In the Same Boat (1)
“Enough with the nonsense. Let Sa Ma-gun-sa go.”
As always, Ma Bong-gi was brutally honest about his feelings. Today, however, his words were more intense than usual.
“Even patience has its limits. You might see me as a scarecrow, but at least I’m a scarecrow that can cut your throat.”
“It wasn’t us.”
Ma Bong-gi was taken aback by the unexpected response. Ju Cheol-ryong’s expression remained calm, as if he hadn’t misspoken.
“Us? So you’re finally admitting it.”
For the first time, Ju Cheol-ryong acknowledged the presence of a hidden force. His demeanor shifted, losing its previous politeness, and he now looked at Ma Bong-gi with a more intimidating gaze, as if they were negotiating a deal.
Naturally, Ma Bong-gi was deeply displeased.
‘You know nothing about me. If you thought I’d end my days indulging in women after this humiliation, you’re gravely mistaken.’
Ma Bong-gi decided to ignore Ju Cheol-ryong’s attitude. In the end, this fight would only conclude with either his death or theirs, so it didn’t matter if they hurled insults or acted out.
“So, it’s not you? Then why has the head of the disciplinary hall suddenly gone mad?”
“I don’t know.”
“What do you know? You sent people to Jeong-ui-gak, didn’t you? Why not send them to the disciplinary hall too?”
“Perhaps I should.”
“What?”
“I suspect Sa Ma-cheon might have discovered our existence.”
Ju Cheol-ryong used the word “our” again.
“So? Planning to clip my wings while you’re at it?”
“I told you, it wasn’t us. Besides, Sa Ma-cheon is too insignificant to be considered a wing.”
The word “insignificant” made Ma Bong-gi’s expression turn icy. It was an insult to him as well, given how long he’d kept Sa Ma-cheon by his side.
Ma Bong-gi relaxed his expression. He was so angry that he couldn’t help but laugh.
“That’s fine. I’m insignificant too. If you won’t do it, I’ll order his release myself.”
“If the leader interferes with the disciplinary hall’s affairs, you’ll lose the trust of your subordinates.”
“That’s fine. No one trusts me anyway.”
“Very well. Speak directly to him.”
“Him?”
“I’ll arrange for you to meet the person you’ve been wanting to see.”
Ma Bong-gi’s lips curled into a smile. Finally, the offer to meet the mastermind had come.
“But…”
The condition that followed was a blow to Ma Bong-gi’s pride.
“The leader must go to him.”
Crack.
The handle of the sword in Ma Bong-gi’s hand shattered again.
“You lunatic!”
Ma Bong-gi unleashed his killing intent. No matter how angry he had been before, he had never directed such intent at Ju Cheol-ryong.
Going to him would mean acknowledging his inferiority. It wasn’t just about pride; who knew what might happen once he got there?
Ju Cheol-ryong, unfazed, spoke coldly.
“The choice is yours, leader.”
He bowed politely and turned to leave.
Bang! Crash! Bang!
As he walked away, the sword was completely destroyed, but Ju Cheol-ryong didn’t look back as he exited the room.
Ma Bong-gi spat out a defiant laugh.
“Fine, if that’s how you want to play it, I have my own plans. If my wings are clipped, I’ll just grow new ones. You won’t like my new wings.”
Jeong-ui-gak was in chaos.
Sa Ma-cheon had been dragged away by the disciplinary hall, and all the documents in the office had been swept away. It was an unprecedented event since the establishment of Jeong-ui-gak.
The soldiers gathered in groups, speculating whether Sa Ma-cheon would return safely and who might become the next head if he didn’t. The fate of everyone could change depending on who took the lead.
Amidst the confusion, I shared a moment of triumph with Gal Sa-ryang in the office.
“He won’t easily escape this time.”
Once his crimes were revealed, Sa Ma-cheon would be imprisoned. Of course, he wouldn’t go down without a fight. He’d try every trick to get out.
But it wouldn’t be easy. He might even be eliminated by Ma Bong-gi or those behind him.
“You did an excellent job.”
I was proud of Gal Sa-ryang. With nothing but strategy, he had brought down the chief strategist of the Murim Alliance. I had helped, but he was the one who orchestrated the decisive plan.
This Gal Sa-ryang is my chief strategist.
Well done, Sa-ryang.
Gal Sa-ryang looked at me and said,
“I couldn’t have done it without you.”
It was one of the phrases I had often said to him in my past life. Now, I was hearing it myself.
“You’re too kind.”
“No, really. Without your help, it wouldn’t have been possible. When you first joined, I felt a strange connection. And now, here we are.”
“Thank you for seeing me in a good light.”
He had opened his heart to me, but it wasn’t yet time to reveal my true intentions or the matter of Baek Pyo.
I felt there was still a lack of emotional exchange. He was driven by revenge, focused on his goal. He probably thought he was using me.
We needed to become closer, to become true comrades who could share our innermost thoughts.
Just then, a woman’s voice came from outside the door.
“May I come in?”
The door opened, and a woman entered.
“Nice to meet you.”
I was genuinely surprised to see her. The woman who entered the room was none other than Chil-ho.
“I’m here to investigate the operation related to the Cheon-gung-dan.”
“Where are you from? The disciplinary hall?”
Gal Sa-ryang asked, and she replied matter-of-factly.
“No, it’s a direct order from the leader. Please cooperate fully with the investigation.”
Her unexpected appearance was truly surprising.
It felt like climbing one mountain only to find a bigger one blocking the way.
But I decided to think positively. It was another opportunity to uncover their hidden forces.
I greeted her politely. It was our third meeting, but the first with my true identity.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Byeok Ri-dan, a new strategist.”
Chil-ho was a keen observer.
In other words, if I didn’t hide myself well, my identity could be exposed.
Fortunately, having encountered her twice before, I was confident in concealing myself.
Worrying about Gal Sa-ryang, who had been through countless battles, would be underestimating him, so there was no need for concern.
The first thing she did was receive the report.
The person who should have received the report, Sa Ma-cheon, was under investigation, and the Cheon-gung-dan was out on special training. We were the only two she could investigate at the Murim Alliance.
She read the report and asked questions.
We explained everything as it was. Of course, I left out my own contributions. We had agreed beforehand to state that the Cheon-gung-dan leader had killed Dok Mi-rang at the final battle.
“Were there any other witnesses?”
I knew she was referring to the mysterious old man.
“No.”
“There weren’t.”
She looked back and forth between Gal Sa-ryang and me. She was trying to detect any lies, but it was impossible to discern anything from our expressions and words.
“Alright, let’s leave it here for today.”
“Isn’t it over?”
“The investigation isn’t thorough enough to write a report. I’ll let you know when it’s done.”
She stood up, gave a light bow, and left the office.
I turned to Gal Sa-ryang and said,
“She doesn’t seem like an ordinary woman.”
I hoped Gal Sa-ryang wouldn’t underestimate her.
“Just the fact that the leader sent her means she’s no ordinary woman.”
Fortunately, Gal Sa-ryang was cautious of her. He might even suspect she was sent by the hidden forces.
“Be especially careful with your words and actions!”
“Yes!”
I answered loudly, but I was already thinking of a different approach to dealing with her. Instead of being cautious, I considered a more proactive method.
Chil-ho closed the documents and looked out the window.
She had reviewed them multiple times but found nothing unusual in the report.
They had been ambushed during the operation and fought back. If she hadn’t known the operation’s details, she would have simply admired the Cheon-gung-dan’s prowess.
But the results of this operation were strange.
The Cheon-gung-dan’s casualties were too low. Two dead and about six injured. In contrast, their side suffered over a hundred casualties.
Even knowing they were up against the Cheon-gung-dan, they had deployed forces. Such results were impossible without being ambushed.
Thus, the deaths of Heuk Su-geum and the disappearance of Go-no were incomprehensible.
She concluded that the two strategists who accompanied them that day were the variables. That’s why she had come here first.
‘There’s definitely something.’
Just then, someone knocked outside.
“Is anyone there?”
When she opened the door, the new strategist from before was standing there. Was his name Byeok Ri-dan?
He held something out to her.
“I saw the light on and thought you were working. I brought some snacks for you.”
Chil-ho accepted it, taken aback.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Byeok Ri-dan bowed and left.
She returned to her desk and opened what he had given her. It was a few dumplings, still warm. She tossed them onto the desk and sat down.
Through the window, she watched Byeok Ri-dan walk across the garden. It was unexpected, but she didn’t sense any ulterior motive.
As she looked at the documents, her gaze drifted to the dumplings.
‘They’ll get cold if I leave them.’
She picked up a dumpling and took a bite. Wherever he had bought them, they were delicious.
The next day, Chil-ho visited the office.
“The strategist is out at the moment.”
“Let’s wait.”
Chil-ho took a seat beside me. I poured her a cup of cold tea from the kettle.
“Thank you.”
She took a small sip, just enough to wet her throat.
“Thanks for the dumplings yesterday. They were delicious.”
“I’m glad you liked them.”
“You’re from a noble family. How did you end up as a soldier?”
“That’s the question I get asked the most around here.”
She looked at me intently.
“To be honest, I wanted to be a smart warrior. But I told the commander the opposite—that I wanted to be a soldier who could fight well. That’s our little secret.”
In other words, I came here to learn how to use my brain.
“What if I tell your superior?”
“That’s why I gave you the dumplings in advance.”
She gave me a look of disbelief. I had hoped for a chuckle, but she didn’t laugh.
Whenever I see her, I can’t help but recall our first meeting. The image of her standing alone, gazing at the pond under the moonlight, is etched in my mind.
Should I try to bring her to my side?
It wasn’t about extracting information from her. She was part of a secret organization, raised to suppress emotions. What secrets could she possibly reveal?
It was simply a feeling of fondness. I didn’t want her as an enemy. I didn’t want to harm her.
After a moment, she asked, “Where did you go, Commander?”
Galsaryang entered the main hall.
At the end of the red carpet, Mabong-gi sat on the throne. It was a strange sight.
Mabong-gi! This red carpet is a path paved with blood. You have no idea how many enemies were slain to create this seat. While you were busy sowing your seeds, the previous leader spilled much blood, something you’ll never comprehend.
Galsaryang bowed respectfully.
“You called for me?”
“Come in.”
Mabong-gi’s voice was gentle. The last time, when I came with Samacheon, he barely acknowledged me.
Galsaryang knew better than anyone.
When a person’s demeanor changes suddenly, it’s because they want something.
And if that person is a powerful figure, they desire even more. To fulfill their desires, one must be prepared to make greater sacrifices and take on more risks.
Mabong-gi rose from the throne and descended the steps. He took Galsaryang’s hand.
“I know you’ve been through a lot. But you understand my position, don’t you? I had to consider Samagun’s perspective, which is why I couldn’t attend to you separately.”
“Your words alone are enough, thank you.”
“Come, have a seat.”
He led Galsaryang to a seat prepared at the side of the hall.
“Have a drink.”
Galsaryang accepted the drink from Mabong-gi. Without beating around the bush, Mabong-gi got straight to the point.
“I know it’s a lot to ask, but will you help me?”
“What do you mean?”
“I want you to become the chief commander of the Martial Alliance again.”
The unexpected request took Galsaryang by surprise. He looked into Mabong-gi’s eyes, suspecting a trap. But the sincerity and urgency in Mabong-gi’s gaze were unmistakable.
Galsaryang understood.
This situation had intensified the conflict with the forces behind the scenes. Mabong-gi had decided to confront them head-on.
He intended to use Galsaryang in this battle. Of course, Galsaryang knew Mabong-gi didn’t trust him. He was merely a tool, one that would be discarded ruthlessly when no longer needed.
Galsaryang’s heart raced. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for. Yet, he didn’t take the bait immediately.
“It’s quite overwhelming…”
“Forget the past grievances. I apologize.”
Mabong-gi stood and clasped Galsaryang’s hand.
“I ask you, not for me, but for the alliance.”
“Leader!”
Galsaryang couldn’t hide his joy. He buried his hidden blade of revenge deep within and allowed himself to feel pure happiness in this moment.
“I will serve with utmost loyalty!”