<The Demon Lord of the Swordsmanship Family Chapter 143>
A city shrouded in darkness.
The man, hunched over, hastily entered an alleyway.
It was an area dense with restaurants, so the air was thick with the smell of food waste.
The man, who had spent his entire life as a member of the aristocracy, had never even encountered waste separation, let alone smelled garbage, and he repeatedly gagged.
Still, the man did not stop.
The most primal human desire, the instinct for survival, relentlessly moved his legs.
Exiting the alley, he saw a shabby mansion.
It was the kind of place where the Fritter Clan, whom he had always mocked for lacking persistence, might live.
“Here.”
On the second floor, the fourth room.
This is it.
The man inserted the key.
But the key wouldn’t turn smoothly.
“d*mn it! What is it? What is it?”
In fact, the key was correct. It was just inserted the wrong way.
A basic mistake, but the man, in his current state of being relentlessly pursued, could barely manage even such a basic task.
Fortunately, the man finally managed to open the door and stepped inside.
The room was suffocating just by looking at it.
To the man, accustomed to living in luxurious mansions, it was barely better than a chicken coop. Still, the relief of having survived calmed his tightened nerves.
He slumped heavily against the closed door.
Then, slowly, tears streamed down his face.
“Hic, hic… Why did this happen to us?”
“It’s all thanks to our family that this land has developed, right? Without us, this country would have already collapsed! And yet you stab us in the back like this?”
He was heartbroken.
And also consumed with anger.
“Just wait. I’ll definitely come back and restore the family.”
In the moment of his return, he would undo everything.
Wiping away his tears, the man stood up.
But just at that moment.
Puush!
“Ugh!”
A white something pierced through the man’s chest.
It was a wing.
A pure white wing had pierced through his back, breaking through the door.
The man, coughing up bl**d, looked in disbelief at the wing.
In the final moments of his life, instinctively trying to see who had attacked him, he turned around. Through the broken door, he could see the attacker cleaning their lips.
On that day, the famous Japanese aristocratic family, the Ito Clan, was erased from existence.
Late evening.
An ordinary time when I usually play with dolls with Bom, but currently, I was sitting on the bench of a newly arrived convenience store.
Because of this mysterious group.
“Currently, a coup is unfolding across Japan… ”
“The monstrous things calling themselves ‘Guardian Spirits’ are urging the masses under the banner of equality… ”
“The attacks led by the ‘Servants of the Guardian Spirits’ have caused ordinary citizens to unite and oppress our aristocratic families, forcing us to survive… ”
The people who called Saebyeok ‘Young Master.’
At first, even Saebyeok was surprised.
Why wouldn’t he be? To have total strangers suddenly appear and fall to their knees crying, “Young Master! Save us!” would shock anyone.
But Saebyeok’s surprise didn’t last long.
Once he realized these people were connected to the Oni family, his face turned hard, like it was now.
“…”
He probably wanted to get up and leave right away.
The Saebyeok I know would find it unpleasant to even face them.
Still, he stayed in place, likely fearing they would come after his mother.
I’ve heard before that the Oni family meant trauma to Saebyeok’s mother.
A deep-seated wound.
Saebyeok, who deeply respected his parents, would never leave a blade that could reopen such wounds lying around.
“…”
Finally, after keeping quiet, Saebyeok spoke, causing everyone to tense.
And as he continued, that tension turned into shock.
“Isn’t it karma?”
“…”
Karma.
What you sow, you reap.
“What you call a coup, looks to me like simply getting what you deserve.”
“How could you say such a thing…!”
“Even if you feel aggrieved, there’s nothing that can be done. The ones I’ve experienced from you certainly weren’t good people.”
“That’s too harsh!”
“Hmm…”
That last sigh was from me.
Well said, our Saebyeok.
From a neutral third-party perspective, everything he said was true.
To summarize their long-winded explanation:
Suddenly monsters appeared in Japan. These monsters called themselves ‘Guardian Spirits’ and accumulated power, with the Japanese government actually acknowledging them as Guardian Spirits.
Before anyone knew it, these monsters had become ‘Guardian Spirits.’
Here’s where the problem began.
“All humans are equal.”
That was the slogan the Guardian Spirit of Japan raised.
Equality–a splendid value.
However, if you think about it carefully, you’d realize how disastrous the blade of equality could be if it swung in the wrong direction.
Of course, the blade swung as expected.
“The aristocracy’s monopoly has gone too far.”
“They openly referred to themselves as nobles and created a class system.”
“Why is Japan called a quasi-democracy? It’s because of these aristocratic families.”
Guardian Spirits, government officials, citizens–everyone turned their swords on the aristocrats.
According to what they’re saying, the aristocrats bent the knee to negotiate during this time. Although aggrieved, they humbly accepted their past mistakes.
However, despite the aristocrats’ efforts, the protests spiraled out of control, leaving them isolated in no time. Now, they’ve been driven to the brink of survival.
Hence, they’ve labeled this situation as a “coup.”
Now, here’s where their crucial flaw lies.
The previous mention of “karma” from Saebyeok.
“Isn’t it true that you did monopolize everything?”
“Gaaaaahhhh! If you weren’t involved… ”
“Stop your nonsense. You know me, right? And you must know Optimum behind me as well. So, that’s why you came asking for help, assuming Saebyeok could connect me with him because of his relationship to me, right?”
“…”
“Do you not dare imagine that Saebyeok can single-handedly resolve this situation for you, some impossible dream? You don’t, do you? Right?”
“…”
They fell silent like they had honey in their mouths.
“See? You can’t respond to my words, right? Do you know why? Because they’re facts. You got punched by facts and can’t say a thing. This is your situation right now.”
Actually, it’s true that Japanese aristocrats monopolized immense wealth in Japan.
They monopolized the alpha and omega of the modern energy market, magic gems, and not satisfied with that, they even expanded into the agent industry, monopolizing military power as well.
Such aristocratic practices corrupted Japan’s society and economy and became a decisive factor in its isolation.
Even I, who slept through world history classes, knew this indisputable fact.
“Look at reality. You call this a coup, but from an objective third-party standpoint, it’s not.”
A coup is when a specific faction uses force to seize control.
In my opinion, Japan’s current situation is this:
“Isn’t this a revolution?”
The majority of the masses rising against the aristocrats’ tyranny.
Whoever looks at it can see it’s a revolution, right?
“How dare you say this is a revolution! Even though you are a son of the Sword Master family, your words are excessive!”
“Preposterous nonsense! Without aristocrats, could Japan have grown to this point?”
“Stop speaking foolishly. We have dedicated our lives to Japan.”
With every word, their agitation grew.
I knew this would happen. Even when faced with the truth, what kind of conversation could you possibly have?
Ignoring their outburst, I glanced at my watch. They said they’ll arrive within 30 minutes, so it’s almost time.
On the other hand, Saebyeok spoke decisively.
“So why did you come to me?”
“Our words up to now…”
A man, looking ready to express his grievances, was interrupted by a woman.
She understood well. The real question Saebyeok was asking was, “Why have you come now?”
“…Our excommunication of Lady Hazumi… we have no words to justify it. Even if it’s hard for you to believe, our Head of Family regrets excommunicating Lady Hazumi.”
“It’s not Hazumi. It’s Song Mi-joo. My mother’s name is Song Mi-joo.”
“No, to me, she is Lady Hazumi. I saw Lady Hazumi when she was younger. Of course, I am fully aware of the family’s error regarding this matter. I have no excuse even if I must d*e a hundred times for it. However, Master, we are still kin.”
“Haa…”
Ignoring Saebyeok’s laugh of disbelief, the woman continued her chatter.
At that time, it was unavoidable. There were extenuating circumstances. Those responsible were punished. They tried to make amends, and so on.
Their excuses were so predictable it sent chills down even my spine.
“…Even if Lady Hazumi was excommunicated, her bloodline cannot be denied as a part of the Oni family. Please help us, Master. If you help us just this once…”
Their absurdities had reached a masterful level.
There’s one thing I have to say here. As I was preparing to speak,
At that moment.
“Talking nonsense.”
Everyone turned their heads at the voice, and there stood a familiar face.
“Look how much you’re talking, things you can’t even say to children.”
Aunt Kim Yeon-hee has made an appearance.
“Hey, Saebyeok. Do you know Auntie?”
“Hello.”
“Well, well, don’t you look like a little prince? You resemble our youngest. If we had time, Auntie would treat you to something good, but given the situation… isn’t it?”
“A… yes.”
“…”
“Hold on.”
Interrupting those trying to join the conversation with a single hand gesture, Auntie continued.
“Your parents are good people, I heard.”
“How do you know my parents…?”
“Ki-hyuk asked me to take care of you all.”
Looking at me as if realizing something for the first time.
I shrugged.
“Soon, we really must meet. It’s not empty talk—promise! If you go to that villa Ki-hyuk mentioned before, you’ll find me.”
As those people attempted to speak again, Auntie ignored them and smiled as she gestured.
“Hurry along. Mom will handle the rest, don’t worry. Follow me. Stop clinging to poor kids.”
Every field has its experts.
Our mother’s specialty is talking them down.
The first rule of Kim Yeon-hee’s trading principle:
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Give what you’ve given, take what you’ve taken.
In this regard, the people before her have crossed the line.
“Sit down.”
“We respectfully request that you show proper decorum.”
“That’s right. We’re not just from the Oni family but represent all Japanese aristocrats.”
“Decorum? Haha, your way of speaking is so amusing. Who taught you it’s proper decorum to bypass me and go straight to my child?”
“Consider it… a sign of our desperation. As you know, Master, the destiny of the aristocrats is precarious. We had to grasp at any straw.”
“That’s right. We…”
The excuses started to stretch on, but Kim Yeon-hee wasn’t about to let that happen.
“Enough. Before we proceed, let’s set one thing straight: leave Saebyeok’s mother alone.”
“Your interference with family matters is… unacceptable.”
“Get out.”
“Huh?”
“You. Out.”
“What?”
“If you continue to stay here, this conversation is over.”
The second rule of Kim Yeon-hee’s trading principle:
Never lose control.
This deal, I’ll handle it myself.
The man, glancing around nervously, quietly rose and left, allowing Kim Yeon-hee to smile brightly and continue.
“Alright, I’ll take that as consent. Let’s proceed.”
“Our Oni family represents the aristocrats in requesting rescue from Optimum.”
“It’s a commission. Hmm… rescue commissions can be delicate. Explain the situation.”
The representative explained the current situation in Japan.
Of course, the explanation was framed from their own perspective, but Kim Yeon-hee wasn’t one to let that slide.
‘I’m getting a rough outline.’
I was relieved in a way.
With Japan having declared martial law, information channels had been shut off. Finding them here with details was a godsend from Kim Yeon-hee’s perspective.
So she decided to give them some advice.
“I get why you’re trying to label this as a coup. You want to get other countries’ attention, right? But look at it, this is clearly a revolution. Honestly, your aristocrats have been a little… questionable. Even if you pitch this to other countries, it’ll be hard for them to empathize. Take note.”
“…”
“Also, I guarantee there’s no nation that will come to save Japan’s isolated aristocrats. There’s no justification for it. When the cabinet and the majority of the public agree, what can other countries say?”
“…”
“Understand? This is Japan’s current situation.”
The golden advice ends here.
Moving on to the main topic.
“Essentially, the commission you’re filing isn’t a rescue mission but illegal smuggling. Illegal. We at Optimum don’t engage in illegal activities. The martial law would need to be lifted for us to move.”
“The martial law will be lifted eventually. It’s a contentious point within the cabinet.”
“So it seems not all hope of ties is lost. Alright, assuming the martial law is lifted, let’s run some numbers…”
Toc toc.
Kim Yeon-hee tapped her fingers against the table as she thought for a moment.
“Still, no.”
“Why not!”
“The reason is simple–it’s too dangerous. You said your entire aristocratic community is in crisis, right? There’s no way we can send our people into such danger.”
“We’ll offer compensation! Compensation worthy of the danger, isn’t that right!”
“Hmm…”
“Anything! Whatever you ask, we’ll give it to you…”
“That statement.”
“Uh?”
“That statement you said.”
She smiled slyly.
Kim Yeon-hee’s third trading principle:
Once spoken, words must be kept.
Whether she said it or whether someone else said it.
Absolutely.
“Know this: you should never, ever forget that statement.”
