Chapter 677
Chapter 677
Chapter 677. The Reward I Want Is (2)
As I waited for the Clan Head in the reception room, I recalled the reactions of Hwangbo Clan’s people that I had seen earlier.
They had been filled with excitement as they looked at the high-quality whetstones I had brought.
It was only natural, since in order to conserve whetstones, they had been sharpening blades far less than usual.
More martial artists than one might think calm their minds while maintaining their weapons.
In such a situation, having to conserve whetstones must have placed quite a lot of pressure on them.
I gathered my thoughts and raised my head.
Because I sensed Hwangbo Clan Head approaching.
Rumble.
The door opened and the Clan Head entered, and I rose from my seat.
“You have come?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes, sit down.” (Hwangbo Se)
I sat down, and the Clan Head drank the tea poured into the teacup in one go.
Normally, one drinks it in several sips...
It seemed his throat had grown dry from rushing all the way here after hearing the news that I had brought whetstones.
“Whew, yes. I heard you brought high-quality whetstones?” (Hwangbo Se)
“That is correct. Everyone seemed pleased.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is only natural. I wondered what had happened when you did not return to the main clan for about two days, and it was because of that.” (Hwangbo Se)
The Clan Head continued.
“First, I must ask this. How on earth did you obtain the whetstones?” (Hwangbo Se)
“I was lucky. When I came to Jinan last time, there was a stone mountain I had kept an eye on. So this time, I confirmed that stone mountain and purchased it.” (Eun Seoho)
“So that is why you confidently suggested supplying them.” (Hwangbo Se)
“That is right.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Hwangbo Clan Head clicked his tongue in astonishment.
“To think you had been hiding that until now! You were a sly one.” (Hwangbo Se)
“I apologize. However, this was a matter where security was important. If it had somehow become known to Baekcheon Trading Company, I would not have been able to purchase that place.” (Eun Seoho)
“Indeed, that might have happened. Then our situation would have become troublesome as well.” (Hwangbo Se)
The Clan Head nodded.
“Then, what delivery price are you thinking of?” (Hwangbo Se)
“I heard you had been receiving supplies at half a silver nyang for every forty geun of whetstones.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is correct. They were quite high-grade whetstones, after all.” (Hwangbo Se)
Well, for a clan like Hwangbo Clan, whetstones above a certain standard are necessary.
“I asked them to examine the whetstones I brought this time, and they said they were better than what had been supplied until now.” (Eun Seoho)
When I laid the groundwork, I saw the Clan Head grow tense.
“So... how much do you intend to receive?” (Hwangbo Se)
“You may pay half a silver nyang for forty geun.” (Eun Seoho)
“Is that not the price we have been paying until now? You are truly giving them at that price?” (Hwangbo Se)
Seeing his reaction, it seemed he would have accepted even if I had called for a higher unit price.
But that would be greed.
I must not become like Baekcheon Trading Company.
And considering my future moves, I need to maintain a friendly relationship with Hwangbo Clan.
“That is correct.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued.
“Since the quarry is not far from Hwangbo Clan, transportation costs are not high either.” (Eun Seoho)
“Even so, I feel too sorry...” (Hwangbo Se)
“If you feel that way, please patrol the quarry from time to time. That will be enough.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood. I will pay attention to it.” (Hwangbo Se)
He said to me.
“That aside, I want to repay you separately. The main clan is also a martial clan, so whetstones are quite important. Since you resolved this, I cannot simply let it pass.” (Hwangbo Se)
I would have been disappointed if those words had not come out.
Without holding back, I said.
“There is something I want from you, Clan Head.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it?” (Hwangbo Se)
“It is finding out when Elder Hwangbo Hwi’s real birthday is.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hwi’s real birthday?” (Hwangbo Se)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I scratched my cheek and continued.
“The truth is, I made a bet with the Elder. But His Majesty the Emperor also said he did not know about it... so the only method left is asking you, Clan Head.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see.” (Hwangbo Se)
The Clan Head nodded at my words, thought about something for a moment, then said.
“I will call you separately about that later.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
I obediently nodded and returned to my quarters.
“You have returned?” (Hwangbo Wook)
Mister Hwangbo Wook welcomed me.
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
“I heard you brought whetstones today.” (Hwangbo Wook)
“Yes, that is right.” (Eun Seoho)
“To be honest, I feel a little disappointed. You did not say a single word to me about it.” (Hwangbo Wook)
At those words, I smiled and asked back.
“Is there a reason I should have told you about it, Mister?” (Eun Seoho)
“I mean... I am supposed to be assisting you, Mister...” (Hwangbo Wook)
“If you had pulled the handcart and followed me that day, you might have known about it in advance. What a shame.” (Eun Seoho)
“...” (Hwangbo Wook)
I glanced at him, unable to say anything, and called Palgap.
“Palgap! Prepare some bathwater!” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Palgap)
After I bathed and changed into clean clothes, the Clan Head’s attendant came to find me.
“The Clan Head summons you.” (Attendant)
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
I followed the attendant.
The place I was guided to was not the reception room, but the Clan Head’s office.
“Clan Head, it is Young Captain Eun Seoho.” (Attendant)
“Come in.” (Hwangbo Se)
When I entered and greeted him, the Clan Head held out a key to me.
“Take it.” (Hwangbo Se)
“What key is this?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is the key to that fellow Hwi’s personal library.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“That fellow asked something of me in the past. If anyone asked for his real birthday, I was to hand over this key.” (Hwangbo Se)
I accepted the key and said.
“In the end, does it mean I am to find it myself?” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, the Clan Head burst into laughter.
“Hahahaha!” (Hwangbo Se)
Why is he laughing?
“First, go to the library. If you still do not know even after going inside, I will tell you.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
However, when I did not immediately leave, the Clan Head asked as if puzzled.
“Is there something you wish to say?” (Hwangbo Se)
Instead of opening my mouth and answering, I sent telepathy.
Because it was a story no one else should hear.
“I debated whether to tell you or not, but I will.” (Eun Seoho)
“It seems to be a secret matter. Speak.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Please keep watch on Mister Hwangbo Wook.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hm?” (Hwangbo Se)
At my words, the Clan Head looked at me with strange eyes.
“What does that mean?” (Hwangbo Se)
“I cannot tell you about that right now. However, if you keep watch, you will come to know.” (Eun Seoho)
.
.
.
I was able to enter Elder Ghost Face Pao’s personal library late that night.
First, I asked Father to send a manager and laborers to operate the quarry.
Even if I found a good production site, it would have no meaning if it were not quarried and transported.
And since I had gone back up to the stone mountain to gather whetstones to supply to Baekyeom Trading Company, finished that work, and returned, it was late at night.
“Is this the place?” (Palgap)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I had learned the location of Elder Ghost Face Pao’s library in advance, so I was able to arrive without wandering.
At my words, Warrior Seowoo answered.
“We will wait here.” (Seowoo)
“It may take quite a long time, and if I tell you to wait comfortably in your quarters, you will refuse, will you not?” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he smiled and said.
“If you feel that uncomfortable, we will stand guard in shifts.” (Seowoo)
“If you do that, I will feel much more at ease. Then I will go in.” (Eun Seoho)
I took out the key and opened the library.
Creeeak.
The door opened with the sound of old hinges.
When I entered like that, there was another sliding door. I opened that door and went inside.
I saw countless books filling the shelves, and beside them, weapons were hanging on the wall.
He called it a library, so why are there weapons?
That question arose, but for the moment, I carefully examined my surroundings.
While doing so, I saw an envelope lying on the writing desk.
The recipient was clearly written on the envelope.
[Eun Seoho, read this.]
In other words, it was a letter addressed to me.
I opened the envelope, took out the letter, and unfolded it.
[The things here are things I have gathered. And I have decided to pass them on to you.]
My eyes went round.
No, Elder. What on earth are you saying?
[I do not know how much longer I have left to live, but if you accept these things, I suppose I will be leaving after having lived quite a worthwhile life.
Do not refuse. It is unlike you.]
I set the letter down.
As expected, the Elder knows me too well.
Since he said this much, I cannot refuse what the Elder left behind.
But Elder, if you drank the decoction of gangnyeong grass I gave you, you should live at least ten more years...
Is this not too early?
Then again, the gangnyeong grass I gave him was something even the Elder would not have expected.
I smiled and recalled the final sentence.
[My real birthday is the fifth day of the seventh month.]
Really, Elder.
It is the same as the Elder’s birthday that I know. That means there is no such thing as the Elder’s real birthday.
It was a kind of test and excuse to pass this library on to me.
And this library must be the gift for when I found out the Elder’s real birthday.
Then I will gratefully accept it.
Somehow, my heart felt at ease.
On the other hand, I grew curious about what things he had gathered here for him to say he would pass them on to me.
As I examined them, I could not help being surprised.
The books were quite precious, and the weapons were also things not commonly obtainable.
The spiritual herbs stored beside them were also things difficult to see even in Eunhae Trading Company.
Among them, there was something that caught my gaze. It was one book.
[Choseolhui]
A book title meaning rejoicing at the first snow.
It was such a powerful pull that I approached that book without realizing it.
I picked up the book and opened it.
[Child who has entered Snow Wind Palace, do you remember the heart with which you happily played on snowy days?]
Huh? Huuuh?
I was startled, and my eyes widened.
This is... a martial arts manual of Snow Wind Palace.
Why is this here? No, why does the Elder have this?
Snow Wind Palace is quite a closed-off sect.
It could not be helped, because most of Snow Wind Palace’s disciples were children of the women of Northern Sea Ice Palace.
Moreover, on the day disaster struck Snow Wind Palace, everything was thoroughly burned.
In such circumstances, it is surprising that a Snow Wind Palace martial arts manual is here.
Master will be pleased if she sees this.
As I continued reading the martial arts manual, I learned that this was a martial arts manual meant to educate those who had just entered the palace.
In truth, in order to rebuild Snow Wind Palace and maintain it for a long time, the martial arts that form Snow Wind Palace’s foundation, especially the basic martial arts, are very important.
So I had been worrying over that, and yet I obtained this martial arts manual!
I had wondered why I suddenly thought of finding out Elder Hwangbo Hwi’s birthday and receiving a gift, and it seems it was because of this.
As I continued reading the martial arts manual, I was also able to learn about things I had not learned.
Such as the beginning of Snow Wind Palace, and the mindset regarding Snow Wind Palace’s martial arts.
When learning martial arts, Master would often express regret.
“Originally, Snow Wind Palace also had a basic martial arts manual. If that had remained, it would have been far more efficient, so it is a pity.” (Master)
After reading this martial arts manual, I felt I understood why Master had said that.
I should take this for now and bring it to Master.
Since the Elder said he was handing it over to me, it should not matter if I take it now.
I looked to see if there were any more books related to Snow Wind Palace, but I saw no others.
Well, just obtaining Choseolhui alone is a tremendous harvest.
Next time, I should gift the Elder some good tea.
.
.
.
The next morning.
After finishing my meal, I requested a meeting with the Clan Head.
And while I was leisurely strolling through the rear garden, the Clan Head’s attendant came to find me.
“The Clan Head summons you.” (Attendant)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
However, the expression of the attendant guiding me looked a little dark.
The whetstone problem has been resolved, so what issue...
Ah! Could it be that?
Soon, I arrived at the Clan Head’s office and went inside.
“This humble merchant, Eun Seoho, greets the Clan Head.” (Eun Seoho)
“Welcome.” (Hwangbo Se)
“I entered Elder Hwangbo Hwi’s library last night. Must I return that key?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he waved his hand.
“There is no need. It is something that fellow left to you, so why would you return that key to me?” (Hwangbo Se)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
“And it is fine to leave the things in that library here for now. After that fellow dies, you will have to return the library, so you will need to take them with you then.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Then I will take the things inside at that time.” (Eun Seoho)
“Do so.” (Hwangbo Se)
The Clan Head, who had readily nodded, held out a plaque to me.
“It is an entry pass.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“If you are to keep using that library, should you not be able to freely enter and leave the main clan? This time, you came together with Seonyu, so there was no issue, but if you simply come on your own, the procedures are rather complicated.” (Hwangbo Se)
“I see. I will gratefully accept it.” (Eun Seoho)
By the way, with this included, just how many plaques do I have? At this rate, I might end up with a title like the one who collects plaques.
I accepted the plaque and put it inside my robe.
“Yesterday, you said it. To keep watch on Wook.” (Hwangbo Se)
“Ah, yes. I did.” (Eun Seoho)
“How did you know?” (Hwangbo Se)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“I am asking how you knew that Wook was secretly communicating with Namgung Clan.” (Hwangbo Se)
Considering that his own grandson had been a traitor, his face was calm, but I soon realized I had thought wrong.
He was pretending to be calm.
Because his eyes were blazing fiercely right now.
The reason I learned that Mister Hwangbo Wook was a traitor was thanks to Miss Seohyang’s advice.
But I cannot say that.
“I apologize, but that is a trade secret.” (Eun Seoho)