I have no intention of begging for mercy from the hostage-taker.
Thud!
We’re going to face each other.
I’ll reciprocate the same way. Let’s aim our guns at each other’s most precious possessions and start. Not a one-sided notice disguised as a proposal, but a proper negotiation.
Of course, if things go awry, we’ll pull the trigger, but given the situation is on the verge of explosion, you understand what we’re saying, right?
Given the situation with the negotiations in Man Geum, Hae-wol Ru had no choice but to request a mediator.
“Negotiation, huh…”
The discontented gaze of a woman with neatly pinned navy hair is fixed upon me.
At a glance, one might think it’s just a typical fight between men and women of that age group, but in reality, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
The woman in front of me was Gi-mun Hyang-ju, the head of the branch overseeing the Hubei Province.
It’s surprising, even when I try not to pay attention. She looks like she’s in her twenties, yet how is she actually in her forties?
They say the aging process slows down as martial arts mastery increases, but I’m curious what storms she’s weathered in this world.
Her eyes, perhaps having weathered life’s tempests, appear both decadent and mature, reminiscent of a skilled courtesan.
I quietly await the next words from the head of the branch.
“Is it your intention? Or is it the inspector’s intention?”
Did you suggest renegotiations? Or did the inspector tell you to do so? It was a simple question.
“It’s the inspector’s intention.”
“The method must then come from your head, right?”
“……”
You understand me too well.
“If you flail around with an unfamiliar sword just because it feels good, many will see blood. Even more so, you should be extra cautious with someone else’s sword.”
If you swagger around with power, it’ll backfire. It was more of a piece of advice than a warning.
“I intend to catch one goat who thinks he’s something special and return it right away.”
Is it because she remembered the goat-like man of Hae-wol Ru? The head of the branch’s mouth corners slightly lifted before she hurriedly returned to her expression management, bringing a pipe to her lips.
Huuuu… “Since you’re so eager, I must ensure the goat does not die. So how do you intend to proceed?”
“I want to redo the math.”
Isn’t it under equal conditions now? Let’s reevaluate the negotiation terms from the beginning.
“Hae-wol Ru wants to simply hand over Hong Ran; if not, they’ll rather sell the entire establishment.”
“I’m not so shameless as to ask for it free of charge.”
“Considering the ruckus you stirred up, that’s surprisingly unexpected.”
The head of the branch raised her eyebrows in astonishment.
Honestly, if this were my business, I would’ve screamed asking for it free, but I was given a word by the inspector.
“To pay a price first?”
“Using my name is acceptable. But forcibly taking Hong Ran is not allowed.”
“Inspector-nim, if you used a bit of your power…”
“And that’s where the problem lies.”
“Huh?”
“If I swing the sword bestowed by the emperor freely, how would it be any different than the scoundrels I need to uproot?”
“That’s a valid point. But you need to consider your situation too.”
“I’m counting on only you. Please.”
It’s a frustrating request, but for a lowly inspector, one must weave their way through negotiations with a prominent figure.
I promised to seek reasonable negotiations instead of forcibly taking what isn’t mine.
“Then what do you suggest?”
How much should I offer for the miracle price? After much thought, I reached one conclusion.
“I’ll only pay half of the originally agreed miracle price.”
“Not feasible.”
“Head of the branch.”
You’re rather resolute.
Currently, the head of the branch appeared quite annoyed and brushed off the ashes from her pipe while slipping the other party’s terms towards me.
“Hae-wol Ru said, whether she falls this way or that way, she will not be the only one to fail.”
“How pathetic.”
Does that mean she has no intention of dying alone?
“From the start, she was a despicable character. Still, half feels excessive for me as well.”
“The miracle price was initially miscalculated, which is why I’m saying this.”
“Miscalculated?”
“I seized and reviewed the ledger of Hae-wol Ru. From the beginning, they seemed to regard the inspector as a fool and set a ridiculous price for the miracle. Perhaps it would make sense if it were a house you run, but Hae-wol Ru should not be suggesting such a miracle price.”
The miracle price typically factors in the cultivation cost of courtesans plus potential future earnings. The head of the branch might have thought it reasonable based on her performing courtesans; however, the rarely full Hae-wol Ru was a different story.
“I understand your reasoning, but Hae-wol Ru won’t easily accept this.”
I knew they would say that. No matter how much I presented the ledger, offering only 1/6 of the promised money would elicit the same response from anyone.
Given that Hae-wol Ru holds a mother and child hostage, it was awkward to unilaterally present conditions. However, I also have no intention to increase the miracle price.
‘If the inspector wants to pay off the debts borrowed from Man Geum Battlefield, this is the best I can do.’
I need to make a living too.
I’ll have to mention that the money received from the miracle is to repay the debts from the battlefield.
Neither I nor the inspector could offer more money, and Hae-wol Ru would not concede.
What to do?
“In a month, a brewery will be auctioned off.”
It was time to bring out another negotiation card.
“What do you mean by that?”
“It’s a shabby brewery that can only make cheap liquor. Given that it used to make illicit liquor, it’s a bit hesitant, and it likely won’t be an attractive investment due to the small production volume.”
“Are you suggesting I sell liquor for profit?”
I chuckled at the head of the branch’s words and shook my head. Did she think I came this far to suggest employment or investment?
“If left untouched, the brewery will not sell at all, which is why the government will offer a one-year tax exemption.”
The negotiation card I brought was a proposal anyone would find tempting.
“A brewery with tax-exempt liquor to sell?”
The head of the branch’s eyes widened in surprise.
Naturally.
The alcohol sold at establishments must be supplied by breweries. The government taxes the liquor from breweries, standardizing taxes on the alcoholic beverages, simultaneously confiscating a considerable amount.
For such taxes to be exempt? That’s enticing news.
“Orders will come from above. They will ensure that those who unfairly imprisoned will be prioritized in the auction. But to avoid chaos, only those with a valid liquor license can participate in the bidding.”
“Among those imprisoned, isn’t Hae-wol Ru the only one with a liquor license?”
I looked at the head of the branch with exaggerated astonishment.
“Wow. What wonderful coincidence. Quite the fortuitous accident, isn’t it?”
“Hmmm…”
It’s a situation where no one loses.
The government seizes the brewery from the illicit liquor vendors and recovers money into the national treasury while offering a one-year tax exemption to facilitate the sale of what seems unlikely to sell.
There’s nothing wrong with claiming to act in favor of those wrongfully imprisoned. Of course, the issue lies with the liquor license, but how negligent have the incompetent officials been?
No one expected that only one person would have a liquor license. I didn’t thoroughly check that far.
That was my oversight. With just a word, it could pass as a minor mistake due to incompetent management wasting a bit of money. However, one person’s help is essential.
“Of course, for this to be possible, Hae-wol Ru would need to be released with a sudden acquittal.”
To gain the right to sell tax-exempt liquor, one must not lose the liquor license. To make that happen, I’ll have to win the heart of the inspector, right?
Between merchants, transactions involve monetary exchanges, but deals with authorities involve wondrous rights.
This condition is sufficient to raise the stakes.
—————
“Originally half the miracle price and a brewery with a one-year tax exemption…”
It seems the head of the branch is becoming intrigued.
“Then we can make enough to cover the original miracle cost of Hong Ran. Depending on Hae-wol Ru’s sales ability, there’s also a chance to earn more. What do you think?”
“If that fellow had that level of ability, Hae-wol Ru wouldn’t be in such a state.”
“Haha.”
“Huuuuu. It’s not a bad condition, but Hae-wol Ru would likely find more attraction in the quick cash available right now.”
While nodding at my proposal, the head of the branch brought the pipe to her mouth with a troubled look.
Could it be that she’d prefer to receive money quickly?
‘If only the head of the branch would forcibly convince Hae-wol Ru.’
Since the head of the branch has stepped in as the mediator, shouldn’t she be representing Hae-wol Ru’s position? This would require a tiresome tug-of-war and stagnant negotiations.
‘If everyone except one person is satisfied, there might be a way.’
I had a trump card in this situation.
First, I need to meet the head of the branch’s eyes.
That’s exceedingly difficult. Although she’s not as revealing as at our first meeting, her fashion sense is philosophical, so she continues to flaunt that stunning collarbone.
If I avert my gaze downward, I’d just seem like any ordinary man.
Even if the head of the branch gives me a look as if questioning what’s wrong with me, that’s fine. I’ll flash her a friendly smile and open my mouth.
“Grandmother.”
“What?”
The pipe that was in the head of the branch’s mouth fell.
“Grandmother. Please help me, thinking of it as saving your grandson.”
“What?! Didn’t I tell you not to call me that?!”
The head of the branch raised her voice as if about to explode.
I needed a shock of this magnitude to pull off my plan. It’s unavoidable.
“You didn’t come to grapple with me out of joy, did you? Please think of saving your cute grandson and help me.”
There’s no need to lethargically negotiate at the negotiation table.
Why not use connections? The delegate here is nominally my mother’s mentor. That makes me her grandson, doesn’t it?
I clasped my hands together, pleading as I cautiously looked at the head of the branch.
“……I’ve heard that Man Geum-jeon is conducting successor tests.”
“If I succeed, wouldn’t I bring gifts of ginseng during the holidays and perform great bows? Plus, when you retire, you need to think about your old age. I, Kang Yoon-ho, have no intention of letting anyone else take care of your old age.”
While using my connections, I should also bribe the delegate.
“Ugh… I’m not at an age to think of retirement…”
Oh no. Would mentioning age after the grandma title also land me in hot water? The head of the branch clenched her teeth and retorted.
“Ahaha… E-ehem, head of the branch.”
This won’t do. Time to change my strategy. I rushed to the head of the branch and linked my arms with hers.
“W-what are you doing?”
Gazing at the startled head of the branch, I bent my knees.
Though I’m taller, ensuring the grandmother-grandson dynamic is essential for the angle. I acted all cute as if I found snacks at a market stall, saying, “Head of the branch, just think of it as your grandson asking for a favor. You can do this, right?”
As a man, Kang Yoon-ho, I’ve had my fair share of absurd experiences. I wouldn’t have been able to do this even in front of a bathroom mirror back in the day. Yet now, I’m different.
“That’s a ridiculous act. You’re twenty years too early.”
“Ugh.”
Bam!
Stars sparkled before my eyes.
While I rubbed my forehead where I’d been hit by the pipe, the head of the branch eased her crossed arms and turned away from me.
Did it backfire after all? Trying to act cute when I’m not used to it isn’t a great idea.
“Huuuuu… Just who did you inherit that from…”
With a sigh mixed with smoke, a bittersweet and affectionate voice flowed out.
“Head of the branch?”
Could it be that it worked?
“Do you truly need to go this far?”
The head of the branch looked back at me with a serious expression as she asked.
She’s the head of the courtesans.
Leaving Hong Ran, who committed the wrongdoing of a courtesan, unaddressed shouldn’t sit right with her. It raises questions about why she must be there persuading Hae-wol Ru.
Her gaze was like a question directed at me.
This is a great opportunity.
Change the expression. Look pitiful like an injured boy, resembling the poor grandson. Gaze at the head of the branch as a young man overcoming past pains.
And.
“……Honestly, it’s because it doesn’t feel unrelated to me.”
“……”
Kang Yoon-ho is the son of courtesan Hyang-a. Hyang-a is a disciple of Gi-mun Hyang-ju.
I bring forth our previous dynamic as grandmother and grandson and remind her how deeply invested I am regarding the miracle issue.
A young man unable to forget his mother shows his wounds to his grandmother.
Now, that was a reason the head of the branch would find hard to refuse.
“You’re truly a character that should not be seated on the opposite side.”
The head of the branch let out a chuckle, as if having conceded. Almost there.
“I’ll always be by your side, so you won’t have to worry about that!”
As I tried to link arms with the head of the branch again, I was immediately stopped.
“That’s enough. Stay away from the house and don’t show yourself.”
“Does that mean…? Huh?!”
The head of the branch stood on her tiptoes, patted my head, and then replied with a warm smile.
“Do as you wish.”
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.