The Ruler of Darkness

Book 3: Chapter 6

“Ah, Elder Yeom…”

It was the 4th Young Master who was muttering, comforting his subordinates in one corner.

The boy looked at Elder Yeom, who was standing in line among the commoners, and muttered,

“Someone like you, an elder of the main family, could have even invited a physician from the imperial court if he wanted to. This is quite unfortunate.”

The boy’s eyes narrowed.

Elder Yeom had built his reputation on his unmatched martial prowess and outstanding achievements. With his excellent judgment and demeanor, he had successfully secured a place in the political landscape of Sword House, which was as complex as a battleground. 

Eventually, he became an elder in Sword House. Even though he was not from the Yeon clan, starting from the bottom and boldly stepping into the council of elders, the warriors of Luoyang Sword House often praised him as a role model.

“He hasn’t even brought his signature gigantic sword.”

These were the words of the head maid who was by his side.

“He didn’t even bring his subordinates.”

When the commoners in line started to move away, seemingly intimidated by the term ‘Elder of Sword House,’ Elder Yeom stopped them.

“And the one he’s carrying on his back is that Executioner Princess, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Then, a young scholar cautiously opened his mouth.

“My lord, would it be alright if we don’t go and greet him?”

The 4th Young Master shook his head.

“No need. Acting all familiar here will only make things more difficult for him.”

The 4th Young Master already knew about what had happened between Elder Yeom and Medicine King.

“Rather than that…”

He withdrew his gaze and clapped his hands.

“It looks like you’ve had enough rest, judging by your chattering mouths.”

Unnecessary comments had irked some, and fierce glares poured out from around them toward the scholar who spoke out of turn.

“Everyone, you’ve heard the lord’s orders, right?”

At the chief maid’s words, 4th Young Master’s subordinates who were taking a break immediately began to move towards the patients.

“The meeting between a representative neutral elder and my big brother:”

The 4th Young Master showed a smile full of anticipation.

* * *

The girl stayed close to her father’s back, careful not to cause him any discomfort.

“…It feels like a dream to be able to meet the Grand young master in person.”

Her delicate voice sounded as if she were walking through a dream.

‘How many times have I heard this today?’

Elder Yeom shook his head.

“You should know how to conduct yourself, but…”

“Yes, I’m keeping that in mind.”

She muttered in a low voice.

“I’ve heard this so many times just today…”

“….”

She kept stealing glances at Yeon So-Hyeon over her father’s shoulder.

“…He’s really handsome, just like how he was portrayed in the painting.”

Elder Yeom let out a small sigh at his daughter’s words.

“…Is Baekho¹ behaving well?”

Upon hearing his name, the small white beast that had been quietly nestled in the girl’s arms poked its head out.

The girl smiled at the faint growling sound it made.

“He’s happy to be outside after so long.”

Elder Yeom hoisted his daughter up and admonished her.

“You both must behave.”

The girl tilted her head along with the white beast.

“Me? Or Baekho?”

Elder Yeom sighed again.

“Both of you.”

He turned his gaze toward the Grand young master.

The Grand young master had not even looked at him since their initial meeting.

He clenched his jaw inwardly.

He couldn’t be unaware of the Grand young master’s disposition, being an elder of the Sword House himself.

Especially now, when discussions about the house’s succession issues were becoming more frequent.

A boy who was locked away in Wongak Pavilion, known as a paradise on earth, who merely enjoyed reading books and helping the poor.

‘But….’

When he first heard that the Grand young master had dismissed his servants, he didn’t care much.

But when, not long ago, a foolish housekeeper came bearing news, he couldn’t help but be surprised.

And when he heard that the Grand young master had taken action himself, he even felt a fleeting sense of fear.

Now, the Grand young master was earnestly taking care of the commoners.

He showed them smiles, patted them on the shoulders, and skillfully administered medical care.

‘But why…’

His daughter fiddled and then peeked over his shoulder again.

“It really feels like a dream.”

He sighed and looked back at the Grand young master.

Just like his daughter had said, the Grand young master was indeed a charming youth..

Still, for some reason, that pale and delicate face felt like a ‘mask’ to him instead.

***

Although it was their turn, Yeon So-Hyeon pretended not to recognize him, and so he silently stayed by his daughter’s side.

Yeon So-Hyeon calmly took her pulse, just as he did with other patients.

What was he reading in those half-open eyes?

During the prolonged pulse-taking, Elder Yeom forcefully suppressed his anxiety.

“Would you like to have a cup of this?”

Was it out of pity?

The beautiful tea lady offered him a cup of tea.

“Thank you.”

He took the tea cup but merely held it, not drinking.

His entire focus was on the Grand young master, who showed no signs of movement.

After a considerable time, the Grand young master let out a deep sigh.

“This time…”

It felt like Elder Yeom’s heart sank.

“…I wanted to prove that that old man’s diagnosis was wrong.”

A bitter smile escaped from Elder Yeom’s lips at the Grand young master’s absurd mumbling.

He barely resisted clenching his fists that were as big as pot lids.

“It seems difficult to have a proper conversation here,” Yeon So-Hyeon said, avoiding the gaze of the girl who kept glancing at his flushed face.

Blocking his daughter with his massive frame, Elder Yeom replied.

“…That’s true.”

The two moved to their seats.

In the small room, tea and refreshments had been prepared for them in advance.

Yeon So-hyeon naturally took the seat of honor and invited the elder to sit. 

“Please, have a seat.”

Elder Yeom, who had been watching Yeon So-hyeon for a moment, sat down in the chair. 

A moment of confusion flashed across his eyes. 

Clearly, the person sitting before him was the Grand young master he knew. 

However, for some reason, it seemed as if it was not the same Grand young master. 

“Your intuition… Medicine King’s diagnosis was accurate. It seems that this is all I can do for now.”

Yeon So-hyeon finished speaking and enjoyed the aroma of his tea.

Elder Yeom placed the teacup he had brought in so far on the table and spoke. 

It was a teacup he had received from a maidservant outside. 

“Would it be difficult for the Medicine King to see my daughter again?”

Yeon So-hyeon’s eyebrows twitched.

“Don’t you, Elder Yeom, know better than anyone that it’s impossible?”

Elder Yeom sighed.

He knew that too. 

The moment his servant tried to pressure Medicine King into moving, it was clear he would never see Medicine King again. 

It was not a problem of the Medicine King himself. 

It was an unspoken rule.

To prevent numerous powerful individuals who anxiously awaited Medicine King from using ‘the same method.’

Even if he was an elder of Luoyang Sword House, he was an immensely powerful individual that could ignore most authorities. 

However, considering there were even elders of the imperial family waiting for Medicine King, this was no longer a matter of power.

‘That foolish servant of mine…’

While watching his fist tremble, Yeon So-hyeon spoke leisurely.

“Here, I can prescribe something to prevent your daughter’s seizures, like the Medicine King did before.”

Elder Yeom, who had been glaring at the table, turned his gaze to Yeon So-hyeon.

The Grand young master then gave a bitter smile and continued speaking, “But considering your position, even that wouldn’t be easy, would it?”

“That is…”

Elder Yeom couldn’t continue his sentence.

It would shake the political stance he had been maintaining as a neutral party.

“You know as well as I do, the Medicine King could have cured your daughter. However…”

Elder Yeom caught Yeon So-hyeon’s words.

“However, to do so, treatment had to be precisely timed to the moment the seizures occurred.”

He sighed.

“But the Medicine King roams the entire continent, and my daughter isn’t in a condition to accompany such a rugged journey.”

Yeon So -Hyeon leaned back comfortably and crossed his legs.

Elder Yeom froze at his words.

His sharp gaze flew toward Yeon So-Hyeon and pinned him.

“You’re saying you’d heal the daughter of a neutral faction elder, who neither supports nor intends to support you? Even if you’ll be criticized?”

Yeon So-hyeon clicked his tongue.

“All I am here is a mere physician.”

And then he chuckled.

“And if I’ve been worried about others’ judgments, do you think I could have lived so freely up to now?”

“…”

Yeon So-Hyeon’s gaze locked onto Elder Yeom.

“Moreover, is now the time for you to be concerned about me?”

True.

Elder Yeom, in avoiding Yeon So-Hyeon’s question, had merely redirected the arrow back at him. 

From the moment Yeon So-Hyeon cured him, especially when he left his daughter in Yeon So-Hyeon’s care to be fully healed, Elder Yeom knew he was at risk of losing his political standing.

Some might say his decision was for the sake of his family, but those who covet his power certainly wouldn’t agree.

“Isn’t it also none of Your Highness’s concern? My political standing is strictly…”

Yeon So-Hyeon, who had risen to his feet, slammed the table.

“That rhetoric!”

The sound was neither loud nor had Yeon So-Hyeon slammed the table hard.

But Elder Yeom barely managed to hold back from jumping on the spot.

“Discard such rhetoric that is only useful in the petty politics of the swordsmen.”

With his years of honed experience and composure, Elder Yeom managed not to avoid Yeon So-Hyeon’s gaze.

“I don’t need any political platitudes or modifiers in my presence.”

Yeon So-Hyeon leaned over the table toward him.

“Don’t dodge my question.”

His voice was calm.

His gaze was utterly devoid of emotion.

Elder Yeom swallowed dryly.

“I am merely a council member and a swordless individual, what about you?”

In front of him, the Grand young master he had not known until now, revealed himself with a smile.

“Can’t you just be a father to a child?”

Elder Yeom could feel the backrest touching his back.

Unbeknownst to him, he had leaned back.

He tried not to look away from Yeon So-Hyeon’s eyes, but it was not easy.

He had come this far, overcoming countless battles and overpowering formidable enemies.

He had accomplished what everyone said would be impossible, held out until his political enemies fell, and held out even more.

“….”

And yet he was being utterly oppressed by a mere seventeen-year-old boy.

A boy he had been deliberately ignoring deep down, who simply stayed at his mother’s residence, reading books, drawing pictures, and fond of helping the poor.

“Ha.”

A smile formed at the edge of the boy’s lips.

It was a blatant sneer.

Yeon So-Hyeon shifted his steps and headed outside.

“Of course, I understand your situation. There’s no need for hasty decisions.”

As he left, he patted the stiffened shoulder of Elder Yeom.

“Do make sure to finish your tea. It’s a waste otherwise.”

Yeon So-Hyeon exited through the door.

Behind Elder Yeom, his voice echoed.

“The aroma is rich, and the flavor is clean. Quite excellent.”

Elder Yeom’s gaze fell on the table.

Yeon So-Hyeon’s cup had long been empty.

In front of him were two untouched cups of tea, glaringly sitting there.

1. 白虎, also known as White Tiger[↩]