If it were the usual bustling preparation for the duel tournament between Hongseong and Cheonhwa Palace, Seomhwa Village would be in a state of chaos. However, thanks to the tournament being postponed as requested by Cheonhwa Palace, things were unexpectedly quiet in the village.
Of course, “quiet” doesn’t mean I was free too.
With the summer barley harvest and the arrival of other crops, I had my hands full.
There was plenty to do beyond running the inn, like managing wages for the people working on my fields and preparing to pay some of the harvest as tax.
“It’s so hectic.”
“Indeed.”
But I couldn’t focus solely on the farming side.
Since the last martial arts tournament, more people had started coming to Seomhwa Village. An increase in foot traffic meant more tasks to tackle.
Restocking items in the store to prevent running out was one job, and procuring cooking ingredients for the inn was another task on my plate.
As a result, papers were piling up in my office day by day.
“It shouldn’t be like this every year, right?”
“Surely not.”
Even while I was down here on guard duty, I shook my head with a smile at Hongryeon, who was helping with paperwork.
If it really had to be like this every year, I’d be utterly worn out no matter who I was.
Sure, it might be fun if you were into saving money, but I see money merely as a tool.
Once I wrap up some things, I should consider closing a few businesses.
“There’s a concern since the guesthouse just finished construction, but no one is staying.”
Originally, after the guesthouse was built, there were plans for them to stay at Cheonhwa Palace, but that plan fell through with the tournament cancellation.
Bit disappointing, but what can you do?
Given the hefty cost for a single night at the guesthouse, it couldn’t be helped.
Just then…
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
As the door opened, Jeomsoi stepped in. Upon seeing me, he slightly lowered his head in greeting and cautiously said, “Innkeeper. A guest has come asking to rent the guesthouse.”
Oh, that’s good news!
I went downstairs with Hongryeon and Chaejin, and waiting for us was an ordinary-looking middle-aged man.
“Welcome! I hear you’d like to rent the guesthouse…”
“Haha! Nice to meet you. I’m Jang Yang, the steward of Wonju Jeokga in Hwon Province.”
Hwon Province, huh? That’s about a month’s trip south from here. And Wonju Jeokga? Never heard of it before.
“One of the families from the southern region. Famous for their Jeokhyeon Martial Arts.”
Hongryeon seemed to know about it and mentioned it nonchalantly. Jang Yang smiled at her words.
“Haha, yes indeed. I thought it might be unknown to you here. Anyway, soon a distinguished guest from Wonju Jeokga will be visiting. They plan to stay here for a few days, and we can’t just have them lodge anywhere.”
“I didn’t think it would happen. Anyway, soon a precious guest from the Wonju Jeokga will be arriving. They are scheduled to stay here for a few days. After all, we can’t just let someone so esteemed stay anywhere.”
“I see. Although the sponsorship is a bit expensive…”
“That’s fine.”
He pulled out a voucher from his pocket. It was a thirty-nyang gold voucher.
“I’ll reserve in advance.”
“If that’s the case…”
Since it’s a voucher used by the agency, it shouldn’t be an issue. I accepted the voucher and asked right away.
“So, when are you planning to arrive?”
“It should take about ten days.”
“Understood.”
That should give me enough time to prepare. I nodded, and Jang Yang paused for a moment before speaking cautiously.
“And about that…”
“Yes?”
“Since someone as precious as a jewel of a noble family is staying, I’d appreciate it if the gentlemen could be restricted from entering as much as possible.”
So he means he doesn’t want Jeomsoi or the innkeeper to approach?
“They are, after all, a distinguished person from a noble family.”
I subconsciously glanced at Chaejin. The esteemed guest was right here, too.
But Chaejin is quite laid-back and carefree, so she wouldn’t care much about that.
“Why is that?”
“Oh, no. It’s just nice that you’re so easygoing.”
“Hehe…”
In truth, Chaejin and Chaeran are a bit special. Normally, children from noble families, especially daughters, would wear veils or not reveal their faces when going outside.
As such, Jang Yang’s request didn’t seem too problematic, so I just nodded.
“Understood.”
Since there are quite a few maidens working at the inn, I can just have them handle the sponsorship.
“If there’s anything you don’t eat during meals, please let me know.”
“Haha. Understood.”
He even wrote it down on paper and handed it to me. It listed a few spices and some meat with a strong odor. And names of vegetables with strong scents.
It’s fussy, but it’s nothing that can’t be managed.
“I’ll prepare it.”
“Yes. Then I’ll trust you to take care of it.”
Jang Yang left the inn with a cheerful smile. As I watched him go, I returned to my office, and the following Hongryeon seemed to be thinking of something, then broke into a wide grin.
“Why are you laughing so much?”
“Uhoohoo~.”
With a playful smile, she came closer and lightly hugged my arm, looking up at me as she winked one eye.
“Didn’t I tell you to keep men away?”
“That’s right.”
“But if they’re staying at the inn, they must be important guests, so we can’t just let anyone greet them, right?”
“That’s correct.”
“Ah, well then, I have no choice. I guess I’ll just have to welcome them.”
“…Huh? Why you?”
As Chaejin asked with a puzzled look, Hongryeon declared boldly.
“First. This inn bears the name of Hongseong Clan. Second. Uh, uhuuhuhuh…”
She didn’t mention the second reason. But just by hearing her laugh joyfully, Chaejin seemed to have an idea of what she meant.
With a look of incredulity, Chaejin shook her head and hugged her other arm.
“Oh come on. That’s not it.”
“What do you mean it’s not?”
“First. I have formally contracted with Yu Wol to protect her. Second. Ahahaha~.”
“…..”
“…..”
Hongryeon and Chaejin stopped laughing and stared silently at each other. It felt oddly chilly for summer.
As they continued to stare at each other, Hongryeon and Chaejin grabbed the papers on the desk without waiting for the other to move first.
“Alright! Let’s get to work!”
“Got it. I’ll help out more.”
It was clear what they were thinking. They wanted to get more done so they’d boost their influence at the inn.
I shook my head with a smile.
I still have to welcome guests after all.
After working late into the night, I opened the safe for tidying up.
It’s definitely easier to store things in this large safe.
I put in the organized ledgers and, after checking the slips, I calculated the funds to invest in the Empire.
Having cash on hand is good, but if the control in the North eases up, the merchants will become more active.
That would strengthen the influence of the Empire’s merchant guild, so it makes sense to invest there.
Moreover, there are still undeveloped areas in the North, and since I know the locations of almost all the mineral veins there, it would be wise to invest in the Empire to gain some influence before buying land in those regions.
Given the funds I’ve amassed so far, that shouldn’t be too big a problem, so I should head to Yangwi soon to discuss investments and donations.
As I finished tidying up and was about to close the safe, I smiled upon seeing a small box in one corner.
It was the box containing the items sent by Sayoon. Slowly taking it out, I looked inside at the letters and a small box tucked in one corner.
I pulled out the letters packed inside and noticed a small box in one corner.
The contents of the sealed box were a statue of a bodhisattva.
After I sent the seal back to Hongseong following the postponed martial arts meet at Cheonhwagung, Sayoon sent this to me soon after.
To be honest, I thought it would be better used by Hongseong than sitting with me, but out of respect for the request to keep it safe, I decided to hold onto it.
Hmm… I can’t repay this with something lackluster…
As I looked at the sealed statue that couldn’t emit energy, I shut the safe.
After tidying up my desk, I was about to head downstairs with a yawn when I heard a presence from the room where Hongryeon was.
“Are you done with work?”
“Um, yes.”
With a gentle smile, she approached me lightly and looked around my office. It seemed I’ve been too busy lately to even tidy up, and it looked like a disaster zone.
“Does it look a bit messy?”
The last time I’d seen Hongryeon’s room, it was quite clean. As I said this with a laugh, she shook her head.
“This is a room of someone who works hard. A little mess is okay. And…”
She softly pressed her face against my chest and took a light breath. Then she gently tapped her head against my chest while wrapping her arms around my waist.
Embracing me naturally, she pushed her ample chest against me and smiled broadly.
“I like your scent.”
“Thanks for saying that.”
“Hehe, it’s nothing~. By the way, how’s all the work treating you these days?”
“Well, you know I have to get it done, right?”
This was something I had to accept and deal with. So there was no point in whining about it.
If I moaned about how tough it was, I would’ve quit long ago.
I said this with a smile, and Hongryeon puffed out her cheeks a bit.
“Can’t you at least say it’s a bit tough? Sometimes you can lean on me.”
“I wish I could, but it’s a bit hard right now. I have a lot to do, and it’s a time when I need to stand firm.”
Yeah, it’s still too early to lean on someone else for support.
Soon enough.
The onslaught from the Iron Blood Tree will come soon.
To prepare for that, I can’t afford to show weakness.
“…Are you going to say the same to the Master?”
Hongryeon pouted her lips.
Does she think I can’t lean on her because she’s weak?
If that’s the case, I should tell her straight.
“What a silly question.”
At my words, Hongryeon seemed a bit satisfied, and her sulky expression softened.
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