The Precious Baby of the Bandit Leader Chapter 105

“What do you mean by that, Chief? They imprisoned you!”

 

The flustered Vice Chief asked urgently. However, Jeon Bongjin’s eyes showed not the slightest wavering.

 

“Gyesu, I haven’t properly explained to you what happened at the mountain stronghold yet. I will tell you everything later. So, for now, just…”

 

Countless words flashed through his mind.

 

He couldn’t even grasp where or what to start talking about.

 

But at this moment, there was only one thing he could say.

 

“Trust me.”

 

At those words, the eyes of the Vice Chief, Im Gyesu, faintly wavered.

 

The image of Jeon Bongjin, who had been silently lost in thought all the way here, came to mind.

 

‘I was wondering… if what he experienced at the mountain stronghold was something more than simple imprisonment.’

 

And if it was the decision of Jeon Bongjin, who was like the sky to him.

 

“…Of course, Chief.”

 

Im Gyesu replied briefly and nodded.

 

Now, he too would just trust and follow.

 

Catching onto Jeon Bongjin’s intent with just a glance, he sharply stared at Jo Byeokho, who was quietly stepping backward.

 

And soon, drawing his sword, he shouted loudly.

 

“Bind that man immediately!” 

 

“H-Hieek!” 

 

Noticing that the atmosphere had taken an unusual turn, Jo Byeokho freaked out, sharply turned his back, and started running.

 

“Chase him!”

 

But there was no way the Vice Chief would let him get away.

 

Jeon Bongjin’s subordinates immediately rushed in, grabbed Jo Byeokho, and tied him up tightly.

 

“Chief, what should we do?”

 

Im Gyesu asked after completely gagging his mouth.

 

“We’ll take him to the main base for now. We will finish preparing and set off for the mountain stronghold again shortly.”

 

“But Chief…! It might be dangerous! Regardless, didn’t they imprison you!”

 

“That’s right! If they think we were the ones who set the fire before leaving, we don’t know what they might do to you when you return!”

 

The members of the rescue party, including the vice-chief, raised their voices in opposition.

 

“I-it might be fine…!”

 

But just then.

 

Cautious voices squeezed through the gap.

 

They were the ones who had been locked in prison with Jeon Bongjin for a few days.

 

“During the few days we stayed there… the family of His Highness the deposed Crown Prince didn’t treat us roughly at all. Rather, they provided us with all sorts of conveniences so we wouldn’t be uncomfortable during our stay.”

 

“They took great care to ensure we didn’t lack food, too.”

 

“…Moreover, the child His Highness adopted also considered us a great deal.”

 

“If you are intending to join His Highness the deposed Crown Prince… we are ready to take the lead in persuading and convincing our family at the main base.”

 

Those who had been imprisoned together vaguely guessed the reason why Jeon Bongjin was trying to return to the mountain stronghold.

 

Because they too had seen and felt the same things as Jeon Bongjin during the time they spent together at the mountain stronghold.

 

Although the child might be the enemy’s daughter.

 

However, they had witnessed the way countless people sincerely cherished that child and strove to protect her. 

 

Above all, the fact that a mere six-year-old child had made the decision to leave home herself for the sake of her dad and uncles.

 

The sight of her, looking like a grubby puppy after suffering outside all day, being held in her father’s arms and saying ‘I love you’ was truly pitiful.

 

‘Even if she’s the enemy’s daughter… we couldn’t help but understand why they try to protect that child.’

 

Besides, whenever she came with food in her hands, saying “Please take care of us!” with excited eyes, they almost answered her back.

 

Although they couldn’t say anything because they were walking on eggshells around Jeon Bongjin.

 

At that moment, they were certain.

 

‘If they see the child in person… the others will eventually accept her too, even if they find out her identity.’

 

Furthermore, most of the people following Jeon Bongjin were those who purely followed him rather than the belligerent ones under Kim Gangdu.

 

They were people who followed and believed in the person Jeon Bongjin himself, rather than moving out of a desire for revenge against the current royal authority.

 

As if reading their minds, Jeon Bongjin nodded.

 

“Yes. I am certain of it too. Even if our family finds out the child’s identity, if they face her, their hearts will definitely be moved.”

 

He continued his words toward Im Gyesu again.

 

“So, do not worry. We were the first to draw our swords. Since the secret was exposed, His Highness had no choice but to lock us up, unable to let us go or appease us. If we return and convey our sincerity, he will surely understand.”

 

Im Gyesu couldn’t understand everything, but he clearly noticed that at least the deposed Crown Prince hadn’t treated the Chief roughly.

 

He furrowed his brows for a moment, then added, still harboring concerns.

 

“I apologize… but I am still not assured of safety. In any case, didn’t they imprison you, Chief?”

 

And just then.

 

“I don’t think you need to worry about that part.”

 

A low and serious voice echoed. Everyone’s gaze directed to the back at once.

 

A man whose presence hadn’t even been felt revealed himself from behind the bushes.

 

As if he had been watching this entire situation from the very beginning.

 

“You are…?!”

 

Startled, Jeon Bongjin widened his eyes.

 

In the past, the man who was a guard for the Crown Prince.

 

The one who had assisted Kim Gangdu, the Crown Prince, most closely even on the battlefield.

 

Kim Dupil.

 

“…It seems I was being tailed.”

 

Jeon Bongjin let out a faint sigh as if he understood the situation.

 

If it had been anyone else, he would have noticed much earlier.

 

But the man in front of him was Kim Dupil, called the best martial artist in the Great Ho Kingdom.

 

Among other things, when it came to stealth, there was practically no one who dared to catch up to him.

 

It was understandable that he hadn’t noticed even though he was being tailed.

 

“I didn’t tail you with the intention of harming you. Because if information were to leak, the entirety of Seolhwa could be in danger… His Highness personally ordered it in preparation for an unforeseen situation.”

 

After calmly explaining the situation, Kim Dupil looked at Jeon Bongjin and Im Gyesu in turn and bowed deeply.

 

“The Chief already anticipated everything. Including the fact that the fire at the mountain fortress was not General Jeon’s doing. Therefore, if you return, he will undoubtedly welcome you gladly.” 

 

Lifting his head calmly, he continued speaking clearly.

 

“The reason I came here is also merely to catch the traitor of the mountain stronghold who leaked to this side.”

 

At his earnest persuasion, Im Gyesu finally nodded as if relieved.

 

Looking surprised, Jeon Bongjin lightly rubbed his lips.

 

“Are you saying… His Highness expected all of this?”

 

“That is correct. Not only that, he even foresaw the situation that will occur after this.”

 

“…Situation after this, you say?”

 

When Jeon Bongjin asked back, Kim Dupil let out a deep breath and recalled Kim Gangdu’s words.

 

“We must prepare for the absolute worst-case scenario. And that is…”

 

“Yes. Perhaps soon, the Prime Minister’s private soldiers might storm the mountain stronghold.”

 

As those words fell, shock spread across everyone’s faces.

 

* * *

 

At that time, the Prime Minister’s annex.

 

The time was still before the tavern owner came to report the fact that she had found Seolyeong.

 

“Are you saying… your words are true?”

 

A man kneeling before the Prime Minister kept his head deeply bowed.

 

The Prime Minister took the map in his hand and looked down at him with cold-blooded eyes.

 

Without lifting his head, the man reported in a voice filled with certainty.

 

“Yes. That is precisely the location of the mountain stronghold. It hasn’t been discovered for a long time because it is hidden by rugged terrain below the ice wall.”

 

“How can I trust your words? Aren’t you one of the cronies who has been with Kim Gangdu for a long time?”

 

At those words, the man dressed as a monk carefully raised his head.

 

“This lowly monk was foolish and made the wrong choice. But now, I sincerely wish to follow Your Excellency’s will.”

 

He was none other than Ji Hakseung.

 

“Please trust and take this lowly monk in.”