The Precious Baby of the Bandit Leader Chapter 81

“He intended it?”

 

When I asked back, not understanding what he meant, Gaon briefly explained the situation.

 

“…That’s how it is—I’m going to find the location of General Jeon Bongjin’s base, and I will definitely weed out the traitors inside. So, it’s not your fault. Don’t worry. The Chief has it all figured out. Got it?”

 

“…Traitors?”

 

“Yeah. Those idiots who can’t recognize a lovely kid like you.”

 

“O-oh…?”

 

It was an unexpected remark. It was a warmth somehow unfamiliar to be coming from his lips.

 

I widened my eyes and fidgeted with my hands for no reason.

 

And just then, it suddenly caught my eye.

 

‘Huh? His neck is red?’

 

It was the first time. It was the first time I had seen Gaon’s long, white neck dyed that red.

 

‘I guess he gets like that when he’s shy.’

 

And that meant.

 

‘It means he’s sincere.’

 

My heart dropped with a thud.

 

I curled my toes for no reason.

 

Gaon ruffled his hair with his hand, staring straight ahead as he continued.

 

“…So, what I’m saying is, I don’t know if those other guys told you too, but… don’t you dare think about leaving again like last time.” 

 

“…Why?”

 

I looked at him quietly and then asked, almost impulsively.

 

Honestly, I was curious about his sudden change in attitude.

 

Only a short while ago, he was the one drawing a line, saying ‘family is not an option.’

 

Perhaps because my question was unexpected, Gaon paused for a moment, then lowered his head… and lifted it up sharply again to say,

 

“You, you said you pulled weeds on that grave every day.”

 

“…?!”

 

‘…How did he know that?’

 

“If you’re not here, I have to do all of that. It’s a pain. And you’re the one who suggested building the dam. It would have been a real hassle without you. Besides, the Chief struggles when you’re gone. And those guys, they’re all so crazy about you I don’t know what they’d do. I have to manage them all. And…”

 

“Because we’re family?”

 

I continued quietly.

 

Gaon flinched. And shortly—he let out a breath, ha.

 

“…Yeah.”

 

“Really? Have I become family to you now, Uncle?”

 

“Why do you keep asking? You heard me.”

 

Gaon said it as if snapping at me, then scratched the bridge of his nose and threw out a word.

 

“…I’m sorry.”

 

“!”

 

It was a series of surprises.

 

To think that the word ‘sorry’ would come out of that cynical Gaon’s mouth.

 

“Wha… what did you say, Uncle?”

 

When I asked again, Gaon crossed his legs and shrugged his shoulders.

 

“You heard it all. I’m not saying it twice.”

 

“Hmph….”

 

I pouted and grumbled. Then, Gaon looked straight at me and said,

 

“And, I’ll acknowledge that you tried your best to protect this place while I was gone.”

 

Although it was a blunt tone, the words were clearly heard.

 

“You worked hard all this time, Shorty. So… let’s keep working hard together in the future.”

 

“Huh?”

 

I tilted my head, not understanding what he meant, and Gaon grinned.

 

“You’re going to have to come down to the village with me!”

 

* * *

 

One hour ago.

 

“You received a letter saying your family would support us with food and funds? But you… accidentally dropped it in the water?”

 

Gaon was reporting on the letter he had received from his family.

 

Of course, it was a report that omitted the time he received the letter and the fact that he had intended to reply.

 

“I was worried….”

 

As Yeong, that child, had worried.

 

It was because it was difficult to predict how the Chief, who was now more sensitive than anyone else to weeding out traitors, would react.

 

‘For now, this is the best I can do.’

 

Gaon calmly lifted his head to look at the Chief.

 

“Yes. That is correct. I apologize for not being able to show you the letter and for the delay in the report.”

 

The Chief seemed to contemplate whether to press for more, but soon let out a long sigh.

 

“Then, are you suggesting we accept the funding from them?”

 

“No. I cannot fully trust them.”

 

Gaon said firmly.

 

“They proposed that if we reveal the fortress’s location, they would secretly provide funds through merchant groups traveling nearby. However, since we cannot verify their true intent, exposing our location is a choice far too dangerous.”

 

“And so?”

 

“Instead of telling them the location, I will personally go and receive the funds.”

 

At that bold statement, the Chief was momentarily at a loss for words.

 

As if seeing through Gaon’s intent, he let out a breath and said,

 

“But… is that even possible?”

 

“Please trust me. I am confident in persuading people. I will definitely succeed. And… if that letter was sincere, they will certainly provide the funds.”

 

“Then what if it is a trap?”

 

“I know the layout of that house and the size of their private guard better than anyone. There is no opponent there I cannot handle. Even if things go wrong, I can escape.” 

 

The Chief was deep in thought.

 

Gaon was clearly capable of escaping. But… there were many other variables to consider.

 

“The Prime Minister’s spies must be everywhere. You cannot think only of your own family.”

 

That was the truth.

 

The Prime Minister had left the capital almost empty and was obsessed with chasing Kim Gangdu—the Chief.

 

The information network he had set up was spread all over Jehan.

 

“Do not worry. My family is only near Jehan, they are outside its boundaries. I will not cross paths with the Prime Minister.”

 

Fortunately, Gaon’s main family was on the outskirts of Jehan.

 

The Chief narrowed his brows, lost in deep thought.

 

Thinking back on the things Gaon had done, it seemed like a fully possible task.

 

Moreover, in the current situation, there was no other clever solution other than what he had suggested.

 

“Very well. Then, do as you say.” 

 

After a moment of silence, the Chief made his decision.

 

And continued.

 

“However, take Yeong with you as well.”

 

“…Yeong? Why is that? If we go down to the village, it could become dangerous like last time.”

 

When Gaon asked back in bewilderment, the Chief said seriously.

 

“This place has become more dangerous.”

 

At those words, Gaon shut his mouth tight.

 

The Chief’s words were correct.

 

Jeon Bongjin had escaped, and the location of the stronghold was known to him.

 

If he held a grudge and leaked the information, there was a possibility it would be exposed to the Prime Minister’s side.

 

“That’s not all. You must be wary not only of external enemies but also internal ones. Until we weed out the traitors and fully relocate the stronghold, this place is not safe.”

 

In fact, it was a situation where one couldn’t easily trust anyone right now.

 

“…I understand. I will follow your order.”

 

Gaon bowed his head deeply.

 

‘As expected… the Chief. I wonder how many steps ahead he is planning….’

 

Relocating the stronghold, distributing food, redeploying personnel. Everything was falling into place.

 

“Lastly… move the food into the cave without anyone knowing. The better someone knows our internal situation, the more likely they are to aim for the food and cause trouble.”

 

Furthermore, the last request the Chief had left at the meeting a few days ago.

 

Just as he said, a fire broke out exactly in the food warehouse.

 

Gaon couldn’t help but be impressed.

 

“As expected… this is why I respect the Chief.”

 

The vision of a true leader. It was nothing short of the temperament of a wise ruler who looked 100 steps ahead.

 

To Gaon, who was still bowing his head, the Chief opened his mouth again.

 

“There is one last thing I would like to ask.”

 

When he lifted his head in bewilderment, the Chief’s gaze was deep, as if piercing through him.

 

Gaon flinched reflexively.

 

“To you, who hold the existence of your father in high regard, that letter must have meant a great deal.”

 

It was a calm yet affectionate tone. Words that seemed to carefully soothe his heart.

 

“You must be feeling troubled… is it truly alright to go and see that father of yours for a matter like this? If you are struggling but pushing yourself, I wish for you to tell me.”

 

And at the Chief’s question, Gaon first thought of that child, Yeong’s face.

 

‘Right. Surely, in the past, I would have been troubled if it were a matter related to my father.’

 

Since he had started thinking of that child out of habit… it didn’t happen anymore.