"So... I'm to serve as the sir family lord."
"...."
Jegal Jain looked at Hyeon Jong with vacant eyes.
"That's why."
"Yes."
"We need to appoint a household head..."
Jegal Jain's gaze shifted from Hyeon Jong to Chung Myung, who was standing next to him.
"Are you saying you called me because you can't trust the opinion of the military leader?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"...."
At that moment, only one thought crossed Jegal Jain's mind.
'Is there any influence from Mount Hua?'
Why were the people wearing the Mount Hua Sect uniform all acting like they've lost their minds?
"I understand what you mean, but..."
At this point, it was doubtful whether Jegal Jain was just ignorant, or if there was some deep-seated animosity between the Zhuge Family and Mount Hua. Otherwise, how could they treat him like this, especially after he had recently criticized Mount Hua so vehemently?
"But why me...?"
"Because you seem to be the most impartial person here."
"....Impartial?"
"Yes."
Jegal Jain's face twisted slightly.
Although it was said to be impartial, the underlying meaning seemed to be 'because you're the one who openly cursed Mount Hua the most,' wasn't it?
"I request your opinion, sir family lord."
"The military leader's... wisdom is beyond my capacity to match. You shouldn't have to ask for my opinion..."
"While we'd appreciate your impartial viewpoint."
Hyeon Jong glanced at Chung Myung and sighed.
"It's embarrassing, but I haven't yet developed the temperament to control my innate cleverness."
"...."
"I should have made myself a better person..."
"Loudmouthed in front of people from other sects!"
"Shut up, you brat!"
Seeing Chung Myung sticking out his tongue, Jegal Jain's head started spinning, realizing it wasn't a joke.
What kind of world is this?
"In any case, I request your opinion."
"...."
It wasn't a situation where he could sit idly by. Time was not on their side.
"If it's for the alliance, I'll offer my humble opinion."
"And it would be appreciated if you, sir family lord, would also take on the role of household head."
"That won't be possible."
"Yes?"
Unlike before, Hyeon Jong's voice was firm and resolute as he looked at Jegal Jain.
"Please don't misunderstand. It's not that I don't want to devote myself to the alliance. It's just that I believe there's a position I should hold."
"A position you should hold?"
"If the command structure is to become more unified, the household heads of each sect are important, but the importance of the command center grows. I believe the current command center has its limitations."
"Hmm."
Hyeon Jong nodded involuntarily.
In reality, the ones currently commanding the Heavenly Friendship Alliance are Chung Myung, Tang Gunak, and Im Sobyeong. Jegal Jain's remark wasn't implying that their abilities were lacking. It was likely meant to address the discomfort felt by those who recently joined the alliance, such as Southern Edge and Moyong.
"So, I want to join the command center."
"....Are you sure?"
Hyeon Jong looked at Jegal Jain with a renewed gaze.
Joining the command center meant obeying Chung Myung's orders and mingling with Im Sobyeong and her troops. It wasn't an easy decision for him, the prestigious family lord of a major sect.
"What needs to be done must be done. As the military leader said."
Hyeon Jong nodded heavily.
He had often been deemed ruthless, though he never voiced it. It was surprising to find himself within this circle of mutual support. It seemed one should not judge people too quickly.
"Well then..."
"In that sense, if recommending someone else is necessary..."
Jegal Jain's gaze grew serious.
"We cannot overlook Jong Ligok, the sect leader of Southern Edge."
"Hmm..."
Certainly, excluding the representative figure of the remaining Nine Sects and One Union would not make sense.
"And personally, I believe the position should also be filled by the Sir Palace Lord of Nanman Beast Palace. You understand why, don't you?"
Hyeon Jong nodded in agreement.
To avoid the feeling of discrimination against the two sects beyond the Great Wall, either Ice Palace or Beast Palace must be given importance. Considering experience and skill, choosing the Beast Palace Lord would be the obvious choice.
"And we also need a sect representative worthy of representing the Five Great Families."
"Are you referring to the Nangong Family?"
"No. While Nangong Dowi may be respected within the family, he lacks the gravitas required as a household head. The position of deputy household head would be more suitable for him."
"Then..."
Jegal Jain's gaze turned to the person seated beside Hyeon Jong.
"To be honest, I don't see the significance of the position of vice alliance lord. If someone is skilled, they should be sent to the battlefield rather than placed in a hollow position."
The expression on Tang Gunak's face became even more serious under his gaze.
"Although the strength of Sichuan's Tang Family may have waned, there is no reason not to utilize the skills of Poison King Tang Gunak, isn't that so?"
"..."
Hyeon Jong looked at Tang Gunak with a slightly puzzled expression. There may be others more suitable than Tang Gunak for the position of household head in dealing with evil sects, but he was the vice alliance lord of the Heavenly Friendship Alliance. Transferring him to the position of household head would essentially be a demotion. Whether Tang Gunak would accept that...
"In any case..."
Tang Gunak chuckled lightly and brushed his chin.
"Sitting in this conference room is quite uncomfortable. If Lord Jegal suggests it, I can go back to my place without any burden."
"Sir Family Lord..."
"For Tang Family, this is an excellent opportunity. I will prove that Sichuan's Tang Family has not lost its strength."
Hyeon Jong looked at Tang Gunak with gratitude.
"Though having to receive orders from the military leader is a bit embarrassing."
"What? Me?"
"...No, it's nothing."
Tang Gunak shook his head lightly.
"So, three positions are confirmed. What remains are the two."
Jegal Jain looked at Hyeon Jong.
"Sir Alliance Lord, the sect leader of Mount Hua..."
"That won't do."
Before he could finish his sentence, Hyeon Jong interrupted Jegal Jain.
"Mount Hua has already gained too many positions. Aspiring for the position of household head is greed."
"Hmm... But..."
"Please comply with my wishes on this matter."
"...Understood."
This time, Jegal Jain took a step back. Even if Mount Hua didn't take the position of household head, most Mount Hua would fill the position of deputy household head, so there shouldn't be a big problem.
"Originally, one of the seats should go to the leader of Green Forest, who has the most followers, but he is the military advisor..."
"What evil sect bastard would take on the role of household head! That's absurd! I won't stand for it until dirt gets in my eyes!"
"..."
"Have you lost your mind? Sir Family Lord, please consider and speak... Ouch! My ear!"
"Didn't I tell you to shut up?"
"Ow. Sect leader, my ear!"
"..."
An "evil sect hater" advocating for breaking down barriers and opening up a new world was right in front of Jegal Jain.
"...Anyway, it seems Green Forest King won't work."
Jegal Jain tapped the desk with his finger. It wasn't easy to find someone to fill the position of household head who could match the weight of Jong Ligok, Maeng So, and Tang Gunak.
"So, the only option left is the Beggars Union."
"A beggar bastard as household head? I'd rather have an evil sect fellow!"
"The scoundrels! The scoundrels!"
"Ouch! It hurts!"
Hyeon Jong's hand slapped Chung Myung's back sharply.
Yet, even after that, Hyeon Jong, whose anger didn't seem to dissipate, sighed heavily as he rubbed his face vigorously.
"It might be difficult for Beggars Union Master, who has only recently taken the position of house master, to also serve as a household head. Moreover..."
"Yes. Given the nature of the Beggars Union, it's not easy for them to operate under a faction."
While ordinary beggars might not know, it was essential to maintain an organization like the Information Beggar who handled at least some information. Then, it was necessary to have a house master to lead them.
"Hmm. Then, for the Beggars Union members..."
"There's no rule saying the house master must also be a household head."
"Hmm?"
"Well, there's one guy just lazing around doing nothing right now, but he's better than Uncle Hong."
Jegal Jain looked at Chung Myung with an understanding expression.
"Indeed... A former house master would probably have some advantages over the current one as a household head."
"He's a man of weight..."
Tang Gunak nodded. While not as well-known as his reputation might suggest, he certainly had the gravitas needed for a household head.
"Then, there's only one spot left."
"Hmm..."
A sigh escaped Hyeon Jong's lips. Filling the remaining spot wasn't going to be easy.
Un Am had declined, and the situation with the Hainan Sect, led by Kwak Hwanso, was still lacking even as deputy household heads. Seol Sobaek wasn't suitable for a household head given his age.
The only one left was Do Unchan of the Ghost Gate... but since more people didn't know him than did, it was impossible to promote him to household head.
"Sir Alliance Lord."
"Hmm."
At Tang Gunak's subtle voice, Hyeon Jong's expression stiffened.
'If this happens...'
In the end, would they have no choice but to appoint Mount Hua's Sect Leader Un Am as the household head?
A slight darkness crept into Hyeon Jong's complexion.
By stepping down from the position of sect leader, Un Am was already burdened enough. Asking him to take on the role of household head would be too much, wouldn't it? For someone inherently weak-hearted like him...
But in this situation where there seemed to be no other way out, just as Hyeon Jong was about to speak, Jegal Jain's voice chimed in.
"Sir Alliance Lord."
"Yes?"
Jegal Jain looked at Hyeon Jong with a more serious expression.
"May I recommend someone?"
* * *
"...Household head?"
Moyong Wigyung's expression froze involuntarily.
"Yes. Sir Family Lord."
"Me, you mean?"
"Yes."
Moyong Wigyung looked at Jegal Jain incredulously.
Household head? Just a few days ago, he had vehemently criticized Mount Hua, and now they were saying he would fill one of the five household head positions?
And even surpassing Mount Hua's sect leader?
"Is that... Is that even logical? I..."
"It's strange, but..."
Jegal Jain chuckled softly.
"It seems to make sense here."
"..."
Moyong Wigyung, at a loss for words about what expression to wear, suddenly spoke up as if he had just remembered something.
"B-But, didn't the Military Leader... I mean, the Alliance Lord object?"
"Well, you see..."
"Yes?"
Jegal Jain's face looked awkward.
"...If Moyong Family Lord were to take it, it would be a great support."
"Ah, I see... The Military Leader is truly generous."
Jegal Jain discreetly lowered his eyes, looking at Moyong Wigyung's touched expression.
- Ah! That fucker is here! Ah, one less headache for me. Let's just give it to him. He's been blabbering on anyway, so maybe if we give him that, he'll quiet down.
But... Jegal Jain couldn't bring himself to say it, feeling reluctant to convey the message exactly as it was.