Chapter 513
Chapter 513
Chapter 513. Ice and Fire (1)
I nodded calmly and asked.
“Has the Young Palace Head of the Northern Sea Ice Palace come?” (Eun Seoho)
“...How did you know, sir?” (Palgap)
“There are ways to know everything. Let’s go.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, yes.” (Palgap)
When I entered the reception room, I saw Young Palace Head Bing Haerin crunching on snacks.
Usually, she showed aspects like a little old person, but seeing her like that, I could see the freshness of someone her age.
Perhaps because of that, anger toward the still-unknown force surged up within me.
Because of them, the Snow Wind Palace collapsed, and Young Palace Head Bing Haerin lost her family, and from then on, she had to be forced into adulthood.
By the way, what brings her here?
I cleared my throat.
“Ahem.” (Eun Seoho)
At that, she was startled and quickly popped the snack into her mouth.
“Cough, cough!” (Bing Haerin)
Because of that, she coughed as if it had stuck in her throat.
“Oh dear! You should be careful.” (Eun Seoho)
I infused qi into a teacup, cooled the tea, and handed it to her, and she immediately drank it down.
“Huaa...” (Bing Haerin)
“Are you all right?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Bing Haerin)
“It seems the refreshments of our Trading Company suited your taste. The tea snack artisan will be pleased. I will have some sent to the place where you are staying later.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you.” (Bing Haerin)
She clasped her hands with an awkward expression.
“But what brings you here? It is not yet the time for the snowstorm to calm, is it?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is why I came alone. I have at least reached the point where I need not be frightened by a snowstorm anymore.” (Bing Haerin)
Come to think of it, she had reached the transcendent peak realm.
She must have trained very hard.
“Congratulations on your achievement.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is nothing.” (Bing Haerin)
She brushed her hair behind her ear and said primly.
“Because Young Captain is a transcendent peak expert, I also worked hard.” (Bing Haerin)
“Is that so?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Bing Haerin)
She nodded.
“The Palace Head said that from very long ago, the Palace Head of the Snow Wind Palace and the Palace Head of the Northern Sea Ice Palace had lived as close friends. Friends who could even give their lives for each other.” (Bing Haerin)
So they were friends who would offer their necks for one another.
Suddenly, I recalled the items of the previous Palace Head of the Snow Wind Palace that we had found thanks to Miss Seohyang’s Ice Crystal Eyes when we went to the Northern Sea Ice Palace before.
The blue jade ring and the letter inside the box.
They had said they were keepsakes of her mother.
If not for the previous Palace Head of the Snow Wind Palace, those would have vanished forever.
They had been close enough for one to preserve a friend’s precious belongings even at the risk of life.
“I did not want to be a friend inferior to Young Captain, even if no one else cared. If possible, I wanted us to be a relationship where we looked at one another from equal ground.” (Bing Haerin)
At those bold words, I laughed softly.
Because I felt the same.
“Then we are friends who sharpen one another through mutual refinement.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is right.” (Bing Haerin)
Then now, to the main point.
“But what brings you all the way here?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, I have something to ask of the Young Palace Head of the Snow Wind Palace.” (Bing Haerin)
“...?” (Eun Seoho)
“Please come with me to the Ice-Fire Conference this time.” (Bing Haerin)
“The Ice-Fire Conference? What is that?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, I did not explain enough. Do you know about the Zhurong Palace?” (Bing Haerin)
“I do know, but only about as much as others do.” (Eun Seoho)
“Then you must also know that our Northern Sea Ice Palace and the Zhurong Palace are enemies?” (Bing Haerin)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
Just as cold qi and heat could not coexist, it was an extremely famous story that the two factions were on bad terms.
“So the two sides have continued to oppose one another, but in the end, both sides realized that it was only a war of attrition with nothing to gain from each other, and decided on a kind of truce.” (Bing Haerin)
“Then this conference is a conference for that truce?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. At the conference held once every five years, whether the truce will continue is decided. Since it is an important conference, it is tradition for each palace’s Young Palace Head and the heir of the guardian family to attend together.” (Bing Haerin)
So that was why she had come to find me.
Because I was the Young Palace Head of the Snow Wind Palace, and the Snow Wind Palace was also a guardian force of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
“Until last time, I attended alone, and you would not believe how much the other side mocked me over that...” (Bing Haerin)
“By any chance, did you cause trouble?” (Eun Seoho)
With Young Palace Head Bing Haerin’s personality, she would more than do so.
“I may not look it, but I have quite a bit of patience.” (Bing Haerin)
That is unexpected.
“In any case, that is why I came here to ask you to attend this conference with me.” (Bing Haerin)
I briefly reviewed my schedule afterward.
“Then must we go to the Northern Sea Ice Palace?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. There, we will gather the personnel for the conference and depart. And the Palace Head said she would like the Divine Maiden to come as well.” (Bing Haerin)
“The Divine Maiden?” (Eun Seoho)
“A person with Ice Crystal Eyes is called the Divine Maiden.” (Bing Haerin)
So that was how it was.
Then Miss Seohyang would have to go with us this time.
“Though because she seemed burdened by that title, we did not call her that back then.” (Bing Haerin)
“I understand. Then please rest for a while. By the way, when is the conference?” (Eun Seoho)
“At the end of the fourth month.” (Bing Haerin)
There was about a month left, but considering travel time, there was not that much leisure.
I told Palgap to guide Young Palace Head Bing Haerin to a place where she could stay, then called Geumryeong.
“Geumryeong.” (Eun Seoho)
“Kkui?” (Geumryeong)
“An errand.” (Eun Seoho)
Geumryeong, who had only poked his head out from my sleeve, quickly popped out and sat on the writing desk.
Then he looked at me with eyes sparkling to a burdensome degree.
Paying it no mind, I wrote a letter, tied it to Geumryeong’s tail, and said,
“This is a letter to Master. It is urgent, so you have to go and come back quickly.” (Eun Seoho)
“Kkui? Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
“Hm? You say I have to give you two silver coins for that?” (Eun Seoho)
“Kku! Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
This one has started negotiating at some point.
Well, it is not difficult.
And I have received more than the silver coins I give him.
“Fine. Hurry and go.” (Eun Seoho)
“Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
Geumryeong shot out through the office window like an arrow. Beside me, Miss Seohyang said,
“These days, Geumryeong’s fur has a sheen to it. It must be because he eats a lot of silver coins.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“Money is food to him.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, she smiled and said,
“I cannot even imagine raising him.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“Perhaps he knows that too, because they say he follows those with much money.” (Eun Seoho)
“He is clever.” (Gwak Seohyang)
After saying that, she began sorting documents and held them out to me.
“Then please approve these first.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“They are documents that absolutely require Young Captain’s approval. And please approve them before this evening. If you are even a little late, you will suffer greatly.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“...Did you see?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Gwak Seohyang)
I had no choice but to tilt my head.
Receiving a reply within today was one thing, but we had to leave immediately?
And we would suffer if we did not?
Surely...
“His Majesty the Emperor?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“Hoo, then I must hurry and work.” (Eun Seoho)
But before that, there was something I had to do.
I called Warrior Seou, who was guarding outside.
“Warrior Seou!” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes! Did you call?” (Warrior Seou)
Warrior Seou, who had been outside the door, entered, and I said to him,
“Please tell everyone to prepare to leave. Our destination is the Northern Sea Ice Palace, and we must depart before dinner tonight.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Warrior Seou)
“And please inform the Young Palace Head of the Northern Sea Ice Palace of this fact as well.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Warrior Seou)
The effect of two silver nyang was tremendous.
Because Geumryeong brought back the reply far faster than usual.
After giving Geumryeong two silver coins, I unfolded the letter.
The Ice-Fire Conference! It has been truly long since I heard news of it. In truth, when I was younger, I too used to attend that conference. As you know, the Zhurong Palace is indeed one of the candidates for the culprit that destroyed the Snow Wind Palace.
In truth, I had been slightly worried about this conference.
My attending that place meant announcing that the Snow Wind Palace was alive and well.
In other words, it could also become something that informed those who had destroyed the Snow Wind Palace that the Snow Wind Palace was alive and well.
If that happened, they might use some scheme again.
However, we could not continue forever hiding like this while trembling in anxiety.
Because only by discovering who had destroyed the Snow Wind Palace could we prepare our future course.
That was why I had written my opinion on this to Master and sent it to her.
However, I agree with your opinion that we must discover who the culprit is quickly. But if that happens, the Young Palace Head will have to bear all the risk, and that worries me, yet I cannot stop you either, which is truly difficult.
I smiled.
Because I could feel the heart of a master who cherished her disciple.
On the other hand, she also had her duty as the Palace Head who had to rebuild the Snow Wind Palace, so she seemed to be suffering.
She could set such emotions aside.
If they are not the culprit, then there is not much to worry about. Though they are a place opposed to the Northern Sea Ice Palace, personally, they are a place that can be trusted. Then I leave it to you.
I burned the letter and rose from my seat.
“Let us go.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Gwak Seohyang)
Thanks to Miss Seohyang, we were able to depart before dinner.
First, the work of producing liquor bottles had been entrusted to Trading Company Leader Go, so he would handle it well.
There were various other tasks left as well, but the remaining work would be handled well by the capable employees of Hyeonpung Bureau.
Suddenly, I understood the Emperor’s heart in wanting capable work slaves... no, capable subjects.
Like that, we headed for the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
The next morning.
A eunuch visited the Beijing branch of the Eunha Merchant Guild.
“Welcome.” (Branch Manager Eun)
The one who greeted him was Branch Manager Eun of the Beijing branch.
The eunuch exchanged greetings with him as if familiar.
“Good to see you. But where has Young Captain Eun Seoho gone that the Branch Manager has come out?” (Eunuch)
“Hahaha. In truth, Young Captain went to the North Sea yesterday.” (Branch Manager Eun)
“...Pardon?” (Eunuch)
“It must have been an extremely urgent matter, as he departed yesterday evening.” (Branch Manager Eun)
“......”
The eunuch looked up at the sky and let out a sigh. Then he muttered inwardly.
‘Your Majesty the Emperor. You were one step too late.’ (Eunuch)
We rode our horses and ran, then ran again.
Like that, after two days of running.
“This much should do.” (Eun Seoho)
I slowed the party’s pace.
At this point, even if the Emperor searched for me, he would not be able to chase after me.
Because we were riding Ju River Horses, and Young Palace Head Bing Haerin’s movement arts skill was also considerable.
“It seems an inn will appear soon. Let us rest there for a day before going.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Young Palace Head Bang Haerin nodded.
We rested comfortably at the inn and then headed north again.
Most people would never set foot in the North Sea in their entire lives, yet for me, how many times had it already been?
That aside, since I was going to the North Sea anyway, I should briefly stop by the Gwangjun Trading Company.
They had said Young Captain Bok Yun had been disappointed because I had not attended the Hundred Great Trading Companies meeting last autumn.
A few days later.
I asked Young Palace Head Bing Haerin for understanding and stopped by Gwangjun Trading Company.
“Welcome.” (Gatekeeper)
It seemed I really had come here often.
The gatekeeper recognized my face right away.
But perhaps because Young Palace Head Bing Haerin was wearing a bamboo hat, he did not recognize her.
Well, if he had recognized her, there would have been an uproar by now.
That was precisely why she was wearing a bamboo hat.
“Is Young Captain Bok inside now?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. He is here. Please enter.” (Gatekeeper)
Like that, we headed to the reception room, and after waiting there briefly, I felt Young Captain Bok Yun’s qi drawing closer.
The door opened, and Young Captain Bok Yun entered.
“Young Captain Eun!” (Bok Yun)
I rose from my seat and approached him.
“Young Captain Bok!” (Eun Seoho)
“Do you know how disappointed I was not to meet Young Captain Eun at this meeting?” (Bok Yun)
“I have truly become sorry. At that time, I had somewhat urgent business and was in Yunnan.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see. If it was Yunnan, there is nothing to be done.” (Bok Yun)
He looked over my party and then flinched as he asked me,
“By any chance, is that person...?” (Bok Yun)
“Yes. That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
At my answer, he quickly clasped his hands to Bing Haerin and offered courtesy.
“Bok Yun, Young Captain of Gwangjun Trading Company, greets the young master of the ice castle.” (Bok Yun)
“I did not come here officially, so please put aside the courtesy.” (Bing Haerin)
“Thank you.” (Bok Yun)
Then he said to us,
“I will guide you to your lodging. And tonight, please attend the banquet.” (Bok Yun)
.
.
.
That evening.
Young Captain Bok Yun held a banquet for us.
It was full of delicious food, and it was a pleasant time.
After the others returned to their lodgings, I remained alone with Young Captain Bok Yun and talked.
Perhaps because he was definitely a friend whose heart matched mine, I lost track of time.
“Are you going to the Northern Sea Ice Palace again this time?” (Bok Yun)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“What connection do you have with the Northern Sea Ice Palace that you go there so often?” (Bok Yun)
At those words, I simply smiled.
Because it was still difficult to reveal that I was the Young Palace Head of the Snow Wind Palace.
It had been quite some time since I had known him, and it was certain that he was a trustworthy friend, but...
The fewer people know a secret, the better.
In the case of the Zhurong Palace, it was as closed off as the Northern Sea Ice Palace, so the story would not spread elsewhere, but...
Young Captain Bok Yun looked at me and said,
“Come to think of it, my father once told me. He said there was a place called the Snow Wind Palace that served as the guardian protecting the Northern Sea Ice Palace. Though it has now been destroyed.” (Bok Yun)
“...!” (Eun Seoho)
I had not expected him to talk about the Snow Wind Palace, so I was extremely surprised.
Of course, I controlled my expression.
He brought a brush, ink, and paper from a corner, wrote something, and handed it to me.
I had no choice but to be startled after reading the contents.
Is Young Captain Eun a person of the Snow Wind Palace?
I bit my lip, then let out a sigh.
After spreading my qi around to check whether there were people nearby, I even formed a qi barrier so sound could not flow out.
In a situation where he had gone so far as to use written conversation to ask, I could not keep it secret any longer.
And if it was the him I had seen, he would keep the secret about this.
“I am sorry. Please forgive me for being unable to reveal this with my own mouth.” (Eun Seoho)
“No. I fully understand the circumstances.” (Bok Yun)
He knew as well.
That there were many suspicious aspects to the destruction of the Snow Wind Palace.
“If I could not even understand something like that, how could I call myself your friend?” (Bok Yun)
At those words, my heart somehow felt moved.
He took the paper from me, wrote something again, and held it out to me.
Those words mean that you are a person of the Snow Wind Palace, do they not?
Then he wrote words on the paper again.
If so, please go meet my father. It seems my father has something to say.