Chapter v19c17

## Imprisonment

– Execute Bi Ryu-Yeon!

“…Execute him!”

“…Execute him!”

The deafening chants, echoing through the narrow windows, shook the entire office.

“Execute him! Execute him!”

“Execute him! Execute him!”

Ma Jin-Ga, the Headmaster of Cheonmu Academy, had been deprived of his morning sleep. The relentless chanting had started at the crack of dawn, making it impossible to rest, let alone work.

“Sigh…”

He sighed, his head pounding as if someone had hammered a nail into his skull.

He rubbed his tired eyes and looked at the mountain of petitions piled on his desk. He didn’t need to read them. They all demanded the same thing, echoing the chants of the crowd outside. There were even several joint petitions, signed by dozens of people. The record was 125 signatures.

How many of them had actually given this matter any serious thought? A man’s life was at stake, yet most of them had probably signed without hesitation. The most astonishing thing was that all these petitions had been submitted in just two days. It was as if they had forgotten to eat and sleep, their minds consumed by the urge to write petitions.

‘When have the students ever been so united, across sects and families?’

He shook his head, unable to recall a similar instance.

‘This must be the first time…’

Why couldn’t they be this united for something positive? Why did they have to be so united for something so unnecessary?

“Sigh…”

He sighed again, his massive frame slumping slightly, and walked towards the window. He unlocked the double-bolted window and flung it open. His office was on the third floor, providing a clear view of the scene below.

The crowd below was a sea of white headbands, each one emblazoned with the same menacing character: “Kill.”

There were banners too, hastily made overnight, their messages clear and concise.

* * *

Execute Bi Ryu-Yeon!

Execute Bi Ryu-Yeon Immediately!

* * *

The red characters, painted on the white banners, seemed to pulsate with murderous intent.

But one slogan wasn’t enough. Another banner, positioned behind the first, displayed a different message, the blood-red characters chilling.

* * *

Execute the Villain Bi Ryu-Yeon Immediately!

* * *

And to the right:

* * *

Execute the Serial Killer Bi Ryu-Yeon!

* * *

“They must have been busy preparing all this in one day… They’re certainly dedicated.”

Ma Jin-Ga’s voice was laced with sarcasm.

“He was arrested last night, so it actually took them half a day. They’ve worked twice as hard.”

Son Mun-Gyeong, the Hidden Eyes, his advisor and military strategist, corrected him.

“I wish they were this dedicated to their studies and training.”

“I agree.”

“Do you think they really believe Bi Ryu-Yeon is guilty?”

Son Mun-Gyeong shook his head.

“That’s impossible. He’s a suspect, not a convict. The investigation is still ongoing. Until it’s concluded and he’s found guilty, he’s just a suspect. Not a criminal.”

“But they’re demanding his execution. What do you make of that?”

“They don’t care if he’s guilty or not.”

“Why not?”

“They just want him gone. He’s a thorn in their side. They’ve been waiting for an opportunity to get rid of him, and now they have one. I wouldn’t miss this chance either.”

“Why do they hate him so much?”

“Probably because he’s resilient. They’ve tried to get rid of him, but they’ve failed. Do you notice anything about the crowd below?”

Ma Jin-Ga looked at the crowd, his eyes scanning the sea of white headbands.

“Look closely. There’s another common feature besides the childish headbands.”

He stopped, his eyes widening.

“Hmm?!”

“Do you see it?”

“There are no women.”

“Exactly. They’re all men. And they’re all single.”

“I didn’t notice that. That’s sad.”

Ma Jin-Ga’s voice was filled with genuine pity.

“It is sad. So you can probably guess what’s motivating them.”

“Jealousy?”

“They’re a massive jealousy mob. They’re practically invincible.”

“Invincible?”

“Yes, invincible.”

Fear flickered in Ma Jin-Ga’s eyes for the first time.

“Their anger is misdirected. Youthful passion shouldn’t be an excuse for recklessness.”

“But public opinion is demanding Bi Ryu-Yeon’s execution.”

“He hasn’t even been found guilty! I’m more inclined to punish them for disturbing the peace.”

“That would be seen as an abuse of power.”

Son Mun-Gyeong replied calmly.

“Then what is this? A riot of the ignorant masses?”

Ma Jin-Ga shouted, pointing at the noisy crowd. He was already exhausted from his heavy workload. Being a leader wasn’t all about delegating tasks and relaxing.

“Well, is it really ignorance? I’m skeptical…”

“If it’s not ignorance, then what is it?”

“Of course, those kids are easily swayed by simple instigations. But the ones who are manipulating them are definitely calculating their own gains. That’s how they were able to mobilize so many people. So you could call it a product of malicious intent or a conspiracy, but not ignorance.”

“Is that what you’re saying?”

“Yes.”

But even if his students weren’t a product of ignorance, Ma Jin-Ga couldn’t be happy. They were still ignorant, regardless of their motives.

“Bi Ryu-Yeon is the winner of the Hwasan Convention. He represents Cheonmu Academy, whether we like it or not. And you want us to execute him? After accusing him of being a serial killer?”

“Cheonmu Academy’s reputation would be ruined.”

It wasn’t hard to imagine.

“It would be a scandal for the ages.”

“And the Righteous Faction’s support for Cheonmu Academy would plummet. The Machun Pavilion would be delighted.”

Son Mun-Gyeong spoke frankly. He was an advisor. His duty was to speak the truth, even when everyone else was trying to hide it. A leader who was blind and deaf to the truth was a liability. That was why a leader needed someone who would tell him the truth. Otherwise, he would lose control of the organization. He had to have his own people strategically placed throughout the organization.

Son Mun-Gyeong was one of those people.

“I have a question.”

“Please ask, Headmaster.”

“Do you think some of them are trying to obstruct the investigation for their own benefit?”

“It’s a possibility.”

He answered honestly, even though it might displease his superior. He wasn’t here to please anyone.

“That’s not a good answer.”

“But it’s the truth.”

He wasn’t good at making people feel better. He didn’t even care.

Ma Jin-Ga was troubled. He wouldn’t be happy if that happened. But he couldn’t just ignore the public outcry.

The problem with the truth was that it didn’t care about your feelings. It was still the truth, whether you liked it or not.

“We have to resolve this!”

Before the public outcry escalated. And then a ridiculous thought occurred to him.

‘Resolve means to untie. What happens if you tie it back up? Does it go back to the way it was?’

It was an ominous slip of the tongue.

He wouldn’t tolerate any interference.

“We have to act before this gets out of hand. I’ve never forgotten that you’re a reliable ally in times of trouble.”

It was a subtle pressure to come up with a solution.

“We just have to catch the culprit.”

“I know that!”

Ma Jin-Ga snapped.

“Or uncover the truth.”

“I know that too.”

“But the problem is that most people would rather have the truth buried than revealed. They’ll try to obstruct the investigation, not help it. It’s amazing how someone so young could make so many enemies. He’s a big shot in his own way.”

“Then what should we do?”

“We need someone trustworthy to handle this discreetly. Someone who’s not involved in their power struggles, who doesn’t have any personal grudges against Bi Ryu-Yeon, and who can be impartial.”

A name flashed through Ma Jin-Ga’s mind. He was the perfect candidate, someone who met all of Son Mun-Gyeong’s criteria.

‘I’ll have to call Hong.’

He might complain about being overworked, but it was the best option.