The Do-mun is moving again.
I asked the guard to track down the gambler who acted as a broker for the paper crane and hurried toward the mansion.
“Chasers have been dispatched. We’ll take the carriage to the main road.”
The escort hired from the Man Geum Battlefield quietly informed me of the pursuit.
“Should we prepare?”
How many memorization techniques did I bring? It’s a chase right after hearing the news that Do-mun is moving again. It’s too obvious.
“Fortunately, they don’t seem to be trying to lead us. Ah! I think they sensed something on our side. They’re falling behind.”
The escort glanced out the window and spoke with a reassuring smile.
“That’s a relief.”
“It seems our opponent made a mistake.”
“A mistake, you say?”
“I hesitated to mention it because I wasn’t sure myself, but there have been suspicious gazes lingering around Master Kang for a while now.”
“Could it be those who attacked me last time?”
“That’s… a bit strange.”
The escort drew out his words, as if unsure.
“Strange, you say?”
“They’re not as aggressive as last time, and there’s not really a sense of malice. Recently, Master Kang has been on everyone’s lips, so it seems they got too close in curiosity.”
Did I move too lavishly?
Who is the culprit that killed the owner? Not the Shadowless Thief, but a fake Shadowless Thief. In fact, the culprit is the son of a concubine. Why is he the culprit? How did the last owner behave? What’s the evidence?
Having dazzled regular folks with a mystery show tough to encounter in a lifetime, now people are coming to the Tea Bookstore just to catch a glimpse of the rumors.
“It seems I’m causing trouble for the guards over trifling fame.”
“Shall we add more guards and track them in reverse next time?”
“No, that would only decrease the security personnel to protect Miss Zhuge at the mansion. I must be quite popular. It’s something to ponder.”
I joked to relieve the tension of the overly alert guards.
“Haha! In the end, where there’s fame and money, flies will gather. We’ll protect you for now, so worry not. Ah! We’ve arrived at the mansion.”
“Thank you very much.”
Are they here for my reputation, or is it Do-mun?
For now, I entered the mansion to relay the news I had heard.
———-
“It seems Do-mun has finally caught on.”
I informed Im Ha-yeon and Miss Zhuge of the Do-mun news.
“The rumor of the Shadowless Thief has spread across Wuhan, so it’s about time they took note.”
They simply failed to anticipate the method of interference. I never thought Do-mun wouldn’t catch on, though. Im Ha-yeon nodded, acknowledging the unwelcome news, as if it was to be expected.
“A fake Shadowless Thief using a paper crane? If their intent was to tarnish my reputation, they’ve certainly put in some thought.”
Though I said it was all fake, making their plot useless in an instant.
Even Do-mun couldn’t have guessed that I’d become Ho Pil. Neither did I.
“It seems a bit strange.”
Im Ha-yeon murmured, looking puzzled.
“What do you mean?”
“If they caught on to our plans, shouldn’t Do-mun act more aggressively? There’s no need to use a fake Shadowless Thief while not touching the official office or the mansion.”
True.
If they knew about the Shadowless Thief plan, shouldn’t they be more proactive in abducting Im Ha-yeon? Why resort to damaging the Shadowless Thief’s reputation?
Im Ha-yeon asked me, but I couldn’t come up with a clear answer.
“Um…”
Miss Zhuge, noticing the prolonged silence, quietly called me.
“Miss Zhuge, do you have something to say?”
“Maybe, to avoid crossing the Tacho Pavilion?”
No need to poke the snake in the grass. That could be it.
“They might not be fully sure about it.”
“Yes, that’s it. Hehe. Exactly that.”
Miss Zhuge smiled, nodding as if pleased that she understood my brief explanation.
“What are you talking about?”
“It means they’re not completely sure that the Shadowless Thief is Im Ha-yeon.”
I easily deduced Miss Zhuge’s intent and told Im Ha-yeon.
“Ah….”
“The Shadowless Thief is merely the name of a thief appearing in Ho Pil’s latest work. The official office has already denied any connection between the Tea Bookstore and the Shadowless Thief.”
Despite being a world of official inviolability, the influence of the governing office cannot be ignored in matters of theft.
Kang Yoon-ho is innocent. It’s just that the thief is trying to use Ho Pil’s reputation. If they make a fuss at the Tea Bookstore, the authorities will not remain silent.
Given the official seals on the visits, Do-mun would have no choice but to be confused.
“I am currently under protection somewhere in Wuhan. I assume our relationship has already been severed.”
Since returning to the mansion, Im Ha-yeon has been residing exclusively there, except for her activities as the Shadowless Thief.
Her recent outings disguised herself, using only carriages and the boats operated by the official office, so there was no risk of being spotted.
“Do-mun would surely be unable to determine who Im Ha-yeon’s father is. Her being the Shadowless Thief is a secret she can share with no one.”
“That really is Tacho Pavilion’s mistake. If I hadn’t engaged in Shadowless Thief activities, being overly proactive would simply be a loss. Other branch heads could grow suspicious of Do-mun’s intent to become the lord.”
“Yes, yes. Just like desiring treasures in the den of a hibernating bear, you wouldn’t wish to wake it up.”
Im Ha-yeon nodded, admiringly looking at Miss Zhuge, who had suddenly hit upon this line of thought.
Truly, the Zhuge family. They don’t just casually obtain a member from the Martial Alliance.
“We should start preparing for the next stage.”
Since they have moved, we must act too. I smiled, trying to lighten the atmosphere dampened by the approaching threat.
“Are you actually going to do it?”
Im Ha-yeon asked me with a worried expression.
“Did we not prepare diligently together? Let’s wrap things up before the situation dawns upon us.”
Fortunately, we continue to stay one step ahead of Do-mun’s actions.
Even if Do-mun isn’t entirely sure, it’s a fact that they’re wary. If the opponent hesitates, we need to forge ahead first.
“Gugu. Gugu-gug!”
“A letter has come from the official office.”
A familiar spirit entered through the window.
Gugu. That little creature can open windows too. Wait, didn’t I lock the window? Could it also know how to unlock the door?
“Gugu. Come here.”
“Gug!”
While I was in shock, Im Ha-yeon skillfully retrieved and unfolded the letter tied to Gugu’s foot.
“What does it say?”
“It says to meet at the Do-mun. The branch heads arranged the meeting.”
While Do-mun is in a fluster.
Finally, the awaited news has flown in.
“Move aside!”
A martial artist with a broadsword rushed in, shouting at the martial artists standing in front of the large canopy.
“They’re in a meeting. Come back later.”
“I have very important urgent news! Move aside quickly!”
“No can do…”
“Let him in.”
“Chung! Go inside.”
At the deep voice coming from within the canopy, the guards trembled in surprise and stepped aside for the man bearing the broadsword.
“Tsk. How rude to interrupt the meeting.”
Once the man with the broadsword entered the canopy, numerous martial artists standing at a long table turned their disdainful gazes toward the intruder.
Though all had grim expressions, none could openly complain.
The person who allowed the man with the broadsword to enter was seated at the end of the table, in the honor seat.
“Speak.”
With those words from the man, the meeting room fell silent.
The man who had suddenly entered also kneeled and showed his respect toward the honor seat.
After bringing hard-won news, being treated like this? I may kneel now, but from this point forward, the news I bring will make you kneel. The man opened his mouth.
“I’ve found the whereabouts of the clan leader!”
The place where the man stood was once known as the Black Tiger Society, now the Hwalbin Dang.
“What?!”
“Is that true?!”
The meeting hall erupted in a clamor.
“Where is the clan leader?”
The world’s Su Tal-lin, the secretary-general’s voice shook, as the same thought flickered through everyone’s minds, but no one dared to voice it.
“He was in Wuhan.”
“The clan leader is in Wuhan? What is he doing there?”
Abandoning all power and riches, and stepping down from the clan leader position. How has he been living all this time?
Su Tal-lin listened attentively to the man’s words, which brought tidings he had always wondered about but could never find out.
“The people of Wuhan referred to the clan leader as an innkeeper selling food, and a storekeeper selling books.”
“Ha! The clan leader has become a merchant?”
That the clan leader, who could kill with a single swing, had become an innkeeper left some unable to hide their disappointment.
“Watch your mouth! He’s an extraordinary person, having forsaken all power and wealth to avoid corruption!”
“These newbies! How dare they insult the clan leader!”
Those who had wept at the clan leader’s words directed their animosity toward the derisive new member.
“Who said anything? It’s just that the person who should be the clan leader is still stuck in the position of secretary-general.”
In the midst of the uproar, the person delivering the news secretly smiled.
They’re foolish.
Is this the joy of knowing information in advance? The man savored his hidden pleasure for a moment, then spoke once more to share the shocking news.
“The world doesn’t know the true identity! The clan leader is wearing a mask to deceive everyone’s gaze!”
At the man’s words, the eyes of the officials turned collectively toward him.
“A mask, you say?”
“What do you mean?”
An innkeeper selling food. A storekeeper. In Wuhan, no one realized the clan leader’s true identity.
But for him alone. He, a member of the Hwalbin Dang, could see through it all.
“The Shadowless Thief! The phantom appearing in Wuhan! The thief known as the righteous thief, is actually a subordinate of the clan leader!”
The phantom Shadowless Thief. Only one person could conceive of the notion of a righteous thief. The clan leader of the Hwalbin Dang: Kang Mo. The man was certain.
“What?!”
“Is that true?”
“Yes! It is without a doubt true! Recently, he faced harsh interrogation for his activities as a righteous thief by the official office!”
As the man began to elaborate on the facts he had discovered about Kang Yoon-ho, he circled around the vicinity.
“Those filthy officials! How dare they touch the clan leader!!!”
“Draw your swords! Since it has come to this, we march to Wuhan!”
“Calm down!”
“Are you telling me to calm down while our clan leader is undergoing torment?!”
The meeting room began to boil like a pot simmering.
“Put down your swords.”
The secretary-general of the Hwalbin Dang, Su Tal-lin, spoke in a calm voice to the enraged officials.
“Secretary-general! Even you shall…! Huh! Your hand!”
In truth, only Su Tal-lin’s voice was calm. His hand gripping the blade had turned pale with rage, trembling uncontrollably.
“Continue speaking.”
Secretary-general Su Tal-lin maintained his composure. The meeting room fell silent once more.
“Even while suffering severe trials, the clan leader concealed his identity! No! Rather, the officials were deceived! They failed to discover the true visage of him and even offered an apology!”
“How cunning of those malicious officials! Truly our clan leader!”
He’s the person who endured tremendous hardship, even unto the day of the great deed. To endure trials unimaginable to most martial artists. Su Tal-lin regarded him with admiration.
“Yes! Right now, the wealthy of Wuhan are trembling every night, unable to sleep for fear that the Shadowless Thief may appear!”
The man proudly expounded upon the actions of the Shadowless Thief collected in Wuhan.
“I thought it was strange. A thief? A righteous thief? Who would dare to meddle in our Hwalbin Dang’s affairs without knowing their place? So I sent people to investigate. Indeed, it was the clan leader!”
“We are merely operating in the outskirts of Hubei Province! To engage in righteous deeds in Wuhan, the provincial capital! Truly, it must be the clan leader!”
“Ah! Despite being with the Hwalbin Dang for only a short period, I’ve heard tales of the clan leader, but he truly is an exceptional person!”
“Certainly! The clan leader’s greatness is on an entirely different level!”
This time, the meeting room boiled for an entirely different reason. Except for one person.
“It’s my fault. It’s all my fault.”
Secretary-general Su Tal-lin stood up, striking his chest with a cold voice.
“Secretary-general?”
Could it be that the world-renowned secretary-general appears in such pain? What is going on? The officials were puzzled.
“I must have been displeasing in the eyes of the clan leader.”
“That can’t be! Secretary-general! You merely made sacrifices to unite a single faction! You’ve been biding your time for a greater goal, right?”
To unite the 72 factions of the Green Forest.
Certainly, there was a great purpose behind the uprising, but many sacrifices ensued in merely gaining another faction.
“He must have known it all! He knew everything! To blame me for my shortcomings! And to embolden us! He moved again!”
Overwhelmed by agony, Su Tal-lin self-flagellated, then looked again at the officials.
“So you knew this?”
“Power! Wealth! He forsook it all! The clan leader returning to the world of commoners! I, too, could be a righteous thief! What have you all been doing right now?!”
Su Tal-lin yelled at the officials, as if asking why they did not know the same thing he did.
“Truly!”
“The clan leader must have been watching us all along!”
“Despite returning to the world of commoners, the flame of Hwalbin still burned brightly in his chest! How could he endure the tears caused by wealth, drinking them down as if they were wine! Those bourgeois types of Wuhan surely ignited his indignation!”
What was he even doing? Surrounded by such thoughts, Su Tal-lin clenched his fists.
“Clan leader!”
“I miss the clan leader!”
“Kuhuh!”
“I was foolish! In seeking to expand my power, I neglected my duties as a righteous thief! I must show him! I must let him know! That our hearts for Hwalbin still burn bright! Stand up! Everyone, draw your swords!”
“Chung!”
All the righteous thieves in the meeting room raised their swords, and standing in front of them was Secretary-general Su Tal-lin.
“Tonight, we go hunting the bourgeoisie.”
Awakened by the clan leader’s slap to consciousness, the Hwalbin Dang once again stretched its wings.
