Chapter 452: When a Merchant Concedes Profit
Chapter 452: When a Merchant Concedes Profit
It was an impossible situation.
She had approached a man she’d only met today and asked him to intervene in a matter of life and death for her family.
If her mother or the warriors of the Sword House heard of this, they would call her insane. They would view it as more than just a mistake—it was a disaster waiting to happen.
‘But why do I feel so relieved?’
The moment she asked him to find a reason to tear the document apart, a thrill surged through her. Her instincts were screaming that she had done the right thing. It was a sensation she had never experienced before.
Furthermore, the man’s response was a perfect match for her reckless impulse.
“How many reasons do you want me to find?”
Such confidence—and he hadn't even looked at the agreement yet.
Whether his words were a bluff or genuine certainty didn't matter. The relief she felt earlier settled firmly in her heart.
“The more, the better.”
Just as she was about to hand the agreement to Geom Mu-geuk, Hwang In, who had been watching the scene unfold, stepped forward.
“Lady Ju, I’m afraid that won’t do.”
At Hwang In’s calm intervention, Ju Hyang-wol’s hand stopped in mid-air.
“Lady Ju, you may not be familiar with these types of settlements yet, but you must never show such a sensitive agreement to an outsider.”
Hwang In was certain that Geom Mu-geuk was an outsider. When he had conducted his preliminary investigation of the Ju Clan Sword House, there had been no one with such a unique aura. Moreover, judging by Ju Hyang-wol’s speech and attitude, they were clearly not members of her clan.
Geom Mu-geuk turned to Ju Hyang-wol. “Did you make a prior promise not to show this to anyone else?”
“No. I only saw this agreement for the first time today.”
Hwang In cut in again. “This is a matter of contractual custom.”
Geom Mu-geuk faced him with equal composure. “I find it strange that someone so well-versed in custom would make such a glaring oversight.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“When drafting an agreement like this, isn't it custom to send it in advance for a thorough review before the meeting? It seems you are the one who violated custom first.”
Hwang In had no rebuttal.
Ju Hyang-wol only realized the truth of those words now. She lacked experience in these matters, but the logic was sound.
“So, let’s leave the word ‘custom’ out of this meeting. It was absent from the start.”
Hwang In realized that the young man before him was far more formidable than he looked.
“Who are you?”
“Just a man who became a filial son thanks to Lady Ju.”
Hwang In couldn't grasp the meaning behind that. Based on their conversation, he couldn't tell if they were truly on Ju Hyang-wol’s side or if they really had just met at the entrance of the inn.
Regardless, they were a peculiar bunch. Even during this tense exchange, Geom Wu-jin and Hwi continued their meal.
They were even sharing casual conversation, saying things like, “Try this one,” and “Thank you.”
“If you read the agreement, you will see that our merchant group has made many concessions,” Hwang In said, regaining his footing. “That is why we were lax in sending it beforehand. We were certain you would be satisfied once you saw the terms in person. Read it. Then you will understand.”
There was a clear sense of confidence in Hwang In’s eyes.
‘Do you really think you can find anything just by reading it?’
Geom Mu-geuk took the agreement from Ju Hyang-wol’s hand.
“Let’s have a look, then.”
Geom Mu-geuk placed it on the table and began to read slowly.
Meanwhile, Geom Wu-jin and Hwi continued eating, seemingly indifferent to the drama. At a glance, one might think the father was ignoring his son, but the atmosphere was devoid of any tension or anger.
Under the focused gazes of Ju Hyang-wol and Hwang In, Geom Mu-geuk finished reading the multi-page agreement to the very last sheet.
“Why is this filled with such difficult language?”
“There is a specific vocabulary used in legal documents,” Hwang In replied smoothly. “So? Did you find a part that warrants tearing it up?”
After a brief pause, Geom Mu-geuk replied.
“It doesn't seem like there are any such parts.”
A look of disappointment crossed Ju Hyang-wol’s face. She had felt as though this man would provide the answer she desperately needed.
Conversely, a satisfied smile spread across Hwang In’s face. Of course.
“Now, since you have confirmed it, please sign.”
Because she had gone as far as showing the agreement to an outsider, it became even harder to delay the signing.
‘Could my mother’s choice have been right after all?’
She bowed politely to Geom Mu-geuk.
“Thank you for reading it.”
Just as she was about to pick up the agreement from the table, an unexpected voice broke the silence.
“First page, sixth line.”
Surprisingly, the speaker was Geom Wu-jin.
Ju Hyang-wol quickly scanned the clause he mentioned. It stated that if an act defaming either party’s honor occurred, they would reach a mutual agreement for monetary compensation.
“Is there a problem with this?” Ju Hyang-wol asked cautiously.
If the Sword House and the merchant group reached an agreement, who would benefit? She had thought this clause was actually favorable to the Ju Clan Sword House. Had he pointed out the wrong item?
Instead of answering, Geom Wu-jin pointed to another spot.
“Second page, ninth line. Third page, second and seventh items.”
Ju Hyang-wol read all the parts Geom Wu-jin mentioned. They weren't difficult to understand; in fact, they were the very parts she had considered advantageous—the "concessions" the other side had made to form the partnership.
For example, there was a clause stating that if the other party was proven to be clearly at fault, the aggrieved party could go beyond monetary compensation and exercise physical force.
It was a clause that seemingly allowed the Sword House to attack the merchant group—as Hwang In said, it was a point where they had conceded as much as possible.
‘Why is he pointing out the parts they gave up?’
She looked at Geom Wu-jin, her expression clouded with confusion.
Geom Wu-jin, who had been staring at her quietly, suddenly asked, “Are you certain that your side is the stronger one?”
“!”
In an instant, Ju Hyang-wol’s heart sank.
Throughout the entire time she read the agreement—no, from the moment she entered this inn—she hadn't doubted that point for a single second. She had naturally assumed the Sword House was the superior power.
But what if they weren't? What if the merchant group was the stronger entity?
Every one of those clauses would become a poisonous trap, a blade held to their own throats.
Distracted by the ambiguous and difficult legal jargon, she had missed the simplest and most vital point.
The most terrifying trap is not a hidden one. It is the one that is clearly visible, yet perceived as a gift. In such cases, its lethality is incomparably greater.
Geom Wu-jin’s final remark settled all her doubts in one stroke.
“When a merchant concedes profit, there is always a motive.”
Ju Hyang-wol realized he was right.
‘That was what I was missing.’
At the same time, the emotion that washed over her was that same comfort and relief she had felt earlier. She realized that the relief she felt might not have been because of the son, but because of the father.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke with a bright smile. “You were watching everything while pretending not to, weren't you?”
“Did you not place it on the table for me to see as well?”
“My quick wit must come from you, Father. Ah! I should have inherited your brilliant brain as well.”
“You must have noticed it too.”
Geom Wu-jin assumed that Geom Mu-geuk had reached the same conclusion. He must have noticed his father glancing at the document. However, Geom Mu-geuk denied it to the end.
“In a parent’s eyes, their own child always looks the smartest.”
Ju Hyang-wol felt herself becoming increasingly absorbed in the two of them. This was no time to be staring blankly, yet she watched their conversation with envy.
She turned her gaze toward Hwang In.
True to his merchant blood, he was excellent at controlling his emotions.
“There seems to be a misunderstanding. We are merely a merchant group. If we were that strong, why would we seek to join hands with the Ju Clan Sword House?”
Ju Hyang-wol countered, “You tell me. Why?”
If they possessed martial power greater than the Sword House and had presented this agreement while hiding that fact, then this was not a simple cooperation—it was a conspiracy.
Hwang In remained calm. “It is a misunderstanding.”
“I’m sure it is.”
Ju Hyang-wol picked up the agreement, intending to tear it up before his eyes.
At that moment, Geom Mu-geuk stopped her.
“Would tearing it up really be satisfying?”
Ju Hyang-wol turned her head toward him.
“It would be better to keep it intact. What you are holding is evidence.”
“Evidence?”
“Is it not evidence that they intended to swallow the Sword House whole? You might think tearing it would be satisfying, but the one who would feel true satisfaction is that man over there.”
“!”
Ju Hyang-wol felt a chill.
Initially, she had brought it to Geom Mu-geuk and asked him to find a reason to destroy it. She thought she had finally uncovered that reason and was about to act in a fit of excitement. But she was wrong. Even now, she had narrowly avoided falling into another trap.
“Yes, I will keep it safe.”
As she tried to tuck the agreement into her robes, Geom Mu-geuk intervened again.
“You shouldn't keep it on your person.”
“Why?”
“Weren't you going to tear that agreement because you acknowledged they might be stronger than you?”
“That’s right.”
“If you hold onto evidence that is disadvantageous to them, how do you think they will react?”
As Ju Hyang-wol looked at him with a look of dawning realization, Hwang In spoke calmly.
“I tell you again, we are merely merchants.”
Ju Hyang-wol could now see him objectively—this "mere merchant" was far too composed for the situation.
She asked Geom Mu-geuk, “Then what should I do?”
“You must store it in a safe place. Entrust it to the person you consider the safest.”
Ju Hyang-wol fell into thought for a moment.
“Since I was young, there was only one person I considered the safest.”
“Then entrust it to that person for safekeeping.”
“I can't. He has already passed away.”
The place she felt safest was in her father’s arms.
It was something she didn't need to say, but for some reason, she wanted to. Perhaps it was the immense psychological pressure she had been under today, or perhaps she simply wanted to confide in these two men who had fascinated her. She couldn't understand her own emotions.
She mustered her courage. Regardless, this was her business and her family’s burden.
“I will handle it myself. Thank you so much for your help.”
The moment she finished speaking, another unexpected situation unfolded.
Geom Wu-jin reached out his hand toward her.
“I will hold onto it for you.”
Hearing those words, Ju Hyang-wol felt a lump in her throat. The image of her father overlapped with Geom Wu-jin as he held out his hand. Geom Wu-jin was looking at her bluntly, but the father in her memory was smiling.
“Since I found the reasons to tear it up, I suppose I should take responsibility for it.”
Geom Mu-geuk knew that wasn't the only reason.
His father had been influenced by him lately, so he might help her briefly. He might even enjoy finding the flaws in the agreement. But to take charge of it?
There was no telling when or how this business would conclude. And they had their own work to do in Shaanxi. This was not like his father at all.
If so, there was only one conclusion.
The Imperial Capital Merchant Group was connected to the matter they had to handle in Shaanxi.
The one who had heard the details of this mission from Sama Myeong was his father. Mu-geuk hadn't asked on purpose; he would find out once they arrived, and he wanted to focus entirely on the journey with his father until then.
When all the Demon Lords had gathered, Chief Strategist Sama had said:
— To move masters and organizations of this caliber, a massive amount of funds would be required. As a result of a secret investigation, we have found a clue to track the masterminds.
Since the funding source was being tracked, they would likely have to deal with those possessing immense wealth in Shaanxi. Perhaps the Imperial Capital Merchant Group was a subordinate organization or had some connection to the culprits.
“It’s fine, so give it here,” Wu-jin said.
After hesitating, Ju Hyang-wol handed the agreement to Geom Wu-jin with trembling hands, as if possessed.
Watching this, Hwang In felt a tightness in his chest. He had never imagined he would encounter such a situation today.
Hwang In’s gaze turned toward Geom Mu-geuk.
‘I don't know who you are, but you've messed with the wrong people.’
They probably thought of him as a mere trader. But if they knew the true nature of the Imperial Capital Merchant Group, they wouldn't have dared to step forward so fearlessly.
“I am busy, so I shall take my leave for today.”
As he turned around, Geom Mu-geuk didn't just let him go.
“Oh, don't just leave. Pay for the cost of renting out the entire inn before you go.”
As Hwang In turned back, his face stiffening, Geom Mu-geuk added with a smile.
“Shouldn't a merchant keep his accounts straight?”
After a moment, Hwang In replied with a cold, calm smile.
“Of course. I am a man who is very precise when it comes to giving and receiving.”
He called the innkeeper, paid the bill, and left the premises.
Once Hwang In was gone, Ju Hyang-wol felt as if a storm had passed. What if she hadn't stood up? What if she had signed right then and there? How would her fate have changed?
“Based on what you said, they might come to steal that agreement.”
At her concern, Geom Wu-jin called the innkeeper and ordered new dishes.
“Since you’re already sitting, have a meal before you go.”
Ju Hyang-wol experienced one last unexpected situation. She hadn't expected to end up dining with these strangers.
The one who reassured her instead of Geom Wu-jin was Geom Mu-geuk.
“You don't need to worry. That document you entrusted is now…”
Geom Mu-geuk looked at his father with a soft gaze.
“Stored in the safest place in all of Murim.”