The Ruler of Darkness - Book 5: Chapter 4

The office, designed to let in only the bare minimum of natural light, was surprisingly neat and tidy.

Not a single piece of calligraphy or painting was hung on the walls, nor were there any luxurious crafts or even silk decorations intended to adorn the room.

The space, utterly practical and business-like, was almost empty, not allowing even a guess at the owner’s temperament.

Yeom Baek-ha bit her lip.

‘No, perhaps this very scenery is a reflection of the owner’s inner world.’

Black marble from Yunnan covered the entire floor, creating an imposing atmosphere, while the pillars were made of precious black ironwood, and the heavy, massive desk was a work of art made from a whole cypress tree of indeterminable age, lacquered with ot.

‘A clear dignity exists within extreme restraint.’

As her keen eyes speculated the intent behind the interior decoration, Elder Yeom greeted Yeon So-hyeon with all due respect.

“Elder Yeom of the family greets the Eldest Young Master.”

Yeom Baek-ha also carefully controlled the tremble in her voice as she sought understanding.

“As the family’s law enforcer and the daughter of Elder Yeom, I greet the Eldest Young Master. Please forgive and understand that my physical condition prevents me from showing full respect.”

“Understand? Of course, I don’t mind at all.”

Yeon So-hyeon smiled warmly and gestured towards the chairs prepared for the Yeom family members.

“Please, this way.”

He rose from his chair to welcome them, but rather than approaching them overly eagerly, he elegantly extended his hand to guide them without disturbing a single fold of his garment.

His every movement was graceful and dignified, perfectly matching his origins, showcasing a high level of culture and strict upbringing.

‘Such a different person from before.’

In that moment, Yeom Baek-ha realized.

The boy in plain clothes, a physician she had met in Hodu Village, was completely different from the figure before her now.

The person before her and her father was none other than Yeon So-hyeon, the ‘Eldest Young Master’ of the Great Luoyang Sword House.

The conversation flowed smoothly.

Elder Yeom congratulated the Eldest Young Master on the end of his seclusion.

The Eldest Young Master, having personally received the gift brought by Elder Yeom, expressed his joy and gratitude, and Elder Yeom wished him strength and success.

There were sensitive and potentially explicit topics lurking within the conversation, but both parties skillfully avoided such subjects.

The discussion remained strictly social, and when necessary, it was conducted gently through political and diplomatic rhetoric.

The atmosphere was much more amiable than Yeom Baek-ha had anticipated.

She listened intently to every word of their conversation, delighted inwardly. This experience was invaluable, something that couldn’t be exchanged for anything else, and it would surely shine when she succeeded her father as the head of the Yeom family.

“Speaking of which, how is Elder Yeom’s work going?”

The Eldest Young Master continued the conversation smoothly, savoring the aroma of the tea prepared by the maid, in a dignified manner.

“I’ve heard that you are on a very important mission related to the north?”

Elder Yeom, also enjoying his tea, replied nonchalantly.

“If it were a personal matter, I might dismiss it as trivial, but since it involves the family’s affairs, I consider every task important and approach it as such.”

“Have you encountered any difficulties?”

“No matter the importance, all tasks inevitably come with their own set of challenges, large or small. I simply do my best.”

The Eldest Young Master nodded, his response brief yet sincere.

“With Elder Yeom like you, the future of our family is indeed bright.”

“You flatter me.”

Perhaps the conversation was a bit out of place for an Eldest Young Master who yet held no real power.

However, Elder Yeom smoothly bypassed the remark with an appropriate response.

But the Eldest Young Master pressed on.

“Why not share what the mission entails? While I may not have much power, I am curious about any issues related to our family in the north.”

Elder Yeom’s hand, returning the teacup to its place, paused momentarily.

However, since the mission Elder Yeom was entrusted with was not particularly confidential, and the Eldest Young Master could easily inquire about it if he wished, Elder Yeom explained it as naturally as possible.

Leaning in slightly, the Eldest Young Master inserted occasional remarks as he nodded along to Elder Yeom’s explanation.

“So, to summarize, the mission involves securing the rights to undertake extensive repair works on the fortresses and gates in the north that have become necessary after the northern wars.”

“That’s correct.”

The Eldest Young Master nodded more slowly, continuing the conversation.

“But you are facing difficulties between General Kwak Kyu, who has the final authority over the selection of contractors, and the administrative head of the northern autonomous region, the Governor?”

Elder Yeom smiled bitterly and nodded in acknowledgment.

“Yes, that’s the situation.”

“And the imperial capital is deferring the decision-making to the local authorities?”

“It’s a delicate situation, given the significant influence of both individuals involved.”

“A difficult problem indeed.”

“We can only do our best.”

Yeom Baek-ha sighed deeply to herself.

The issue was much deeper and more complex than what the conversation revealed.

The already strained relationship between the general’s family and the governor had turned downright adversarial due to the recent war.

Attempting to mediate between them was akin to walking into a fire carrying straw on one’s back.

Choosing a side was not an option either, as gaining the approval of one would only ensure the perpetual obstruction of the project by the offended other party.

Moreover, in the face of the power struggle between these influential figures, the titles of ‘Hero of the Northern War’ and ‘Elder of the Luoyang Sword House’ held little weight.

“This must be troubling for you.”

Elder Yeom attempted to smoothly steer away from the topic.

“I have a few collaborating elders, so we expect good news in the near future. More importantly…”

However, Yeon So-hyeon seemed unwilling to drop the subject.

“If this issue remains unresolved, it would be problematic for you, wouldn’t it?”

Elder Yeom was not foolish enough to bluntly ask, ‘Do you have any advice?’

“Ha, if that happens, it would merely be a testament to my lack of fortune. Perhaps I’ll need to invest more generously in offerings and hold a larger ritual to improve my luck.”

Elder Yeom attempted to deflect the topic with humor, but the Eldest Young Master was unusually persistent.

“Failing this mission would cast significant doubt on your political capabilities as an elder. It’s likely that rival factions are already seizing on this issue…”

Elder Yeom stopped trying to divert the conversation and simply looked at the Eldest Young Master.

Yet the Eldest Young Master continued nonchalantly, seemingly oblivious to Elder Yeom’s gaze.

“Within your faction, your position would become precarious. Unlike other factions, the neutral faction values practical benefits over principles.”

The Eldest Young Master gave a subtle, enigmatic smile.

At that chilling smile, Yeom Baek-ha felt goosebumps all over her body.

This expression was the first ‘raw’ emotion that the Eldest Young Master had shown.

“Having defeated the Sword Master of Mount Hua and risen to the rank of elder through an unprecedented promotion, your contributions during the Northern War were commendable.”

The Eldest Young Master toyed with his teacup with slender fingers, his words flowing as if reciting poetry.

“But the significance of the war has faded, and with it, the luster of those achievements. Now, a valorous warrior trapped in Luoyang, entangled in political and diplomatic quandaries, finds himself in a precarious situation…”

Elder Yeom’s thick eyebrows twitched.

“What are you getting at, Eldest Young Master?”

His voice was low and threatening.

The amiable atmosphere had vanished.

Yeom Baek-ha forgot even to swallow her saliva.

Although no force was exerted, the tension in the office was more lethal than a direct swordfight.

After a moment of facing Elder Yeom’s solemn expression, the Eldest Young Master spoke.

“I’ll help you.”

“What….”

Elder Yeom began to speak but then swallowed his words, unable to decide if it was safe to respond.

Yeom Baek-ha’s mind raced as if sparks were flying from her eyes.

“I mean, I’ll help you,” the Eldest Young Master reiterated, lifting his long, straight fingers to point at himself.

“This Eldest Young Master will…”

He then pointed at Elder Yeom.

“Help you.”

It took a while before Elder Yeom could moisten his dry lips enough to speak.

“…What do you want in return, Eldest Young Master?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, the Eldest Young Master replied.

“No compensation is necessary.”

The Eldest Young Master leaned back in his chair, interlocking his fingers.

“After all, wasn’t Elder Yeom the first among the elders to personally come and congratulate me upon the end of my seclusion?”

A long curve formed at the corners of the Eldest Young Master’s mouth.

“Consider it a token of my gratitude, a sort of thank-you in my own way as the Eldest Young Master.”

Caught off guard by the unexpected response, Elder Yeom tried to buy some time.

“That would be too much….”

But the Eldest Young Master didn’t seem to listen and called out towards the door.

“Is anyone there?!”

A maid immediately appeared.

“Bring me the list of those currently at the Wongak Pavilion waiting area.”

“Understood, my lord.”

“Eldest Young Master….”

Elder Yeom attempted to interject, but the Eldest Young Master pulled towards him the four treasures of the study and began to write without hesitation.

“General Kwak Kyu is the eldest son of the Kwak family, currently in charge of the defense of four northern regions. He’s a figure who has risen exceptionally within his family.”

The Eldest Young Master demonstrated the remarkable skill of writing and speaking simultaneously.

“However, the head of the Kwak family is still General Kwak’s father, who has retired from the political scene of the imperial capital after gaining the emperor’s favor by successfully developing the plains of the northern autonomous region, a task thought impossible by many.”

Elder Yeom responded, somewhat bewildered.

“I am aware of that, but….”

The Eldest Young Master cut him off.

“Are you about to say that since his retirement from politics, the father has refrained from involving himself in the family’s affairs to secure the position of his eldest son, the next head?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Yeon So-hyeon smiled and stamped his seal on the document he had finished writing.

“But the story might change if he receives a letter from me.”

Yeom Baek-ha, without realizing, found herself joining the conversation.

“A letter from the Eldest Young Master?”

Though it was not her place to interject, the Eldest Young Master didn’t seem to mind and answered.

“When the development project faced difficulties in the past, he exchanged many letters with me for the systematic and comprehensive development of the northern plains. It was a productive and excellent time.”