The man’s sharp features resembled a wolf. Handsome, yes, but his demeanor exuded a predatory arrogance.

His words were laced with insults, his actions casual and dismissive.

Number 29 shot to her feet.

"What did you just say?"

"I called you mutts chasing baseless rumors, girl."

"You’re addressing official members of the Blood Demon Division as—"

"Should I call dogs humans instead? That’s hardly to my liking."

The head of the Sama Family.

Sama Ak sneered at me as he leaned back in his seat.

"You come here with the absurd claim that we’ve colluded with the righteous sects? Bringing such baseless rumors to our doorstep is nothing short of mocking the Sama Family. You mongrels."

"......"

"If you’re so eager, dig around. Do what you will. And if you can’t find evidence, make some up and bring it to me. I’ll gladly burn it all to ashes for you."

Though he spoke with restraint, his simmering anger was evident in the grinding of his teeth.

"You’ve picked the wrong enemy. The Sama Family will not forget this insult. Get out, you dogs. Bark as much as you please."

And just like that, we were unceremoniously escorted out by his guards.

Number 29 trembled with rage.

"What kind of bastard is that…!"

"At least we have the right to investigate now."

"How are you not furious?!"

"I am."

I was, of course. His attitude had been infuriating.

But we were here to do a job, and letting personal emotions take over wouldn’t accomplish anything.

Sama Ak’s first impression was abysmal, his arrogant confidence grating. But I resolved to channel that irritation into my work.

If there was guilt on his part, exposing it would be the best revenge.

"Number 29."

"What?!"

"If you’re upset, let’s humiliate him professionally. Do the job thoroughly, find the truth, and leave him with no way to keep that smug face."

"......"

"Let’s investigate every corner. If the Sama Family has truly colluded with the righteous sects, they won’t be able to maintain that attitude."

"Ugh."

"Set aside your emotions for now. We’ll address them later."

Number 29 sighed, visibly cooling off.

"You’re not wrong. If we do this properly, Sama Ak’s pride will take a hit. So, Number 30, where do we start?"

"Let’s split up. Begin with the servants."

"Alright. See you tonight."

"And try to keep personal emotions out of it."

"I’m not a child, okay? I know how to handle this."

We went our separate ways. I began questioning the servants under the pretext of the investigation, prying into the Sama Family’s affairs.

Most were openly hostile, but invoking the name of the Blood Demon Division forced them to talk.

"The Sama Family’s situation is worse than it used to be, sir. If they had colluded with the righteous sects, wouldn’t their fortune have improved?"

"In what way is their situation poor?"

"Recently, the merchant caravan run by their Financial Pavilion was attacked by bandits and lost its goods. Near the Kunlun Sect, no less. If they were truly working with the righteous sects, wouldn’t the Kunlun Sect have protected them?"

"Hmm..."

"The Sama Family’s influence has been waning by the day. With finances strained, even their hired warriors have left, leaving their territory vulnerable to encroachment by neighboring factions. If they were colluding with the righteous sects, these issues wouldn’t exist. Why make such a deal only to suffer losses?"

"And their financial struggles stem from these bandit attacks?"

"I can’t say for sure. But I’ve heard plenty of rumors about worsening conditions. The Sama Family is innocent."

Defensive responses like these were common. When I regrouped with Number 29 that evening, we had little concrete information.

"It’s clear the Sama Family’s situation is dire," she reported. "Bandit attacks, stolen martial arts manuals, and even the departure of famous warriors. But no one knows why."

"Did you uncover any leads?"

"No. Most of the servants and guards just blame bad luck. Still, it seems the Sama Family has one supporter left—Cheonak Gate."

"Cheonak Gate?"

"Yes, one of the sects supporting the Sama Family. It’s apparently the largest and most loyal. Unlike others who’ve turned their backs on the Sama Family, Cheonak Gate remains steadfast in their support."

Cheonak Gate.

The next morning, we visited the sect. Upon introducing ourselves as members of the Blood Demon Division, we were granted an audience with the gate leader.

An elderly man with a kind expression greeted us. As he sipped his tea, he spoke.

"The Sama Family is an excellent clan. Thanks to them, the people here can sleep peacefully. They are one of the most venerable families in the Demon Sect. But to hear rumors of collusion with the righteous sects…"

"Do you know where these rumors originated?"

"I do not. This is the first I’ve heard of the Blood Demon Division’s involvement. Ah…"

The leader sighed heavily.

"I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding. The Sama Family is a noble clan. Even in hard times, they wouldn’t dare betray the sect."

"Hard times? What do you mean?"

"It’s widely known in this area. The Sama Family has suffered a string of misfortunes. Bandit attacks on their caravans, stolen manuals, and malicious rumors spread among their retainers."

"Rumors such as?"

"These same baseless claims of collusion with the righteous sects. I even sent people to investigate, but we couldn’t trace the source."

"......"

"My eldest daughter is married into the Sama Family. To hear such baseless accusations is… distressing."

The leader toyed with his teacup.

"I will assist however I can. Cheonak Gate will send people to gather information as well."

"That won’t be necessary—"

"No, this is a matter of honor for the Sama Family. As one of their allies, it is our duty to help clear their name. Leave it to me."

As we left, Number 29 muttered, "He’s a good person. It’s reassuring to have someone like him supporting us."

"…Hmm."

"What is it, Number 30?"

"Doesn’t it seem… odd?"

"What does?"

It felt… too enthusiastic.

Perhaps it was mere loyalty, but I decided to withhold judgment. Accusing someone acting in good faith would be disrespectful.

"Let’s head to the Financial Pavilion, Number 29."

"To examine their ledgers? Do you have experience with that?"

"…No."

"Hah."

She puffed out her chest. "Well, I do. I’m good with numbers and reading."

So she just wanted to show off.

"Impressive, Number 29."

"Of course! Just leave it to me!"

We arrived at the Financial Pavilion. Faced with an overwhelming stack of ledgers, Number 29 hiccupped.

"T-this is more than I expected…"

I patted her back. "I’m counting on you."

"I-I’ll manage! But maybe you could—"

"I trust you completely."

"…Ugh."

She dove into the books while I requested a meeting with the pavilion’s manager. The middle-aged man greeted me with open hostility.

"What do you want?"

"I heard the Sama Family has suffered several incidents recently."

"I have nothing to say."

"Wouldn’t it be better to cooperate? We could help clear the Sama Family’s name—"

"You’ve already decided we’re traitors. What more is there to discuss?"

The manager stood abruptly.

"I’ve provided the ledgers you requested. Review them and leave."

Further inquiries yielded no results. Unlike the servants, the Financial Pavilion staff remained tight-lipped.

By the time I returned, Number 29 was buried in ledgers, visibly frustrated.

"There’s nothing! I can’t find anything! Ugh!"

"You’ve checked everything?"

"All of it! There’s nothing suspicious in the records. Every expense and income is accounted for, down to the smallest detail. It’s… too perfect. Almost unnaturally so."

"......"

Too perfect to be believable.

With no further leads in the pavilion, we shifted focus to the Martial Pavilion. There, Sama Family warriors trained and refined their techniques.

The warriors ignored us, their hostile gazes sharp enough to draw blood. Even the familiar face of Choo Euikyung, the head guard, offered no insights.

"I have nothing to say to you," he declared before walking away.

The days passed fruitlessly, with Sama Ak taunting us whenever we crossed paths.

"I hear you’ve been scurrying around like rats. Bark louder, you fools."

Number 29 nearly lunged at him, only to retreat and slam her head against a wall.

"I’m going to lose it!"

"Calm down, Number 29."

"I’m going out for air before I explode."

As the investigation hit a dead end, the scales seemed to tip in favor of the Sama Family’s innocence. But then, a sudden summons from Cheonak Gate changed everything.

Without Number 29, who had gone for a walk, I entered the gate alone. The leader greeted me with a grave expression.

"…I don’t know how to put this."

"What is it?"

"We’ve found evidence."

He handed me a document.

"Early one morning, a Sama Family guard left the area with several porters and returned alone. It appears they were transporting goods elsewhere."

"Where?"

"…Toward the Kunlun Sect. It seems likely they’ve struck a deal with the righteous sects

."

"Sending goods to the righteous sects?"

In these circumstances?

It reeked of desperation. Yet one question lingered.

"For what purpose?"

"…I don’t know. But I suspect…"

The leader hesitated before lowering his gaze.

"The Sama Family’s situation is dire. Despite the support we’ve offered, it seems insufficient."

"Trading with the righteous sects for funds? Why resort to such measures?"

"Perhaps it’s related to their tribute. All affiliated sects must pay tribute to the main sect, unless there’s a calamity or theft. And recently, bandits have been active…"

The leader bowed deeply.

"If the Sama Family is staging this to avoid their tribute, it all lines up."

"Your reach is impressive, Gate Leader."

"Tampering with the sect’s tribute is treason against the cult leader. As a leader myself, I can’t allow such betrayal to stand."

His logic was sound. I reviewed the document. If accurate, it proved the Sama Family’s dealings with the righteous sects.

"If my theory is wrong, the goods should still be in the Sama Family’s warehouse. Only their people have access. You can confirm it."

I deliberated. There was only one way to uncover the truth: compare the warehouse inventory with the records.

"…I’ll confirm it."

I tucked the document into my sleeve.