I had already anticipated that there would be discussions about invitations or summons while carrying out the scenario.
Among them, the Black Smoke Sect was one of the forces I expected us to visit.
Gui Chang Jong Li Yeon is a member of the Jong Li family, known for their loyalty to the Empire.
She received the Gwi Hyun Spear Technique, a family martial art, from her father Jong Li Hyeol, who had served as a general on the battlefield for a long time. Without involving herself in becoming the heir of the family, she plunged into the martial world, wielding only a spear.
With her outstanding talent and combative nature, she engaged in duels indiscriminately, honing her skills along the way. Jong Li Yeon is the very embodiment of this.
Naturally, due to her aggressive character, she does not shy away from fights.
For this reason, most sects do not wish to associate with the Black Smoke Sect, led by Jong Li Yeon.
Although it has calmed down a bit recently, the reputation of the Black Smoke Sect remains intact, so it’s only natural for the Sword Saint and Hongryeon to frown at their proposal.
“May I ask what business you have in inviting me?”
“The martial world is currently overflowing with evil monsters and devil worshipers. Not only the military but also the Empire seeks to deal with them. However, it is not easy to request assistance from martial artists every time. Therefore, our lord wishes to establish a force dedicated to smashing those monsters.”
Not a bad idea. After all, Jong Li Yeon is still maintaining ties with the influential Jong Li family, leveraging that to build a network within the martial world.
“At that time, we would like you to grace us with your presence at the Black Smoke Sect and provide us with some advice. Of course, we are not forcing you to come. We will cover all expenses related to your visit and ensure your safety.”
So, they want to treat me as a guest. Nothing particularly strange about that.
It’s common to invite famous figures to such events.
Although I don’t think I’m quite at that level yet, my reputation among monster hunters is growing, so inviting me might just be a way to recruit other hunters into the Black Smoke Sect.
I thought for a moment and shook my head.
“Haha. I don’t believe a mere innkeeper like me could be invited to such a grand event.”
“According to recent stories, your knowledge and reputation among monster hunters are quite remarkable, Yu Seonsaeng. Therefore, I believe you are more than qualified.”
“You could introduce someone more suitable for that position.”
“Our lord specifically wants you.”
It seems they won’t let me off easily.
“But when are you planning to do that?”
“I’m thinking around the summer solstice.”
Ah, summer solstice. That’s around the start of summer, huh. So there’s still time, but they arrived pretty quickly.
“Could you give me a few days to think about it?”
“Understood.”
They nodded and left. If they made it all the way to the inn, they should at least order something to eat instead of just leaving.
As I watched them go, I turned back. The expressions of the Sword Saint and Hongryeon didn’t look too good.
“Please don’t be like that.”
If time passes, there might be some guys who will try to kidnap me instead of politely inviting me like them. So there’s no need to get too angry.
And it seemed they both realized that, as they both turned serious and started speaking.
“I might need to stay a bit longer today.”
The Sword Saint said that briefly, and Hongryeon shook her head.
“Don’t worry. Master, I’ll be here.”
“Ah, but still, I…”
“It’s fine. You’re always worrying too much, it’s a problem.”
I don’t think it’s just worry, though. The Sword Saint looks troubled while Hongryeon smiles and tries to ease her.
While they were talking, a lively voice came through.
“I’m here… what’s up with the atmosphere?”
It was Chaejin. She came down a little later than Hongryeon and smiled brightly at me.
“I got a bit late because I was helping Sayoon with her morning training. You understand, right?”
Oh boy. I guess I have to be understanding. As I nodded, Chaejin beamed at me.
“But why does the atmosphere feel like this?”
I explained what had happened earlier. As she listened for a while, her pretty face scrunched up.
“The Black Sect is a faction we generally want to avoid getting involved with… No, more importantly, they might be moving elsewhere too.”
“So make sure to be careful too. If the Black Sect is on the move, it’s likely other places are too.”
“You’re right. I’ll have to keep an eye on the Innkeeper from now on.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“Uh, if I’m here…”
“Master, don’t worry about this place. Oh, and Yoohee has learned the Clear Cloud Sword Technique this time. Can you watch her practice?”
In the end, the Sword Saint just slightly opened her mouth and let out a small sigh. Then she looked at me with a tender expression and quietly approached, saying in a soft tone.
“Well then, I shall come again next time.”
“You are always welcome.”
As she walked away after the greeting, I stopped the two who were making a fuss about how to protect me elsewhere.
“Don’t worry too much; nothing is going to happen right away.”
Yeah, right now anyway.
After the visit from the Black Market this morning, there hadn’t been any unusual events.
Just like usual, I was doing business, and when I came to my office to work, I heard a knock on the window.
“Oh. You’ve come?”
“Yes. Here…”
This time, there were three letters.
The first one… who on earth is this?
It was a letter sent from a sect called the Naturalization Guild.
Opening it, there wasn’t much—just a request to join hands. They promised generous compensation and asked to send over any monster hunters or blade wielders.
I pushed it aside for now. I didn’t plan to engage anyway, but I thought it best to politely decline to avoid hurting their feelings.
The second letter was from the Cheonghoe Merchant Guild.
They congratulated me on my rising fame and proposed the official position I had turned down before.
Even though martial artists are typically unruly, those who mess with officials are rare, so they suggested I consider an official position for self-defense.
And since they’d like to have me under their wing, I shook my head and smiled.
I do need to take an official position, but not right now.
If I take a position now, my access for monster hunters and other martial artists would be compromised.
I should at least wait until I capture Dool and Iron Blood Wood.
And as for the third letter…
Oh, it’s from Sayoon.
On a bright day when the thousand flower plums bloom, I picked up my brush.
Today, unlike usual, I feel heavy-hearted writing this letter.
In truth, I think I’ll have to send the Buddha statue I mentioned last time a bit late.
I’m really sorry if you were looking forward to it.
I don’t know what to say.
I didn’t know either, but it turns out the Buddha statue I got this time is a treasure, and there may be people coveting that treasure, so I can’t send it through the post.
To send it, I need a sealing document, but it turns out I can’t secure that right now.
I’m really sorry if you were anticipating it. Still, I promise to send it to you.
Not long ago, our Hongseong and Cheonhwa Palace had a duel scheduled.
And I heard that our innkeeper, Yu Wol, is close with you and made a bet with the princess of Cheonhwa Palace.
If we win, we can obtain the sealing document. I’ll make sure to win that and send the Buddha statue to you, Mister.
I’ll send over the Buddha statue.
They say a person becomes stronger when they have a purpose, right?
For the sake of Hongseong winning, and also for our innkeeper Yu Wol who has believed in us.
And to send the Buddha statue to the mister, I will definitely win!
P.S. The item I’m sending along is a scent pouch I made this time. It’s of better quality than the one I sent last year, right? Hehe, I’ve been studying hard, you know.
The letter is a bit shorter than usual.
It’s not that I didn’t understand. Lately, I’ve been training a lot and felt bad about not being able to send the Buddha statue, so I had nothing to say.
But if this ignites Sayoon’s determination, then maybe it’s better this way.
I looked at the scent pouch Sayoon sent.
It’s of better quality than the one I received last time. She’s definitely been studying.
No, it’s not just that; she must have used better fabrics and materials too, right?
Hmmm… At this quality, it could sell for an even higher price than before.
I simply put the scent pouch in the safe.
Before I knew it, Sayoon’s items were taking up quite a bit of space in the safe.
Not to mention, there’s also some important documents that need to be stored in there…
Considering that, I might need to change the safe soon.
The problem is that a bigger safe is a bit pricey.
I checked the inventory of items for sale at the Cheonghoe Merchant Guild.
It was several times more expensive than the current safe, but it could hold a lot more, and it could even store treasures.
Since the energy from treasures can attract many thieves, some safes are designed to seal off that energy completely once anything enters.
The safe sold at the Cheonghoe Merchant Guild is one of those.
I nodded while looking at it.
Right. Since I’m buying one, I might as well get a good one.
I requested a new safe from the Cheonghoe Merchant Guild and organized my letter.
Just as I was about to get back to work, the door burst open.
Doje stood there grinning.
“How about a drink?”
“Haha. I have some work to do. Let’s drink after lunch. Oh, and I have a favor to ask you.”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“Currently, Hongryeon is outside. If it’s okay with you…”
“Haha. Let’s go! But drinks are on Yu Seonsaeng.”
It was originally my turn to pay, but talking like that probably meant he was trying to ease my burden.
I nodded with a smile.
“Of course, I will do that.”
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