Toxin

First, I needed to sketch the overall shape. I split the thick charcoal into finer pieces, sharpening them to draw precise lines. I quickly transferred the front, side, and rear views of the metallic weapon onto paper. Rushing wouldn’t help, but I felt anxious, unsure when the Black Martial Emperor might show up. I carefully transferred the Wail of the Demons onto the blank white space. After drawing the main body, I folded the paper a few times and set it aside. I glanced outside again. The court ladies were quietly chatting, passing the time.

Now, the truly important part. I focused on Jincheonroe. Simply copying the outer appearance was easy enough. From my observations, it seemed like a simple decoration, something people didn’t usually pay much attention to, but if someone noticed even a slight difference, it would be over. The key was to disassemble it and reassemble it exactly as it was. I had a fairly good memory. I had also worked in a smithy as a menial worker before. I had occasionally repaired broken farming tools, and the blacksmith had once praised my keen eye for understanding the structure. However, I wasn’t confident with such a detailed and complex structure. Since I couldn’t draw everything in one go anyway, I needed to take a look inside to familiarize myself.

My pulse quickened. I closed my eyes, then opened them, trying to calm myself down, and wiped my sweaty hands on my clothes. My broken finger hadn’t fully healed, making everything inconvenient. I carefully placed Jincheonroe on the floor, shaking the handle and barrel. When I examined the flat wooden board where the trigger was set, I found that the nails were firmly fixed on both sides, making it difficult to disassemble. I’d have to prepare tools to loosen it next time.

I gave up on that part for now and shook the barrel slightly; it seemed like it might come apart. I tucked the wooden board under my arm and tried to pull out the long metal barrel. Despite my best efforts, cold sweat gathered on my finger joints, causing them to slip repeatedly. Damn it. A curse slipped out. Just as I applied the final bit of force, the connection loosened and came apart. Looking into the hollow bamboo-like barrel, I saw that a spring and a metal connection device were added. The structure was simpler than I had expected. Without hesitation, I copied it onto paper.

Suddenly, a cold shiver ran down the back of my neck. I quickly raised my head and scanned the room. Was someone watching me, like last time? My vision blurred. I searched every corner and even, absurdly, looked at the ceiling. I was so nervous that I felt my mouth go dry, thinking the man might appear any moment and press the barrel to the back of my head. I carefully and precisely moved my hands, straining my hearing to its limit. Finally, I finished drawing the barrel and reassembled everything. I hung the weapon back in its place, promising myself to continue next time. There wasn’t a single sign of disturbance. I wondered how much time had passed. My hands and forehead were drenched in sweat. I folded the paper in half and tucked it behind the wooden panel of the drawing board.

“Hah…”

A deep breath, as if my chest would collapse, escaped me.

***

The Black Martial Emperor seemed busy, with no sign of coming. Perhaps I wouldn’t meet him today after all. More than anything, I wanted to ask about the drawing. I looked at Jincheonroe with lingering regret. No, if I lingered too long, I’d get caught, so this was enough for today. I gathered my things and stood up, feeling awkward waiting alone in an empty room. Suddenly, a cheap pipe by the side of the floor cushion caught my eye. The silver tip of the pipe was already blackened from the habit of lighting it directly, yet the cheap pipe was hanging on a tobacco pipe holder carved with a phoenix pattern. It was a treatment unbefitting its origins. I stared at the pipe for a moment before turning to leave.

The outside was already dark, with torches on the castle wall lighting the way. I held Jincheonroe’s drawing, hidden behind the drawing board, tightly against me, worrying needlessly that it might fall out. If I kept up this pace, I might finish by the promised day. Then, I could shed one heavy burden and focus solely on my revenge.

As I walked excitedly toward the rear garden, I saw Naro running from afar, out of breath. His mouth was bloodied, his teeth stained with bright red, and his flesh was torn even more, making his appearance far more gruesome than before. Could it be again? As if what had happened before wasn’t enough, he was in this state again…! A surge of rage filled me.

“Fr-friend… friend…”

“Was it Mama Veronjubille who did this again?”

Naro, choking back sobs, spoke frantically.

“Of course! Who else but Mama would do this?! Today was the worst! She threw everything in sight—mirrors, tables—and then, not satisfied, she kicked me. And do you know what she said?! Do you know what Mama Veronjubille said?!”

Naro paused for a moment, then suddenly started running around the courtyard as if he was about to take off and fly.

“She told me to get out! That I should never show my face again! That if I did, she wouldn’t let me live! Hahaha! Freedom! Freedom! Hahaha…!”

It was as if he had just woken up from a dream. If not, perhaps he had been beaten so much that his mind was altered… But neither of these seemed to fit Naro’s expression. Naro, as if he had won the world, kept running around, grabbing everyone he passed and making them share in his joy.

“Hahaha! Freedom! Freedom! My lord! I’m finally free! Lord, I’m telling you!”

“Eek! Can’t you let go of my hand, you rogue?!”

***

“Hah… Is this really a dream or reality…? Now I can finally rest for a while and draw everything I couldn’t before! Oh, and of course, I’ll help with your work too! I meant it when I said I’d be loyal!”

Naro, drenched in a sense of liberation, couldn’t stop pinching the cheek that had been harshly slapped by the court lady. A smile naturally spread across my face as well.

“By the way, how far have you gotten with the portrait? Any progress?”

“I didn’t even get to see him today.”

“Even this morning, the heads of the vassal states rushed in all at once. He must be busy, probably? Ah, it’s because of the new castle being built in Imae Village. Isn’t that His Majesty’s hobby? To tear down a conquered land and build a castle…”

Suddenly, Naro glanced at me with a face that showed he realized he’d said too much. But his worry was pointless. I had no attachment, no nostalgia for Imae Village. Whether they razed it to build a castle or plant flowers, it didn’t concern me. As long as they didn’t touch Hanaru Mountain, where my mother’s remains lay, nothing else mattered.

“But what does building a castle have to do with the vassal states flocking here?”

“It’s everything! If they win the construction contract, it’s like sitting on a pile of money. Jobs are created for the people, they learn castle construction techniques, they buy materials, and the leftover money lines their pockets! It’s a massive profit, so of course, they’re all desperate to win the contract.”

So, they dump the bothersome tasks onto the vassal states and move on to the next conquest? Even after swallowing so much, how could they still want more? Suddenly, Naro gasped and froze in place, staring at something. I followed his gaze and saw a large crowd passing by. Among the group of various species, two men stood out, their heads much taller than the rest. It was the Black Martial Emperor and Raonhiljo.

We quickly stepped aside and bowed. The Black Martial Emperor walked at the front with his characteristically slow gait, making those following him appear to drift like a cloud. A man who looked to be in his mid-30s was endlessly chattering behind him.

“Your Majesty, if you entrust it to me again, I will build a perfect castle that combines both residential and military purposes. I’ll also minimize the cost, and I’ll ensure you won’t have to worry about anything from preparation to completion.”

“Hasn’t Yangwuk Kingdom already won two contracts? They’re experienced, but honestly, the completed castles were a bit boring. Isn’t it time to introduce some new construction methods? We have excellent designers and loyal workers ready, so if you entrust the project to us, Sumil Kingdom, we’ll show you a magnificent castle worthy of your fame.”

The heads of the vassal states were passionately trying to outdo each other, but the Black Martial Emperor looked bored and rubbed the back of his neck. The vassal leaders, while vying for the favor of the key decision-maker, didn’t forget to flatter the other powerful figure standing next to him.

“Ah, is Lord Raonhiljo overseeing the project again? We feel reassured under your leadership. But should someone as young and handsome as you be toiling in the dust with rough men? You should wrap up the construction quickly and enjoy yourself in a fragrant garden. Hahaha…!”

Raonhiljo gave a faint smile.

“Lately, I strangely find myself drawn to working with rough men in the dust. But compared to the manpower and budget, the estimated completion time seems too fast. While saving time is important, I feel like it might also shorten the workers’ lifespans.”

“You’re absolutely right! But there’s no need to worry about that once you see this…”

Raonhiljo carefully examined the plans the man presented, then showed them to the Black Martial Emperor. The emperor quickly skimmed the document and gave Raonhiljo a brief glance.

“Decide for yourself.”

Raonhiljo handed the plans to an attendant nearby.

“I’ll review it in detail later, so set it aside for me.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Until now, I had only seen the Black Martial Emperor enjoy killing games with swords and Raonhiljo leisurely indulging in cultural pursuits. Yet, the sight of these two governing the state side by side felt oddly harmonious. It was hard to believe that not long ago, they had been fighting as if they were ready to kill each other. Truly incomprehensible people in an unpredictable world.

It was Raonhiljo who first noticed me. While talking to the Black Martial Emperor, he inadvertently locked eyes with me. In that instant, the warmth drained from his smile. I bowed silently. Raonhiljo didn’t seem surprised or flustered, but simply looked at me with heavy eyes. I hadn’t visited him since the last time he treated me, and he hadn’t sought me out either.

The Black Martial Emperor, sensing the unusual tension, followed Raonhiljo’s gaze to its destination. His dark eyes, previously dull with boredom, flickered with a faint light as they settled on me. His steps flowed smoothly in my direction, and those trailing behind him followed like a tail. Raonhiljo’s gaze veered away as the emperor approached. Naro immediately threw himself to the ground, and I bowed my head as well.

“Y-Your Majesty! Your grace is boundless! Boundless grace!”

At Naro’s sudden outburst, the Black Martial Emperor’s gaze fell on him. The Grand Chamberlain spoke up in a soft tone.

“He is Mama Veronjubille’s personal painter, but as of today, he is no longer employed.”

“And?”

The Black Martial Emperor’s face showed no recognition, so the Grand Chamberlain continued, as if expecting this.

“Do you not remember, Your Majesty? This morning, during breakfast, you suddenly ordered Mama Veronjubille’s painter to be replaced. I rushed to deliver the message. Do you not recall?”

The Black Martial Emperor glanced at the trembling Naro, a strange expression crossing his face, as if something hadn’t lived up to his expectations. Suddenly, I felt a complex look directed at me from behind the emperor. Raonhiljo briefly glanced at the bandages wrapped around both my hand and the emperor’s. A faint, bitter smile played at his lips. My mouth felt dry as if filled with sand. I lowered my gaze to the ground. The Black Martial Emperor’s attention, briefly on Naro, shifted back to me. Despite everything, I wanted to offer some kind words regarding Naro’s situation, but before I could find the right words, a cold voice interrupted.

“Who told you to leave?”

Was he going to make an issue out of the living arrangements again? It seemed I would need to resolve this once and for all soon.

“You didn’t say otherwise, so I assumed you had allowed it.”

“Is the Imae Tribe always this forward-thinking?”

His tone was clearly mocking, but I couldn’t back down when it came to my living situation.

“Let me stay in the stable. It’s more comfortable there.”

“Your fearlessness hasn’t changed either.”

A forceful gaze clung to me, almost suffocating. For a moment, the cold silence scratched my skin. As Black Martial Emperor’s focus turned toward me, it seemed the leader of the Yangwun Kingdom decided to target me. The leader carefully scanned my eyes and pale skin.

“Oh… Quite a peculiar Imae Tribe. Usually, the Imae Tribe have red eyes and darker skin, but this is my first time seeing one like this. Your Majesty.”

The unpleasant gaze made my expression naturally harden.

“That’s because I’m a mongrel.”

At this brief reply, the leader of the Yangwun Kingdom’s face stiffened. I’d been wondering why his face looked familiar, and now I remembered. He had been one of the conspirators planning to overthrow Black Martial Emperor that day. Now that I looked around, a few of the other vassal state leaders here had also been present then. In front, they fawned over power, while sharpening their knives in the back. It seemed the Yangwun leader also recognized me but pretended not to know.

“They say the white horns of the Imae Tribe are known as miraculous medicine, capable of bringing back the dead from the underworld. I’ve heard some even keep them as livestock, trimming off bits of the horns to eat them little by little. Is that why you keep one?”

At that moment, Black Martial Emperor and Raonhiljo’s gazes both pierced into the Yangwun leader simultaneously. Their stares, sharp like arrows, were strikingly similar. Feeling the chilling tension from both sides, the smile quickly drained from the leader’s lips.

“Well, actually, I’ve heard that horns like this, so white and delicate, don’t have much medicinal effect… A purebred would surely be more potent than this mongrel. But, should you desire it, I could obtain one for you… Ha ha…”

Raonhiljo smiled his characteristic soft smile, but his eyes were colder than frost.

“Are we so short on food that we cut living creatures’ horns to eat? Their horns are a critical weak point—if mishandled, it could kill them. It’s unsettling to hear someone talk about a body part as if it were food.”

“But after all, it’s just a horn… Like antlers, isn’t it more like trimming nails?”

“How would you know?”

“Pardon?”

“How would you know if it’s like trimming nails or like pulling them out?”

“That… that is…”

The leader was cornered, unsure how to respond. Yet he continued trying to win over Raonhiljo.

“Ha ha… You show even the life of such a lowly creature such care. As the rumors say, you truly have a noble character. Judging by your words, I assume you don’t even consume antler or bear bile. Ha ha…”

Raonhiljo gave a light smile.

“Of course not. They’re incredibly good for you.”

“…”

The leader’s face froze instantly. I bit my lip to hold back a smile. Naro, still bent over, quietly chuckled to himself. The Yangwun Kingdom leader, sweating nervously, swallowed his laughter.

“You don’t raise it for medicinal purposes, then… It seems I’ve made a foolish mistake…”

“It’s similar. I hunted it myself recently.”

The sudden interjection came from Black Martial Emperor. The leader of Yangwun Kingdom looked as though he had found a glimmer of hope.

“Oh~ So Your Majesty personally captured it?”

With a blank expression, Black Martial Emperor fiddled with a strand of my long hair between his fingers.

“But it’s highly addictive—once you start, it’s hard to stop. Even now, I feel like devouring it right here.”

The raw words stuck to my ears, disturbing me. Just then, Raonhiljo’s eyes flashed with a cold light. Black Martial Emperor cast a relaxed glance at Raonhiljo.

“What do you think? Was it hard for you to stop? Or are you secretly still indulging?”

It was a blatant provocation, disguised with a calm demeanor. Raonhiljo gave an icy smile, unshaken.

“Who knows? What do you think?”

“Which do you think it is?”

“Let’s say… I’m still aiming for it.”

“And if I don’t intend to give you the chance?”

For a moment, Raonhiljo’s gaze turned chilling.

“I’ll make my own opportunity.”

Finally, Black Martial Emperor turned fully toward Raonhiljo. Their eyes collided in the air like blades. Only three people in this crowded space understood the hidden meaning behind this conversation. I had momentarily forgotten the danger of them being in the same place together. A cold chill crawled up my neck, and my lips felt parched. The leader of the Yangwun Kingdom, sensing the sudden tension, grew increasingly anxious.

“Hahaha…! To think that even between brothers, they would be threatened like this—It seems the white horns of the Imae truly are a miraculous medicine!”

The only one laughing emptily was the one speaking. The air was so cold, it felt like standing in the middle of a snowstorm. Everyone’s eyes were now glued to the scene, silent and tense. It was a suffocating moment, and my confused thoughts urged me to leave immediately.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

I bowed my head indiscriminately to no one in particular and tried to turn around. At that moment, the face of the Yangwun Kingdom leader twisted into a grim expression.

“How dare you turn your back on His Majesty first, you insolent monster…!”

As soon as the leader grabbed my arm roughly, two hands shot out from both sides, each grabbing his wrist and forearm. Like predators fighting over prey, the gazes of Black Martial Emperor and Raonhiljo met, sparking fiercely. The Yangwun leader stared in confusion at the two men clutching his arm. It happened so fast that it sent a shiver down my spine. At some point, a sharp metal object had pierced through the back of the leader’s hand. Still not comprehending the situation, the leader followed the dagger’s handle up to meet Black Martial Emperor’s eyes. In a fleeting moment, the silence was shattered by an ear-splitting scream.

“Arghhhh…!”

The horrifying scream tore through the air, and I instinctively shuddered. Naro covered his mouth and closed his eyes. The leader, caught off guard by this sudden disaster, collapsed to the ground, clutching his hand, which had been pierced by the dagger. Everyone watching froze, gripped by terror. Raonhiljo furrowed his brows as he looked at the writhing victim.

“Y-Your Majesty…!!”

A servant, who had been standing far off, rushed forward to pull the dagger out of the leader’s hand. But before he could do so, Black Martial Emperor pressed the dagger at a right angle, pinning the leader’s hand to the dirt. The leader squirmed violently like a salted eel.

“Arghh…! Ughhh…!”

Black Martial Emperor calmly savored the leader’s pain, speaking in a languid voice.

“You’ve worked hard on all those construction projects. I wouldn’t want to burden you with yet another troublesome task. Forget the tiring work and go rest well.”

The smell of blood poured out, soaking the ground and air. Black Martial Emperor’s eyes, filled with mild excitement, fixed on me. His gaze, which seemed to lick over me, made my skin crawl. He murmured as if to himself.

“Maybe I should have you stuffed and mounted in my room.”

Black Martial Emperor lightly brushed my lips with his finger before walking away. I stood frozen, like prey caught in a trap. As Black Martial Emperor passed, the crowd parted like water before him. The Grand Chamberlain, trembling, tried to gather his wits.

“Ah, our emperor is so considerate of his subordinates. His decisions are always well thought out, so take that into account! Y-Your Majesty, the envoys from Oro Kingdom, Gumo Nation, Sunbi Kingdom, Ilgun Kingdom, and Golnaru Nation are waiting to be received…”

The guards quietly clicked their tongues at the Yangwun leader’s misfortune before following after their emperor. Like ravenous wolves, eager for scraps, they trailed behind the predator.

“Your Majesty, Black Martial Emperor! If you would only leave it to us, the Sumil Kingdom…”

Their figures disappeared into the dark night. The Yangwun leader, clutching his hand, tried desperately to free himself from the dagger embedded in the ground. His servant, struggling to pull out the firmly lodged blade, looked on helplessly. Raonhiljo stepped forward, carefully removing the dagger along with the leader’s hand. As the servant moved to take the dagger out, Raonhiljo stopped him with a glance.

“Take him to the royal physician as he is.”

Raonhiljo ordered the sentry standing nearby to escort them to the physician. The servant quickly carried off the injured leader. Naro, still dazed from the grisly scene, bowed deeply to Raonhiljo. Raonhiljo looked at Naro’s disheveled appearance and furrowed his brow slightly.

“I didn’t recognize you at first. Seems like there are more days when Veronjubille draws on your face than days you’re drawing Veronjubille.”

“Haha, but now my hard days are over, Your Highness!”

Raonhiljo let out a small chuckle and turned away without even glancing in my direction. The remaining vassal state leaders, eager to pick up the scraps, followed after him.

“Your Highness, if you could just say a word to His Majesty on our behalf, it would be a great help! After all, His Majesty always listens to your advice, doesn’t he? Hahaha…”

“Your Highness! Please, give us a chance!”

Raonhiljo vanished into the darkness. His once thoughtful posture was now as cold as ice. I watched him go, feeling detached from everything that had just transpired. The moment felt both endlessly long and as brief as a flicker.

“Phew… I’ve only heard of things like this. I didn’t expect to see it with my own eyes! Did you see His Majesty’s eyes earlier? I’m not exaggerating when I say I almost wet myself! I’ve never seen His Highness Raonhiljo make such a terrifying face either! They really are brothers, aren’t they?!”

Naro shivered, inspecting my horns.

“Speaking of which, how long do they plan to live? They’re fighting over something as small as a single bite! Rich people really are scarier, huh? Come to think of it, your horns seem a bit smaller. Have you been… Are you okay? Are you alright?!”

“…Yes.”

Raonhiljo’s last expression wouldn’t leave my mind. Black Martial Emperor’s gaze still clung to my skin like cold sweat. Now that their overwhelming presence was gone, the space felt hollow, like a large hole had been punched through it. As the intense tension drained from me, I felt exhausted. I stood there in a daze before finally lifting my feet out of the muck and turning around. Naro hurriedly gathered our belongings and followed me.