Chapter 553
Chapter 553
Chapter 553. Trial (1)
I smiled as I looked at the Eunhae Trading Company’s Beijing branch in the distance.
“We finally arrived.” (Eun Seoho)
“Are you pleased, sir?” (Palgap)
At Palgap’s question, I readily nodded.
“Of course. It means the journey is over.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is true, sir.” (Palgap)
“Of course, once I return, there will be mountains of things piled up for me to handle. Still, the sense of stability that comes from being where I am supposed to be is important.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Warrior Seo Woo agreed enthusiastically.
“It is exactly as you say, Liege. I also feel that sort of stability when I am by your side.” (Warrior Seo Woo)
Seeing the others also nod, I scratched my cheek and said,
“I am grateful that you think so. Still, being beside family is surely the best.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hahaha.” (Warrior Seo Woo)
Warrior Seo Woo laughed awkwardly.
To be honest, since I had gone to Hubei Province this time, I had wanted to stop by the main headquarters and see my family.
However, there was also a lot of work piled up, and there were things that had to be done immediately, so I had no choice but to swallow my tears and head for Beijing.
Next time, I must stop by no matter what.
Soon, we arrived at the Beijing branch.
“Welcome back!” (Gatekeeper)
The gatekeepers recognized me and quickly opened the way, and we entered the carriage yard.
“Welcome back.” (Managers)
The managers inside the carriage yard welcomed us.
“Has anything happened at the Beijing branch?” (Eun Seoho)
“No. Nothing in particular has happened.” (Manager)
“That is a relief. What about Brother Jeongho?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, Acting Head Manager Moon, who was in the carriage yard, answered.
“He is inside his office.” (Acting Head Manager Moon)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, and the Clan Head of the Se-eul Gyeong Family came by.” (Acting Head Manager Moon)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
When I tilted my head, Acting Head Manager Moon said,
“He said you saved a child of the Se-eul Gyeong Family from a carriage that had fallen off a cliff. Is that not so?” (Acting Head Manager Moon)
I answered with a sheepish smile.
“Ah! That did happen.” (Eun Seoho)
“You forgot something like that!” (Acting Head Manager Moon)
Acting Head Manager Moon said with a laugh, as though dumbfounded.
“It is quite like you, Third Young Captain. Since you did not do it hoping for a reward, you must have simply forgotten.” (Acting Head Manager Moon)
“In truth, that is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
“I apologize for keeping you. Please hurry and go to the First Young Captain.” (Acting Head Manager Moon)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I told Palgap to guide Young Master Jegal Cheondu and his party to their lodgings, then headed to Brother Jeongho’s office.
“Ah! You have returned?” (Jeongho’s Escort Warrior)
The escort warrior standing in front of Brother Jeongho’s door recognized me and quickly clasped his hands in greeting.
“I returned safely. Brother is inside, right?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, he is inside.” (Jeongho’s Escort Warrior)
I spoke toward the inside.
“Brother Jeongho! It’s me, Seoho.” (Eun Seoho)
“Come in.” (Jeongho)
But Brother Jeongho’s voice did not sound ordinary.
A voice that sounded as if he were dying.
I hurriedly opened the door and was about to go inside, but without realizing it, I stopped short.
“B-Brother...? Are you all right?” (Eun Seoho)
It must be my imagination that it feels as though some kind of black aura is slowly rising from Brother Jeongho, right?
“You’re here.” (Jeongho)
“Yeah. But are you really sure you’re okay?” (Eun Seoho)
“He has not collapsed yet, so does that not mean he is still all right?” (Seohyang)
At another familiar voice, I turned my head and saw Miss Seohyang rising from her seat.
Unlike Brother Jeongho, who was dying, Miss Seohyang was still lively.
Seeing that Assistant Officer Galhyeon beside her did not look much different from Brother Jeongho, was Miss Seohyang the unusual one?
It may be because she had learned the Heavenly Flow Art.
In truth, the Heavenly Flow Art has the ability to keep one from tiring easily.
“Were there that many things to do?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, Brother Jeongho nodded.
Ah... he does not even have the strength to explain.
Miss Seohyang explained on his behalf.
“The large wind fan that Craftsman Gong newly made this time is extremely popular.” (Seohyang)
The large wind fan is an enormous wind fan made mainly for people working together in places like workshops.
“But as you know, the number of large wind fans that can be made is limited.” (Seohyang)
“That is true.” (Eun Seoho)
“So we put out a notice saying we would take applications and deliver them in order, but the applications came pouring in, so it took quite some time to sort them.” (Seohyang)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
If that is the case, I do not even need to see the condition of the other Hyeonpungguk employees.
Since Brother Jeongho is in that state.
I said to my brother,
“I will handle it from now on.” (Eun Seoho)
“I’m free now! Hahahaha!” (Jeongho)
Brother Jeongho’s face suddenly brightened.
“Nothing happened on this trip, did it?” (Jeongho)
“You sure ask quickly. First of all, everyone is healthy.” (Eun Seoho)
“That’s a relief. Ah, the Clan Head of the Se-eul Gyeong Family came.” (Jeongho)
“Yes, I heard from Acting Head Manager Moon.” (Eun Seoho)
“You did a commendable thing. He said that thanks to you, his second son’s line was able to continue.” (Jeongho)
“I could not just leave a living child behind...” (Eun Seoho)
“Well, I suppose so. Anyway, the Clan Head asked that we inform him when you returned. He said he would come personally.” (Jeongho)
“There is no need for him to do that.” (Eun Seoho)
“His feelings must be different. More importantly, did you not cause any other accidents I do not know about?” (Jeongho)
At those words, I turned my head without realizing it.
“...What is that? Why is there no answer?” (Jeongho)
I cleared my throat.
“Ahem, so, it was not because I wanted it to happen... It just turned out that way somehow...” (Eun Seoho)
I briefly explained what had happened this time.
“So I saved those people, and requested the Martial Alliance to deal with the Black Cat Sect.” (Eun Seoho)
“...Something tremendous happened, then.” (Jeongho)
Brother Jeongho laughed dryly.
“Well, I said that, but I never thought there would be no incidents or accidents with you. Anyway, it is enough that you returned healthy.” (Jeongho)
My brother continued.
“Then you also protected the title Seonhyeop Mirang.” (Jeongho)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“You did well.” (Jeongho)
As expected of Brother Jeongho.
That is the sort of personality he has, which is why he was called Hubei’s Xuande in my past life.
And I like Brother Jeongho.
That afternoon.
I introduced Young Master Jegal Cheondu and his party to Brother Jeongho. And I informed the Crown Prince that I had invited Young Master Jegal Cheondu.
The Crown Prince came to the Beijing branch the very next day, and I introduced Young Master Jegal Cheondu to him.
He was extremely pleased, and immediately began the work of drawing up the outline for establishing the martial arts academy.
Then I can focus on my original work for the time being.
Originally, I had planned to immediately go to other sects or clans and bring back people suitable to use as instructors, but it seemed better to bring in people according to the plan after the outline was completed.
---
The Martial Alliance Leader’s office.
The Alliance Leader was listening to the report of Hojung Unit Captain Geon Manseok, who had recently returned.
“...Thus, the Black Cat Sect has been completely dealt with.” (Geon Manseok)
“What about evidence?” (Alliance Leader)
“By evidence, you mean?” (Geon Manseok)
“The Sect Leader of the Black Cat Sect is a man like a cunning rabbit. They call it a crafty rabbit’s three burrows. He surely left something behind.” (Alliance Leader)
“The Black Cat Sect burned down completely and disappeared. There is nothing left. We checked again and again.” (Geon Manseok)
“If that is so, then it is fortunate, but...” (Alliance Leader)
The Alliance Leader sank into thought for a moment, then opened his eyes and asked him.
“Did those people whom Eun Seoho rescued know why they had been imprisoned?” (Alliance Leader)
“No.” (Geon Manseok)
Captain Geon Manseok shook his head.
“I asked several times, but they had no idea whatsoever.” (Geon Manseok)
“Is there a possibility that they deliberately said they did not know?” (Alliance Leader)
“There is none. I questioned them in various ways, but they seemed as though they truly knew nothing. It is proof that the Black Cat Sect did their work well.” (Geon Manseok)
At those words, the Alliance Leader let out a sigh.
“That is why they are all the more regrettable. It is not so easy to obtain people like that again.” (Alliance Leader)
He asked again.
“But how exactly did that man Eun Seoho discover the prison?” (Alliance Leader)
“Ah, that was truly a coincidence.” (Geon Manseok)
“A coincidence?” (Alliance Leader)
“Yes.” (Geon Manseok)
Captain Geon Manseok explained what he had heard from Eun Seoho.
“Thus, the curiosity he felt about that mushroom led all the way to the prison.” (Geon Manseok)
“If it was truly a coincidence, then it is not something to concern myself with.” (Alliance Leader)
But for some reason, the man named Eun Seoho kept bothering him.
A very long time ago, there had been a time when he had tried to establish a secret branch of the Martial Alliance in Hubei Province.
Thus, while he had been proceeding with the matter through an imperial trading company called the Doun Trading Company, that matter ended with an unexpected result.
The Eunhae Trading Company obtained Yeonhwa Pavilion.
From then on, whenever he seemed about to forget it, the name Eun Seoho reached his ears.
And in ways that interfered with the Martial Alliance’s work.
But as long as he did not know about them, he had no reason to do so.
That was why it kept bothering him.
“Are you not paying too much attention to him? He helped us at the Dragon and Phoenix Martial Arts Competition.” (Geon Manseok)
“He did.” (Alliance Leader)
In that situation, thanks to Eun Seoho, the Martial Alliance had been able to avoid a major disgrace and loss.
The Alliance Leader’s thoughts were complicated.
Unlike what the Hojung Unit Captain said, he had a gut feeling that Eun Seoho had noticed his secret.
The problem was that there had been no special action.
There was no feeling at all that he was hostile toward him or the Martial Alliance.
‘For someone who noticed the secret, there are no signs.’ (Alliance Leader)
To him, who was agonizing, Geon Manseok said,
“If he bothers you that much, would it not be best to remove him? For the great cause of the Martial Alliance, I think anything suspicious must not be left alone.” (Geon Manseok)
At those words, the Alliance Leader shook his head.
“No, removing him right now is realistically difficult.” (Alliance Leader)
“Why is that?” (Geon Manseok)
“Because the Emperor favors him. On top of that, his background as the Eunhae Trading Company and the value of the name Seonhyeop Mirang cannot be ignored.” (Alliance Leader)
He continued.
“If we act rashly against him, it will cause a setback to the main alliance’s plan. And he is a valuable talent.” (Alliance Leader)
“That is true.” (Geon Manseok)
The ability Eun Seoho had shown until now was real.
“If such a man were to serve the great cause, it would truly be a joy.” (Alliance Leader)
“Indeed, that is so.” (Geon Manseok)
Captain Geon Manseok nodded.
He too had realized while observing Eun Seoho this time that he was an extremely outstanding talent.
Since he also commanded a unit, he could judge a person’s ability simply by watching how they handled people.
“Before that, first we must grasp that fellow’s intent in obstructing the main alliance. If it is truly a coincidence, then we should recruit him.” (Alliance Leader)
“As expected of you, Alliance Leader. I am once again impressed by your heart that cherishes talent.” (Geon Manseok)
“Hohoho, enough of such embarrassing words.” (Alliance Leader)
“But how are you thinking of confirming his intent?” (Geon Manseok)
At those words, as the Alliance Leader was thinking, his eyes fell on the documents placed on the desk.
He picked them up and said,
“We can entrust this matter to him.” (Alliance Leader)
“A wise decision.” (Geon Manseok)
“You may leave now.” (Alliance Leader)
“Then I shall take my leave.” (Geon Manseok)
The Alliance Leader looked at the door through which Captain Geon Manseok had left.
Captain Geon Manseok currently believed that what he was doing was for the great cause of the Martial Alliance.
Because he had brainwashed him that way.
‘Nothing is easier than using someone filled with blind conviction.’ (Alliance Leader)
There was no need for great skill in this.
All he had to do was slightly point that conviction in a certain direction.
That was why he had been able to brainwash him even with a technique that was not yet complete.
The Alliance Leader licked his lips with his tongue.
What mattered to him was whether Eun Seoho had realized his secret.
The Eun Seoho he had seen was intelligent, and his talent in martial arts was also outstanding.
If he had realized the secret, there were two choices.
To conciliate him, or to remove him.
On the other hand, if he had not realized the secret, there would be only one choice then.
To brainwash and use him like Captain Geon Manseok.
‘Wait... He inherited the Extreme Heaven Sword’s secret technique, did he not? Damn it!’ (Alliance Leader)
He suddenly realized that a problem had arisen.
Those who had learned the Heavenly Flow Ice Art, the secret technique of Kwak Hoon, the Extreme Heaven Sword, are immune to brainwashing.
Just like Snow Wind Palace, which he had annihilated.
He had not taken any particular action against him simply because that had been all.
‘First, I must determine whether he has realized the secret. I will decide what to do with him after that.’ (Alliance Leader)
He sat at the desk and wrote a letter, then called the person outside.
“Is anyone outside?” (Alliance Leader)
“Did you call?” (Subordinate)
“Call Team Leader Won.” (Alliance Leader)
“Yes.” (Subordinate)
---
I was meeting the Clan Head of the Se-eul Gyeong Family.
I had not intended to inform him of my return, but somehow, he had found out and come to see me.
“That matter was truly unfortunate.” (Se-eul Gyeong Clan Head)
The Clan Head’s eyes were filled with sorrow.
It was only natural.
His second son and daughter-in-law had died, so there was no way he would not be sad.
“I offer my deepest condolences.” (Eun Seoho)
“Even so, thanks to you, I was able to collect those bodies and at least hold a funeral. And I was able to save my grandson’s life as well.” (Se-eul Gyeong Clan Head)
“I can only think it fortunate that I was of help.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the Clan Head shook his head.
“Do not say that. I am so grateful that I do not know how to repay this grace.” (Se-eul Gyeong Clan Head)
Instead of answering, I lowered my head slightly.
“Therefore, as a sign of gratitude, among the goods used by our family, everything possible will be purchased from the Eunhae Trading Company.” (Se-eul Gyeong Clan Head)
“That is truly something to be grateful for, but you do not need to deliberately do so. Other trading companies must make a living as well. If you suddenly cut off transactions, they will suffer too.” (Eun Seoho)
I was grateful for the proposal, but doing that might pointlessly earn the resentment of other trading companies.
“Mm, that could be true.” (Se-eul Gyeong Clan Head)
“And as I told the people there at the time, if the child I saved lives uprightly and brightly, that will be a great repayment to me.” (Eun Seoho)
To be honest, though I helped the Se-eul Gyeong Family, I have no intention of obtaining anything through it.
It honestly feels wrong to receive something from people who have already lost a son and daughter-in-law.
I am satisfied as long as they can endure this sorrow and live happily.
“So I hope you will understand my heart.” (Eun Seoho)
In that way, I barely managed to persuade him and send him back.
“Whew, that was tiring.” (Eun Seoho)
When I let out a sigh, the escorts around me looked at me with somewhat moved eyes.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” (Eun Seoho)
“I was thinking that it is an honor to serve you, Liege.” (Warrior Myeongjong)
At Warrior Myeongjong’s words, I chuckled.
“Young Master!” (Palgap)
At that moment, Palgap ran over, calling me urgently.
“What is it?” (Eun Seoho)
“Someone from the Martial Alliance has come, sir.” (Palgap)