Chapter 594
594
Episode 594. Everything Has a Reason (4)
I was a little dazed, but I faithfully followed Father’s advice.
“Ugh… This, the pain is quite… severe….” (Seoho)
Thud.
And soon, I pretended to faint.
“My liege! My liege!” (Guard)
“Oh no! Hurry and carry him to the inn!” (Father)
“Yes!” (Guard)
And so, I was carried to the inn by my guards.
* My liege, it seems people will see you being carried away. What shall we do? (Guard)
* That is better. (Seoho)
And so, I was carried to the Yeonpung Inn on a stretcher while pretending to have collapsed.
When we arrived at the room, I heard Palgap’s voice.
“You may open your eyes now, sir.” (Palgap)
I opened my eyes in relief and got up from my spot. Then I asked Palgap.
“How did you know I was fine?” (Seoho)
That was because Palgap had made a fuss when he saw me being carried into the inn, but right now, he was the picture of calm.
Did my guards send him a telepathic message?
“In truth, Vice Captain Gwak gave me a hint in advance, sir.” (Palgap)
“Ah……” (Seoho)
I gave a faint laugh.
Then I asked the two escort warriors who had brought me here.
“What do you think? Do the people seem to have been fooled?” (Seoho)
At my question, they nodded.
“Yes.” (Seo Woo)
“It was perfect.” (Yeo Eungam)
“I have unintentionally caused you trouble. I am sorry.” (Seoho)
At my apology, Warrior Seo Woo and Warrior Yeo Eungam waved their hands.
“Not at all. Please do not say such things.” (Seo Woo)
“Is this not also, in a broader sense, work to protect you, my liege?” (Yeo Eungam)
“That is true.” (Seoho)
“We are only glad to be of help in protecting you like this, my liege.” (Seo Woo)
“Thank you for saying that.” (Seoho)
I turned my head and spoke to Palgap.
“Then let us move quickly.” (Seoho)
“Yes. Understood, sir.” (Palgap)
I washed up and changed into nightclothes. Just then, the physician came in.
“I heard from the Trading Company Head. So which leg is broken?” (Physician)
At that question, I answered awkwardly.
“The left one.” (Seoho)
The physician took out a splint, placed it against my left leg, and deliberately spoke in a loud voice.
“Tell me when he regains consciousness. I will prepare a medicinal decoction.” (Physician)
Palgap answered,
“Understood, sir.” (Palgap)
And so, I became a patient with a perfectly injured leg.
After the physician left, Father and Mother entered the room.
“There is no one except me and your mother, so you may open your eyes now.” (Father)
I opened my eyes, rose from my spot, and bowed my head.
“I am sorry it suddenly turned out like this.” (Seoho)
“Hoo, I was already expecting it to some extent.” (Father)
Father spoke with a bitter smile.
“Because dueling Hyangok must have been truly burdensome for you.” (Father)
“…….” (Seoho)
“And the Chief Outer Administrator told me. That your level… is the super-pinnacle.” (Father)
“……!” (Seoho)
I looked at Father with a startled expression.
My level is not something that can be known so easily.
Because the characteristic of the Great Moon Ice Sea Divine Art is that one’s level is not revealed externally.
But to think the Chief Outer Administrator had noticed…….
I had once seen Master and the Chief Outer Administrator talking before. Could the reason the Chief Outer Administrator requested a conversation with Master back then have been about my level?
“So while I was pleased by your winning streak, inwardly I was also uneasy. If your level were revealed, truly troublesome things would happen.” (Father)
I bowed my head to my parents.
“I am sorry for deceiving you about my skill.” (Seoho)
At this, Mother shook her head.
“There is no need to be sorry for such a thing. Since ancient times, those who walk the path of martial arts do not recklessly reveal their true skill.” (Mother)
As expected, it was an answer fitting of Mother, who had been called the Phantom Willow Sword.
“By the way, you will not be able to go around properly for the next few days, so will you not feel stifled?” (Mother)
“It is all right. I needed rest anyway. Rather, I am only sorry that because of me, you will have to go to gatherings and hear words of consolation.” (Seoho)
At my answer, Father shook his head.
“It is all right. The important gatherings are all over now, and only places I do not need to attend remain. I was wondering how to politely be absent, and this has worked out perfectly.” (Father)
Ah, there were still the gatherings where the Trading Company Heads would flatter the important figures of the Martial Alliance.
Those are the seats I least want to attend too.
“I should use you as an excuse and be absent and rest as well.” (Father)
“However, Seoho.” (Mother)
Mother spoke with a serious expression.
“If something like this happens next time, give me at least a hint in advance. This mother’s heart nearly dropped.” (Mother)
“I am truly sorry.” (Seoho)
“Still, when I think of your actions until now, this much seems rather mild.” (Mother)
“…….” (Seoho)
Somehow, I had no good answer.
Perhaps seeing me embarrassed, Father lightly patted my shoulder and rose.
“Then rest comfortably.” (Father)
“Yes.” (Seoho)
After my parents left like that, I called Miss Seohyang and asked her a favor.
“Please bring me the documents that have piled up. Since things have turned out this way, I should at least handle some work.” (Seoho)
But instead of moving right away, she smiled gently and said,
“It is not difficult to bring you the documents, but will you truly have time to look over them?” (Seohyang)
“Yes?” (Seoho)
At my question, she continued.
“There are quite a few people who will come to visit you.” (Seohyang)
“How many could there be for you to say that?” (Seoho)
Instead of answering, Miss Seohyang merely smiled.
No, why are you making me anxious like that?
Miss Seohyang’s words became reality.
The first people to come visit were those staying at the same inn.
All the employees of our trading company, including the managers and members of the Silver Wind Unit.
Their numbers alone were considerable, and after them, Warrior Daenok and Warrior Suam came to visit.
The next person to visit was none other than Hyangok Noona.
“Hey! Eun Seoho!” (Hyangok)
“No, Noona……” (Seoho)
“Who told you to treat your body that recklessly before a duel?” (Hyangok)
Noona narrowed her eyes and asked me.
“You did not perhaps do it on purpose because you did not want to duel me, did you?” (Hyangok)
How sharp.
But if I answered that was the case, Noona would shake me down completely.
With the most upset expression I could manage, I said,
“Noona, what are you saying? If you say that, I will be truly hurt.” (Seoho)
“Well, there is no way you would. I’m sorry I misunderstood you, even for a moment.” (Hyangok)
“It is all right. From your position, it is understandable that you would think that.” (Seoho)
I asked Hyangok Noona,
“So, what happened to the duel?” (Seoho)
“What do you mean, what happened? Since you became unable to duel, I had no choice but to become the winner of the Earth Division.” (Hyangok)
“Then you will be competing against Young Master Jegal Yua for the championship.” (Seoho)
“Yes, that is what happened.” (Hyangok)
Hyangok Noona sighed.
“Somehow it turned out like this. But it is a bit embarrassing. Even Mister Seomoon of the Seomoon Clan is stronger than me.” (Hyangok)
As Noona said, Mister Seomoon Ilshin’s martial prowess is higher than Noona’s.
“But because of Two-Faced Yin Demon, he dropped out and I advanced… because of the fire, you dropped out and I advanced again……” (Hyangok)
Suddenly, such a thought occurred to me.
That perhaps the heavens had taken a liking to Hyangok Noona and were pouring luck upon her…….
Well, that is not what matters.
“Ah, come to think of it, what happened with that fellow called Two-Faced Yin Demon? What on earth happened that he resolved himself to die and charged into the dueling ground to take revenge?” (Seoho)
At my question, Hyangok Noona sighed.
“Ehew, that bastard really……” (Hyangok)
“……?” (Seoho)
“Actually, in the process of subduing him, we cut off his manhood.” (Hyangok)
“Ah……” (Seoho)
Most of those called lust demons or yin demons tend to be strangely obsessed with their own manhood.
So that was why he risked his life trying to take revenge.
How futile.
Especially when he did things that would get his manhood cut off in the first place.
But how was he able to enter Luoyang, which could be called the center of this Martial Alliance?
No matter how outstanding his skills were, the fact that he slipped through the patrol unit’s surveillance, kidnapped Mister Seomoon Ilshin, disguised himself as him, and participated in the duel was also…….
There must be someone helping him from behind.
“By the way, I heard you saved the people of the Baekcheon Trading Company this time?” (Hyangok)
“Ah… yes.” (Seoho)
I nodded.
Honestly, the Baekcheon Trading Company was my enemy, so I did not even want to look at them, but the servants working in the warehouse were not guilty of anything.
And by saving the people of the Baekcheon Trading Company, I also had the purpose of blocking the idea that I might have moved in order to harm the Baekcheon Trading Company.
Common sense says, would anyone think that a person who risked his life to save the people of the Baekcheon Trading Company held a grudge against the Baekcheon Trading Company?
“Congratulations. Thanks to that, you are now at the center of attention in Luoyang.” (Hyangok)
“Yes?” (Seoho)
“The news that Benevolent Chivalrous Pretty Boy performed another good deed has spread throughout all of Luoyang.” (Hyangok)
“…….” (Seoho)
“Anyway, take good care of yourself. I have the finals tomorrow.” (Hyangok)
“Yes. I wish you martial fortune.” (Seoho)
After Hyangok Noona left like that, I sighed.
“Why are you doing that, sir?” (Palgap)
At Palgap’s question, I smiled awkwardly.
“Did you know that I am currently at the center of attention in Luoyang?” (Seoho)
“Of course, sir.” (Palgap)
“Why did you not tell me?” (Seoho)
At my question, Palgap said,
“If I told you that, Young Master, you would surely say, ‘That was not what I intended! Why on earth did it turn out like this? It is not as though performing benevolent chivalry is my hobby!’ would you not, sir?” (Palgap)
“…….” (Seoho)
I had nothing to say.
“In that case, I thought ignorance would be medicine, sir.” (Palgap)
“I, I see.” (Seoho)
Soon after, Young Master Jegal Yua and the Clan Head came to visit me.
They offered their sincere consolation.
They seemed to want to talk a little more, but because tomorrow was the finals of the duel, they only spoke briefly and left.
For me, it was a fortunate thing.
And so, night came.
Hoo, now I can finally get some rest.
Just as I thought that, the window opened.
Creeeak.
“Kkui?” (Geumryeong)
Geumryeong showed signs of delight. If Geumryeong reacted like this, then…….
“Master.” (Seoho)
Master, who came in through the window, approached me.
“I heard the story. That you broke your leg while saving people from the fire today. I was worried, so I came to see you.” (Master)
“Hahaha.” (Seoho)
I laughed awkwardly and got down from the bed.
Seeing me standing perfectly fine, Master smiled.
“So you used a trick of your own.” (Master)
“Yes. That is so. I am sorry I could not tell you in advance.” (Seoho)
“No.” (Master)
Master shook his head.
“Since ancient times, they say that in order to deceive the enemy, you must first deceive your allies.” (Master)
Master immediately saw through the fact that I had used this trick in order to avoid exposing my original skill or martial arts.
“Since I have seen that you are healthy like this, that is enough.” (Master)
Ah, since he has come all this way, I should ask what I am curious about.
“Master. There is something I want to ask you.” (Seoho)
“What are you curious about?” (Master)
“After escorting Brother Jeongho to the main headquarters in Hubei Province last time, did you come straight to Luoyang?” (Seoho)
At my question, Master nodded.
“You could say that.” (Master)
“I am sorry. Because of my request, you had to go through trouble you did not have to……” (Seoho)
At my words, he shook his head.
“No. I was on my way back anyway because I had business at the escort agency. And I stopped by because I had business in Luoyang, and while I was at it, I watched the duels as well.” (Master)
If it was business in Luoyang…….
“Could it perhaps be imperial business?” (Seoho)
This time, he did not answer.
But silence meant affirmation.
Then that means there is someone in Luoyang to whom the Emperor is secretly sending a letter…….
Who could it be? I am becoming curious.
Perhaps knowing my thoughts, Master approached me and patted my shoulder.
“There is no need to be curious. You will come to know someday.” (Master)
“Hahaha.” (Seoho)
“Then I will see you next time.” (Master)
“Yes. Master.” (Seoho)
I gave a clasped-hands greeting.
“Please, take care of yourself.” (Seoho)
Master gave a faint laugh, then disappeared through the window.
He is my master, but he truly does appear and disappear unpredictably.
Hoo, then now I really should sleep.
.
.
.
Day broke.
It was the second day since I lay sick in bed.
At last, today, the manager of the Baekcheon Trading Company came to see me.
“I am Jang Eulju, manager of the Baekcheon Trading Company. I have come because the Trading Company Head sent me. How is your condition?” (Jang Eulju)
I was injured while trying to save the people of the Baekcheon Trading Company, so at this point, should Trading Company Head Namgung Seok not have come personally?
It is not as though this place is that far.
The fact that he only sent a manager like this must mean he judged that visiting me as a patient was not important enough for the Trading Company Head to come personally.
“I am all right thanks to your concern. Are the people I saved all right?” (Seoho)
At my question, Manager Jang Eulju answered,
“Of course. Everyone was able to escape safely without serious injuries.” (Jang Eulju)
“That is truly fortunate.” (Seoho)
“The Trading Company Head told me to convey his gratitude.” (Jang Eulju)
“Please tell him I am grateful.” (Seoho)
But why did he only come this morning, not yesterday?
Perhaps he was late because he was investigating me on suspicion that I might have been the one to set the fire.
If it was the Namgung Clan, they were people more than capable of that.
But the fact that he still came to visit me, albeit late, must mean their suspicions toward me have been cleared.
“By the way, before the fire yesterday, why did you suddenly tell people to sprinkle water over the tents and draw water?” (Jang Eulju)
Hm, are his suspicions still not cleared?
I calmly gave the answer I had prepared.
“Because the weather was extremely dry. In such a situation, could a fire not break out simply from the ropes fixing the tents rubbing against each other because of the wind, or from sparks flying in from nearby?” (Seoho)
“……Now that I think about it, there were causes everywhere.” (Jang Eulju)
“Yes. Since one cannot know what will become the cause, what else can one do? One must at least be thorough with prevention.” (Seoho)
I continued.
“Still, I am glad that many trading companies do not seem to have suffered major damage. I remember sending a manager to the Baekcheon Trading Company as well to tell you……” (Seoho)
“…….” (Jang Eulju)
At my words, Manager Jang Eulju could not say anything.
That was because the very person who ignored the words of the manager I sent was Manager Jang Eulju himself.
“I heard the damage was great. I sincerely hope you recover quickly.” (Seoho)
Hehehe, it must sting quite a bit.