Chapter 163
"Ugh."
Gong Mu-jin, standing beside Wei Yan-ho in front of the military advisor's quarters, let out a deep sigh.
"Who told you to draw your sword and charge in like that?"
"Shut up!"
"Don't take it out on me. I'm the victim here."
Victim?
Who was the victim here? Who?!
If anyone was the victim, it was Gong Mu-jin! So who was he calling the victim?!
Just as Gong Mu-jin was about to lose his temper, a voice called out from inside.
"Come in."
"Ahem!"
Gong Mu-jin's eyebrows twitched. He leaned closer to Wei Yan-ho and whispered sternly:
"The military advisor inside is a highly respected figure. Even the Alliance Leader, whom your father admires most, holds him in high regard. You must show the utmost respect."
Wei Yan-ho's idea of "utmost respect" was unlikely to align with conventional standards, but Gong Mu-jin had to say it anyway. This was the only way to minimize the chance of the elderly advisor suffering humiliation at the hands of this brat.
"You worry too much."
"Ugh."
Just as Gong Mu-jin was about to say more, Wei Yan-ho spoke first.
"He told us to come in, so shouldn't we? Isn't it disrespectful to waste time outside when an elder has summoned us?"
Gong Mu-jin shuddered.
'At least he can't talk back to me.'
Why did this brat only speak the blunt truth?
For the first time, Gong Mu-jin wished he could see his master's face—not to confront him, but to ask: How did you make this monster so obedient with just your words?
Even if he were taught, Gong Mu-jin knew he could never replicate it.
Clearing his throat, Gong Mu-jin carefully opened the door and stepped inside.
"I've brought Wei Yan-ho."
Jo Hyun rose from his seat with a gentle smile.
"Welcome, Young Hero Wei Yan-ho."
Wei Yan-ho's expression turned subtly odd as he observed Jo Hyun's kindly face gesturing to a seat.
To most, it would seem like nothing, but Gong Mu-jin—having spent enough time with Wei Yan-ho—could tell the boy was displeased.
He poked Wei Yan-ho's side. Kuk.
Reluctantly, Wei Yan-ho greeted, "I'm Wei Yan-ho."
A man of Jo Hyun's caliber couldn't possibly miss the underlying meaning in Wei Yan-ho's tone.
'Hmm?'
But instead of irritation, Jo Hyun felt amusement. In all his years as the Alliance's military advisor, never once had anyone shown open displeasure upon first meeting him.
Those who knew his background always tried to win his favor. Yet this young man, fully aware of who he was, wore a face that screamed I don't like you.
'Truly unconventional.'
He'd heard the stories, but experiencing it firsthand was even more peculiar.
"The Guangdong Wei Family, was it?"
"Yes."
"Wei Jeong-han is the Alliance Leader's most cherished junior. I, too, hold his chivalry and passion in high regard."
Wei Yan-ho replied bluntly, "Thanks to that 'high regard,' I only get cold rice at home."
"..."
Jo Hyun stared blankly, speechless like a mute who'd eaten honey.
Poke poke!
Gong Mu-jin kept jabbing Wei Yan-ho's side. Annoyed, Wei Yan-ho tilted his head.
"Why do you keep poking me?!"
"Y-You little—!"
Gong Mu-jin stammered, but Jo Hyun chuckled and gestured to a seat.
"Sit first. We can't talk properly if you're standing."
Jo Hyun studied Wei Yan-ho.
"Do you enjoy tea?"
"I was taught it's rude to decline an elder's offer."
"Is that so? Hoho."
Jo Hyun couldn't suppress his laughter.
The role of military advisor was one of constant calculation and concealment. Everyone who stood before him worked hard to hide their true thoughts, knowing the weight of his words.
But Wei Yan-ho spoke and acted as he pleased.
'Entertaining. Truly entertaining.'
According to Gong Mu-jin, this blunt youth possessed martial prowess surpassing even Wei Jeong-han's, nearing the Alliance Leader's level. Of course, there was likely some exaggeration, but receiving such praise at his age was remarkable.
Jo Hyun ordered tea and smiled.
"Judging by your face, you don't like me much, do you?"
Gong Mu-jin's face stiffened.
This was the reaction Jo Hyun usually expected. Even the most rigid individuals would fluster when confronted so directly, just like Gong Mu-jin now.
But how would Wei Yan-ho respond?
"Honestly, a little."
"Hahahaha!"
Jo Hyun burst into laughter.
He'd anticipated it, but the reply was delightfully refreshing.
"May I ask why?"
Wei Yan-ho scratched his cheek.
"This might sound strange, but…"
"Hm?"
"You're too handsome."
"..."
Jo Hyun's eyebrows twitched.
'Did I mishear?'
It made no sense, yet he couldn't comprehend Wei Yan-ho's words.
"Handsome is an odd way to put it… More like… too trustworthy? Your flawless white hair, that pristine beard—"
"Hohohoho."
Jo Hyun felt strangely conflicted.
Being called "too handsome to look at" was a first.
"I see. But at your age, I doubt you'd envy an old man's looks."
"It's not envy. It's suspicion."
"Care to elaborate?"
Wei Yan-ho frowned slightly.
"Someone once told me, 'As you age, your face becomes your responsibility.'"
"True."
"There's also the saying, 'A man is judged by his appearance.'"
"Also true."
Wei Yan-ho shrugged.
"But that's all nonsense."
"Oh?"
Jo Hyun looked puzzled.
"If swindlers looked like swindlers, who'd fall for their scams? The best deceivers appear trustworthy. The more someone tries to seem impressive, the more they're hiding."
"..."
The logic was unheard of, yet oddly persuasive.
"So that person said, 'Beware the handsome. Especially handsome old men. If they've aged well, they've spent a lifetime manipulating others.'"
Jo Hyun glanced at Gong Mu-jin, who gave a wry smile—I warned you.
"So… you dislike me because I'm too well-groomed for my age?"
"Not dislike. Just cautious."
"Hohoho."
Jo Hyun laughed weakly.
In all his years, he'd never imagined being distrusted for such a reason.
"Whoever said that wasn't entirely correct."
"Yeah, probably not."
"Judging people like that suggests paranoia."
"Totally agree. Absolutely agree."
Jo Hyun smiled.
"Who was this person?"
"My master."
"...What?"
"My master."
Jo Hyun's lips sealed shut.
Master? His teacher said that?
Then why did Wei Yan-ho agree when called paranoid?
For the first time, Jo Hyun's sharp mind couldn't tell who was fooling whom.
"Your master said that?"
In his shock, Jo Hyun asked something potentially rude.
"…Was your master's face… unfortunate?"
The answer surprised him.
"Nope. My master was way more handsome than you. A peerless elegance."
"Then why—?"
"He said, 'You're my disciple, so I won't deceive you. But if we'd met earlier, I'd have fooled you rotten. So beware men like me—their outsides never match their insides.' At the time, I didn't get it. But seeing you today, I think he was prophetic. You're not as handsome, but the vibe's similar."
"I… see?"
Wei Yan-ho sighed.
"I actually wanted to discuss business today, but I can't ignore Master's teachings. Mind if I talk to the Alliance Leader instead?"
"W-Well, that's possible, but…"
Jo Hyun realized he'd lost control of the conversation.
'Unbelievable.'
When had he ever been so thoroughly led astray in a discussion?
He decided to cut it short. If this continued, he'd never get to his point.
"Whether you trust or distrust me is your choice. I've nothing to say about that."
"Right."
"Then I'll be blunt."
Wei Yan-ho looked up.
"Your arrival with the Sword Emperor's Treasure has caused serious problems. Relations with the authorities are strained, and the wall you destroyed won't be cheap to repair. Do you have any thoughts on this?"
Though he asked, Jo Hyun expected little
According to Gong Mu-jin and Seomun Da-yeon, Wei Yan-ho was impulsive, acting on whims without plans. Such a person wouldn't have prepared solutions.
Still, Jo Hyun pressed him to leverage the situation for future negotiations.
But Wei Yan-ho's reply defied all expectations.
"Actually, I wanted to propose something."
"Oh?"
Wei Yan-ho's lips curled slightly.
"How about we make a deal?"
"A… deal?"
The face of the Divine Strategist, Jo Hyun, twisted in bewilderment.