Chapter 627
Chapter 627
Chapter 627. The Sword Tomb of Chungyeong Fortress (6)
So right now, Young Master Yeon Yoomun was thinking that the Emperor sending a princess and pushing for a marriage was some kind of test or scheme.
No, why?
For a moment, that question occurred to me, but soon I nodded.
Because from his position, it was entirely possible to think that way.
The imperial envoys who came to Chungyeong Fortress had exploited them, and not only that, they had violated his younger sister and driven her to take her own life.
But the Emperor had not resolved it.
Only after the matter broke out involving Prince Ju Hyeon did the Emperor send the Royal Guards to resolve it, but the Magistrate had his arm cut off, and Young Master Yeon Yoomun had suffered great humiliation at their hands.
If I had not intervened, they would have met a terrible end, just like in my previous life.
Thinking of it this way, the Emperor really does look like a bad bastard.
But from the Emperor’s position, it was also unfair, because that incident happened because of the Royal Guards he had trusted.
Even so, since it was the Emperor who had dispatched the envoys who exploited Chungyeong Fortress and the Royal Guards, Young Master Yeon Yoomun, who would inherit the position of Magistrate of Chungyeong Fortress, had no choice but to feel uneasy.
He would also suspect that perhaps they were trying to eliminate them under the pretext that he had coveted a princess.
That was why he was asking like this.
“I cannot say I do not understand your unease, Young Master. But this time, you do not need to be anxious.” (Eun Seoho)
“Does that mean it is not a trap?” (Yeon Yoomun)
“That is correct. In truth, the previous matter was shocking to His Majesty the Emperor as well. If you think about it, he nearly lost his son because of subjects he trusted, did he not?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is true.” (Yeon Yoomun)
“His Majesty the Emperor wishes for his hand to reach throughout the whole empire. That is why he has sent the Princess here.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“And the Princess who has come this time is one of those whom His Majesty the Emperor particularly cherishes. She is that intelligent, so she will certainly not bring harm to Chungyeong Fortress.” (Eun Seoho)
I smiled.
“And who would dare try anything foolish in a place where the Princess resides? If they did, it would not be a simple bribery charge, but a charge of treason, and they would receive the severest punishment.” (Eun Seoho)
At my explanation, he nodded.
“Now that I hear it, that is true. But……” (Yeon Yoomun)
He trailed off as though worried about something.
“Working in the Imperial Palace must be difficult, right?” (Yeon Yoomun)
“Yes?” (Eun Seoho)
“Once this matter is over, I must also go to the Imperial Palace. He said he would help me stay at the Imperial Palace for about three years and develop practical administrative ability. He asked what use there would be in a man who would become a Prince Consort if he had no practical ability……” (Yeon Yoomun)
He soon looked up at the sky with a gloomy face, and seeing that, I was left speechless.
Well, His Majesty the Emperor is a frightening person.
No matter what circumstances there were, he would not have made someone lacking into the spouse of a princess he cherished.
He must be pushing this marriage because the sprout looks fresh and green.
Huh? Then that means he is taking the son of the Magistrate of Chungyeong Fortress as a hostage and making thorough use of him.
“…….”
I reached out, patted his shoulder, and said,
“Please do not worry too much. He is someone who has mastered exactly how much to work a person without killing them from overwork. You will not die from overwork.” (Eun Seoho)
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After eating breakfast, we immediately began searching the Sword Tomb.
The most important thing was investigating the entrance, exit, and the like.
That was handled by the experts belonging to the imperial family who had come with us.
By the way, I was curious why the imperial family had experts with the skills needed to explore tombs, so I asked Captain Kwon Jik.
“Ah, that is……” (Kwon Jik)
Captain Kwon gladly explained.
“There are more grave robbers than you might think. Since they did that work so much, they ended up becoming experts.” (Kwon Jik)
“Ah…… I-I see.” (Eun Seoho)
That is certainly a reason one cannot laugh at.
“We have found the entrance to the Sword Tomb.” (Cha Geoyi)
At that moment, Master Craftsman Cha Geoyi, who was serving as the leader of the experts, approached us and spoke.
“It seems there truly was a Sword Tomb. Where is it?” (Kwon Jik)
“I will guide you there.” (Cha Geoyi)
We headed to the place where they said the entrance to the Sword Tomb was.
Huh? This place is?
When I saw that place, I blinked.
This is the very place where Young Master Yeon Yoomun brought me this morning and consulted me about his worries, isn’t it?
In other words, it meant it was inside the fortress.
And within the inner fortress at that.
So this is why those people tried to seize Chungyeong Fortress or smash it apart.
Because in order to enter the Sword Tomb, they needed to deal with the people who originally governed Chungyeong Fortress.
“We are currently looking for a smaller passage.” (Cha Geoyi)
Master Craftsman Cha looked certain there was another entrance.
So I asked,
“It would be good if there were another entrance, but would there really be one?” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course.” (Cha Geoyi)
Master Craftsman Cha answered.
“Places like Sword Tombs, for the most part, have no choice but to have two entrances. After going to the trouble of installing traps or mechanism formations, coming back out the same way is no different from breaking a finely crafted piece of pottery. Unless they intended to die inside, there must be an exit through which they could leave without damaging the work.” (Cha Geoyi)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
About one double-hour had passed since we received the message and arrived at the entrance to the Sword Tomb.
Then I heard someone shout.
“Here! We found the dog hole!” (Craftsman)
Dog hole?
As though he had noticed my question, Master Craftsman Cha said,
“We call another entrance a dog hole.” (Cha Geoyi)
“Well, it is a fitting name.” (Eun Seoho)
“Then we will begin the next task.” (Cha Geoyi)
“Do so.” (Kwon Jik)
At Master Craftsman Cha’s words, Captain Kwon nodded, and Master Craftsman Cha headed toward the entrance to the Sword Tomb.
A moment later, Captain Kwon spoke quietly.
“By the way, thank you.” (Kwon Jik)
“Yes?” (Eun Seoho)
“Young Master Yeon seems to have made up his mind.” (Kwon Jik)
Ah, he is talking about the marriage with the Princess.
But this was not a matter where it would be good to show that I knew.
“I do not know what you are talking about in detail.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hoho. You do not need to play innocent. I already know that Young Master Yeon Yoomun consulted you about his worries. I heard you encouraged him.” (Kwon Jik)
“Ah…….” (Eun Seoho)
I scratched the back of my neck.
What did I say again?
I said he would not die from overwork, but did he think that was encouragement?
“Because he seemed frightened after experiencing something so dreadful, I only cleared up that misunderstanding.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see. But…… you are not surprised.” (Kwon Jik)
“What do you mean?” (Eun Seoho)
“Did you not realize that Officer Seo Im’s identity was the Princess?” (Kwon Jik)
At those words, I put on a surprised expression.
“Huk! Is that true?” (Eun Seoho)
“……You truly seem surprised, but it is not as if I do not know you. And His Majesty the Emperor also said you would already have realized it. So when did you realize?” (Kwon Jik)
“I realized it on the first day.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ahem, I-I see.” (Kwon Jik)
I had thought searching the Sword Tomb would mean pushing forward by running into things here and there, but the experts’ movements were more systematic than I had expected.
“Judging by the shape of this entrance, it seems that as soon as one enters, something heavy falls from above.” (Expert)
“But we do not know if it activates when the entrance is opened, or if it senses weight and activates.” (Expert)
“Then throw in a decoy.” (Kwon Jik)
“Yes.” (Expert)
They opened the door and threw in a sandbag prepared as a decoy, similar in weight to a person.
Thud!
Just as they expected, a heavy stone structure fell from above.
If we had opened the door and gone in knowing nothing, we would have been flattened just like that.
Ugh…… it is horrifying just to think about.
“Then let us clear this rock away.” (Cha Geoyi)
“Yes!” (Stone Masons)
At that, the stone masons rushed in and split the rock, and thus a safe entryway was made.
So this is why they are experts in exploring tombs and Sword Tombs.
Because imperial tombs and Sword Tombs are much the same in structure.
The saying that leather should be entrusted to a leatherworker and bowls to a potter exists for a reason.
“We are entering!” (Kwon Jik)
Soon, the entry began, and the warriors were divided into two groups: two thirds would enter, while the rest would remain outside and prepare for any unforeseen situation.
“Young Master Eun.” (Kwon Jik)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“Are you thinking of entering as well?” (Kwon Jik)
At Captain Kwon’s words, I nodded.
“Yes. Of course.” (Eun Seoho)
“It may be dangerous.” (Kwon Jik)
“I came prepared for that much.” (Eun Seoho)
“Well, I suppose so. And considering your skill, you may be safer than we are. Understood. Do as you wish.” (Kwon Jik)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
Having received permission to enter from Captain Kwon like that, I called over my party.
“From now on, I intend to enter the Sword Tomb. So we need to decide who will remain here. We need two people.” (Eun Seoho)
“…….”
But no one answered.
All of them had eyes that said they would follow me no matter what happened.
“I absolutely! will enter together with you, Young Master, sir.” (Palgap)
“What are you talking about? You have to stay here.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes? What kind of saddening thing is that to say, sir?” (Palgap)
“If I go inside there, then who will take care of the supplies for the people here in my stead?” (Eun Seoho)
“Vice Officer Gwak is here, sir.” (Palgap)
“Then who will help Vice Officer Gwak?” (Eun Seoho)
“……Me, sir.” (Palgap)
“Yes. That is right.” (Eun Seoho)
In an instant, Palgap became as dejected as a bear whose ears had drooped.
“It is because it is you that I can trust Vice Officer Gwak and leave things to you. If you act like that without knowing how I feel, my heart hurts so much……” (Eun Seoho)
And I sneakily pretended to wipe away tears.
“N-no, sir! I was short-sighted, sir!” (Palgap)
Seeing me like that, Palgap quickly corrected himself.
“Of course! Only if I, your reliable servant, remain here will you be free of worry, Young Master.” (Palgap)
“You know well. I will leave it to you.” (Eun Seoho)
I turned my head and looked at the warriors. Thanks to Palgap, it seemed the tension had slightly eased.
The Myeongjong warrior was the first to open his mouth.
“First of all, I believe Warrior Jin Yu must go. And for your safety, my liege, please take mostly those of high realm with you.” (Myeongjong Warrior)
But his face was full of regret.
As though he disliked this situation where he himself was telling me to leave him behind.
After thinking for a moment, I called out the warriors’ names.
“I will take Warrior Jin Yu, Warrior Myeongjong, Warrior Chang Un, and Warrior Yi Pil with me.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes?” (Everyone)
Everyone’s eyes widened as if my words were unexpected.
Because they all looked puzzled, I calmly explained.
“This experience will become a great experience for all of you.” (Eun Seoho)
If I always brought only those of high realm, the lower-realm escort warriors would have nothing to learn.
So through this opportunity, I wanted them to build experience as well.
Of course, it was dangerous, but as a warrior, one could not grow by only avoiding danger.
Besides, since Sword Tomb experts and the Royal Guards would be with us, it should not be that dangerous.
Also, Warrior Seo U and Warrior Yeo Eungam had work they needed to stay here and do.
I sent a sound transmission to the two warriors, and at my transmission, they nodded.
“Then prepare to depart.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Warriors)
And when I turned my head toward Miss Seo Hyang, she said,
“Please take care of yourself.” (Seo Hyang)
“I understand.” (Eun Seoho)
“And……” (Seo Hyang)
She told me something in a small voice, and I smiled.
“Thank you for the advice.” (Eun Seoho)
Doom, doom, doom!
Along with the sound of drums, Captain Kwon Jik’s voice came from behind.
“We are entering now!” (Kwon Jik)
“Yes!” (Everyone)
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.
.
We carefully went inside.
Since the craftsmen in charge of the exploration had already opened up the path to some degree, moving around was quite easy.
Each person who entered the Sword Tomb had a role.
First, the craftsmen dismantled traps or mechanism formations and opened the path.
And if force was ever needed, the craftsmen would be sent back, and the Royal Guards would step forward and face it.
The workers who had come in with us prepared meals or carried loads as they moved.
Since I was in charge of supplying goods, my role was to command those workers.
The inside of the Sword Tomb was quite dark, so we had to move while holding torches.
Holding that torch, I walked in front of the porters and touched the wall they had confirmed to be safe.
Even though we were underground, I could not feel the distinctive dampness.
If so, that meant the person who made this Sword Tomb was a considerably skilled technician.
Ordinary Sword Tombs had problems because of the moisture that filled them inside, but even though a very long time had passed, there was almost no moisture.
And in Yunnan Province, with its damp climate, at that.
What is this Sword Tomb really for?
For what purpose did they put in this much effort? They must have spent an enormous amount of money, time, and effort to build this Sword Tomb, so why?
Holding those questions, I followed the line ahead. And I sent a sound transmission to Geumryeong.
* Geumryeong. (Eun Seoho)
* Kkui? (Geumryeong)
* If there is anything expensive here, let me know. (Eun Seoho)
* Kkui? Kku? (Geumryeong)
* Are you asking if I will give you silver, then? Of course I will. (Eun Seoho)
* Kkui! (Geumryeong)
I felt Geumryeong, who had finished negotiating with me, excitedly wagging her tail inside my sleeve.
After walking like that for one double-hour.
It was about time we were slowly starting to get hungry.
“Young Master Eun. Prepare the meal.” (Kwon Jik)
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
Captain Kwon Jik announced a rest to everyone, and the workers prepared the meal according to my command.
Since it was not exactly a situation where we could eat leisurely, and because we could not cook a proper meal, we had to eat jerky, dried fruit, and tea.
“I apologize that what we have prepared is modest.” (Eun Seoho)
“Why say such a thing?” (Cha Geoyi)
Master Craftsman Cha said,
“Even this much is a feast. In the tomb we went into before, we only chewed raw rice.” (Cha Geoyi)
“Old man! The nightmare of that time is coming back again!” (Craftsman)
“Haha. My apologies.” (Cha Geoyi)
I smiled back at their conversation and glanced toward Captain Kwon Jik.
The Royal Guards were also eating without any complaints.
Well, since they must go hungry at times during missions, they would not feel any aversion to this simple meal.
After finishing the meal, we began exploring again.
Had we walked another two double-hours like that? Even so, the destination was nowhere in sight.
Seeing that Geumryeong was quiet, it seems we still have quite a way to go.
“I think it would be fine to rest our eyes here for a while.” (Cha Geoyi)
“Understood.” (Kwon Jik)
Since it was a clearing wider than the path we had taken, we decided to rest our eyes here for a while.
“And you must not touch anything other than what we have said is safe.” (Cha Geoyi)
“We will be careful.” (Kwon Jik)
I asked the workers to prepare the meal.
It was then.
Drrrrrrr.
Suddenly, the Sword Tomb began to shake.