15.Overlapping Information and Selected Gaze

The grand banquet hall of Pungwolru buzzed with life, the air thick with laughter, whispers, and the soft melody of string instruments in the background. Merchants, courtesans, and martial artists from all corners of Kangho gathered, exchanging both pleasantries and subtle threats cloaked in polite conversation.

In a quiet corner, away from the din, Lee Do-Hyun sat silently, sipping his tea as his sharp eyes observed everything around him. His posture was relaxed, but every detail—the shift of a blade's hilt, the flicker of an unreadable glance—was noted.

This wasn't mere rest. His true goal was far more deliberate: to cross-check the intelligence gathered from the Pyo-Guk Escort Bureau with Pungwolru's famed information network. More importantly, he was analyzing the growing interest surrounding his name from various factions across Kangho.

The Murmurs of Rumors

The courtesans, the true masters of hidden knowledge, whispered rumors with effortless grace as they moved among the guests. Their sweet voices, though delicate, carried words that could shift the balance of power.

 "That man… they call him the Black Cloud Sword now. A blade that breathes fire—can that even be real?"

"I heard he emerged from a brothel like some divine miracle. Some say the sword chose him, and now the rumors spread like wildfire."

These whispers were not new to Do-Hyun, but their specificity was concerning. Someone was carefully fanning the flames of these tales—whether to elevate him or control him remained unclear.

Beside him, Han So-Yeon leaned in slightly, her voice low but laced with sarcasm.

"Captain, don't you think these rumors are getting a little ridiculous? You're starting to sound like a myth already."

Do-Hyun chuckled without looking at her.

"That's how Kangho works, isn't it? Rumors always outpace reality. But that's not what matters most."

He subtly scanned the room, his gaze sharp as a drawn blade.

"What matters is—who is truly watching me right now?"

So-Yeon followed his gaze, her voice softening.

"Black Cloud Sword… that name doesn't suit you at all, you know."

Do-Hyun smirked faintly, the edge of amusement playing at his lips.

"If 'Black Cloud Sword' and 'Captain' both bother you, just call me Do-Hyun."

Her lips curled into a teasing grin.

"No, 'Captain' suits you just fine. You take responsibility for everyone, and maybe, if you keep getting stronger, you'll finally deserve the title."

Do-Hyun sighed quietly, shaking his head.

"If I ever truly become a leader in Kangho, I'll accept the title. Until then, let's keep it as a joke."

The Factions in Play

Later that night, amid the clinking of cups and the rustle of silk robes, Do-Hyun pieced together the puzzle surrounding him. The factions eyeing him were becoming clearer, their intentions as transparent as glass to a discerning observer:

 Interested Parties: Lower-ranking factions, eager to align themselves with him based on the rumors of his newfound power. They weren't hostile yet but remained opportunistic.

 Wary Observers: Stronger groups, cautious but intrigued, watching silently to determine whether his sword posed a true threat.

His thoughts sharpened.

'This proves one thing—I'm still a rookie in Kangho. If I were truly dangerous, someone would've tried to eliminate me by now.'

At that moment, a courtesan approached gracefully and refilled his cup. Her voice was smooth as honey.

"Sir, I heard from Yeonhwalu that you were close to Chun-Hyang. They say you were incredibly brave protecting her."

Do-Hyun gave a faint smile as he took a sip of tea.

"How is Chun-Hyang doing these days?"

The courtesan's smile deepened, her voice soft and warm.

"She's managing Yeonhwalu as gracefully as ever. She speaks of you from time to time… and yes, she worries about you."

As she leaned in to pour the tea with practiced elegance, her silk sleeve brushed against his arm. A faint, sweet fragrance lingered in the air—a gesture subtle but intentional.

The Flicker of Jealousy

From across the table, Han So-Yeon watched the interaction unfold, an unfamiliar irritation curling inside her chest.

'Really? That close? Pouring tea doesn't require getting that close.'

Her jaw tightened as she forced herself to maintain a neutral expression, though the slight tension in her brows betrayed her annoyance.

Eventually, her patience wore thin, and she muttered under her breath with biting sarcasm.

"Captain, you haven't forgotten why we're here, right? If gathering intelligence means letting courtesans hover over you, then I must be doing it all wrong."

Do-Hyun chuckled without missing a beat.

"So-Yeon, are you jealous or just scolding me? Gathering information involves all kinds of conversations."

She crossed her arms, scoffing.

"Sure, Captain. But maybe next time, try gathering information without letting courtesans breathe down your neck."

A Name That Will Shake Kangho

Later that evening, as the banquet's noise faded behind him, Do-Hyun stepped outside into the cool night air. His breath, visible in the moonlight, mirrored the clarity of his thoughts.

'For now, I'm just a name whispered in shadows. But soon, I'll have to prove that the Black Cloud Sword isn't just a rumor—it must become a force that shakes Kangho itself.'

Walking beside him, Han So-Yeon broke the silence, her voice low but steady.

"Everyone's watching you now, Captain. Whether the rumors are true or not, you're already becoming dangerous just by existing."

Do-Hyun met her gaze, his expression hardening with determination.

"Perhaps. But running away isn't an option. If you want to survive in Kangho, you don't hide—you prove your worth."

Their journey was no longer about escaping the eyes of others. It was about stepping into the light and forcing Kangho to recognize the power of a name born not from rumors, but from undeniable strength.

The world of Kangho had begun to take notice—and this time, there would be no turning back.