The Duke's Son :Re-Chapter 235

Pharmacist Gam Woo-Seon’s eyebrows knotted up at the sight of the burly man standing in his front pond.

“If anything happens to my prized carp, I swear by all the gods—”

Before Gam Woo-Seon could finish, Jae-Hyeo coughed and climbed to his feet in annoyance. The wall behind him—once an artful blend of exposed wood framing infilled with clay paneling—now sported an unfortunate Jae-Hyeok-sized impression. He said, “Elder Gam, look closer.”

Gam Woo-Seon followed the direction of Jae-Hyeok’s finger, whereupon his pupils shrank.

To his surprise, the man wasn’t standing in the pond, but on it.

The surface of the pond was perfectly still. His cherished carp swam leisure laps beneath the man’s feet, either unaware or unbothered by the “giant” looming above.

“The Even Flow Technique...” Gam Woo-Seon muttered with a grave expression.

The Even Flow Technique was an advanced technique where, upon mastery, practitioners strode across water as if on solid ground. The technique was wondrous to be sure, but its requirements were equally daunting.

The technique’s mana pathing was as complex and delicate as braiding individual hairs. Only those reaching the peak of mana control had hope of employing the technique—and that was to say nothing of the burly man before them, who maintained the technique with a clear air of mundane ease.

Even among National Treasures, this man’s realm is unordinary...

Thinking as much, Gam Woo-Seon’s ferocious expression instantly morphed into that of a harmless elder’s. He shuffled his way behind Kang Hyeon-Ah, looking every bit like an ordinary grandpa who was caught in the mix.

Speechless, Jae-Hyeok muttered, “Wow, you really don’t want to die an untimely death.”

Gam Woo-Seon snapped back: “Brat, friendships and survival are different! You don’t live to my age without mastering the art of tree-jumping... Uh, good luck.”

Jae-Hyeok shook his head, speechless.

Then again, this was a vicious world—monsters and power-drunk madmen ran rampant; death was so common that it was hard to see elderly people. He really couldn’t judge Gam Woo-Seon for his turtle tactics.

Even my great Kang family was nearly wiped out... How much more dangerous must it be for ordinary people? If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last eight years, it’s that the world is full of hyenas who won’t hesitate to trample anyone in their way, abusing their status and power with no sense of right or wrong.

All of them must be uprooted...

Jae-Hyeok shook himself from his thoughts and then addressed the burly man, “That pond seems a bit too narrow for the Ruler of the Sea.”

Jae-Hyeok had immediately recognized Yeon Ho-Ryeong. Not only was his face rather famous among players, but he also shared a resemblance to his son, Yeon Ho-Rang, whom Jae-Hyeok had been spending time with recently...

Speaking of Yeon Ho-Rang, Jae-Hyeok’s first impression of him—and by extension, his father—had been far from good; after all, Yeon Ho-Rang had been abusing his position as the President of Ocean Shipping to threaten and pressure his employees when they first met. But after Jae-Hyeok gave him a good scolding, Yeon Ho-Rang had changed for the better, and they became good friends.

Yeon Ho-Ryeong crossed his thick arms and inclined his chin.

“Small? This pond isn’t small; I am the type of person who can turn a single cup of water into an ocean.”

If it were anyone else, those words would’ve seemed ridiculous and nonsensical. But coming from the Ruler of the Sea... Jae-Hyeok instead found himself contemplating what sort of great powers Yeon Ho-Ryeong might have.

The Ruler of the Sea...

Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s title was apt; he indeed ruled the sea. Even neighboring countries that slandered and accused him of being a pirate didn’t try to kill him.

They couldn’t.

“I must say, I expected a stronger reaction.” Yeon Ho-Ryeong questioned, “Don’t tell me that useless son of mine has been blabbing about his identity?”

“Even elementary school students know that Ocean Shipping is a subsidiary of the Ocean Guild. And when I saw how foolish Ocean Guild’s president was, I knew he had to be a parachuted boss. It wasn’t hard to guess he was your son.”

Yeon Ho-Ryeong nodded. “He is indeed an idiot with no ability. Even so...”

The ground faintly shook.

Ripples spread continuously in the pond where Yeon Ho-Ryeong was standing.

Meanwhile, the carp in the water was still calmly moving.

How is he controlling his mana? Even with a front row seat, Jae-Hyeok struggled to comprehend what he was looking at. Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s mana application was beyond profound.

Meanwhile, while Jae-Hyeok was filled with innocent curiosity, Gam Woo-Seon’s whispers threatened to become shouts: “Jae-Hyeok. Jae-Hyeok! Are you crazy? Stop racing to your death!”

He was still hiding behind Kang Hyeon-Ah.

“Yeon Ho-Ryeong is someone whom even the most notorious pirates revere as their king! Don’t get into a fight with him! Your head will be blown off!”

He was sweating profusely and stomping his feet. Anyone who saw him could tell he was terrified. He knew Jae-Hyeok was strong, and his sister seemed even stronger—but even if they were twice as strong, he still feared Yeon Ho-Ryeong.

After all, his long life wasn’t just for show; he’d lived through Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s golden days and had a deep impression of his power.

He still remembered the Mongolian president’s speech from twenty years ago. At the time, China had been threatening to use forceful measures to vassalize Mongolia:

“Time and time again, China infringes on our borders. Why is that? Why do we suffer, while Korea and, indeed, even its neighboring waters are free of these antics by China and Japan?

It’s simple. In Korea, the Yaksha stalks the land while the Pirate King roams the neighboring seas.

That’s what Mongolia needs. We need a Yaksha or Pirate King of our own. Once we do, who would dare cross us?”

That speech had become quite the hot topic in Korea in the weeks following. The truth of it struck a chord with many Koreans. That was also one of only a few times where Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s name was openly mentioned in Korean news.

After all, Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s antics out at sea could be described as looting. Consequently, Korea’s relationship with Yeon Ho-Ryeong was kept ambiguous in public, and official news and media outlets mostly refrained from mentioning him.

For the younger generation, Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s official image was limited to the leader of one of the five major guilds and someone with a grand title.

But Gam Woo-Seon had been around long enough to read between the lines. Yeon Ho-Ryeong was nothing like the other top guildmasters: If he wanted to, he could become a National Treasure right now.

On the surface, he didn’t look like a bigshot.

Having spent decades at sea, Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s skin was rough, his hair lacked shine, and his clothes were faded.

At first glance, he was like a homeless man. It was no wonder that Gam Woo-Seon had failed to recognize him immediately.

But Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s aura betrayed his depthless power.

Even at a distance, Gam Woo-Seon could smell he sea spray. Distant waves whispered in his ears, and the heat of an unseen sun bore on his back and shoulders, threatening to peel his skin.

It felt as if reality was warring with a separate world imposed by Yeong Ho-Ryeong’s aura. They pushed and pulled, vying for dominance with Gam Woo-Seon’s consciousness stuck in the middle.

The feeling was as bizarre as it was frightening. Gam Woo-Seon was increasingly worried that he might blink and find himself stranded in an endless sea, and he began shuffling backward.

Jae-Hyeok’s expression was also uncomfortable. The heat and humidity were overwhelming, and his body felt heavy, as if he were submerged in water.

In fact, this sensation wasn’t just a feeling; it was an actual phenomenon caused by Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s original Skill, Sea King’s Domain.

[You have entered the Sea King’s Domain.

You are afflicted with the Slowdown and Intimidation status conditions: all movement is slowed, and breathing becomes labored.]

[Warning: your endurance is rapidly draining.]

It was a rare field Skill—so long as even a single cup of water existed, Yeon Ho-Ryeong could use it as a medium to channel his own domain.

The entire health store was flooded with water-attribute mana.

It was this Skill that earned Yeon Ho-Ryeong the title “Ruler of the Sea.”

“You knew he was my child, but you exploited him like a servant? And now, you dare to call him a fool to my face?”

Yeon Ho-Ryeong's red eyes were filled with killing intent.

He declared, “If you’re simply a madman, you will die here.”

“Uhhh...”

In the distance, Gam Woo-Seon started flailing his limbs and grabbing at his chest.

“If you think you can ridicule me like you did to those who were killed by you, you will die here.”

Clammy and pale, Gam Woo-Seon collapsed forward. Kang Hyeon-Ah went to support him, but her steps were slow and her chest was heaving.

The pressure crushed down on every inch of her body. Let alone as she was, even if she were in her best state, the debuffs would’ve been difficult to resist. The world seemed to reject her very existence.

Meanwhile, Jae-Hyeok...

[You have resisted Slowdown.]

[You have resisted Intimidation.]

Thanks to Noble Chivalry, his initial discomfort abruptly disappeared as he shook off the various debuffs from Sea King’s Domain. The sudden change made him blink, but he quickly collected himself and went to support Kang Hyeon-Ah and Gam Woo-Seon; as he was, Jae-Hyeo spared a glare for Yeon Ho-Ryeong.

“I called your son a fool because he was. I’m not saying it to insult you, nor am I saying it because I’m crazy.”

Jae-Hyeok’s tone was noticeably colder than before. If Yeon Ho-Ryeong insisted on using force, then win or lose, Jae-Hyeok was prepared to draw his sword.

“Your son got what he deserved. And he’s better for it.”

Initially, Yeon Ho-Rang had been the type to swagger around, solely relying on his father’s reputation and causing problems for everyone else. That was why Jae-Hyeok called Yeon Ho-Rang often. He hoped to reform him into a productive member of society, if only for the sake of those who would be harmed otherwise.

Therefore, Jae-Hyeok often used force to intimidate... No, he made Yeon Ho-Rang follow his requests so that he could experience the difficulties subordinates experienced.

As far as Jae-Hyeok was concerned, everyone benefited—including himself; after all, the reason he’d been able to safely infiltrate the Guardian Guild and kill Jeong Jae-Uk was in part thanks to Yeon Ho-Rang’s wallet, which he’d used to hire a fake army.

Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s eyes and mouth spasmed wildly as he looked down at Jae-Hyeok.

Seeing that Yeon Ho-Ryeong was about to run over and kill Jae-Hyeok, Kang Hyeon-Ah forced herself to stand without help. Having just reunited, she refused to let anything take Jae-Hyeok away from her.

“Don’t worry, Big Sis will protect you.”

“Sis...” Jae-Hyeok was strangely moved by Kang Hyeon-Ah’s determination.

“Is that so?”

At this time, Yeon Ho-Ryeong lowered his head and his shoulders trembled. He seemed to be unable to suppress his anger.

Jae-Hyeok swallowed. Is his love blind? At this point, it seems like the fault lies with Yeon Ho-Ryeong. He must’ve raised his children so indulgently that his son grew up problematic...

“Kuk! Kuhahahahat!”

Just when Jae-Hyeok was preparing to make the first move, Yeon Ho-Ryeong burst out laughing.

“I see! You deserve to discipline my idiot son!”

“......?”

Yeon Ho-Ryeong withdrew the Sea King’s Domain, and Kang Hyeon-Ah and Gam Woo-Seon’s expressions relaxed.

“Kang Jae-Hyeok! If you want, please take care of my second one as well!”

“... Huh?”

***

“Thank you.”

Yeon Ho-Ryeong accepted the teacup from Gam Woo-Seon and drank the scalding tea in one gulp. It made one wonder what his esophagus was made of.

“I envy the Yaksha, who succeeded in raising his children.”

There was fondness in his eyes as he looked at Jae-Hyeok. In fact, from the beginning, Yeon Ho-Ryeong held no hostility toward Jae-Hyeok.

“It’s truly amazing. My sons also grew up alone, and they turned out hopeless. What’s the secret? How did you grow up so well alone? Especially in such an unfavorable environment...”

The smile disappeared from Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s face as he recalled the pictures he’d seen in the news of protestors swarming the Kang family’s gate.

Yeon Ho-Ryeong shook his head and continued, “You see. Most of my work is at sea, so I don’t have much time to return home. Visiting my wife on her birthday is the most I can manage.”

Yeon Ho-Ryeong had always felt sorry for his two sons. There was nothing he could do about his absence at home, but he’d done his best in every other aspect to ensure his sons grew up comfortably and without regrets.

However, the news he’d received was always disappointing. Just where had he gone wrong? Yeon Ho-Ryeong had often found himself pondering over this question while rubbing his eyes.

But recent news of his son had changed that: apparently, his eldest son had started acting like a human being while serving under Kang Jae-Hyeok.

When he’d heard the news, he almost couldn’t believe it, and he knew he just had to make a trip to land to confirm it.

On one hand, he was overjoyed at his son's turnaround, but on the other, Yeon Ho-Ryeong was also annoyed with Jae-Hyeok. He’d thought Jae-Hyeok was ordering Yeon Ho-Rang around because he looked down on him, the father.

Thankfully, however, this wasn’t the case.

Yeon Ho-Ryeong had seen and heard enough to be certain that Jae-Hyeok treated Yeon Ho-Rang as his own person rather than as his son.

“Take it upon yourself to educate my second son as well. If you grant my request, Ocean will also support the Kang family. Now, that doesn’t mean I will step forward, but I will support you behind the scenes.”

For the neighboring countries, especially China and Japan, the Ocean Guild was a thorn in their side, and naturally so. After all, Ocean plundered many of their ships, and there were even rumors of Ocean collecting tolls on the sea routes. For these reasons and many more, the Ocean Guild had always been both a boon and a hot potato for the Korean government. More than once, China and Japan had attempted to use Ocean’s behavior to justify pressuring the Korean government.

In a similar vein, if the Ocean Guild were to support the Kang family openly, it might do Jae-Hyeok more harm than good... No, it most certainly would; China and Japan would inevitably turn their attention on the Kang family.

“As my first show of support, I will also tell you how to reach the beastman kingdom.”

“Siren... Does such a place really exist?”

“Yes, only half of the city remains, but it’s a good opportunity for you.”

“That’s awfully generous of you... I only worry that I won’t be able to repay the favor.”

“Could there be some hidden agenda?”—Yeon Ho-Ryeong could guess Jae-Hyeok’s thoughts. He smiled reassuringly. “It is, but don’t mind it. I consider this a fair price for you to solve my only trouble.”

Be it power, influence, fame, or money—Yeon Ho-Rang had obtained it all. His only concern was his flimsy successors.

He had considered disciplining them properly, but he also knew he was terrible with moderation when it came to using his fists, especially once he got annoyed... In that regard, Yeon Ho-Ryeong saw Jae-Hyeok as a necessary talent for the future of Ocean.

Jae-Hyeok’s eyes went distant for a moment as calculations flashed through his mind. Eventually, he said, “Okay. I agree. However, I’d like for you to publicly support the Kang family.”

“I suppose news of you killing Cha Seung-Min is true? I can understand reinforcing your status to secure your domestic popularity, but won’t the losses be greater if my support attracts China and Japan’s attention?”

Jae-Hyeok smiled. “Rather, I hope that’s the case.”

“... I see.”

Interest appeared in Yeon Ho-Ryeong’s eyes as he contemplated Jae-Hyeok’s plans.