After dominating the gambling table, Black Cat took Hyeok Gi-rin away, whispering something, but soon they returned to their usual selves. The serious Black Cat was back to its usual mysterious demeanor, and Hyeok Gi-rin looked as if he had shed all his guilt, his frown replaced with a relaxed expression.

Occasionally, they’d glance at me with unreadable expressions, but whenever I asked them, they merely smiled without answering. I still couldn’t understand why Black Cat had dragged me onto the gambling table after fighting with Hyeok Gi-rin… but honestly, the gambling event in Nangyang wasn’t bad at all.

I also didn’t completely fail to understand Black Cat’s actions. Gambling isn’t exactly a hobby that’s easy to share, but I had shown off my gambling skills in front of Black Cat quite a few times, yet surprisingly, we had never been to a gambling hall together.

It was reasonable for them to be curious about what kind of performance I would show at the gambling hall. After all, seeing the two of them reconciled after visiting the gambling house made me think that maybe their quarrel had stemmed from this topic.

Anyway, as long as they were smiling, I couldn’t complain. The atmosphere had been tense since the morning, and despite some tangled events in the gambling house — including meeting that guy from Sacheon — the ensuing tour in Nangyang ended on a cheerful note.

I had worried that Black Cat might cause trouble since it was showing its face, but surprisingly, we were able to enjoy the Nangyang tour without any disturbances. In the end, it struck me that the reason men were drawn to Black Cat, even with its face fully covered, was because of its enchanting presence…

It left me wondering if the attraction was due to Black Cat’s appearance or the influence of its mysterious aura. This became clear during today’s Nangyang tour. The Black Cat, with its face covered, garnered less attention compared to when it showed its eyes and wore a simple disguise.

It felt like the presence was reduced. The previously unnatural gathering of gazes became more natural and sparse. This made for a much smoother Nangyang tour.

After completing the successful tour, we returned to the inn, waiting for dinner when Black Cat jabbed me in the side. “So, Senior, what are you troubled about this time?”

“Huh?”

“I can’t tell what you’re thinking, but you look like you’re plotting something weird again.”

“No…”

“Something happened with the Golden Guards again, didn’t it? Spill the beans.”

Did it really show that much? I smacked my lips and scratched the back of my neck. Come to think of it, these two knew very well why I had become the External Instructor of the Golden Guards, so it wouldn’t hurt to consult them a bit.

“So, I became an instructor for a trainee unit, right? But the members of this trainee unit… they’re quite extraordinary.”

“Hmm… Considering why you became an external consultant, isn’t it normal for the members to be lacking in ability?”

“Do you think so too? But the general said it’s fine; it’s all arranged, so they are talented individuals, and the results will come out anyway.”

“True, it is a situation that would be concerning. But there’s nothing to hesitate about; wouldn’t it be fine if you stepped up and made sure they get eliminated?”

“That might be true, but I feel like I can’t push them too awkwardly, and actually doing that seems too cruel.”

In fact, this was my real dilemma. After all, these folks were potential talents who would lead the Huang Nation to revival in the future. I felt it would be difficult to stop them with neglect or light interference… But then again, I also couldn’t just turn into a rogue and destroy the trainees entirely.

They’re still saplings, even if not fully matured, and stepping on them too hard could break them.

“Not sure if I should say this, but that’s a rather new concern you have.”

“Hmm?”

“Isn’t it? Just a few days ago, you enlightened Great Hero Hyeok Gi-rin, and now you are busy worrying about how to adjust the intensity of training the trainees.”

From Black Cat’s perspective, this seemed to be the case. After all, who would think that these trainees were to become the future key figures? We likely just perceived them as merely talented young people.

There are many talented individuals, yet only a few can create a sweeping result in an era.

“I’ll step up and gather some information from the alumni.”

“Is that alright? You haven’t even returned to the Imperial Family yet.”

“Ha ha, I have this much influence.”

Hyeok Gi-rin puffed out his chest, and Black Cat nodded approvingly with a smile. The next day, I managed to acquire all the personal information on my 14 trainees.

“Hmm…”

The notable talents were about five in number.

Jo Ga-ju, who would popularize the Ascending Martial Arts known as Jo Ga-changbo in the Imperial Army.

Jae Sang-hae, who would lay the foundation for a new Huang Nation and give birth to the second Huang Nation.

Gwang Jae-ryeon, who would establish new iron refining techniques and develop the Strong Bow.

Kang Chumo-ru, founder of key tactics including Huang Nation style hammer and anvil tactics.

Okryong, a master of diplomacy.

Since I was quite familiar with these five, I first focused on gathering information about the remaining individuals.

Among the remaining nine, two or three names sounded vaguely familiar, while the rest were unknown to me. However, based on the details compiled by the alumni, it seemed that those individuals would fare better in other fields than becoming members of the Golden Guards.

Merchants, painters, cooks, sculptors… Well, it’s a test, so if they have the ability, they could pass, but why would they apply to join the Golden Guards? I found myself wondering about the motivations of these trainees.

“It seems that Jo Ga-ju is the strongest among the martial artists. His main weapon is a sword.”

A sword? Not a spear?

“Can I take a look at that document?”

I received the document from Black Cat and began reading Jo Ga-ju’s profile.

“Hmmm.”

So that’s how it is. Immediately, I began reading the information on Jae Sang-hae, Gwang Jae-ryeon, Kang Chumo-ru, and Okryong.

* *

As Jae Sang-hae was entering the living quarters, he asked Okryong, “Susu, have you heard any interesting rumors?”

Having been living in the same quarters for several days now, the trainees had begun to group together. The trainees who knew that Susu had a knack for bringing in interesting or useful news perked up their ears at Okryong’s words.

“Hmm. Our training instructor, the external consultant. No one knows any detailed information about him. So, I’ve concluded that he seems like a total rookie as an instructor.”

Gwang Jae-ryeon grumbled with a voice that sounded like he swallowed a train’s whistle.

“His martial arts guidance doesn’t seem high, and he looks inexperienced; wasn’t it a minefield he walked into?”

Kang Chumo-ru chimed in as well.

“No matter how much of an external consultant he is, isn’t it disrespectful for a training instructor of the Golden Guards to visit the trainee living quarters clad in shabby training clothes?”

Hearing from Susu that the selection of successful candidates was based on the unit got those who were to be led by Ho Cheon-an feeling uneasy. The very term external consultant meant that he wasn’t someone from the Golden Guards, so it was only natural for them to feel distrustful.

Jae Sang-hae also expressed a negative perspective.

“The other training instructors of the Golden Guards must have passed their tests to reach those positions, so even if he is a rookie, he should have some personal experience. But the external instructor lacks even that experience; I wonder if he can lead us adequately.”

“I see it differently.”

While everyone was voicing negative opinions, Jo Ga-ju brought a different perspective.

“Most of you were present during your first meeting with our training instructor. Do you remember what he said when he looked at me?”

“I remember. That was one of the factors that led to the negative assessment. Your main weapon is a sword, right? But the instructor mentioned a spear.”

At Jae Sang-hae’s words, Jo Ga-ju shook his head.

“My main weapon is indeed a sword. But I picked up a spear while challenging the Golden Guards. I heard that the Golden Guards give extra points to those who can handle various weapons.”

Everyone chuckled at Jo Ga-ju’s remark. It was one of those common rumors. However, the actual selection exam for the Golden Guards didn’t delve into such details.

It only determined whether the applicants could meet the criteria set by the Golden Guards. That alone was the decisive factor.

“But when I actually picked up a spear, it felt good. Somehow, it fits my hand better and feels like it can go higher than a sword. So, I’ve recently become pretty obsessed with spear techniques. If I fail the Golden Guards exam, I was planning to properly practice spear techniques.”

“Hmm…”

“I think the training instructor noticed my newfound enthusiasm for spear techniques when he assessed me and made that comment.”

“Jo Ga-ju makes some valid points…”

“Sure, even if your argument is valid, it’s a fact that our training instructor, being an external consultant and at the first-rate expert level, is still untrustworthy.”

Jo Ga-ju sighed in his mind at Jae Sang-hae’s opinion.

Jae Sang-hae’s genius was something Jo Ga-ju also recognized. Even though it had only been a few days, there had been moments that showed brilliance unlike any common person.

However, that also made him arrogant.

“Then, shouldn’t we verify if he’s someone worthy to follow?”

“Yeah. Whether or not we follow the training instructor’s words is something we need to decide!”

Jae Sang-hae wore a confident smile, and the trainees, already accumulating negative perceptions of Ho Cheon-an, began to align with Jae Sang-hae’s bold opinion.

‘The situation isn’t looking great.’

Setting trust aside, the training instructor was still Ho Cheon-an, and the trainees had no choice but to operate under his command. Instead of rejecting the shortcomings, it was only natural for them to support one another when weaknesses arose.

‘No matter how much the training instructor may have deficiencies compared to others, it is far better to work together than to set him aside…’

Even if Jae Sang-hae’s genius could take the place of Ho Cheon-an, it was still more beneficial to work with Ho Cheon-an. However, Jo Ga-ju chose not to voice any further opposing opinion. Regardless, the general sentiment among the trainees had solidified, and bringing up his thoughts any further would only create conflict.

“Then how about trying this on the first day of training?”

The future Chancellor, Jae Sang-hae.

He began to set the trap that would ensnare Ho Cheon-an.