Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Star King Ascends as the Leader of the Main Sect Suddenly, news swept through Hanan.

The announcement was even made official through the Beggar’s Sect, lending it undeniable credibility.

The effort must have been considerable, as it spread throughout Hanan in less than a day.

Conversations about it buzzed in every corner.

"The Star King is becoming the Leader?

" "A warrior of royal rank leading the sect?

I’ve never heard of such a thing.

" The Six Thrones—or rather, now the Seven Thrones.

The seven kings.

Since the establishment of the Martial Alliance, no king-level martial artist had ever taken the position of Leader.

There had been precedents of kings rising to the position of Alliance Leader, but none had ever stepped in as the Leader of a division.

"What does it matter?

Didn’t the Blade King participate in the tournament to become the Dragon Leader?

" Mentioning how the Blade King joined the tournament helped calm some nerves.

During the recent Divine Dragon Martial Tournament, the prize included the qualification to become the Leader of the Divine Dragon Division.

Had the Blade King won, he would have taken the position of Dragon Leader.

Considering that, the Star King becoming a Leader wasn’t entirely out of place.

"Still...

the Star King is barely past twenty.

" The Star King, having only just come of age.

Regardless of what he had demonstrated in Hanan, some still pointed out that he was too young.

But— "What does age matter?

If it’s the Star King, it’s reassuring.

" "The Star King is sacrificing himself for the shattered alliance, and you’re hung up on his age?

" Those brimming with anger trampled on any objections in an instant.

Right now, public sentiment toward the Alliance was far from favorable.

To be precise, it could hold for now, but it wouldn’t take long to collapse completely.

In such circumstances— "If it’s the Star King, it’s fine.

" "At least there’s someone we can trust.

" "The Martial Alliance might be a concern, but if it’s the Star King...

" Hearing that the hero who saved Hanan had chosen the Alliance gradually soothed the public’s fury.

Though anger toward the Alliance remained, they now had a reason to suppress it, if only temporarily.

This effect came solely from the Star King’s affiliation with the Alliance.

When people find something to talk about, their unity tends to waver.

The raging resentment toward the Alliance began to waver slightly due to this news.

And in addition— "Have you heard?

" There was another piece of news, just as shocking as the Star King’s appointment, adding to the chaos.

"They say the Divine Dragon Division is coming back.

" "The Divine Dragon Division?

" The Divine Dragon Division (神龍隊).

Each member was a formidable powerhouse, and the Leader of the Divine Dragon Division often went down in history as a figure of legend.

It was the Martial Alliance’s elite sword division, directly under the Alliance Leader’s command, wielding immense influence.

Though the Azure Dragon Division had since taken its place, the Divine Dragon Division’s legacy was considered incomparable.

Now, with the announcement of its revival, rumors swirled endlessly.

But— "No, wasn’t that supposed to be decided by the tournament?

" "I heard the winner was supposed to take the Leader’s seat...

What happens now?

" The Divine Dragon Division’s revival had already been foreshadowed through the tournament.

So hearing the news left many puzzled.

After all, the tournament had been interrupted by an attack, and no winner had been declared.

In fact, from the moment it was announced that the Leader would be chosen through a tournament, doubts had surfaced.

Anyone familiar with the Divine Dragon Division would have questioned it.

And for good reason.

The Divine Dragon Division had one very peculiar rule— While the identities of its members were known, the Leader’s identity remained a mystery.

That was the defining trait of the Divine Dragon Division.

To elaborate, once someone became the Leader, they wore a mask and kept their identity hidden until their tenure ended.

Of course— "That’s just playing pretend.

" Martial techniques tend to reveal their user’s distinct characteristics, and anyone skilled enough to lead the Division would naturally stand out.

Because of this, even if the Leader’s identity was technically hidden, there was an unspoken agreement to keep quiet once they figured it out.

Take the 11th Leader, Sword Saint, for example.

Before he was known as the Sword Saint and Alliance Leader, He served as the Divine Dragon Leader while wearing a golden fox mask.

However, his technique, Crescent Moon Sword, was so distinctive that most people knew who he was anyway.

This was true for most past Leaders.

The only exception— "The last Divine Dragon Leader.

" The 16th Leader, who held the position before the Division disbanded.

Nothing is known about them.

Traditionally, Leaders revealed their identities upon stepping down.

But in this case, the Division’s disbandment led to silence regarding the Leader’s identity.

That was nearly twenty years ago.

Given this history, the decision to revive the Division and select its Leader through a tournament drew much debate.

Would the new Leader no longer hide their identity?

Was this the end of the Division’s defining trait?

Speculation ran rampant.

And now, with the tournament interrupted and no winner declared, the sudden announcement of the Division’s return stirred even more questions.

“...

Sigh.

” As dusk approached, the Moyong family’s sharp-tongued daughter let out a faint sigh after hearing the news.

Seeing her, I swallowed dryly.

It was a habit she displayed when displeased or holding back anger.

I had to tread carefully.

Then— "So...

" Moyong Hee-ah, the sharp-tongued daughter of the Moyong family, spoke up.

"Divine Dragon Division or not, this basically means Young Master is taking the Leader’s seat, doesn’t it?

" "Well...

yeah, pretty much.

" "Pretty much?

Didn’t you already sign the contract?

" "It was more of a verbal agreement, really....

" "So you didn’t actually sign it?

" "...

Not a signature, but I did leave my seal.

" "...

" "Sorry.

" I immediately apologized under her sharp glare.

It seemed excuses wouldn’t work this time.

"Are you serious right now?

" "If I say, ‘Technically, I didn’t,’ you’ll just get angrier—sorry.

" Moyong Hee-ah grabbed a nearby water bottle, and I quickly reached out to stop her.

"Let go?

" "You’ll smash it on my head if I do.

" "Like it’d even leave a dent at your level.

Just take the hit.

" "Not «N.

o.

v.

e.

l.

i.

g.

h.

t» getting injured doesn’t mean it won’t hurt....

" "Then it should hurt.

If it won’t, what’s the point of hitting you?

At least let me vent a little.

" "Calm down.

Let’s settle this peacefully.

Violence is bad.

" "Do you even believe that when you say it?

" "I Know.

" But right now, I had to say something—anything.

“...

No, seriously, the terms were good.

They even added more to sweeten the deal.

” I kept my grip on her arm as I spoke.

Hearing my words, Moyong Hee-ah’s grip loosened slightly.

However, her expression remained as cold as ever as she continued.

"Of course they were good.

If they weren’t, you wouldn’t have accepted, would you?

" "Well, yeah...

I guess....

" "But didn’t you promise to tell me first if anything important came up?

" "...

" Her sharp remark shut me up completely.

She was right—I had made that promise.

Anything important, especially deals or contracts, had to go through her first.

When Moyong Hee-ah had asked, I had nodded in agreement.

Honestly, she wasn’t the type to mess things up.

Even with people like Cheol Ji-seon or Jegal Hyuk around—both sharp in their own ways—Moyong Hee-ah was far more reliable when it came to matters like this.

Consulting her would have been helpful.

And truthfully, it had been my way of covering up the suspicious deals I sometimes made behind the scenes.

Also— “...

You looked busy.

” "...

" I had noticed how swamped Moyong Hee-ah had been lately, which had factored into my decision.

She had been buried in letters and reports all day.

Her workload had doubled after the recent attack.

Before Lady Mi even mentioned supporting the refugees, Moyong Hee-ah had already started preparing aid for them.

I couldn’t even imagine how much work she had.

Was she even eating?

Sleeping?

She was driving her frail body to the brink, and now I was dumping more nonsense on her.

"So I kept quiet.

Besides, it all worked out fine.

Can’t you just let this go...?

" "Who do you think I’m so busy for?

" "Huh?

" I was about to explain further when her icy voice stopped me in my tracks.

Was it my imagination?

The temperature around Moyong Hee-ah seemed to drop.

It felt like snow was falling, even though we were indoors.

What the hell was that?

"It’s all because of you...!

" "Wait...!

" "I’ve been cutting back on sleep, pushing myself to get even a little bit of praise from you—and what?

You didn’t tell me because I looked busy!?

Do you even hear yourself?!

" "Calm down!

Calm down...!

" "Calm down my ass!

Are you even human!?

Even if you traded your sense for martial skills, this is too much!

" Well, technically, I wasn’t exactly human anymore.

Oddly enough, that thought crossed my mind as soon as she said it.

And maybe because of that— I accidentally let go of her arm.

The pressure eased, and the water bottle shot straight up into the air.

Shit.

I should just take the hit.

I braced myself, narrowing my eyes slightly.

"Damn it...

" But Moyong Hee-ah didn’t swing.

Instead, she just stood there, gripping the bottle and blushing furiously.

"Huh?

" Then her eyes turned red, and tears began to well up.

Her watery gaze startled me.

Was she...

crying?

Moyong Hee-ah?

Crying?

Not once had I seen her cry—not in this life, nor the last.

I froze, completely at a loss.

And then— Moyong Hee-ah set the bottle down and abruptly turned her back to me.

"Forget it.

I’m busy.

I’ll be leaving first.

" "Wait...

what?

" And just like that, she left.

I could only stand there, staring at her retreating figure without saying a word.

Oh, shit.

This was bad.

I glanced around nervously.

The room was filled with eyes staring at me.

The women’s gazes, in particular, were sharp.

This was supposed to be a rare moment where we all gathered for a meal.

I had only brought up the issue of becoming Leader because it seemed like the right time.

How the hell was I supposed to know Moyong Hee-ah would blow up like that?

"...

" A heavy silence hung in the air.

The suffocating tension dragged on until— "I know this might sound harsh," Wi Seol-ah finally spoke, having just finished her third bowl of rice.

"But this time, it’s your fault, Young Master.

" "...

" Namgung Bi-ah and Tang So-yeol nodded in agreement.

That’s when I realized—I was royally screwed.

****************** After finishing my meal, I immediately got moving.

Honestly, I wanted to go find Moyong Hee-ah, but prior engagements kept me from doing so.

"Did you two fight?

" The question hit me the moment I entered the meeting room.

"...

How did you know?

" "Judging by your response, you really did.

" "No, it wasn’t exactly a fight....

" If anything, I had just taken a one-sided beating.

I didn’t get a single word in, and the one who hit me ended up storming out in tears.

"Anyway, how did you figure it out?

" I asked with a hint of embarrassment.

The owner of the room, Lady Mi of the Baekhwa Trading Company, looked up at me.

"Because your expression reminds me of someone I know all too well.

" "Who?

" "A foolish and hopelessly naïve woman.

" Lady Mi smiled faintly as she spoke.

I found that surprising, but I couldn’t let the comment slide.

"Then it’s not much of a resemblance.

" "...?

" "She’s not foolish at all.

In fact, she’s pretty smart.

" "...

" Calling Moyong Hee-ah foolish?

That was something I couldn’t ignore.

When I refuted her remark, Lady Mi’s smile deepened.

"In this regard, you’re far better than your father.

" "...

Why bring him up all of a sudden?

" What did my father have to do with this?

Rustle.

Lady Mi returned her attention to the stack of letters on her desk.

The pile looked even larger than the last time I saw it.

"So, I heard you’re becoming a Leader?

" She asked while flipping through the papers, causing me to swallow nervously.

"...

Yes.

" Was I about to get scolded here too?

Anxiety crept in.

"The youngest Leader ever, right?

" Her question caught me off guard.

"...

Pardon?

Oh, yes.

" "And they call you the Star King.

The youngest king, as well.

" "Yes, that’s what they say.

" "Do you know what it means to be the youngest?

" "Uh, yes, I do.

" "It means you’re so talented that you surpassed all your seniors despite your age.

" "I know that....

" "The youngest king, the youngest Leader...

It’s impressive.

Truly impressive.

" Wait—was that a laugh?

Lady Mi’s lips twitched slightly, though she quickly suppressed it.

What’s going on here?

First, Moyong Hee-ah’s tears, and now this—none of it made sense.

"Do you have a copy of the contract?

" "Yes.

" Of course, I had grabbed one immediately after signing it.

When I asked for paper and ink, Muk Yeon handed them over.

Judging by his expression, he hadn’t planned to offer them unless I brought it up first.

Cunning old man.

I had to stay on my toes around him.

"Show it to me later, will you?

" "...

If you’d like, I can send someone with it.

" "Good.

" Lady Mi nodded, looking satisfied.

Was that all?

‘She’s not going to ask why I did it?

Or if it was necessary?

’ The conversation was far simpler than I expected.

I had braced myself for a scolding, only to find the atmosphere oddly relaxed.

"...

" "...

" Neither of us said anything further.

It seemed the conversation was over.

I was about to bow and take my leave when— "...

And one more thing.

" Lady Mi hesitated, stopping me in my tracks.

"Yes?

" "That...

" "Yes?

" "That, um...

" "...?

" She had called me here for something, but now she seemed oddly hesitant.

Had she forgotten what she wanted to say?

No way.

This was Lady Mi we were talking about—forgetfulness wasn’t in her nature.

So why was she acting like this?

Just as my curiosity peaked— "...

You did well.

" Lady Mi finally spoke.

"...

Uh....

" For a moment, my mind went completely blank.

"...

Thank you.

" I managed to force out a response, struggling to find the right words.

It was just a simple compliment, but it felt strangely heavy.

"Alright, you can go now.

" "...

Yes.

I’ll see you next time.

" Still slightly dazed, I bowed and left the room.

“...

” The moment Gu Yangcheon stepped out, Lady Mi was left alone in the room.

Rustle.

Rustle.

The soft sound of letters being sorted filled the space.

"The youngest ever, they said.

" Lady Mi suddenly spoke.

Though the room appeared empty, someone was undoubtedly listening.

—Yes.

The response came from the ceiling.

"The Star King...

The Alliance may have played their tricks, but he’s risen to the position.

And now, he’s even the youngest Leader.

" —I’ve heard as much.

"It’s quite impressive, isn’t it?

Remarkable, even.

" —...

"I suppose I should have the branch prepare something for him.

He’ll need money to operate as a Leader now, so we should at least—" —Why didn’t you tell him that while he was still here?

"...

" Lady Mi, who had been speaking rather cheerfully, fell silent at her guard’s interruption.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she paused.

Sensing his mistress’s hesitation, the guard pressed on.

—If you had told him, I’m sure he would have been pleased.

It seemed obvious enough.

The guard’s words carried sincerity, but— "I can’t.

" Lady Mi’s voice, now subdued, barely echoed through the room.

"Not yet.

I’m afraid.

" —Afraid?

The woman, feared by many and undaunted even without martial arts, spoke words that felt unusually fragile.

"Don’t you think I’d only burden him?

Not now.

" —...

No, that wouldn’t happen.

The guard wanted to say as much, but he knew better.

To push any further would cross a line.

Acknowledging this, the guard shifted topics.

—Then...

will you not tell him about the other matter either?

"What other matter?

" —About Elder Il of the Gu family arriving in Hanan with the former Leader.

" The guard referred to the main issue—the reason Lady Mi had called Gu Yangcheon in the first place.

When Lady Mi didn’t bring it up earlier, the guard couldn’t help but question why.

But the moment those words left his mouth— —...

The former Leader?

"...

" He saw it.

A crack appeared in the unshakable expression of Lady Mi, the Mistress of the Baekhwa Trading Company.

Her composure faltered.

The guard cautiously asked again.

—Don’t tell me you forgot...?

"...

" She had.

In her excitement, Lady Mi had completely forgotten to mention the most important topic.

It was one of the rare mistakes in her otherwise flawless life.