Putting the name of a sect on an inn, a tavern, or any other type of store was essentially like offering a premium protection service.
Of course, the authorities would patrol and keep things in order, but isn’t it true that the law is far away while a punch is close at hand?
Thinking about that, attaching a sect’s name was basically declaring, “I’m determined to protect this place!”
Because of this, it was common for sect disciples to reside at such places.
In return, they would deliver a portion of the income or a certain amount monthly to that sect.
So far, Hongseong had not made money this way.
They believed that those with power should protect the powerless, which is why they were reluctant to put their name on anything.
Honestly, it was disappointing from my perspective.
I wanted to fund Hongseong, but they kept refusing any straightforward donation, forcing me to come up with some sort of justification.
That’s why Hongryeon’s proposal was quite agreeable to me.
“Uh? Wait a minute. You’re saying you want to receive money…”
“Every transaction requires compensation. Hongseong offers its name and strength, and I provide funds and resources. Isn’t it a tidy deal?”
“I’m not trying to make a deal here.”
“Even so, a definite price must be paid. Hongryeon, right now, Seomhwa Village is developing and expanding.”
I knew that Hongseong and Sword Saint were not actually asking me for payment to hang Hongseong’s name on my inn.
But still, I had to ensure there was compensation.
“As Seomhwa Village grows, the inn, store, or other facilities I need to manage might increase as well. Will Hongseong continue to protect them without any compensation? Therefore, a proper price must absolutely be paid. For my sake, too.”
Hongryeon stared at me with misty eyes, clasping her lips tightly shut.
No way could I let this opportunity slip away!
“Then how about a month’s worth of silver…”
“Gold. We will need to negotiate the details of the costs.”
Hongryeon’s face began to pale. I looked over to Chaejin who was standing next to me.
“I heard that Moonjeong lets places like the Cheongho inn or stores borrow its name too.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“How much does that cost?”
“It varies by size, but for your inn and store, you’d need to pay at least ten gold from Moonjeong.”
Chaeran, who had come down from somewhere, chimed in. After giving her a smile, I turned back to Hongryeon.
“It’s fair that Hongseong should receive more. While Moonjeong has larger entities like the Moonlight Sword and foreign disciples, Hongseong currently only has a select few disciples. If I take their movements into consideration, it would be right to pay even more.”
“No, that’s still too much… I didn’t propose this to burden you.”
“Here it is.”
“Not a burden at all.”
I cut her off sharply, and Hongryeon finally shut her mouth. She looked at me as if I was being unreasonable, but I wasn’t going to change my mind.
“As Seomhwa Village develops, my inn will gradually expand, and I might even build something else. If you think about the help Hongseong will provide at that time, it’s definitely not a large amount, so I hope you don’t feel burdened.”
“Uh…”
“Okay. That’s my opinion for now. Do you have anything else to say?”
Hongryeon let out a deep sigh. After glancing at me, she shook her head.
“I’ll go talk to the Master a bit more.”
“Please do.”
As she walked away, Chaejin said with a bitter expression, “You really don’t want to put that burden on Hongseong, do you?”
“It’s not just a simple burden issue. Such calculations need to be made thoroughly.”
“Right, Elder Sister. There are plenty of cases where people end up in trouble because they didn’t give what they should have or didn’t take what they were owed.”
In this respect, Chaeran made her point more effectively. It seemed she had a more meticulous approach about costs, likely because she had experience managing a sect.
“By the way, what if Hongseong refuses?”
If they refuse, there’s nothing I can do. But given the Sword Master and Hongryeon brought this up, it was likely triggered by yesterday’s incident. And knowing their temperaments, they’d probably come back soon with another proposal.
It was after finishing the evening’s service. Despite what happened yesterday, there were still quite a few customers. Many martial artists were present too, and it was almost about to escalate into a fight, but when Chaejin growled, the martial artists behaved themselves.
“Is anyone there?”
Just then, as the sword-wielding martial artists settled their bills and exited, a woman with short blue hair and a serious expression entered.
Holding a staff and dressed in the attire of the Murim Alliance, she was Seohyang, working at the Murim Alliance branch. True to her alias “Light as the Wind,” she was an agile and smooth martial artist.
“Oh? Seohyang! What brings you here?”
It seemed she knew Chaeran well. As she stood up and waved at her while sipping tea with Chaejin, Seohyang lightly bowed.
“It’s been a while, Chaeran.”
“Yeah. I heard you came here.”
Was she here to see Chaeran? I decided to mind my own business and started to clear the tables where the guests had just left.
“I came because of yesterday’s incident.”
Yesterday’s incident? It must be about the fight that broke out in the inn. I instructed Jeomsoi to clear the tables and approached Seohyang.
“About yesterday, I assume it’s regarding the fight at the inn.”
“Hello, Yu Wol, Innkeeper.”
Perhaps because we had met several times regarding the establishment of the Murim Alliance branch, Seohyang naturally addressed me with honorifics. I had told her she could speak casually, but if that’s how she felt comfortable, who was I to argue?
“Well, if it’s convenient for you, what can I say?”
“If it’s about yesterday, I’ve already reported it to the authorities.”
“Yes. I’ve already met with the local leader. I don’t think it’ll cause any problems…”
“But what brings you here?”
“I was wondering if you might need support from a martial artist…”
Support from a martial artist, huh? I stole a glance at Chaenin. She merely shrugged without saying a word.
What Seohyang is suggesting now is whether my inn could become affiliated with the Murim Alliance.
To be precise, it may differ a little, but their offer of protection isn’t much different from Hongryeon’s proposal.
“Hmm…”
“Well, there aren’t no businesses affiliated with the Murim Alliance where the alliance has a branch. Of course, it’s not as good as formally requesting from a sect… but it should still be helpful.”
The name of the Murim Alliance isn’t something to take lightly. I looked at Seohyang and shook my head while smiling.
“It’s fine.”
“If that’s the case, I understand.”
Looks like she just came out to do her usual business. She didn’t push any further and sat down with the martial artists she came with. Chaenin, glancing at them ordering food and drink, looked at me and smiled.
“Then how about our Moonjeong?”
“Haha, are you saying Moonjeong plans to expand into Seomhwa Village?”
“Hehe, I’m right here! The next owner of Moonjeong!”
At Chaenin’s words, Chaeran snorted.
“Sure. I’m right here, aren’t I?”
“Tsk.”
Chaenin gave Chaeran a pointed look, and Chaeran stuck her tongue out at her.
Seeing the sisters start bickering again, I couldn’t help but smile as I wrapped up my work.
As the evening business was winding down, Hongryeon visited again.
I thought it would at least take a few days?
I smiled and led her into my office, and Hongryeon sighed heavily as she spoke.
“So… how much were you thinking?”
“Forty nyang. If my business expands in the future, I’ll pay additional fees accordingly.”
“…Eleven nyang.”
“Forty nyang.”
“Fifteen nyang…”
“Forty nyang.”
“Why are you trying to charge so much when others are trying to offer less?”
Hongryeon looked troubled, but I had no intention of changing my mind.
“You know as well as I do that money is meant to be spent. For me, this is the right way to use it.”
“Sigh…”
“What did the Sword Saint say?”
“She told me not to take too much from you.”
“Oh my, the stubbornness of the Hongseong clan is impressive.”
Hongryeon smiled brightly. After pondering for a moment, she took a sip of the tea I had poured for her.
“So, just give me 80 nyang. It doesn’t seem like there’s much work to do anyway…”
“Not at all. As Seomhwa Village grows and the reputation of Hongseong Clan increases, more people will come to visit. And they’ll ultimately stay at my inn, which means there will be related issues to handle. Just preventing those from happening will be of great help.”
In the end, Hongryeon sighed deeply.
“Fine. Ugh. Such stubbornness…”
I won!
Hongryeon finally conceded, and I smiled at her.
“Ugh. Don’t smile at me.”
How could I not smile?
Hongryeon seemed to worry that I might be short on funds, but I assured her that a cost like that every month wasn’t a problem.
The fees for buildings and land in other cities, and the income from this year’s farming.
Plus, there’s quite a bit coming in from investments, not just in mines but also elsewhere.
Not to mention there are still undiscovered mines and hidden treasures, many of which I know the locations of, so when all that’s factored in, I’m quite comfortable.
I have no intention of stopping here and plan to steadily increase the funds for Hongseong Clan.
“So, when will the sign be hung?”
“Well, how about we hang it starting tomorrow? The sign can be made quickly, so I’ll bring it with me.”
“Hmm… Okay. After all, it’s my name being put up…”
Hongryeon nodded and smiled mischievously.
“We’ll make sure to get it done properly.”
The next morning, around the time business was starting.
A woman with deep blue hair walked in, the Sword Saint, who is the chief of Hongseong Clan, caught my eye.
“Sword Saint, what brings you here so early in the morning?”
“Didn’t we decide that Hongseong Clan’s name would be hung at this inn today?”
“That’s right?”
Oh, is the Sword Saint here to hang it herself?
I chuckled, and she nodded naturally as we headed to the backyard together.
She sat down on the long bench where I often sat and smiled brightly.
“Of course, I can’t just hang the name for 40 nyang worth of gold.”
But isn’t that fine?
However, the Sword Saint raised her finger to stop me from speaking, all while maintaining her calming smile.
“I’ve finished discussions with my disciples. The members of Hongseong Clan will take turns guarding the inn. Of course…”
She winked at me.
“Since my disciples will be busy training for the duel with Cheonhwa Palace, for the time being, it’ll just be me, Ryen, Hwi, and Hyun taking turns being here. I can’t compromise on that.”
Hearing that the four key members of Hongseong Clan would be taking turns staying at the inn made me burst out laughing.
They really aren’t to be taken lightly.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.
