A Just Cause (4)

“If by the Loyalty and Righteousness Academy…”

“It’s one of the Heavenly Will Alliance’s advanced academies. If you graduate with a pass, you can enter the White Wolf Bureau or the Ash Wolf Bureau.”

Jin-hyeon’s eyes flashed.

He might not know of the Loyalty and Righteousness Academy well, but he knew the White Wolf Bureau and Ash Wolf Bureau.

‘Upper organizations under the Four Bureaus.’

The Heavenly Will Alliance was the greatest governing body of the martial world, commanding vast organizations: the One Hall, Two Institutes, Three Palaces, Four Bureaus, Five Courts, Six Units, Seven Squads, and Eight Halls.

Add to that the Nine Gates and Ten Armies , and they’re sometimes grouped as the “Fifty-Five Divisions”.

Of course, beyond these were countless sub-groups, but securing a place within those Fifty-Five Divisions was said to guarantee one’s rise as a martial artist.

Those who retire honorably receive a lifetime stipend, so most who dream of success aim for the Alliance’s Fifty-Five Divisions.

Among them, the White Wolf Bureau and Ash Wolf Bureau belong to the Four Bureaus: the White Wolf Bureau is a special investigations body, the Ash Wolf Bureau an adjudication body.

Usually, the White Wolf Bureau works with the Investigation and Defense Court spread across the Central Plains, while the Ash Wolf delivers judgments in tandem with the Upright Judgment Court.

In short, the Loyalty and Righteousness Academy is an elite academy that trains members endowed with the authority to dig into the major affairs of the martial world.

“Of course, not everyone who enters ends up in White Wolf or Ash Wolf. You get three examination tries. Fail all three and you must withdraw.”

“If they grant three chances, passing must be awfully hard.”

“Indeed. Still, even a withdrawal leaves your entry on record, which gives you a hefty edge when placed elsewhere in the Alliance.”

Jin-hyeon tilted his head.

“I understand what you are saying. But why me all of a sudden?”

Seo Jong-dam glanced at Seol Hong-baek.

“Frankly speaking. It’s because of my sworn brother’s recommendation.”

“There’s a recommendation system?”

“Yes. Not for instructors, but as head instructor I’m allowed three admission recommendations.”

Seo Jong-dam’s face grew even more solemn.

“Honestly, I, as head instructor, meant never to use them. I feared I might, even once, favor those I’d recommended—that wouldn’t be fair.”

“You could simply handle it fairly.”

“Of course. But I feared the day I might fail.”

He was a man of rules and principles.

“My brother knows my temperament—he’s not one to ask me this. The fact that he did means he trusts your ability that much, doesn’t it?”

“…….”

“For some it’s an honor; for others, a burden. Even with his backing, the nominee’s will matters most.”

With that, Seo Jong-dam fell silent.

Jin-hyeon looked to Seol Hong-baek.

“You’ve brought a monstrous gift out of nowhere?”

Seol Hong-baek gave an abashed laugh.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you beforehand. Come to think of it, I’ve much to apologize for today.”

“Haha—keep making me feel bad and I’ll keep mooching the expensive stuff.”

“Heh.”

Seol Hong-baek shook his head.

“I never meant to pressure you. Recommendations came up, you sprang to mind, so I floated it—nothing more.”

Smiling, Jin-hyeon looked at Seo Jong-dam.

“So he says.”

Seo Jong-dam smiled.

“For a casual float, the praise was excessive. So you piqued my interest too.”

“The Patriarch does like praising people.”

“He praises well, but he doesn’t spew baseless fluff.”

“I too know Patriarch Seol’s character and ability well, but on that alone, I can be admitted? I’ve proved nothing.”

“One recommendation suffices.”

“Impressive.”

“My brother likely isn’t fixated on you passing. As I said, even withdrawal leaves a record, so it’ll be useful to your future in many ways.”

Hence, it was an act of goodwill.

The goal wasn’t necessarily having me enter the White Wolf Bureau or the Ash Wolf Bureau. The admission itself was a grand opportunity. Knowing this, Seol Hong-baek put Jin-hyeon forward.

Seol Hong-baek spoke, a little embarrassed.

“You’re a great benefactor to my house. You say goodwill is enough, but as Patriarch I wanted to give something—yet nothing fit.”

“I see.”

“If this burdens you, forgive me. Your will matters most. If you dislike it, refuse without minding us.”

He spoke up first, thinking it might otherwise cause discomfort.

Seo Jong-dam leaned forward slightly. Refusal was fine, but since chances like this were rare, he hoped to persuade him for Seol Hong-baek’s sake if possible.

But—

“In that case, I’ll accept only the feeling behind it.”

Seol Hong-baek nodded as if that were no problem at all.

“Then let’s leave it at that.”

“My apologies. You must have moved some strings.”

“Heh, pulling strings for this isn’t quite right. I only said a few words to my sworn brother; the decision was, of course, yours.”

“Thank you again for the thought.”

Watching them trade smiles, Seo Jong-dam tasted dryness in his mouth.

“Er, Teacher?”

“Yes?”

In a mild tone, Seo Jong-dam said,

“For my brother’s sake, at least think it over…”

“Dragging one’s feet after deciding only harms everyone.”

Jin-hyeon shrugged.

“And I know he’s not the sort to sulk over this. Right, Patriarch?”

Seol Hong-baek burst into hearty laughter.

“I’m not so small-minded.”

“There, see?”

Seo Jong-dam was a bit baffled.

“Well, true, but…”

It was something for Jin-hyeon to speak so frankly without gauging Seol Hong-baek, and Seol Hong-baek taking it with such good humor.

Seo Jong-dam smacked his lips.

‘This really isn’t an ordinary chance.’

Since he’d taken over as the head instructor, such cases had waned, but there were still hordes who tried to bribe their way in. Even then, only after many tests could one enter the Loyalty and Righteousness Academy.

Even he would likely decline such an offer if it came to him—regretfully.

But he couldn’t refuse that cleanly. Beyond his tie to Seol Hong-baek, this was a chance that could change his life.

‘In many ways, he’s certainly extraordinary.’

Jin-hyeon spoke.

“Is that the only reason you came for me today?”

“No. The matter with the Loyalty and Righteousness Academy was a side note, I’ve personal business with you.”

“I’m listening.”

Seo Jong-dam’s gaze changed.

The gentle eyes turned razor-sharp. It was startling, how the same face could give such a different impression.

“My words may get a touch aggressive, please bear with me.”

“If the matter calls for it, I’ll understand.”

Jin-hyeon didn’t shrink before him.

Seo Jong-dam nodded and asked,

“Why didn’t you report to the Heavenly Will Alliance first?”

Although the question was sudden, neither Jin-hyeon nor Seol Hong-baek was at a loss.

“You joined hands with some group to topple Mighty Tiger. For the justice of the martial world, it was truly a righteous deed. But matters such as these demand their own proper procedure, do they not?”

Procedure matters in all things.

Stifling at times, prone to errors, yet law and process recognized by all are needed for society to function.

“If you’d filed with the Sichuan Branch or the Investigation and Defense Court…”

“Then Mighty Tiger would’ve begun cover-ups.”

Seo Jong-dam’s eyes narrowed.

Jin-hyeon shook his head.

“Mighty Tiger is fast. They move fast and deep. Their network alone makes your jaw drop. Frankly, give them a few months and they’d be nearly uncatchable.”

“Granted. But I do not believe that gives you grounds to ignore the Heavenly Will Alliance and pass sentence.”

“The sentence was not ours to give. And…”

Jin-hyeon’s eyes went cold.

Seo Jong-dam flinched despite himself. The gentle youth’s sudden gaze was so imposing that even he, a man seasoned to the bone in the martial world, felt his skin crawl.

“Nor does the sentence belong to the Heavenly Will Alliance to pass, either.”

Seol Hong-baek was startled.

“Teacher—”

Seo Jong-dam’s eyes chilled as well.

“Teacher, I can’t let that slide. The Heavenly Will Alliance is the supreme governing body of the martial world.”

“I, for my part, find it hard to simply let Head Instructor’s words pass.”

“What?”

“The right to pass the sentence belongs to the wronged.”

Seol Hong-baek cried out, flustered.

“Teacher!”

“But the wronged had no strength. Mighty Tiger could stand brazen because they had power. To be righteous by might—ridiculous, isn’t it?”

In an icy tone, Seo Jong-dam said,

“So repaying in kind without restraint is right?”

“Better to smash it yourself than stew in injustice. That is, if you can bear the consequences.”

“That’s why you did it?”

“When those tasked to act don’t, what would you have me do?”

“Listen here, Teacher—”

“Had Mighty Tiger not been seized, the Seol Clan would have fallen.”

Seo Jong-dam’s eyes wavered.

Jin-hyeon asked,

“Head Instructor called the Heavenly Will Alliance an institution—the supreme organization for governing the martial world. Correct?”

“Yes.”

“Who moves an institution?”

“Those within it, of course.”

“Wrong.”

“?”

“Institutions are moved by all who recognize them as supreme.”

“!”

“Who granted the Heavenly Will Alliance the power to judge? The Nine Great Sects? The Five Great Families? Or the Eight Wastes Alliance that had been obliterated a century ago?”

“…”

“If that’s how you think, I’m disappointed. And if that’s the type of institute the Heavenly Will Alliance is, I’d have no reason to heed it.”

“The Heavenly Will Alliance is…”

“The Heavenly Will Alliance isn’t a place that passes sentences. It’s a contractor for the people’s will, so that rightful sentence can be rendered.”

“!!”

“When the Sichuan Branch fails to function, the wronged weep and the thieves laugh. Should I then go parade evidence before that branch and tell them to please do their jobs—so we can watch this farce?”

Seo Jong-dam bit his lip.

Fixing him with a cold stare, Jin-hyeon then smiled.

“You are right, Head Instructor.”

Sudden words.

“Before my view of the Heavenly Will Alliance, following your point would have been proper. Either way, the Heavenly Will Alliance does govern the world.”

“…”

“As you say, if everyone rampaged as I did, the world would tilt. Even if I’d act the same again, from the Heavenly Will Alliance’s side, it’s regrettable.”

“Mm.”

Seo Jong-dam hummed low.

Watching him, Jin-hyeon asked again,

“What is the Heavenly Will Alliance to you, Head Instructor?”

“I…”

Seo Jong-dam’s expression clouded.

“To me…”

He couldn’t continue.

Jin-hyeon waited in silence.

After a moment, Seo Jong-dam sighed.

“Good grief, having once served in the Investigation and Defense Court, I sounded too interrogative.”

“You did.”

“Honestly, I’ve never thought about it that far. Only— to me, the Heavenly Will Alliance is an institution that must exist.”

Jin-hyeon nodded.

“Of course it is needed.”

He didn’t add, for now.

Seo Jong-dam wet his lips.

“In any case, I have no official authority to call you to account. And truth be told… I never had the will to, either.”

Considering what he had said up to now, it was a rather contradictory remark.

Seo Jong-dam smiled.

“Frankly, I felt exhilarated too.”

“Haha.”

“My brother’s clan could have been ruined… Hearing that, I’m all the more glad. In my heart, I’d have the Lee clan of Mighty Tiger suffer till death.”

“I see.”

“But heart is heart and duty is duty. As a former Deputy Court Master of the Investigation and Defense Court, I can’t merely cheer your actions.”

“I understand.”

Seo Jong-dam leaned back.

“I was simply curious. Why you did it that way, why you did not go through the Heavenly Will Alliance. Whether there was some other intent.”

This wasn’t the sort of thing to say to a man you’ve known for half a day. Credit to Seol Hong-baek, but it showed how frank and plain Seo Jong-dam was.

Seeing that, Jin-hyeon decided.

He called Do-min and had her fetch a booklet.

Soon after, he handed the book to Seo Jong-dam.

“What is this?”

“A register of the Heavenly Will Alliance personnel who took money from the Mighty Tiger Merchant Guild.”

“!!”

The faces of Seo Jong-dam and Seol Hong-baek went pale.

“I have the original. This is a copied transcript.”

“…….”

“You served in the Investigation and Defense Court, so there’s no doubt you have connections. Look into it.”

“Th-this is…”

Startled, Seo Jong-dam could only stammer like a fool.

After poring over it awhile, he swallowed and said,

“This is why you didn’t report to the Sichuan Branch?”

“No. I was merely certain there would be people on the take.”

“…Why give this to me? Do you trust me?”

“Hardly.”

Jin-hyeon smiled.

“I have my own recommendation system—one without a cap. I can hand out recommendations whenever and however I please.”

“…”

“The Patriarch doesn’t swear brotherhood lightly. I’m trusting his face in giving this to you.”

“Teacher…”

“In other words, this is not from me, but a gift from the Patriarch. Investigate it carefully.”