Myst, Might, Mayhem

Chapter 13

‘How can this be…’

Physician Noh couldn’t hide his astonishment as he checked the pulse.

Just this morning, it seemed as if the Manor Master’s pulse would stop at any moment.

But now, there was vitality as his pulse beat.

In just a few hours.

‘His complexion has improved too.’

The symptoms of unknown cause had all disappeared.

Although he had weakened somewhat from lying unconscious in bed for a long time, there was a high possibility of recovery if he recuperated well.

However,

‘The problem is his consciousness.’

The Manor Master had been unconscious for quite a while.

Because he hadn’t regained consciousness, the Yeon Mok Sword Manor was in turmoil over the issue of succession.

Since he was recovering, there was a high probability of him waking up, but it was uncertain when that would be.

If something were to happen to him before then…

‘…’

At that moment, a sharp female voice reached his ears.

“How is he?”

Physician Noh slowly raised his head.

The voice belonged to the first wife, Lady Seok.

Her expression was different from usual.

Just this morning, her eyes were filled with arrogance and determination.

Physician Noh had felt an ominous premonition.

‘Something is off.’

Physician Noh sensed that the situation was unusual.

When he had hurried here, the Manor Master’s arm was severed, and the surroundings were filled with traces of sorcery, such as talismans and red threads.

But the diviner who had performed the sorcery was found dead.

The third young master was involved in the process.

‘What is happened is happening?’

Physician Noh cautiously observed Lady Seok’s eyes.

Her eyes were trembling strangely.

It was the kind of reaction that would appear when something had gone wrong.

‘Things must not have gone as planned.’

Although the Manor Master’s arm was severed, his complexion had improved significantly.

As Lady Seok was also a martial artist, she would have learned martial arts and be able to assess his condition to some extent.

If so, she would have already noticed that the situation had improved compared to the morning.

Yet, she showed no signs of joy, which meant…

‘Could it be that she wasn’t trying to heal him through the diviner, but rather plotting something with sorcery?’

It wasn’t farfetched to think so.

Everyone knew that the Manor Master was considering the youngest young master, Mok Yu-cheon, as his successor.

In fact, from the perspective of the first wife, she wouldn’t want the Manor Master to wake up.

“Has his condition improved a bit?”

When Lady Seok asked again, Physician Noh hesitated for a moment.

In this room, there were only the two of them.

If he were to tell her that the Manor Master would wake up soon, he feared that Lady Seok might do something unexpected.

After pondering, Physician Noh cautiously spoke.

“…His complexion has brightened, and his pulse has improved, but his condition is still poor. It’s because the illness has been prolonged. It’s best to consider it as a momentary resurgence before death.”

“Ah…”

Momentary resurgence before death.

It was a saying that referred to a brief surge of vitality before death, likening it to the sky brightening momentarily just before sunset.

In fact, it wasn’t true, but he deliberately said so.

However,

‘Ha.’

Physician Noh was inwardly exasperated.

Although she let out a sigh as if she was saddened, Lady Seok’s expression and eyes were closer to relief.

It was undoubtedly because she didn’t want the Manor Master to recover.

Physician Noh looked at the Manor Master and spoke inwardly.

‘Manor Master… There’s no time. You must wake up.’

Otherwise, there was no telling what Lady Seok might do.

***

Lady Seok, the first wife, regained her usual arrogant expression as she stepped outside.

As she exited to the wooden porch, Inner Manor Master Jang Myeong-in, the one-eyed female warrior Ho-ang who served as her escort, and two maids were waiting for her.

Lady Seok approached Inner Manor Master Jang Myeong-in and spoke.

“Is the cause of death certain?”

In response to that question, Inner Manor Master Jang Myeong-in nodded and quietly replied.

“It’s certain. He didn’t die from physical trauma. I’ve seen countless corpses for a long time, but that…”

Jang Myeong-in gestured with his eyes to where the corpse of the dead diviner Myo-sin lay.

It was covered with a rough cloth, but the exposed skin was grotesquely bulging with veins.

Even she had never seen such a corpse before.

Lady Seok turned her head away from the corpse and asked in a low voice.

“What did they say?”

“According to the escort warrior, he came to visit the sick.”

“Visit the sick…”

“Yes. Then the diviner went berserk as if possessed by something, severed the Manor Master’s arm, and tried to kill him.”

“…What a mess.”

“I apologize. I should have at least guarded the entrance of the pavilion…”

Jang Myeong-in bowed and apologized.

She shook her head at this.

“What can be done about what has already happened? But do you really think so?”

“What do you mean by ‘think so’?”

“Do you really believe that the child came to visit the sick and accidentally discovered it?”

“…Based on the state of the corpse and the circumstances, it seems to be the case.”

“Seems to be?”

“Young Master Mok Gyeong-un even suffered an injury where his thigh was pierced by a sword. The bleeding was severe, and it could have been dangerous.”

From Jang Myeong-in’s perspective, that was the case.

An injury of that degree was difficult to self-inflict.

If it had been a slight cut by a sword without danger or minimal bleeding, it could be doubted, but this left no room for suspicion.

“…”

Despite this explanation, she still didn’t let go of her doubtful gaze.

Seeing this, Jang Myeong-in understood.

It was because she viewed all the young masters, except for the eldest, unfavorably.

At that moment, she asked.

“Where is that child now?”

“Pardon?”

“I’m talking about Mok Gyeong-un.”

“Ah, I hurriedly stopped the bleeding for the third young master, but I sent him to the infirmary for treatment.”

“The infirmary?”

“Yes.”

Her gaze turned towards the infirmary located on the west side of the main building.

Soon, her footsteps followed her gaze.

***

‘A pleasant scent.’

Mok Gyeong-un sniffed and smiled.

The scent of various medicinal herbs, which he hadn’t smelled in a long time since descending the mountain, immersed him in nostalgia.

Memories of following his grandfather to gather medicinal herbs.

Recalling those fresh and beautiful memories, conflicting emotions welled up in a corner of his heart once again.

-…

The Demonic Monk’s eyes, with only white pupils, flickered with interest.

It was influenced by the intense killing intent.

Ordinary killing intent wasn’t particularly influential to ghosts, but what emanated from Mok Gyeong-un was different.

It was so intense that even ghosts found it unpleasant.

It was a darkness qualitatively different from the resentment created by the environment.

It was almost primitive in nature.

-…

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un asked in a low voice.

“So, did you find it?”

-…

The Demonic Monk nodded in response to that question.

“Where is it?”

The Demonic Monk pointed to a wall filled with medicinal herb drawers.

At first glance, the entire wall seemed to be filled with drawers for storing medicinal herbs.

But the Demonic Monk pointed there.

The medicinal herb drawer that the Demonic Monk pointed to had ‘O-yang[1]‘ written on it.

When the bark of the parasol tree[2] was dried in a shaded place for a long time, it became a medicinal herb called O-yang, which wasn’t commonly used.

‘It makes sense.’

They deliberately targeted a medicinal herb drawer that wasn’t frequently used.

The reason Mok Gyeong-un had the Demonic Monk confirm this was because of the words that had come from the Manor Master’s mouth.

[Medicinal… Hall… Underground… (丁, jeong)… stone… door… inside…]

However, there was no entrance leading underground inside the infirmary.

He had expected that to be the case.

If it was a valuable item that a woman like the first wife would target, there was no way it would be placed where everyone could see it.

‘Well, I’ll find out when I check.’

Mok Gyeong-un surveyed his surroundings.

Currently, the infirmary was filled with people working there, including the pharmacist.

With many eyes watching and ears listening, it seemed difficult to verify.

It seemed that he would have to wait until late at night.

Just then,

-Creak!

The one who opened the door and entered the infirmary was none other than Guard Go Chan.

Go Chan approached Mok Gyeong-un.

Mok Gyeong-un said to him.

“You’re a bit late.”

At those words, Go Chan almost frowned for a moment.

The task Mok Gyeong-un had assigned him wasn’t as simple as fetching water.

It wasn’t a task that could be done in an instant, yet he complained about being late. It was truly unfair.

“Where is it?”

In response to Mok Gyeong-un’s question, Go Chan took out two books from his bosom.

“Only two books?”

Go Chan grumbled at Mok Gyeong-un’s disappointed tone.

“These were secretly removed before they were burned.”

“Before they were burned?”

“Yes, the escort warriors guarding the main building are burning the diviner’s bookshelf and all his belongings.”

“Oh, really?”

Mok Gyeong-un clicked his tongue regretfully at those words.

He had been interested in the diviner’s sorcery and wanted to examine the books he possessed.

But among the many books, only two were salvaged.

‘Synopsis of Various Philosophers: Basic Writings of the School of Yin and Yang[3]? Introductory Writings on the Strange and Unusual[4]?’

Those were the titles of the two books.

Go Chan had managed to remove the two thickest books among the ones he had seen.

It seemed he would have to be satisfied with these, as disappointing as it was.

“Good work.”

“But Young Master… why do you need the books the diviner had…”

Go Chan stopped mid-sentence.

Then he put the books he was about to hand over to Mok Gyeong-un back into his bosom.

Mok Gyeong-un looked at him with a puzzled expression, wondering why he did that.

But soon, he understood the reason.

-Step back for a moment.

-Yes.

As new footsteps approached from outside the infirmary and said something, the escort warriors guarding the entrance vacated their positions.

-Creak!

As the door opened, someone revealed themselves.

It was a middle-aged lady dressed in fancy attire adorned with precious metals.

Go Chan, surprised, bowed his head and greeted her.

“Greetings to the First Madam.”

‘First Madam?’

She was none other than Lady Seok, the first wife of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor.

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes flickered with interest.

She was the woman mentioned in the information file given by Guard Gam.

It was stated that Lady Seok, the first madam, was more dangerous and needed more caution than the eldest young master, Mok Yeong-ho.

She was from the martial arts family of Jinhua Seokga Clan and had considerable martial arts skills. She was also described as a cunning woman.

‘Oh my…’

Go Chan was equally perplexed by her appearance.

Although Mok Gyeong-un’s appearance was indistinguishable from the real one, Guard Gam had strongly advised to avoid meeting people from the Mok family as much as possible to prevent any unexpected situations.

“It is the First Madam’s order. Everyone, leave.”

At the command of Hoang, the one-eyed female warrior escorting Lady Seok, everyone in the infirmary went outside.

-Rustle rustle!

As everyone was sent out, Guard Go Chan sensed that something was wrong.

He had never directly clashed with her, so he had no idea what this was about.

At that very moment,

Lady Seok approached Mok Gyeong-un, who had only raised his upper body on the bed.

Go Chan hurriedly gestured with his eyes.

‘Greet her. Greet her.’

Understanding this, Mok Gyeong-un clasped his hands together and bowed his head in greeting.

“Please forgive me for not being able to stand up due to my injured leg.”

He greeted her better than expected.

However, the critical point was from here on.

The stark difference between the fake and the real one was the voice and manner of speaking.

Fortunately, this fake Mok Gyeong-un had a similar voice to the dead real Mok Gyeong-un, so it sounded somewhat similar during practice, but he was worried if it would work.

‘Although the young masters, except for the eldest, rarely have direct encounters with the First Madam…’

Lady Seok was more sensitive and suspicious than expected.

If they were exposed here, the worst situation might unfold.

At that moment, Lady Seok, who had approached right in front of him, spoke.

“I’m not here just to receive a mere greeting.”

‘Phew…’

For a moment, Go Chan almost let out a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, it seemed that Lady Seok hadn’t noticed.

It seemed that the fake was more indistinguishable from the real one than expected.

It was still like walking on thin ice, but if they didn’t make mistakes, they could overcome this moment…

-Squeeze!

‘!?’

Go Chan’s eyes widened.

It was because Lady Seok suddenly pressed on Mok Gyeong-un’s injured thigh.

Mok Gyeong-un lowered his head as if in pain and let out a groan.

“Argh!”

‘D-shit!’

Go Chan couldn’t hide his perplexity at the sight.

It seemed that the issue wasn’t whether he was real or fake.

Judging by her attitude, she was suspicious of whether Mok Gyeong-un was truly injured or not.

“What did you see and hear there?”

-Squeeze!

“Ugh!”

Lady Seok pressed even harder on Mok Gyeong-un’s wound and spoke.

Seeing this, Go Chan couldn’t sit still.

That crazy bastard couldn’t possibly endure the pain.

But if he made a slip of the tongue in this situation, not only would it arouse the First Madam’s suspicion, but it would also make her an enemy.

“Madam! There seems to be some misunderstanding…”

-Shing!

As Go Chan stepped forward to stop her, Hoang, Lady Seok’s escort warrior, drew her sword and pointed it at his neck.

“Don’t interfere.”

‘Damn that wench!’

Go Chan was at a loss for what to do.

If he couldn’t speak, Mok Gyeong-un had to handle this situation alone.

Now, he had to endure and lower his head to escape this situation.

Hoang, the escort warrior of Lady Seok, was glaring at him, so he couldn’t even exchange glances or mouth words anymore.

-Squeeze!

At that moment, Lady Seok pressed even harder on Mok Gyeong-un’s thigh and urged.

“You may not know, but it’s rare for a diviner with that level of skill to die by being possessed by an evil spirit while performing sorcery. Yet you say that the diviner was possessed by something, severed the Manor Master’s wrist, and tried to harm him, but you stopped it? Did you think I would easily believe…”

-Snicker!

Lady Seok furrowed her brows at the sound coming from Mok Gyeong-un’s mouth.

Just a moment ago, he had been in pain.

But did he just sneer now?

If she hadn’t misheard, that was the sound of a sneer.

“You… Did you just…”

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un slowly raised his head.

Seeing Mok Gyeong-un smiling with the corners of his mouth lifted, Lady Seok was momentarily dumbfounded.

Had this fellow gone insane?

‘No, what are you doing now?’

Guard Go Chan was equally perplexed.

In a situation where he should be keeping his head down to avoid suspicion, what was he doing?

As expected, Lady Seok spoke in a voice filled with anger.

“If you truly…”

“Let’s not waste each other’s energy on pointless things.”

“What?”

“You need the Manor Master’s seal, don’t you?”

‘!?’