worries and expectations crumbled the moment they met the Bank Director of the Sword Family Bank.

"This Heo, who is responsible for the Sword Family's Bank, greets the Eldest Young Master of the Main Family."

The appearance of the old man, who had a long white beard and a straight, upright posture, was polite beyond measure.

"First and foremost, I apologize for causing the Eldest Young Master the trouble of coming all the way here in person."

Since the position of the Bank Director of the Sword Family Bank corresponded to a key figure within the Luoyang Sword Family, just like the head of the Sword Family Construction, it was also possible for him to speak informally to the Eldest Young Master.

Yet, from the very first moment he met Yeon So-hyeon, even until now.

Not once had he forgotten his politeness.

Looking at such an old man, regret and pity brushed past Yeon So-hyeon's eyes.

"…You have worked hard, Bank Director."

At Yeon So-hyeon's words, the old man bowed his head even deeper.

"Hard work, you say? How can a person who cannot even properly fulfill his assigned duties as a warehouse keeper discuss weariness?"

The Bank Director of that Sword Family Bank described himself as a mere warehouse keeper. "……."

At that sight, the gazes of the two middle-aged women darted quickly between Yeon So-hyeon and the Bank Director.

'Have these two had a close relationship from the beginning?'

'…Indeed. It had been strange ever since a huge sum of investment funds suddenly came from the Sword Family Bank last time, though.'

Contrary to such thoughts, they even lowered their breathing and carried themselves with caution.

For this was a place where the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family and the Bank Director of the Sword Family Bank met.

"Bank Director. Do not say such things; if it were not for you, today's investigation could not have happened either." "……!"

At Yeon So-hyeon's words, the two women barely concealed their surprised expressions.

"It was nothing much."

"What do you mean nothing much? It was an excellent judgment and decision."

The Bank Director stroked his beard and shook his head.

"I merely referenced the case of the Inner Courtyard Chief Manager and imitated it."

'So that was it…!'

Only then did Dokgo Ya-yeon, who understood the situation, nod inwardly.

'…The Inner Courtyard Chief Manager had utilized the fact that the Eldest Young Master turned the Inner Courtyard upside down in reverse to weed out the corrupt members of the Inner Courtyard.'

The Bank Director of the Sword Family Bank had seen that and designed this board together with Yeon So-hyeon.

"Chief of the Central Inspection Department."

Unraveling the links that had been hidden behind the curtain, she, who had been lost in thought, hastily responded to the voice calling her.

"…Yes, Eldest Young Master."

Yeon So-hyeon turned to look at her and spoke.

"Do you understand now where you are poking your head into?"

That was a teaching Yeon So-hyeon had given her in the past, and ever since, it was also a code of conduct she always kept in her heart.

"…Yes, Eldest Young Master."

Combining the matters she had grasped with the newly unraveled situation, she calmly spoke.

"That the Chief of the Inspection Department turned a blind eye to the Central Inspection Department's movements was because he knew the Bank Director had opened a board with the Eldest Young Master."

"That is so."

Although she had not known, it was also for that reason that the Deputy Bank Director had assumed the Inspection Department would show no movement.

The Inspection Chief had deceived the Deputy Bank Director.

"And…"

Slightly furrowing the creases around her eyes, she continued speaking.

"In order to distance himself from the Central Inspection Department, which would be attacked under the pretext of having destroyed political neutrality, the Chief of the Inspection Department chose tacit approval rather than an official investigation permit."

Soon, the aftermath of the investigation would shake the Central Inspection Department.

Those who held grudges against the Central Inspection Department, and the entirety of those who viewed the Central Inspection Department with displeasure, would rush in.

"Do you regret it?"

At Yeon So-hyeon's question, she immediately shook her head firmly.

"It is something I have already prepared for."

She, and all of her subordinates, had finished their preparations.

"We will show the entire Main Family just how terrifying a thing it is to touch the Central Inspection Department."

Toward her, Yeon So-hyeon wore a gentle smile.

"As expected, wonderful."

What should she say in response? "……."

Dokgo Ya-yeon merely bowed her head.

"But there is no need to worry greatly about that aftermath."

"…What do you mean?"

Yeon So-hyeon replied with a smile.

"The Inner Courtyard Chief Manager. There is no way that old man would just let this opportunity pass." "……!"

"The Inner Courtyard Chief Manager will not miss the opportunity to cut out the rotten flesh of the Sword Family Bank."

Dokgo Ya-yeon nodded.

"…I see. Besides, he also needs to re-establish his shrunk position after that incident with the Eldest Young Master last time."

Yeon So-hyeon shrugged his shoulders.

"Even if only to prove that he is still going strong, that old monster will rush in like a mad dog."

If that happened, the Central Inspection Department would not be the issue.

The Sword Family Bank was the place in charge of the Sword Family's assets, and every power-holder could not help but be related to the Sword Family Bank, only with varying degrees.

That was a statement that also included the dark parts of the Sword Family Bank.

"…The Main Family will be turned upside down once again."

Yeon So-hyeon grinned.

"That is why the Chief of the Inspection Department made the first move through the Central Inspection Department, while at the same time creating space for himself to step back in the form of tacit approval."

"…So that was it."

Dokgo Ya-yeon closed her eyes and slowly nodded.

'…I am still very lacking.'

Beneath her expressionless face, she swallowed a sigh inwardly.

"Dokgo Ya-yeon."

As if guessing her inner thoughts, Yeon So-hyeon called her name in a soft tone.

"Your ability is already sufficient. It is just that you are not yet in a position to handle more information."

"Furthermore…"

The Bank Director, who had been quietly watching the conversation, opened his mouth.

"For this Sword Family to function properly, not everyone needs to be a master of political sense. Rather, it is the current Main Family that is wrong to demand such a thing from everyone."

The old man raised his hand and pointed to himself.

"Even this this old man is far from political. I am on the lacking side. However, if one only does one's best in one's position and role…"

The old man looked at Yeon So-hyeon.

"Someday, like today, a leader who recognizes that intent will appear and help solve the problem." "……."

Yeon So-hyeon looked away, staring toward the other side for no reason.

"Chief of the Central Inspection Department."

Looking at Yeon So-hyeon with a smile, the Bank Director spoke to Dokgo Ya-yeon.

"Follow my secretary."

At the Bank Director's words, the secretary, who had been waiting as if dead in the back, bowed.

"I will guide you."

Before Dokgo Ya-yeon could ask what was going on, the Bank Director spoke first.

"Although the Deputy Bank Director's faction destroyed most of the evidence documents inside the bank, this this old man took steps in advance to secure copies of them."

Although the old man described himself as someone lacking in political sense, to Dokgo Ya-yeon, he did not seem that way at all.

'Indeed…'

He was a giant who had single-handedly supported the Sword Family Bank, which was not a simple organization but one directly involved with countless interests, to this day.

"…Thank you for your cooperation, Bank Director."

The Bank Director wore a slightly apologetic expression toward her.

"Only, there is one thing I would like to request regarding those copies—."

Accustomed to such situations, Dokgo Ya-yeon nodded.

"Do not worry. The copies will not be leaked to the outside or used as legal evidence."

The value of the copies was sufficient just by allowing them to look clearly at the overall picture of what had happened.

"…Thank you."

No matter what, the head of an organization must not appear to be personally cutting down their subordinates under external attacks.

Because such a thing was bound to affect even those who were not involved in corruption and cause trust in the head to decline.

"Then."

After Dokgo Ya-yeon withdrew following the secretary, Yeon So-hyeon called Red Venom Spider.

"Administrator."

"…Ah, yes! Eldest Young Master."

Reflecting on the things she had learned from this matter, she pulled herself together and replied.

"Here it is."

She took out a bundle of drafts she had prepared from her bosom and handed them politely to the Bank Director.

"Eldest Young Master, what is this…?"

"Although an investigation has begun immediately, there is no way the internal clean-up of the Sword Family Bank will end all at once, is there?"

Even the Inner Courtyard, ruled by the Inner Courtyard Chief Manager, required considerable time for internal clean-up.

So, in the Sword Family Bank where multiple factions were overrun, it would take even more time for the Bank Director to regain his original position and complete the reorganization of the system.

Right now, is the Deputy Bank Director himself not exempt from this investigation?

"Please use this when the Business Support Group retrieves the funds they had invested through the Sword Family Bank."

The Bank Director's eyes flashed.

"…You intend to take this opportunity to completely remove the businesses from the shadow of the Main Family."

"That is correct. But…"

Yeon So-hyeon put on a feigned sheepish expression.

"Regardless of the Business Support Group, I have not yet prepared the amount you invested."

He was referring to the amount the Sword Family Bank had invested in Yeon So-hyeon under the Bank Director's authority.

"Do not worry about that."

The Bank Director smiled.

"This this old man still has that much strength remaining."

Yeon So-hyeon rubbed his nose and said.

"It is not much of a replacement, but… before long, there will be a massive investment opportunity."

"An investment opportunity…?"

A meaningful smile hung on Yeon So-hyeon's lips.

"Yes. It will not help clean up the internal affairs of the bank, but it is a transaction grand enough to restore your position in a single stroke."

* * *

Leaving the annex, Red Venom Spider called Yeon So-hyeon.

"Eldest Young Master."

"Hmm?"

Unsure whether it was a matter she could ask about, she eventually brought up the question due to her personality.

"By any chance, in what way did you build a relationship of trust with the Bank Director from the past?" "……?"

As Yeon So-hyeon stopped his steps and turned to look at her, she hastily waved her hand.

"Ah, no. Since it must be a personal matter, you do not have to tell me."

Watching her, Yeon So-hyeon smiled.

"Between him and me, there is no such thing as a relationship of trust built from the past."

"…Pardon?"

* * *

After the Eldest Young Master and Red Venom Spider had distanced themselves and disappeared, the secretary who had questioned the Bank Director could not hide his flustered look.

"Y-you had no relationship with the Eldest Young Master?"

"That is right."

The Bank Director nodded.

"I was appointed as the Bank Director after the Supreme Executive Council was established. Before then, as you know, I was at an external branch." "……."

Toward the secretary who was staring blankly at him, the Bank Director shrugged his shoulders.

"That time was the first time I met the Eldest Young Master in person."

'That time' referred to when he visited Pavilion of Perfect Enlightenment regarding the punitive damages of the Inner Courtyard.

"…But how could you trust the Eldest Young Master so easily?"

"Trust."

After being blank for a long while, the Bank Director wore a smile toward the secretary who had asked.

"It is not that the Eldest Young Master and I must form mutual trust."

He spoke of the mindset he held as a member who assumed a heavy responsibility for the Luoyang Sword Family.

"I must strive to earn the Eldest Young Master's trust."

He patted the shoulder of the secretary, who was lost in deep thought, and then turned and moved his feet.

'Of course, that is not all.'

The old man harbored one reason in his heart that he dared not tell even his closest subordinate.

'Perhaps the next Bank Director of the Main Family will be you.'

Those were the words left by the Grand Patriarch, who had visited the branch he was in charge of in the past.

'If anything should happen to me…'

The old man looked up at the night sky, recalling the Grand Patriarch's voice.

'Remember that So-hyeon is in the Main Family.'

* * *

Setting foot back in the headquarters pavilion of the Sword Family Bank, Yeon So-hyeon wore an awkward smile on his face.

'This is, indeed…'

The two girls who met him in the hallway showed smiles.

It was not a trick of his mind that their smiles felt particularly awkward.

"Eldest Brother…"

"It has been a long time since we saw you."

They were the Third Young Lady Yeon Da-eun and the Fourth Young Lady Yeon Da-hye.