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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: Provisional Deputy Strategist
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The sun had long passed its zenith in the midday sky.
Rising from his bed, Sama Jin, the second young master of the Sama Clan, scratched at his disheveled hair.
"Yawn..."
Letting out a long yawn, he blinked his heavy-lidded eyes and spoke in a hoarse voice.
"Is anyone out there?"
"Yes, young master."
As a servant opened the door and replied, Sama Jin gave his instructions.
"My throat's parched. Bring me some water."
The servant bowed and stepped out, soon returning with water. Sama Jin gulped it down in one go, quenching his thirst, then rose from his seat.
He took a few steps and flung open the wardrobe. Inside were rows of splendid robes in dazzling array.
"Hmm..."
After much deliberation, Sama Jin donned a deep blue-black robe and slowly made his way out of his chambers.
It was broad daylight with the sun high in the sky.
The servants bustling about were all busy with their duties.
But Sama Jin moved at a starkly leisurely pace in contrast.
As he crossed the compound, Sama Jin encountered the eldest young master, Sama Hyo, hurrying along with his attendants.
"Jin!"
Spotting Sama Jin, Sama Hyo rushed over with a face full of worry.
"I heard you came back late last night in the cold. Are you feeling alright?"
"Brother, do I look like some kid who can't take care of himself? I was just discussing the state of the world with some great heroes, and the night got away from me. No issues."
"I understand your intentions, but don't push yourself too hard. Lately, more and more people are falling ill with this flu going around..."
Even as Sama Jin replied curtly, Sama Hyo continued to fret over him.
However, the attendants standing behind Sama Hyo shot looks dripping with disdain.
Sama Jin glanced at those gazes and turned his eyes away.
In the Sama Clan, there were three things despised:
Ignorance, pedantry, and laziness.
It was no wonder their views of Sama Jin, who embodied all three, were poor.
"Jin."
As Sama Jin silently averted his gaze, Sama Hyo gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"No matter what choice you make, I'll always be on your side."
"That's enough. I can handle things on my own. You should head back now."
Brushing off the hand lightly, Sama Jin continued on his way.
The servants clicked their tongues at the breach of etiquette and began gossiping about him.
"Tch. To think that fool's direct lineage of the main house. Utterly dim-witted."
"From the looks of him, he hasn't even learned proper manners."
"If not for the eldest young master, we'd be in real trouble. Heaven hasn't abandoned the Sama Clan."
Sama Hyo, who had stood watching Sama Jin's retreating figure, raised a hand to silence them.
"Don't say such things. Jin... Jin is..."
Biting his lip, Sama Hyo couldn't finish his sentence. His eyes were filled with deep affection and self-reproach.
Meanwhile, Sama Jin's footsteps led him, as always, somewhere different.
He headed to the Fragrant Flower Pavilion, the most renowned brothel nearby for its fine views, and knocked at the entrance.
It was still broad daylight, not yet time for business.
A gruff voice echoed from inside.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Sama Jin."
Clunk.
The door opened immediately at his reply, and the guard pointed inside.
"Come in."
Sama Jin entered with his hands behind his back, stepping naturally into the Fragrant Flower Pavilion.
The courtesans gathered one by one and, familiar with him, guided him to the top floor.
Reaching the summit, Sama Jin headed to the largest room at the far end.
Creak—
"Oh! Brother Sama's here!"
"Why so late today? I thought I was gonna die waiting!"
Upon entering, the interior was already a total mess.
Men and women, thoroughly drunk, were carousing with the courtesans.
Countless empty bottles littered the floor, along with scattered clothes everywhere.
Sama Jin's face hardened briefly at the sight, but he soon curled up the corners of his mouth and grabbed a nearby bottle.
"Sorry I'm late to the gathering of heroes! Let's get this party started properly now!"
Finishing his words, he downed an entire bottle of strong liquor in one go. Cheers and applause erupted around him.
"Ooooh!"
"No one can match Brother Sama's boldness!"
After the welcome, Sama Jin spent several hours in the revelry until the view outside the window had darkened.
With his collar half-undone, Sama Jin rose unsteadily.
Then, a man with flushed cheeks to his left slurred in a drunken voice.
"B-Brother Sama, leaving already? You arrived late too—such a shame."
Sama Jin chuckled and raised his hand high.
"Nah, tonight we go all the way! Just stepping out for some air, so don't think about heading home, everyone!"
"Ooooh! Can't match Brother's spirit!"
Leaving the cheers behind, Sama Jin trudged down the stairs and headed straight to the back garden of the pavilion.
Confirming no one around with a quick glance, he bent over and vomited into the bushes.
Urk— Uurrgh—
After retching for a while, Sama Jin clutched his knees and gasped for breath.
His body had never handled alcohol well to begin with.
Even one or two drinks made his stomach churn, and past a bottle, a splitting headache persisted.
But even so, he had to do this.
'This is the right path.'
At four, he had mastered the Records of the Grand Historian. At seven, he fully comprehended Sun Tzu's Art of War. At ten, he synthesized the essence of the Seven Military Classics. Once, Sama Jin had been the Sama Clan's prodigy, showered with expectations as a pillar of talent.
Back then, as the young Sama Jin proudly headed to discuss the Six Secrets of War with his brother...
He happened to overhear servants gossiping in one corner.
—As expected, the second young master will be chosen as the next clan head, right?
—Yeah. The eldest is wise like Father, but he can't compare to the second.
—Poor guy, he's good-hearted. He'll live his whole life in the second young master's shadow, no matter what.
—But a genius beyond norms like the second young master is a great blessing for the main house... Wha—young master? Since when have you been here?!
That day, overhearing the servants' chatter, Sama Jin made his decision.
To turn a blind eye, seal his lips, and hide his true heart.
Thus, to make everyone give up on him, he began avoiding studies. Now, he drowned himself in ill-suited drink and mingled with low-class thugs.
"You've waited a long time."
His eldest brother, the heir apparent, had been of age for years yet hadn't ascended to deputy clan head.
The reason was surely their father and brother, still holding out hope for change based on his childhood.
'But that ends this year.'
The clan's atmosphere was tightening. They could no longer leave the deputy position vacant.
And Father seemed to have given up on him too.
So, just a bit longer—a little more patience—and his brother would finally take the deputy seat.
Once the succession was settled, he'd have even more freedom.
No need to force himself into these drinking parties anymore.
...Just one thing nagging at him.
"After that, I have no idea what to do."
The freedom he'd taste after so long.
But even that wouldn't be total liberation.
What were his limits?
What was his goal?
Where should he head?
He didn't know.
Having hidden his true self for so long, he'd lost sight of his purpose.
Huuuh—
Sama Jin took a deep breath, lifted his head, and gazed at the sky.
Suddenly, a single star caught his eye.
Unconsciously, he read its portents and slowly parted his lips.
"The Triaster."
It signified achieving what one had long desired.
Considering the deputy clan head would be decided this year in the Sama Clan, it fit him perfectly.
"Right. Brother becoming deputy comes first. I'll think about my path after."
Steeling his resolve, Sama Jin shook his head and quickly switched expressions.
Reentering the pavilion with the dazed look of a drunkard, he staggered back to the top floor.
"Everyone! How about Azure Willow Pavilion next? Since I was late today, I'll cover all the tabs!"
"Woooah!"
"Only Brother Sama! Let's move now!"
Thus mingled with them, Sama Jin spent another long night of endless drink and revelry.
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"Young master! Young master!"
"...Ugh."
His whole body felt heavy as if laden with stones from last night's fatigue.
But as someone shook him awake, Sama Jin barely opened his eyes and looked toward the voice.
"...You?"
A familiar face came into view. Puzzled upon seeing him, Sama Jin glanced around.
Scattered men and women, empty bottles—this was still inside the brothel.
And the servant before him belonged at the main compound.
An odd pairing. Sama Jin rasped.
"Why are you here...?"
Judging by the sunlight's angle, it was early morning, around 7 a.m. at latest.
No way a servant would come here at this hour unless something massive had happened—something shaking the clan...
"It's a disaster! You must return to the clan immediately!"
"Hm?"
What disaster could there be?
He'd stayed quietly at the brothel last night—no fault of his.
"What happened?"
"W-Well, you need to come see for yourself right away!"
His trembling pupils and fidgety movements confirmed something extraordinary had occurred.
Shaking off the hangover, Sama Jin followed him back to the compound.
But something felt off even at the entrance.
It was working hours, yet unlike usual, servants poured outside, murmuring in panic.
The entire clan seemed in uproar, and oddly, their bewildered stares all converged on him.
"...?"
Perplexed by the piercing gazes, Sama Jin followed the servant and soon faced his uncle.
"You're here."
The man asked in a displeased tone, and Sama Jin nodded faintly.
Seeing Sama Jin's wretched state, he let out a long sigh.
"Hah, how could such a heavy responsibility fall to a wretch like this..."
"Heavy responsibility?"
As Sama Jin tilted his head, the uncle tossed a letter at him casually.
"Read it."
Sama Jin looked at him, then slowly down at the letter.
His eyes widened enormously upon seeing it.
⚙ OFFICIAL DECREE ⚙
The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult hereby appoints Sama Jin, second son of the Sama Clan, as Provisional Deputy Strategist. Report to the cult within seven days to assume duties...
He didn't need to read further; the meaning was crystal clear.
Sama Jin's hand trembled violently as he gripped the letter.
"Me... as Deputy Strategist...?"
Staring blankly at the letter, Sama Jin lost himself in the unbelievable contents.