Childhood Friend of the Zenith – 538 (Part 1)



538 (Part 1)

I had to hear the reason first.

As I did my gaze turned elsewhere.

In the direction of Namgung Bia.

What she might be doing was obvious.

She was probably sleeping in my carriage right now.

“Has the former Clan Head… left?”

“Yes. He departed for Sansu yesterday.”

“…I see. I’m late then.”

What is this?

Is he trying to take revenge?

Given what happened it would be understandable to feel wronged but revenge…

‘That seems unlikely.’

From what I saw back then it seemed almost impossible for Cheonjon to take revenge on my father.

Perhaps if it were a group effort it might be different. But individually… it would probably be too much.

The fortunate thing is.

‘It doesn’t feel that way.’

The feeling I got from Cheonjon was not one of revenge.

As I looked at Cheonjon with a strange expression he spoke to me.

“I wanted to express my gratitude. It seems I’m already too late.”

“Gratitude?”

Hearing that made me take a slight step back.

…After being beaten up he’s thanking me? Does he have a preference for being on the receiving end?

I had never thought of Cheonjon as that kind of perverse person.

When I made a disgusted expression Cheonjon smiled.

“You have quite the imagination. Don’t worry I don’t have that kind of preference.”

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“…Well that’s a relief but…”

“I simply wanted to convey my thanks. If it weren’t for the former Clan Head I wouldn’t have been able to open my eyes.”

To say I wouldn’t have been able to open my eyes.

It felt like he was trying to make me close my eyes instead.

Leaving aside the incomprehensible words what mattered was not that.

“Are you saying that relates to your reason for going to the Gu Clan now?”

“Is that not allowed?”

“…No it’s not about whether it’s allowed or not… I just can’t understand why you’re suddenly doing this. You could just go to the Namgung Clan. Not to mention…”

At this point the investigation into the Tang Clan’s affairs within the Murim Alliance had not yielded any results.

If Cheonjon was involved it would be a situation where he would need to receive a reprimand from the alliance.

Of course.

‘If Cheonjon throws a tantrum there’s nothing I can do about it.’

Since he is one of the three lords if he were to act defiantly I wouldn’t be able to touch him carelessly.

That said it didn’t mean I was afraid and would seek refuge in the Gu Clan.

So I had to ask.

“Is there a reason you’re not going to the Namgung Clan?”

“…”

I wanted to hear why Cheonjon was deliberately not going to the Namgung Clan.

After a brief silence Cheonjon looked somewhere.

The direction was where the other members of the Namgung Clan were.

“…I cannot go yet.”

Cheonjon’s eyes were particularly shaken as he spoke.

“Until I correct my mistakes I will not go to the Namgung Clan.”

Mistakes?

That was a rather uncomfortable word to hear.

‘…Did something change after being burned by the flames once?’

Did he realize something just before dying?

I didn’t fully understand what he was saying but I could tell he had the will to do something.

“So you’re saying you’ll be staying at my house…?”

You mean you’ll be living off me?

I held back what I was about to say.

“Are you saying you’ll be staying for a while?”

“Is that not acceptable? I will fulfill my role as a guest. Though I’m just an old man I’m confident in my strength.”

I had to stifle a laugh at Cheonjon’s words.

What would he do in that role?

Was he planning to act as a servant like the Sword Lord? That was something I would refuse.

‘…I thought I was going to die from the burden.’

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The Sword Lord cleaned my room chopped firewood and helped prepare meals.

Do you know how burdensome that was?

‘I thought I would throw up every day.’

Moreover I couldn’t even pretend to know so pretending not to know was also difficult.

Would Cheonjon really do that?

Just imagining it felt exhausting.

I forced a smile to hide my collapsing expression and spoke to Cheonjon.

“…Before that are you okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“Separately from your decision not to return to the Namgung Clan there are members of the Namgung Clan in your party. Are you okay with that?”

Was he treating his decision not to go to the Namgung Clan and the presence of Namgung Clan members in his party as separate issues?

I was curious about that.

After hearing my question Cheonjon paused for a moment then looked into my eyes and said.

“It’s fine. That is also something I must bear…”

“No. That’s not what I meant.”

I interrupted Cheonjon’s words.

I felt like this old man was misunderstanding something.

“It’s not about whether you’re okay. It’s about whether they will be okay. What will you do if they say they’re not okay?”

“…!”

Cheonjon’s eyes widened at my blunt words.

I didn’t know anything about the Namgung Clan and didn’t plan to know much in the future.

But at least Namgung Bia was important.

I didn’t know the nature of their relationship but if Namgung Bia were to feel uncomfortable with the company…

‘Whether it’s Cheonjon or anyone else I won’t accept it.’

Even if a somewhat rough situation arises because of that I wouldn’t back down.

‘…I have some solid support on my side.’

Although Cheonjon had been dealt with by my father he was definitely not a weak martial artist.

Right now I had reinforcements to fend him off.

‘…Even if the Sword Lord doesn’t get involved the Dark King might help.’

In short it meant I was in a position to throw a tantrum because I had backing.

I observed Cheonjon with heightened tension.

His expression was unusual.

Was my comment making him feel bad? That could be possible.

I didn’t think he had heard such words anywhere else.

As I watched him with shallow worries he said.

“I see. I’ve shown my foolish side again.”

Cheonjon’s words were an unexpected reaction.

He nodded as if realizing something he hadn’t known.

His blue eyes were brilliant and his breath was calm.

…Was it the Dark King who took the wrong medicine or was it this old man? That thought suddenly crossed my mind.

“Thank you you’ve given me enlightenment.”

“…No yes…”

“I almost made a big mistake; I’m glad I realized it now… If those children dislike it I won’t force myself to go.”

“…”

A slight smile formed on his face creating wrinkles around his eyes.

Is this really the Cheonjon?

Could it be that another assassin is disguised as him?

I even had such doubts.

“…Um.”

I was about to say something more but quickly closed my mouth.

I gently stroked my forehead looking at him.

I could see something in his eyes.

It was as if he was asking me for something.

“Ts.”

I had to click my tongue there.

“I understand your words. However since the permission must come from the Clan Head and not me I will first send a letter to the clan.”

It wasn’t a clear expression of permission.

Even if Namgung Bia said it was okay and I said it was okay.

Ultimately whether it was accepted or not was my father’s will.

For reference I was also thinking of subtly writing that it should absolutely not be accepted.

“Thank you.”

With just that Cheonjon smiled at me.

I didn’t understand why that kind face felt so burdensome.

‘He looked terrifying when I saw him in the other world.’

Surrounded by a chilling killing intent.

The sharp impression he had back then was nowhere to be found and now a kind old man stood before me.

They say people grow wiser as they age. Could it really be true?

I didn’t know.

After giving Cheonjon a clasped hands greeting I moved toward the carriage.

It wasn’t a long distance and as I walked I quietly whispered.

“Elder.”

-Yes.

As soon as I called telepathy came through.

I turned my gaze to find the source of the telepathy.

Amid the servants busily carrying luggage I sensed something.

It seemed the Dark King was there.

Normally I wouldn’t have been able to feel it but the fact that I did meant the Dark King was likely intentionally giving off a signal.

-I have a request.

-Speak.

-Could you send just one letter for me?

-I understand.

The Dark King immediately accepted.

I was planning to write about Cheonjon and send it to the Gu Clan.

To do that I knew it would be fastest to borrow the Dark King’s power.

-I will send it right away.

He probably meant he would send members of the night assassin group.

…To think I would use those who tremble at just hearing about them in the Central Plains as messengers.

It was an indescribable feeling.

Hiding that emotion I asked something else this time.

-And… what about the request I made yesterday?

This was the main point of calling him.

It was the request I made to the Dark King.

Specifically to accept Dang So-yeol as a disciple.