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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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“Business…?”
“Yes, business. You have to pay me, regardless of whether you fight or not.”
“The war has already begun.”
Look at them, escalating the tension again.
From an outsider’s perspective, it was a story full of holes, yet they were acting like blind men, blinded by hatred and rage.
“Yes, the war has begun. But let’s be clear about the target. I think a third party is involved.”
“A third party…?”
“It’s not time to fight yet.”
“Benefactor is right. From a detached perspective, this incident is clearly suspicious. No matter how foolish they are, someone who started a sword fight in an inn wouldn’t try to kill their opponent knowing they would be the prime suspect.”
Exactly.
While there were many madmen in the world, it didn’t make sense for a clan heir to recklessly murder someone. And in an alleyway, no less?
It wasn’t like there was a secret fighting ring in that alley.
While the physician’s disappearance and the fact that they had killed each other pointed towards a mutual kill driven by escalating emotions, there was something amiss.
The clan leaders were understandably blinded by rage after losing their sons.
And their subordinates were also emotional, loyal to their young masters.
I was the only neutral party with enough power and reputation to control this situation.
I didn’t want to see the innkeeper, who had treated us well, or the ordinary people like the tanghulu vendor suffer, so I had to resolve this quickly and move on.
“This stinks. I’ll uncover the source of this stench, and you both can split the cost.”
The leaders of both sides pondered my offer for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
“…Very well. However, we need our Clan Leaders’ approval—”
“Let’s go get it.”
We didn’t have much time.
The pent-up emotions were about to explode.
I finished my tea and stood up.
“Mokgyeong, stay here with Hye-ryeong.”
“…Yes. Be careful.”
“…No, you two should be careful.”
As expected of the protagonist. He understood my implied meaning.
“Explain everything to Hye-ryeong…let’s go.”
“Yes.”
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“Clan Leader, the Lion Sword, William, has arrived!”
“Bring him in!”
A roar like an enraged tiger assaulted my eardrums.
Even his voice betrayed his barely contained rage. Persuading him wouldn’t be easy.
The door creaked open, and I saw the Clan Leader looking at me.
“…Welcome. Normally, I would offer you a feast, but given the circumstances…”
“There’s no need. I wouldn’t expect hospitality after suffering such a loss. I’m simply here to resolve this matter, as I have some concerns.”
“What do you mean? Are you saying you’re not here to help us?”
His eyes narrowed dangerously. He must be filled with hatred towards the Gu Clan. It was like adding fuel to an already raging fire. His anger wouldn’t be quenched until he had his revenge.
Once the preparations were complete, a war that would engulf this city would erupt.
So, I had to buy time.
To prevent a full-blown conflict.
“I’m here because I have some questions about this incident.”
“…Questions? Speak. But if you intend to mock me…”
“This might not be the right time for advice, but please calm yourself.
I understand your grief, but a gentleman’s revenge is never too late, even after ten years. It would be wise to uncover the truth behind your son’s death before acting.”
“…Are you suggesting a third party was involved in my son’s death?”
The haggard man glared at me. It was understandable that he found it difficult to accept. Changing the direction of one’s hatred wasn’t easy.
I nodded, meeting the gaze of Gang Baek-hun, the Gang Clan Leader.
“I can’t be certain. But please calm yourself and look at this incident objectively. There are too many inconsistencies.”
“…”
He lowered his head, lost in thought.
“…Speak.”
“I intervened when your son and Gu’s son clashed, and I sent your son to a physician. Have you heard about this?”
“…I haven’t.”
“Going back further, did you know that your son was injured before the incident?”
“…I didn’t.”
“So, he went straight to the physician, as I instructed.
If he had gone directly to the physician, he would have been treated and returned home. His injuries weren’t that serious.
But…he was found dead in an alleyway, and the physician disappeared.
Doesn’t that seem strange? There were five people in their group. They would have known that further conflict could lead to war.
Yet they fought and killed each other…and everyone except one died? Doesn’t that seem odd?
Why were the young masters of the Gang Clan and the Gu Clan fighting in an alleyway? And why did they fight to the death?”
“…Now that you mention it, it is strange.”
Fortunately, the Clan Leader seemed to be regaining his composure and listening to me.
This was good news. If he had been consumed by rage, there would have been no reasoning with him.
In any case, it would be best to hear from the surviving bodyguard.
“There are clearly inconsistencies in this incident, so even if you fight, you should uncover the truth first. Continuing like this will only lead to destruction. Your sons wouldn’t want that.”
“…So, what do you suggest?”
“Please summon those who found the bodies in the alleyway, Lady Myeong-hui, and anyone working at the physician’s clinic. And tighten security within your clan. If possible, I’d like to examine the bodies of your son and his bodyguards.”
“Within the clan?”
“We need to be thorough. We don’t know who the culprit is…but there’s a possibility that they have planted spies within your clans. Those who want the Gang Clan and the Gu Clan to fight.”
“Are you suggesting there’s another culprit?”
It was just a speculation, but I considered it the most likely scenario.
I had heard from the tanghulu vendor that there was another faction operating in this city.
“I heard there’s a faction expanding its influence in the market. You should keep an eye on their movements. They’re the only ones who benefit from the Gang Clan and the Gu Clan fighting and weakening each other.”
“The Black Shadow Sect…killed my son?”
“Please calm down. It’s not confirmed. But I believe the possibility is high. The circumstances are too contrived.”
“…Sigh. Very well. Is there anything else I can do?”
“Just refrain from fighting until the truth is revealed. I’ll go talk to the Gu Clan now, so until the investigation is complete…”
“You’re a man worthy of being called a knight errant…alright. I’ll…try to be patient.”
He looked like he was about to explode at any moment.
Having received his approval, I bowed and turned to leave.
“I’ll go inform the Gu Clan. They’ll only listen to me.”
At this point, I should change my surname from Marshall to Holmes. I left the Gang Clan residence, lost in frivolous thoughts.
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“Ahem.”
“Hmm…”
Standing between the two Clan Leaders in the suffocatingly tense atmosphere, I spoke.
“Thank you for listening. Now…”
The doors opened.
Nine corpses lay in the courtyard of the Gang Clan residence.
A mournful wail echoed from somewhere.
And all eyes turned towards me.
Suspicion, anger, worry, and…fear.
While it was just a feeling, the most important sense for a martial artist was their intuition.
A martial artist who didn’t trust their intuition couldn’t stand firm on the ground.
I took a deep breath and spoke, breaking the heavy silence.
“…Let the investigation begin.”
Who was the culprit, and how did they kill the young masters?
The stage was set to uncover the truth.
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Thanks for the update fusion!
always