“Is that…a calculation?”
“That’s right. A calculation. Whether or not we go to war, payment must be provided.”
“The war has already begun.”
Look, the atmosphere is getting tense again.
To a third party observer, this story is full of holes, but because of their mutual hatred and anger, they’re acting like blind men despite having their eyes open.
“Yeah, the war has begun. However, let’s clarify the target. It seems to me that a third party has interfered.”
“Third party… is that what you mean?”
“This isn’t the time to fight yet.”
“Eun-gong’s words are right. If you take a step back and look, this incident is undoubtedly strange. Even if someone were stupid, it’s unimaginable that a swordsman who knows he’s in a tavern would swing his sword and attempt to kill someone knowing they’d be suspected immediately.”
That’s true.
Though there are plenty of madmen in the world, it’s still a bizarre image that the young master of a prestigious family would recklessly attempt to kill someone. To fight it out in a dark alley like that?
Not to mention there’s no secret fighting ring in that back alley. What sense would that make?
Of course, the doctor fled, and the fact that both sides died after being struck by each other’s blades could lead to them accusing one another emotionally, but the situation is indeed suspicious.
To the clan heads, with their sons dead, it’s understandable their world has turned upside down.
Even if the young master managed his people well, his subordinates are emotional too.
In this situation, the only one capable of reigning things in is me, with my certain power and reputation as the third party.
I don’t want to see those who live ordinary lives and treat us well, like the innkeeper and the housewives, get embroiled in trouble, so I must finish this quickly and move on.
“A foul smell. I’ll expose the source of the foul smell, but I propose that compensation be split between the two parties.”
After some thought, the leaders of both sides nodded and accepted my proposal.
“…Understood. However, this requires the Lord’s permission, so-”
“Let’s go seek permission.”
We don’t have much time.
Because the emotions that have built up until now are ready to explode at the worst possible moment.
I drained the cup of tea in front of me and stood up.
“Miss Mok-kyeong, stay with Hye-ryeong.”
“…Understood. Please be cautious.”
“…No, you two need to be cautious.”
“…I see.”
Still the protagonist; even with clumsy words, he understands perfectly.
“Explain it well to Hye-ryeong… let’s go.”
“Understood.”
————————————-
“Lord, Lion Sword Hero William Junior has visited!”
“Let him in!”
An angry roar shook my eardrums mercilessly.
From his voice alone, it’s clear the Lord is barely holding onto his sanity. Persuading him won’t be easy.
As the door slid open, I found the Lord looking straight at me.
“…Welcome. Normally, I should offer a grand feast to a guest, but I couldn’t prepare it due to the situation.”
“That’s incorrect. How can I accept hospitality after my child has suffered? I’ve only come here to resolve the doubts regarding this incident.”
“What do you mean? Are you saying you’re not here to help?”
His eyes twisted into a menacing glare. For someone who thinks about the Goo family, hatred must be surging uncontrollably, like oil poured on a raging fire. His anger will not quell until revenge is exacted.
If everything is prepared, a war that would engulf the entire city is bound to break out.
Therefore, I must buy time.
To prevent a real war from breaking out.
“I’ve come because I have doubts about this incident.”
“…Doubts? Speak. But if this is mockery…”
“The advice I give to a father who has lost his child shouldn’t be taken personally, please calm your heart.
I understand your grief, but even the sage’s revenge need not be rushed; a decade is not too long. If we uncover the truth behind the murder of your son before acting, would it not be more appropriate?”
“…Does this mean you believe a third party is involved in my son’s death?”
The haggard man glared at me savagely. It must be hard for him to accept. Changing the direction of hatred isn’t an easy task.
Facing the head of the Kang family, Kang Baek-hoon, I nodded.
“It’s uncertain, but please calm yourself and look at the situation with clear eyes. There are many questionable aspects here.”
“…”
He bowed his head, deep in thought.
“…Speak on.”
“When the two young masters clashed, I mediated between the two and sent Master Kang to the doctor. Did you hear about this?”
“…I have not.”
“Before that, did you know Master Kang was injured?”
“…I was unaware.”
“Then it seems he went directly to the doctor.
He likely would have been treated and returned to his home, as it wasn’t a deep wound.
But… the young master was found dead in the alley, and the doctor fled. Doesn’t that seem strange? There were five men in total. The young masters must have known that fighting further might escalate to war.
Yet they fought, both suffering great losses… and all but one died. Isn’t that strange?
Why did the young masters of the Kang family and the Goo family fight each other in the alley and fight to the death without fleeing?”
“…Now that you mention it, it certainly is strange.”
Fortunately, the Lord seems to have regained some sanity and is listening to my words. This is good news. If he had lost his rationality completely and rampaged, there would’ve been no way. Anyway, it would be best to listen to the words of the surviving bodyguard.
“Clearly, there are suspicious issues in this case. We must resolve these points before considering a fight. Nothing but ruin will come from a war without resolution. The young masters wouldn’t have wanted such a situation either.”
“…Alright. What do you propose?”
“Summon those who discovered the young masters and their bodyguards in the alley, Ming-hui young miss, and the people working at the clinic. Please monitor the internal movements of the family as well. If possible, I’d like to examine the bodies of the young masters and their bodyguards.”
“Monitor the family?”
“At such times, we must be thorough. We do not know who the murderer is, but there is a possibility of informants planted within the family, those who wish for the Kang family and the Goo family to fight.”
“Another culprit?”
It’s still speculation at this point, but I see this as the most likely possibility.
Just recently, I heard from an elderly woman that another power has been expanding its influence in the marketplace.
“A force I’ve heard is gradually expanding its influence in the market. We must monitor their movements. If the Kang family and the Goo family drain their strength by fighting, they will benefit, will they not?”
“Could the Black Shadow Gang… have killed my son?”
“Calm yourself first. It is not yet confirmed. However, I believe the possibility is quite high given the contrived nature of the situation.”
“…Sigh. Understood. Is there anything else you need help with?”
“Simply don’t fight until the full story is revealed. I’ll also report this to the Goo family shortly. Until the investigation is complete…”
“With such an honorific, you might as well add “detective” to your last name… alright, I’ll hold off… for now.”
Even now, his face looks like he’ll run out at the slightest mistake.
Having received his approval, I turned to him and bowed politely.
“I will report this directly to the Goo family as well. I believe it’s best if I go in person to persuade them.”
At this point, I might as well trade my last name Marshall for Holmes. Having such whimsical thoughts, I left the Kang family estate.
——————-
“Hem.”
“Hem…”
In a stiflingly tense atmosphere, I stood between the two lords and began to speak.
“I thank you for hearing me out. Now, let us begin…”
As my words fell, the coffin was opened.
Nine bodies laid out in the courtyard of the Kang family estate.
Somewhere, a mournful wail filled the air with sorrow.
All eyes turned to me.
Suspicion, anger, worry, and…fear.
If I were to ask what a martial artist relies on most, it would be their six senses.
A martial artist who can’t trust their own senses cannot stand firmly on the ground.
In this sorrowful atmosphere, I took a deep breath before beginning.
“Let’s begin the investigation.”
Who is the murderer, and how did they cause the death of the young masters?
The stage is set to uncover all the truths.
