NABC Book 4: Chapter 23
Book 4: Chapter 23
Book 4: Chapter 23
In front of the main gate of Wongak Pavilion.
Before the start of business hours, at the break of dawn, it was naturally expected to be quiet.
However, the sight of the street in front of the impeccably arranged main gate of Wongak Pavilion, being completely deserted, felt eerily desolate.
Todays the first day, isnt it?
A special forces member, on guard duty from a respectable guard post, inquired, to which his colleague, writing a report under the lantern light, responded.
Thats right. The construction is almost finished, and today is practically the opening day of Wongak Pavilion.
The guard turned his gaze towards the street.
The buildings were brightly lit with densely hung lanterns, yet the streets were devoid of any people.
Its like a ghost town.
The colleague writing the report chuckled lightly.
No matter how splendidly its decorated, given who the owner is, its inevitable that it would be deserted.
Hearing this, the guard on duty clicked his tongue.
Itd be nice if some guests would come.
Have you taken a liking to the Eldest Young Master, all of a sudden?
No, no, not that, I mean the maids and the servant girls. Thinking of all the hard work theyve put in, I wish theyd get to see some reward for their efforts.
Ah, I see your point.
The special forces members, who had closely observed the children doing their utmost in preparation, sympathized.
But, its going to be tough, isnt it?
Most likely. Wouldnt it be?
Just then, two figures appeared from the far end of the main road.
Two unidentified individuals approaching.
Could it be, guests already?
The two squinted to get a better look at the approaching figures.
After a moment, the special forces members sighed.
They are guests, alright, but not the kind were pleased to see.
***
The early visitors to Wongak Pavilion were none other than two individuals troubled by Jung-ah, who had unexpectedly become the steward of the Eldest Young Master.
One was the steward of Ho-won, established by the Second Young Master to substitute for the inner court.
And the other belonged to the Three Exceptional Warriors, a military unit under the direct command of the Third Young Master.
Under normal circumstances, these two would not have bothered to acknowledge each other, but the situation was dire.
I cant fathom what emboldened that crazed woman to blatantly ignore several of our letters.
At the steward of Ho-wons words, one of the Three Exceptional Warriors gritted his teeth.
Had the chief steward not dragged his feet with procedures and whatnot, this issue should have been resolved long ago.
The problem is also that the Eldest Young Master ended his seclusion in the meantime.
Even so, that woman is nothing more than a lowly servant girl. Shes bound to follow orders from above.
Thats exactly why its problematic that the Eldest Young Master has reclaimed his position.
Hmph, our lord is far more superior than some unarmed fool. Theres no comparison.
Of course, thats an obvious statement, considering the standing in the main house. My master, the Second Young Master, could easily manipulate her fate with his political influence. The problem is that he cant.
Whats the problem with the strong taking what they want?
I was wrong to even engage in conversation with a foolish warrior.
What did you say?! You skinny runt
After a brief growl at each other, they both sighed and quickened their pace.
They stealthily moved forward, subtly exerting their presence.
However, the steward of Ho-won, knowing they couldnt touch someone who hadnt trespassed into Wongak Pavilion, remained calm.
Even after Ive come to you directly, youre still digging your own grave.
He clicked his tongue in disdain.
Even if youre the steward of the Eldest Young Master, you cant escape your lowly origins. Dont you know that once the Young Masters become enraged, it would be trivial to change the fate of someone like you, no better than a household slave?
He spat out these words at Jung-ah with venom.
Relying on the Eldest Young Master, who has no real power or influence within the main house, will only get you so far!
At his words, Jung-ah finally burst into laughter.
She knew well what her master had done and what he was capable of.
The steward of Ho-won was momentarily taken aback by her resonant laughter.
Has this woman finally lost her mind!
Jung-ah abruptly stopped laughing and cut him off.
Wasting time with someone like you, who doesnt even grasp the true stature of my master, is pointless
She took a step forward, her demeanor changing.
It appears there are a few things youre gravely mistaken about, so it seems I must enlighten you directly, Jung-ah stated, her eyes flashing a golden brilliance that made the steward of Ho-won step back, a chill running down his spine.
Firstly, its not that my lord wishes for me to be protected; rather, it is I who serve and protect my lord, she continued, taking a step forward, causing the steward to hastily retreat further.
And secondly A sly smile played on her lips.
I am no longer a mere servant, unable to make decisions regarding my own fate. My status is that of a
She laid her hand on the hilt of the sword at her waist.
A warrior.
For a moment, the steward thought he saw her pupils narrow vertically, sending a shiver down his spine. Before he could fully comprehend what he had seen, he found himself sitting on the ground, unaware of how he got there.
What?!
As everyone looked on with a mixture of amusement and disdain, a hearty laugh cut through the tension.
How amusing! A mere maid, known only for her beauty and attending to guests, now claims to be a warrior!
It was the Three Exceptional Warrior, who had been silently observing with his arms crossed.
A warriors path is indeed not bound by mere circumstances. A warrior has the right to choose and serve their lord, he said, his laughter belying the clear anger in his tone.
But if you dare to falsely claim the title of a warrior and bring dishonor, are you prepared to face the consequences?
He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, a fierce aura emanating from him, strong enough to make the maids step back momentarily.
Woman, if you consider yourself a warrior, you surely understand
Previously, Jung-ah had relied on the special forces members to deal with the steward of Ho-won and the Three Exceptional Warrior at the main gate.
Now, with a cold laugh, Jung-ah stepped outside the gate.
In the world of the sword, the status of a warrior is not given but earned.
At her words, the Three Exceptional Warrior sneered, his smile bitter.
You seem well aware. Indeed, I shall personally test just how sharp the sword of a woman known only for bewitching guests with her beauty is, the Three Exceptional Warrior declared, eager to challenge Jung-ahs claim.
To the surprise of the special forces members present, they were the ones taken aback by this unfolding scene.
One of the special forces urgently whispered to a nearby maid, The steward must have her reasons for stepping forward, but the Three Exceptional Warrior of the Third Young Master is not an opponent to be underestimated.
The maid remained composed, replying, We are aware. The title of Three Exceptional within the Third Young Masters personal guard is bestowed upon those who have mastered three of the five sword stances in the familys sword technique, Sword Heart, Sword Cry.
Another maid added, We have only just begun to make one of the sword stances our own; how could we possibly underestimate the Three Exceptional Warrior?
Hearing their conversation, the special forces member felt a pang of concern, Then why arent you dissuading the steward from this confrontation?
The maid shook her head, clarifying, When we say we, we refer to the maids of Wongak Pavilion.
The revelation widened the special forces members eyes in realization, Then, the steward is?
The maids merely smiled, leaving the question hanging in the air.