Book 9: Chapter 22: The Fisherman’s Gain

A member of the Supreme Executive Council must not make their identity known, nor must anyone discover their identity.

If so, how should official announcements or instructions be made?

Could someone not use the name of the Supreme Executive Council at will and cause confusion?

Therefore.

Within the Supreme Executive Council, there was the Administration Pavilion.

And the chief officer of that Administration Pavilion was the Administration Pavilion Lord.

In other words, he was the agent of the Supreme Executive Council.

* * *

It was said that the agent of the Supreme Executive Council, the Administration Pavilion Lord, had visited the campsite of the Third Young Master's side.

What kind of announcement would there be?

What kind of instructions would the Supreme Executive Council give?

Silence descended inside the tent, which had seemed on the verge of bursting with Elder Yeom and the entire command of the Third Young Master's side campsite. "……"

Watching those groaning in that anxious and uncomfortable silence, Yeon So-hyeon burst into a hearty laugh.

“I do not know where your momentum from just a moment ago has gone. Why is everyone so nervous?” "……."

Someone glared at Yeon So-hyeon someone stared at him fiercely.

Someone was continuously sending sound transmissions to their subordinates outside, giving instructions to grasp the situation someone seemed to have not even heard Yeon So-hyeon's words as they were racking their brains. "……."

Seeing the command of the Third Young Master's side keeping silent despite his blatant mockery, Yeon So-hyeon did not hold back and let out a giggle.

Hearing that laughter, the faces of the figures on the Third Young Master's side flushed red, and veins bulged on their foreheads.

'As expected, my Lord's personality is…'

At that sight, Elder Yeom shook his head inwardly.

Among the people he knew, there was no one who played as well with opponents placed on their palm as Yeon So-hyeon did.

'Still.'

He smiled inwardly as he looked at the command of the Third Young Master's side, who had pushed him for nearly a day.

'It feels good.'

Although Elder Yeom was a self-made man, the timing and location did not align, so he had no significant connection with Yeon So-hyeon's father, the Grand Patriarch.

He had never received anyone's protection or help while rising by his own strength and receiving recognition.

Sword Mountain Splitting Peak.

Perhaps that name was the result of a man who had nowhere to lean on standing tall by himself and becoming a mountain range.

Therefore, he understood only now the sensation he was feeling.

'I was feeling relieved at my Lord's presence right now…'

At that realization, he chuckled inwardly in vain.

The matter of being plagued by endless missions related to the North was no longer.

The matter of having to endlessly worry to guard his standing within the Elders' Hall was no longer.

The matter of dealing with grouped-up powerful figures like the Second or Third Young Master's side was no longer.

The matter of picturing himself returning to the North to live in battles and tension as a single warrior was no longer.

Before he knew it, all of them had completely vanished.

'I see.'

He looked at the boy who sat on his desk, expecting what was about to unfold with excited eyes.

He looked at the reassuring existence who disposed of all the matters he had to worry about as if it were nothing.

If he himself was the Sword Mountain—a mountain range made of swords, that boy, Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon, was surely an existence like the vast earth that supported that mountain range.

'That person is indeed…,' a smile hung on Sword Mountain Splitting Peak Yeom Gwak-chu's face unconsciously.

'…My Lord.'

That was why he.

"The Administration Pavilion Lord of the Supreme Executive Council's Administration Pavilion has arrived."

The moment the agent of the Supreme Executive Council revealed himself leading his subordinates, he was able to open his mouth before anyone else.

His broad shoulders, like a mountain range, straightened, and his thunderous voice resounded as if it would tear the tent apart.

“The Eldest Young Master of the Main Family is here. Therefore, Administration Pavilion Lord, offer your greetings to the Eldest Young Master first.”

Everyone stepped aside to the left and right.

Upon spotting Yeon So-hyeon perched on the desk, the Administration Pavilion Lord knelt and clasped his hands together with his subordinates simultaneously.

“Hwang, the Administration Pavilion Lord, greets the Eldest Young Master of the Main Family.”

“I greet the Eldest Young Master of the Main Family!”

The Administration Pavilion Lord's greeting was extremely polite, and there was not a single flaw to be found.

The personnel of the Administration Pavilion following him bowed their heads a head deeper than their leader. "……"

And at that sight, the members of the Third Young Master's side campsite command realized once again. "……"

That that boy, who was teasing them until just now.

That that boy, whom they glared at and pressed.

Was the undeniable eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family.

The Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword Family, Yeon So-hyeon, replied.

“Good to meet you, Administration Pavilion Lord. I am the Eldest Young Master, Yeon So-hyeon.”

As he made a relaxed and leisurely gesture with his hand, the Administration Pavilion Lord and his subordinates rose carefully from their spots.

Looking at them, Yeon So-hyeon spoke in his perched posture just as it was.

“I merely came to observe for a short while. Do not mind me and do what you must do.”

“Thank you, Eldest Young Master.”

At those words, the white-bearded Administration Pavilion Lord bowed his head to express his gratitude and unrolled the scroll he had brought.

“I intend to deliver the order representing the Supreme Executive Council of the Main Family in accordance with the authority granted by the Sword Family Code.”

The one who took a step forward from behind him spoke.

“Therefore, all of you show courtesy, abide by the Sword Family Code, submit to the authority of the Supreme Executive Council, and show loyalty to the Main Family.”

Everyone filling the inside of the tent simultaneously knelt on one knee to show respect. "……"

The only person who did not show respect along with them was the Eldest Young Master, Yeon So-hyeon, who was bobbing his leg.

“Ahem.”

Had he received some hint?

Although the Administration Pavilion Lord met Yeon So-hyeon's eyes for a moment, he did not even care, cleared his throat with a dry cough, and continued what he had to say.

“I deliver the decisions of the Supreme Executive Council.”

If it were Yeon So-hyeon's taste, he would have dragged it out sufficiently here.

The Administration Pavilion Lord was a loyal and faithful person devoted to the duty he was charged with.

“The Governor of Luoyang, a loyal official of His Majesty the Emperor, has resigned taking responsibility for the disturbance in question, commuted the sins of the dull and pitied people, and issued an order to sentence them to permanent labor.” "……!"

What on earth was this sudden mention of the Governor of Luoyang?

Why did the Governor of Luoyang, who was said to be lying sick at home, suddenly appear here?

'A sentence of labor…?!'

'Just how on earth are things turning…?!'

The pupils of the figures on the Third Young Master's side shook as if an earthquake had occurred.

“Therefore, the Supreme Executive Council of the Luoyang Sword Family, as subjects of the Empire, also must uphold the command of the Governor of Luoyang, who acts on the will of His Majesty the Emperor.”

'What on earth does that mean?!'

'Why would the Supreme Executive Council of the Main Family care about the mood of a mere Governor of Luoyang?!'

'Although it is nominally correct…'

Without even looking at them, the Administration Pavilion Lord continued his words.

“Acknowledging the blunder of the Main Family for failing to take proper care of the people, and in accordance with the command of the Governor of Luoyang, the future guidance and responsibility for them…”

The Administration Pavilion Lord's gaze turned toward Yeon So-hyeon.

The gazes of everyone who had held their heads up to grasp the situation also followed toward Yeon So-hyeon.

The Administration Pavilion Lord continued speaking as he looked at Yeon So-hyeon.

“Are completely delegated to the Eldest Young Master of the Main Family, Yeon So-hyeon.”

Yeon So-hyeon replied immediately.

“I, Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon, have indeed been delegated the authority.”

The Administration Pavilion Lord bowed his head.

“May the heroic spirits of the great Luoyang Sword Family bless the path ahead of Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.”

What on earth had just happened?

“Wh-what?”

The silence was short.

“Wh-what is this right now…?!”

One of them leaped up from his seat.

“I understand that we have to keep our hands off. 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 a wildfire on a dry day.

“If we hand them all over to the Eldest Young Master, how are we supposed to complete the construction?!”

“Even if we recruit anew from now on, it is not the basic stage, it is now the finishing stage! Finishing! It is a point where skill is required!”

“There is no way we can properly match the scheduled construction period with newly recruited riffraff, is there?!”

The Administration Pavilion Lord barked.

“Quiet!”

Although it was a shout without a single point of inner force, the Administration Pavilion Lord's voice carried an authority they could not refuse. "……"

Those who want power and thirst for power have no choice but to submit to power.

“Since the delivery of the order is not yet finished, show courtesy again!”

The delivery of the order was not finished?

Everyone's faces turned pale. "……!"

It was as if they had predicted what words would come next.

Since one who could not even sense that much could not survive in the political arena of the Luoyang Sword Family.

* * *

The Luoyang Sword Family, Administration Pavilion.

The office of the Administration Pavilion Lord.

In the absence of the Administration Pavilion Lord, it was the Deputy Administration Pavilion Lord who greeted the Left and Right Grand Tacticians of the Third Young Master's side instead.

Although he finished speaking and drank the tea placed before him.

The Left and Right Grand Tacticians could not do so.

“Wh-what did you just say?!”

Had young blood broken down the wall of reason?

“Not only handing over all the workers to the Eldest Young Master…!”

Grand Tactician Zhuge leaped up from his seat and pointed his finger.

“To entrust even the completion of the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering stadium to the Eldest Young Master!”

Along with the decision to execute the command of the Governor of Luoyang that was the additional decision of the Supreme Executive Council.

“Are the Supreme Executive Members in their right minds right now?! That Yeon So-hyeon has no experience with such a large-scale construction, no organization to back him up, and no preparation either!”

Tea spilled from the cup overturned by Grand Tactician Zhuge, wetting the table and trickling down to the floor.

“Grand Tactician Zhuge.”

The Deputy Administration Pavilion Lord, who had been watching that sight with frowned eyes while covering his face with his tea cup, raised his gaze toward Grand Tactician Zhuge.

“Are you insulting the Supreme Executive Members of the Main Family and mocking the Eldest Young Master of the Main Family before me right now?”

An unmistakable anger glistened in his eyes.

“That is—” grand Tactician Zhuge realized his slip and shut his mouth.

“Shut up.”

However, the situation, like his teacup, was already spilled water.

“I did not like you guys since before.”

The Deputy Administration Pavilion Lord said without even hiding his contempt for the Left and Right Grand Tacticians.

“People like Grand Tacticians. Those who only play 'Martial Alliance' which has already collapsed and disappeared long ago…”

Like the 'Jiangnan Division,' the group of tacticians on the Second Young Master's side.

It was the same for the 'Military Advisory Department' of the Third Young Master's side.

“What on earth is the duty you hold in this Luoyang Sword Family, and what is your position? Is there even anything officially appointed?”

There was none. "……"

Those who sprouted like mold, carrying the authority of the Grand Madames on their backs as the Grand Patriarch collapsed and the succession issue arose.

Those who acted as if they were something of the Sword Family now that the group they belonged to had become too strong.

The Deputy Administration Pavilion Lord was glaring at Grand Tactician Zhuge with such eyes.

“At this rate, it seems that all positions of the Supreme Executive Council have been delivered.”

He raised his hand and pointed to the exit.

It was an order to leave.

“But this is just too unilaterally advantageous to the Eldest Young Master…!”

Grand Tactician Sima cut off the young Grand Tactician's words.

“Brother Zhuge.”

At the old man's gaze, Grand Tactician Zhuge hung his head.

“…Ugh.”

Without showing his emotions, Grand Tactician Sima stood up from his seat politely.

“Thank you for making time. I express my deep gratitude for the Deputy Administration Pavilion Lord's kindness.”

The Deputy Administration Pavilion Lord stood up from his seat and received his greeting.

“…I merely did my duty.”

No matter how much they were people without official titles, the Left and Right Grand Tacticians were those whose authority and power were immense in the Third Young Master's camp.

He had to be satisfied with the level of warning them against crossing the line.

“Well then.”

Receiving stinging glares at their backs, the Left and Right Grand Tacticians left the place.

* * *

“Damn it!”

The main road returning to the Military Advisory Department of the Third Young Master's camp.

Grand Tactician Zhuge did not even hide his uncomfortable feelings.

“Yeon So-hyeon! That damn bastard…!”

Following Grand Tactician Sima's eye signal, the troops escorting them moved to block the gazes of others.

He did not look at the throwing-a-tantrum Grand Tactician Zhuge with displeased eyes.

Rather, in the old man's gaze looking at such a young man, a hint of envy for that volcano-like passion and ambition was present.

“Brother Zhuge. You once said it back then.”

“What words are you referring to…?”

Grand Tactician Sima smiled calmly and brought up the conversation of that time.

“After the issue related to the Patriarch's Official Seal, which the Eldest Young Master possessed at the time, was resolved, you said like this.”

“…I was just a little disappointed because everything flowed as expected.”

A gloomy look hung over Grand Tactician Zhuge's handsome face.

“Is the Eldest Young Master, whom so many feared in this Sword Family, only of this level?”

There was no way his clever head could not remember the conversation of that time. "……"

Looking at Grand Tactician Zhuge, who stiffened his expression, Grand Tactician Sima said with a smile.

“Although I do not know how he did it, that Eldest Young Master moved the Governor of Luoyang, who knows only self-preservation.”

“…There must have been a transaction. Enough for him to discard the office of the Governor of Luoyang.”

“And in this brief moment, it seems the Eldest Young Master has already completed tuning with the leadership of the workers who caused the disturbance.”

“Therefore, those ignorant bastards who ran wild without knowing heaven and earth must be staying this quiet.”

“Furthermore, even the disturbance caused by the person called the Dark Venerable.”

“…If not for the existence called the Dark Venerable, the Decapitation Unit of the Northern Hengshan Sect would have succeeded. Just what kind of relationship is there between that Dark Venerable and the Eldest Young Master?”

Aligning with Grand Tactician Sima's words, goosebumps broke out on the back of Grand Tactician Zhuge's neck as he looked back one by one at the deeds the Eldest Young Master had set up in places they had not even known about.

“…He is a scary person. That Eldest Young Master.”

Indeed. That was why the Supreme Executive Council made the decision.

Grand Tactician Zhuge, who had now completely regained his usual composure, picked up Grand Tactician Sima's words in a low voice.

“…This decision is the same as the Supreme Executive Council expressing its intention that they do not plan to end the succession issue as a two-way battle.”

“And it means that the Eldest Young Master has proved his outstanding ability enough for them to recognize it like that.”

“…And just like now, even as we have the cooked rice snatched away along with the pot, we became unable to make a proper protest even once.”

“Since we broke the order first and moved the troops without authorization, that is.”

Attempting even a force execution without authorization, and then officially raising an objection to the formal decision of the Supreme Executive Council this time?

It was a suicidal act.

“This must be the skill of the Eldest Young Master that Brother Zhuge was expecting.”

The young genius of the Zhuge Family, who had not found a proper rival in his entire life until now, shut his mouth. "……"

Seeing that, Grand Tactician Sima, who had the appearance of a Daoist immortal, let out a chuckle through his teeth.

'Eldest Young Master, Yeon So-hyeon.'

Unlike his laughter, which carried an immortal-like atmosphere, his deep eyes pointing toward the other side of the road were glistening with excitement and expectation.

'This will make things much more interesting in the future.'

The response to this disturbance was.

Drawing to a close with the Eldest Young Master's unimagined surprise attack.

It was their complete defeat.

* * *

Entrusting the completion of the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering stadium to the Eldest Young Master, Yeon So-hyeon.

At the decision of the Supreme Executive Council, the members of the Third Young Master's side did not know how to shut their mouths. "……"

“…How!”

Seeing that no one could speak properly even while opening their mouths that wide, Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon giggled and laughed.

“Well, really.”

He spoke as if talking to himself while enjoying the gazes gathering on him.

“I merely came to observe, but I suddenly became the person in charge. Well, it cannot be helped.”

A thick smile hung on the corner of his mouth.

“Since it has already turned out like this, shouldn't I do my best?”

At those brazen words, everyone's speech was blocked once more.