Since getting to know Hano, the branch leader of Hao-mun, I’ve met him every time I visit Yangweseong.
Whether I go looking for him or he comes seeking me.
As we shared drinks, we exchanged a lot of stories, gaining quite a few interesting bits of information, some of which I already knew and others that I didn’t.
One piece of information he shared that I was already aware of was the story of the fallen monk from Amipa.
After being expelled from Amipa, that fallen monk became a chef in the royal palace.
It’s a story you’d learn while attending events related to Amipa.
“…..”
I looked at Yohwan, the protagonist of that story.
She was subtly avoiding my gaze, turning one eye away.
“The reason she struggled to find a job in Cheongho must be related to this, right? And as you said, the reason those who aren’t martial artists know things only martial artists should know… is probably because you told them.”
Chaejeokyo frowned. Facing her cold expression, I shook my head.
“Even without your story, they wouldn’t dare overlook Amipa’s influence. There are plenty of martial artists visiting Cheongho, and among them, there must be those who feel they should be wary of Amipa. So, it wouldn’t be surprising that they avoided hiring Yohwan out of caution.”
“…So, the renowned innkeeper of Seomhwa Village fears nothing?”
What’s there to be afraid of?
Not many martial artists come to Seomhwa Village.
Besides, Hongseong isn’t connected to Amipa in any way.
Of course, Hongryeon holds the position of an inspector in the Murim Alliance, but she doesn’t have much to do with Amipa, so there shouldn’t be an issue.
And just because there was an event involving Yohwan doesn’t mean they had to become enemies with Amipa.
There are plenty of ways around that.
“What about Hongseong? They are part of the Murim Alliance and wouldn’t ignore Amipa, right?”
“Hiring Yohwan is my decision. It has nothing to do with Hongseong. My inn isn’t affiliated with any martial power, so what concern is it of yours?”
“…So, are you saying you will stop Moonjeong’s event?”
“If she herself doesn’t want to go, dragging her there doesn’t seem like something a righteous sect would do.”
“Ugh…!!”
Chaejeokyo gritted her teeth and groaned. I tried bringing up various topics after that, but how effective could it be?
It was clear she intended to forcibly take Yohwan.
“Aren’t you trying to take her because you expect something other than her skills as a chef?”
She flinched.
Chaejeokyo, who had been glaring at me with a fierce expression, shuddered.
I was right.
Moonjeong has chefs of their own.
While they might accept Yohwan for her herbal cuisine skills, I doubted that’s what Chaejeokyo truly desired.
She probably aimed to extract the martial arts knowledge from Amipa that Yohwan knows, which she can’t verbally share due to the taboo.
Perhaps she even knows a way to break that taboo.
But a Doje is proud.
And given that the Moonlight Blade Technique is considered the ultimate martial art, why would she even glance at Amipa’s martial arts?
So, what Chaejeokyo is doing right now is purely for herself.
With martial arts from a sect as significant as Amipa, analyzing them alone could make her stronger.
What she planned to do with that knowledge afterward, I couldn’t tell. That part never came up in Heavenly Bright Moon…
Did she just rely on the reputation of Moonjeong and the Doje?
Or maybe she had backing from Byeokroe Moon?
Still, this was recklessly thoughtless…
But thinking back, there were indeed those in Heavenly Bright Moon who foolishly relied solely on their clan or sect and charged ahead, so I can’t entirely dismiss that possibility.
Anyway, here’s the key point.
I fixed my gaze on her, who was grinding her teeth, and asked.
“Is taking Yohwan really part of Moonjeong’s event? Speak honestly. There are many eyes watching and ears listening here.”
If this was solely a plot by Chaejeokyo and not Moonjeong, then she should bear the responsibility for it.
As soon as I mentioned this, I heard the grinding of teeth, and ultimately, Chaejeokyo swiftly turned her body away.
I turned my body.
But the moment I slightly turned around, the glaring eyes told me this was by no means the end.
I headed to Chamo’s inn with Yohwan in tow.
Chamo seemed quite flustered seeing the embarrassed Yohwan but didn’t say much. Just quietly served tea.
“…Is it okay?”
Yohwan’s clear voice lacked energy. She fidgeted with the teacup, trying hard to smile.
Seeing the old woman’s expression filled with regret, pain, and apologies, I put away the cigarette case I was about to pull out.
“I told you, I just needed someone who knows how to make medicinal cuisine.”
“That…”
“Then stay here for a bit. I have to go somewhere for a moment.”
Now that I brought Yohwan, I had to fulfill Hyeonryeong’s request. I recalled the talismancer named Changju, as mentioned by Hyeonryeong.
I had at least heard the name in Heavenly Bright Moon. I remembered some talismancers saying that the talismancer, Dokgakgui Changju, was quite skilled at making talismans.
Of course, our scenario didn’t involve bringing Changju along. It was just about having someone who was good at making talismans stay in Seomhwa Village.
Still, Changju would certainly be helpful. Since Hyeonryeong had invited her, her salary would be covered by the government, so there’d be no burden on me.
“…Where are you going?”
“I’m going to pick someone up. A person named Changju, said to be a talented talismancer.”
“…Changju? Are you talking about Dokgakgui Changju?”
“Oh? Do you know her?”
“I do.”
The old woman smiled confidently, just like when she first met me.
“She lives next door.”
As is often the case in places where people live, this beautiful area with a lake called Cheongho certainly had its share of income disparity.
Once we got far away from the bustling district centered around Moonjeong, the buildings began to look rather shabby.
Walking on the muddy path, Yohwan kept glancing this way. No, more precisely, she was looking at Chaejin, who was walking beside me.
“What are you staring at?”
“…Nothing.”
Since the first time I saw her, Yohwan had been trying to distance herself from Chaejin. If I hadn’t been paying close attention, I might not have noticed, but I was already aware.
Since we’d be spending time together for a while, it would be uncomfortable for both if things continued like this. No matter how much of a skilled swordswoman Chaejin was, she probably wouldn’t be oblivious to someone trying to avoid her.
Or maybe she already knew.
“Chae Sojeo.”
“…Hmm?”
“You aren’t someone like what you’re thinking of.”
For example, someone like Chaejeokyo, who would forcibly take what they want for their own benefit.
As far as I knew, Chaejin wasn’t that kind of person.
“If you find it hard to trust Chae Sojeo, then trust your employer, which is me.”
“Hah. And you haven’t even paid me yet?”
She said it with her usual clear voice and burst into laughter. Still, I felt her mood had improved since earlier.
With a more relaxed stride, she began to walk ahead, and Chaejin lightly tugged at my clothing.
“Uh, thanks for believing in me.”
“I already told you. I trust you.”
“…I just wanted to hear it once more.”
She playfully stuck out her tongue and smiled as she quickened her pace.
Yohwan, who had been walking ahead, stopped in front of a shabby house.
It was probably because she noticed.
As I arrived, following them, Yohwan knocked on the door.
“Hey! It’s me! Is anyone there?!”
“Ugh… what is it?”
A sleepy voice came from inside. The figure that appeared beyond the open door was a robust-looking woman with an ordinary impression.
Was she around the same age as Hongryeon or Chaejin?
She had a scar near her eye and seemed to still be half-asleep, frowning as she grumbled.
“What do you want, shouting at dawn?”
“Really?”
“…At dawn?”
The sun was high in the sky! As I looked bewildered, she swept her gaze over me from head to toe and tilted her head.
“Customer… is that you?”
“I have come on the recommendation of the local leader of Seomhwa Village. I am Yu Wol, the innkeeper of Seomhwa Village.”
“The local leader of Seomhwa Village…? Ah! That person? I must have already mentioned this, but I don’t have the preference for being tied down to one place.”
“I still hope you could at least hear me out.”
I had thought of quite a few methods to persuade Changju on my way here.
Alright. It’s time for my persuasive skills to shine.
The elderly Seohui, who reclaimed Gangdong Yukju with just a silver tongue!
Please, grant me strength!
“Hehe. If you want to hire me, why not try persuading that old lady first? It won’t be easy, though. Do you know who that old lady is? She’s someone who has worked as a master chef in the palace. She’d be far more useful than a vagrant like me! If you hire that old crone, I’ll join too!”
Is Changju trying to shift the attention onto Yohwan? Changju grinned, and Chaejin beside her smiled brightly.
“Then you can go! That master chef has already agreed to join us!”
“…What?”
Changju’s eyes widened, rendering all my preparations unnecessary.
….
Still, thank you! Elder Seohui!
Though she grumbled, Changju kept her promise, saying one can’t have two minds about things.
She packed her belongings and was quite taken aback when she saw Yohwan truly packing up.
It was like being struck in the foot by an axe you trusted; she looked utterly bewildered as we returned to Chamo’s inn when the sun was beginning to set.
Alright. It’s about time to make a decision.
If I stay here, Chaejeokyo will definitely attack.
It happened in Heavenly Bright Moon, and that one who left earlier wouldn’t just sit still.
So, making a quick escape is one of the options.
As long as I take the official road, Chaejeokyo won’t be able to chase me down easily, so running away isn’t really a problem.
However, thinking about Chaejin, it might be better to see this through to the end.
Chaejin aims to maintain the position of Grandmaster and hopes to succeed the leadership of Moonjeong later on. This goes for the other inner disciples as well.
Thus, the current inner disciples of Moonjeong can all be seen as rivals.
Among them, Chaejeokyo, who sneakily tries to undermine her position using political maneuvers or power is quite the bothersome enemy, so if I can use this opportunity, I might prevent her from attacking Chaejin.
With a bit more effort, I might even be able to push her out completely.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
I looked at Chaejin. As I gazed at her cheerful smile, I asked directly.
“Do you want to become the leader of Moonjeong?”
“Of course!”
“Then you shall choose.”
I told her my thoughts, and Chaejin closed her eyes and sighed, then asked.
“What do you think, Innkeeper?”
“Both choices have their pros and cons, but I’d like to choose the latter. The problem is, Chae Soja, you’ll have to deal with Chaejeokyo…”
The other aspects were not problematic.
I heard on the way here that Changju has been raised in the military since childhood and can fight.
Yohwan also said she can at least protect herself.
If it gets really dangerous, I could set off the management warning flare I received from the local leader and call in the Qinghao troops.
After all, they wouldn’t cause trouble in front of the official troops.
As for other issues, there’s the chance that I might be weaker than them and could be in danger… but I’m willing to take that risk.
“You don’t think I’ll lose to Chaejeokyo, do you?”
“Not for a second.”
Chaejin, before acquiring the Moonlight Island, would have been able to defeat Chaejeokyo in battle, and now that she’s stronger, it’ll be no problem.
Thus, I stated it plainly, and she burst out in her usual confident laughter.
“Hahaha! Then I can’t betray that trust. Let’s rest for a day before we go. I’m fine, so how about I go out for a bit? Qinghao has much to see even at night.”
Her decision was quick, so there was no need to hesitate.
“Sounds good. I needed to buy some gifts anyway. Well then, let’s train today.”
“Of course, we have to!”
After training behind the inn, I finally got to go outside with Chaejin.
The area centered around Cheongho had a lot to see.
What caught my interest, in particular, was the fabric for making clothes, which was quite rare in Seomhwa Village or Yangwi Fortress.
This fabric… It would be great for making incense pouches later, right?
What if I use it for a special edition when limited quantities are sold on special days…?
“What are you staring at?”
“Nothing, nothing. Ah, and I’d like to buy some gifts. Is there a good place?”
“If that’s the case, then there’s Taehwa Store over there. They sell local specialties, so that’s the best spot.”
Saying that, Chaejin led me to the store.
Taehwa Store seemed to have quite a lot on offer, as much as Chaejin was confident about it.
And with many items, there were also a lot of people. Among them, there were quite a few martial artists wielding weapons. One girl, who was carrying a large blade on her back, I even recognized.
She was looking between Chaejin and me with wide eyes, tilting her head in confusion.
While she kept glancing over at us until her group left, she quickly pretended nothing happened when our eyes met. But she was already caught out.
“…It’s Peng Hee-seo. She’s close with Ryun.”
I already knew that. Chae-raen, Sa-yoon, and Yuna were all girls frequently appearing in another protagonist’s main story.
“The fact that she’s here means… Ryun must also be in Moonjeong.”
“Oh? Then we should go see them, right? It must have been a long time since you met.”
“Well, I’m sure she’ll handle it! Now, go buy what you need!”
Chaejin, who seemed a bit down, forced herself to sound cheerful and began picking gifts with me.
Gifts for Hyeonryeong, for the village chief, for the kids working at the inn… And for Hongseong.
Chaejin hesitated a bit when it came to buying gifts for the people of Hongseong, but she couldn’t stop me either.
By the time we returned to the inn with an armful of gifts, night had already fallen.
“I think I need to go to Moonjeong briefly before we set out tomorrow morning. I have something to bring back.”
“Oh really?”
After putting our belongings in the room prepared at Chamo’s inn and coming down, I was sipping drinks with Yohwan and Changjun when Chaejin suddenly spoke up.
Even Yohwan suggested it would be better to go now, but she only said she’d be right back.
While we were quietly sipping our drinks at the inn…
As if to say something before we left earlier, Changju commented with little enthusiasm.
“I sense an unsettling energy.”
“You were in the military, so you’re sensitive, huh? Any idea who it could be?”
Chaejin already seemed to have figured it out. When she reached for the hilt of her sword beside her, I lowered my drink.
“Who would it be?”
As the black-clad figures burst into the inn, Chaejin assessed their faces and sighed.
“Fortunately, they aren’t the warriors from Moonjeong. Did they hire them separately? Or…”
They could also be martial artists prepared by Byeoknoei. Anyway, they didn’t seem all that impressive in skill.
That means this situation could very well have been decided and acted upon solely by Chaejeokyo, like in Heavenly Bright Moon…
I set down my drink and stood up.
“Chae-soja, I’ll keep an eye on myself.”
“Hey, don’t worry. I’ll protect the innkeeper. That’s my duty, right?”
Chaejin flashed her usual overconfident smirk, and I nodded.
“Then I’ll leave it to you. Now, let’s get started.”
As soon as I gave the order, Chaejin drew her sword, and with that, the black-clad figures charged at us.
However, despite their higher numbers, I wasn’t really afraid.
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