STBS 09

Chapter 09

Namgung Pyo found the situation extremely confusing.

‘I was clearly ordered by my father to monitor the Third Young Master. To stop him from achieving further merits and prevent him from strengthening his position within the clan.’

But those thoughts began to waver after spending time with Namgung Hyuk.

It started from the moment he saw a version of Namgung Hyuk completely different from what he had known.

‘Come to think of it, even when he saw through the enemy’s intentions, that was no ordinary ability.’

Namgung Hyuk, as if accustomed to such dual-layered tactics, had expertly positioned the troops and minimized casualties.

He had neatly resolved what could have become a situation that dragged the Namgung Clan into responsibility.

That alone was enough to make him reconsider… but—

‘He even shared rewards that he could have monopolized.’

To be honest, the “Socheongdan” they had obtained this time was something that, had Namgung Hyuk kept silent, no one else would have even known about.

In other words, he could have taken it all for himself.

But Namgung Hyuk resisted that temptation and chose to distribute the reward to everyone instead, arguing that it should be shared among those who had worked hard.

‘And he even said that if he were to be criticized by the clan for it, he would take full responsibility.’

It was the very image of an ideal leader drawn to perfection.

So much so that one could not help but feel like following him.

If even he felt this way, it was easy to imagine how the other members of the Sky Heaven Squad must feel.

Judging from their expressions, they all looked deeply moved.

One of them asked:

“U-um, Young Master. Is it really alright for us to take this?”

He meant whether they could consume it instead of offering it to the clan.

Namgung Pyo thought for a moment and then nodded.

The rightful recipient had already granted permission—there was no reason for him to object.

Besides, even for members of the Sky Heaven Squad, opportunities to obtain elixirs were rare.

If he blocked this, their resentment would likely fall on him.

And Namgung Pyo did not want to bear that resentment.

“As the eldest brother said, take turns and distribute it evenly. This must not interfere with our escort mission.”

“Yes!”

The Sky Heaven Squad members shouted happily.

Namgung Pyo also took his share of the Socheongdan and fell into deep thought.

‘Third Young Master…’

He knew very well that his father intended to seize the position of Clan Head of the Namgung Clan.

But Namgung Pyo had little interest in such ambition.

He simply wanted to serve the clan faithfully as a member of the Namgung family.

To him, Namgung Hyuk’s behavior was shocking.

If… someone like Namgung Hyuk were to lead the Namgung Clan, wouldn’t it become even stronger than it was now?

‘What am I even thinking.’

He gave a bitter smile and brushed away those thoughts.
Yet the deep impression left in his heart did not fade.

A few days later.

It was time for Namgung Hyuk’s group to return to the Namgung Clan.

Representing the group, Namgung Hyuk politely greeted Geum Tae-sang.

Geum Tae-sang smiled warmly and returned the greeting.

“I truly thank you this time. I hope our connection does not end here.”

“Likewise. I am glad to have met someone like Merchant Guild Leader Geum.”

“Haha! You flatter me. If you ever need anything from our merchant guild, do not hesitate to contact us. We will do our best to ensure favorable terms for the Namgung Clan.”

“Those are very kind words. Then we shall meet again in the future.”

“Take care on your way.”

“Yes.”

After their brief exchange, they collected the rewards prepared by the Geum-Oh Merchant Guild and set off for the Namgung Clan.

Unlike when they had arrived—guarded and wary—the return journey was filled with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

“Hahaha! You want to hear what the commander was like on the battlefield?”

Ho Young, the most sociable among them, had already grown close to the Sky Heaven Squad members and was chatting freely.

Excited, he poured out stories of Namgung Hyuk.

“He was incredible. If I were to describe his exploits, it would take days and nights! Anyone who was there would have to admit it. Otherwise, they must have been blind.”

“J-just how amazing was he…?”

“He was like a tiger on the battlefield. He would ride straight into hundreds of cavalry alone, wreaking havoc! Just thinking about it now still gives me chills. He must have taken the lives of dozens of enemy generals.”

“Th-that much…!”

“And that’s not all. Our commander is not stingy when it comes to sharing merit or caring for his subordinates. There was a time when Jeon Wook’s unit was completely isolated on the battlefield. Everyone had given up. Reinforcements were impossible. But the commander led only a small elite unit and carved a path through.”

“I still remember it clearly. The sight of my lord rushing in with a flaming sword is the most unforgettable moment of my life.”

Jeon Wook, who was eating dried rations nearby, added his own explanation.

The Sky Heaven Squad members listening with perked ears gasped in admiration.

“Hey! What are you all talking about in front of the person involved? It’s embarrassing, stop it.”

“Hahaha! Even the commander gets embarrassed. But it’s all true, so what’s there to hide? Oh, and there was also the time when the Great General himself saw the commander’s achievements…”

Ho Young continued chattering without pause, seemingly tireless.

Except for Namgung Hyuk—who had quietly left, calling it embarrassing—everyone else listened with great interest.

Thus, the group returned to the Namgung Clan in an even lighter mood.

Because the situation had already been reported via messenger pigeon, many people had come out to welcome them.

“The Third Young Master has returned!”

“Waaaaah!”

Cheers erupted as they greeted Namgung Hyuk’s group.

Thanks to his recent achievements, the Namgung Clan had strengthened its relationship with the Geum-Oh Merchant Guild, one of the Ten Great Merchant Guilds of the realm.

On top of that, he had brought back a substantial reward for the clan.

This was no lesser achievement than his previous accomplishments.

Naturally, the clan members were excited.

“You’ve worked hard, Hyuk-ah.”

“I didn’t expect you to be here, Brother.”

“My body has recovered enough to move again. I wanted to show you I was well.”

At the end of the crowd stood Namgung Cheon, smiling gently.

Namgung Hyuk also returned a faint smile.
Namgung Cheon—the only blood relative who had protected him when he was once oppressed and discriminated against.

Seeing him recovered brought genuine relief.

He turned to Namgung Jangcheon and the Elder Council Head.

“Uncle. Elder Council Head. I have returned from completing the mission.”

“You did well.”

“Haha. The Third Young Master has achieved yet another great merit.”

Unlike Namgung Jangcheon, who smiled awkwardly, the Elder Council Head seemed genuinely pleased.

After all, it was he who had pushed for Namgung Hyuk’s assignment.

After exchanging greetings, Namgung Hyuk entered the clan and praised his subordinates.

“You all worked hard. Thanks to you, everything went smoothly.”

“If I was of help, I am honored.”

So-yeon covered her mouth and smiled. Jeon Wook silently bowed his head, while Ho Young laughed loudly.

“That kid So-geomnip must be disappointed, missing all the fun alone.”

“Protecting my brother is also an important duty. I’ll make sure he receives his reward later.”

“As expected of my lord. By the way, what are your plans now?”

“It’s time to start building proper influence. For now, we wait.”

Namgung Hyuk smiled faintly and continued.

“Good results will come soon.”

In the Namgung Clan’s meeting hall, a discussion was being held regarding merit distribution.

Namgung Hyuk’s achievements were too significant to ignore.

Namgung Jangcheon, who presided over the meeting, looked around and spoke.

“If anyone has opinions, speak freely.”

“Heh. Then may I say a few words?”

It was the Elder Council Head who stepped forward.

Namgung Jangcheon slightly frowned but quickly composed himself and nodded.

“Of course. Please speak.”

“I propose giving the Third Young Master command of a new martial force, and appointing him as its leader.”

“A new martial force?”

The hall began to murmur.

This was not something to be taken lightly.

“Elder Council Head, may I ask why? The Namgung Clan already has many martial units. Why create a new one…?”

A senior member of Namgung Jangcheon’s faction cautiously asked.

The Elder Council Head smiled.

“To recognize the Third Young Master’s merit and elevate his authority, he must be given a proper position. A commander role would be suitable. However, we cannot displace existing commanders, so creating a new unit is the better option.”

“But…”

“And you say there are already enough martial units, but I disagree. Even this time, wasn’t there a shortage of manpower, which is why the Third Young Master had to go personally?”

“!”

“The influence of the demonic factions, including the Demonic Alliance opposing us, is growing. Incidents are occurring everywhere, and the aftermath of the northern wars is spreading south, unsettling the populace. In such times, we need an additional force—one that can respond immediately when situations arise.”

“Hmm…”

“I see…”

Several neutral elders nodded in agreement.

The Elder Council Head continued with a smile.

“Of course, we will not burden the Third Young Master with too much responsibility at first. That would be dangerous. A ‘Third-Class Unit’ of around thirty members should suffice. What do you all think?”

A third-class unit was a small martial force of roughly thirty people.

Namgung Jangcheon nodded.

“Very well. Let us assign a Third-Class Unit to the Third Young Master. As for recruitment?”

“I believe he should choose them himself. That would prevent future disputes.”

“That is reasonable. Approved.”

Namgung Jangcheon signed the order document.

Soon, news spread throughout the clan that a new Third-Class Unit under Namgung Hyuk would be formed.

And then something unexpected happened.

The very next morning, a long line of people formed—everyone wanting to join.