Chapter 565
Chapter 565
Chapter 565. Divine Transformation Art (4)
I was flustered by the Emperor’s sudden words.
“Y-Your Majesty the Emperor.” (Eun Seoho)
The Emperor gave a faint laugh as he looked at me.
“You acted as if there was nothing you feared in front of me… How amusing.” (Emperor)
“……” (Eun Seoho)
The Emperor turned his head and asked Master.
“So, your answer?” (Emperor)
At the Emperor’s words, Master thought for a moment, then asked back.
“Do I have the right to refuse?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“I do not force people to work. So I prepared a reward that should please you.” (Emperor)
The Emperor held out a piece of paper, and Great Master Jinyoung received it and handed it to Master.
Master unfolded the paper.
What could be written on it for Master’s eyes to waver like that?
When Master folded the paper again and handed it to Great Master Jinyoung, the Emperor nodded.
Whoosh!
Great Master Jinyoung burned the paper in the candle flame.
“What do you think?” (Emperor)
“It is sufficient compensation.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Will you accept my proposal?” (Emperor)
“Yes.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Just what kind of reward was it that made him accept at once something he had avoided for years in my previous life?
I was curious, but the two of them were not people who would answer even if I asked, and the paper had already burned away…
“You rascal.” (Emperor)
Is there anyone else besides me the Emperor would call that?
There is not.
“Yes? Your Majesty?” (Eun Seoho)
“Do not worry. I will not eat your Master.” (Emperor)
“Of course. I trust Your Majesty.” (Eun Seoho)
The Emperor gave a faint laugh, then turned his head and said to Master.
“The details will be conveyed through Jinyoung, so know that.” (Emperor)
“Yes. Your Majesty.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Then go.” (Emperor)
At the Emperor’s order to leave, we left the osmanthus room and went back up to the third floor.
At that moment, Master sent me a telepathic message.
“On the day you returned later than scheduled before, did you come back after meeting His Majesty the Emperor?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“My matter came up that day.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“That is right.” (Eun Seoho)
“Thank you.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes?” (Eun Seoho)
At the unexpected words, I looked at Master, and Master spoke calmly.
“You negotiated with His Majesty the Emperor for my sake, did you not? That must be why His Majesty gave the matter careful thought and presented compensation to me.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Well, that is true.” (Eun Seoho)
“It makes me think once again that it is truly fortunate Young Captain is my disciple.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Feeling slightly embarrassed, I scratched beneath my ear.
“But seeing today, it seemed His Majesty the Emperor regards Young Captain specially.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
I smiled awkwardly.
It is good that he regards me specially, but being regarded too specially is not very good either.
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A few days later.
Thanks to receiving Master’s guidance for about fifteen days, we were able to learn the Divine Transformation Art.
“With that much, I do not think I will be cursed at by the friend who taught me the Divine Transformation Art.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Thank you for guiding us.” (Eun Seoho)
“It was nothing.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Master continued speaking.
“Then I think it is about time I slowly return to Hubei Province.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Yesterday, Great Master Jinyoung had visited the Beijing branch and spoken with Master alone. Was it because of that?
Master is quite a thorough person, so he even surrounded them with an energy barrier, and I do not know what words were exchanged either.
It seems he is moving in secret because he thinks I might suffer harm because of it…
Whew, is this what a master’s heart is?
“Master. I will escort you to your quarters.” (Eun Seoho)
“Please do.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
I headed to Master’s quarters together with Master.
I had spoken to the guard warriors with my eyes, so no one followed.
“So, what is it that you want to say?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
As expected, Master seemed to have noticed my intention and asked first.
I had no choice but to smile awkwardly.
“As expected, you realized it.” (Eun Seoho)
“Has it not been enough time for me to realize that much?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“That is true.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking gently.
“Master, why do you always refuse my request that you speak comfortably to me?” (Eun Seoho)
“Was that what you were curious about?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
When I nodded, Master gave a faint laugh and looked at the sky.
Then, after choosing his words for a moment, he opened his mouth.
“Perhaps… I did not want to grow attached.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
What does that mean?
“As Young Captain… no, as Young Palace Head also knows, our Seolpung Palace is a place where it would not be strange for it to disappear at any time. We have been barely carrying on the lineage, but there was no hope as to how long even that could continue.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Then he lowered his head and met my eyes.
“So if I were to disappear someday, would that heart not hurt if affection had already formed?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Are you saying you deliberately tried to keep your distance?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is right.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“But even after I became the Young Palace Head, you still refused my request that you speak comfortably to me. I promised you the prosperity of Seolpung Palace. Was my promise not trustworthy to you?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is not it.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Master shook his head.
“There is another reason I still use respectful speech even after that.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Master looked into my eyes.
“It was the meaning of gratitude for making a difficult decision for Seolpung Palace, and the meaning of respect for the future Palace Head who will lead the new Seolpung Palace going forward.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes? What do you mean, a new Seolpung Palace?” (Eun Seoho)
“The Seolpung Palace that Young Palace Head will now lead must be a new Seolpung Palace, completely different from before. With the existing Seolpung Palace, we cannot survive.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“……” (Eun Seoho)
“What sort of Seolpung Palace it will be is entirely Young Palace Head’s share. So I hope you grow quickly.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Master continued speaking.
“Because I am curious what the new Seolpung Palace led by Young Palace Head will look like.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
I gave a faint laugh.
“So, what you are saying is that you have no intention of speaking comfortably to me in the future either, right?” (Eun Seoho)
Master also looked at me and gave a faint smile.
Perhaps it was Master’s own way of expressing affection.
So I should not force him.
“By the way, Master. I have a request.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“When you go to Hubei Province, could you go together with Brother Jeongho?” (Eun Seoho)
“Is it a commission?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“You may think of it that way.” (Eun Seoho)
“The people who came with me are rather expensive.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“How much is it?” (Eun Seoho)
At my reply without hesitation, Master shook his head and murmured.
“That was a foolish question of mine.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Looking at such a Master, I spoke seriously.
“Master. I want to be your strength, not your burden.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“So when things are difficult, I hope you will rely on this disciple whenever you wish.” (Eun Seoho)
“Is that not something I, as the Master, should be saying?” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“What does it matter who says it? Is it not enough for the side with strength to spare to help?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is true.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“So… I hope you will not force yourself to shoulder a heavy burden because of me.” (Eun Seoho)
“…I will keep that in mind.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
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The next day.
The face of Warrior Jinyu, who came to eat breakfast, had changed.
He had changed his face with the Divine Transformation Art.
It was not completely different, but a changed face that was still somewhat similar to his original face.
However, if someone knew Warrior Jinyu’s face, it was enough to make them think, “Was I mistaken?”
The reason he had transformed when transformation was not needed immediately was because this was one of the training methods of the Divine Transformation Art.
Master said that if one endured for a month while transformed, it was no different from having mastered it perfectly.
“Are you all right?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. There is no problem yet.” (Jinyu)
“It must feel quite stifling.” (Eun Seoho)
Since he had changed himself enough that his original appearance did not come to mind, it must be very stifling.
With this kind of transformation art, the more parts one transforms, the heavier the burden is.
I know well because I have experienced it too.
“This much is far less stifling than when I was constrained by the restriction. And it is better than wearing a mask.” (Jinyu)
“If that is so, I am relieved…” (Eun Seoho)
“You need not worry. I will definitely endure until the end.” (Jinyu)
There was even a hint of madness in Warrior Jinyu’s words as he said that.
“Am I late?” (Miss Seohyang)
At that moment, Miss Seohyang entered.
Since we usually held meetings while eating breakfast, Miss Seohyang also ate breakfast with us.
But the other aide, Galhyeon, still does not eat together with us.
Because we do not yet have a relationship with that much trust built up.
Right now, Miss Seohyang has changed her distinctive impression with the Divine Transformation Art.
Miss Seohyang’s eldest brother, Lord Dong Hyeoksu, had already seen her.
In this situation, touching her face would instead arouse suspicion.
So when we were worrying over it, Master suggested it.
What if only her impression were changed?
When one sees a person’s face, there is something one feels from it.
Miss Seohyang had a gentle impression, but by maximizing Heavenly Flow Arts, she changed it into a chilly impression.
So if she had once been a warm and benevolent beauty, now she had become a cold beauty to the point that it was difficult to even speak to her.
Seeing her this way, it also seemed as though she had an atmosphere similar to Young Palace Head Bing Haerin…
Could it be because of the Ice Crystal Eyes?
I spoke to her.
“You are not late, so please sit.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Miss Seohyang)
“But, Young Master.” (Palgap)
Palgap, who had been attending to my meal, called me.
“What?” (Eun Seoho)
“Why does Young Master not use transformation arts? Did you not say you were learning transformation arts in order to hide Young Master’s fatal charm?” (Palgap)
“Uh… about that. I gave up.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes? I know Young Master is not someone so lacking in persistence, so what is the problem?” (Palgap)
I let out a sigh.
“I asked how I could make myself look ugly, right? And you told me to either put a big mole on my face or add freckles.” (Eun Seoho)
“I did.” (Palgap)
“Mm… no. Rather than explain, it will be better to just show you.” (Eun Seoho)
I stopped speaking and used the Divine Transformation Art to create freckles and a mole on my face.
“…Uh.” (Palgap)
“Mm…” (Miss Seohyang)
And those who saw my face nodded and smiled ambiguously.
Warrior Seou said,
“I understand what you mean.” (Seou)
“A handsome naughty boy.” (Palgap)
“A handsome man with a charming mole.” (Miss Seohyang)
“Yes, that is what happened.” (Eun Seoho)
I said that and released the Divine Transformation Art. Palgap let out a sigh and muttered.
“Hm? What did you say?” (Eun Seoho)
“I said it is an unfair, filthy world.” (Palgap)
“Kkui!” (Geumnyeong)
Geumnyeong, why are you agreeing?
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Brother Jeongho’s preparations to return to the main headquarters in Hubei Province went smoothly, and before long, the day my brother would leave arrived.
“You look excited.” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course. How long has it been since I last saw my wife and children!” (Jeongho)
“What about Grandfather and your parents?” (Eun Seoho)
“Are you testing me right now?” (Jeongho)
“No way!” (Eun Seoho)
If it is a test, I hate it before anyone else does.
“I was just teasing you a little.” (Eun Seoho)
“You little brat!” (Jeongho)
“You worked hard. Go and rest well before coming back.” (Eun Seoho)
“You bastard! Do you think I’m going there to play? I’m going to work!” (Jeongho)
Brother Jeongho is scheduled to come back up to Beijing when Father returns.
The work on the martial arts academy to be built in Beijing is not finished yet, and I do not know when or where I will leave.
In my previous life, the Crown Prince was dispatched to Nanjing a few years later.
Perhaps because the empire’s capital is Beijing, the Emperor’s governing power does not easily reach the southern part of the empire.
That is why Nanjing was made the secondary capital, and dispatching the Crown Prince there is to let him build experience in governance.
Thinking of that, one thought suddenly came to mind.
Would it be better for Brother Jeongho’s family to move to Beijing instead?
That can be discussed later…
I greeted Master respectfully.
“Please take good care of my brother.” (Eun Seoho)
“Do not worry.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
Of course, Brother Jeongho’s escort unit was there, and the Silver Wind Unit was also going with them.
But there is no journey as reassuring as one with Master accompanying them.
“And I was glad I could see you, even in this way. Please be well.” (Eun Seoho)
“I will. I also…” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“…?” (Eun Seoho)
Master cleared his throat and spoke.
“I was also glad to meet you.” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
If it were an ordinary person, I would not understand why they would be embarrassed to say that, but because the other person was Master, I was a little surprised.
Because he is someone whose emotional expressions are extremely rare.
Master turned his body, mounted his horse, and headed to the front as he shouted to everyone.
“We depart!” (Gwak Myeonghyeon)
“Yes!” (Escort Party)
Like that, Brother Jeongho and Master’s party departed for Hubei Province.
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Time flowed quickly, and before I knew it, it was early September.
In the meantime, Warrior Jinyu and Miss Seohyang had perfectly adapted to the Divine Transformation Art.
In other words, even if they now met the Martial Alliance Leader at close range, their identities would not be exposed.
And I…
“Assistant Gwak, please give me the materials related to this.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. Here they are.” (Assistant Gwak)
“And please give me the materials related to the fourth line of this document as well.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Assistant Gwak)
I was busy out of my mind.
Because the Murim Grand Banquet, the greatest event in the murim that came once every nine years and the greatest peak season among peak seasons for trading companies like ours, was approaching.
Since I was the one who had received from the Martial Alliance Leader the right to choose the seat I wanted, I had to go in person.
As such, I had to handle work in advance so that Hyeonpung Bureau could run well even without me.
It was then.
“Um, are you busy… It appears you are busy.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
Someone had come to see me.
“Mister Jaegal Cheondu, what brings you all the way here?” (Eun Seoho)
“Um, the thing is…” (Jaegal Cheondu)
“I am busy, so please state your business quickly.” (Eun Seoho)
“When Young Captain goes to Luoyang this time, I would like to go with you as well.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
“That is not difficult, but will you be all right?” (Eun Seoho)
It was a natural question, since his father had died in Luoyang because of the Martial Alliance’s schemes.
“You do not need to worry about that.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
“I understand. In that case, I have a request.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it? If it is within my ability, I will help with anything.” (Jaegal Cheondu)
“Please help process these documents with me.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he looked at the pile of documents stacked beside me and stepped backward.
“Th-then I could just go alone…” (Jaegal Cheondu)
“Huh! Just where are you trying to cheat?” (Eun Seoho)
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Thanks to Mister Jaegal Cheondu, I was able to depart on the scheduled date.
As expected of the Jegal Family.
Very capable indeed.
He had worked as a capable strategist and chief administrator of a trading company in my previous life, after all.
“Then, please take care of things while I am gone.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Vice Pavilion Lord Yeo Changui and the Beijing branch head nodded and said,
“Do not worry.” (Yeo Changui)
“We will protect it well.” (Beijing Branch Head)
Look forward to it. I will make a solid profit and return. Hehehe.
Kkui! (Geumnyeong)