The letter from the postal clerk during the day was quite good news. Of course, I’d have been even happier if it had been a letter from Sayoon.
The sender was Cheonilhwa of the Cheonghoe Merchant Guild.
The content was about the completion of the mine development. In other words, my investment had multiplied and was coming back to me.
I was satisfied with the note saying that the profits from the investment were stored at the government office in Yangwiseong, telling me to go collect them later.
I had plenty of places to spend money in the future, so this was great.
Indeed, investing in mines was the way to go for making money.
Since I was at it, I wanted to develop a site with a gold vein all on my own, but I couldn’t do it alone; I’d have to collaborate with other places eventually.
Mines aren’t exactly cheap to develop, after all.
Still, one of the mines mentioned in the second part had a gold vein and wasn’t too far from Yangwiseong, so I ought to charm the Cheonghoe Merchant Guild into developing it later on.
Anyway, now that I had good iron and some funds, I thought it was time to tackle the tasks I had been putting off until now.
To develop the base, things like a blacksmith’s shop or talisman-making facility were important, but I couldn’t ignore the development of farmland. Especially in a dull countryside like this.
Thinking about how I could also make profits from products once I secured a base in Heavenly Bright Moon, developing Seomhwa Village into a base for Hongseong would also strengthen Hongseong.
I tapped the table, lit up a cigarette, nodded, and stood up.
“Uh? Where are you going?”
“I’m thinking of heading to the government office for a bit.”
In Heavenly Bright Moon, I could invest funds in the government office located at the base to aid in its development and protection. After all, I couldn’t disregard attacks from bandits or evil monsters.
Of course, Seomhwa Village had fewer appearances of evil monsters since it was near Hongseongsan, but that didn’t mean bandits would never approach.
Though Hyeonryeong was working hard, we couldn’t be completely safe, especially since the elite soldiers from the Demon Cult had already left last time. So, we definitely needed some guards who could at least keep up with them to some extent.
To do that, investment was the path to survival.
After all, it’s the budget that rules the world.
“Let’s go together.”
“Sure.”
Perhaps having nothing to do, Chaejin followed me. As we strolled leisurely through the streets of Seomhwa Village, Chaejin standing beside me suddenly remarked.
“Seomhwa Village seems more lively than before.”
“I can’t deny that.”
Just the quality of the products right now showed how much people’s spirits had lifted.
Life seems complicated yet simple; just being able to use good things can significantly raise its quality.
As Chaejin peeked at the laughter of people passing through the market, she shifted a little closer to me.
“Is it because of that?”
“The legal treasures? That must be it. Plus, now that we have a blacksmith’s shop and the soldiers are better armed, and with Hongseong patrolling more often, the safety has improved, right?”
“The soldiers’ weapons have gotten stronger and with Hongseong patrolling more frequently, the security has improved.”
“Safety and better quality necessities. With just this, people can become a bit happier.”
Chaejin slightly nodded and cracked a wry smile.
“Sometimes I think back to attending classes at Moonjeong.”
“You took classes at Moonjeong?”
“Moonjeong is not just a simple martial arts sect. While staying in Cheonghoe, they also take care of the surrounding areas and run various businesses, providing a foundation for the lives of the Cheonghoe people.”
That’s definitely not something you can consider a mere sect level.
Well, the Doje has an honorary position in the Empire, but since he’s also received an official post, the government won’t easily touch him.
“So we also receive training on what we’ll need to do when we become the head of Moonjeong in the future. One of those processes is management.”
Stepping lightly, Chaejin spoke calmly.
Managing a sect, especially a large one like Moonjeong, is definitely not an easy task. Not only does it involve businesses and land but also managing personnel is no small feat.
“I’m weak at that sort of stuff, so I often end up getting scolded.”
“Really?”
“Hehe, yes. So I just hope that later, I can have someone I can trust by my side to help.”
“I see.”
“Anyway, from that perspective, Seomhwa Village seems to be running quite well. Everything just clicks, doesn’t it?”
“The local leader here really does a great job.”
And it’s not just a joke.
If Hongseong hadn’t faced utter destruction in the prologue, I think the local leader would’ve coordinated with them to fend off the attacks quite well.
This was something I didn’t expect, but I should consider it a pleasant surprise.
If the local leader were one of those types who only likes to pocket money, a typical character in Heavenly Bright Moon, the amount of work I’d have to do would have multiplied.
“I guess we can say that they work well together?”
“I can’t deny that.”
Whether it’s what I invest in and develop or what the local leader manages, it all aligns well for us to get this far. It wouldn’t be fair to say all the credit belongs to me alone or to the local leader alone.
I smiled and agreed with Chaejin and soon we arrived in front of the government office.
“Hmm? Welcome.”
Since everyone at the office knew my face, I could enter without any special inspection.
As usual, the local leader, who was busy working inside, greeted us with a smile when he saw Chaejin and me and guided us to a seat.
“What brings such a busy person all the way here?”
Sipping the tea he personally served, I handed over the prepared documents. After receiving them and reading for a while, the local leader’s eyes widened.
“So, you mean to say we don’t have to pay for that new equipment we talked about last time?”
“Yes.”
This time, thanks to the successful development of the mine by the Cheonghoe Merchant Guild, I made quite a bit of profit. If I kept it to myself, what would I even use it for?
It’s better spent on developing Seomhwa Village.
“Isn’t that the reason you’re tightening budgets here and there? I heard you cut costs on reinforcing the wooden fences around the village.”
“Don’t you think? I heard they’re cutting costs on reinforcing the wooden walls around the village.”
“Yeah, that’s true.”
“Still, we often rely on the Hyeonryeong’s help…”
Like that last martial arts tournament.
“If something else comes up, we might have to request assistance from the government office again. But it’s not like they charge for equipment costs.”
“Sigh… It really does feel like I’m always the one in debt.”
“But isn’t that how we survive? Plus, once we have some leeway, that cost could cover the Hyeonryeong’s upkeep…”
“Me? Have upkeep? Haha. Anyway, I’m really grateful. Hmm… I’d like to name a gate after the inn or something.”
Usually, when you invest a lot, they put the investor’s name on a bridge or gate or something, but if I had that kind of money, I’d rather use it for training the soldiers and improving our defenses.
“Actually, I have a favor to ask. I heard the movements of the bandits have been quite ominous lately.”
“The bandits… Ah, right. It was the Dark Shadow Gang? Those jerks were hoarding gunpowder illegally and got caught, leading to the destruction of a few of their members as they rushed to the battlefield to make amends.”
The Hyeonryeong seemed quite displeased as they clicked their tongue. I nodded in agreement, continuing the conversation.
“However, the atmosphere among the bandits is still tense, and we never know when something might happen.”
“So?”
“As I mentioned earlier, I recently invested in a mine and made a profit. And as a result of that investment, I can secure good quality iron.”
“Oh?”
“So, I’d like to ask if we could expand our defenses a bit more? Things like protective barriers, wooden walls, or watchtowers might be useful…”
“That’s certainly not a bad suggestion. If we have defensive facilities, it would definitely help…”
Of course, those kinds of defenses might not be effective against high-level martial artists. But we can’t just sit idly by. Besides, not all attackers are high-level martial artists.
“Even low-level martial artists pose a threat to the villagers.”
“That’s also true… Hmm. Alright, I’ll proceed positively on that front.”
“I’ll contribute to the costs, too.”
“Oh, you really don’t have to.”
I thought it would be nice if it could be that way, but seeing them wave it off just made me chuckle. The Hyeonryeong cleared their throat quietly and pulled out a booklet.
“Ever since those elite troops from the Great Demon Cult visited, I’ve wanted to improve the quality of weapons used by our soldiers. There are some weapons available for immediate purchase listed in the booklet sent from the Empire’s central office. Let’s get those.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s nothing; I should be the one thanking you. Anything else you want to discuss?”
I shook my head at the Hyeonryeong, who seemed willing to hear anything.
Nope.
Not right now.
After meeting with Hyeonryeong, I headed to the sword shop with Chaejin.
Unexpectedly, I encountered some familiar faces.
“Oh? What are you doing here?”
“Ah! Innkeeper! Hello!”
The bright smiles came from Sayoon and Yoohee, who were inseparable like two peas in a pod. As Chaejin and I were surprised by their presence, Mak Noya came out chuckling.
“Oh, the landlord is here? I was just checking Young Lady Yoohee’s hand.”
Sayoon stepped back, giggling, while Mak Noya pointed at the hand Yoohee had extended.
“Why are you checking her hand?”
“Well, a sword has to fit the hand well. That young lady says her sword is enough for her, but if I’m to make a sword for Hongseong later, it better fit, right?”
There was a similar event in Heavenly Bright Moon. Showing hands to create suitable weapons.
I turned to Sayoon.
“What about you? Why not get fitted?”
“I think this sword suits me just fine.”
“Is that so?”
I had no more words for Sayoon, who tightly embraced her sword. What could I say to that?
Let’s make sure to help her get a better sword from Mak Noya when she really needs one later.
“Oh, and some good iron will be arriving soon.”
“Haha, really? That’s great. Just a few days ago, I received an old sword from Hongseong and traded it for a new one yesterday.”
“Well done.”
“Hmm. No, you see, it used to be that when martial arts sects like ours maintained weapons, they’d help out during any trouble that arose. And I’ve heard Hongseong also patrols and contributes to the village affairs.”
“That’s true.”
“I’ve heard of Hongseong’s reputation. There’s nothing wrong with helping them out. Oh, and the Sword Saint stopped by earlier.”
“…What?”
What on earth does that mean?
I looked at Chaejin, who tilted her head in confusion as well.
Sayoon and Yoohee added their comments.
“Master said she’d visit the inn soon.”
“She mentioned she wants to meet you after taking a stroll around the village.”
Me?
Why me?
It can’t be just to ask about the moon and stars, can it?
Nothing specific came to mind.
In the end, I pondered but couldn’t find a suitable answer, and we returned to the inn without any notable insights.
Then, I sensed that I might understand the reason there.
“…Hello.”
“I’m well, thank you.”
In the back yard of the inn, I spotted the Sword Saint sitting alone on the long bench where I usually burned incense.
“What brings you all the way here?”
I let Chaejin go inside first. Only after watching her enter with a reluctant expression did the Sword Saint stand up to ask.
“I came to ask you a few things.”
Perfect timing.
I also had something I wanted to ask.
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