The Bandits of Sawtooth Mountain

18. The Execution

Yongguk came to visit Hongjoong in his office later that evening, looking every bit as tired as the sheriff felt. However, they both managed a faint smile at the sight of each other, sharing their exhaustion. Seonghwa merely glanced at the man, having settled down by now.

"Good evening, Sheriff. You did well with the bandits." The low rumble of Yongguk's voice made Hongjoong just the more sleepy and he gestured for the older man to sit opposite of him. Yongguk did, his long coat sweeping behind him elegantly.

"You look ready for departure. Did you receive a telegram?"

Yongguk nodded, leaning back to watch Hongjoong with those dark eyes of his.

"I did. They will send a train to the town down south and I will join them there. I hoped to take Jaebeom with me but there is still no signs of life from him."

Jaebeom was probably not saved by some bandit with a twisted personality, right. They could only hope.

"About that... I was told executing these guys here would be alright too with your permission. Makes things easier. However, I did not know you held such a high position? Do you work for the government?"

When Yongguk had recruited him at that time they had met without disclosing much. Hongjoong just needed work and Yongguk needed someone to take a job. He did not know the full details.

"No, no I'm not. The opposite actually. I have a position in the government but I do not work with them. I support the minorities and people left out by our government. Apparently they take me serious enough to let me give these orders by now."

"Ah, I see. So when you invested..."

"This land's purpose is to build another outpost. You know of the native tribes in the west? They do not have schools. I am trying to make Fort Davis a place where both groups can meet and learn together. I hope to stop the fightings then. It was devastating to hear that it was not natives harboring bad feelings against us but our own people." Yongguk glanced at Seonghwa at that, just getting an unimpressed brow lifted at him.

"I really just assumed you were one of them. I got caught full on by the stereotype, thinking no one else would care. I'm happy to have helped with such grand work." Hongjoong chuckled only to be interrupted by a sudden yawn. Seeing Yunho, Mingi and San sleeping in their cells made him want to sleep too.

"I'll make sure to mention your name. And of course you get my permission to execute them. I trust you to do your job quickly and to your best." Yongguk's eyes were closed off, watching him attentively while Hongjoong searched for the appropriate papers. He found them after a while, handing them over together with a pen.

"Here... Sign here and there, please.", he mumbled as neutrally as possible, avoiding Seonghwa's searching gaze.

Yongguk easily did as he was told, his handwriting like a piece of art with its swirls and curves and Hongjoong felt his hands tremble when he took the papers back after. Yongguk did not comment on it.

"Well then, I'll leave you to your devices and depart at sunrise. Make sure to visit me when you are at home next time. I hope to put up another contract for you to stay here and guard my school."

"Yeah... Thank you, but- I might refuse. Depending on how I feel at home I might not want to return here soon. However, I will discuss it there with you. Have a safe trip." Hongjoong stood up to shake his hand, seeing him off, before he closed the door again. With a heavy sigh he slumped down on his chair.

"Let me out. I want to hold you.", Seonghwa spoke up not even a minute later, making Hongjoong groan. He looked at the bandit with his hurting eyes, telling him to keep it down already.