As the Sword Saint and Sayoon set off and evening fell, a guest arrived at the inn.
Entering with a surprisingly confident demeanor this time was none other than Hano, the deputy director of the Hao-mun, looking like he just won the lottery.
He plopped down at a table and boldly demanded,
“Hey, innkeeper! Bring me all your dishes!”
“…Who exactly is this innkeeper you’re talking about?”
By the time dinner service was wrapping up, Yohwan was eating with me and Chaejin.
I laughed and welcomed Hano while playfully scowling at him.
“You could’ve at least sent a message beforehand.”
“Good news always comes unexpectedly.”
Good news, huh? He must have gotten a lot from Wanghui after defeating Samagun.
I pointed to the box in his hand, and Hano grinned, pushing it towards me.
“Wanghui isn’t completely clueless. After all, he could’ve lost everything and then some. Even if the scoundrels would swallow what’s sweet and spit out what’s bitter, you lose credibility if you behave that way in a situation like this.”
“Oh, Hano’s speaking as if he’s not one of those scoundrels?”
“The ones who deal in information are a bit different. Trust is paramount.”
He chuckled at Chaejin’s words and tapped the box.
Was he telling me to open it?
I wasted no time and opened the box, tilting my head as I examined the contents.
There were quite a few items.
“First up…”
There were four elixirs called Cheongsa-hwan.
They were one of those magical potions that boost your inner strength, obtainable after finishing an event hosted by the Sahakryeon.
They boast the same level of effect regardless of the martial arts you learn, but Cheongsa-hwan had its downsides.
The more you consume this type of elixir, the less effective it becomes. Cheongsa-hwan particularly suffers from this, with its effect dropping significantly after the first use.
Hence, it’s known in Heavenly Bright Moon as a prime example of elixirs with usage limits.
“It seems he wanted to give me something even better, but Sahakryeon has run out of elixirs.”
Hano looked incredibly embarrassed. I mean, for a huge organization like Sahakryeon to be out of elixirs is pretty embarrassing.
But I had to understand.
Not long ago, Sahakryeon had been cut in half, and they needed to prepare skilled fighters, so a shortage was inevitable.
“And next…”
In the box was a voucher.
This was quite generous. I could hand this over to the local leader.
Next were a few talismans and some precious materials suitable for crafting.
As I examined those, I picked up a potion bottle and gasped.
“Oh. What’s this?”
“That’s a medicine called Cheonjagbun, often used as an energy booster. You’ll see your stamina increase if you take it.”
It’s a medicine frequently used in Heavenly Bright Moon.
Unlike the elixirs that enhance inner strength, this one increases stamina. In fact, it might just be precisely what I need. Sure, it has usage limits too, but not as strict as the elixirs.
Confirming that, I pulled out the last item.
There were two small clothing boxes.
“Oh? What’s this?”
Chaejin reached out, opened one box, then immediately closed it again.
Seeing her face turn bright red, I could guess what kind of clothing was inside.
It was probably women’s formal wear from Sahakryeon.
“Why on earth would they send this to the righteous side?!”
I shoved aside the box she’d handed me and picked up the one below it.
Inside was a black robe with red accents—formal wear for males from Sahakryeon.
As I examined the robe, which radiated a dignified aura unlike the female version, Hano smirked.
“I guess Wanghui wanted to foster relationships this way.”
What a pointless endeavor.
By the way, it was about time to distribute these items…
I looked at Chaejin and asked,
“What do you want, Chae?”
“I don’t really want anything specific.”
“Still, you have to take something since you’ve worked hard.”
“In that case, I’ll take this.”
What she pulled from the box was a small bone fragment. It was made from the bone of a monster called Manwoo, used as a material to create talismans for practitioners.
The bones of a monster called Manwoo are used as materials for amulets made for those who practice the art of patience.
For Chaejin, who has been deeply studying patience, this would be the perfect reward.
“I’m good. My position in the Black Lotus has risen, so I’m satisfied with that. Just grab some elixir for the medicinal dishes if you can. I haven’t eaten well in a while.”
“In that case… Yohwan, can I ask you for a favor?”
“Got it.”
Yohwan heads inside. Watching this, I casually tapped the box and said,
“Anyway, I’ll make sure to distribute this properly.”
Though a bit late, I went to find the local leader. He was still working late and had chosen a voucher from the compensation Wanghui sent for this incident.
It was a relief to see him happy, considering he’d been running low on money lately.
After giving the voucher to the local leader, I returned to my room and looked at what was left in the box.
A few materials for making amulets and gear, and four Cheongsa-hwan.
I nodded as I scanned it.
One of the Cheongsa-hwan should go to Chaeran, and the rest can be handed off to Hongseong.
The materials can be passed over to Moonjeong.
And what’s left are the outfits for the male and female members of the Black Lotus.
Even if I assume I’ll eat the Cheongsa-hwan…
What should I do with these clothes?
Especially the female outfit from the Black Lotus…
The top, which is completely backless, has a hole right at the bust. Along with it are garter-belt styled stockings and those short pants that make you wonder if they are underwear or shorts. Not to mention, high heels that go up to the ankles.
Whew.
Of course, they look gorgeous, but this is a bit…
It’s better to seal it away.
I carefully folded the Black Lotus uniforms and stuffed them into the box, pushing it into the corner of the room.
But still, Wanghui sure packed a lot for us.
He meant to throw strange things at me and cause a ruckus, but now I don’t have to worry about that.
I gently tapped the leftover Cheongsa-hwan and closed my eyes.
I’ve arranged to meet the Sword Saint tomorrow, so I could give them to her then.
By the way, Sayoon hasn’t taken the Cheongsa-hwan, has she?
The next day, while I was having a typical day, I felt an intense pressure coming from the backyard.
Curious, I went outside to find a woman in a shabby top with dark blue hair, apparently the Sword Saint, standing watch with Hongryeon and Yoohee, all staring intently in my direction.
“Well, if you’ve come, you could’ve just called out.”
“Is there a need to make anyone else uncomfortable?”
On the surface, she might seem just like a beautiful woman, but the Sword Saint is a superhuman who can exert pressure just by her existence.
That’s why both Jeomsoi and the servants who were looking nervous around her may have made her use her internal energy to call me over.
I threw on some clothes and headed outside.
“Uh? Where are you going?”
“I have a quick word with the Sword Saint.”
“Ah… Should I come along too?”
Chaejin, who followed behind me, spoke with a smile, but the Sword Saint shook her head.
“Sorry, but there’s something I want to discuss separately. Moonlight, I know you’re the escort of Yoo, but I would appreciate your understanding.”
“Uh… Yes.”
Chaejin couldn’t refuse the Sword Saint’s polite request.
She nodded slightly and stepped back, and the Sword Saint repeated the same to Hongryeon and Yoohee.
After the two, who were looking anxiously between me and the Sword Saint, nodded their heads, she said to me,
“Alright. Let’s go.”
“Yes. That sounds good.”
Thus, I walked through the streets of Seomhwa Village alongside the Sword Saint.
How long has it been? Once we arrived at the market, the Sword Saint calmly asked,
“The market used to be quite different. Are you aware?”
“Yes. It seems so.”
Compared to before, the market had developed significantly. More items were added, more people showed up.
Now that I think about it, Seomhwa Village has seen quite an increase in its population too. The village naturally grows when farmland or facilities increase.
And since the local leader wasn’t extracting excessive taxes, it wasn’t strange at all for wandering folks or refugees to come and expand the village.
“Oh my! Innkeeper!”
As we strolled through the market, a vegetable vendor cheerfully called out to me.
He called out.
Maybe it was because this was a place he often visited when buying vegetables at the inn? With a smile, he handed me a few fist-sized apples, packed into a bamboo basket.
“The apples are really delicious! Enjoy them on your way!”
“Thank you.”
“Huh?! Aren’t you the innkeeper?! What brings you to the market at this hour? Since you’re here, take this with you!”
“I’ll enjoy it.”
“Ah! Innkeeper! Don’t you need any fabric? There are some good ones lately! And use this as a handkerchief!”
“Haha. Thank you.”
“Innkeeper! Thanks for the advice you gave last time! Thanks to you, our production has increased!”
“It’s nothing special. If you have any questions, feel free to stop by the inn anytime.”
The craftsman from a small workshop in the market waved and handed me a tiny accessory.
I had just listened to him vent over a drink last time because he was troubled at work, yet he looked quite satisfied.
As I walked through the market, though I hadn’t come to buy anything in particular, I ended up with a decent haul.
Before I knew it, one hand was holding a basket full of goodies gifted by the market folks.
Apples, pears, snacks, meat. There were even books for entertainment and items like brushes and ink.
Such a variety!
The Sword Saint stared at the contents of the basket and chuckled.
“You are quite beloved by the villagers.”
“Not really.”
“I suppose you give a lot of advice to them?”
“People often drown their worries in drink. Since I run an inn, I tend to meet such people often and listen to their stories.”
“Even so, the fact that they can share their worries means you’re trusted by them, doesn’t it?”
“Thank you for the kind words.”
What’s up with all this complimenting? What is he trying to pry out of me? I snapped my fingers while looking at the Sword Saint.
“Speaking of which, I have something that was sent by the Black Lotus as a reward for the last battle.”
“Oh?”
After explaining what I received, I shared my distribution plan.
“And I’d like to give the Cheongsa-hwan to Hongseong. Since I received four, it would be best to give one to Moonjeong and take three from Hongseong.”
“…And what about the innkeeper?”
“Oh, I have something as well. I received a healing medicine and the Black Lotus’ conquest.”
Although the conquest of the Black Lotus seems like it’d hardly be useful, I should at least take the healing medicine.
“Healing medicine and clothes… Don’t they have the least value?”
“The value of items varies depending on the person.”
“Are you… considering going to the evil faction?”
“Not at all. But most of those who helped this time are righteous; I can’t give them evil faction clothing. I personally… don’t mind.”
“But you could have the elixir? Didn’t you learn some martial arts?”
“How many chances do I have to fight? Just enough to protect myself is sufficient. Instead, I’ll eat the healing medicine to boost my strength. It’ll help me work better, right?”
“Considering how you say that, it seems like you’ve learned quite a bit of martial arts.”
She smiled faintly, and I shrugged.
“I engage in just the level I need. After all, I leave all combat to others, don’t I? Ah, speaking of which…”
Now’s a good time to mention it.
“While I was thinking of battles, the Elder who gave me the royal martial arts manual mentioned something. He said a strong evil monster might appear around here. Perhaps a mountain tiger, so I hope Hongseong pays attention.”
The Sword Saint stared at me intently as I shrugged again.
“I wouldn’t be able to catch it even if I tried, and while its tail is a precious material, it’s not needed for me. Besides, the inner core would be better used by Hongseong than by me. The scales and bones would be handy too, so it would aid Hongseong.”
Upon hearing that, the Sword Saint closed her eyes for a moment.
“The inner core of a wicked monster like the mountain tiger isn’t pure and possesses strong medicinal properties and toxicity. It needs to be divided, neutralized, and its properties toned down. Otherwise, if consumed alone, there’s a high risk of bodily harm. So, the elixirs must be made in portions.”
“You must strengthen it, scatter it, neutralize its potency, and reduce its toxicity. If you take it alone, there’s a high chance your body will burst. So, you must definitely divide it to make the elixir.”
I know that much.
So, you’re saying to consult a pharmacist for the medicine, and that’s why, in Heavenly Bright Moon, the “internal elixir” was treated as materials and not as an elixir.
That’s why elixirs made from things like the “Phoenix Crystal” or “Doll’s Herb” and the energies of naturally grown herbs gathered over a long time were much more popular.
You could just consume those without any complicated elixir-making process. Plus, their effects were better too.
“If we manage to catch a mountain tiger… I think we could make at least ten elixirs better than Cheongsa-hwan using that internal elixir.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Indeed. There are secret techniques passed down in Hongseong. Fortunately, they are documented, so I know too. However, making something at the level of the Summoning Elixir or the Small Phoenix Elixir will be challenging. Those aren’t made from something like an internal elixir.”
I know that.
Such precious elixirs aren’t made from monsters’ internal elixirs; they gather natural essence over a long time through each clan’s secret techniques, making them absurdly rare.
No, more importantly…
At least ten elixirs better than Cheongsa-hwan??
Elixirs can be duplicated?!
In Heavenly Bright Moon, even when combining special materials using monster internal elixirs and other herbs, you’d be lucky to yield seven or so.
Hongseong really is an elite clan, huh…
…Tch. Well, Sayoon’s clan got burned down before she could learn that stuff, so it can’t be helped.
“I can give that to you. If you want, all of it.”
I shook my head with a smile at the Sword Saint’s offer.
“It’s right for what’s needed to go where it’s needed. There wouldn’t be enough for all the disciples of Hongseong to use, so you don’t have to give it to me.”
And if I really need it, I can always get it later as a reward.
Besides, there’s an event I have to do when I move on to the next scenario.
Going through that will probably net me some elixirs.
So if I manage to catch the mountain tiger and make elixirs, that should be for Hongseong, and Sayoon should take them.
The elixir made from the gathered natural essence can be consumed later.
“And we haven’t even caught the mountain tiger yet, have we? How about we discuss it when we do?”
The Sword Saint stared at me wide-eyed for a while, then shook her head.
“You…”
“Yes?”
“You always think a lot and try to act rationally.”
Her gaze softened towards me.
And then she took a step closer.
“You always try to choose the right thing.”
“Uh…”
Another step.
“You never hesitate to give.”
“Uh…”
And one more step.
“You set aside your own desires and always try to yield.”
“…Yes?”
Not really, though?
I take care of my own desires and do what I want.
Supporting Sayoon is exactly what I, we wanted to do the most.
After a brief moment of thought, she stepped closer once more.
The distance that had seemed rather far was now quite close.
“Oh, by the way, didn’t you say you had something you wanted to check?”
“Heh. Indeed. But… it doesn’t seem necessary to check. I’ve realized you’re a good person as everyone sees you.”
The Sword Saint took one last step towards me.
Now she was so close that I could say she was right in front of me, her delicate scent of apricot blossoms beginning to tickle my nose.
She gave me a very bright smile.
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