Chapter 193: v8c18 - A Worm in the Lion's Body
Volume 8 Chapter 18 – A Worm in the Lion’s Body
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The administrative block after Yeon So-hyeon and Kong Yo had left.
The Red Venom Spider, who had been appointed as the general manager of the administrative block, was conducting a meeting without even having the time to check her own office.
“…Then, it would be best to respond to this matter as the Eldest Young Master directed.”
At her words, the people in the audience nodded their heads to express agreement.
There was no way anyone would argue over an agenda for which that Eldest Young Master had personally prepared the response guidelines.
“Then, let us decide to handle it that way and move on to the next agenda…”
While the Fourth Young Master’s administrative maid, who had worked closely with her for quite a long time, was turning the documents beside her, there was a knock on the office door.
“Administrative Director! Urgent news!”
At the shout heard from outside, the Red Venom Spider felt her heart sink.
‘Aaargh! Just hearing that sound makes my stomach churn…!’
But the Fourth Young Master was not here, and neither was the Eldest Young Master.
Since the person in charge was her, herself.
“Let them in.”
A calm and dignified voice.
Having even received the help of her extremely thick makeup, she showed no agitation outwardly.
“It is said that the Sword Family Bank has accepted the request made by Division One of the Business Support Group.”
The audience stirred at the messenger’s report.
“Oh. Did we not predict that the review of the request would take quite some time?”
“I thought they would at least make a pretense of reviewing it.”
“They are moving as if the Sword Family Bank was waiting for it.”
It was clear that a considerably high-ranking figure within the Sword Family Bank was personally pulling the strings.
“Everyone, do not be agitated.”
At the Red Venom Spider’s words, everyone closed their mouths and bowed their heads.
“Yes, Administrative Director.”
As the office immediately returned to a calm atmosphere, the Red Venom Spider admired inwardly.
‘As expected… there was a reason why the Grand Dean recommended them so actively.’
Just as Grand Dean Kong Yo had been confident, they were also individuals who had gone through all kinds of hardships in various fields and were seasoned in practical experience.
“As for the response to the urgent news, when the time comes, I, as the Administrative Director, will personally step forward to resolve it. Therefore, for now, concentrate on the current agenda.”
No sooner had her words ended than the audience acted as if they had completely forgotten about the content of the urgent news.
“In the case of the next agenda…”
“In my experience, approaching this situation from a new perspective…”
Even while carrying out the discussion, they glanced at the Red Venom Spider from time to time.
‘Huh. She shows not a shred of agitation even after hearing such urgent news.’
‘Indeed… she seems to have no shortage of capability in performing the duties of the general manager. The Eldest Young Master is outstanding even in his art of personnel management.’
“That is an excellent method based on a new perspective. For now, it would be good to draft a plan with that method as the basic keynote.”
Whether she knew of the admiration in their gazes or not, the Red Venom Spider was calmly leading the progress of the meeting.
‘T-Thank goodness…!’
She swallowed a sigh of relief inwardly so they would not notice.
‘Indeed, things are flowing exactly as the Eldest Young Master told me in advance…!’
What would it have been like if there had not been the prediction Yeon So-hyeon left only for her?
Even if she had not shown agitation in front of her new subordinates, she would have been unable to focus on the current meeting due to pondering over countermeasures.
‘Thank you, Eldest Young Master…!’
It was Yeon So-hyeon’s meticulous consideration to help her adapt quickly to her new duties and easily gain recognition from her new subordinates.
By the time she expressed gratitude to Yeon So-hyeon about ten times in her heart, the meeting came to an end.
“Everyone, thank you for your hard work.”
She spoke toward the audience who were rising from their seats one by one.
“Since it is everyone’s first time working in this Sword Family, if even a slight anomaly occurs, report to me immediately.”
“Yes, Administrative Director. How could there be any question?”
Among those leaving the office, a remaining figure stealthily raised his hand.
“By the way, Administrative Director…”
At his cautious words, the Red Venom Spider relaxed her expression and replied gently.
“Were you Jinsa Yang? There is no need for someone of your stature to raise your hand. Please come over here and speak comfortably without reservation.”
“Thank you.”
Toward her, who had already memorized his profile and face, Jinsa Yang cautiously opened his mouth.
“…As far as I know, the Eldest Young Master’s intelligence organization is located outside the Sword Family.”
“That is so.”
The intelligence organization outside the Sword Family he spoke of probably referred to the Crescent Moon Pavilion.
“But how can even information from within the Sword Family come in so quickly and accurately?”
The urgent dispatches brought by the messengers previously and just now were, in fact, information at a level that only an insider could grasp.
‘The declaration of the suspension of support fund payments for the Valley of Sin project by Division One of the Business Support Group.’
‘Following that, the request by the Business Support Group to retrieve the full amount of support funds they had invested in our side through the Sword Family Bank.’
‘The Sword Family Bank’s acceptance of the request made by Division One of the Sword Family Support Group.’
Just by what means did the Eldest Young Master possess an intelligence network that seemed to pierce through the Luoyang Sword Family so clearly?
“Fufu. Now that I think about it, Jinsa Yang, you were an applicant for the information department of the administrative block.”
“Ah, yes. That is correct. Since the work I did outside was in a related field…”
He cut off his own words and shook his head.
“Ah! Now that I think about it, it was not something that I, who just joined today, should ask.”
He apologized to her with an embarrassed expression.
“I brought it up in vain and ended up wasting the Administrative Director’s precious time. I am truly sorry.”
“No, not at all. I believe it is a matter that someone of Jinsa Yang’s caliber is fully entitled to ask.”
It was not a reply made under the sway of the apologetic atmosphere.
‘Henan Province, Central Government Office, Information Security Department background. Resigned after clashing with a superior who embezzled government information to sell behind the scenes. Outstanding ability, reliability: High.’
In her mind was a confidential report on Jinsa Yang’s profile.
That report was a collaboration between Kong Yo and Yeon So-hyeon, who had previously handed over the profiles of the major recruits.
Precisely, the primary verification of the individuals was completed while Yeon So-hyeon interviewed the major figures each for a short time.
The Head Maid, Jeong-ah, who remained in the Ironclad Fortress without showing herself for security reasons, had read all the inner thoughts of those interviewing with Yeon So-hyeon through her Dragon Eyes.
‘Very tight-lipped and quick-witted. Values responsibility highly. A person who will show extreme devotion to his group for the sake of the greater cause.’
Of course, the part about Jeong-ah was also a matter the Red Venom Spider did not know.
Il , .
Because Yeon So-hyeon further strengthened the information security regarding Jeong-ah after that, Jeong-ah did not even show her face outside.
“I am only grateful that the Administrative Director spoke to me so…! I will take my leave now.”
While expressing gratitude as if secretly moved by the Red Venom Spider’s words, he did not dare to ask more and tried to leave the room quickly.
‘He is exactly the person described in the report.’
Having confirmed that the office was now empty except for the administrative maid who was her right hand, the Red Venom Spider spoke toward his departing back.
“Jinsa Yang.”
Jinsa Yang, who was blaming himself inwardly, thinking he had asked an impertinent and useless question in his excitement, replied hurriedly.
“Ah, yes, please speak.”
“Your thought is correct.”
“Yes…?”
Toward him, the Red Venom Spider wore a smile.
“The Eldest Young Master possesses an excellent intelligence organization even within the Sword Family that is not lacking compared to anyone else.”
“Ah…!”
Did she trust him?
It was information exactly as far as permitted, but it was enough to move Jinsa Yang’s heart.
“Administrative Director! Thank you!”
Watching him leave the office burning with enthusiasm, the Red Venom Spider smiled.
‘They said he was a person with a great desire to be recognized because his corrupt superior nitpicked and harassed him in every single matter of work.’
The report was frighteningly accurate.
‘I think I can continue to do well in the future…!’
As she smiled with satisfaction and leaned back in her chair to stretch, an administrative maid came in from the secretary’s office.
“These are the documents for approval that came in during the meeting.”
Seeing the approval requests piled so high that the maid’s face was not even visible, the Red Venom Spider’s face instantly turned pale and sallow.
“Argh…!”
A moment later, she, who was swept up in the wave of documents again, suddenly stopped while stamping.
“Come to think of it…”
She recalled the conversation she had shared with Jinsa Yang.
‘I also know almost nothing about the Eldest Young Master’s internal intelligence organization of the Main Family.’
By what means did the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon create an intelligence organization within this highly secure Luoyang Sword Family and operate it while extracting insider-level information even until now?
Moreover, a person who was in seclusion until just a short while ago?
“Administrative Director.”
Glancing at her, the administrative maid spoke.
“Your hand has stopped.”
“Ah, I know! I know!”
Shuddering, she returned to work.
Thoughts of the intelligence organization had already vanished from her mind.
Was there only one or two things about the Eldest Young Master’s moves that she could not understand?
* * *
A certain warehouse in the Luoyang Sword Family.
A servant who had transported food by carriage was moving the cargo along with the warehouse servants.
“Phew, this is the last of it.”
“You have worked hard.”
While the warehouse servants who had exerted their strength gathered in one place to chatter noisily, the servant who had driven the carriage silently smoked cheap tobacco alone nearby.
“Did you hear? They say that fellow, the Deputy Director of the Bank, is running around today as if his tail is on fire.”
“Of course, I heard. Since we must constantly keep track of the moods of those with nasty personalities, you see.”
“That fellow, the Deputy Director of the Bank, is in a bad mood today?”
“Rather than being bad, they say he picks fights with every subordinate he sees. Something about important guests being here.”
As they exchanged conversation, they realized that the outsider who had driven the carriage was with them and spared their words.
Since they had also received basic security training from the Luoyang Sword Family, they did not share truly important content even among themselves.
“I will take my leave now. Take care, everyone.”
At the stealthy, observing looks, the driver who had brought the food stood up.
“Take care of yourself!”
“Please make sure the vegetables are fresh ones next time!”
Climbing onto the shabby carriage with his tobacco between his lips, he waved his hand and exchanged a parting glance with the warehouse servants.
“Hyah.”
The packhorses, which had taken a sweet rest for a moment, moved their steps ploddingly.
‘The Deputy Director of the Bank is welcoming noble guests.’
He did not hear who the noble guests were, but it did not matter.
As someone who was a mere commoner, he did not know who the Deputy Director of the Bank was or what kind of person he was anyway.
Since he only had to report what he heard and saw.
“Now, let us go back, you guys.”
He left the food warehouse of the Sword Family Bank and drove his carriage.
* * *
“Park Seo-bang. So, a swarm of guests wearing silk clothes went inside?”
“And it was definitely very expensive clothing. If my wife were dressed in such silk, she would be no different from a heavenly maiden.”
After chatting for a moment about the wife of the man called Park Seo-bang, the middle-aged maid naturally turned the topic back.
“So the clothes they wore were all the same attire? They must have been people from the same family.”
The servant, who had never said such a thing, inadvertently refuted the middle-aged maid’s words.
“What are you talking about? Those old men were all wearing different clothes. There is no way they were from the same family.”
This was enough.
‘Old men. Highest quality silk clothes. All different families.’
The middle-aged maid naturally moved on to the next topic.
* * *
Although the Luoyang Sword Family was absolute in its security training, there were many cases where information exchange was essential for those working under the same family.
“So, where did they say those noble gentlemen dressed in silk came from?”
A servant, who was hiding in a corner of the back path and scanning left and right, replied in a whisper.
“I do not know who they are, but I heard they emerged from the Second Young Master’s camp.”
“What is the evidence that they are not insiders of the Main Family?”
“I heard they each rode different carriages and moved all at once.”
The person who stored the necessary information in his head asked.
“Good. This time, you ask.”
The other party cautiously asked.
“As promised, tell me about the preferences of the maid Hyang-dan of the Reception Hall. What she likes. And what she dislikes, all of it.”
“Hehe. Helping someone in love is always rewarding.”
“Geez. Stop talking nonsense…!”
* * *
“Did you write it all down?”
“I wrote it all.”
There was no greeting.
The driver drove the packhorses toward their original destination.
“Is this all? Did you write it all down?”
“I wrote it all.”
The middle-aged maid headed to the laundry site carrying the laundry on her head.
The person who wrote down the contents recited by the passersby on a note for a while tucked the notes into his chest and left the spot.
No one looked strangely at the servant who was recording in the entry log at the entrance.
* * *
An old servant, who was pretending to dry glaze by laying out jars on the roadside, stealthily picked up one of the jars in front of him and moved his steps.
The place the old man arrived at was the underground space of an empty warehouse.
“…….”
In the underground space, many people were coming and going, but not a single person was conversing.
The less you know, the better.
It is better to know nothing at all than to know even a single thing.
“Hangdo Street.”
The old man handed the jar to the receptionist and left.
The maid holding the jar entered the inner space.
It was an area where outsiders could absolutely never enter.
“This is unprocessed information from Hangdo Street.”
As she poured the jar onto the table, notes containing fragmentary pieces of information poured out from inside.
The maids waiting inside sorted the notes with quick hand movements and began to transcribe them.
They merely transcribed the contents into code according to the codebook.
There was no need to aggregate or analyze the information.
That was not work for maids to do, nor did they possess such talent.
There was also no reason for any information to leak from their mouths.
Because, without exception, they had all been ‘brainwashed’ by someone’s technique.
Like that, the information headed somewhere else.
Just as water pools, information gathered somewhere, and in the next stage, the gathered information collected somewhere else, eventually heading to a single place.
That place was none other than the Administration Department of the Luoyang Sword Family.
“Head of the Administration Department.”
“Come in.”
The person who held the authority over the education and placement of all other servants in the Luoyang Sword Family, except for those serving the Patriarch’s family handled by the Inner Courtyard.
The very person who had sent Jeong-ah and the Maid Division to the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon in the past.
The Head of the Administration Department pointed to a corner of the desk.
“Leave it there and go.”
The maid, knowing his personality, quickly laid down the documents and withdrew swiftly.
“Now, let us see.”
He pulled out a coded document that had been inserted secretly between the papers.
His eyes moved rapidly, scanning the unprocessed information contained within.
‘The patriarchs of the influential families who joined hands with the Second Young Master’s side are visiting the Sword Family Bank. The one who welcomed them is the Deputy Director of the Bank.’
Burning the coded message in the brazier, he picked up a brush, wrote a note, and shouted toward the outside.
“Call the messenger!”
The messenger would hand the sealed note to the Luoyang Sword Family’s Postal Bureau, and the Postal Bureau would deliver it outside the Luoyang Sword Family.
The disguise business of the Crescent Moon Pavilion, which received the note from the errand boy of the Postal Bureau like that, would handle the note in accordance with security procedures.
Even the Head of the Administration Department did not need to know the procedures after that, and thus did not pay attention to them.
After all, as always, the note would arrive precisely at his master, the Eldest Young Master Yeon So-hyeon.
And depending on his judgment, the information would be delivered to those who needed it.