Chapter 702
Chapter 702
Chapter 702. Northern Sea Branch Office (2)
At my words, Elder Hwangbo Hwi said with a displeased expression.
“Will you only be satisfied after emptying this old man’s pockets too?” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“Elder. Anyone hearing you would think I am some shameless bastard who swindles poor old men.” (I)
I pointed at the bottle of liquor soaked in ice and said.
“And even one bottle of this does not cost one silver coin.” (I)
“You brat, you speak of one silver coin as though it were the cost of a single meal! That is an ordinary household’s living expenses for a month!” (Hwangbo Hwi)
Geumryeong eats that in one go, though…….
I said with a smile.
“The Hwangbo Clan is not an ordinary household, is it?” (I)
“Ahem.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
The elder took one silver coin out of his wallet, put it down, and said.
“Is that enough?” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“Thank you.” (I)
“I will be sure to receive my change.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
Of course.
I gave a faint laugh and said.
“You do not need to worry about that.” (I)
Then I took out a cup that had been sitting in ice water and poured him liquor.
This way, the liquor could be drunk even colder.
“Please drink.” (I)
The elder drained the cup in one go and wore a satisfied expression.
“Kuh! Yes, this is the taste!” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“You seem pleased that the prohibition on alcohol has been lifted.” (I)
“Of course! By the way, you must have worked hard bringing ice all the way here.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“Of course.” (I)
“You brought trouble on yourself.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
Judging by what he said to me, the elder seemed to know my skill as well.
“What can I do? I brought it on myself.” (I)
I answered with a bitter smile, then changed the topic.
“This time, Hwangbo Hongui of the Hwangbo Clan has agreed to come as an instructor.” (I)
“If it is that fellow, he has a strong sense of responsibility, so he will do well.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“Yes. Since the Clan Head recommended him, I believe he will do well. And Lady Hwangbo Ina agreed to come as the dormitory matron of the martial arts academy.” (I)
“Hm?” (Hwangbo Hwi)
As if this was unexpected, the elder opened his eyes wide and asked back.
“Ina did?” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“Yes.” (I)
Come to think of it, the elder is Lady Hwangbo Ina’s uncle.
“Huh! You are quite skilled. How did you change the mind of that girl who would not open her heart and kept her ears firmly shut no matter how much we spoke to her?” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“I simply had a bit of a conversation with her.” (I)
I answered only that, then took a key out of my pouch and placed it on the table.
“And I found out when your true birthday is, Elder.” (I)
“I thought you would find out someday, but this is much faster than I expected.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
The elder looked a little surprised, but soon held out his cup with a calm face.
“Pour me another cup.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“Yes.” (I)
As he watched the cup being filled, the elder opened his mouth.
“Those are things I collected while traveling throughout the whole empire. They will be useful to you.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“Thank you. I will use them somewhere meaningful.” (I)
“That is enough.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
And he drank the liquor.
“Kuh! It is cool!” (Hwangbo Hwi)
From what I had heard, Elder Hwangbo Hwi had never married.
He had not married while guarding the Emperor because he feared something bad might happen through a wife and children.
So while looking for someone to inherit his things, he seemed to have chosen me.
“In exchange for inheriting those, I have one request.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“What is it?” (I)
“Do not leave His Majesty the Emperor’s side.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“…….”
At those words, I could not answer readily.
“Why is there no answer?” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“I do not know what your hidden intention is.” (I)
“What hidden intention? It is exactly as I said.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“If so, you may be at ease. Being beside His Majesty the Emperor is also profitable for me, so why would I leave? However…….” (I)
“However? What?” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“His Majesty the Emperor covets me as an official of the imperial palace, and that is simply difficult.” (I)
At my words, the elder laughed and said.
“Bah! A fellow who could call a loach his elder brother. You slip away so well this way and that, and yet you whine…….” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“No, Elder! It really feels like my lifespan is being cut short.” (I)
“Is that not your fault for being so outstanding, rather than His Majesty the Emperor’s fault for liking talented people? Do you not also light up your eyes when it comes to talent?” (Hwangbo Hwi)
That…… is true. I have nothing to say.
.
.
.
After finishing my conversation with the elder like that, I headed to the Changin Escort Agency.
Because there was another important matter I had to resolve this time.
“Welcome!” (Escort)
When I entered the Changin Escort Agency, the escorts welcomed me.
It was our Eunha Trading Company’s main escort agency, but it was also an escort agency founded by disciples of the Snow Wind Palace.
“Ah! It has been a long time!” (Ha Cheol)
“Head Escort Ha Cheol.” (I)
He, who was also my second sister-in-law’s father, approached me.
“It seems you are off duty?” (I)
“It has only been two days since I returned from an escort mission.” (Ha Cheol)
“You must have worked hard. Are Master and the Agency Head inside?” (I)
“Yes. They happen to all be here.” (Ha Cheol)
I had already sent Geumryeong to say that I would visit today, so they should have been inside, but I asked to make sure anyway.
“I will escort you. Please come this way.” (Ha Cheol)
“Yes.” (I)
As I headed to the Agency Head’s office, I looked around.
It feels like there are more people than before?
“It seems the number of people at the escort agency has increased a little. Am I right?” (I)
“As expected, you noticed.” (Ha Cheol)
He grinned and said.
“We recently went to Hangzhou and brought new escorts back with us.” (Ha Cheol)
In other words, he had brought those among the children of Yangyang Martial Academy who, upon coming of age, wished to become escorts.
“I see.” (I)
We spoke like that and arrived at the Agency Head’s office.
Before my arrival could even be announced, Master’s voice was heard from inside.
“Come in.” (Master)
“Yes.” (I)
As expected of Master, she knew I had arrived.
I greeted Head Escort Ha Cheol and went inside.
Inside were the Agency Head and Master.
It has been a long time since I saw the Agency Head.
I clasped my hands before them.
“This humble merchant, Eun Seoho, greets you both.” (I)
At this, the Agency Head waved his hand.
“You do not need to be so formal with me.” (Agency Head)
“No.” (I)
I said with a smile.
“I tend to treat my elders with respect.” (I)
Using respectful speech is emotionally comfortable for me.
Also, it can make the other person feel good, and it makes it easier for me to obtain what I want.
The reason I use respectful speech even to poor-quality people is so that I do not become the same level as them.
And even if the matter grows larger, the side using respectful speech, me, can become more advantageous.
Of course, right now it was literally a meaning of respect.
Because the Agency Head was both the head of a business partner and also a senior of Snow Wind Palace.
“Sit.” (Master)
“Yes.” (I)
At Master’s suggestion, I sat, and the Agency Head personally brewed tea and served it.
“Please drink.” (Agency Head)
“Thank you.” (I)
I took a sip of tea and put down the teacup.
Their gazes showed that they were very curious why I had asked them to gather.
“The reason I asked to see you both together is because of a discussion regarding the future of our Snow Wind Palace.” (I)
“Continue.” (Master)
I sent a telepathic message to Master.
Does the Agency Head also know about the Sura Blood Cult? (I)
Yes. The Agency Head must know as well. (Master)
If the Agency Head knew too, then I could bring up the main point immediately.
“As you both know, it has become almost clear that the ones who caused the calamity in Snow Wind Palace were the Sura Blood Cult. However, I do not think Snow Wind Palace should continue crouching down like this just because of that.” (I)
At my words, the Agency Head expressed concern.
“But we are in a situation where we do not know who is behind the Sura Blood Cult. You know too, Young Palace Lord, that if we move rashly and are struck by the ones behind them, it will truly be the end.” (Agency Head)
“Of course. I am not saying we should immediately rise to the surface and reveal ourselves either.” (I)
I calmly continued explaining.
“But I think we must make preparations a little more actively. For the sake of rebuilding Snow Wind Palace as well.” (I)
At that moment, Master asked.
“So, do you have something in mind?” (Master)
“Yes. The Changin Escort Agency’s Northern Sea branch office.” (I)
As if my words were sudden, the two were briefly flustered.
“You mean that we should establish a branch office of the Changin Escort Agency in the Northern Sea?” (Agency Head)
At the Agency Head’s question, I nodded.
“That is correct. If there is a branch office in the Northern Sea, would we not be able to learn the circumstances of the Northern Sea more quickly and in greater detail? Also, when training martial arts, the effect would be better.” (I)
The martial arts of Snow Wind Palace were ice arts.
That was why having yin energy nearby was more advantageous for training, and the greatest of that yin energy was snow.
In particular, the martial arts of Snow Wind Palace were specialized in using the energy of snow.
“And when the time comes, Snow Wind Palace will be able to move more keenly and quickly than anyone.” (I)
At my words, the two closed their eyes and fell into thought.
After a moment, the Agency Head opened his eyes and raised an objection.
“What you say is correct, but there is a problem.” (Agency Head)
“What problem?” (I)
“First, there is no suitable justification for our Changin Escort Agency to establish a branch office in the Northern Sea. If we suddenly establish a branch office in the Northern Sea, they will certainly suspect the Changin Escort Agency. There is no way the Sura Blood Cult or those behind them, who are watching the Northern Sea, will not think that way.” (Agency Head)
The Agency Head continued.
“Also, from the perspective of the escort agency, establishing a branch office there has no economic feasibility. We may be able to do something about the cost required to establish the branch office, but the issue is operating expenses. Even if we receive requests there, how much profit would there be?” (Agency Head)
At this, Master also nodded.
“I am of the same thought.” (Master)
Their concerns were already within the expected range.
I grinned.
“If it is that, there is no problem.” (I)
“Please explain.” (Agency Head)
“In truth, our Eunha Trading Company plans to expand our business centered around the Northern Sea branch.” (I)
“You mean other than transporting beast hides from the Northern Sea?” (Agency Head)
“Yes. First, we plan to begin an ice business.” (I)
“An ice business?” (Agency Head)
“We plan to build a large-scale icehouse at the main headquarters, and sell that ice south of the Yangtze River. For this, we need to regularly travel to and from the Northern Sea and transport ice.” (I)
“Are you saying you will entrust that work to our Changin Escort Agency?” (Agency Head)
At the Agency Head’s question, I nodded.
“That is what I intend. And would the ice arts of the Changin Escort Agency’s people not be perfect for transporting ice?” (I)
“That is true.” (Agency Head)
“Also, we must transport the Northern Sea’s silk to Beijing or Hubei.” (I)
“Silk?” (Agency Head)
“This is a business proposed by the Northern Sea Ice Palace.” (I)
I explained the dye that could color silk a sparkling red as if silver powder had been sprinkled over it.
“These two businesses can provide great profit to our Eunha Trading Company. However, the distance is far, and especially with silk, there is danger in transport, so the role of the escort agency is extremely important.” (I)
I looked at Master and the Agency Head as I continued.
“I think this much would be enough of a reason in anyone’s eyes to establish a branch office in the Northern Sea.” (I)
The Agency Head’s eyes sparkled.
“That is certainly true. If that is the case, it would be sufficient reason for the Changin Escort Agency to establish a branch office in the Northern Sea.” (Agency Head)
As expected, the Agency Head is a businessman.
Seeing how thoroughly he weighs gains and losses.
The reason Snow Wind Palace had been able to exist under the name Changin Escort Agency until now must have been thanks to the Agency Head.
Any organization without money is no different from a sandcastle that can be swept away whenever waves come crashing in.
Of course, an organization does not move only by looking at money.
There has to be some ideal, and Master is currently playing the role of the spiritual great tree of Snow Wind Palace.
Master spoke.
“In other words, Young Palace Lord, you are saying we should make the Northern Sea branch office a stepping stone for rebuilding Snow Wind Palace.” (Master)
“That is correct.” (I)
“If we establish a branch office in the Northern Sea, we will be able to learn information about the Northern Sea quickly and accurately, so we may also come to know other information regarding the calamity of Snow Wind Palace.” (Master)
“Yes.” (I)
“It has been a long time since I set foot on Northern Sea land.” (Master)
Master’s face as she said that was full of remorse.
“This matter will be formally discussed with the guardians.” (Master)
“Understood.” (I)
.
.
.
I came out of the Agency Head’s office and looked around the Changin Escort Agency.
It was a far better environment than in the memories of my previous life.
Because Head Escort Jeon Il had embezzled funds, they had lacked money for quite a long time.
At that moment, Master’s voice came from behind.
“Young Palace Lord.” (Master)
When I turned my head, Master was approaching.
“I will see you off.” (Master)
This worked out well.
Because there was something I wanted to say to Master.
“I will not refuse.” (I)
Like that, we headed to the stable and mounted our horses.
“Giddyap!” (I)
We set the horses off, but did not go fast.
My guards read the mood and withdrew behind us.
“Master. Thank you.” (I)
“For what?” (Master)
“If you had not told the Northern Sea Ice Palace’s Palace Lord about my marriage this time, she would nearly have been greatly sulky.” (I)
“What did I tell you? Did I not say that old hag sulks easily?” (Master)
M-Master…….
“And the Palace Lord of the Ice Palace bestowed an Ice Palace marriage on me and Vice Officer Kwak.” (I)
At my words, Master nodded.
“An Ice Palace marriage…… It is a nostalgic matter. My late mother sometimes told me about it. So, was it good?” (Master)
“Yes. It was very good. That is why I felt sorry toward you, Master.” (I)
“For what?” (Master)
I scratched my cheek.
“In truth, you should have enjoyed such luxury before me.” (I)
“Do not mind it. The situation could not be helped, could it?” (Master)
“So I will promise you one thing.” (I)
Master looked at me.
I met Master’s eyes and said.
“I will absolutely make it so that, even if it is later, you can hold an Ice Palace marriage with Madam. So that the Ice Palace will formally recognize you and Madam as husband and wife.” (I)
At my words, Master smiled gently.
Master’s smile is truly precious, and it seemed she liked my promise.
“I will look forward to that promise.” (Master)
Master continued speaking.
“But there is one thing in what Young Palace Lord said that I do not understand.” (Master)
“What is it?” (I)
“You have even held an Ice Palace marriage, so why do you call Miss Kwak Seohyang Vice Officer Kwak instead of wife or my woman?” (Master)