Read Novel Full Chapter 159: The Lion
Chapter 159: The Lion
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“I am truly ashamed before Your Excellency. I will do my best to report to the Lord and improve the situation.”
“Namu Amitabul. I will also plead with the Lord. He is not a person who lacks discernment, so why…”
Namgoong Ilcheon, the leader of the Righteous Alliance, and Master Jiwoo, a Buddhist monk, bowed their heads in front of Eurius with expressions full of regret.
They were actually doubtful about the decision of the Righteous Alliance.
‘To bring along Black Flag Bandit and the mercenaries to stop the foreign invaders… Isn’t this just dumping the unruly ones on Eurius Excellency?’
They would follow the royal order, but it was unreasonable to expect the mountain bandits and hired mercenaries to fight faithfully.
No matter how they thought about it, they were not a meaningful force to include.
Moreover, despite being the benefactor of the Righteous Alliance, they did not even treat him as a guest in the Righteous Alliance.
They felt even more sorry.
Even if there were some things that had not been revealed yet to Eurius, it was an outrageous treatment considering his achievements this time.
‘When did the Righteous Alliance treat their benefactor like this?’
That’s why they couldn’t raise their heads in front of him. But the person himself smiled lightly and didn’t care.
“Thank you for your concern. Then let’s part ways here for now.”
“As per your request, I will report and arrange a meeting with the Lord right away.”
“Ah… Master, then I will see you next time.”
“Take care.”
After sending them off, Eurius turned his head to Jegal Unhyeon.
“You said there is a place where the people of Jegal Sega are staying?”
“Yes. Let’s go there first. There are people who are looking forward to seeing you.”
***
A short while later.
Eurius was guided to a secluded garden on the outskirts of Nakyang.
Unlike the Righteous Alliance, who had received a prior notice, they were ready to welcome them.
“Greetings, my lord.”
The door of the garden opened wide and soon the faces of those who had been waiting for Eurius appeared.
Eurius greeted them with a smile.
“Lize!”
“Your Majesty! I’m glad you’re safe.”
Beatrice tried to keep a calm expression, but tears welled up in her eyes.
Seeing her like that, Eurius felt a bit awkward before feeling happy.
‘I should have written a letter when I informed them. The others must have had a hard time adapting in a strange environment, even if they had a high chance of survival.’
Eurius put his hand on her head and stroked it gently.
“You’ve been through a lot.”
“…”
But that moment was brief.
She knew that there was something to do before relieving her anxiety, so Beatrice stepped back with a slightly regretful expression.
Eurius soon turned his gaze.
“I’m glad you’re safe too.”
“I’m more relieved that you’re safe, my lord.”
Jegal Hwayoung was watching the two of them with an envious expression and quickly bowed his head.
Then he continued cautiously.
“I didn’t have much trouble since I joined up with Jegal Sega’s leaders. My sister suffered more mentally.”
“Sister?”
Eurius looked slightly puzzled.
‘When did they become so close? Weren’t they awkward until before we left?’
“…”
“I had more trouble than Jegal Unni…”
Beatrice trailed off with no answer at the word ‘mentally’.
‘Well, they must have naturally bonded in an extreme situation like shipwreck.’
“Nice to meet you, my lord.”
At that moment, someone greeted Eurius appropriately.
He intervened as soon as Eurius cleared his mind, which showed that he had a keen eye for situations.
“Hmm?”
What caught Eurius’ eye was a young man.
He wore scholar-like clothes and held a brush in his hand.
He looked more like a scholar who took exams than a martial artist.
“I am Jegal Seongun.”
“Ho ho… You are?”
Eurius looked at the young man in front of him with interest.
He had heard some things about Jegal Sega’s leaders. Wasn’t Jegal Seongun the chief in charge of Hyunwoljeon?
[Jegal Seongun]
Job: Scribe, First-class Expert
Strength: B Agility: B Intelligence: SS+ Spirit: S Force Aptitude: B Force: B
Disposition: Gentle, Curious
[Trait]
Seonbeop (A)
Cheongiseong – A person who was born with the energy of Cheongiseong. He has outstanding intelligence and curiosity.
Jegal Seongun’s intelligence was the highest among the people that Eurius had ever seen.
‘I can understand why he is the top leader of Jegal Sae’s faction at that age. He must have the ability to match it.’
“Let’s go inside first. I have prepared some tea for you.”
“Alright.”
***
As Eurius and the others sat around the table, Jegal Seongun opened his mouth with a gentle expression.
“I was planning to prepare a grand welcome for you, but…”
He bowed his head slightly and apologized with a regretful tone.
“I would like to tell you about the current situation of Righteous Alliance first. Please forgive me for the lack of preparation.”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s rather good.”
Eurius inwardly admired him. Jegal Seongun was meeting him for the first time, but he quickly grasped his intention and moved on to the topic he wanted.
‘He is quick-witted. His high intelligence is not just for show.’
Moreover, Jegal Seongun apologized to Eurius as a subordinate should.
This was a consideration for him not to feel offended by his insight into his mind.
‘He is a desirable person to appoint in the empire. He stands out among the talents I have seen in the Eastern Continent.’
But as much as Eurius praised him, Jegal Seongun also gave him a generous evaluation.
‘I was skeptical when I only saw the report, but now I understand why even my strict uncle Unhyeon followed him without question.’
What impressed Jegal Seongun was that Eurius calmly sorted out his mind even after meeting his subordinates who had been separated by the storm.
He glanced at Beatrice for a moment.
‘I heard from the lady that she is like his soulmate.’
He thought that it was not easy to be calm after losing the most precious person in a storm.
Considering Eurius’s age, that calmness was something that ordinary rulers could not do.
‘And he doesn’t seem cold-hearted either. It’s natural that he is trusted by his subordinates.’
He could have been seen as stiff and heartless, but he stroked Beatrice’s head just before and greeted Jegal Hwayoung without missing anyone.
He also had a clear distinction between public and private matters.
‘I need to observe him more, but he is definitely an outstanding person.’
[Jeong Seongun]
Current state: Curiosity, Favor
‘For some reason, he doesn’t seem to have a bad impression of me.’
Eurius, who noticed his inner thoughts, smiled softly and asked gently.
“So, what is the current state of Righteous Alliance?”
“It’s quite a difficult situation. The lord is practically under house arrest, so it’s as if Sae’s influence has been blocked.”
“The lord?”
“Yes.”
According to him, Righteous Alliance’s military leader and Jegal Sae’s lord, Jeongdo, was currently staying in the faction and restricted from going outside for the reason of maintaining neutrality.
“I thought that the faction leader Shin Jaseong would save him, but he said that he couldn’t help it because it was the majority opinion this time.”
“That makes sense. Who would let go of the fish they caught?”
Jegal Seongun nodded at Eurius’s blunt remark.
“Indeed… It’s a pity.”
“Seongun, do you mean?”
Jegal Hwayoung, who realized what he meant, asked in surprise.
“That’s right.”
“How could that be?”
It was hard to accept that Righteous Alliance leader plotted against Eurius and Sae.
Jegal Seongun sighed and explained the situation.
“Phew… This is complicated. It’s not easy to overthrow him because he has a strong support base.”
“It’s not a simple matter indeed.”
“Plus, there is still the variable of the imperial order. The Dark Sect’s scheme this time is amazing.”
In fact, it was not difficult to stop the imperial fleet. If Eurius himself stepped forward, those who recognized him would stop fighting. But the problem was the imperial decree.
“Hmm…”
If this was not resolved, removing Righteous Alliance leader would be meaningless.
Jegal Seongun thought for a while and groaned with a troubled expression.
“This could make Righteous Alliance as a whole be branded as traitors who disobeyed the imperial order.”
Even if he was smart, he couldn’t think of a good solution in this situation. Eurius grinned at this point.
“I have an idea. Do you want to hear it?”
“I’m all ears.”
Jegal Seongun widened his eyes slightly at Eurius’s next words.
“What’s wrong with being a traitor once?”
“What?”
“Don’t you get it yet?”
“I’m sorry.”
Jegal Seongun was clearly much smarter than Eurius. But there was a reason why he couldn’t come up with a solution.
“You are thinking too much in terms of the martial world. Have you forgotten who I am?”
“…!?”
Flash
As soon as he heard those words, lightning struck Jegal Seongun’s mind.
‘My lord is the crown prince of the Western Continent. And now his country’s fleet has entered the Eastern Continent… Then?’
He wasn’t stupid.
He had never thought in this way because he had lived in the martial world all his life.
He exclaimed in astonishment.
“That’s right. If we use that method, we can draw the power of the Righteous Alliance (Jeong do-mang) to our side!”
“What!?”
The other people in the hall seemed to have not realized it yet, but Jegal Seongun was different.
Eurius smiled with satisfaction as he saw him who was quick to judge.
“Then let me hear your opinion on the details of the plan.”
***
The next day.
Eurius stood in front of a huge gate with a signboard hanging on it.
[Righteous Martial World Protection Alliance]
Or Righteous Alliance for short.
“Shall we begin then?”
He spoke lightly and had Jegal Unhyeon on his left and Beatrice on his right.
“Who are you?”
A master who was in charge of guarding the gate blocked Eurius.
His duty was to question anyone without a pass or suspicious.
‘What the hell is he doing?’
“I came to see the alliance leader.”
“…!?”
‘Does he mean he’s a guest of the alliance leader?’
He opened his mouth again with a cautious tone.
“Do you have a pass?”
“I don’t have such a thing.”
“What? Then did you make an appointment beforehand…”
“I don’t have that either.”
“…”
The master who was guarding the gate felt dumbfounded for a moment as he heard his casual answers, but soon he started to shiver. Come to think of it, wasn’t he a suspicious guy?
“What is your purpose here?”
Eurius answered with a calm expression as usual.
“How tedious. Didn’t I say I came to see the alliance leader?”
Clang!
Clang!
In an instant, the master drew his sword.
At the same time, two other masters who felt something ominous from behind joined him. Three masters blocked Eurius and his party’s way.
“Attack!”
Shriek!
In an instant, three swords flew towards Eurius like arrows.
“Hooh…”
He flashed his eyes.
‘It would be hard to make Righteous Alliance our enemy if their level of guarding is this high.’
No matter how low-ranking their position was, Righteous Alliance didn’t entrust their guard to just anyone.
In fact, they were called ‘Nakyang Three Swords’ and had some fame around here.
But that was only in general cases.
Eurius and his party didn’t fall into that category.
Snap.
Eurius raised his left hand slightly and gave a signal.
Clang!
A short metallic sound rang out.
“…!?”
Nakyang Three Swords felt something cold brushing past them.
Crash!
Splash.
The next moment, they saw their swords shattered into pieces and scattering fragments.
“How can this be…”
Nakyang Three Swords looked at the person who blocked them between them and Eurius with horrified eyes. Surprisingly, it was a slender woman.
She held a sword in her hand, but they didn’t even feel her sword move.
‘She’s a master of a different level from us. Where did these people come from?’
And they didn’t pay attention to Eurius’s appearance because it was too unusual, but the middle-aged man on his right was someone they knew well.
“Jegal Daehyeop! Who are these people?”
Jegal Unhyeon shrugged silently.
“…!?”
The first expert who drew his sword had no choice but to ask again, hesitating.
It was a sure death if they attacked here.
“It is impossible to see the leader of the alliance without requesting a meeting in advance. If you tell us who the envoy is, we will…”
“What?”
Eurius cut off his words and tilted his head.
“That’s strange, isn’t it?”
“Huh?”
“Didn’t you keep rejecting my requests?”
“What…”
“If you don’t know, I’ll tell you now.”
Eurius uttered one word at a time.
“I came as an envoy from the Sharnos Empire of the Western Continent to the Righteous Alliance.”
***
“Leader! Please reconsider the treatment of Jegal Clan Leader at least.”
“Hehe… I wish I could do that too. But…”
Shin Jaseong was about to say something, but there were people who quickly intervened.
“I understand the Vice Leader’s opinion, but this is not the situation, is it?”
“Just look at the report that just came in. The size of the warships floating in the South Sea is not normal.”
“…”
Nangong Ilcheon glared at them with an angry expression.
They were clan leaders of other five great clans, Seomun Sung and Paeng Mujin.
Their martial arts were much worse than his, but their speaking rights were not to be ignored.
‘These guys…’
The leader of the alliance, Shin Jaseong, was taking a position of treating them fairly and did not take sides.
And he could not easily exercise his decision-making power on a matter that more than half of the alliance’s leaders opposed, even though he was the vice leader.
‘What should I do? Sigh…’
Thud!
When he was groaning inwardly, the door of the conference room suddenly opened.
“Leader!”
“…!?”
The one who opened the door was a beggar with a shabby appearance.
He was clearly a member of the Open Sect.
“What is it?”
“It’s an urgent report! The foreign enemies in the South Sea have started to move north at an unbelievable speed!”
“What?”
The leaders of the Righteous Alliance all asked in surprise.
“An unbelievable speed? And where are they heading?”
“Hoo…”
The beggar took a moment to catch his breath and then told them an even more astonishing story.
“The destination is right here! Nakyang. And there are unbelievable experts among them. They might reach nearby in two days!”
“Huh?”
“Experts?”
They thought they would mainly face trained soldiers from the Yellow Palace when they heard about the invasion of foreign enemies, but what was this nonsense?
Shin Jaseong opened his mouth with a calm expression.
“Tell me more in detail…”
Thud!
Before he finished his words, the door of the conference room opened again.
“This is the conference room. The leaders of the alliance, including Ilcheon, should be gathered here.”
“You did well.”
Eurius gave a short answer and smiled faintly as he slowly walked.
“…!?”
“Who are you!”
Seeing him, the leaders of the Righteous Alliance jumped up and got up from their seats.
“A great master? You shouldn’t have been granted access?”
Nangong Ilcheon quickly approached him and tried to dissuade him in a whisper.
[Great Master! If you act wrong here, you might turn the Righteous Alliance into an enemy…]
[I didn’t come here for that today.]
[…!?]
Eurius stared straight at the old man sitting on the seat of honor.
“Are you the leader of the Righteous Alliance?”
“Hehe… That’s right.”
Shin Jaseong pretended to be calm, but Eurius knew he was quite flustered.
Thump!
Eurius took out a scroll from his bosom and threw it on the table.
“I had no choice but to do this because you wouldn’t let me in.”
“…!?”
Shin Jaseong opened the scroll with a puzzled look.
In an instant, everyone’s eyes were drawn to the table.
“What is this?”
[To the leader of the Righteous Alliance of the Eastern Continent.
Our Scharnos Empire was attacked by a group suspected to be Makyu several months ago. In the meantime, our Emperor His Majesty was threatened with assassination, not to mention…
…(skipped)…
Therefore, our Empire plans to inflict due punishment on Makyu and asks for your cooperation.]
“…”
‘What is this!’
The leaders of the Righteous Alliance who confirmed its contents could only stare at each other stupidly.