Chapter 774: Star Dragon Team (Star Dragon Team)

The Saint King ascends to the position of Main Alliance Squad Leader.

It was news that suddenly reached Hanam. Moreover, since the official stance was announced through Gaebang, it was a matter full of credibility.

Perhaps considerable effort was put in, as it spread throughout Hanam in less than a day, and all sorts of talk were being exchanged regarding it.

-The Saint King is becoming the Squad Leader…?

-A King-level martial artist taking on the role of Squad Leader? That’s something I’ve never heard of.

The Six Seats. No, the Seven Kings, who have now become the Seven Seats.

Since the founding of the Martial Arts Alliance, there had never been an instance of a King-level martial artist becoming Squad Leader. Although there were records of them ascending as Alliance Leader, there was no precedent for becoming Squad Leader, which led to much discussion, but…

-What does it matter? In the first place, didn’t the deceased Sword King also come to the Martial Arts Tournament to become the Divine Dragon Squad Leader? Mentioning the Sword King’s participation in the tournament allowed them to calm down a bit.

Seeing that the qualification for Divine Dragon Squad Leader was included as the championship prize during this Divine Dragon Martial Arts Tournament, it meant that if the Sword King had won, the position of Divine Dragon Squad Leader would have gone to him.

Considering that, it wasn’t entirely strange for the Saint King to become Squad Leader, but…

-Even so, the Saint King hasn’t even passed the age of majority yet. The Saint King, who had barely become an adult.

Setting aside what he showed in Hanam, several pointed out that his age was too young.

However.

-What does age have to do with it? Rather, if it’s the Saint King, isn’t it reassuring?

-The Saint King is sacrificing himself for the ruined Alliance, and you’re fussing over trivial things like age? They were instantly trampled down by those who were furious.

Currently, public sentiment towards the Alliance is quite bad.

To be precise, it might hold on for now, but it will collapse before long.

Given such a situation.

-If it’s the Saint King, it’s reassuring.

-He’s the only thing we can rely on.

-It’s bothersome that it’s the Martial Arts Alliance, but if it’s the Saint King… Upon the hero who saved Hanam choosing the Alliance, the angry public sentiment was gradually being calmed.

Even though the anger towards the Alliance remained, a reason to temporarily suppress it must have arisen.

It’s an effect that occurred just by the Saint King belonging to the Alliance.

When things to say arise, the unity that had formed tends to break apart.

The anger soaring towards the Alliance was gradually shaken by this news.

Furthermore.

-Did you hear that story too? Because there was one more piece of news comparable to the Saint King’s, the confusion was deepening.

-They say the Divine Dragon Squad will reappear this time too.

-The Divine Dragon Squad…?

Divine Dragon Squad (神龍隊).

Not only was each and every member an immense powerhouse, but the Squad Leader leading the Divine Dragon Squad of that era would often become a figure counted among history’s greats.

It was the Martial Arts Alliance’s representative sword squad, called the Alliance Leader’s direct subordinate unit, and it possessed immense influence.

Although the Azure Dragon Squad is currently said to be taking over that role, if one considers its past influence, it’s said to be a place where even comparison is impossible.

Since the Divine Dragon Squad, which was like such a symbol, announced its revival, talk regarding this was being exchanged countless times.

However.

-No, wasn’t that something they said they would select through the tournament?

-I heard the winner was supposed to take on the Squad Leader position… What happens then?

It was already foreseen that the Divine Dragon Squad would revive through the Divine Dragon Martial Arts Tournament.

Everyone first expressed doubt upon hearing the news.

The tournament was not only suspended due to the attack, but the winner hadn’t even been decided.

No, the problem started from the moment they decided to select the Divine Dragon Squad Leader through the tournament in the first place.

Anyone who knew even a little about the Divine Dragon Squad would have questioned it.

That’s because the Divine Dragon Squad had one peculiar aspect.

The members didn’t know the identity of the Divine Dragon Squad Leader.

That was the characteristic of the Divine Dragon Squad.

What this means is: after ascending to the position of Squad Leader, it was a rule to operate while wearing a mask and not revealing their identity until the end of their activities.

Of course.

‘It’s just a sham.’ Anyway, a martial artist’s techniques are bound to show their individuality, and if one has reached the level to become the Divine Dragon Squad Leader, the pool of potential candidates becomes even smaller.

Because of that, separate from not revealing their identity, there was a culture of tacit silence even if they found out.

For example, the 11th Divine Dragon Squad Leader, the Sword Saint.

Before he was called the Alliance Leader and the Sword Saint.

While active as the Divine Dragon Squad Leader, he had taken on the position wearing a golden fox mask.

The Moon-Worshipping Sword Dance martial art itself had such strong characteristics that most people apparently knew the Sword Saint was the Divine Dragon Squad Leader.

Not only that, but most of the past Squad Leaders were like that. If there were any who managed not to get caught…

‘The last Divine Dragon Squad Leader.’ The 16th Squad Leader, who held the position of Squad Leader before the Divine Dragon Squad disappeared.

Nothing is known about him.

Normally, they used to reveal their identity when stepping down from the Squad Leader position, but…

In the case of the last one, because the Divine Dragon Squad was disbanded, it seemed they didn’t bother to mention the Squad Leader’s identity.

That was already nearly twenty years ago.

Given that situation, there must have been considerable discussion when they announced the rebirth of the Divine Dragon Squad this time and that the Squad Leader and sword squad members would be selected through the tournament.

If the winner becomes the Squad Leader, isn’t the act of hiding their identity gone now?

Has one of the Divine Dragon Squad’s characteristics disappeared?

While various discussions were ongoing, with the tournament suspended and the sudden announcement of the Divine Dragon Squad’s revival.

Opinions were divided regarding how this part would turn out…

“…Haa.” Around the time the sunset was approaching.

The shrewish girl from the Moyong family, who heard this news, let out a shallow sigh.

Seeing that, I too briefly swallowed dryly.

It’s a habit I show when displeased or suppressing anger.

I had to be as careful as possible here.

Then.

“Regardless…” The shrewish girl from the Moyong family, Moyong Hi-ah, starts speaking.

“Whether it’s the Divine Dragon Squad or whatever. In the end, you’re saying you’ll take the Squad Leader position, Young Master? Isn’t that right?”

“Well… yes. I suppose so.”

“Regardless of anything, didn’t you already sign the contract?”

“It was… just verbal, roughly…”

“Then, you’re saying you didn’t sign it?”

“…Not a signature. It’s a thumbprint.”

“…”

“Sorry.”

Faced with her glare, I immediately apologized.

It seems my excuses weren’t getting through at all.

“Are you saying that now?”

“If I said ‘Technically, I’m right here,’ you’d get angry… Sorry.”

As Moyong Hi-ah suddenly picked up the water bottle next to her, I grabbed her hand and repeated my apology.

“Aren’t you letting go?”

“If I let go, you’ll break my head with it.”

“It won’t break with something like this. Given your level, Young Master, it won’t even leave a scratch, so just take the hit.”

“Just because I won’t get hurt doesn’t mean it won’t hurt…”

“Then I’ll hit you so it hurts. If it won’t hurt, why hit me? If I don’t do this, I’ll die of frustration, so please just take it.”

“Calm down. Let’s solve this through conversation. Violence is bad.”

“Do you know those are words that really don’t suit you, Young Master?”

I know very well.

But right now, I had to say it like this.

“…No, the terms were really good, I tell you? I even added more.”

I said, still not letting go of her arm.

Hearing my words, Moyong Hi-ah’s grip loosened slightly.

Without relaxing her expression at all, she continued speaking.

“Of course they were good. If they weren’t good, you wouldn’t have accepted them, Young Master.”

“Uh, so just…”

“But didn’t you promise to tell me first if something happens?”

“…”

At her pointed remark, my mouth shut tight. I had certainly made such a promise.

Matters that were important, especially those related to contracts or deals, she had asked me to go through her at least once.

I had nodded to Moyong Hi-ah’s request.

Honestly, she isn’t someone who would do foolish things. Even though there are smart guys like Cheol Ji-seon and Zhuge Hyuk, Moyong Hi-ah is much better when it comes to these matters. Casually mentioning it to her does help, but.

This was also a method I chose to do suspicious things behind the scenes.

Moreover.

“…I did it because you looked busy.”

“…”

It was also because I was worried about Moyong Hi-ah, who had become so busy with work recently.

In fact, she was buried in correspondence all day long.

The work that was already plentiful had doubled due to the attack. Amidst this, even before Madam Mi mentioned supporting the refugees, it was Moyong Hi-ah who sought them out first and prepared support.

I can’t imagine how much work there must be.

Is she even eating? Is she sleeping? She’s pushing herself to the extreme with her slender body. Amidst that, bringing up such trivial talk was too much.

“That’s why I stayed quiet. Besides, it seems things worked out well, so calm down a bit…”

“Who do you think I’m busy for?”

“Huh?”

Just as I was trying to explain the situation earnestly, my body froze at her extremely cold voice.

Is it my imagination?

Around Moyong Hi-ah right now, not only had the temperature dropped, but it felt like it was snowing.

In a space with a perfectly fine roof, it shouldn’t be snowing.

Then what is that?

“I’m busy because of you!”

“Wait…!”

“Even sacrificing sleep, I’m working myself to death trying desperately to get your favor. What? You’re saying you couldn’t tell me because I looked busy!? Are you kidding me!!”

“Calm down! Try to calm down…!”

“Calm down my ass! Are you even human? Even if you traded your common sense for martial arts skills, it shouldn’t be this bad!”

Well, I’m not human anymore.

Ironically, that thought crossed my mind as soon as I heard her words.

Is that why?

In that moment, I let go of the arm I was holding.

As the pressure released, the water bottle shot high into the sky.

Oh, shit.

I guess I’ll just take it.

Thinking that, I slightly frowned.

“…Issh…” Moyong Hi-ah, as if unable to actually hit me, just stood there blushing, holding the water bottle.

“Huh?”

Then, Moyong Hi-ah’s eyes turned red, and moisture seeped into them.

Her eyes began to well up.

It was a sight I’d never seen before in my life, and my eyes widened.

Is she crying?

Moyong Hi-ah of all people… crying…?

I had never seen this before, not in my past life nor in this one.

Seeing that, I became completely flustered and my body stiffened.

At that moment.

Moyong Hi-ah put down the water bottle she was holding and quickly turned around.

“…Forget it. I have too much work, so I’ll leave first.”

“…Uh… huh?”

Moyong Hi-ah left like that, and I could only stare at her back without being able to say anything.

Uh oh, this looks like a pretty big problem.

With my eyes darting nervously, I looked to the side.

Then, countless gazes were waiting for me.

Among them, the gazes of the women were especially fierce.

We had gathered after a long time to eat.

Coincidentally, I had something to say about the Squad Leader matter, so I brought it up while we were gathered, but I didn’t expect Moyong Hi-ah to explode like that upon hearing it.

“…” A heavy, speechless silence flowed.

The uncomfortable quiet continued.

“…It’s a bit awkward to say this, but.” The one who spoke first was Wi Seol-ah, who was finishing her third bowl of rice.

“This time, you were wrong, Young Master.”

“…”

At Wi Seol-ah’s words, Namgung Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol nodded.

Only then did I realize how much more fucked I was than ever before.

---

After finishing the meal, I immediately moved.

If I had my way, I would have gone to find Moyong Hi-ah, but I couldn’t because I had a prior engagement.

“Did you fight?” Those were the words I heard as soon as I entered the meeting place.

“…How did you know?”

“Hearing your answer, it really seems like you fought.”

“No. Rather than fought…”

It was closer to being one-sidedly beaten up.

I kept getting hit without being able to say a word, and the one who hit me just left crying.

“Anyway, how did you know?”

As I asked in a flustered tone, the owner of this room, Madam Mi, the Head of the Hundred Flowers Merchant Association, looked at me.

“The Branch Manager’s expression resembles someone so much, I couldn’t help but know.”

“Who?”

“There is. A foolish and very idiotic woman.”

Madam Mi smiled slightly as she said that.

That was surprising, but I had to say what I needed to say.

“Then she probably doesn’t resemble you much.”

“…”

“She isn’t foolish. She’s rather smart.”

“…”

That Moyong Hi-ah is foolish – I couldn’t stand that.

So, as I retorted, Madam Mi’s smile deepened slightly.

“In this aspect, you’re much better than your father.”

“…Suddenly?”

Why is my father suddenly being brought up?

Sarak.

Madam Mi, having finished speaking, began looking through the correspondence one by one again.

The amount of correspondence had increased compared to last time.

“I heard the talk. That you’re going to become the Squad Leader?”

These words were heard while she was looking at the correspondence, and I swallowed hard.

“…Yes.”

Will I get scolded here too?

Tension crept up, but.

“The youngest Squad Leader, they say?”

Madam Mi asked a somewhat out-of-the-blue question.

“…Yes? Ah, yes.”

“The Saint King. They also say he’s the youngest King.”

“Yes. That’s what they say.”

“Do you know the meaning of ‘youngest’?”

“Well, I know.”

“It means having ascended at the youngest age.”

“Yes. I know.”

Didn’t I just say I knew? Why does she keep explaining?

“It means being talented and outstanding, enough to defeat all the seniors above despite being young.”

“So… I know…”

“The youngest King and the youngest Squad Leader… It’s a great feat. Truly a great. Keum. Feat.”

What is it? It seemed like she just laughed.

Madam Mi, who was about to smile, suddenly lowered the corners of her mouth as if trying to hide her laughter.

What could it be? What is this situation right now?

Not only Moyong Hi-ah’s tears earlier, but this current situation makes even less sense.

“Ah, do you have a copy of the contract?”

“I do.”

Of course, I received it on the spot as soon as I got it.

When I asked for paper and a brush, Muk-yeon took them out of his pocket. Seeing his demeanor, it seemed he had no intention of giving them if I hadn’t asked.

That sly old man. You really can’t let your guard down.

“I’d like you to show it to me later. Would that be alright?”

“…If you wish, I’ll have someone bring it to you.”

“Alright.”

Madam Mi nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer.

Is that the end of the conversation?

‘Doesn’t she ask why I did it, or if it was necessary?’

The conversation was much simpler than expected.

I came here quite tense, thinking you called me for this.

“…”

“…”

No more words were exchanged. It seemed the conversation was over.

So, I was thinking of cautiously saying goodbye and leaving, but.

“…Uh… and.”

Madam Mi hesitated and spoke.

At that voice, my body froze, about to leave.

“Yes?”

“Uh…”

“Yes.”

“Uh, um…”

“…?”

She must have called me for a reason, but Madam Mi couldn’t easily speak and was hesitating.

Did she forget what she was going to say? That’s impossible.

Madam Mi of all people couldn’t possibly do that.

If so, why is she acting like this?

As doubts slowly arose.

“…Well… done.”

Madam Mi said that to me.

“…Uh…”

Hearing that, my mind went blank for a moment.

“…Thank you.”

I struggled because I couldn’t think of anything to say.

It’s just simple praise, but something feels strange.

“…Alright, you may go now.”

“…Yes. Then, I’ll see you next time.”

Hesitating, I said goodbye and left the room.

“…”

Right after Gu Yangcheon left like that.

Madam Mi, left alone, examined the correspondence again.

Sarak.

Sarak.

The sound of handling the correspondence could be heard for a while.

“They say he’s the youngest.”

Madam Mi suddenly spoke.

Although it looked like an empty room, someone was definitely listening.

-Yes.

It was an answer from the ceiling.

“The Saint King… Although the Alliance added some manipulation, not only did he ascend to the position, they say he even became the youngest Squad Leader.”

-I heard that too.

“…Isn’t it truly magnificent? It’s amazing and I’m proud.”

-….

“Anyway, I should have the Branch Manager send him something. Now that he’ll be active as Squad Leader, he’ll need some money on hand, so starting with what’s in the branch…”

-Why didn’t you say those words when the Young Master was here?

“…”

Madam Mi, who was speaking happily and seemed quite excited, stopped talking at the guard’s words.

My eye twitches.

Seeing his master’s lapse, the guard added.

-If you had said them, the Young Master would have liked it too.

Wouldn’t that surely be the case?

The guard said that to his master, but.

“I can’t do that.”

Madam Mi said to the guard, in a subdued voice unlike before.

“To do so, I am still afraid.”

-What are you referring to?

Those were incredibly weak words for a woman who fears nothing in the world, a woman who seemed unlikely to lose to anyone even without learning martial arts.

“Doesn’t it seem like it would burden him? So, not yet.”

-….

It wouldn’t be. Try saying it now.

The guard wanted to say that, but he had to hold back.

Any more than this would be crossing the line.

Knowing that, the guard decided to bring up another topic first.

-Then, are you not going to mention that either?

“What are you talking about?”

-That…

Madam Mi looked like she didn’t know what he was talking about.

Seeing that, the guard said in a voice full of disbelief.

-I mean the fact that the First Elder of Gu Family is coming to Hanam accompanied by the previous Guild Master.

This was the main point I originally intended to tell Gu Yangcheon.

Since she didn’t bring it up, the guard was asking why.

The moment he said that.

-…Guild Master?

“…”

The guard could see.

Indeed, that a crack had formed on the expression of the Hundred Flowers Guild Master of all people.

In disbelief, the guard asked cautiously.

-…Did you perhaps forget?

“…”

That’s right.

In her excitement, Madam Mi forgot what she needed to say.

This was one of the few mistakes in her life.