Chapter: 575
Just like other merchant groups that have established their standings, the White Flowers Merchant Association also has branches spread across the Central Plains.
Of course, I’ve heard that there aren’t any branches run by the Mu Yong family in areas where the local lord hasn’t given permission.
Even if we set that aside, it’s correct to say they have presence throughout the region.
Wasn’t it said that the headquarters was located somewhere in Xi’an?
If you ask why they chose Xi’an over many other cities to set up their headquarters, it’s probably because the head of the Mu family, the upper-class family in this region, is based there.
I’ve never been there, of course.
‘What would I do there anyway?’
Well, unless it was for a storyteller like Ku Yeon-seo or Ku Hee-bi.
It wasn’t a place I was meant to visit.
Anyway.
If we exclude the headquarters of the merchant association and were to pick the most influential branch of the White Flowers Merchant Association,
Naturally, the Hanam branch would be it.
It’s also the largest county within the Central Plains where the Murim Alliance and Shaolin Temple are located.
This place must be generating a far greater income than the main branch of the White Flowers Merchant Association.
As evidence of this, the building stands out prominently even among the tall buildings in Hanam.
This also reflects the standing of the White Flowers Merchant Association.
The Hanam Branch of the White Flowers Merchant Association.
The highest floor of the tall guest suites.
Currently, I was there.
Inside a neatly organized room.
It felt so clean that you wouldn’t be able to see a single speck of dust.
It was so immaculate that I felt guilty just breathing.
Not that I shouldn’t feel that way, it could simply be that it was uncomfortable for me.
The position I found myself in was quite uncomfortable.
“Long time no see.”
I snapped back to reality at the sound of a voice entering the room.
Gulp. My dry throat swallowed without me realizing it.
I hadn’t taken a single sip of the tea that was placed in front of me.
I carefully glanced at the other person and prepared my etiquette.
“It’s been a while, Madam Mi.”
The woman I was honoring with my etiquette was the head of the White Flowers Merchant Association.
The master of the Gu family.
It was Lady Mi Hyo-ran of White Flowers.
Had it been about a year since I last saw her face?
That was probably around the last time I would have run into her.
It had been quite some time since I’d encountered her, especially since I’d been rolling around before Paejon.
Of course, even if I had the chance, I would have avoided her.
Hiding those true feelings, I said to Madam Mi,
“I happened to be in Hanam for some business… I heard you were here, so I came to offer my greetings.”
Upon hearing my words, Madam Mi nodded.
That was the end of it.
“…”
“…”
Silence hung in the air.
The already bleak room felt even more desolate.
‘…Should I just get up and leave?’
Should I just say hello and take off?
Such thoughts crossed my mind.
I had come here for business, but I never anticipated finding myself in this situation.
Who would have thought I’d suddenly be having a one-on-one with Madam Mi?
‘I was only hoping to offer a greeting.’
Whether in Xi’an or Shanxi.
I heard as soon as I arrived in Hanam that Madam Mi, whom I expected to be in another region, was right here.
Hearing this honestly made me want to pretend I hadn’t heard anything, but I had business to attend to, so I couldn’t just turn away.
Even knowing that…
‘…Can I just handle my business alone?’
I truly wanted to just say hello and make my exit.
That’s how uncomfortable I found it.
In some respects, I’ve realized that Madam Mi is a considerably more unsettling figure for me than my own father.
Not only do I not know how to interact with her, but beyond that…
‘…I feel unexplainably uneasy.’
There was a discomfort I couldn’t quite place.
What should I do?
Would it be better to take my leave immediately?
Just then, a thought crossed my mind.
“Okay.”
Madam Mi broke the silence and started to speak.
“I’ve heard the story.”
“…Yes?”
At that moment, I found myself wondering what story she meant.
“You entrusted the mannyunhancheol to the association.”
“Ah.”
Realizing what Madam Mi meant with her words, I understood.
The lump of perennial iron I had obtained from Guangdong.
I had left that with the White Flowers Merchant Association.
That must have been what Madam Mi was referring to.
“The quantity is quite considerable. Can you tell me what happened?”
I had to manage an awkward smile at those words.
While Madam Mi spoke casually, the amount was indeed staggering.
This was the period where no new perennial iron could be found.
As time passed, there was virtually no pure iron left.
Given the long time that had elapsed, it only made sense that the iron had been fully utilized.
At present, the Gu family’s stronghold or the four great families might still possess a minor supply of promising iron or pure perennial iron.
Just by dividing and mixing the perennial iron with other types, one could already fetch a windfall.
That alone indicated how rare the perennial iron was.
Taking that perennial iron…
‘I just brought it in as a big lump.’
That would undoubtedly pique Madam Mi’s curiosity as well.
Because I had not just brought one, but several lumps.
I wasn’t entirely sure, but it was possible that the amount I brought exceeded what’s known to exist in the Central Plains right now.
What was even more surprising was that Madam Mi could inquire so calmly after having seen it.
“…I had a stroke of luck in the Guangdong region. Found it by accident; it didn’t appear to have an owner, so I brought it back.”
There were no lies mixed into my story.
Trying to weave in a falsehood would have been futile, since it was clear that Madam Mi would catch on.
Listening to me, Madam Mi simply gazed quietly.
That scrutiny was rather daunting.
At that moment.
“Did you report this to the Alliance?”
Gulp.
I found myself swallowing dryly after hearing that.
The reasoning behind it was that there are rules stating that if such an item were discovered, it must be reported to the Murim Alliance.
Of course, I had not reported it.
It was evident they would seize it, claiming it was an ownerless property, and set out to find the rightful owner.
“…I didn’t report it.”
Once I offered my response, Madam Mi continued to observe me silently.
Was she going to scold me regarding this?
Even if that was the case, it would have been tough to just let it slide.
‘How did you come across it?’
This was funding essential for the future. If Madam Mi reacted unfavorably to this…
‘I’ll have to go find another merchant association.’
I was already considering taking out the entrusted iron and selling it elsewhere.
As I was tied up in those thoughts, trying to remain tense…
“Good job.”
“…?”
Contrary to my expectations, a compliment slipped from Madam Mi.
I looked at her, dumbfounded by her response.
“Have you informed the lord?”
“…I haven’t mentioned it to him yet.”
“Good on you. If your father heard of this, he’d surely have reported it to the Alliance.”
Just as Madam Mi had mentioned, my father could very well have done just that with his character.
Whether he liked the person or not, he was the type who adhered to the existing laws.
The lack of greed in his character was an added complexity.
“As for the items you’ve entrusted to me, I’ll see to their handling, so don’t worry.”
“…Yes, thank you.”
Though I felt overwhelmed by Madam Mi’s reaction,
I was satisfied since it led to me obtaining the answer I desired.
For some reason,
It seemed that sparks were flying now; I suddenly felt free to ask a question I’d been wanting to pose.
“…By the way, where has Mo Yong-hee gone?”
“I take it you’re referring to the branch manager?”
“Oh, yes.”
It was a question about Mo Yong-hee, who had been recently appointed as the branch manager of the Hanam branch.
Not only had she suddenly joined the White Flowers Merchant Association,
I was shocked upon hearing that Mo Yong-hee became the branch manager shortly after.
‘I thought she was just keen on learning a bit of the trade…’
How on earth did she rise to the post of branch manager in such a short time?
Clearly, Madam Mi wasn’t an ordinary person.
Without a decent level of skill, such a feat wouldn’t have been achieved.
This implies that…
‘Mo Yong-hee must have impressed Madam Mi significantly with her work.’
I had conjectured as much; she was highly skilled in this line of work to begin with.
Yet, that level of achievement was astonishing even for me.
“The branch manager is out for a task concerning some work she’s been assigned.”
“Work?”
“Yes. That’s why I am here as well… and also…”
Snap.
I heard the sound of Madam Mi’s fan snapping shut.
“It incidentally involves you as well.”
“…Yes?”
At Madam Mi’s words, I furrowed my eyebrows slightly.
Is this something to do with me?
“What do you mean by this?”
“It’s not confirmed yet, just keep it in mind for now. When the time comes, you will hear what I need to say.”
“No… just a moment, Madam Mi… .”
“I will personally handle the matters regarding the perennial iron in a satisfactory manner.”
“…”
After hearing Madam Mi’s statement, I found myself falling silent.
That phrase suggested that she would take care of the perennial iron without questioning anything.
It also indicated that she had a favor to ask me later, so I should simply listen quietly.
‘I thought this would be sorted out easily.’
Never had I expected to end up entangled like this.
‘I can’t help it.’
But I believed it wouldn’t be a loss.
If Madam Mi took care of the perennial iron herself, that would be…
‘The ratio will improve, and the safety will surely increase.’
Fewer troublesome tasks would mean fewer headaches for me.
If there was any downside…
‘…I’m entirely clueless about what this is leading to.’
My mind was racing with indecision over what responsibilities this could entail.
What on earth could necessitate the involvement of Mo Yong-hee?
Was it that Madam Mi needed to be in Hanam?
Why on earth was I thrust into such a scenario?
Though I had numerous questions, I was unable to voice them, and that left me feeling frustrated.
“Tsk.”
With Madam Mi having already shut down any further inquiries, I had no choice but to set this matter aside and ask something else.
“Madam, I have another request.”
The moment I uttered the word “request,” I saw a spark of curiosity in Madam Mi’s gaze.
“Could you help me find some lodging?”
“Lodging?”
“Yes, I think I’ll need to stay in Hanam for around three months.”
This was necessary for treatment, and due to my plans, I needed a place to stay within Hanam.
Though I could find a place personally, it would be much faster to secure it through the merchant association.
‘…Originally, I was going to ask Mo Yong-hee for this.’
Unfortunately, she wasn’t in a position to assist at that moment.
After considering my request for a moment, Madam Mi responded.
“It just so happens there is a place that might be suitable.”
Before long, I received a reply that brought me relief.
“It’s not too far away; I can send someone over.”
“Oh, thank you.”
I hadn’t inquired about the cost.
I was rich now, after all.
‘The days of having to shake down Muyeon are gone.’
My allowance was already a tiny fraction, resembling mouse droppings.
Those days of being broke due to frequent mishaps were now a thing of the past.
‘I can afford a dumpling without worrying about the price tag.’
…Anyway.
Since I’d finished asking about finding accommodations, it was time to consider my exit strategy.
I was gearing up to slip out of the chair.
“Three months is quite a commitment,”
Madam Mi continued speaking, forcing me to sit back down once more.
“Are you planning to participate in the martial arts competition too?”
The Shinryong Martial Arts Festival, which would be hosted by the Alliance, was set to commence in the summer.
This festival would take place while I was in Hanam.
“…Yes, since that’s the case, I was thinking of possibly joining in.”
I mentioned this unreservedly as it didn’t warrant hiding.
Madam Mi then looked at me with a peculiar expression.
“I see.”
Her eyes wore a strange light, leading me to wonder what she was implying.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have much to say to you, and it’s challenging to express it clearly.”
Madam Mi spoke cautiously, as if choosing her words with care.
“If you insist on taking part, please be careful.”
“…”
I blinked in surprise at her words.
I had never expected Madam Mi to utter such a remark.
It felt as if her words carried more weight than the earlier praise.
“…No, um… thank you.”
In response to my expression of gratitude, Madam Mi nodded without elaboration.
Then silence enveloped the room once more.
The lack of conversation suggested we were both left with nothing to say to each other.
As the stillness stretched on, the atmosphere grew awkward.
Just when I felt I was about to lose my sanity from the silence…
“…Well then, I’ll just take my leave now. I apologize for interrupting your busy schedule.”
I stood up, redirecting my intention to escape.
Surely, I could leave now.
With that thought in mind, I felt slightly better.
‘…This feels ten times harder than getting into a brawl.’
Although our chat had been brief, I felt utterly drained.
With a heavy sigh, I began making my way to the exit.
“I was told that Lady Dang is waiting outside.”
Madam Mi’s statement caused me to halt once again.
That was further compounded by the mention of Dang So-yeol.
“…Yes. We ran into each other by chance.”
If I were to characterize it as a coincidence, then that would be accurate.
There was really no need to delve further into this topic.
Upon hearing my response, Madam Mi posed a question.
“By any chance, are you considering staying at the inn with Lady Dang?”
“I believe so.”
Unless Dang So-yeol expressed desires for alternative accommodations, that was likely to be the case.
Since Seongyul needed a place to stay as well, it wouldn’t be a small space.
As I brought this up with that intention, Madam Mi appeared to contemplate for a moment, seemingly troubled by something.
A brief pause later, she turned to me.
“It’s pleasing to see you developing more and more like your father, but there are matters for which you don’t necessarily have to follow in his footsteps.”
“…Pardon?”
I was left utterly confused by her ambiguity.
“What do you mean by that all of a sudden?”
“…Never mind. Just see yourself out.”
Though I attempted to probe for clarity on her unfathomable statement, Madam Mi seemed to dismiss further dialogue, urging me to leave as if there was nothing more to discuss.
Curiously tilting my head, I complied and prepared to exit quietly.
-Why would they say I resembled the most? Those children must endure quite a bit.
I could hear the words as I turned around hastily; however, Madam Mi was already redirecting her attention towards her letter, not me.
Contemplating the situation, I thought.
‘Did I mishear?’
Perhaps I was just imagining things due to my weak condition?
That seemed likely.
I genuinely felt an urgency to track down the divine being promptly.
It appeared my health was in worse shape than I had suspected.
‘I should drop by the lodgings briefly before going straight out to find them.’
Following the guidance to the place where I would be staying, I planned to depart at once in search of the divine being.
At that moment, I made my plans.
Yet, it didn’t take long for me to realize that such an urgent search was unnecessary.
Just as I arrived at the accommodations following the directions.
“Damn that bastard…!! How could something like this happen!”
“Is it age playing tricks? Your brain isn’t keeping pace with times, huh? Well, I suppose it’s to be expected.”
“What!?”
I felt like I had been frozen to stone upon witnessing the scene unfolding before me.
Upon arriving at my accommodations, I was greeted by a bizarre turn of events.
“Has this lunatic who’s lost everything been speaking nonsense until now!?”
“So, based on this, I’ve won.”
A location not far from the city.
It’s a sizable structure nestled against a mountain.
The place was quite well-maintained, with big koi swimming in the attached pond.
And there.
“Eeeeeek! Let’s have another go right now!”
The very deity I sought to find was yelling while flipping over the Go board.
“Heh heh.”
A familiar young man with black hair chuckled at the chaotic display from the deity.
Not a young man…
The one renowned as Cheon-oe-cheon, one of the Three Deities of the World.
Paejon gazed at the deity and said:
“Why would I bother? You’re so terrible at it I really can’t be bothered. Maybe next time if it seems worthwhile.”
It was an infuriating remark.
“Krrrrrr!”
Hearing that, the deity slumped over, drooling in a heap.
Paejon was watching this with a broad grin.
And…
“…”
Upon stepping in and witnessing this degree of chaos erupting as my arrival was announced,
I found myself utterly speechless.
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