Chương 44: Seo Uitaek’s Proposal

"If he is truly that capable, then why not deploy the Fifth Unit when we intercept them this time? If he is as good as they say. We must drive the enemy out regardless. Even after Alhacheopmok'a's death, they have not withdrawn." Lee Heesong showed interest.

"What—him?"

"Not him alone. The Fifth Unit. He is its commander, is he not?" Lee Heesong shook his head.

"The South Gate forces have already suffered heavy losses." Seo Uitaek did not yield.

"Then I will go myself. If the Fifth Unit accompanies me, I will deliver results." Lee Heesong's eyes took on that yellow sheen again. Age had dimmed them, yet something else flickered beneath the surface. The request was far too blatant. Men died often in battle. When someone intended it, they died even more easily. Had Youngwoo truly served his purpose? If the Western Commander spoke like this, it meant there was no further use for him. A faint trace of regret lingered somewhere in his chest.

War was a struggle against enemies beyond the walls. It was also a struggle against those within. And the latter was always harsher. For it meant standing against the very order one belonged to— men who clung stubbornly to what was, who rejected even what was right simply because it was new. Under Lee Heesong's gaze, Youngwoo lowered his eyes and felt a quiet sorrow settle within him. Even a dog knows the day of its death. A man, gifted with spirit, would know it all the more.

Seo Uitaek's intent—to take only them—was unmistakable. A proper commander should have refused at once. Yet the Grand General did not. He appeared to consider it. In that brief, suspended moment, Youngwoo imagined the many shapes death might take. He would not die alone. This time, he would go with the Western Commander. But the others— they should live. It was not them who were hated. It was him. He could not drag them into that abyss. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent.

Report sightings. Should he ask Baek In-gyeom for help? Could they truly intercept the enemy and drive them back, as claimed? He had been told that survival at higher ranks required careful choices. What choice could he make now? Many thoughts rose— none gave him an answer. Park Geunsu stepped forward.

"Grand General, the Fifth Unit is under my command. It belongs to the South Gate forces. You cannot simply detach it." Lee Heesong gave a small shrug, as if in agreement.

"True. But I cannot commit more South Gate troops either. The losses are already too great. Not that it was your fault." Park Geunsu pressed on.

"Then I ask that the proposal be withdrawn."

"But we cannot simply leave those enemies lurking outside the walls, can we?" Park Geunsu's voice hardened.

"This is not Youngwoo's fault. He is the officer who distinguished himself today. How can we cast him into certain death?" Seo Uitaek scoffed.

"Who said anything about death? If he is capable, I merely intend to make use of him." Park Geunsu opened his mouth again—then stopped. His eyes turned to the Grand General. In the next moment, his knee buckled. He stepped back once— and dropped to one knee. The air in the chamber froze. An officer kneeling in council was nearly unheard of. Before the Grand General, it was unthinkable. Tears streamed down his face as he cried out.

"Spare him. He has done nothing wrong. He is a young man who believes that fighting with all his strength is the path of service to the nation. He believes a man must be brave. There was the matter of Commander Park Cheolgu—his dismissal and disappearance— but that was not insubordination. It was desperation to survive. He nearly died. If survival itself is branded rebellion, then what justice is there? Let me bear the responsibility. Spare this young man."

His words tumbled without order, the beginning and the end tangled together. Yet their meaning was unmistakable— a plea to save a subordinate from being consumed by an unseen struggle within their own ranks. Then Ahn Heese, the adjutant, knelt beside him. That, too, was unexpected. A man who had always seemed little more than an informant now spoke in defense of Youngwoo.

"I have only known him briefly, but he is sincere—truly so. Even if that sincerity has clashed with broader strategy, he should not be sent to his death. Please reconsider." It looked, for a moment, like the officers were acting together. The other commanders watched in silence, their gazes heavy with unspoken understanding. Seo Uitaek's voice cut through the stillness.

"What is this? Do I look like I am dragging him out to be killed?" Park Geunsu repeated,"Spare him." In the army, orders were absolute. Once given, they were to be carried out— right or wrong. Park Geunsu sought to stop it before that point. Lee Heesong's thick cheeks twitched faintly. It was not a gesture often seen. In the uneasy silence, Seo Uitaek turned toward him, waiting for a decision. Then— Youngwoo raised his hand. It was almost like a student volunteering in a crowded room.

"I understand the concern you all show me. But I am a soldier. To fight the enemy and win—that is my duty. If my small strength is needed to drive them out, I will go. However… even to my untrained eye, the Fifth Unit does not seem necessary for this task. I will go alone, with the Western Commander's forces. If that is enough to drive the enemy back, then it will be a good thing. Please permit it." Park Geunsu turned sharply.

"What are you saying, Commander!" Youngwoo did not look at him. That man was his superior. And that superior had knelt for him. That alone was enough. He could not allow him to be placed in further difficulty. Gratitude was something to be held in the heart— not used as a shield.

"Reporting. Commander Youngwoo of the Fifth Unit. I will lay down my position temporarily and depart for the field. Grant me permission." Seo Uitaek's eyes flashed. If the man himself volunteered, who could object? His gaze turned toward Lee Heesong. The Grand General found this display of loyalty tiresome. Yet if it offered a chance to dispose of a blade that had outlived its use, it was not unwelcome. A useful blade is kept. A spent blade is cast aside. Such was the way of the army. The army longed for victory.

But insubordination—never. This man had already killed Park Cheolgu. Who might be next? He had raised him to the rank of commander, considering many factors. But that was as far as it would go. Lee Heesong's expression softened.

"Why such commotion? The enemy is already broken and retreating. We are merely pushing them further out. Our forces remain strong. What danger could there be? If the Western Commander rides out and requires one brave man, there is no reason to deny him. You misunderstand one another. This is a battle for the nation. There is no place for personal concerns. Western Commander, depart today and drive the enemy off. Commander Youngwoo—arm yourself fully and follow to lend your strength."

Park Geunsu tried to speak again— But Youngwoo stepped forward and shouted.

"Understood. I will carry out the order." The command had been given. The acknowledgment had been made. Nothing more could be said. Ahn Heese looked at Youngwoo, his eyes heavy with quiet sorrow. The meeting ended. Park Geunsu and Ahn Heese pulled Youngwoo aside as they left, scolding him— but it was already too late.

"It will be fine. Nothing will happen. I will just go and return." Outside, Park Geunsu pulled him into a tight embrace.

"I'm sorry." That was all he said. Youngwoo smiled.

"It's nothing worth worrying over."

"I couldn't protect you… not among those bastards."

"It's nothing. I'll go and come back."