Chapter 451: Read Documents Carefully Before Signing
Chapter 451: Read Documents Carefully Before Signing
Ju Hyang-wol walked toward the entrance of the inn.
A martial artist from the Imperial Capital Merchant Group recognized her and offered a respectful greeting.
“Miss Ju, you’ve arrived?”
“What is going on here?” she asked, gesturing to the commotion.
“It is nothing. Please, go inside. The Young Master will be here shortly.”
Ju Hyang-wol glanced at the man who had been arguing with the guards. She turned her head away without much thought, but inwardly, she was startled.
The young man was handsome, his eyes clear and deep. His appearance was so striking that it was difficult to forget once seen, and for a fleeting moment, she found herself captivated.
Behind the youth stood a middle-aged man. He wasn't looking her way; instead, he stood with his arms crossed, calmly watching the people passing through the marketplace.
The moment she saw them, an indescribable emotion surged within her before vanishing just as quickly. It was a sensation she had never experienced before, leaving her unable to identify it.
Regardless, one look at the two was enough to tell her everything.
‘They’re father and son.’
Their features weren't identical, but they shared a subtle, unmistakable aura.
And behind the middle-aged man stood another.
‘A guard?’
The three were none other than Geom Mu-geuk, Geom Wu-jin, and Hwi.
Hwi had insisted on eating separately, but Geom Mu-geuk had practically dragged him along. While this trip was primarily for himself and his father, he hoped it would also be a journey for Hwi and his own father.
At the very least, for the duration of this trip, Mu-geuk wanted Hwi to walk on his own two feet as much as possible rather than remaining hidden in the shadows. He wanted Hwi to meet his father’s eyes and share meals with them as an equal.
To Mu-geuk, these moments were precious. Once the trip ended and they returned, they would all go back to their original lives.
Why go to such lengths?
Because he knew. He knew the life Hwi had led—a man who had willingly offered his life for Mu-geuk's father. Hwi had protected him his entire life, and in the end, he had closed the chapter of his existence by sacrificing himself.
Ju Hyang-wol turned back to the martial artist from the Imperial Capital Merchant Group. “Why are you preventing these people from entering?”
“Young Master Hwang has rented out this entire inn for the day.”
Ju Hyang-wol’s expression hardened.
Young Master Hwang was the one who had designated this inn as their meeting place. She had found it strange that he insisted on meeting here instead of visiting the Ju Clan Sword House, but it seemed he simply wanted to flaunt his wealth by renting out the entire establishment.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke up, his voice calm. “I am merely a man traveling with my father. We have come a long way to treat him to the cuisine here.”
She looked at Geom Mu-geuk and Geom Wu-jin. Normally, she would have told them to find another inn and sent them on their way. For their sake, that would have been the right thing to do; entering would likely bring more trouble than pleasure.
But today, her instincts led her elsewhere.
“Let them in.”
“Young Master Hwang ordered us not to let anyone in,” the guard protested.
“I will take responsibility. Come, let us go inside together.”
As Ju Hyang-wol attempted to lead the three men in, the martial artists continued to block their path. It was only when Ju Hyang-wol glared at them with icy resolve that the warriors finally stepped aside.
“Thank you truly, Miss. Thanks to you, I am able to treat my father to a proper meal.”
With that, Ju Hyang-wol led the three inside. She wasn't usually the type to be this meddlesome.
‘Right, it’s because he said he was traveling with his father.’
She had been thinking about her own late father the entire way here.
“Was there a reason it had to be this specific inn?” she asked.
“Among the dishes here, the cold salad made with twelve vegetables and the duck boiled with fine medicinal herbs are true delicacies. They are excellent for one's health. I really wanted my father to try them.”
She felt a pang of envy toward the man before her.
If her father were still alive, she would have treated him just as well. She would have traveled with him and bought him every healthy, delicious meal he desired. But by the time she had matured enough to realize this, it was already too late.
“Still, throwing a tantrum at the warriors of the Imperial Capital Merchant Group wasn't a wise choice,” she cautioned.
The influence of the Imperial Capital Merchant Group had been immense lately, and she assumed these men would know of them. However, the young man seemed completely unbothered.
“Even if the Murim Alliance itself were blocking the way, I would have to enter. This is my first trip with my father.”
Even so... how can he bring up the Murim Alliance so casually? He probably doesn't even know what kind of place the Alliance is.
Geom Mu-geuk added as he looked at Geom Wu-jin, “It’s an opportunity that was hard to come by.”
Geom Wu-jin simply went along with whatever his son wanted.
The person most shocked by this sight was Hwi. While Geom Mu-geuk was arguing in front of the inn, the Cult Leader had waited in total silence. Considering the personality of the Cult Leader he knew, this was unimaginable.
“Uncle, you should pick something you want to eat as well,” Mu-geuk said, turning to Hwi.
“I am fine.”
“No. You must choose. If you don't, I won't order anything. Did you hear that just now? The sound of my father’s stomach growling? Ah, my poor father... unable to even maintain his dignity...”
“...I will choose,” Hwi muttered.
How could anyone win against Geom Mu-geuk? In the end, Hwi selected a dish.
Watching this, Ju Hyang-wol was startled to find herself smiling.
“If anyone comes and asks why you are here, give them my name. I am Ju Hyang-wol of the Ju Clan Sword House.”
“Thanks to you, Miss, I am able to be a filial son.”
As she turned to leave for her own table, she offered one last piece of advice.
“Since we’ve met like this, I’ll give you a word of caution out of goodwill. Your swords are far too conspicuous.”
Geom Mu-geuk had wrapped his sword in Supreme Heavenly Silkworm Thread, and Geom Wu-jin had wrapped his in bandages. The fact that both father and son had hidden their weapons actually made them stand out more. In truth, it wasn't just the swords that were conspicuous; she simply hadn't realized that the two men themselves had caught her eye.
“It’s because they would stand out even more if I took the cloth off,” Mu-geuk replied.
“What do you mean by that?”
Geom Mu-geuk simply smiled. No matter how much he stood out now, he couldn't exactly stroll through the Central Plains carrying the Heavenly Demon Sword out in the open.
“Enjoy your meal. You probably won't have to pay for the food when you leave,” she said, referring to the fact that the place had been rented out.
“I appreciate the sentiment, but I don't think that would be right.”
“What do you mean?”
“Those people likely didn't pay a cent to rent this place. We should at least pay for ourselves.”
Ju Hyang-wol was surprised. “You heard them, didn't you? They rented the entire place.”
“Then go ask the innkeeper. Ask him how much he was promised in exchange for the rental. He likely hasn't even set a price. Avoid the warriors at the entrance and ask him quietly.”
Skeptical, she went and spoke with the innkeeper, then returned with a stunned expression.
“How did you know?”
The innkeeper had told her: “It is fine. Noble guests are holding an important meeting; I am happy to help.”
In other words, he wouldn't be properly compensated at all.
“It’s what Murim sects are good at,” Mu-geuk said. “They say they’ll settle the bill later, but the owner will be lucky if they throw him some change for the food they ate on the way out. They almost never compensate for the loss of other customers.”
Ju Hyang-wol’s face flushed slightly. It was embarrassing that she had tried to act generous toward them under such circumstances.
“I will check with Young Master Hwang when he arrives.”
“When you confront him, think about who will actually suffer the consequences before you speak.”
She understood his meaning. Ultimately, any trouble she caused would fall on the innkeeper.
“Still, I will be sure to repay the favor I owe you if the opportunity arises.”
Right then, a man entered the inn.
“Lady Ju, you are already here?”
He was Hwang In, the successor of the Imperial Capital Merchant Group. She had expected him to arrive with a swarm of guards, but surprisingly, he came alone.
As Hwang In walked toward her, his gaze naturally drifted to the people she was with. “And who might these people be?”
A warrior from the entrance hurried in and whispered the previous events into his ear.
Hwang In found it unexpected. According to his investigation, Ju Hyang-wol was not the type of person to meddle in others' affairs.
Since they might be kicked out if she didn't step in, Ju Hyang-wol spoke up. “They are my guests.”
“Ah, I see.”
Though he responded smoothly, Hwang In was inwardly puzzled. ‘She isn't the type to do this. Was the investigation wrong?’
Then, a thought occurred to him. ‘Could they be on the same side, just pretending not to know each other?’
It seemed possible. The Family Head might have been uneasy about sending her daughter out alone.
“It is an honor to meet such distinguished individuals,” Hwang In said, bowing slightly. Indeed, the three men gave off an extraordinary vibe. Since no such people appeared in his initial reports, they were likely outsiders brought in for protection. “I am Hwang In of the Imperial Capital Merchant Group.”
Geom Mu-geuk greeted him on behalf of the group, his tone dismissive. “We are just passing travelers, so you needn't mind us.”
Hwang In assumed the man was intentionally hiding his identity. ‘Are they mercenaries? Or are there still those left who wish to help the Ju Clan Sword House?’
It didn't matter. Today’s matter wasn't something to be solved with force.
Just then, the food Geom Mu-geuk ordered arrived.
“Ah, Father. Try this first.”
As if he truly had come here just to eat, Geom Mu-geuk focused entirely on the food. He carefully placed portions into small bowls for his father and Hwi.
Seeing him ignore his presence so completely, Hwang In’s suspicion grew stronger. ‘He’s trying hard not to be suspected of being on her side.’
Martial artists and their pride! If asked who was the easiest to deal with as a merchant, Hwang In could confidently say: martial artists. Their foolish pride was their greatest weakness.
“Well then, shall we?” Hwang In sat across from Ju Hyang-wol at a table in the center of the inn. “Have a drink.”
Hwang In poured her a cup, but Ju Hyang-wol set it down without drinking.
“Why did you choose me?” she asked.
“I thought there would be a better connection between people of the same generation.”
Ju Hyang-wol had never heard any specific rumors about Hwang In. He was a man with neither a particularly good nor bad reputation.
“What is the reason you want to invest in us?”
“There is only ever one reason a merchant group seeks to join hands with a sword house. We need the strength of the sword house.”
“Couldn't you just invest that money directly to create your own martial squad within the merchant group?”
“Of course, we are training our own warriors. But do you know? The Murim does not recognize the blades of merchants. They openly mock us, saying we bought our swords with money. Because of that, it isn't easy to recruit masters. They hate being told they sold themselves for gold. Honestly, don't you think the same?”
Caught off guard by the blunt question, Ju Hyang-wol couldn't deny it. She certainly felt that way to some extent.
“That is why. To conduct large-scale business in the Murim, we need the prestige of the Ju Clan Sword House name. Ah, of course, I am not disregarding you or your clan, so please do not misunderstand. We desire a mutually beneficial relationship where we help one another.”
However, Ju Hyang-wol did not want to join hands with them. It wasn't because she knew the Imperial Capital Merchant Group well, nor because she understood the internal affairs of the sword house perfectly. It wasn't even because she had predicted the outcome of this cooperation.
It was simply because she didn't trust her mother’s judgment. Her mother always made mistakes when she was desperate.
She shouldn't judge the matter with the Imperial Capital Merchant Group based on that, but emotionally, the thought kept resurfacing.
Perhaps it was because her expectations were so low, but Hwang In seemed more decent than she had anticipated. She had expected a man who flaunted his wealth and chased women, but he appeared to be someone with a sense of purpose.
“How do you propose we join hands?”
“We merchants do not trust verbal promises. We only trust contracts.” Hwang In handed her the documents he had brought. “This is an agreement stating that this merchant group and the Ju Clan Sword House will combine our strengths. Please read it and sign. Normally, the Family Head should do this, but since she sent you as her representative and you are her daughter, you are more than qualified. Take your time; there is no rush. One must always be meticulous with documents they sign.”
Ju Hyang-wol was inwardly flustered. She had expected to discuss various things today, but she hadn't expected to sign an agreement right then and there.
‘Did Mother know about this?’
At least one thing was certain: her mother would be delighted if she returned after reaching an agreement. After all, her mother was the one who had insisted she wear that flamboyant court dress.
She wanted to refuse and storm out, but considering the current state of the sword house and her mother’s desperation, she couldn't.
Ju Hyang-wol began to read through the agreement. There were parts she understood at a glance, and parts that remained confusing even after a second reading.
Why are these unnecessary words needed? Let’s just erase them and write only this.
She wanted to say that, but the problem was she couldn't specifically say what should be kept. Some phrases seemed essential, while others seemed redundant. There were many ambiguous parts.
‘Knowing something vaguely is the same as knowing nothing at all.’
No, it was worse than knowing nothing. She was glossing over uncertain passages with only a rough understanding.
How dare you try to play games with us?
She read until the final page but couldn't find a single passage that warranted such a stern rebuke. Should she just sign it and take it to her mother? While shouting at her not to regret it later since it was her mother’s wish and not her own?
She wished she were still as immature as she had been a few years ago.
‘If only Father were here...’
In that moment, her gaze drifted toward where Geom Mu-geuk was sitting.
Perhaps because they knew this was an important meeting, they were eating and talking quietly. It was only after she strained her ears that she could hear their conversation.
“Is it good?”
“It is fine.”
“What about you, Uncle?”
“It is delicious.”
“See? Didn't I tell you it would be good? Let’s visit every famous inn in the Central Plains, and then kidnap the cook of the best one and take him back with us! Or better yet, let’s kidnap three cooks—one for each of our tastes!”
Ju Hyang-wol smiled despite herself at his joke. Even though it wasn't a situation to be laughing in, looking at them brought her an inexplicable sense of relief. She had been suffering from frequent nightmares and mental instability lately, so why did she feel so at peace? These were people she had met for the first time today.
Just then, her eyes met Geom Mu-geuk’s.
How could the eyes of someone saying such silly things be so deep?
The moment that thought crossed her mind, she surrendered herself to the pull of fate. She stood up abruptly, agreement in hand, and began walking toward Geom Mu-geuk.
Hwang In was inwardly taken aback by her sudden action, but for now, he watched cautiously.
As she walked toward Geom Mu-geuk, she thought to herself: ‘This is madness.’
Today was truly a day where her instincts were running wild.
“You said you would repay the favor you owe me, right?”
“I did,” Mu-geuk replied, looking up from his meal.
“Can you repay that favor now?”
“We are martial artists, not merchants. We cannot stand being in debt.”
She held out the agreement to Geom Mu-geuk.
“Then, please find a reason for me to tear this up.”