Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Grunt Work and a Staged Elopement
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I didn't expect any massive changes just because my apprenticeship had ended. At best, I was a newbie. They wouldn't entrust me with important tasks without a track record. I wasn't hoping for something grand like taking down a massive demonic cult leader from the demonic factions or some villain who stirred up a bloodbath.
'But this is way too much busywork.'
"We greatly appreciate your cooperation."
"No trouble at all. We're just glad to lighten the government's burden even a little."
The official bowed politely to Jegal Yeong. Not to be outdone, Jegal Yeong responded with equal courtesy. We were in the middle of handing over those guys called the Huangshan Three Bears or whatever to the magistrate's office.
'Petty thugs who bully market merchants at most.'
How desperate for a nickname were they to slap "bear" onto a mountain name? Trying to pull off local gangster antics in Anhui Province. It was as foolish as their self-proclaimed bear title, relying on second- or third-rate martial arts.
The missions I'd been assigned lately were all on this level. Barely qualifying as missions—catching petty criminals like pickpockets or thugs and delivering them to the magistrate's office. Second- and third-rate riffraff who were embarrassing to even call martial artists.
"Is this what all rookies go through?"
"What?"
"I mean, don't we even need to step in for guys like this? The magistrate's office could handle it with a handful of soldiers."
"What seems like twisting a child's wrist to us requires ten soldiers just to subdue one third-rate martial artist. Factor in injuries..."
Jegal Yeong's words rang true.
"It might look like busywork. And yeah, it's pretty trivial. But handling these things is more important than you think."
"..."
"It's about racking up points in advance. No matter how untouchable the martial world claims to be, the Alliance can't just arrest martial artists like the government does without a care. So we fill in the gaps in their administrative power on the regular. Martial artists cracking down on martial artists' abuses—that's the image we build."
It made sense.
Even for major troublemakers in the martial world, the Alliance making arrests looked like private vigilantism from the government's perspective. By showing "We'll handle it ourselves" and building goodwill through near-volunteer service.
"Bored dealing with just second- and third-raters?"
"Well, honestly, yeah."
"Appreciate it now. Once you're out on missions crossing provinces, you'll miss these days."
Would that day ever come? Right now, it felt like we were just the magistrate's subcontractors.
"Where to next?"
"Moon Shadow Pavilion."
"Pardon? A brothel?"
"Yeah, report came in about some guy harassing the courtesans. Keeps causing scenes there."
"Haa..."
A sigh escaped me naturally.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Moon Shadow Pavilion wasn't a particularly large brothel. It barely stayed afloat thanks to its regular patrons. The owner who requested our help was the pavilion's madam. Madam roles usually went to retired courtesans, but here the manager doubled as madam. She wiped her oily forehead with a cloth, her hefty frame waddling over.
"Oh, sirs! To think you'd grace our humble establishment with two warriors from the Alliance. Please, sit."
She welcomed us with flustered delight, clearly not expecting two Alliance enforcers. At her command, the table filled with dishes that screamed "expensive" at first glance.
"You don't need to treat us like this. It could cause issues."
"Just see it as my sincerity. You must be tired. If you won't even accept this, how can I show my face?"
"Senior, refusing her goodwill outright isn't polite, is it? We'll gladly partake, Madam."
"Haa. Fine. Could you explain the situation first?"
"Well, it goes like this..."
Hwa Ran, the courtesan.
She accounted for half the pavilion's revenue—a star attraction. Her sweet talk melted men's hearts. Crowds flocked just for a glimpse of her.
"Lately, some warrior's been making a fuss, demanding Hwa Ran."
I'd heard of customers like that occasionally. Courtesans sold smiles. Their honeyed words were all scripted. But some fools took them at face value.
Um Kang was exactly that kind of fool.
"He claimed they were in love and threw down a pile of silver. Even polite refusals didn't faze him."
Good lord, creepy.
If they were really in love, she'd have walked out on her own. I was curious what kind of pathetic loser he was.
"The food's not that great, though."
"Just eat it since it's offered."
"What can I do if it tastes bad? Guess they compete on other fronts here."
"..."
"Wonder how amazing this Hwa Ran must be."
"Curious?"
"Huh?"
"That interested in the courtesan?"
Jegal Yeong eyed me accusingly. What was this about?
"Can't I be curious? Understanding the incident's root is important, right?"
"You're a guy after all. Ogling courtesans."
"No, really. Just pure curiosity?"
We were killing time with this silly banter when Um Kang finally showed up.
"I'm here to take Hwa Ran!"
Um Kang bellowed with inner power the moment he entered Moon Shadow Pavilion. He looked surprisingly decent. I'd pictured a scruffy-bearded uncle, but the handsome face framed by a blue hero's cape suggested a proper later-generation disciple—if not for the madam's story.
"Hwa Ran!"
As if answering his call, a courtesan descended from the second floor. Her face seemed plain compared to her flashy attire. Was that Hwa Ran?
"Young master, haven't I told you repeatedly? No more causing trouble."
"How can you speak so coldly? You promised eternal love with me!"
"What happens in a brothel should float away with the wine cups, no? You're a wise man; you'll understand."
A rare sight. Hwa Ran coldly rebuffed the lovelorn pleas. Stunned by her rejection, Um Kang started rampaging.
"Lies from a heartless mouth! Is it the madam? Today, I'll take you no matter what!"
"Kyaa!"
Um Kang surged to Hwa Ran's side in an instant, grabbing her. His footwork was clean—no third-rate slop. He pressed a sword to her throat, inching toward the entrance.
"Stay back! If I can't have her, I'll kill her!"
'Good warm-up.'
Time to move. I signaled Jegal Yeong for approval, then approached Um Kang.
"That's far enough."
"Who are you?!"
"Yi Se-woong of the Baekyang Unit."
"B-Baekyang Unit?"
Um Kang's eyes bulged. Pulling this nonsense in Anhui Province, yet he knew to fear the Baekyang Unit. He shouted desperately.
"Stay back! Come closer, and I slit her throat."
"What a clown."
His threats rang hollow as his body trembled. How did a coward like this even attempt this? I flicked my right hand at him—a simple finger strike technique.
"Argh!"
Struck on the wrist, Um Kang dropped his sword. I rushed in, pulled Hwa Ran free, then smashed Um Kang. He tumbled across the floor, clutching his gut.
"Urk..."
Um Kang glared up at me furiously. Subdued in two moves. He'd feel resistance was futile. But his eyes still burned with defiance.
"Let's not waste time."
"Force won't break me!"
A few more hits to knock some sense into him?
With the situation already in motion, giving him a proper beating was just extending the job. As I sized up the thrashing estimate,
'Killing intent?'
Killing intent from behind. Feeble, no real threat, but it couldn't evade my senses. Still pinning Um Kang, I spun and blocked the attack on my back.
Ting!
No need for protective aura—just a hand wave deflected it.
"Eut!"
The assailant screamed and collapsed. Sprawled on the floor was Hwa Ran, the former hostage.
"What the hell is this?"
"P-Please, don't bully the young master anymore!"
Struggling up, Hwa Ran gripped her silver short sword, aiming at me. She shook so violently she posed no threat.
'This setup stinks.'
It clicked.
Um Kang demanding Hwa Ran, her cold rejection.
Something had been off from the start.
Obvious why he came, but her prompt descent—like she'd been waiting. Suspicious, even if the madam had hidden her.
"A staged act, huh?"
Without us, the hostage drama would've gone smoothly.
It was their agreed-upon lovers' flight.