Chapter 691
Chapter 691
Chapter 691. On the Way to Deliver Wedding Invitations (1)
The reason I was startled.
It was because I knew about the young warrior named Ma Sunbok with that youthful face standing before me.
In my previous life, he had been a warrior who belonged to my guard unit.
Even so, there was a reason I did not recognize him right away.
Back then, he had grown a beard, and his face had not been as pale as it was now.
I had even joked that he looked no different from a mountain bandit.
Right now, he was closer to a handsome boy.
The only thing that seemed somewhat similar was the shape of his eyes.
Before he became part of my guard unit, just what happened to change a person so much?
His specialty was observation.
Thanks to that, not only had my life been saved before, I had also escaped crises quite a few times.
“Is there some problem?” (Warrior Seowoo)
At the question from Warrior Seowoo, who had noticed my reaction, I shook my head.
“It is nothing.” (Eun Seoho)
But Uncle, to Merchant Manager Gupyo?
“May I ask what your relationship with Merchant Manager Gu is?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is thanks to Uncle Gupyo that I was able to become a member of the Silver Wind Unit like this. In truth, I am…… an orphan. Because Uncle Gupyo became my guarantor at the martial arts academy and also supported my living expenses, I was able to pass the Silver Wind Unit member selection this time and become a member.” (Ma Sunbok)
So there had been such a story.
I had known that he had become a member of the Silver Wind Unit with someone’s support.
But I had not known that benefactor was Merchant Manager Gupyo.
Just then, I smelled the scent of plum blossoms.
When I turned my head, Miss Seohyang was approaching.
“Young Captain, so this is where you were.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“Ah! Deputy Gwak.” (Eun Seoho)
And beside her was Jeongho hyung.
Upon seeing the two of them, Warrior Ma Sunbok quickly clasped his hands and greeted them.
“I greet the First Young Captain and the future Third Young Mistress! I am Ma Sunbok, a warrior of the Silver Wind Unit!” (Ma Sunbok)
“It is nice to meet you.” (Gwak Seohyang)
She smiled and greeted him.
Hyung also accepted the greeting, then asked me.
“What is this about?” (Jeongho)
“Ah, well……” (Eun Seoho)
I told hyung the whole story.
“So that happened. In that case, go together with Warrior Ma.” (Jeongho)
“Hm?” (Eun Seoho)
At Jeongho hyung’s words, I was momentarily flustered. It was because my party and I had planned to go to the North Sea on Jugang Horses.
“But hyung……” (Eun Seoho)
I quickly tried to explain the reason, but Jeongho hyung held out his hand and stopped me.
“Ah, before that, listen to me first. Since you are going to the North Sea this time, bring back some ice.” (Jeongho)
“Ice?” (Eun Seoho)
“I heard you made fruit punch this time and distributed it throughout the Beijing branch. Hearing that made me think, when we have a branch in the North Sea, can we really leave this unused?” (Jeongho)
Jeongho hyung grinned broadly.
“We should sell ice.” (Jeongho)
“Ah……” (Eun Seoho)
Even if his nature was benevolent, Jeongho hyung was still a merchant after all.
According to my memory, the heat that began after the rainy season ended was quite severe.
So if we sold ice, it was certain it would sell well.
“That is why I plan to organize people to send to the North Sea. I think Warrior Ma can be included among them.” (Jeongho)
“I do not mind, but then it seems I will be away for quite a while, won’t I? Hyung, will you be all right?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is something I am suggesting, so I should take that into account.” (Jeongho)
Then Jeongho hyung said to Warrior Ma Sunbok.
“I do not know what that letter contains, but it must certainly be a letter written with sincerity. Then would it not be meaningful to deliver it in person?” (Jeongho)
“Young Captain……” (Ma Sunbok)
Moved, he grew teary-eyed.
Jeongho hyung smiled as if embarrassed, then said to me.
“So we do not have time to be standing around here like this. Hurry up and work! Work!” (Jeongho)
“Whew, all right.” (Eun Seoho)
“I will speak to the Silver Wind Unit and the Beijing Branch Manager.” (Jeongho)
“Then were you going to make me do even that?” (Eun Seoho)
“Just go.” (Jeongho)
As I returned to the office grumbling like that, Miss Seohyang, who was walking beside me, laughed.
“But what brings you here, Deputy Gwak?” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, I saw you looking for the Young Captain.” (Gwak Seohyang)
She continued.
“From what I saw, Warrior Ma Sunbok will play a major role this time…… so I guided the First Young Captain so that he could meet Warrior Ma Sunbok.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“Will something happen on this journey?” (Eun Seoho)
“I do not know that either.” (Gwak Seohyang)
She shook her head.
“I only heard you sigh while murmuring Warrior Ma Sunbok’s name, Young Captain.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
Still, to think I would meet Warrior Ma Sunbok already.
Is this also fate?
.
.
.
Several days passed.
Unlike the original plan, because we had to form a large trade caravan and go to the North Sea, our departure was delayed longer than expected.
After finishing preparations to load ice, we departed from the Beijing branch.
I am glad there was no summons from the Emperor before I left.
Because the trade caravan heading to the North Sea this time was large in scale, we packed supplies for camping outdoors.
Because on the road to the North Sea, there was no place where this many people could stay.
It had been about five days since we departed like that.
“Ah!” (Gwak Seohyang)
Just then, Miss Seohyang, who had been sitting in front of me, opened her eyes wide and looked startled.
“What is it?” (Eun Seoho)
“It is an attack.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“What?” (Eun Seoho)
“They are marauding bandits.” (Gwak Seohyang)
Marauding bandits…… sigh, those damn disgusting bastards.
Marauding bandits are different from the mountain bandits called the Green Forest Bandits.
The Green Forest Bandits are controlled by the Green King, the leader of the Green Forest alliance known as the Eighteen Keeps of the Green Forest.
And because they settle in one place and operate there, they tend not to cross that line.
Thus, unless things go unusually badly, one simply pays the toll and passes by.
But marauding bandits have none of that. Since they do not stay in one place but wander about, it is difficult for them to return to a place they have passed through once.
That is why they simply rob and kill whatever is in front of them.
It is to the point that there is a saying that only death and ashes remain where a band of marauding bandits has descended.
But those marauding bandits are attacking us?
Even though we are flying the flag of the Eunhae Trading Company?
After traveling with Young Palace Head Bing Haerin last time, they had not even come near us when they saw the Eunhae Trading Company’s flag, so I found it strange.
Because the greatest taboo in the land of Liaoning was not touching anyone related to the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
Well, that could happen.
Humans are creatures of forgetfulness, and they may have forgotten that taboo.
Then all I have to do is remind them why a taboo is a taboo.
“Warrior Seowoo.” (Eun Seoho)
I opened the window and called Warrior Seowoo.
“Did you call?” (Warrior Seowoo)
“There is a possibility that a band of marauding bandits will attack.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood. How shall we handle it?” (Warrior Seowoo)
“Is there any need to show mercy?” (Eun Seoho)
“Your words are most correct.” (Warrior Seowoo)
And about one sichen later, when I was starting to think it was about time to look for a place to camp tonight.
Dududududu!
The loud sound of horse hooves came from far away.
And I could feel killing intent.
Just as Miss Seohyang had said, a band of marauding bandits was rushing over to attack us.
“Deputy Gwak, please stay here for a moment. And Palgap.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes! You need not worry.” (Palgap)
Just in case, I placed Geumnyeong on Miss Seohyang’s lap and said.
“You should be safe if you stay with this one.” (Eun Seoho)
“Kkui!” (Geumnyeong)
Geumnyeong lay down sprawled on Miss Seohyang’s lap.
You look quite comfortable, don’t you?
This is not the time for that.
I got out of the carriage.
“Liege!” (Guard Warrior)
“We await your orders.” (Guard Warrior)
I said to everyone.
“By tradition, the Eunhae Trading Company never turns away guests who come to us. Since so many guests are rushing toward us like that, I am glad. Is that not so?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is so!” (Warriors)
“To be honest, I thought I was going to die from itching to move.” (Warrior)
“Then let us greet them kindly. And let us thoroughly engrave into their memories what kind of place the Eunhae Trading Company is.” (Eun Seoho)
“Waaaaah!” (Warriors)
At my words, the warriors’ morale soared.
“Uhehehe! If it’s the Eunhae Trading Company, there must be plenty to loot! Kill them all!” (Bandit Boss)
The boss of the marauding bandits shouted.
Oho, so that fellow is the boss?
Tap!
I drew my sword and unfolded my movement art, rushing toward him like an arrow.
After learning Choseolhui, my movements had become even lighter and faster.
The opponent’s realm was the peak.
For the boss of a band of marauding bandits, it was quite a high level.
There was a reason he had fearlessly targeted our Eunhae Trading Company.
But that is your fatal mistake.
The fourth technique of the Twelve Forms of the True Snow Swordsmanship, Snow Wind.
It is the representative technique named after Snow Wind Palace.
My sword sliced past his neck in an instant like the snow wind of the North Sea.
Tak.
I landed behind the bandit boss.
And soon after.
“Kuh!” (Bandit Boss)
With a painful groan, his head slowly tilted, then fell to the ground and rolled.
“H-Huh! B-Boss!” (Bandit)
“The boss has been taken down!” (Bandit)
“Uaaaagh!” (Bandit)
The silence lasted only a moment, and the marauding bandits were thrown into confusion by their boss’s death, scattering in disorder.
“Silver Wind Unit!” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes!” (Silver Wind Unit)
“Handle them!” (Eun Seoho)
Thanks to taking care of the boss in advance, it did not take long for the situation to be settled.
We gathered the corpses of the dead and burned them, then collected only their heads separately and planted the flag of the Eunhae Trading Company beside them.
It may feel cruel, but it cannot be helped.
Because this level of warning is necessary for marauding bandits to understand.
It means that if they intend to attack us, they should be prepared to end up like this.
Then we gathered the valuables they had carried.
No matter if they were the valuables of marauding bandits, it would be a waste to throw them away.
Hm?
But among the things the marauding bandits had, there was something that looked familiar mixed in.
Huh? This is…… something from the Gwangjun Trading Company?
I told them to bring a survivor.
He trembled and bowed his head.
“P-please spare me! Please, just spare my life.” (Bandit)
He really has no conscience.
I doubt he showed mercy when others begged him to spare them, so why does he expect me to show mercy to him?
“Among these items, there are things from the Gwangjun Trading Company.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, yes! They are things we seized a l-long time ago.” (Bandit)
“Things from a long time ago……” (Eun Seoho)
I pressed him with a cold expression.
“As far as I know, this saddle, a product of this design, was released only a few months ago. Yet you say a long time ago?” (Eun Seoho)
Unable to withstand my pressure, he bit his lip and confessed.
“I-in truth…… about fifteen days ago, we attacked a trade caravan of the Gwangjun Trading Company. We seized the goods and made the survivors into slaves……” (Bandit)
Thwack!
“Kuhak!” (Bandit)
I kicked him in the face.
“Then where are the people you enslaved?” (Eun Seoho)
“……” (Bandit)
“How does pain enough to make you want to die sound? I learned a few techniques from the masters of the Royal Guards, and as it happens, I needed a practice partner.” (Eun Seoho)
And about half a sichen later.
I learned from him where the marauding bandits’ base was.
If you could not even endure one sichen, you should have just spoken obediently from the start.
I approached the person leading the Silver Wind Unit and explained the circumstances.
“So, I intend to attack the base of those marauding bandits and rescue those being held there. Therefore, I would like you to settle somewhere nearby.” (Eun Seoho)
“What? What do you mean? Of course, we should go with you.” (Silver Wind Unit Leader)
“I appreciate that sentiment, but this is unrelated to the Trading Company’s caravan. It is also a personal matter of mine, and the Silver Wind Unit must protect the caravan.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood. Since you put it that way, there is nothing to be done. Please be careful.” (Silver Wind Unit Leader)
Then I opened the carriage window.
“Deputy Gwak.” (Eun Seoho)
“I heard the circumstances through the carriage.” (Gwak Seohyang)
Then Miss Seohyang lifted Geumnyeong, who had been in her arms, and handed her to me.
“You should take this one with you.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“Kkuing.” (Geumnyeong)
Now come here, you little thing.
“And take Warrior Ma Sunbok with you. He will be of help.” (Gwak Seohyang)
“Understood.” (Eun Seoho)
A little while later.
Warrior Ma Sunbok, six guard warriors, and I headed toward the place the survivor had told us.
And we tied up the survivor and dragged him along.
As if resigned, he guided us to the base.
“This way. If you go down that road, it will be there.” (Bandit)
As we followed his guidance like that, Warrior Ma Sundeok’s expression turned strange.
“Warrior Ma.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, yes!” (Ma Sunbok)
“If something does not feel right, do not hesitate to tell me.” (Eun Seoho)
“What? B-but……” (Ma Sunbok)
“If your advice helps us, Merchant Manager Gu will be very pleased when he learns of it.” (Eun Seoho)
As if encouraged by my words, he said.
“I think we must not go where that man is telling us to go.” (Ma Sunbok)
“What is the reason?” (Eun Seoho)
“There are no horse hoofprints. If that place were a normal road, there would be traces of people traveling by horse.” (Ma Sunbok)
“Indeed, that is true.” (Eun Seoho)
At those words, the marauding bandit who had been guiding us grew flustered and said.
“N-no, that is not true. That place is, yes, a sh-shortcut! It is a shortcut.” (Bandit)
“A shortcut…… For that, there are not even many footprints.” (Eun Seoho)
I swept my gaze over the road and gave a faint laugh.
“Then it is obvious. There must be traps installed there to stop intruders. Such as snares, or arrows that come flying, for example.” (Eun Seoho)
“……” (Bandit)
“But did you think you could harm us with something of that level? It seems we were looked down on quite badly.” (Eun Seoho)
I deliberately smiled coldly.
“It would not be bad to practice the techniques I learned from the masters of the Royal Guards here once more.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hueeeek! I-I am sorry! Please give me just one more chance!” (Bandit)
“This is your last chance.” (Eun Seoho)
And so he guided us along a different path, and we arrived at a place surrounded by wooden palisades.
As expected of a band of marauding bandits, it is a sloppy camp.
Because these people do not remain long in one place.
Just then.
“Emergency! Emergency! It is an attack! Enemies have attacked!” (Bandit)
He shouted, and marauding bandits appeared atop the palisade.
Using the marauding bandit as a shield, I pushed him forward and said.
“Then now you had better hope they do not shoot arrows at you.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he looked horrified.
That is why you should have stayed quiet.
This does make me seem a bit like a villain, but so what?
Good for good, evil for evil.