When the Black Moon Rises - Chapter 72
Chapter 72
The spacious courtyard was bustling with many people.
There were servants carrying wooden boxes containing the Divine Dragon's Spirit Orb, along with about thirty guards protecting them. Additionally, around fifty Baek clan warriors remained mounted on their horses.
No one had ordered them to, but the Baek clan warriors had formed neat rows, their gazes sharp and intense.
They looked as solemn as if they had infiltrated enemy territory at the cost of their lives and encountered enemies at a dead end.
"...?"
Even though they had been at war for ten years, this was a situation where they had achieved an overwhelming victory and demanded massive spiritual power compensation along with hostages.
Why did they wear such expressions when they had come uninvited?
'Everyone's demeanor seems unusual. Surely they don't intend to start another war?'
Ju Myoungyoon's expression grew equally serious as he observed their behavior.
'Though there were many casualties in the long war, they gained much in return by demanding reparations from our Ju clan. Perhaps they're looking to profit from another war...'
While the Baek Clan Head hadn't given that impression, who could really know?
Even within the Ju clan, different calculations and schemes rarely aligned to form a consensus.
It wouldn't be strange at all if someone from the alliance of six clans had different intentions.
At that moment, someone from the cavalry noticed Ju Myoungyoon approaching and stepped forward.
"Are you Elder Myoungyoon of the Ju clan?"
"I am."
As soon as he confirmed this, that person leaped down from their horse.
It was a fairly young man with handsome features.
He had a substantial build, and the headband he wore gave him more of a warrior's impression than a scholar's.
His attractive face broke into a clear smile.
"Pleased to meet you. I am Baek Manyong, Chancellor of the Baek clan."
"I am Ju Myoungyoon, Elder of the Ju clan."
In truth, Ju Myoungyoon had hurried out here to receive the uninvited guests who had been pouring in since morning.
'The Clan Head's expression was so unpleasant, I wondered what kind of person the Baek Chancellor could be to make that cunning Clan Head so alarmed. But he seems completely normal?'
He was the kind of person whose clean, refreshing appearance would make anyone look twice if they met him by chance on the street.
"I heard our Clan Head was staying here and rushed to visit. I sincerely apologize for this rudeness of coming without notice. I am especially ashamed to trouble you with such a large entourage."
'...And his personality seems fine too?'
"We brought our own provisions, so if you could just provide us shelter from the rain, be it stables or a barn, we will handle everything else ourselves."
'...And unlike the Clan Head, he's polite too. So why did the Clan Head look so frustrated? Is it because this person doesn't yield to his forceful personality?'
"Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
"No, it's nothing. I've heard much about the Chancellor from your Clan Head. I was just surprised to finally meet you in person and forgot my manners."
At those words, the Baek Chancellor's face suddenly lit up.
"The Clan Head mentioned me?"
Though his earlier smile had been fresh, compared to now, it seemed almost fake.
"..."
It was like a warrior's intuition.
Saying he had "heard much about the Chancellor" had been mere courtesy, but...
'...Something's strange. Dangerous.'
"Ah, yes. He said he could leave the clan with peace of mind because you're there, and that you're an impressive and reliable person."
Somehow, it felt like something would begin if he didn't offer this praise.
'Strange. Why do I feel so uneasy?'
"Please, come this way. I'll guide you to the outer hall."
"Thank you. But is our Clan Head not here at the moment?"
At those words, Ju Myoungyoon quickly looked around.
'Huh? I'm sure I saw him get up when I did earlier.'
Just in case, he checked where the Mystic Ruler's guards and servants were, but while his daughter was there receiving the wooden box from the Mystic Ruler, the Baek Clan Head was nowhere to be seen.
'I thought he came with me, but where did he suddenly go?'
Ju Myoungyoon hurriedly answered the waiting Chancellor.
"No, he seems to have stepped away briefly, but he's somewhere in the residence. You should be able to meet him soon."
"Thank you. Then, may I send these warriors to the outer hall you mentioned and wait where our Clan Head is staying?"
"Although it's my house, that area has been given to your Clan Head. That wouldn't be proper."
"I see..."
"However, I can arrange for you to stay in the room next door."
At those words, the Baek Chancellor's downcast eyes suddenly snapped back up.
"Thank you. Then I'll accept your kind offer. Please show me the way now."
"It has the effect of enhancing the owner's spiritual power, so please keep it close to your body. He especially emphasized the importance of carefully managing this divine object that is more precious than life itself."
"I am humbled by his detailed instructions and consideration. May the Mystic Ruler's reign be filled with glory and prosperity."
"Now that we've delivered it, we'll take our leave."
"Take care on your journey."
At Sehwa's gesture as she stood up after exchanging farewells, Youngchae approached.
"Young Lady, shall I take that to your room?"
"Yes, please place it by my bedside."
"Yes."
After Youngchae left with the wooden box, Sehwa slowly walked toward the small separate building at the edge of the courtyard.
Baek Giha, who had been watching the situation from behind a pavilion pillar, asked.
"How did you know I was here?"
"This is the only spot that has a blind spot while still allowing a view of the entire courtyard. But why are you hiding like this? If you don't want to meet the Chancellor, should we have them stay somewhere else?"
"No, I'm worried something might happen if I suddenly meet them in front of Father. They'll be guided to the outer hall first, so I'll quickly pay my respects to Father in the meantime-"
"Huh? Didn't you hear the conversation properly? Father went to guide the Baek Chancellor to the room next to yours. He said he'd stay there-"
"The room next to mine?!"
Those words completely startled Baek Giha.
He was so shocked that he didn't even seem to notice when his body immediately transformed into a Divine Beast.
The white tiger, suddenly increased in size, kicked off the ground and leaped into the air, its white fur fluttering.
"?"
Sehwa stared blankly as he rushed toward his room.
'What's going on? Wasn't he trying to avoid the three of them meeting? Why is he suddenly acting like this?'
Not understanding why he had become so flustered and urgent, Sehwa also quickly moved toward his room.
Meanwhile, Ju Myoungyoon was standing with his mouth agape, completely dumbfounded.
The handsome man's lips, pale in color, moved continuously as his face contorted in pain.
"...The wood grain is uneven, and while it has been glazed, it's not with red glaze. The misalignment of patterns at the joints indicates that none of the 72 artisans from the Oryu region crafted it. Therefore, its price would be approximately 130 to 150 nyang. The quilt is from Osacheon, a fabric local to the Nakjong region. Its price would be 42 nyang per yard. Judging by the embroidery, it must have been made at the artisan facility operated directly by officials in that region. However, as the embroidery threads lack variety in color, it is not of the highest grade but merely of standard quality. Since it does not include motifs like clouds, sunsets, or the Four Divine Beasts, it ranks as Grade 3 among standard products, priced at 88 nyang. To think that our clan head was given a bed priced at 140 nyang and covered with a Grade 3 quilt worth 88 nyang to sleep under—is this how the Ju Clan treats its guests while claiming to unite the Mystic Realm with virtue?"
His trembling hand now picked up the teacup from beside the bed.
After briefly holding it to his nose, the Chancellor pressed his lips tightly together.
"A teacup crafted in the Cheon clan's Gyesan region. The intricate drawings filling its narrow surface are vivid, and the golden glaze coating it emits the ripe scent of fruit wine, marking it as the best of the highest-grade items, priced at 280 nyang. However, the tea within it was Hwaran Tea, a specialty of the Yusang region under the Ju Clan. Its small and sparse petals reveal that it is also not of premium grade but merely of high quality. The pale hue of the petals, faint purple tint at the tips, and the lack of oiliness from the dried stamens categorize it as Grade 5 among standard products, priced at 20 nyang per weight unit. Even if our lord visited without prior agreement, the current head of the Baek Clan is the alliance leader of the six families, representing all clan members. Offering such a meager 20-nyang tea to someone of his stature is beyond my comprehension. Is this truly the best hospitality the Ju Clan can provide? Of course, I understand that Elder Ju Myoungyoon lives frugally while supporting the frontlines of the battlefield. However, knowing that the Ju Clan often hosts banquets and has frequent exchanges among kin, I am aware that high-quality goods for guests are always kept in stock. Despite this, such items were presented, possibly due to the assumption that our clan head, arriving without an entourage, would be regarded with disdain. If so, such conduct is unbefitting an elder, who is expected to remain impartial under any circumstances—so calculating and malicious—"
"..."
'What the… Who on earth is this lunatic...'
Unable to reply, Ju Myoungyoon could only blink.
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