Episode 13 Yeo Il kept her eyes closed and recalled her impression of the second son, who had greeted her in a gentle yet unburdensome tone.
Wasn't it said that he currently has the best reputation among the three brothers?
Unlike his two brothers, who possessed outstanding martial foundations, Namgung Chu-myeong was said to have almost no innate talent.
Because the Namgung Clan placed great importance on martial arts, she had heard that he grew up facing contempt during childhood.
Yet his character was said to be excellent, and the affection among the brothers strong. As he matured, he gradually came to be recognized as a legitimate son of the Namgung Clan.
Moreover, at this time—when the Sogaju (Clan Heir), Namgung Jeok-myeong, was receiving public ridicule—Chu-myeong was treated among the clan's relatives as the only ray of sunlight in a rat hole.
Yeo Il quietly stood and bowed toward the direction of his voice.
"I have heard how busy you are, Master Chu-myeong. I am merely grateful that you came to visit without forgetting me."
"Haha. You are quite mature, Soyo. But your attitude is so stiff that it feels as if we are strangers. Why not relax a little?"
"I am embarrassed, but I will try."
After Chang-a served tea and withdrew, Namgung Chu-myeong settled in the opposite chair and asked tentatively,
"Right… I heard that Elder Brother Jeok-myeong called you to Giyeon Pavilion yesterday. Was it uncomfortable?"
"Yes."
"Hm. It seems my question was poorly phrased. From your perspective, it could not have been comfortable."
"I am fine."
She shook her head with a small smile. A long sigh followed.
"I wonder what Elder Brother was thinking… I was quite surprised to hear that he summoned you to such a place when you have not fully recovered. What did you speak of?"
"That is…"
Yeo Il trailed off.
Namgung Chu-myeong let out a bitter laugh.
"Is it difficult to say? Then that is enough. You need not force yourself. I only asked because I was worried about you."
Yeo Il lowered her head without answering.
He came not because of the rumors about me, but because of Namgung Jeok-myeong.
For him, concern for a straying brother took precedence over the bizarre rumors surrounding Namgung Soyo.
She felt that when Namgung Chu-myeong himself was once pointed at by the world, the shadow of Namgung Jeok-myeong that shielded him must have been wide.
"It must be difficult to deal with Elder Brother Jeok-myeong, isn't it? Have you heard the public evaluations disparaging him?"
As Yeo Il lowered her head further, Namgung Chu-myeong sipped his tea and sighed again.
"There is no need to pretend you do not know. It must be circulating within the Clan as well. But… Soyo, Elder Brother is not such a pathetic profligate. His sickness of the heart is merely a grand one. After Father's condition worsened, a great change came over him. Elder Brother followed Father more closely than anyone."
"I see."
She coughed lightly as she answered. Namgung Chu-myeong quickly shifted the topic.
"I heard you have exchanged greetings several times with the third, Hui-myeong."
At that, she became certain.
Namgung Chu-myeong was a man with many eyes and ears.
Since he said "several times"… has he placed his own people even near Namgung Hui-myeong's quarters?
Despite their deep brotherly affection, it seemed complete trust did not exist. Yet since the other party was Namgung Hui-myeong, that was understandable.
"Yes. Thankfully, he visits from time to time to keep me company."
"What? Hui-myeong? Truly?"
Namgung Chu-myeong sounded genuinely surprised. He even tapped the table and burst into laughter.
"Haha! That is surprising indeed! He is not a child who gives his heart easily to strangers. Perhaps blood truly is thicker than water."
"To call us blood relatives would be overly generous."
"Generous? Not at all! Hui-myeong is a bit rough. But until a few years ago, he was quiet. Since Elder Brother began wandering, the youngest was greatly influenced. His heart is kind, but his actions are…"
His voice trailed off, followed by yet another sigh.
"To have brought you into such a disordered household… I am too ashamed to lift my head… cough, cough."
His light cough deepened and continued.
"I am sorry… cough… I have been lacking sleep due to work, so my body is…"
"Please do not say such things. Chang-a?"
At her call, Chang-a hurried over.
"Bring warm licorice tea at once."
"Yes, right away."
In the meantime, Namgung Chu-myeong rose and walked to the window, clearing his throat.
Sensing the movement, Yeo Il opened her eyes slightly and observed his back.
At first, she intended only to memorize his appearance briefly.
But contrary to expectation, her gaze lingered.
Until just before he turned back.
"I feel somewhat better now."
Namgung Chu-myeong returned to his seat.
Yeo Il closed her eyes again, showing no change in expression.
I did not see it wrong.
The faint mark she glimpsed at the back of Namgung Chu-myeong's neck.
That mark was unmistakable.
"Soyo? Have you perhaps fallen asleep?"
She needed a moment to arrange her thoughts.
"No. I was merely in contemplation."
"Contemplation? What troubles you so? Tell this Orabeoni."
"Yesterday… at Giyeon Pavilion."
She felt him hold his breath.
"Master Namgung Jeok-myeong suspected me of being an assassin wearing Namgung Soyo's skin."
"…An assassin?"
"Yes. To be precise, he mentioned Salmak."
After explaining how she dispelled his suspicion, Namgung Chu-myeong's voice twisted.
"Ha! That is absurd!"
He rose abruptly, laughing hollowly.
"I am truly… truly sorry, Soyo. I have no face to show you. How could Elder Brother behave so?"
"It is fine. Though I was greatly surprised."
Yeo Il coughed lightly and continued calmly.
"Still… I could sense Master Jeok-myeong's concern for the Clan's safety. As you said, Master Chu-myeong, the rumors of him being a profligate must be false."
She then added, as though unaware of the implications,
"He said the Gaju's health worsened greatly after being attacked by Salmak. Given my circumstances, he naturally came to suspect me. I was very surprised. How could one once called the Sword King…"
Sword King Namgung Je.
It was a name Yeo Il knew well.
The one who rose to fame during the Orthodox–Demonic War eighteen years ago and inherited the lofty title of Sword King—protector of the Orthodox Faction.
His reputation remained high even among the later generations.
"Father is…"
Namgung Chu-myeong began to speak, then fell silent.
"His condition is indeed poor. I understand Elder Brother's heart, but… I apologize again. I am truly sorry you had to endure that, Soyo."
As expected, he would not reveal more easily.
Yeo Il shook her head serenely.
"No, I am truly fine. Master Jeok-myeong promised to look into traces of my mother in return for interrogating innocent me. That is enough."
"Mother? Ah, right. Since you were separated young, it is only natural to wonder."
"I suppose…"
"Do not worry, Soyo. I will also make inquiries. It may take time, but there is no reason we cannot find her."
"Truly? Such grace… Thank you, Master Chu-myeong. Thank you."
As she bowed repeatedly, Namgung Chu-myeong hurried to raise her.
"There is no need for such formality between siblings. I will take my leave now. I shall visit often, so take care of your health. If anything happens, come to me. You must remember that."
After Namgung Chu-myeong left—
"Seol-yeong."
"Yes."
"You may not know about the others, but never approach Namgung Chu-myeong. Tell Chang-a as well."
"Namgung Chu-myeong? The second? Among the three, he seemed the most reasonable. Is there a problem?"
Of course there was.
Yeo Il recalled the minute trace at the back of his neck—a detail invisible unless one observed closely.
Skin loosened and settled unnaturally.
"He is wearing a human skin mask."
"…What?"
"Not a metaphor. A real human skin mask. He is a fake. Judging by how natural his actions are, the real Namgung Chu-myeong has likely been dead for quite some time."
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