66. The Map of Heaven's Edge Sun and Moon
Gong So-hun eyed me with a fierce gaze, smirking mockingly. It was as crude a provocation as his lowly speech.
Since I was wearing a sword at my waist, it was natural for a martial artist like him to take notice. I felt the same way about him.
His sudden challenge was getting on my nerves.
Just as the tension was building—
"You've arrived, Lu Ju."
The employees in the pleasure house bowed politely to the woman. All eyes in the room turned to the one called Lu Ju.
A woman wearing a deeply pressed bamboo hat that hid her eyes. A beauty mark stood out next to her red-painted lips.
So that's the Jecheon Palace Lord.
Whispers began rippling through the crowd.
"What's so special about Lu Ju showing up?"
"Well, they say she performs mysterious sorcery or something. Like, with a flick of her hand, people vanish without a trace."
"What? Come on, that can't be real."
"I'm telling you, it's true! Her figure just disappears and reappears out of nowhere."
I glanced at Gong So-hun. He didn't seem eager to cause a scene in front of the Jecheon Palace Lord, quietly downing his drink instead. He knew she wasn't ordinary.
Soon, the Jecheon Palace Lord headed upstairs to attend to business. Gong So-hun stood up as well.
"Let's head up."
I followed Gong So-hun's back as he ascended.
The tout lit up when he saw me.
"You're back again today, sir. Just dining as usual?"
Over the past few days, I'd visited Jecheon House every midnight and learned a few things.
First, the Black Armored Ghost came here almost every day.
Second, he had plenty of money and only summoned the top courtesans to his room.
Third, his visits overlapped almost perfectly with the Jecheon Palace Lord's time here.
"Second floor today. I want to hear some music."
The tout's face brightened even more.
"Excellent choice. You'll love it."
I followed the employee up to the second floor.
"This room."
"Right away. We'll bring the drinks and appetizers soon. Make yourself comfortable."
The door slid open with a rattle.
I plopped down at the table and grumbled.
"Damn those branch shareholders."
From what I'd pieced together, I'd reached one conclusion.
"They're deliberately setting it up this way to screw me over."
No matter how I thought about it.
And sure enough.
I ignored them. The reason for my conclusion was simple.
Zhuque had said it.
—That Jecheon Palace Lord holes up in Jecheon Palace all the time except when she comes here.
"Yeah. She's reached Spirit Pill Stage, so she's probably training to recover her strength."
—And right when it's perfect to target her, that Black Armored Ghost bastard is always around. Heh heh heh.
I rested my chin on the table.
Attacking one meant inevitably clashing with the other.
"What to do."
Should I deal with Gong So-hun first, then go for the Jecheon Palace Lord? Or kill one quick and escape via the mirror passage?
I was deep in thought when—
"Young master. I've brought the drinks."
A clear, melodic voice came from beyond the door.
"Come in."
I'd called for one courtesan. Two employees entered with her, setting out drinks and appetizers.
"Enjoy your time."
Once they left, the courtesan bowed gracefully before me.
"This humble one greets the young master."
"Your name?"
"Hee-ju, my lord. And may I have your honorable name?"
"Kim."
"Shall this one pour you a drink first, or would you prefer some music, Young Master Kim?"
"Play a tune."
"As you wish."
Hee-ju began plucking the seven-stringed zither she'd brought. She'd been selected arbitrarily by the staff, but word was she was one of the most beautiful in Jecheon House.
To me, though, she ranked below Nam Bi and Jin Hwa-wol.
She was pretty, sure, but after seeing beauties like Director Madric Blood and others, she didn't quite measure up.
The staff had probably just flattered me.
Anyway, as the music built to a crescendo—
Thud. Thud.
—He's coming, Master.
The familiar heavy footsteps. Gong So-hun's steps were weighty thanks to his black armor, accompanied by the occasional metallic clink.
The door slid open with a rattle.
As always, Gong So-hun entered the room next door. That's why I'd chosen this one.
"The performance has ended, young master."
"Nice tone. Got another?"
"I do, but my skills are still lacking."
"Doesn't matter. Play."
"Yes."
I kept requesting tunes after each one ended, all to eavesdrop on Gong So-hun next door. But no useful info.
Eventually, I stopped Hee-ju. She naturally sidled up beside me, refilling my cup.
"Got a question."
"Ask anything."
"Know anything about the guy in black armor next door?"
"Well... questions about other guests..."
As expected, she hesitated. But a few silver coins loosened her tongue quick.
"I've never served that great hero myself, but I've heard from my sisters."
"Spill."
"He never takes off that black armor."
"Even with courtesans at night?"
"He doesn't stay overnight here. He pays big and meets them elsewhere."
I clicked my tongue inwardly. I'd hoped to exploit his womanizing.
Surprisingly thorough.
"Of course, Lu Ju doesn't allow it publicly, but his payments help turn a blind eye quietly."
"Courtesans must cost a fortune."
"That's part of it, but lately he's head over heels for Sister Eun-seol and orders the priciest drinks nonstop."
I'd heard of Eun-seol. The top courtesan here, famous far and wide.
"Hm."
I chewed on some sticky rice cake, then a idea hit—how to screw over those 18th branch shareholders in return.
"Hee-ju. What're the requirements to work as a courtesan?"
After hearing her answer, I gave her more silver and left.
—Giving up, Master?
"As if."
Reasonable question since I'd returned to the company via mirror passage.
It was late, so I slept, then headed to the military factory the next day at a good time.
Activating vampire vision, I spotted Kasumi huddled in a corner. I sneaked up and poked her back.
"Kasumi."
"Eek?!"
She jumped and whirled around.
"Wh-what the hell, you bastard!"
"Kasumi. Know how to play any instruments?"
"...Instruments? Why ask outta nowhere?"
"Wanna hear."
"Is that a wish?"
"Yeah."
"What?!"
"What's wrong?"
"Never thought you'd waste a wish on something like playing an instrument. That's... too frivolous."
I tilted my head.
"Then what should I use a wish on to make it legendary?"
Kasumi flushed red to her neck and waved her hands.
"D-don't ask me that! And don't spread rumors!"
I wiped the grin off my face.
"Disguised infiltration assassination."
Those three words turned her serious.
"I see. For a dangerous mission like that, it's worth a wish."
"So what'd you think just now?"
"......"
A few days later, a rumor spread through Jecheon House.
A new courtesan named Ye-cheong had recently joined and was stealing men's souls with her beauty and flute playing. She was apparently the top earner lately.
Even without holding hands or serving drinks, men piled up money just to hear her flute.
Her popularity was sky-high.
The former top courtesan, Eun-seol, got pushed to second, but that wasn't my problem—even if she was serving me now.
Eun-seol said with a hint of annoyance,
"The room next door bothering you, young master?"
I nodded immediately.
"Can't ignore a master expert being there."
Thinking I meant the courtesan next door, she relaxed.
"As a martial artist yourself, that's natural. You're a true hero, as handsome as you are dashing."
No wonder she was top before—flattery flowed effortlessly. Praising looks, body, personality, tastes, hobbies, specialties. She mined for compliments everywhere.
Of course, I was disguised, so only the face was mine.
"Still, I'd like to see him once. Especially that alluring beauty mark by his mouth."
"It's drawn on, young master."
"Hm."
I nodded along vaguely, focusing on sounds from next door.
Jecheon House had good soundproofing, but for this, I'd honed the ultrasound skill from Director Madric Blood. It boosted hearing tremendously.
Soon, Gong So-hun and Ye-cheong's voices came through.
"Ye-cheong. I've poured my fortune into you. Isn't it time to come to my arms?"
"But I can't break my promise to my parents."
"What promise is so important?"
"This liquor."
"Liquor?"
"It's century-old wedded bliss brew my parents made. They said to share it with my future husband. But here, only house liquor is allowed, and outside, health reasons prevent drinking. How could I share it with you, great hero?"
"Y-Ye-cheong!"
Gong So-hun's voice trembled. He was smitten. The thought of her becoming his with just a drink must have him reeling.
"Th-then leave the house! That solves it!"
"Contracts are three years minimum."
"I-I'll pay the penalty!"
"Didn't you just say you spent your fortune to see me today?"
"Th-that...!"
I could picture his stunned face. Hard not to laugh.
Time to start.
"Of course, if we both keep quiet, no one knows..."
"Wh-what are you doing! Get out!"
"Ah, got it."
"Be careful, great hero."
Smooth sailing, until some idiot chimed in.
"What random nonsense? Go-sung."
"No."
Go-sung. Remembered that name, asshole.
Hoped Gong So-hun didn't notice anything off.
Soon, the bottle uncorking.
Pop.
"Now, the century-old wedded bliss brew..."
"Wait."
I gripped the cup Eun-seol poured.
He noticed after all?
"What's wrong, great hero?"
"...That brew."
"Yes, hero."
"Ye-cheong. You drink first."
"Suddenly wha—"
"I said drink first, bitch!"
Crash! Table flipped, dishes shattering.
Shing! Sword drawn for sure.
"If you're trying to poison me, I won't forgive you!"
I gulped water from my cup to soothe my throat.
Disaster struck. It all got exposed.
The 18th branch shareholders seemed awfully interested in me. I ignored the messages.
Now I could finally burst out laughing after holding it in.
"Heh heh heh."
Then Ye-cheong—no, Kasumi—clicked her tongue.
"Tch. Didn't work."
"You dared deceive me! Die!"
Screee! Blade slicing air.
Whoosh! Kasumi tore and activated the teleport scroll.
"Wh-what?! Where'd she go?!"
Gong So-hun and the shareholders must feel exactly the same right now.
Whether Gong So-hun drank the brew or not didn't matter. In fact, this was better.
"Sounds like a commotion."
"Y-young master?"
"I'll check it out."
My turn.
"You dare... try to poison me, the Black Armored Ghost, and think you can escape?!"
The door slid open.
We met in the hallway.
My turn.
"You?"
I spoke calmly.
"From what I overheard next door, looks like an assassination attempt via poison. Mind if this junior shares a thought?"
"What would a punk like you know?!"
"I know. Very well."
Exactly as I'd planned.
Gong So-hun was out of his mind from betrayal by the woman he'd given his heart to. His head must be exploding with rage and hurt.
Just redirect that a bit to the right target.
The bait was already laid.
"Step aside or..."
"Jecheon Palace Lord."
"What?"
"Rumor has it she does mysterious sorcery."
Then—
"What's the racket?!"
"L-Lu Ju!"
The Jecheon Palace Lord's voice.
I smirked.
"If the assassin's vanishing act is flawless sorcery, must be the Jecheon Palace Lord, right, Senior Black Armored Ghost?"
Classic divide and conquer.