Chapter 28. You Struck First
The term “Escort Bureau (鏢局)” refers to a group that transports and protects goods.
From Noble mtl dot com
Mainly commissioned by merchants to transport goods, but there were also many requests from martial arts sects and government offices.
Transporting treasures, known as a convoy, is not simply about carrying goods to another place.
One must be able to determine the fastest and safest route and be able to handle obstacles that may disrupt transportation.
When bandits of the Green Forest appeared, there was a need to both fight them and sometimes negotiate with them to safely pass the treasures through.
Therefore, a skilled convoy enjoyed a reputation not inferior to the prestigious martial arts sects.
“The Celestial Convoy will establish itself as a force in this world.”
Sirius removed the signboard of the Valkain Guild and attached a new name, the Celestial Convoy.
The reason for specifically using the term “convoy” was to make it known to the world that it was different from the commonly perceived transportation guilds.
In the future, the Celestial Convoy will become a public institution directly under the Regel Family.
Rather than pursuing ruthless profits like the Black Association, it prioritizes stabilizing local communities and developing commerce and industry.
Through this, the influence of the Regel Family will expand even further.
“Master Sirius.”
As Sirius returned after dispersing the remnants of the Oblaea Mercenary Corps, a young man with glasses hurriedly ran towards him.
He was the official Sirius had appointed as the head of the Celestial Convoy to manage internal and external affairs.
Edis, who had suddenly been promoted, nodded his head and spoke.
“What’s the matter, Chief Edis?”
Sirius had appointed him as the chief of the Celestial Convoy to manage internal and external affairs.
Edis, who had been suddenly promoted, bowed his head and said, “Someone from the Yuterus Family has arrived.”
“The Yuterus Family?”
Guided by Edis, when they entered the reception room, a man who had been sitting on the sofa suddenly stood up.
He had a sharp, rat-like appearance.
“Oh, Sirius.”
“Palthion.”
“To have already taken over the Valkain Guild and disbanded the Oblaea Mercenary Corps, truly remarkable.”
Palthion, the current head of the Yuterus Family, smiled at Sirius.
“Now this area is becoming your territory, Sirius.”
“It’s the territory of the Regel Family, Palthion.”
“Ah, yes. In any case, the Yuterus Family will continue to cooperate.”
When the Celestial Convoy was launched, the Yuterus Family had agreed to provide manpower.
The Yuterus Family would also benefit from the activation of the Celestial Convoy.
“And…”
Palthion turned his head and looked towards a woman sitting on the sofa.
“Lady Yustia is also here.”
Yustia was sitting in casual attire, sipping tea.
Sirius sat down opposite her.
“Yustia.”
“Yes, Sirius.”
“From now on, I will organize the minor Black Association organizations in this area. In doing so, we will eventually pacify the entire northeast.”
Looking into Yustia’s eyes, Sirius spoke slowly.
“It is your role to manage that.”
“Don’t worry, Sirius.”
Yustia said as she set down her teacup.
“I will take care of the internal affairs. You are free to move as you wish.”
“I will do so.”
There was no need for many words.
They both knew well what roles they had to take on.
Sirius and Yustia nodded at each other, facing each other.
“Oh? Was that lady the prospective bride?”
“Yes, aren’t they a well-matched pair?”
Edith and Palteon exchanged whispers, causing Sirius and Yustia to share an uncomfortable look together.
***
Yustia took on the role of the head of the Cheonlangpyoguk.
Though she was from the Regal family, some were not pleased with a sudden young woman appearing and becoming the chief in charge.
However, after confirming Yustia’s abilities, they all fell silent.
Especially Edith, who remarked that she had never seen such a clever person, faithfully followed her instructions.
“Indeed, she is a smart woman.”
She recalled Jigal Yeon, who had been a math prodigy since childhood.
Continuing to gain practical experience, Sirius would be able to take on the role of the new head of the Murlimmaeng.
Of course, it would be possible only if Yustia accepted that role.
After entrusting Cheonlangpyoguk to Yustia, Sirius, along with Palteon and others, organized the surrounding areas.
Those among the Black Assembly showing signs of rehabilitation were incorporated into the Cheonlanggeumdan.
Sirius instructed Alayon to train the newcomers to fix their minds.
As Cheonlanggeumdan grew in size, they would serve as Sirius’s private soldiers.
As they organized both large and small factions of the Black Assembly and stabilized public order, public opinion began to shift.
The voices praising the Regal family grew louder.
Empowered by such public sentiment, Yustia expanded the influence of Cheonlangpyoguk.
The fallen Regal family was gradually gaining control over the northeast.
“However, the largest power in the northeast is still standing.”
Palteon pointed to the map.
“The Albraim family tightly controls this flatland. The Valkain Guild and the Oblera Mercenaries have not dared to intervene there.”
“The Albraim family, huh….”
Sirius recalled a story Yustia had told him before.
Though not among the continent’s top five noble families, they were considered a prestigious family with a long history.
“From the information gathered, it seems the Albraim family is observing our movements.”
“….”
“They are wary of the Regal family rising again and gaining control over the northeast.”
However, the Albraim family is not part of the Black Assembly.
As a prestigious family with a history, they cannot attack the Regal family without any justification.
And the same applied to the Regal family.
There is no reason to touch the Albrime family for now.
“If that’s the case, it seems we’re in a period of exploration…”
“Should we select someone to investigate the Albrime family?”
Sirius shook his head at Palteon’s suggestion.
“No, there’s no need for that.”
“Then how…”
“I think it’s better if I go see for myself.”
“What?”
Sirius headed to Edith’s office.
Edith was busy working, surrounded by numerous documents.
“Prime Minister.”
“Oh, Lord Sirius.”
Edith tried to hurriedly get up from her seat, but Sirius gestured for her to stay.
“Have you found a way to obtain White Ice Flower?”
“I’m sorry. It’s such a rare herb…”
White Ice Flower was the antidote Sirius had taken for extreme Yin poison.
Even after examining the data left by Naiye and testing various herbs, there was no medicine as potent as White Ice Flower.
So, when he tried to obtain it in Chenlang, it proved to be more challenging than he had expected.
“I will try to gather information by any means necessary.”
“Good, please do. And…”
Nodding his head, Sirius brought up the real issue.
“Prime Minister, is there any cargo heading to the Albrime family?”
***
“Lord Velid, the supplies have arrived.”
“Alright, I see.”
Upon hearing this, Velid, the second son of the Albrime family, closed his book and stood up.
As an elite who had recently completed the academy’s education program and returned to his hometown, despite being only twenty-four, he was a talented individual who had reached the 5th Circle.
“The world is ominous, we must be vigilant.”
This was the fortress owned by the Albrime family.
Velid was in charge of the expansion project here.
“Lord Velid, but is there a need for such a large expansion? Nowadays, such defense facilities seem useless.”
“Tsk tsk, you know nothing.”
Velid glanced at his aide and clicked his tongue.
“The turbulent times are coming.”
“Turbulent times?”
“It’s said that in the outlying areas, the large Black Guilds were wiped out overnight. The once declining Regal family is regaining power after the collapse of the emerging power, the Yuterus family.”
Listing the recent information he had gathered, Velid shrugged his shoulders.
“Similar incidents are happening in other regions too. If this isn’t a sign of turbulent times, what is it?”
“Ah…”
“Before long, a storm of blood will sweep across the continent.”
Even as she spoke, Valline was smiling.
“This chaotic time is just perfect for me to demonstrate my abilities.”
Valline harbored ambitions.
It was to surpass her brother and take the position of the head of the Albrime family.
To achieve that, she needed accomplishments, and in times of turmoil, it was easier to build up such achievements.
“It would be great if those Black Association scoundrels come rushing in. I could defeat them all and establish my reputation.”
“Oh, yes…”
Her aide nodded with a troubled expression.
Looking outside, she saw several wagons unloading goods at the construction site.
“But did we really have to rely on the Celestial Nation for this?”
“Importing materials through there is the most cost-effective.”
“Hmm, if it’s too cheap, it’s hard to trust.”
“The reputation is much more reliable now compared to the days of the Valkain Guild. It’s managed by the Regal family, staking their family name on it…”
At the mention of the Regal family, Valline’s expression soured.
“Could those Regal family scoundrels be up to mischief?”
“Pardon?”
“If it were me, I’d supply defective materials to our side. Then, when disputes arise, we’d focus our attacks on where those defective materials were used.”
At Valline’s musings, her aide’s eyes widened.
“No, the Regal family is one of the Five Great Houses of the continent. They wouldn’t do such a thing…”
“You never know. Wasn’t there something about Sirius? That upstart made quite an impression.”
Rumors had it that Sirius had defeated all the skilled individuals in that area.
There was even a groundless rumor that he was a skilled individual sent by the ‘Union’.
“In my opinion, he’s definitely someone who will cause trouble for our family.”
“…”
“Someday, I’ll have to personally deal with him.”
Muttering to herself, Valline descended the stairs.
“Anyway, take a look around.”
“V-Valline!”
Leaving her aide behind, Valline headed towards the construction site.
She scanned around for any suspicious areas, but in truth, it was difficult for Valline to judge accurately with her own eyes.
She lacked the knowledge to distinguish whether the materials were defective or not.
“Hmm…”
When it started to get boring.
She saw a man with long black hair moving goods.
“A laborer moving goods with hair like that… tsk tsk.”
As she clicked her tongue, Valline’s eyes widened.
It was because she witnessed the man with long hair carelessly tossing a wooden crate.
“What kind of person is he…”
Valline approached the man right away.
And without hesitation, she raised her hand towards the back of his head.
“You little brat!”
Thwack!
As he smacked the back of his head, his voice rose.
“How dare you toss the belongings of the Albrime family like that? Are you out of your mind?”
His hand hurt from hitting too hard.
But something was odd.
Despite the forceful blow, the guy didn’t even blink an eye.
Instead, he calmly retorted, “Don’t worry. The items shouldn’t be damaged.”
“What?”
Bellied raised his eyes, staring at the man who spoke informally.
“You, throwing things around so recklessly, what…”
As he turned his head to speak further.
Bellied’s eyes widened in surprise.
The boxes he thought were carelessly thrown were neatly stacked, without a single one out of place.
“What, how? What did you do?”
Now, each box seemed quite heavy.
Throwing these heavy boxes around and stacking them so neatly?
Even for Bellied, it wouldn’t be easy with magic.
“If you doubt it, open one. If anything’s damaged, I’ll compensate.”
“You, this guy…”
Feeling the heat rise in his face, Bellied turned away.
“You, how dare you speak informally after what you did?”
Chastising the man with long hair, he raised his voice.
“Disrespecting a laborer like me, how dare you… Ouch!”
Crash!
Bellied tumbled to the ground.
It was hard to comprehend what had just happened.
His head hurt, as if he’d been hit… It all happened so fast, it was incomprehensible.
“You…!”
Tears welling up, Bellied raised his voice, but the man with long hair remained composed.
“You struck first.”
His voice was shamelessly confident.