Chapter 101: They Wouldn’t
A culprit was finally captured.
All Black Dragon Clan subsidiaries heard the news by the next morning, including the rumor that Shanghai Royal Family Head Wang Ki-neung was the one who captured him.
“Family Head Wang overdid himself.”
“Would you like to release a counter announcement?”
“I don’t know.” Li Chingwei tilted her head and, looking genuinely curious, asked, “Would anyone believe me if I said Wei-ling captured the culprit, or would more believe that the Master of Swords stole Family Head Wang’s achievement?”
“There is clear security footage of Wei-ling getting there first.”
“Not many would believe she defeated him alone when the culprit is the one who killed the others.”
Li Chingwei briefly hesitated and, with her delicate hands, moved a piece on the chessboard in front of her. “Even fewer would believe she was able to defeat him with the Master of Sword’s instructions.”
“…That’s true.” Yo Ouin gave a bitter smile. Even as a martial artist from an older age, he would have been skeptical to hear that someone won a fight through instructions over a phone call.
There was no way the clan would believe it when they had never come face to face with Limon’s skills and had nothing but deep resentment against him, especially since the Shanghai Royal Family was spreading the rumor like their lives depended on it.
“It’s not surprising at all that Family Head Wang would want to spread the rumor.”
“An official claim would have let us reveal the truth,” Li Chingwei said.
Yo Ouin nodded. “That must be why he’s content with just the rumors. Sometimes, a vague rumor holds more weight than gold.”
“How cunning.” It was clever of them to use a rumor because it allowed them to rebuild their status and honor if the truth remained hidden and they also wouldn’t be held responsible if it became known.
There was a lot he would gain and little he could lose, which was a very fitting move for someone like Wang.
“In the end, it doesn’t matter.”
“Does this mean you will not act on this?”
“It’s not worth it.” Li Chingwei disregarded Wang’s efforts as futile. Maybe it was a big deal for the Shanghai Royal Family, but it was too pathetic for her to care about.
“Is the Master of Swords disappointed at all?” Yo Ouin asked with caution
“The Master of Swords?” Chingwei let out a muffled laugh. “Would he feel disappointment over an achievement that even I find pathetic? He doesn’t even care about receiving glory for saving the world.” She smiled.
“It appears my worries are unwarranted…”
“Not exactly. The Master of Swords may not be disappointed, but he might feel pity.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. That’s why I said Family Head Wang overdid himself,” Chingwei said. If he had been respectful in asking Limon for the culprit, he would have begrudgingly handed him over, but Wang crossed the line with his aggressiveness.
Of course, it was his mistake since he was the type of person who couldn’t understand others and didn’t think Limon would ever give him the chance.
“If that’s all he was able to get from falling from the Master of Sword’s favor, then could it be called an advantage?”
It might’ve given the man a temporary advantage, but they could never forget that Limon was an ageless, immortal swordmaster—he could interfere with the Shanghai Royal Family’s business for centuries on end.
Yo Ouin recalled the damage Limon single-handedly brought to the Seven Dragons Association in the past and immediately started to feel sympathy towards Wang.
“Family Head Wang made a very foolish decision,” she said.
“He’s been going through a lot recently,” Li Chingwei replied. “Anyone can make bad judgments when they’re desperate.”
Though it sounded like she was defending him, Yo Ouin noticed there was not even the slightest bit of sympathy in her tone. Opposing Limon was the same as opposing the Princess, after all.
‘I should sell any stocks related to the Shanghai Royal Family.’ His growing sympathy aside, Yo Ouin was cool-headed in his conclusions as the head manager of Leviathan.
* * *
Reaper Scans
Translator - woni
Proofreader - ilafy
Join our discord for updates on releases!
https://discord.com/invite/reaperscans
* * *
Chingwei calmly said, “Family head Wang is not an issue. The problem is what’s going on outside.” She moved another chess piece to a map with gold, silver, carnelian, sapphire, greenstone, white jade, and obsidian.
“Is this about the other clans?” Yo Ouin asked.
“Yes. It would be more than just ‘trouble’ if they decided on a sure action.”
“Even if it’s another clan, they wouldn’t be able to blatantly make a move.”
Chingwei sighed. “They can still act covertly, and we don’t have the power to stop such interference.”
Yo Ouin couldn’t argue with that
The plutocratic Gold Dragon Clan of the United States of America…
The great Khanate Silver Dragon Clan of Russia…
The Blue Dragon Clan of the British Empire…
The White Dragon Clan, part of the Holy League…
The Red Dragon Clan, leader of the African military regime…
The Green Dragon Clan, which ruled the South American cartels…
Despite being a member of the same Seven Dragons, the Black Dragon Clan’s power was weak in comparison.
Some clans even had more power than nations in the 77 Chinese Federations. Since East Asia was their mainland, the Black Dragon Clan had suffered the most at Limon’s hands, yet there he was, about to marry their princess, Li Chingwei.
Of course, the other clans wouldn’t just sit back and allow such a thing.
“How do you think they will take action?”
“Each clan has different opinions,” Chingwei quietly said as she recalled the most recent conference. “It feels like the Gold Dragon Clan is trying to use their wealth, and the Red Dragon Clan is getting more bold with their threats.”
“That’s a little bit of a relief.”
“Yes. It means they won’t act immediately, but as for the other clans… I’m not sure what they might do.”
The clans with transparent objectives were a lesser evil since she could predict and prepare for their next moves, which wasn’t something she could do with the more discrete clans.
“Do you think the other clans had a part in this incident?” Yo Ouin asked.
“I doubt it. If they did, it would have been a full-out war. They don’t have anything to gain from such minor aggressions.”
“They could be trying to probe our reaction.”
Chingwei tilted her head. “Do you think so?”
She didn’t necessarily trust her connections with the other clans since the Seven Dragon’s Association was more of an alliance than a single organization. Their alliance had never been very strong, not even when they were the rulers of the world.
Since they were legally recognized, it was probable for them to commit terrorism against each other for the sake of reconnaissance, but Li Chingwei had a reason for discounting that.
“I wouldn’t try to probe in such a way if I were them. Instead, I would have snuck a spy in or tried to contact the Master of Swords directly.”
“It can’t be! Are you thinking the other princesses might try to take direct action?”
“Perhaps.”
The Seven Dragons Association had fought against Limon more than any other group, and they were more aware than anyone of the kind of man Limon used to be. Times may have changed, but anyone with a half-knowledge of the power he’d displayed back then wouldn’t be surprised if the princesses got directly involved.
Even Chingwei herself had directly proposed to him.
“The only reason they aren’t taking immediate action is because the Master of Sword’s reputation is getting worse by the day since our engagement.”
“Is that why you’re avoiding the matter of his status, Princess?”
“It’s one of the reasons. The other princesses would take action much faster if the Master of Sword’s reputation went back up.”
Yo Ouin understood—there was a reason Li Chingwei did nothing while Limon’s reputation was declining.
“I’ll pay more attention to the other clan’s movements,” she said.
“No, please take caution and follow internal restrictions instead. Especially around Leviathan employees.”
“Do we not have to get involved?”
“There’s no point in stopping them if they set their mind to making a move.” Li Chingwei shook her head and stared at the arrangement of chess pieces on the map. “It’s possible one of them has already contacted the Master of Swords.”
“They wouldn’t.”
“They could,” she added, “especially if they were aware of his musical skills. At least two of them would fly over in a heartbeat, don’t you think?”
“That’s…” Yo Ouin stopped himself. He’d heard the man’s performance, so he knew that regardless of being a swordmaster, Limon’s talent for music alone was unrivaled.
As Chingwei said, there were princesses in the Seven Dragons Association who would go to the ends of the Earth if they heard him perform—one was the embodiment of greed who couldn’t bear not having something she wanted in her hands, and the other princess considered music her life and traveled the world for it.
“They wouldn’t have had the opportunity to listen to the Master of Sword’s music.”
“I hope so.”
Yo Ouin thought her concern was excessive. How could they hear Limon’s music when he and Chingwei were the only two people in their clan to have listened to it?
Even if they did hear it, the princesses wouldn’t move so hastily when they ruled their territories with more power than kings.
***
“Hmph, damn it,” Limon cursed.
“What’s wrong, partner?” Eugene asked.
“What do you think? It’s because of you.”
“What did I do?” Eugene tilted her head in confusion.
“I thought you got yourself a respectable job when you said you started working.”
“This job is plenty respectable!” she argued.
“A waitress?” Limon clicked his tongue as he looked at Eugene dressed in a server uniform and holding a tray.
Eugene was unbothered, though, and she set down his drink with a shrug. “What? I make money, eat food, and sing every once in a while. It’s the best job I could hope for.”
“A waitress doesn’t usually do the last part, do they?”
“Partner, being old-fashioned isn’t good for you. It’s hard to get a job in this world if you can’t adapt with an open mind, you know.” Eugene wagged her finger from side to side, and Limon scrunched his face in response.
Then, someone came to their table and interrupted them. “Hahaha! You’re right, Miss. Singing now and then isn’t a problem. Not a problem at all.”
Chapter 101: They Wouldn’t
A culprit was finally captured.
All Black Dragon Clan subsidiaries heard the news by the next morning, including the rumor that Shanghai Royal Family Head Wang Ki-neung was the one who captured him.
“Family Head Wang overdid himself.”
“Would you like to release a counter announcement?”
“I don’t know.” Li Chingwei tilted her head and, looking genuinely curious, asked, “Would anyone believe me if I said Wei-ling captured the culprit, or would more believe that the Master of Swords stole Family Head Wang’s achievement?”
“There is clear security footage of Wei-ling getting there first.”
“Not many would believe she defeated him alone when the culprit is the one who killed the others.”
Li Chingwei briefly hesitated and, with her delicate hands, moved a piece on the chessboard in front of her. “Even fewer would believe she was able to defeat him with the Master of Sword’s instructions.”
“…That’s true.” Yo Ouin gave a bitter smile. Even as a martial artist from an older age, he would have been skeptical to hear that someone won a fight through instructions over a phone call.
There was no way the clan would believe it when they had never come face to face with Limon’s skills and had nothing but deep resentment against him, especially since the Shanghai Royal Family was spreading the rumor like their lives depended on it.
“It’s not surprising at all that Family Head Wang would want to spread the rumor.”
“An official claim would have let us reveal the truth,” Li Chingwei said.
Yo Ouin nodded. “That must be why he’s content with just the rumors. Sometimes, a vague rumor holds more weight than gold.”
“How cunning.” It was clever of them to use a rumor because it allowed them to rebuild their status and honor if the truth remained hidden and they also wouldn’t be held responsible if it became known.
There was a lot he would gain and little he could lose, which was a very fitting move for someone like Wang.
“In the end, it doesn’t matter.”
“Does this mean you will not act on this?”
“It’s not worth it.” Li Chingwei disregarded Wang’s efforts as futile. Maybe it was a big deal for the Shanghai Royal Family, but it was too pathetic for her to care about.
“Is the Master of Swords disappointed at all?” Yo Ouin asked with caution
“The Master of Swords?” Chingwei let out a muffled laugh. “Would he feel disappointment over an achievement that even I find pathetic? He doesn’t even care about receiving glory for saving the world.” She smiled.
“It appears my worries are unwarranted…”
“Not exactly. The Master of Swords may not be disappointed, but he might feel pity.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. That’s why I said Family Head Wang overdid himself,” Chingwei said. If he had been respectful in asking Limon for the culprit, he would have begrudgingly handed him over, but Wang crossed the line with his aggressiveness.
Of course, it was his mistake since he was the type of person who couldn’t understand others and didn’t think Limon would ever give him the chance.
“If that’s all he was able to get from falling from the Master of Sword’s favor, then could it be called an advantage?”
It might’ve given the man a temporary advantage, but they could never forget that Limon was an ageless, immortal swordmaster—he could interfere with the Shanghai Royal Family’s business for centuries on end.
Yo Ouin recalled the damage Limon single-handedly brought to the Seven Dragons Association in the past and immediately started to feel sympathy towards Wang.
“Family Head Wang made a very foolish decision,” she said.
“He’s been going through a lot recently,” Li Chingwei replied. “Anyone can make bad judgments when they’re desperate.”
Though it sounded like she was defending him, Yo Ouin noticed there was not even the slightest bit of sympathy in her tone. Opposing Limon was the same as opposing the Princess, after all.
‘I should sell any stocks related to the Shanghai Royal Family.’ His growing sympathy aside, Yo Ouin was cool-headed in his conclusions as the head manager of Leviathan.
* * *
Reaper Scans
Translator - woni
Proofreader - ilafy
Join our discord for updates on releases!
https://discord.com/invite/reaperscans
* * *
Chingwei calmly said, “Family head Wang is not an issue. The problem is what’s going on outside.” She moved another chess piece to a map with gold, silver, carnelian, sapphire, greenstone, white jade, and obsidian.
“Is this about the other clans?” Yo Ouin asked.
“Yes. It would be more than just ‘trouble’ if they decided on a sure action.”
“Even if it’s another clan, they wouldn’t be able to blatantly make a move.”
Chingwei sighed. “They can still act covertly, and we don’t have the power to stop such interference.”
Yo Ouin couldn’t argue with that
The plutocratic Gold Dragon Clan of the United States of America…
The great Khanate Silver Dragon Clan of Russia…
The Blue Dragon Clan of the British Empire…
The White Dragon Clan, part of the Holy League…
The Red Dragon Clan, leader of the African military regime…
The Green Dragon Clan, which ruled the South American cartels…
Despite being a member of the same Seven Dragons, the Black Dragon Clan’s power was weak in comparison.
Some clans even had more power than nations in the 77 Chinese Federations. Since East Asia was their mainland, the Black Dragon Clan had suffered the most at Limon’s hands, yet there he was, about to marry their princess, Li Chingwei.
Of course, the other clans wouldn’t just sit back and allow such a thing.
“How do you think they will take action?”
“Each clan has different opinions,” Chingwei quietly said as she recalled the most recent conference. “It feels like the Gold Dragon Clan is trying to use their wealth, and the Red Dragon Clan is getting more bold with their threats.”
“That’s a little bit of a relief.”
“Yes. It means they won’t act immediately, but as for the other clans… I’m not sure what they might do.”
The clans with transparent objectives were a lesser evil since she could predict and prepare for their next moves, which wasn’t something she could do with the more discrete clans.
“Do you think the other clans had a part in this incident?” Yo Ouin asked.
“I doubt it. If they did, it would have been a full-out war. They don’t have anything to gain from such minor aggressions.”
“They could be trying to probe our reaction.”
Chingwei tilted her head. “Do you think so?”
She didn’t necessarily trust her connections with the other clans since the Seven Dragon’s Association was more of an alliance than a single organization. Their alliance had never been very strong, not even when they were the rulers of the world.
Since they were legally recognized, it was probable for them to commit terrorism against each other for the sake of reconnaissance, but Li Chingwei had a reason for discounting that.
“I wouldn’t try to probe in such a way if I were them. Instead, I would have snuck a spy in or tried to contact the Master of Swords directly.”
“It can’t be! Are you thinking the other princesses might try to take direct action?”
“Perhaps.”
The Seven Dragons Association had fought against Limon more than any other group, and they were more aware than anyone of the kind of man Limon used to be. Times may have changed, but anyone with a half-knowledge of the power he’d displayed back then wouldn’t be surprised if the princesses got directly involved.
Even Chingwei herself had directly proposed to him.
“The only reason they aren’t taking immediate action is because the Master of Sword’s reputation is getting worse by the day since our engagement.”
“Is that why you’re avoiding the matter of his status, Princess?”
“It’s one of the reasons. The other princesses would take action much faster if the Master of Sword’s reputation went back up.”
Yo Ouin understood—there was a reason Li Chingwei did nothing while Limon’s reputation was declining.
“I’ll pay more attention to the other clan’s movements,” she said.
“No, please take caution and follow internal restrictions instead. Especially around Leviathan employees.”
“Do we not have to get involved?”
“There’s no point in stopping them if they set their mind to making a move.” Li Chingwei shook her head and stared at the arrangement of chess pieces on the map. “It’s possible one of them has already contacted the Master of Swords.”
“They wouldn’t.”
“They could,” she added, “especially if they were aware of his musical skills. At least two of them would fly over in a heartbeat, don’t you think?”
“That’s…” Yo Ouin stopped himself. He’d heard the man’s performance, so he knew that regardless of being a swordmaster, Limon’s talent for music alone was unrivaled.
As Chingwei said, there were princesses in the Seven Dragons Association who would go to the ends of the Earth if they heard him perform—one was the embodiment of greed who couldn’t bear not having something she wanted in her hands, and the other princess considered music her life and traveled the world for it.
“They wouldn’t have had the opportunity to listen to the Master of Sword’s music.”
“I hope so.”
Yo Ouin thought her concern was excessive. How could they hear Limon’s music when he and Chingwei were the only two people in their clan to have listened to it?
Even if they did hear it, the princesses wouldn’t move so hastily when they ruled their territories with more power than kings.
***
“Hmph, damn it,” Limon cursed.
“What’s wrong, partner?” Eugene asked.
“What do you think? It’s because of you.”
“What did I do?” Eugene tilted her head in confusion.
“I thought you got yourself a respectable job when you said you started working.”
“This job is plenty respectable!” she argued.
“A waitress?” Limon clicked his tongue as he looked at Eugene dressed in a server uniform and holding a tray.
Eugene was unbothered, though, and she set down his drink with a shrug. “What? I make money, eat food, and sing every once in a while. It’s the best job I could hope for.”
“A waitress doesn’t usually do the last part, do they?”
“Partner, being old-fashioned isn’t good for you. It’s hard to get a job in this world if you can’t adapt with an open mind, you know.” Eugene wagged her finger from side to side, and Limon scrunched his face in response.
Then, someone came to their table and interrupted them. “Hahaha! You’re right, Miss. Singing now and then isn’t a problem. Not a problem at all.”
