The Ruler of Darkness

Book 8: Chapter 18

The Administrative District, which Yeon So-hyeon and Gong Yo had left.

Mistress Hong-dok, who had been appointed as the head administrator of the Administrative District, was conducting a meeting without even having had the chance to check her own office.

“…Then for this matter, it would be best to respond as the Eldest Young Master has instructed.”

At her words, the attendees nodded in agreement.

There was no one who would dare to argue against a plan that the Eldest Young Master himself had directly provided.

“Then let’s decide to handle it that way and move on to the next agenda…”

Just as the administrative maid of the 4th Young Master, who had been working closely with her for quite some time, was turning the pages of the documents, there was a knock on the office door.

“Madam Office Manager! Urgent news!”

At the shout from outside, Mistress Hong-dok felt her heart sink.

But neither the 4th Young Master nor the Eldest Young Master were here now.

The person in charge was her, herself.

“Let them in.”

A calm and dignified voice.

With the help of her thick makeup, she showed no outward signs of agitation.

“The Sword House Battlefield has accepted part of the request made by some members of the business support team.”

At the messenger’s report, the room buzzed with murmurs.

“My, my. Didn’t we predict that it would take quite some time to review the request?”

“We thought they would at least pretend to review it.”

“It seems like the Sword House Battlefield’s side was just waiting for this to happen.”

It was clear that a significant figure within the Sword House Battlefield was directly intervening.

“Everyone, remain calm.”

At Mistress Hong-dok’s words, everyone closed their mouths and bowed their heads.

“Yes, Madam Office Manager.”

As the office quickly returned to a composed atmosphere, Mistress Hong-dok inwardly marveled.

‘Indeed… there was a good reason why the Grand Librarian strongly recommended these people.’

As Grand Librarian Gong Yo had assured, these individuals were also battle-hardened figures who had experienced all sorts of trials in their respective fields.

“I, this Office Manager, will personally handle the response to this urgent news when the time comes. For now, let’s focus on the current agenda items.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than the attendees acted as if they had forgotten about the urgent news.

“Regarding the next agenda item…”

“In my experience, in situations like this, approaching from a new perspective…”

As they continued their discussion, they occasionally glanced at Mistress Hong-dok.

‘Hmm. She doesn’t show even a hint of agitation after hearing such urgent news.’

‘Indeed… She seems more than capable of fulfilling the role of head administrator. The Eldest Young Master’s skill in employing talent is truly remarkable.’

“That’s an excellent approach based on a fresh perspective. Let’s use that method as the foundation for developing our plan.”

Unaware of the admiration in their gazes, Mistress Hong-dok calmly led the progress of the meeting.

‘Th-thank goodness…!’

She was inwardly swallowing a sigh of relief, careful not to let them notice.

‘Indeed, things are unfolding exactly as the Eldest Young Master predicted…!’

What if she hadn’t had Yeon So-hyeon’s prediction that he had left only for her?

While she might not have shown signs of agitation in front of her new subordinates, she would have been too preoccupied with devising countermeasures to focus on the current meeting.

‘Thank you, Eldest Young Master…!’

It was Yeon So-hyeon’s meticulous consideration to help her quickly adapt to her new duties and gain easy recognition from her new subordinates.

By the time she had inwardly expressed her gratitude to Yeon So-hyeon about ten times, the meeting had concluded.

“Thank you all for your hard work.”

She addressed the attendees as they began to rise from their seats.

“Since this is everyone’s first time working in this Sword House, if you notice even the slightest irregularity, report it to me, the Office Manager, immediately.”

“Yes, Madam Office Manager. Of course.”

As the others were leaving the office, one individual who had remained behind quietly raised his hand.

“Um, Madam Office Manager…”

At his cautious words, Mistress Hong-dok softened her expression and responded gently.

“You were Mr. Yang, the scholar, weren’t you? Someone of your caliber need not raise your hand. Come closer and speak freely.”

“Thank you.”

Mr. Yang carefully began to speak to her, who had already memorized his background and face.

“…As far as I know, the Eldest Young Master’s intelligence organization is supposed to be outside the Sword House.”

“That’s correct.”

The intelligence organization outside the Sword House that he was referring to was likely Hyeonwolgak.

“Then how can even internal information of the Sword House be obtained so quickly and accurately?”

The urgent news that the messenger had brought earlier, and just now, was actually information that only an insider could have known.

‘The Business Support Team’s partial support declaration to halt funding for the Valley of Sin project.’

‘Following that, a request through the Sword House Battlefield to recover all the funds that the Business Support Team had invested in our side.’

‘The Sword House Battlefield’s acceptance of the request made by some members of the Sword House Support Team.’

How on earth did the Eldest Young Master possess an information network that seemed to thoroughly penetrate the Luoyang Sword House?

“Hoho. Come to think of it, Mr. Yang, you were an applicant for the Administrative District’s Information Department, weren’t you?”

At her words, Mr. Yang bowed his head.

“Ah, yes. That’s right. I suppose it’s because my previous work was related to that field…”

He cut off his own words and shook his head.

“Ah! Thinking about it now, this probably wasn’t something I should have asked on my first day here.”

He apologized to her with an embarrassed expression.

“I shouldn’t have brought it up and wasted your precious time, Madam Office Manager. I’m truly sorry.”

“No, no. I think someone of your caliber is certainly qualified to ask such a question.”

It wasn’t an answer given out of sympathy for his apologetic atmosphere.

‘Originally from Henan Province, Central Government Office, Information Security Department. Resigned after conflicting with a superior who was selling leaked government information. Highly capable, high level of trustworthiness.’

In her mind was a confidential report on Mr. Yang’s background.

That report was a collaboration between Gong Yo and Yeon So-hyeon, who had provided personal details of key recruited personnel in advance.

To be precise, Yeon So-hyeon had completed the initial verification of the individuals during brief interviews with each key person.

Jung-ah, the head maid who had remained in the Iron Fortress for security reasons and had not revealed herself, had read the inner thoughts of all those interviewing with Yeon So-hyeon through the Dragon’s Eye.

‘Very tight-lipped and perceptive. Values responsibility highly. A person who will show extreme dedication to the group for the greater cause.’

Of course, even Mistress Hong-dok was unaware of the details regarding Jung-ah.

Previously, Tang Gwihu, the vice patriarch of the Sichuan Tang family, had mentioned Jung-ah’s abilities.

After that, Yeon So-hyeon had further strengthened the information security regarding Jung-ah, which is why she had not shown herself outside.

“Since the Office Manager has said so, I’m truly grateful…! I’ll take my leave now.”

He seemed to be secretly moved by Mistress Hong-dok’s words, expressing his gratitude while perceptively choosing not to ask any further questions and preparing to leave.

‘He’s exactly as the report described.’

Mistress Hong-dok, now confirming that the office was empty except for her administrative maid, spoke to his retreating figure.

“Mr. Yang.”

Inwardly reproaching himself for asking an unnecessary question out of excitement, Mr. Yang quickly responded.

“Ah, yes, please speak.”

“Your thoughts are correct.”

“Pardon…?”

Mistress Hong-dok smiled at him.

“The Eldest Young Master indeed has an excellent intelligence organization within the Sword House that is second to none.”

“Ah…!”

Was it that she had trusted him?

It was just enough information within the permitted range, but it was sufficient to move Mr. Yang’s heart.

“Madam Office Manager! Thank you!”

Watching him leave the office, burning with enthusiasm, Mistress Hong-dok smiled.

‘They said he had a strong desire for recognition because his corrupt superior had constantly nitpicked and harassed him in his work.’

The report was frighteningly accurate.

‘I think I’ll be able to manage well from now on..!’

As she smiled contentedly and leaned back in her chair to stretch, an administrative maid from the secretarial office entered.

“Here are the new approval documents that came in during the meeting time.”

Mistress Hong-dok’s face immediately turned pale at the sight of the stack of documents piled so high that the maid’s face was barely visible.

“Ugh…!”

A moment later, engulfed once again by the wave of documents, she paused while stamping papers.

“Come to think of it…”

She recalled her conversation with Mr. Yang.

‘I too know very little about the Eldest Young Master’s internal information organization within the main family.’

How did Young Master Yeon So-hyeon create an information organization within this highly secure Luoyang Sword House, and how is he still operating it, extracting insider-level information?

Moreover, someone who had been in seclusion until recently?

“Madam Office Manager.”

The administrative maid who had been glancing at her spoke up.

“Your hand has stopped.”

“Ah, I know! I know!”

Shuddering, she returned to her work.

The thought about the information organization had already vanished from her mind.

After all, wasn’t there always something incomprehensible about the Eldest Young Master’s actions?

***

Somewhere in a warehouse of the Luoyang Sword House.

A servant who had delivered food supplies by cart was moving the cargo together with the warehouse servants.

“Whew, that’s the last of it.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

While the warehouse servants who had just exerted themselves gathered in one place, chattering noisily, the servant who had driven the cart was quietly smoking a cheap cigarette nearby.

“Hey, have you heard? They say that Deputy Pavilion Master is running around today like his tail’s on fire.”

“Of course, I’ve heard. We always have to keep an eye on the mood of those with nasty tempers.”

“The Deputy Pavilion Master is in a bad mood today?”

“It’s not so much that he’s in a bad mood, but they say he’s picking fights with every subordinate he sees. Something about important guests being here, or whatnot.”

Realizing that the outsider who had driven the cart was present, those engaged in conversation refrained from saying more.

They too had received basic security training from the Luoyang Sword House, so they didn’t share truly important information even among themselves.

“Well, I’ll be going now. Take care.”

Noticing their cautious glances, the driver who had delivered the supplies got up.

“Take care on your way!”

“Make sure to bring fresh vegetables next time!”

The man, with his cigarette in his mouth, climbed onto the shabby cart and waved goodbye to the warehouse servants.

“Giddyup.”

For a moment, the draft horses that had been enjoying their sweet rest sluggishly began to move.

‘So, the Deputy Pavilion Master is welcoming important guests.’

It didn’t matter that he hadn’t heard who the important guests were.

As a mere nobody, he didn’t even know who the Deputy Pavilion Master was or what kind of person he was.

He just had to report what he had heard and seen.

“Alright, let’s head back, you lot.”

He drove the cart out of the Sword House Battlefield’s food warehouse.

***

“Mr. Park. So, you’re saying a group of guests wearing silk clothes rushed in?”

To the question from a middle-aged maid who was always eager for gossip, a servant who had been cleaning the street straightened his back and answered.

“And it must have been very expensive silk. If I could dress my wife in clothes made of such silk, she’d look no less than a fairy.”

After briefly gossiping about Mr. Park’s wife, the middle-aged maid naturally steered the conversation back.

“Were the clothes worn by those people all of the same style? I suppose they must be from the same family.”

The servant, who had never said such a thing, instinctively contradicted the middle-aged maid’s words.

“What are you talking about? Those old men were all wearing different clothes. There’s no way they could be from the same family.”

This was enough.

‘Old men. Highest quality silk clothes. All from different families.’

The middle-aged maid naturally moved on to the next topic.

***

Although the Luoyang Sword House was thorough with its security training, information exchange was often necessary among those working under the same family.

“So, where did those high-ranking gentlemen in silk clothes come from?”0

A servant hiding in a corner of the back alley, looking left and right, whispered in response.

“I don’t know who they are, but I heard they came from 2nd Young Master’s faction.”

“What’s the evidence that they’re not internal people of the main family?”

“They say each of them arrived in different carriages at the same time.”

The person who had stored the necessary information in their head asked.

“Good. Now it’s your turn to ask.”

The other person cautiously asked.

“As promised, tell me about the preferences of Hyang-dan, the maid at the reception hall. What she likes. And what she dislikes, everything.”

“Hehe. It’s always rewarding to help someone in love.”

“Come on. Enough with the nonsense…!”

***

“Did you write everything down?”

“I wrote it all down.”

There were no greetings.

The cart driver urged his draft horses towards his original destination.

“This is everything. Did you write it all down?”

“I wrote it all down.”

The middle-aged maid headed to the laundry area with a bundle of laundry on her head.

After a while, the person who had been writing down the contents provided by the passersby put the notes in their pocket and left the place.

No one found it strange to see a servant recording in the entry log at the entrance.

***

An old servant who had been pretending to dry glaze on jars laid out by the roadside quietly picked up one of the jars in front of him and started walking.

The old man arrived at an underground space in an empty warehouse.

“…….”

Many people were coming and going underground, but not a single one was talking.

The less you know, the better.

It’s better to know nothing at all than to know even one thing.

“Jar from Hang Street.”

The old man handed over the jar to the receptionist and left.

A maid carrying the jar entered the inner space.

It was an area absolutely off-limits to outsiders.

“Unprocessed information from Hang Street.”

As she poured the contents of the jar onto the desk, scraps of paper containing fragmentary information spilled out.

The maids inside quickly sorted the scraps with nimble hands and began to transcribe them.

They simply transcribed the contents into code according to the codebook.

There was no need to collate or analyze the information.

That wasn’t a job for maids, nor did they have such skills.

There was no reason for any information to leak from their mouths.

This was because all of them, without exception, had been ‘brainwashed’ by someone’s technique.

Thus, the information headed somewhere else.

Somewhere, information gathered like water pooling, and then the collected information moved to yet another place, eventually heading to one destination.

That place was none other than the Steward’s Department of the Luoyang Sword House.

“Head Steward.”

“Come in.”

The figure who held the authority over the education and placement of all subordinates in the Luoyang Sword House, except for those serving the Supreme Head’s family managed by the Inner Court.

The very person who had sent Jung-ah and the maid team to Young Master Yeon So-hyeon in the past.

The Head Steward pointed to a corner of his desk.

“Put it there and go.”

Knowing his temperament, the maid quickly placed the documents and hastily retreated.

“Now, let’s see.”

He pulled out a coded document that had been secretly inserted among the papers.

His eyes moved quickly, scanning the unprocessed information contained within.

‘Patriarchs of powerful families allied with 2nd Young Master’s faction are visiting the Sword House Battlefield. The one greeting them is the Deputy Pavilion Master.’

After burning the coded message in the brazier, he picked up a brush to write a note and called out towards the door.

“Summon a messenger!”

The messenger will pass the sealed note to the Communications Bureau of the Luoyang Sword House, and the Bureau will deliver it outside the Luoyang Sword House. Thus, the front business of Hyeonwolgak that receives the note from the Communications Bureau’s courier will handle it according to security procedures.

The Head Steward didn’t need to know the procedures after that, and therefore didn’t concern himself with them.

In the end, as always, the note would arrive precisely to his lord, Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.

And according to his judgment, the information would be passed on to those who need it.