While I was staying silent, Namgoonghwa smiled brightly and offered a quite fancy-looking box.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a token of gratitude from the Murim Alliance to the Innkeeper.”
Seeing that the box wasn’t very big, it looked like some sort of medicine. As I gazed at it, Namgoonghwa unfolded a letter she had brought.
“We send this as a show of appreciation for the great help you’ve given to the Murim Alliance, Yu Wol Innkeeper.”
While she read the letter, Ma Cheolpi opened the box. Inside was a small Ho-Hwangdan.
“The Ho-Hwangdan boosts stamina and strength, so I believe it will be of great help to Yu Wol Innkeeper, who has sacrificed their own benefits for the Murim Alliance.”
Ho-Hwangdan. One of those rare medicines that increases stamina and strength in Heavenly Bright Moon. It might not enhance one’s martial arts like a magic potion, but it’s still treated quite precious.
I hadn’t really expected something so grand; I thought it would be something less impressive.
“This seems a bit too much, don’t you think?”
“Don’t think too much of it.”
Gak Hwijun shook his head and glanced around. The sudden commotion had caught the attention of the other guests, who were now looking this way.
Keeping that in mind, he said in a quiet tone, “Didn’t you previously help the Black Lotus, Innkeeper?”
“Ah.”
“This is a way to contend with that.”
Well, if someone helped the Murim Alliance and then went over to the Black Lotus, it would make a mess of the Murim Alliance’s reputation.
I suppose they considered it a significant gesture worthy of the Black Lotus exhibitionist treatment, eh?
In any case, if they offered, then it would be polite to accept it.
“I don’t think what I did is that great, but I can’t refuse the chief’s kindness. I will graciously accept it.”
I immediately swallowed the Ho-Hwangdan. I felt warmth spreading inside, as if my strength had increased a bit. As for my stamina…
Hmm. Can’t tell that yet. I’ll find out once I train later.
“Well then, our mission is complete, so… Innkeeper, may we stay here a bit longer before we leave?”
“That’s fine. But shouldn’t you move together with those going to Hongseongmun?”
“Not necessarily.”
Earlier, while that shiny kid entered the inn, I saw the martial artists from the Murim Alliance heading toward Hongseongsan. Mentioning that, Namgoonghwa nodded casually.
“Of course, we plan to visit Hongseongmun tomorrow. They can’t go though.”
Namgoonghwa pointed at Gak Hwijun and Ma Cheolpi. Since Hongseongmun was a restricted area for men, there was no helping that they couldn’t enter.
“We are fine. We had matters to attend to in the Yangweiseong area.”
“Well then, shouldn’t you come separately…”
“Haha. I just wanted to greet the Innkeeper. In fact, I’ve realized a lot since that time.”
Ma Cheolpi laughed heartily, his muscles flexing. Is he talking about what happened at Changwungwan?
“I’ve come to understand that a person’s strength isn’t measured by martial arts. After training, my Demonic Arts have gotten stronger… so I wanted to say that.”
“To think you’ve gained enlightenment from something trivial. Congratulations on your achievement.”
Of course, my actions and Sayoon’s triggered this, but it was Ma Cheolpi who took it to heart.
So I shook my head with a smile, and Ma Cheolpi grinned.
“Come on. We’ve come this far, are we just going to stand around?”
Gak Hwijun sat down and said to Jeomsoi.
“Let’s boost the Innkeeper’s sales today. Hey, Jeomsoi, bring out the best you have at the inn.”
Oh, even if that’s the case, it must be pretty expensive, right? When I looked at him with a smile, he shrugged.
“You have to spend when it’s time to spend, right?”
“Wow! Thank you! Gak Oppa!”
“Hahaha! If there’s something you all want to eat, just order it! Get some really good drinks too!”
“Wow~! I’ll eat well!”
“Hehe. I’ll enjoy it.”
They seem to get along pretty well. Well, that’s probably why the nickname “Sage” has stuck.
I thought it wouldn’t hurt to treat them to a meal, but they refused several times. In the end, I decided to treat them drinks only.
“So… are the other two not planning to stay overnight?”
“Yes. We’re scheduled to depart in the evening.”
“I see. Then when you go to Yangweseong, will you visit Cheonghwa Tower?”
“Haha. Actually, that’s one reason we’re heading to Yangweseong. Last time, we could only reach the second floor, so this time…”
Are they going to challenge the third floor? I laughed as I watched Gak Hwijun and Ma Cheolpi gearing up with determination.
“When you go to Cheonghwa Tower, mention my name and look for Gi Noya.”
There’s a rule at Cheonghwa Tower that you can’t go up unless you prove yourself, but isn’t it said that the rules allow for exceptions?
If I say I came on their introduction, maybe they’ll be lenient.
If not, there’s nothing I can do.
“Huh? Do you have ties with Cheonghwa Tower?”
“Just by chance. Of course, they won’t let you pass the test easily… but even if you fail, won’t they at least give you some decent liquor?”
“Haha. I’m getting excited.”
As they chatted, Chaejin smiled broadly.
“Then, should I show off my skills before we eat?”
“…The Moonlight Sword Lady?”
“Um… Please take it easy.”
Namgoonghwa and Yo Heemi also nervously raised their hands. In response to them, Chaejin gathered her energy and I spoke to her.
“Aren’t you pushing yourself too hard?”
“It’s fine.”
Chaejin smiled leisurely.
“I need to prepare for a sparring match with Ryun, after all.”
I expected it, but these braggarts claiming to be the ‘Shinjusaguel’ were really getting knocked down a peg.
Even when all four of them rushed in at once at the end, it wouldn’t be easy to defeat Chaejin, especially since she’s been steadily training and improving lately.
Panting, the four of them entered the inn and while they reminisced about the earlier spar, I handed Chaejin some tea as I sat beside her.
“Hehe. Thank you.”
“Not a problem. By the way… who exactly from Hongseong Clan visited this time?”
“Well, it’s Lord Chuyoung from the Murim Alliance’s Inspection Department and a person named Jegeol Sohee from the Military Department.”
Namgoonghwa, munching on her food, replied.
Seems like Hongseong sent women since it’s an area off-limits to men.
By the way, Jegeol Sohee…
“What kind of person is Jegeol Sohee?”
Chaejin asked, and I looked at her. Did she feel my gaze? She slightly blushed.
“…Not that I know everyone in the Murim Alliance, you know.”
I knew it. For Chaejin, her only concern was Hongryeon.
I wasn’t trying to scold her, but Chaejin looked a bit down, so I patted her shoulder gently.
“Hehe.”
That was enough to brighten her mood, and she smiled widely.
“Um… She’s a bit of a troublesome person. Not a bad person, but…”
It was Yo Heemi who replied instead of Namgoonghwa. Along with her, Gak Hwijun seemed to share a similar opinion and nodded in agreement.
“I get the feeling she’d do anything for the Murim Alliance.”
“Apparently, there’s quite a bit of talk about her within the Alliance. After all, the Murim Alliance is a coalition of righteous sects, not above them…”
These four were also martial artists affiliated with the Murim Alliance, yet they each belonged to their own factions, so it seemed they had some grievances against Jegeol Sohee’s policies and actions.
“Her prioritizing the Murim Alliance over her own faction is quite pronounced…”
Their assessments were utterly correct. Jegeol Sohee wasn’t just featured in Sayoon’s storyline; she was also one of the military personnel who always participated in battles against the Demon Cult and the Evil Sect.
She harbored deep resentment against the Demon Cult and a strong animosity toward the Evil Sect, often demanding risky operations.
There was quite a bit of animosity towards the Safa, often demanding unreasonable operations.
They’re not bad people, but a bit blind in their approach.
By the way, sending her means that the Murim Alliance hopes Hongseong will get more involved in the Murim than they are now, right?
“Chae So-ja, let’s go visit Hongseong together later.”
“Yes, understood.”
Chaejin, who often visited Hongseong, said it nonchalantly, but it seemed surprising for the others.
Namgoonghwa’s eyes widened and she cocked her head in confusion.
“Huh? Innkeeper, you can go into Hongseong?”
“Since I’ve had plenty of dealings with Hongseong, it should be fine.”
Upon hearing my ability to enter the male-only area, Gak Hwijun and Ma Cheolpi looked at me with respect. But really, what’s so great about it?
“But why?”
“There’s something on my mind, that’s all.”
If things go south, I might have to jump in.
As the evening business wrapped up, I took the dishes I’d asked Yohwan to prepare and what I had brought just in case, heading toward Hongseong with Chaejin. When we reached about halfway up Hongseong, I spotted members of the Murim Alliance resting nearby.
“Looks like they’re taking a break over there.”
Do they really need to set up camp out here when there’s an inn in the village? I think I should go talk to them.
The spirits of Hongseong Mountain get stronger at night, so there could be trouble if I’m not careful.
Casting a glance at them, we continued our ascent, and upon reaching the mountain gate, we encountered a girl sitting in front—Ryu Gang, a disciple of Hongseong.
“Huh? Innkeeper? What brings you all the way here?”
“I just wanted to meet Hongryeon for a moment. If it’s okay, could you call for her? Oh, and I brought a little something…”
I presented the dishes and snacks I had brought. Ryu Gang smiled brightly at that.
“Oh my, you didn’t have to bring anything. Just a moment, please.”
Ryu Gang dashed inside, and shortly after, Hongryeon came out. She approached with a bright smile, but flinched slightly upon seeing Chaejin before smiling again.
“Welcome! I was just about to come looking for you.”
“Hmm? Why is that?”
“I wanted to hear your thoughts regarding the proposal from the Murim Alliance. If it’s okay, could you join me to share your opinions?”
Of course, I’d be happy to.
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