There’s always a master in the sky.
During the day, it’s the mighty sun pouring out heat and light, while at night, the moon shines coldly upon the world.
But, there were times when the power of these masters waned, and that was dawn.
As the morning star rose, seizing the moment when the sun and moon were absent to check on the world, diligent people began their day’s work.
Even in Seomhwa Village, which seemed more peaceful than other places, the villagers woke up and started their work at the same time.
The farmers had their early mornings, and since the townsfolk loved the morning market, the merchants were just as hardworking as the farmers.
The blacksmith’s forge, using the chilly dawn air to escape the heat of the furnace, gradually heated up with the busy movements of the blacksmith.
And at that time, the only inn in Seomhwa Village opened its doors for morning business.
The innkeeper had stepped out for a moment, but that didn’t mean the inn itself was idle.
The diligent innkeepers were sweeping the yard, while a recently arrived cook entered the kitchen to prepare for the morning trade.
Usually, the innkeeper would come down personally to assist with business, but with them away for a few days, he was nowhere to be seen.
Thus, Chaejin couldn’t hide her frown.
“Hah.”
Not seeing the familiar face felt quite strange. Even though the inn had become as comfortable as an old shoe, the fact that he was not around made it feel off.
It was clear her heart was broken.
To suppress her restless thoughts, Chaejin took a sip of her tea.
“What’s with the long face?”
It was Yohwan, who had recently come to the inn as a cook, that spoke to her.
Bringing over the Seomhwa Wrap and vegetable soup that Yu Wol had made and she had improved, Yohwan chuckled at Chaejin, who was sulking over the wrap.
“If you keep that up, good fortune will run away.”
“Got it. By the way, how were the ingredients I brought you yesterday?”
Chaejin remembered she had gone to gather ingredients late last night at the request of both herself and Changju. Thinking about those ingredients, Yohwan nodded.
“With that much, we can make ample medicinal dishes.”
“That’s a relief.”
Both Chaejin and Yohwan were startled by a voice coming from the stairs. It was unexpected!
Coming down the stairs, dragging their feet was the inn’s owner in black attire—Yu Wol.
“Oh? When did you arrive?”
“I got here around dawn.”
“You didn’t say anything…”
“I’m sorry for not messaging you earlier; it seems like you’re busy. Yohwan, can you also give me mine?”
“Oh, got it.”
Yu Wol, who naturally sat in front of Chaejin, placed something on the table. It was a palm-sized fan. Staring at it, Chaejin asked with a serious expression.
“This is the sacred treasure of Changun-gwan, right?”
“Yeah, it’s called the Pachoseon.”
“Got it. When are we setting this up?”
Her face, which was frowning just moments ago, broke into a smile. In the slightly awkward inn, she felt a familiar and comfortable vibe as she asked brightly, and Yu Wol replied in a very calm manner.
“Tonight.”
*
It was tiring to drive the cart late into the night, but I couldn’t delay the work. I sighed while looking at the Pachoseon on the table.
“…What’s with your expression?”
At Chaejin’s concerned voice, I shook my head.
“Nothing at all.”
“Hmm. So? Where are we supposed to install this?”
“We have space in the inn’s basement, so we can set it up there.”
“Okay. Just let me know whenever you’re ready.”
Chaejin said casually, and I nodded.
Installing both the flag I got from Changun-gwan and the Pachoseon at the same time would improve the quality of the items we could make here.
I should let Changju know too since they’re the ones producing right now.
“By the way, did you manage to collect the materials well?”
“Huh? Yeah. I got everything we needed…”
“Good job.”
Really good job.
Changju and Yohwan are important members in Seomhwa Village. As long as I can provide them with the necessary materials, responding to the first scenario shouldn’t be too difficult.
To properly defend the universe, equipment and supplies are essential.
“Well then, enjoy your meal.”
“Wait, is that it?”
“…Huh? Ah, right. Since you’ve worked hard, the payment for your efforts…”
“No, that’s not it.”
Chaejin smiled brightly.
“Can we go out together later?”
“Hmm… Sure.”
I needed to visit Changju, and I’d heard that a swordsmith would be set up while I was out at Changun-gwan, so I had to check that out too.
I figured I would leave around lunchtime and we could go together then.
After finishing up morning sales, Ogumhee, forcing Chae to practice Taijiquan, and clearing up my backlog of work, I headed down to the inn.
Does it seriously never have a slow day?
“Hey, innkeeper. Aren’t you going out? Take this to Changju.”
Yohwan handed me a lunch box. Is she trying to make sure I eat separately? I hope it’s not empty.
I opened the lunch box slightly and checked that it was filled nicely.
“Why are you watching that?”
“Oh. Just wondered if you made something.”
Yohwan chuckled as if he had seen it all. After a moment, footsteps echoed from the stairs.
“Alright! Let’s go!”
Chaejin came down in her usual Moonjeong attire.
Yohwan glanced at her and laughed again before heading back inside.
“What’s with the laughter? Why are you laughing?”
“Did you do something wrong to Yohwan?”
“No? Not at all.”
She shrugged and lightly tapped my back.
“Where do you plan to go first?”
“Since we’ve received the food, I think we should meet Changju first.”
“I see. Let’s go!”
Chaejin exclaimed cheerfully, and we headed outside.
“Maybe it’s just me, but it feels a bit unfamiliar since we’ve only been to crowded places lately…”
“Is it just your imagination?”
“Is it? Hehe.”
There wasn’t much more conversation. But it wasn’t awkward at all; it just felt natural.
As we slowly walked to the talismancer’s room arranged by the government, we spotted Changju, looking flustered.
“Hello.”
“Oh? Welcome.”
“Yohwan asked me to deliver lunch. Here.”
I placed the package on the wide table. Changju, delighted at the sight, quickly opened the container.
“Wow! You put in only my favorites?”
“That’s great to hear.”
“It’s a lot too. Why don’t we share it?”
I glanced at Chaejin, and she naturally took a seat. It seemed like they had gotten closer during the days I was away.
“I should write a talisman for Yohwan later.”
“Speaking of talismans, there’s something I’d like to request…”
I put the Moonstone on the table. It was something I received from Ochil long ago. Changju, staring at it, let out a short sigh before her eyes lit up.
“This is a good one. Where did you get it?”
There was no need to hide anything; it wasn’t a secret story. I explained how I met Ochil, and after listening for a while, she paused her eating to exhale deeply.
“You really were grateful, huh? This is high quality. With the Blood Tear, I can make two talismans with this.”
“Oh, then please take care of it. As for the payment…”
“Oh come on, what payment? Forget it.”
Changju waved her hand and tapped the container. Is she suggesting to call it even with the meal? Works for me.
I know well how much it costs to make a proper talisman.
“By the way, have you been to the smithy?”
“I’m thinking of going soon, but is there a problem?”
“Huh? No, not really. Just thought you might be curious since it’s being made on your land.”
“Still, since it’s being made on your land, I thought you might be curious.”
“I am curious.”
“Then we can just have a meal and go check it out. It’s not too far from here.”
With that, they finished their conversation and meal. Changju, having brewed some tea, handed a cup to Chaejin.
“By the way, what about the Moonlight Sword?”
“Um. Yes. Do you know anything about the legal treasures of Changwonguan?”
“Of course I do! Wait, are you planning to set that up here? That won’t be easy, you know?”
“Oh? You know about it?”
“Well, if it’s something you brought, it must be the Pachooseon.”
“That’s right.”
“Setting that up won’t be easy. Are you sure you can handle it?”
Changju’s gaze was fixed on Chaejin. Was it because of that? Chaejin just smiled confidently.
“What do you think I am? I’m fine with anything.”
“Well, it’s just that… when setting up the legal treasure, it’s about how well we can get along.”
“You saw how we did last time, right?”
“Um. Will that really work? But if you decided on it, I guess it should be fine. Do your best.”
“Don’t worry.”
“Anyway, if that gets set up, I feel like I’ll benefit too… shouldn’t I do something in return? Do you need anything?”
Changju grinned widely. He casually introduced the materials needed to make talismans, and I shook my head.
“I’d appreciate it if you focused on what you need to do.”
That’s exactly what I want the most.
After parting ways with Changju, Chaejin and I headed straight to the blacksmith shop. The building that had been just an empty lot before was now completed, with people in official uniforms coming and going.
“Pretty big.”
“The government seems to be making it properly. By the way, I heard there’s a problem with the ore…”
Well, to make good equipment, you need good iron.
As I heard Chaejin’s reluctant voice and stepped inside the smithy, I saw quite a few blacksmiths hammering away at the iron.
And then—
“Huh? Ohhh. So you’re that landowner!!”
A rather large old man approached me with a grin, and I couldn’t help but express my amazement.
Wow. So this is how the connections work?
“I’m the Maksa who used to work at Cheolma Room.”
Maksa.
The old man who, in part 4, helped craft the sword after hearing the sound of iron.
And the one who, starting from part 2, took pity on Sayoon and made her weapons.
I couldn’t help but smile at him.
I never thought things would link up like this.
Surely, it was Makno that Hyunryeong brought along, right?
…I guess I’ll have to bring some medicinal dishes and drinks to Hyunryeong’s place today.
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