The Ruler of Darkness

Two elders faced each other in a place emptied of everyone else.

“Did you hear, old man?”

“Of course, old woman.”

Both of them burst into laughter.

The elder physician clenched his trembling fist and showed it.

“It’s certain that he is finally making his move.”

“He said he’ll be busier now for sure. My ears are growing dull, but I heard that clearly.”

The elder shamaness of the Fairy Cult wore a meaningful smile.

“The time of the prophecy is nearing.”

“The whole capital will see his true face!”

***

A soldier on guard duty clicked his tongue.

“Incredible.”

His partner, who had been paired with him, also nodded.

“These must be His Excellency’s maids.”

Their gaze turned to the three identical maids.

Without any hesitation, they disinfected fractures, set splints, and wrapped bandages. They drained abscesses, carefully examined wounds, and applied medication.

Despite the blood splattering on their faces and pus staining their clothes, they didn’t blink an eye.

Even the seasoned nurses here couldn’t help but admire their precise and quick treatment.

“Seeing them carry swords, they must be warriors.”

“That must be it. They’ve been moving non-stop for nearly an hour. Their basic stamina is excellent.”

“Moreover…”

The soldier’s face turned a bit red.

“They’re extremely beautiful.”

Had they known what the identical maids were thinking, their assessment might have changed.

‘Hehe, we’re getting attention.’

‘I’ve even received commendations for field emergency treatment in the special forces.’

‘I’ve even completed basic training with the apprentice nurses of my family.’

His partner nudged him in the ribs.

“Hey, if it’s about beauty, isn’t that chambermaid over there even more amazing?”

His gaze turned to where Jung-ah stood.

She had accurately located a bleeding vessel in a gory, barely visible wound and staunched it, then quickly removed tiny bone fragments that could cause inflammation.

Even the physicians working with her couldn’t help but admire her skill.

“I can’t dare look her in the eyes…”

Amused by his naive partner, the soldier chuckled and stroked his chin.

“Even that maidservant is carrying a sword. Are all His Excellency’s maids warriors?”

“…Don’t they look even more beautiful carrying swords?”

“This guy’s really caught up in it.”

The warrior looked in another direction.

His expression worsened slightly.

“On the other hand, our people…”

His colleague followed his gaze and scratched his head.

Over there, the healers from the 4th Young Master were struggling with a patient who was writhing in pain and couldn’t be restrained.

They were the better off ones.

Some of the weaker-hearted were simply vomiting in the corner and looking up at the sky with pallid faces.

The 4th Young Master’s maidservants were focused on running errands amidst a scene filled with blood, pus, and screams.

The chief maid from the 4th Young Master alone was competently working alongside the nursemaids.

“Hmm…”

“Mm…”

The two warriors simultaneously shook their heads vigorously.

“No, but that’s probably the normal sight, right?”

“That’s true.”

It was certain that the 4th Young Master’s maidservants were an anomaly.

“However…”

The warrior pointed in one direction.

“The most remarkable person is definitely that way.”

Their gaze shifted to where critically ill patients were gathered.

On a makeshift bed set up outside, a patient with severe symptoms was unconscious.

His leg was twisted and almost torn off, and he had been brought in completely covered in blood.

When this patient was first carried through the gate, they had shook their heads.

Unless one had inner power and had reached superhuman physical levels, there seemed to be no hope.

The initial three physicians had the same opinion.

But now, they stood around the bed, not daring to interfere.

“I’ve heard before that the Grand young master is excellent in medical skills…”

As Yeon So-Hyeon’s hand moved skillfully, the patient’s condition was rapidly improving, evident even to their eyes.

The golden needle in his hand glittered whenever it caught sunlight, dazzling enough to strain the eyes.

“…I’ve never even seen that level of skill at the medical arts institute in the main family.”

The warriors, who often get injured, were practically regulars at the medical arts institute.

“No, it’s not just that I’ve never seen it…”

The warrior shook his head.

“That’s divine skill.”

All the available physicians gathered around Yeon So-Hyeon.

They were admiring him, feverishly recording something, and could not take their eyes off Yeon So-Hyeon’s movements.

Their ears were focused on the words flowing from Yeon So-Hyeon’s mouth.

He was currently lecturing while performing a critical procedure, flawlessly completing both at the same time.

“As the Lord (4th young master) usually says, he’s not one to be backstabbed.”

“Exactly. Seeing him today, he’s completely different from what the rumors suggested, isn’t he?”

“Rumors, after all…”

Just then, cheers erupted.

The loudest cheer came from the healer standing next to big brother.

It appeared that a patient, who had seemed beyond saving, had stabilized.

“…Incredible.”

***

Yeon So-Hyeon was washing his hands at a well located behind the charity house.

The blood washed from his hands mixed with the water and flowed away through the drain.

“Hoo…”

Even though he had acquired superhuman abilities through Dark Heavens Scripture, he couldn’t ignore the mental fatigue.

‘So easy to kill, yet so difficult to save…’

Whenever Dark Heavens Scripture made a move, flesh would tear and bones would shatter.

His incantations had easily led over a hundred people to death.

But what about Yeon So-Hyeon?

He looked down at his own hands.

“…”

Suddenly sensing a presence, his gaze shifted behind him.

Two figures, covered in old, large overcoats, stood there.

Recognizing Yeon So-Hyeon’s gaze, they approached him without hesitation.

“Your reputation precedes you. Truly impressive skills.”

The woman who revealed her face was stunning, not even a patch over one eye could mar her beauty.

“My Lord.”

She knelt.

“It was nothing more than a mere trick.”

Yeon So-Hyeon smiled.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve met face to face, master of Crescent Moon Pavilion.”

The woman was none other than Se-ah.

The woman bowing deeply next to her, showing respect, was her bodyguard, Gyu.

***

As they moved to a more secluded location, Se-ah spoke first.

“As Your Highness instructed, I had informed the person in charge here of your impending visit.”

Crescent Moon Pavilion had been investigating the charity’s activities for a while under Yeon So-Hyeon’s order.

“Well done. Although the setup was a bit over the top.”

Upon hearing Yeon So-Hyeon’s words, Se-ah extended her hands.

“It was the setup? I was surprised by the villagers’ reaction too. When the two elders announced your arrival, the villagers swarmed the streets…”

Gyu took over the conversation with a nervous expression.

“I was even a little scared, to be honest.”

Yeon So-Hyeon shrugged his shoulders.

“That’s the power of faith.”

Se-ah shook her head vehemently.

“I knew you were running the House of Compassion and fundraising from esteemed individuals you’re acquainted with. But actually seeing it is astounding. I’m amazed.”

It wasn’t just lip service.

It was hard to even imagine that he, who spent his days without a sword, simply reading books in a corner, could have achieved so much.

“What about the expert on the Underworld?”

Se-ah nodded.

“I managed to make contact. It was difficult. She is an elusive figure, always being pursued by the Underworld…”

“She’s not just running away, is she?”

“Of course not. She has hunted so many Underworld bosses that you can’t count them on both hands. Moreover, they were all people who were ambitious, to say the least.”

Yeon So-Hyeon nodded.

“Good. Bring her in.”

“I’ll arrange for her to visit as soon as possible.”

Yeon So-Hyeon turned around.

“Then I’ll see you then.”

“Ah, we’ve also received an urgent message.”

Yeon So-Hyeon paused.

“The Elder Yeom from the Sword House has left the premises through the front gate of Luoyang Sword House. The destination is unknown, but it is clearly in this direction.”

He turned around.

“Elder Yeom? With his subordinates?”

Se-ah shook her head.

“It’s hard to observe someone of his caliber without getting caught. We are currently inquiring from witnesses who were on his route, but that’s all we have for now.”

Yeon So-Hyeon stroked his chin.

“Elder Yeom… What is he thinking coming here?”

After a moment of thought, he said to Se-ah,

“We’ll find out soon enough since he’s arriving shortly.”

Whether he’s coming with a host of subordinates for hostile purposes, or otherwise…

“Yes. That’s the end of my report.”

“Then, see you later…”

Just then, Gyu interrupted hastily.

“I have business as well.”

“What is it?”

Gyu opened her mouth with a serious face.

“About the employment offer you mentioned last time, is it still valid…”

Se-ah pulled her away by the nape of her neck.

“Then I’ll see you later, my lord.”

“Let me go! This is an abuse by the employer!”

“Be quiet! I’m really embarrassed…”

Yeon So-Hyeon shrugged his shoulders.

They were still the same good friends.

* * *

The first to discover him were the warriors serving as guards at the main gate.

Even in their surprise, they greeted him with precise and courteous manners.

“We welcome the Elder of the main house!”

All eyes turned toward the gate at their robust voices.

The doorman who spotted him hastily ran up to him.

“We welcome the Elder of the main house.”

A man, two heads taller than others and befitting the word ‘giant,’ looked down at him.

Did he appear even larger because he was the Elder of Luoyang Sword House?

“Elder, may I dare to ask what brings you here?”

Elder Yeom raised his eyebrows.

“Do you think I came here just to get a meal?”

Cold sweat trickled down the young aide’s face.

“Ah, no, that’s not what I meant…”

Elder Yeom spoke.

“Is His Highness available?”

At his question, the aide hastily nodded.

“Yes, His Highness is currently seeing patients over there.”

Just then, their eyes met as Yeon So-Hyeon looked in their direction.

“Shall I guide you to His Highness?”

“It’s settled.”

He cut off the conversation decisively.

He took his place at the very end of the line leading to His Highness, who was seeing patients.

“Since I’ve also come with the intention of receiving treatment, I shall stand in line like the rest.”

“E- Elder?”

A light flickered in Yeon So-Hyeon’s eyes as he looked at him.

On the broad back of Elder Yeom was a girl who appeared to be in her mid-teens, quietly being carried. 

The frail-looking girl’s gaze was directed at Yeon So-Hyeon.

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