A Night at the Manor — Identity
The two moved to a circular building on the western wing of the manor.
A kitchen adjoined it, allowing food to be brought out quickly, and doors opened in all directions so people could approach with ease.
"It is late, so I have brought you here. The other halls are closed for the night. This is where those on night watch stop by to eat."
"I have fasted for a day. I will not stand on ceremony."
"It is not proper to receive a young general in such a place… I ask your understanding."
The moment the words left her lips, Surim realized her mistake.
Sowoon's expression changed.
Young general.
It was the name the barbarian forces of Gateukrip had used for him.
If she knew that title, then she knew not only his identity but also that of Jin Mugwang and the others.
Tension sharpened in him.
I let my guard down.
His sword rested at his waist.
If necessary, he would draw it.
A cold light flickered in his eyes.
He himself did not realize how it changed him, but Surim felt her breath catch.
"A young general? What do you mean by that?"
She stiffened as well.
She had revealed too much.
"No… I only meant that your martial skill is outstanding."
The words could not mend what was already spilled.
Sowoon read the tremor in her voice.
Ordinarily he seemed simple, even dull.
But when tension rose, he became sharp as a blade.
He drew in a long breath and surveyed the room.
Two by the doorway.
Two women in the kitchen.
One at the dining entrance.
If needed, he could cut them down.
He calculated it calmly.
If they knew he was part of the war,
rumors would fly faster than arrows.
If they already knew, then danger had already begun.
"Speak plainly. Was that word truly spoken without thought? 'Young general.'"
His gaze pierced her.
She understood then that he was no ordinary boy.
The edge in him was chilling.
Her earlier questions—about his origin, his weapon—had been exposed as what they were: an attempt to confirm whether he was the famed young commander of the expeditionary army.
"I only meant that your skill—"
"Enough."
His voice was low but hard.
"You must speak truthfully. If you continue to lie, I may be forced to wash this entire manor in blood. Tell me what you know, and what you intend."
He meant the entire manor.
He had both the will and the strength.
If this place hindered the general's path, he would erase it.
They had traveled far in secrecy.
If exposed here, all effort would be undone.
Silence fell between them.
Surim sensed he truly could do it.
"We have little time," he continued. "Before Uncle Gunmyeong returns with the others, I require confirmation. Speak of what you know and why you chose to treat us as guests."
He inhaled again.
Though his sword remained sheathed, a faint blue aura rippled along his shoulders and arms.
Surim understood the gravity of her error.
She had seen him only as a youth.
That misjudgment now threatened everything.
His posture straightened.
His back aligned.
The blue radiance shimmered like cold flame.
It was not mere intimidation—it was intent.
"I will tell you everything," she said. "And first I promise: we mean you no harm. We know who you are. You are elite soldiers of the Northern Expedition returning home. Jin Mugwang, the great general of Henan. You changed direction during your return—this is our conjecture—but we believe the imperial court is pursuing you. The rumor of the young general has spread widely. A youth riding a great horse, wielding a long halberd, defeating the barbarians without defeat. That youth stands before me. I confirmed it through my questions. And from that, I understood you travel with General Jin Mugwang."
"Then explain why this does not harm us."
"If one speaks honestly, there must be reason," she replied steadily. "The enemy of my enemy is not my enemy. We are not allies. We are not one faction. But we will not strike each other. We have reason to oppose the current imperial house. I cannot speak in detail. Just as you conceal your truth, we must also live hidden."
Sowoon's thoughts raced.
"Are you guilty of high treason?"
"It may appear so. We have not committed such acts. But our mere existence may be judged as such."
"You understand that we have not committed treason."
"Of course. Yet you are treated worse than traitors. You have already survived several assassination attempts, have you not?"
Some tension left him.
If they stood opposed to the imperial house, they would not betray him.
"Then tell me plainly. Who are you? What is this manor?"
Surim's expression grew sorrowful.
"That I cannot reveal. On that matter, I ask your understanding."
His aura intensified.
The blue current from his hand spread up his arm.
He was circulating his inner discipline.
I will kill them. All of them.
Surim saw the conclusion in his eyes and spoke softly:
"If you do, the entire manor will die."
The threat did not sound like a child's bluff.
It sounded real.