Chapter 695
Chapter 695
Chapter 695. On the Way to Deliver the Wedding Invitation (5)
Before I knew it, preparations for camping out were complete.
It was worth the trouble of carrying all that firewood on my back.
The most important thing when camping out in the North Sea is maintaining body temperature.
One wrong move, and you could freeze to death.
We sat around the blazing campfire and filled our stomachs with warm soup.
It had been boiled with jerky and rice flour, so it was quite filling.
“We should rest here, then return to the North Sea branch as soon as day breaks.” (Black Iron Hunter)
The Black Iron Hunter said.
“Judging from the sky, it seems the snowstorm will blow a day earlier than scheduled.” (Black Iron Hunter)
“In that case, we will have to hurry.” (Young Captain)
If I had my way, I would like to return right now, but the Branch Head’s party was far too exhausted.
The external injuries had all been healed by Geumryeong’s needles, but stamina and mental strength could not be restored.
So we decided to rest here for the night before moving.
We burned away the Agok Seongjo, the evil spiritual beast stained with blood, but left its feathers behind.
There is a saying that the hides of demonic beasts, evil spiritual beasts, bring calamity, so they are all burned, but feathers are different.
Feathers with market value sell for quite a high price.
Maybe it is a difference in perception caused by aversion to the blood of evil spiritual beasts?
Honestly, hide or feather, it is all the same thing.
In any case, they are beautiful feathers that resemble snow.
So it would be a waste to burn them.
That was why I plucked all the feathers, put them in a sack, and gave them to the Black Iron Hunter as a gift.
“You are giving these to us?” (Black Iron Hunter)
“Yes. Please have clothes made from them and wear them. From what I can tell, they seem to have a certain degree of defensive power. Also, they should help you avoid the eyes of other bad spiritual beasts.” (Young Captain)
“Thank you.” (Black Iron Hunter)
I could sell these for a high price, but managing business connections is important, too.
Then the platoon leader asked the Branch Head.
“Branch Head, what exactly happened?” (Platoon Leader)
“You have probably guessed as well. On the way to the hunter village, we heard a child crying. As you know, there are times when only the children of those who flee to this North Sea survive, are there not?” (Branch Head)
“…….” (Platoon Leader)
As the Branch Head said, some of those who can no longer live in the Empire flee to the North Sea clinging to a thread of hope.
Their reasons may vary, but most meet the same end.
Whether they freeze to death and are eaten by demonic beasts, or are eaten alive.
If they are lucky, their lives might be saved by a hunter village, or they might be rescued by a palace warrior of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
In any case, because such things happen, the Branch Head’s party also headed toward the place where the crying was coming from, just in case.
“We headed there, but there was no child. And the moment several of those in the lead approached the cliff with blank expressions, the Agok Seongjo revealed itself. The warriors behind them stepped in to stop them, and a battle broke out.” (Branch Head)
“Even so, I am glad you were not eaten by the Agok Seongjo.” (Platoon Leader)
“Heaven truly helped us.” (Branch Head)
Like that, the night deepened further and further.
Day broke.
We cleaned up the place and headed for the North Sea branch.
As we walked along, we realized that a problem had occurred.
Because even though enough time had passed that the North Sea branch should have been visible and more, it was nowhere to be seen.
“Is this the right road? There is no way it should take this long.” (Branch Head)
“I, it seems we have fallen into seolmi.” (Platoon Leader)
Seolmi meant losing one’s way because of snow.
When the terrain changed because of snow or wind, even a skilled hunter could lose the way.
And all four directions were white because of the snow.
That was why even optical illusions occurred, causing one to lose one’s sense of direction.
“Then what should we do?” (Branch Head)
“First, it would be best to rest here for a while. I will look for a way to find the path.” (Platoon Leader)
“Then let us do that.” (Branch Head)
We stopped in place for a while, drank water, chewed jerky, and rested.
“It seems we have lost our way.” (Platoon Leader)
“The snowstorm will blow soon…… I am worried.” (Branch Head)
“Indeed. We need to find the way quickly.” (Platoon Leader)
If they are with me, they will probably be safe even if the snowstorm blows.
Because the Silver Mist Sword I possess can control the snowstorm.
But this is a situation where everyone grows more exhausted day by day, and we can see the bottom of our food supplies.
We must hurry back to the North Sea branch.
Hoo, is there no good method?
As I was agonizing over it, one item came to mind.
Ah! That’s right, I had the Hyeonrodo.
It cannot be used to find a constantly moving target, but if it is finding a path to a fixed location somewhere, then the Hyeonrodo is the optimal method.
I immediately took out the Hyeonrodo.
Then, beside it, I wrote the destination I wished to go to with my finger.
I came to learn that when writing the destination, it did not necessarily have to be done with a brush.
You only had to write the letters so the Hyeonrodo could recognize them.
Soon, a black map appeared on the red wrapping cloth, and a golden line stretched straight out, showing the path we had to take.
As expected, the Hyeonrodo is the best!
Perhaps realizing that I was praising it, a corner of the Hyeonrodo fluttered.
If we only follow this path, we should be able to reach the North Sea branch safely.
After memorizing that path, I rose from my place and approached the platoon leader.
He was lost in thought with a worried expression.
“Platoon Leader.” (Young Captain)
“Ah, Young Captain. What is it?” (Platoon Leader)
“Would it be all right if I guided the way?” (Young Captain)
“Pardon? What do you mean by that?” (Platoon Leader)
“As you know, I often travel to and from the Northern Sea Ice Palace. And looking at this terrain, it seems to be terrain I know.” (Young Captain)
“Is that really true?” (Platoon Leader)
He asked back with a brightened face.
“You truly know this terrain?” (Platoon Leader)
“Yes.” (Young Captain)
Warrior Seo Woo, who was beside me, agreed.
“It is familiar terrain to me as well. And as you know, our liege has an exceptionally good sense of direction, does he not?” (Seo Woo)
At that, the platoon leader nodded with a bright expression.
“In that case, I shall ask this of you. I will prepare to depart immediately.” (Platoon Leader)
“Thank you for trusting me.” (Young Captain)
After ending our rest, we set out again.
“This way.” (Young Captain)
This time, my party and I stood at the head.
And as we moved, I checked the Hyeonrodo now and then to see whether we were going correctly, or whether the route had changed along the way.
“Oh! Th, there!” (Someone)
“It is the North Sea branch!” (Someone)
The party shouted loudly.
Their voices were mixed with gladness, joy, and relief.
As expected, the Hyeonrodo really is an artifact.
Even after wandering for more than four sichen, we could not even get near the North Sea branch, but after following the path the Hyeonrodo showed us, it took only one sichen.
On top of that, not a single blood-stained spiritual beast showed its nose along the way, so everyone was able to reach the destination safely.
“Thank you so much.” (Someone)
“We survived thanks to you.” (Someone)
Like that, I received everyone’s words of thanks.
“It is fortunate that it was a path I knew.” (Young Captain)
Then I approached the Black Iron Hunter and made a suggestion.
“Did you not say that the snowstorm will blow soon? I understand you have circumstances requiring you to return to your tribe, but it may be dangerous now, so please stay at our branch for a while before you go back.” (Young Captain)
At my words, he nodded and said.
“Then, shameless as it may be, we will stay for a while.” (Black Iron Hunter)
Like that, just as we entered the branch and were about to rest, the snowstorm began blowing from far away.
A fierce wind so violent that calling it a gale was not enough.
Everyone shuddered as they looked at it.
“If we had been even a little late, we would have been swept up in that snowstorm.” (Someone)
“Ugh! It is horrifying just to think about.” (Someone)
At their words, I laughed silently.
Then the Vice Branch Head, who had heard that we had returned, came running.
“Branch Head!” (Vice Branch Head)
“Ah! Vice Branch Head.” (Branch Head)
“What in the world happened? And what is all that blood on your clothes?” (Vice Branch Head)
“It is a long story. Still, Young Captain saved us in time, so we survived. Hahaha.” (Branch Head)
“Oh my, Branch Head!” (Vice Branch Head)
After that, I saw Miss Seohyang and Palgap approaching me, and I smiled at them gladly.
.
.
.
The noisy spell passed.
I was drinking tea inside the Branch Head’s office.
Right now, a snowstorm was raging outside, but the inside of this North Sea branch was cozy.
The branch building, built after receiving advice from the hunter tribe, looked somewhat different from ordinary buildings in the Empire.
First, the roof was high, and the slope was steep.
And much beeswax had been applied to the roof to pay attention to waterproofing, and this was because of the snow.
The slope had been made steep so that snow would slide down easily, and to prevent water from leaking into the roof as the snow melted.
And a courtyard had been placed in the middle of the house shaped like the character 口, which was for allowing snow to pile up there.
Because that snow had to be melted and used as domestic water and drinking water.
And there was a corridor encircling the 口-shaped house, so one could move to every space in the building without going outside.
The scenery outside seen through the narrow window was rather fierce. The snowstorm still had not stopped, after all.
“Once again, I thank you, Young Captain.” (Branch Head)
At the Branch Head’s greeting, I smiled awkwardly.
“You do not have to go so far. I only did what I had to do.” (Young Captain)
“No. Even so, I must properly express my thanks.” (Branch Head)
He set down his teacup and spoke.
“I read the documents you gave me. You plan to take ice from the North Sea and sell it?” (Branch Head)
“That is correct. As you know, it is summer now, is it not? Everyone is suffering from the heat. This year is somewhat worse, too.” (Young Captain)
“If you can transport it properly, it will certainly make money.” (Branch Head)
“Since our Eunhae Trading Company has this North Sea branch, should we not move in a direction that brings profit?” (Young Captain)
“That is true.” (Branch Head)
The Branch Head nodded and continued.
“Then after gathering the ice, will you be returning immediately, Young Captain?” (Branch Head)
“No.” (Young Captain)
I shook my head.
“My party and I must visit the Northern Sea Ice Palace. So I would like you to gather ice and prepare to transport it during that time.” (Young Captain)
“Understood. Then when will you be going to the Northern Sea Ice Palace?” (Branch Head)
“I plan to depart in about two days.” (Young Captain)
Because there is still work I must do here.
The next day.
I left the North Sea branch with my party.
After confirming that the snowstorm had stopped, the Black Iron Hunter’s group immediately returned to their tribe.
The reason I did not leave for the Northern Sea Ice Palace right away was because of the remaining Agok Seongjo.
The Agok Seongjo I dealt with before had said it.
That there were about three of them around here.
If I do not deal with them, the North Sea branch, of course, and those who gather ice could be in danger.
Originally, I was going to go alone.
But.
“We are our liege’s escort warriors. When we do not know what might happen, how could we leave our liege’s side?” (Escort Warrior)
It was such a sound argument that I had nothing to say, and so I came with the escort warriors.
Agok Seongjo usually hide quietly and aim for prey.
That was why I planned to use the Hyeonrodo to find the Agok Seongjo.
I unfolded the Hyeonrodo and wrote letters.
[The place where the nearest Agok Seongjo around here is located]
The Hyeonrodo soon drew a golden line, showing where the nearest Agok Seongjo was.
I can deal with this one first.
I headed toward the place indicated by the Hyeonrodo, and arrived at the destination in half a sichen.
Then the cry of an Agok Seongjo could be heard.
“Waaah!” (Agok Seongjo)
At that, Warrior Jin Yu said.
“It seems the creature is nearby.” (Jin Yu)
“Just in case, please wait here for a while.” (Young Captain)
“Understood.” (Jin Yu)
After having the escort warriors wait for a moment, I approached the place where the sound was coming from.
“Waaah!” (Agok Seongjo)
The cry sounded again.
Let’s see…… It is over there.
Its fur, similar to snow, acted as protective coloration, so it was hard to find, but when I followed the sinister energy, I could see its form.
When I approached it.
Puk!
Sharp talons thrust out toward me as if being shot forth!
However, they did not reach me.
Because before that, I had cut off its ankle.
Seogak!
“Kieeeeeek!” (Agok Seongjo)
The Agok Seongjo screamed at the sudden pain and flapped its wings as if trying to run away.
That will not do!
This time, I kicked off the ground and soared into the air.
Then, by applying Iljeom Hyeonbing, the eighth technique of the Jinsul Twelve Forms Sword Technique, I pierced its neck in a single strike.
Thud!
As if it had died on the spot, its body beat its wings a few times and then fell straight to the ground.
That takes care of one.
Then shall I collect this fellow’s feathers?
.
.
.
I hunted four Agok Seongjo.
It had said three, but according to what the Hyeonrodo showed me, there were four in total.
With this, the North Sea branch should be safe for the time being.
And I collected quite a lot of Agok Seongjo feathers, too.
By the time I returned to the North Sea branch, it was close to dinner.
“You worked hard today. Let us wash up, rest a little, and then eat dinner.” (Young Captain)
“Understood.” (Escort Warriors)
When I returned to my quarters, Palgap greeted me and said.
“I prepared warm bathwater.” (Palgap)
“How did you know I would be coming back now?” (Young Captain)
“Officer Gwak told me.” (Palgap)
“I see. I should tell him thank you.” (Young Captain)
I took off my clothes and soaked my body in the warm water.
“Ugh…….” (Young Captain)
It feels as if my whole body is loosening.
While facing the Agok Seongjo, I felt a sense of duty.
That was a duty toward the reconstruction of the Snowstorm Palace.
The Founder had asked this of me. I also received much support for it.
If the Snowstorm Palace had been maintained firmly, a creature like the Agok Seongjo would not have dared even think of coming this way.
But as the Snowstorm Palace disappeared, this surrounding area is not being managed properly.
It is not as if I can openly rebuild the Snowstorm Palace yet, but I cannot simply leave this place as it is either…….
It seemed I would have to think of some kind of method.
.
.
.
I rested well for a day, and the time came to head for the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
“Then, please have a safe trip.” (Someone)
“Yes.” (Young Captain)
With everyone seeing us off, we left the North Sea branch.
I wonder what the Palace Head of the Ice Palace will say when she receives the wedding invitation?
I am getting a little curious.
Come to think of it, before, the Palace Head said she would give me a gift to commemorate my becoming the Young Palace Head of the Snowstorm Palace.
Surely she has not forgotten, has she?