To go to Yangwi Castle, there were many things to do. Not just because there were many tasks, but because of the issue of security.
As Hano mentioned last time, someone was spreading rumors about me.
Rumors that I possessed the wisdom of the heavens and knew everything, that I could read the secrets of the universe.
Rumors that I knew all the treasures of the world.
Due to my strangely increasing value, more and more people were targeting me.
Of course, most of it was true.
Because of that, the letters coming to me increased, and many were sending guests to invite me or coming directly themselves, including some thugs.
Of course, I didn’t outright refuse them just because they were thugs. If they behaved properly and kept their etiquette, there was no reason I couldn’t trade with them.
But some were so bothered by it that they even sent threatening letters asking me not to help the thugs.
So it wasn’t surprising that the Murim Alliance was quite seriously worried about me moving.
“So… you’re going to Yangwi Castle?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm… understood. Then let’s support the warriors of the Murim Alliance.”
As soon as I informed the Seomhwa Village branch of the Murim Alliance about my trip to Yangwi Castle, support from warriors came right away.
I hadn’t thought it was necessary.
We had quite a number of people going along this time.
I mentioned Hongryeon, Chaejin, and Sayoon would be going with me, and after sending a letter to the Cheonghoe Merchant Guild, Cheonilhwa said they’d send Gi Noya and Wiyeol.
With that much, we’d be able to escape together if anything happened.
“Still, we have to be prepared for the worst.”
“If you say so, I’ll accept it. Thank you.”
“Thank you. Then I’ll send the warriors to the inn tomorrow.”
After finishing my conversation with the head of the Seomhwa Village branch of the Murim Alliance, I headed to the government office.
When I mentioned I was going to Yangwi Castle, Hyeonryeong also offered to send troops to support me.
“No, there’s really no need for that…”
“Ha ha. Yu Seonsaeng is a treasure of Seomhwa Village; how could I just let you go? There aren’t many crazy guys who would dare attack with the troops going along, so take them with you. Besides, I’ve heard there have been a lot of thugs lately.”
From what I heard from the guests at the inn, the number of thugs had indeed increased recently.
There were rumors of some movement among the Green Forest Eighteen, but…
It seems that there are also thugs taking advantage of that opportunity, so it wouldn’t hurt to be careful.
“Understood. Thank you.”
“Thank you? For what? But why are you going there? Are you looking to make some money…?”
In the work of the administration, gold is always needed.
He was asking if I had any investment plans in mind.
Since I intended to be with Hyeonryeong for a long time, I didn’t hide it.
“If the north opens up, there will likely be undeveloped mines or specialties there. To secure that, we need to invest in the Empire first.”
“Aha. I see. So that’s why you’re going?”
“Yes. If that’s the case, later on, we can look into joint investment and development…”
“Hahaha. How can Hyeonryeong invest in development in other regions?”
“What do you think?”
“Yeah, that’s true?”
Hyeonryeong, with a sly smile, shared her rough plan with me. Although the exact location would be determined only by a visit, I mentioned that by looking at the vein, one could understand how the ore deposits were formed, and she nodded seriously.
“Considering that most of Yu Seonsaeng’s investments in mine development have been successful, I can’t help but believe. Please do let me know when you start the development.”
“I will.”
“Hahahaha!”
“Hahahaha!”
After spending a good time with Hyeonryeong, I returned to the inn, where the Sword Saint was waiting.
With a sulky expression, she spoke as soon as Ryuhyun and Chaejin, who had followed me to ensure my safety, went somewhere else.
“I heard you’re going to Yangwiseong.”
“Yes.”
“And that you’re taking Ryun and Yoon…”
I had requested some escort personnel from Hongryeon yesterday, and she had said she would go with Sayoon.
The Sword Saint, who seemed to have overheard this, stared at me intently.
“I’m also bringing Chaejin. There will be Murim Alliance warriors too, and soldiers from the government will accompany us.”
“…I could just go by myself though. Besides, everyone else has gone together at least once…”
She seemed to sulk about being left out. Now that I think about it, I’ve never really gone anywhere with the Sword Saint.
We might have taken a walk around Seomhwa Village, but that barely counts.
I smiled at the Sword Saint and took her hand.
“We’ll go together soon.”
“…When?”
“It shouldn’t take long.”
I couldn’t recklessly exclude her from going because I needed to keep Hongseong safe. Of course, I believed that Cheolhyeolmokja wouldn’t move yet, but we couldn’t let our guard down against Cheolhyeolhwaja.
“Are you promising?”
“Should we pinky swear?”
I jokingly suggested, but the Sword Saint raised her pinky with a serious expression. I shrugged and linked my finger with hers.
“Since our pinkies are linked, if I break the promise…”
“What if you break it?”
“…I’ll grant you a wish?”
I thought I’d probably grant something okay without a wish being asked.
When I looked at her, the Sword Saint’s face gradually turned red as she fumbled.
What on earth is she thinking?
“Cough, ahem. Anyway, it’s a promise.”
“Understood.”
“…Actually, I think it’s okay to break it…”
…I have to keep it for sure.
Muttering softly, she glanced at me. I smiled at her again.
“So, did you come just to tell me that?”
“Oh. That’s not the only reason… I came to run an errand.”
For the leader of a sect to come down for an errand is quite something.
In a way, Hongseong is a remarkable sect. Other sects wouldn’t have their leaders operating so casually.
I received the paper she offered and checked it.
It contained things like ingredients, herbs, and basic necessities.
“I’ll inform the store.”
“Um. Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. We have some time left, would you like to have a cup of tea?”
“Shall we have a cup of tea?”
“I’d love to.”
The Sword Saint Na Yerin gazed at me with her usual subtle smile.
The next morning, I could see the area in front of the inn becoming lively. The martial artists sent by the Murim Alliance had arrived.
I headed down from the inn and went outside with Chaejin, who was already prepared.
“Oh, you’ve come?”
“Hello!”
Hongryeon and Sayoon, who were set to accompany us, had also arrived.
Normally, we’d take a cart, but since I only had a few things to deliver and the items were sent by the Cheonghoe Merchant Guild, I rented a carriage from the government office instead of pulling a cart myself.
As we climbed onto the carriage, Chaejin smiled brightly.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been to Yangweseong.”
“I hope nothing goes wrong…”
But looking at the martial artists from the Murim Alliance seriously planning the escort, it didn’t seem likely.
“Hey! Yu Seonsaeng!”
I heard a shout from the end of the street. It was Gi Noya and Wiyeol. Seeing them dismount in front of the inn made Chaejin beam with joy.
“You always have it tough!”
“Haha, it’s for Yu Seonsaeng, so this is nothing. But are you ready?”
“Yes!”
Chaejin cheerfully lifted the medicinal liquor that Yohwan had prepared, causing Gi Noya to smile.
Wiyeol, who seemed unimpressed, approached me and said, “Recently, there have been more movements from the thugs around here. It seems to be from the Green Forest side…”
The Green Forest.
Currently, they are affecting the Cheonhwa Palace and are one of the most hostile groups in ‘Heavenly Bright Moon.’
If they’re lurking around here, they must be targeting either me or people coming to Seomhwa Village.
Before they set up shop and start collecting tolls and causing trouble, we need to take care of this, Wiyeol casually remarked.
“Don’t mind that old drunkard. If you’re going to hunt them down, let me know.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Did I say something wrong? And don’t think about drinking while on escort duty.”
“I’m not drinking! I’ll drink when we get back!”
Sayoon chuckled at Gi Noya, who had shouted back. She seemed to enjoy chatting with Wiyeol.
Gi Noya smiled at her like a grandparent as he mounted his horse and said, “Alright! Let’s get going!!”
Indeed, having a large force made travel remarkably peaceful.
“We’re lucky to have the help of the Murim Alliance and the government,” Chaejin said while taking a drink at our brief stop.
That’s definitely true.
Since we’re not moving in secret, having a big group means they won’t dare to mess with us.
“Still, I don’t like having tails following us,” Gi Noya grumbled, munching on the skewers that Yohwan had packed. I guess having so many experts around makes him a bit uneasy?
Hongryeon, Chaejin, and Sayoon, who had felt someone following them for a while, didn’t let go of their weapons. Wiyeol, who was managing the horses near the carriage, and Gi Noya, who was driving it, were openly on alert.
Gi Noya lightly clenched and unclenched his fist, making it seem like he was ready to unleash hell.
“Shall we deal with them? Looks like there are some bandits around here…”
“Hmm…”
Dealing with bandits… I surveyed our manpower.
The Murim Alliance warriors, and the soldiers from Seomhwa Village.
With Hongryeon, Chaejin, and Sayoon on our side, it should be manageable…
Still, those two weren’t my subordinates, so I figured it would be better to ask their opinions.
“Lieutenant Wiyeol. Without dragging it out, I’d like to clean up the bandits around here. Is that alright?”
“Hmm. I don’t see a problem with that. Although, it’d be nice to have the help of the Murim Alliance and the local forces…”
“Then that means the Innkeeper has to come along, right?”
Wiyeol nodded, and Sayoon seemed to ruminate for a moment before looking at me.
The presence of such bandits meant they were a threat to the people coming in and out of Seomhwa Village.
Sayoon didn’t seem like the kind to just let that slide.
I conveyed our intentions to the warriors of the Murim Alliance and the soldiers, and they all agreed.
It might delay our schedule to Yangweseong a bit, but it shouldn’t be a problem.
“Let’s go.”
“Just as expected from Yu Seonsaeng. That annoying killing intent had been bothering me since earlier.”
Gi Noya sprang up from his seat. The instant he waved his hand, a distant bandit shouted in panic.
“I-I’m caught!”
“Oh no! What a big catch!!”
When did he send Chollara that far? A real master indeed.
As the bandits caught by Chollara were dragged back, Gi Noya grinned at the one they caught.
“Care to share where your hideout is?”
“Ugh, aahhh!!”
The interrogation didn’t take long. Both Gi Noya and Wiyeol were seasoned officers and seemed well-versed in interrogation.
Fortunately, they hadn’t been doing business properly yet, so they hadn’t caused any damage to the surroundings, but that wouldn’t last.
Plus, their main base wasn’t too far away.
We tied up those who had confessed and headed toward the location they mentioned, soon spotting a small hill fort nestled in a canyon.
“What should we do?”
Chaejin asked, gripping her sword, and I calmly replied.
“Let’s wipe them out.”
The warriors from the Murim Alliance and the soldiers charged out, followed by Chaejin, Wiyeol, and Gi Noya. While Hongryeon and Sayoon were guarding me nearby, inside the valley, the bandits were panicking from the surprise attack.
The thrill of ambush and the strength of our allies left them utterly defenseless.
– Grrrrroooar!!
“…What was that?”
From deep inside the bandit hideout, a strange roar echoed, seemingly from a cave connected to the valley.
This… is the roar of an evil monster, isn’t it?
I froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.
I knew precisely what it meant for monsters to be alongside humans.
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