Geum A-jong couldn’t understand the situation at all.

Fine, let’s concede a hundred times that the opponent was a master above those loan sharks.

But how did he make those fierce, rough, and arrogant guys so obedient? How the hell?

Right now, the guy in front was cleaning up broken stones scattered on the ground — a man who usually wouldn’t even greet Geum A-jong. A truly arrogant guy living only for today. It was the first time Geum A-jong saw him wear such an innocent expression.

Meanwhile, Geom Mugeuk walked up to the two of them.

At that moment, one of the loan sharks nearby dropped a stone he was clearing.

Geom Mugeuk picked it up and handed it back, but the loan shark, thinking he was about to be hit, flinched and fell on his butt.

Geum A-jong, watching that, was dumbfounded.

‘What the hell is this, what the hell!’

What was really hard to understand was this:

If those loan sharks had their arms or legs cut off, it would make sense. They’d be in such a terrible state that crawling on the ground like bugs wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

But they were just beaten up, yet they acted so obedient? Those bad-tempered bastards? How the hell did he beat them?

“This is my sworn brother.”

Geum A-rin introduced her brother to Geom Mugeuk.

“Glad to meet you, Geom Yeon.”

Geum A-jong’s gaze toward Geom Mugeuk wasn’t gentle at all. But in this situation, with loan sharks cleaning, he couldn’t openly accuse, “I know you’re a con artist.”

“I’ve heard from your younger sister.”

“What did your sister say?”

Geom Mugeuk’s eyes naturally turned toward Geum A-rin. Her gaze carried gratitude toward him.

‘Thank you for not running away, for not killing the loan sharks.’

Not running away meant, at least according to Geum A-jong, he wasn’t a con artist.

As selfish as Geum A-jong was, he cared about himself more than anything. Naturally, he chose his words carefully.

“She’s said you’re an incredible fighter.”

“A true martial artist risks life for those who recognize him.”

Must be for money! Geum A-jong suppressed the rising words. What else would he want ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) to pour out?

A worthless servant!

Surely a con artist. How did a servant subdue loan sharks? Did he use a trick? Is the father of that interest a master? Yeah, that must be it. Someone inside that house must be a master. Probably not even the father. Someone bought and brought in.

The one who satisfied his curiosity was Geum A-rin. She did not hold back.

“I heard you produced a winner at the Seoryeong Tournament in the Seodo faction?”

It was something that had to be asked sooner or later, and she was ready to accept any answer calmly.

“That’s right.”

That was why Geom Mugeuk used “Seodo faction” again. Because Seodo faction had such a history.

When judging someone, at first you can only see the appearance or facts.

Produced a winner at Seoryeong Tournament?

Geom Yeon is the servant of that winner?

They could only focus on that fact.

But it was just the shell.

The truth that Geom Yeon was really Geom Mugeuk could only be seen if all that shell was peeled away.

But it wouldn’t be easy. The prejudice of “servant” wrapped around their interest. The more sensational the facts around them, the stronger the shield hiding the truth.

“I heard the winner was a man named Seo-ryong.”

“That’s right. He’s my sworn brother.”

“Sworn brother? I heard you were the servant of Seo-ryong?”

From Geom Mugeuk came an answer she did not expect.

“The granddaughter of the Martial Alliance leader liked me, so I had no choice but to act as her servant.”

Since Jin Ha-ryeong took him to the alliance leader, it sounded plausible.

“Oh! The greatness of love that transcends even social status!”

Geum A-jong and the nearby loan sharks watching showed expressions of disbelief.

One loan shark even muttered without thinking, “Crazy!”

Then he suddenly realized his careless words and froze. The other loan sharks dragged him away.

Geum A-jong found the loan sharks’ reaction even more ridiculous. They were showing off like fools in front of Geom Mugeuk. And they paid those expensive monthly wages!

Geum A-rin asked Geom Mugeuk.

“Is it true?”

The granddaughter of the Martial Alliance leader liked this person? Well, since she liked him, she took him to the alliance leader. This distorted the fact that she was the one who charmed him.

From “Geom Yeon is a servant” to “the Martial Alliance leader’s granddaughter liked him.”

“I’ll introduce Jin So-jeo next time. Since then, we’ve been like friends.”

She doubted a little but then her gaze turned toward the loan sharks.

Yeah, if it’s this person.

Geum A-rin decided to believe. After all, she had staked her fate on this person, so she believed.

But Geum A-jong’s thoughts were different.

“He’s definitely a con artist.”

Con artists always boast about ties with famous people, right?

The Martial Alliance leader’s granddaughter took this interest to the leader probably as an act of rebellion.

Otherwise, why hasn’t he married the leader’s granddaughter and instead is wringing out two million nyang here? With such amazing skill.

So he’s a con artist. Maybe he even fleeced money from the leader’s granddaughter.

While Geum A-jong was lost in all sorts of delusions, Geom Mugeuk called the loan sharks.

“All right, if cleaning is done, gather.”

The loan sharks gathered. It was as if they were ordered to “open your eyes nicely.” All wore as kind expressions as possible.

Geum A-jong was even more baffled seeing them up close.

That loan shark’s forearm was as thick as Geom Yeon’s waist. Aren’t they ashamed?

Could it be that they’re all intoxicated? Otherwise, it was unbelievable that they lost to this young man.

Seeing those who used to act arrogantly now cowed made Geum A-rin inwardly gleeful. And she was allowed to be. Geom Yeon was now her right hand.

Geom Mugeuk said to the loan sharks.

“Good work. You may leave now.”

The loan sharks bowed and left.

Geum A-jong glared at them.

‘Will they really leave when told?’

But they really left without looking back. They must have been hurt in pride, but Geum A-jong’s pride was hurt too. Though they followed their father, he was still his father’s blood.

Geom Mugeuk said to the two.

“Come to think of it, both of you sent people to kill me. Seems like our bloodline just can’t leave me alone. How many siblings do you have? Hope it’s not nine brothers and sisters.”

Geom Mugeuk joked; Geum A-rin’s face flushed slightly. Geum A-jong kept a shameless expression as if it wasn’t him who sent the loan sharks.

“When will we leave? We’re ready.”

Geum Mugeuk’s question was answered by Geum A-rin.

“Then let’s leave immediately. I’ll come back here in half an hour.”

“Let’s do that. If you lead, I’ll have So-jeo’s carriage follow.”

“See you later.”

As she was about to leave, Geum A-rin turned back and said.

“Thank you.”

She didn’t say why she was thankful, but Geom Mugeuk smiled knowingly. Then Geum A-rin realized.

‘So that’s it.’

Now she was sure why she was drawn to Geom Mugeuk. Because of that composure. The reason she invested two million nyang and staked her fate was because of that composed smile. Because he seemed to know everything.

Geum A-rin and Geum A-jong left. Geum A-jong said,

“He’s a con artist.”

After a brief pause, Geum A-rin asked,

“Not your brother?”

The rebuke that hit Geum A-jong made him flinch sharply.

“He acts like he cares about me and the family, but he doesn’t. If he cared about me, he’d have talked to me first and sent the loan sharks. He’s sure I made a mistake and is trying to fix it to gain favor with father.”

“What nonsense.”

Hit in the heart, Geum A-jong flatly denied it. If things had gone as he expected, he’d have answered like that. Serves you right, you’re totally out of father’s favor now.

“See you at the main house. And if you get a chance, thank the servant. If you lost all the loan sharks, it’s you who’ll be out of father’s favor.”

Geum A-rin left first.

Geum A-jong looked toward the manor behind her.

Through the half-open gate, Geom Mugeuk was visible. He was looking up at the sky, and oddly, there was a loneliness about him.

Then Geom Mugeuk sensed Geum A-jong’s gaze, looked over, and waved.

Geum A-jong pretended not to see and quickly turned away.

His older brother had said to him once: “You’re greedy and also have the nature of a con artist.” Yeah, he admitted it. Con artists recognize each other. That guy definitely hides something.

“I’ll expose your true identity.”

And he commanded the best subordinate more than anyone else to do that.

“Lee Chu!”

Then a masked figure appeared.

“Find proof as soon as possible that he’s a con artist!”

“Understood.”

Lee Chu specialized in tailing people and gathering information. He was the most valuable of Geum A-jong’s subordinates.

“Don’t fail! We’ve already failed enough today.”

The carriage headed toward Seomseo, where the Geumryong family’s main branch was located.

Two carriages ran at intervals. Geum A-rin told Im Hyuk, who drove her carriage, not to worry even if Geom Mugeuk’s carriage wasn’t right behind them.

Inside the carriage, Geom Mugeuk reported to his father what he knew about the Geumryong family. His father must have been listening to all the information from Tongcheongak, but this information was from Eunwol.

“The Geumryong family has three heirs. Geum A-jong and Geum A-rin, whom we met earlier, are the second and third. The eldest son, Geum A-hyuk (金芽革), is currently the most likely successor. If I were to quantify the possibilities, Geum A-hyuk has 60%, Geum A-jong 30%, and Geum A-rin 10%.”

Geom Mugeuk clearly understood Geum A-rin’s intent.

“The ultimate reason Geum A-rin involved us is to use us in her succession fight. It’s a losing battle, but she dreams of a last-minute comeback.”

Geom Woo-jin silently listened to the report.

“When we arrive at the Geumryong family, I intend to investigate the head of the family first. I believe he is connected to the mastermind behind this.”

“Why?”

The reason was Geum A-rin.

“The money raised by the secret organization flowed to the mastermind. Since the leader of this secret organization is the daughter of the head of the Geumryong family, the head definitely sent the money.”

If the leader had been another person, there might have been a slim chance someone in the leadership conspired without the head knowing. But since it’s Geum A-rin, the head of the Geumryong family is surely involved.

“The problem is how they are connected. Whether they’re completely under their control, sympathizers, or being threatened. They might even be deceived.”

There was a specific plan.

“But this time, because they gave us two million nyang, payment has been disrupted. Now we have to pay them, which is a big problem. I plan to focus on the head’s reaction to deduce their relationship.”

Geom Woo-jin’s eyes showed surprise.

“Did you plan to get the money knowing that from the start?”

Geom Mugeuk’s sparkling eyes already answered yes.

Then Geom Woo-jin said,

“Do I really need to come?”

This meant, given how clearly he saw the situation, did he really need his help?

“I want to show them once.”

“Show what?”

Calmly, Geom Mugeuk said,

“That there is a father in this martial world.”

“!”

Geom Woo-jin looked at his son silently, then turned his head out the carriage window.

He added a word to that father.

“Of course, father would want to notify them another way.”

That day they stayed at an inn.

At dawn, when everyone was asleep, a masked man quietly appeared. It was Lee Chu, sent by Geum A-jong.

He crept not into the guest rooms but into the stable.

He made no sound, not even when opening the carriage door. One might believe he was a thief or an assassin by how stealthily he moved.

Lee Chu didn’t carelessly enter the guest rooms where people slept.

First, he inspected the carriage.

Carefully inspecting the guest room inside the carriage, then the driver’s seat, he found nothing special as the luggage had been moved inside the guest room.

Lee Chu felt a strange discomfort from this ordinary carriage.

‘Something’s wrong.’

As he looked around, he realized the cause of this discomfort.

‘The carriage is too worn compared to the horses.’

The horses were fine, truly excellent, but the carriage was too shabby.

He slowly examined the carriage, knocking and inspecting here and there.

He discovered that the outside of the carriage was newly covered with thin plywood. It was made to look like an old carriage on purpose.

Lee Chu scraped at the edge of the plywood with a stiletto to loosen it slightly.

Peeking through the gap, he saw there was a painting on the carriage.

Looking closely, it looked like a crescent moon shape.

“Crescent moon?”

He whispered to himself. Was there a sect in the martial world that used a crescent moon?

If he peeled off more, he could probably figure it out. But doing so might leave traces of the plywood being removed. He thought he’d come back with materials to fully remove it.

Just as he was peeking again through the gap to confirm the painting—

“!”

Lee Chu was startled. It wasn’t because of the painting. Someone silently came beside him and was looking through the gap together. It was Geom Mugeuk.

“Not a crescent moon, it looks like a horn?”