Chapter 704
Chapter 704
Chapter 704. Whereabouts (1)
The name of the son born between Warrior Seowoo and Madam Hong Geumso was Yun.
When the madam was pregnant with Seoyun, she had an accident and nearly suffered a disaster, but thanks to Miss Seohyang, she was able to remain safe.
At that time, the fruit Geumryeong gave Madam Hong Geumso to eat was the Taejae Fruit.
They had said that if one ate the Taejae Fruit while carrying a child, the child born would be born with one particularly outstanding talent.
“What sort of talent is it for you to be like this?” (Eun Seoho)
Seeing Warrior Seowoo agonize over it, is it some bad kind of talent, like stealing?
At my question, Warrior Seowoo hesitated and answered.
“...Arithmetic.” (Warrior Seowoo)
“Pardon? Arithmetic?” (Eun Seoho)
It was something I had never expected at all, so I asked back blankly, and Warrior Seowoo nodded.
“Yes. Arithmetic, as in counting numbers.” (Warrior Seowoo)
To be honest, since he was the child of Warrior Seowoo and Madam Hong Geumso, I thought he would have been born with talent related to swordsmanship or sense of color.
But arithmetic...
Still, it isn’t a bad thing. I was worried for nothing.
I said to Warrior Seowoo.
“The fact that you discovered Yun’s talent is something to congratulate you on. But why are you so deeply troubled over something to be happy about?” (Eun Seoho)
“I am worried that when the child grows older and starts doing difficult calculations, we as his parents may no longer be able to understand him.” (Warrior Seowoo)
At this, Warrior Yeo Eung-am said.
“As Warrior Seo knows, there is no one who can understand everything about another person, and no one who can be understood in everything.” (Warrior Yeo Eung-am)
It was just as Warrior Yeo Eung-am said.
Unless one becomes that person, it is impossible.
It does not matter whether they are a genius, a fool, or ordinary.
“And that is why people quarrel and fight.” (Warrior Yeo Eung-am)
“That is true.” (Warrior Seowoo)
“But if they have hearts that care for each other, I think they can understand each other to some degree, even if not completely.” (Warrior Yeo Eung-am)
Warrior Yeo Eung-am grinned.
“So do not worry too much. If your family has hearts that think of one another, then even if you cannot understand him with your head, you will be able to understand him with your heart. Is that not enough?” (Warrior Yeo Eung-am)
At those words, I also nodded and added.
“I also think Warrior Yeo Eung-am is right. But. How old is Yun now?” (Eun Seoho)
As far as I knew, he was still young.
“Ah, he is two years old and six months past.” (Warrior Seowoo)
“Then is that not around the age where he can now gradually speak proper words?” (Eun Seoho)
“Is that so? Actually, yesterday I picked some wild strawberries and told him to divide them equally, and after counting the number of wild strawberries, he said, ‘We each eat six.’” (Warrior Seowoo)
That is division, though?
“And when I told him to give my wife two more, he said, ‘Then Father can only eat four, so I will give you two more. I am fine eating only four.’” (Warrior Seowoo)
“...” (Eun Seoho)
He is certainly a genius.
Right now, Warrior Seowoo is focusing on his talent for arithmetic, but as I see it, the fact that he can speak like that itself makes him a genius.
“I was more moved by that heart that thinks of his parents than by his sense for numbers.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, Warrior Seowoo wore a shy expression, and I gave a faint laugh.
“I will look into a decent nanny for you before long.” (Eun Seoho)
We decided to eat out this evening.
Because it seemed there would be no time tomorrow, as we would be preparing to leave for Beijing.
Perhaps because the prohibition on alcohol had been lifted, the streets were certainly bustling.
On our way back after finishing the meal.
Once we left the bookstore street, the scent of summer brushed past my nose.
It was summer in earnest.
Even in the middle of being busy, it feels good to take a leisurely night stroll, even if only for a short while.
Just then, Warrior Myeongjong said.
“Is that person... not Warrior Ma Sunbok?” (Warrior Myeongjong)
Looking at the place he pointed to, Warrior Ma Sunbok really was there.
He was a new warrior assigned to Beijing, and he had come all the way to Hubei with us carrying the ice.
He had good powers of observation, so I had received help from him as well.
But what is he doing here at this hour?
Curious, I approached him.
He was in the middle of arguing with the owner of a weapon shop.
“Please. The money I have on me right now is only two silver nyang. Could you not put the rest on credit?” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
“That is difficult...” (Weapon Shop Owner)
“I beg you.” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
I quietly approached them and asked.
“Is there some problem?” (Eun Seoho)
Warrior Ma Sunbok, upon spotting me, quickly gave a clasped hands greeting.
“I greet the Young Company Head.” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
“Yes. Good to see you. But is something the matter?” (Eun Seoho)
“Well... the truth is, during the previous battle in the North Sea, my sword cracked. So I went to the smithy to have it repaired, but they said that even if they patched it, it would not last long, and told me to get a new one.” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
“So you came to the weapon shop.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. I found a suitable sword and was trying to get one...” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
The owner of the weapon shop spoke in his place, since he could not continue.
“He says he does not have enough money.” (Weapon Shop Owner)
Well... a new warrior’s monthly pay is not very much.
And weapons are far more expensive than one might think.
“So shameless as it is, I was asking if he could give it to me on credit.” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
I looked at Warrior Ma Sunbok.
He was someone who had been born an orphan, but grew up with the patronage of Head Merchant Gupyo and even became a warrior of the Silver Wind Unit.
But he felt too ashamed to ask for more help, so he was trying to solve it somehow on his own.
Looking at that, the world really is unfair.
To think that someone this talented could not fully blossom in his talent because he became an orphan earlier than others, and because he had no money.
Of course, I know it too.
That from that perspective, I am a blessed bastard.
Even though in my previous life, on my thirty-ninth birthday, I lost everything I had built and was murdered.
I went off track for a moment.
The fact that we formed this connection and he caught my eye must be the will of the heavens telling me that in this life, Warrior Ma Sunbok’s innate talent should fully bloom.
“Follow me.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes?” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
“There is somewhere we must go for a moment.” (Eun Seoho)
The place I took him to was Old Craftsman Yeom’s smithy.
“Is anyone here?” (Eun Seoho)
At my call, Old Craftsman Yeom’s son came out from inside.
Recognizing me, he was startled and quickly lowered his head.
“Are you not the third Young Company Head of the Eunhae Trading Company? What brings you here?” (Old Craftsman Yeom’s Son)
“I have come because I need to have a sword made. Is the old craftsman inside?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. He is inside. Please come in.” (Old Craftsman Yeom’s Son)
We went inside under his guidance.
Old Craftsman Yeom was looking at the red blazing flames.
It was six years ago when I first met him, yet he is still hale and hearty.
I courteously paid my respects to him.
“Eun Seoho, Young Company Head of the Eunhae Trading Company, greets you, Elder. Have you been well all this time?” (Eun Seoho)
“Hoho. You send a physician every year to have a tonic made for me, so of course I am healthy!” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
I ask a physician of the Eunhae Trading Company to send him a tonic every year.
As a matter of course, if one is a merchant, one must value connections with outstanding artisans.
“Please sit.” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
He respectfully offered me a seat.
Old Craftsman Yeom is someone who responds differently depending on the other party’s attitude, and since I treated him courteously, Old Craftsman Yeom treated me courteously as well.
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
I sat down and said.
“I apologize for coming so late at night, but there is something urgent I must ask of you.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it?” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
“I would like to ask for a sword for this warrior here.” (Eun Seoho)
“Very well.” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
He readily agreed to my request and extended his hand to Warrior Ma Sunbok.
“Let me see your sword.” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
“Yes.” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
He held out the sword he had been wearing, and Old Craftsman Yeom examined it closely.
“Mm... did you perhaps recently go somewhere extremely cold? Somewhere like the North Sea, for example?” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
“Yes! That is right.” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
“You managed to endure well with a sword that is not even particularly good.” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
At those blunt words, Warrior Ma Sunbok lowered his head with an embarrassed expression.
“But... you worked incredibly hard. As if your life depended on it.” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
At this, he lifted his head.
“But because you were afraid the sword might break, you could not strike anything and simply cut only through empty air endlessly.” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
“...That is correct.” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
“Can someone who lives by the blade do such a thing?” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
“...” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
Old Craftsman Yeom continued as he inspected the blade.
“It does not seem to be any particularly precious sword, and it seems you simply cherished this cheap sword because you had no money to buy another.” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
“How did you know?” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
His eyes looked as though he were seeing an uncanny fortune-teller. At this, Old Craftsman Yeom burst into a hearty laugh.
“Anyone would know this much.” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
At this, I shook my head inwardly.
No, Elder. You are overestimating other people too much.
“In any case, understood. I will make a good sword for this warrior.” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
“Thank you. And before that sword is completed, he needs a sword to use temporarily.” (Eun Seoho)
“Well, I suppose so. Let me see...” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
He rose from his seat, looked over the swords hanging nearby, and brought one over.
“This should serve well enough until the sword is completed.” (Old Craftsman Yeom)
“Thank you.” (Eun Seoho)
I handed that sword to Warrior Ma Sunbok.
“Take it.” (Eun Seoho)
“Um...” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
He hesitated without taking the sword and asked.
“What should I do for you in return?” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“Well... what I realized from a young age is that when someone shows goodwill, it is because they expect a price. So does this not also have a price?” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
“Do you think Head Merchant Gupyo also sponsored you expecting a price?” (Eun Seoho)
“Th-that is...” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
To him, who had been left speechless, I spoke gently.
“People sometimes show goodwill to someone without wanting anything in return. The reason may be love or sympathy, and it may be fate or a connection.” (Eun Seoho)
I continued speaking.
“And I think this is a connection, but if that makes you uncomfortable, you may also think it is because I expect a price.” (Eun Seoho)
“...What is the price?” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
“Improve your skills. Then protect the Eunhae Trading Company. And did I not receive great help from you back in the North Sea? Repayment for that is included as well.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he bit his lip.
“I do not really know whether I was of help, but I will do my best to improve my skills and protect the Eunhae Trading Company.” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
“That is enough. And... while you are at it, cherish those looks as well.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes? My face... you mean?” (Warrior Ma Sunbok)
I nodded.
“People are more sensitive to what they see than one might think. And people easily show goodwill to those who are good-looking.” (Eun Seoho)
In my memories of my previous life, he said he was often misunderstood because of his bandit-like appearance.
If he starts grooming that appearance even now, then such unfair incidents will not occur.
“Then, everyone, please step outside for a moment.” (Eun Seoho)
Even if not for Warrior Ma Sunbok, I had been thinking of coming here.
After sending everyone out like that, I had a conversation alone with Blacksmith Yeom.
“Why did you send everyone out?” (Blacksmith Yeom)
“First, please accept this.” (Eun Seoho)
I took out a bank draft and held it out. He was slightly startled when he saw the amount on the bank draft I offered.
“It is a considerable sum.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
“Yes. It means that I would like you, Old Craftsman, to put your utmost sincerity into making the sword. I owe that warrior a bit of a debt.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
“And how much should I give you for the sword he will use temporarily?” (Eun Seoho)
“I will simply give that one to you.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
“Then I am grateful.” (Eun Seoho)
“What shall I do when the sword is completed?” (Blacksmith Yeom)
“I will come to pick it up. As you know, I am getting married in the fall, am I not?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. The wedding invitation arrived. I will certainly go to congratulate you.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
This should be enough for Warrior Ma Sunbok’s sword...
I untied the Silver Mist Sword, placed it before him, and said.
“Do you remember this sword?” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. I remember.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
“When you looked at this sword before, you said it was a sword made from Ice Crystal.” (Eun Seoho)
“I did.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
Old Craftsman Yeom obediently nodded.
“And at the time, you said you could recognize it because you had seen Ice Crystal before.” (Eun Seoho)
“...” (Blacksmith Yeom)
“In truth, Ice Crystal is a treasure of the Northern Sea Ice Palace. It is nearly impossible for an ordinary person to see it.” (Eun Seoho)
Old Craftsman Yeom kept silent at my words.
Thinking that my guess was correct, I asked directly.
“Do you perhaps know a blacksmith named Cheongtae?” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, he answered as if exhaling a sigh.
“How could I not know that man? He is my grandmaster.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
I thought he would be connected in some way, and sure enough, he was.
“From what I heard, only some of his descendants remained in the North Sea, while the others settled in the empire. Then where are the other descendants? Surely there could not have been only one or two of them.” (Eun Seoho)
“They are all dead.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“What use is it if one’s skill alone is outstanding? With a personality like that, how could he marry and have children, or take in disciples?” (Blacksmith Yeom)
“...” (Eun Seoho)
“And his own work was more important to him, while passing down his skills was not even in his mind. Foolishly so.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
In the end, it means the lineage has nearly been cut off.
He continued speaking as if complaining.
“My personality was not this damn awful from the beginning. I became like this while serving a damn awful master.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
So that was the case.
“But you managed to get married.” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he scratched his head.
“She is my master’s daughter.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
“Pardon?” (Eun Seoho)
“Still, my master’s personality was fairly decent, at least.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
You just said he was a damn awful master...
“So as far as I know, I am the only one in the empire who inherited Ancestor Cheongtae’s skills.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
So that was why the weapons Old Craftsman Yeom made were so remarkable.
“But not even a quarter of my grandmaster’s skills have been passed down. According to what I heard from my master, records of those skills remain in a place called Seolpung Palace, but Seolpung Palace no longer exists, does it?” (Blacksmith Yeom)
I could not help but ask him.
“Do you know about Seolpung Palace?” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course I do. While my master was asking around about that place, he heard the news that it had been annihilated, and the shock left him bedridden. In the end, he never rose again.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
Old Craftsman Yeom gave a bitter smile, then looked at the Silver Mist Sword and said.
“In any case, the more I look at it, the more truly beautiful and astonishing the skill is.” (Blacksmith Yeom)
Seeing that he does not recognize this, it is clear that most of the techniques have indeed been lost.
“This is a sword made by Blacksmith Cheongtae.” (Eun Seoho)
“Pardon?” (Blacksmith Yeom)
Old Craftsman Yeom looked startled, and I asked seriously.
“So, speaking of which, where did you see the Ice Crystal you saw before?” (Eun Seoho)