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Chapter 55
“Got away clean, didn’t he? Even if you’ve barely met, does being an alumnus really mean that much?”
“It’s only thanks to you letting it slide, senior.”
The long-awaited government appointment ceremony passed surprisingly quickly.
The elders of each noble house and the high-ranking officials entered in turn, following the ancient protocols. They bowed, received the nameplates engraved with their own names, and, facing the corpse-like King sitting in the Geunjeongjeon Hall, cried out together:
“Your Grace is boundless!”
That was all.
The empty formalities were over in the blink of an eye, leaving behind the real event—the Appointment Ceremony.
Unlike the pitiful servants of the Department of the Royal Palace—those poor souls who’d lost their eyes or voices from overwork—the banquet held by the nobles was a lavish celebration, honoring the rise of new officials to their posts.
“Seeing everyone enjoy themselves, I’d say hosting this was worth it.”
“……!”
In the middle of sharing drinks with the official who’d just been beating up Jeong Jihoon, the person we’d all been waiting for appeared at the perfect moment.
The man who hosted this event—Kim Junghun.
And right beside him followed Kim Hyunwoo.
As soon as the host and heir of the Andong Kim Clan appeared, all the latecomer officials surrounding Jeong Jihoon bowed their heads at once.
“So, I heard things were getting rowdy in here. What was the topic of discussion?”
“Ah, n-no, nothing of importance, sir. We were just—uh—”
It wasn’t even a scolding tone—light and casual, almost teasing.
Yet the faces of Jeong Jihoon and the others froze instantly.
Mine too, if I’m being honest.
I’d heard that voice for decades—thought I’d grown used to it—but even now, the instant I heard that familiar tone, every hair on my body stood on end.
“Lord Jeong here was struggling to adjust to the palace regulations, so I was merely offering him a little guidance.”
I was the only one whose voice didn’t tremble.
A blatant lie.
Of course, Kim Junghun knew that.
He turned to Jeong Jihoon with an expectant look, and Jeong Jihoon stole a quick glance at me.
‘What are you staring at, you idiot? You gonna back me up or not?’
Maybe he caught my glare, or maybe he just felt crushed by Kim Junghun’s presence—either way, Jeong Jihoon furrowed his brow, then spoke in a calm, controlled voice.
“…Just as he said, sir. My apologies for the disgraceful scene.”
“Hmm.”
Satisfied enough with that response, Kim Junghun didn’t pry further.
I nearly lost ten years off my life.
If Jeong Jihoon had started shouting about palace servants or friendship or any of that nonsense, his fate would’ve ended the same way it did in his previous life.
As the murmuring guests slowly drifted back to their seats—
“……!”
I caught the sound of a sharp inhale and turned my gaze.
It was Kim Hyunwoo.
His eyes were fixed, unmoving, on the flower ornament pinned to my hat—a royal gift granted to top-ranking scholars.
The reason was obvious.
“Top scorer? Him…?”
That’s right—First Place Graduate.
Even in the 23rd century, though the title was an empty decoration whimsically bestowed by Kim Junghun, it still carried undeniable weight.
“Young Master Hyunwoo doesn’t look too happy.”
“I’m as confused as he is. Wasn’t that title given to Cho Seong-hwan last time?”
“Why would a lowborn like him be given that kind of honor…?”
I was thinking the exact same thing.
My original plan had been simple—accept Kim Junghun’s proposal, use his name as protection, and buy time to secure my casino operations.
I didn’t care if I was appointed to some lowly backwater position.
So being suddenly granted the prestigious title of Top Graduate had thrown even me off balance.
For the noble sons present, shock was only natural.
‘Look at those murderous faces. If Kim Junghun weren’t here, one of them would’ve already taken a swing at me.’
Among all their glares, the one from Kim Hyunwoo was particularly venomous.
‘It’s not like I asked for this damn title. Why’s he mad at me?’
If he had complaints, he could take them up with Kim Junghun—the guy sitting right next to him.
But Kim Junghun paid no attention to his’s expression. Instead, he walked around the banquet hall, greeting and memorizing the faces of each young official one by one.
“It’s an honor to meet you, My lord.”
“The official’s robes suit you. It won’t be an easy road. I trust you’ll work hard for Joseon.”
To the descendants of families that had survived the Andong Kim Clan purges, his tone grew stern, pressing down with subtle authority.
“Ah, greetings, sir! I had the privilege of learning from you during the last reception—do you remember me?”
“Aren’t you the prized student of Master Sahwan? Is he doing well?”
“Y-yes, sir!”
To families who had long aligned themselves with his clan, his voice turned soft and warm, further tightening their alliance.
Thus, as Kim Junghun made his rounds, the feast ripened.
“Young Master, you don’t seem to be enjoying this fine day.”
“……”
I approached Kim Hyunwoo, who was sitting in a corner sipping his drink.
There were two reasons: first, to provoke him. Second, to gauge his mental state.
“I’ve no idea what you’re implying.”
“You could at least relax your face. Is it that unbearable to see a lowborn like me in a position higher than you?”
“……Tch.”
With a sharp click of his tongue, Kim Hyunwoo set down his cup.
Normally, this would’ve been where he barked for me to get lost—but this time, he didn’t.
“I swear on my life, I knew nothing. I didn’t ask for any of this—the title, the appointment—it was all His Excellency’s decision.”
“And why should I believe that?”
“Because, for one thing… we did send Cho Seong-hwan straight to hell together, didn’t we?”
The moment that name was spoken, Kim Hyunwoo’s face hardened.
“Thanks to you, Cho Seong-hwan’s criminal acts were exposed down to the last detail, and the Pungyang Cho Clan, which had eyes on greater power, is now on the brink of annihilation. Everything has fallen out exactly as you wanted, hasn’t it, Young Master?”
“…Yes. That’s right.”
Watching Kim Hyunwoo tip his cup, I couldn’t help but smile inwardly.
Yeah. This was all exactly the outcome you wanted.
The noblemen who used the populace for human experiments and cracked the capital wide open— that wound in the very heart of Hanseong— that was your doing. The fact of its exposure, which split the nobles apart from within. The giant faction of the nobles slicing itself in two as a result. All of it was self-inflicted because of you.
It wasn’t me who killed Cho Seong-hwan—it was you. Everyone believed that.
“So, do me a favor and start trusting me a bit. As long as you make sure the money’s in order, nothing I do will harm you, Young Master.”
“…Tch, how mercenary.”
When I spoke like a scheming retainer, Kim Hyunwoo snorted and drained his cup.
So, has the balancing act worked?
While I mulled that over, Kim Junghun—having finished his rounds of formal politicking—moved slowly toward my side.
“Chang-woon.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
I answered immediately when called, meeting his gaze. Even after dying and coming back once over, I still couldn’t read that man for the life of me. I probably never would.
“The post you received is above your station. You know that, do you not?”
“Sir, I am humbly grateful for your magnanimity.”
I didn’t even bother pretending to refuse—what kind of fool would turn down a seat like this?
Unfazed, Kim Junghun continued.
“It wasn’t given without cause. This appointment is to commend what you’ve done for my clan—and, more than that, for Joseon itself.”
“….”
I was about to protest at the phrase “for the clan,” but before the words left my mouth—
“You played a large part in anticipating and quashing the calamity stirred up by the Pungyang Cho Clan. Your contributions were considerable.”
“……!”
At that, several of the quick-eyed noble sons sharpened their gazes, and a chill ran down my spine.
‘I knew it would come to this…!’
Madness. Absolute madness.
Hearing Kim Junghun’s words, the shape of his intent finally snapped into place. He had just proclaimed—before these many young nobles—that the annihilation of the Pungyang Cho Clan was linked to me.
‘So that’s how he plans to bind me—by speech!’
I darted my eyes desperately across the faces of the surrounding latecomer officials. But it was too late.
A number of them were already looking at me as one looks on a servant who has been elevated: with a new, patronizing curiosity. The moment this banquet ends, those young nobles will rush back to their houses and tell their families everything. Families who stand opposed to the Andong Kim clan will, one and all, start scheming against my back.
Just one word—casual, tossed off— and half the nobles in Joseon would count me among their enemies.
“Continue to apply yourself. Do not grow complacent.”
“Yes. I will keep Your Excellency’s counsel close to my heart.”
Without the slightest hesitation, I bowed. I couldn’t allow any trace of panic or contorted expression to show. Right now, I was but a pawn on Kim Junghun’s board. If I revealed anything more, I’d force his hand and make him an enemy. Which would I choose: half the nobles or Kim Junghun? Both choices were a descent into hell—but if I had to pick, I’d choose this.
This is the correct course.
“…….”
Kim Junghun watched me for a long beat, as if weighing me, and then—
“Good.”
With a word whose meaning I couldn’t quite grasp, Kim Junghun turned his back and walked out of the banquet hall.
“Phew…”
Maybe it was the release of tension, but my body felt heavy all at once.
As I sank into my seat, breathing out a slow sigh, the official sitting across from me rose from his chair.
“Well, I’d better get going. I only came to take a peek at my juniors while on duty, but I ended up staying far too long.”
“Ah… come to think of it—”
He’d been getting overly friendly since earlier, which had honestly been a little suffocating. But now, this might be a blessing in disguise.
“May I ask your name, senior?”
“Oh, me?”
He answered casually, offering a short handshake as if it were nothing.
Judging by how easily he had subdued Jeong Jihoon earlier, he wasn’t an ordinary man, regardless of his age or rank.
At my question, the official smiled faintly and replied.
“Song Gwan-hoon.”
The moment I heard that name, my entire body went slack. I couldn’t speak for a while.
Song Gwan-hoon.
The hidden second-in-command of the clan— the man who had served Kim Junghun at close range for decades.
“…Crazy bastards.”
It was only after they had both left that I could finally open my mouth.
From start to finish—
It meant Kim Junghun had been watching everything.
* * *
“Master, it’s me.”
That evening, in a secluded study within the Andong Kim Clan estate—
At the sound of that familiar voice, Kim Junghun paused, setting aside his teacup and turning his gaze toward the door.
The visitor was the same official who had faced Chang-woon at the banquet earlier—Song Gwan-hoon.
But the moment he stepped into the study, the optical camouflage masking his appearance dissolved, revealing his true face.
A long scar ran diagonally across his eye.
There were only a handful of people within the clan who had ever seen this real face.
“Quite rare… for you to speak first,” Kim Junghun said, a faint smile curling his lips.
“My apologies, sir.”
“It’s fine. You’re not just anyone, after all.”
Song Gwan-hoon had been serving at his side ever since the day Kim Junghun first awakened his Aura Power.
When Song bowed deeply, Kim Junghun placed the cup down and spoke again.
“I think I already know what this is about. The elders are grumbling about the selection of the Top Graduate, aren’t they?”
“……”
There was no verbal answer—just silent acknowledgment.
“Even if the title is now only symbolic, it’s still bestowed upon our most promising talent. And the fact that you selected Young Master Chang-woon… rumors are spreading within the clan.”
“Rumors?”
“They say, My Lord, that you intend to include Young Master Chang-woon in the succession race.”
He didn’t bother dressing his words in politeness. There was no need. Not between Kim Junghun and Song Gwan-hoon.
“Succession race, hm… I suppose that boy Hyunwoo will throw another tantrum.”
Kim Junghun let out a quiet chuckle, as though the entire affair were some sort of intellectual amusement.
“Tell me, what do you think? Between my two sons—who has more worth as heir?”
“Young Master Hyunwoo.”
The answer came without the slightest hesitation.
“And your reasoning?”
At the question, Song answered immediately.
“Young Master Chang-woon possesses no capability as an Aura user. His evaluation isn’t even worth reconsidering. He cannot uphold the purity of the bloodline. He is… a failure.”
“Indeed.”
A cold, merciless assessment.
Kim Junghun nodded slightly, then asked his next question.
“Then, what about aside from Aura?”
Aside from Aura.
That one phrase made Song pause to think.
There was Chang-woon’s growing business empire, the vast amount of wealth he’d amassed in just a single year. Even with noble connections, building something of that scale so quickly was no simple feat.
And Kim Junghun wasn’t asking merely about business skills. That much was clear.
He recalled the younger man’s demeanor at the banquet.
“He knows how to hide his face. Even when harboring ulterior motives, he doesn’t reveal them recklessly. The way he gauges his opponent with such composure is almost…”
Song hesitated, then quietly concluded,
“…like watching you, sir—back in your younger days.”
“……”
At that, Kim Junghun rose from his seat and gazed out the window at the glittering night skyline of Hanseong.
“Are you… considering Young Master Chang-woon as one of the heirs?”
“Impossible. How could I make a half-complete being with no Aura our clan head?”
Kim Junghun sighed as he spoke, his tone uncharacteristically burdened with emotion.
“If the boy had even a trace of Aura power… I wouldn’t be troubled like this.”
It was almost a lament—something rare for him.
“Send down a royal edict in his name. You’ve verified his capability yourself, so assign him to field duty. Let him learn firsthand.”
“You mean to send Young Master Chang-woon there—just as you mentioned before?”
“Yes.”
Kim Junghun turned toward the map displayed along one side of the study—
A holographic, high-precision map of Joseon.
His gaze fixed on the far northern edge—
The Northeastern District—
The Land of Death.
“I need to see with my own eyes… whether the creature hiding in those mountains is a tiger— or merely a cat.”
---The End Of The Chapter---
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