Chapter 118
Chapter 118
Look at that. Insisting on nitpicking reasons just to limit it to one each... Ugh.
"Get into your outing clothes and shout! Now, ladies, hurry out! We need to change!"
"Yes. Not just us—you two should change too, right? Young Master Eon's temper is as sharp as a blade. If you go back to your lodgings and arrive late, he might leave without you."
"You're right about that." ? What's with Master and everyone else? What do they think I am?
"Ahem. We'll go change then? Let's go, Ok-gi."
"Uh, but Eon Yong-un."
"What, Dang Ok-gi?"
"Can I come too?"
"Why ask something so obvious? Ah, if you don't want to go, you don't have to."
"No, it's not that I don't want to! You've been nagging me about why I'm even here!"
"You've been holding that grudge all this time? And you conveniently forgot how you tricked me first?"
"......"
"Dang Ok-gi being Dang Ok-gi as always. I was just saying. Of course, I do mean it about studying hard."
"Ah! I am doing that!"
"I know, so hurry and change. Time's ticking."
But I had something to say to Master too. 'And Master.' - What. They're all thrilled—why are you complaining? - That's what I'm saying... You're one thing, but those kids loving it... 'And when I say it, it's because it matters. Too many snacks really ruin meals, so one each.' - Fine, fine. You're right about everything. Well, anyway. I quickly changed into my outing clothes and led the Eon siblings to the security office to declare our outing. My chosen destination was Gwanrim. Gwanrim was the tomb where Guan Yu—one of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms' main protagonists—had his head buried. To the people of this era, Guan Yu was the Martial Saint, an icon of loyalty, the god of wealth, and even revered in Daoism. Thus, Gwanrim was the perfect famous site to visit while we were here on the inspection trip. Its location was right next to the Murim Alliance headquarters, and the Alliance handled security within the historic site, so safety was no issue. The outing permit came through without a hitch. On the way, we bought one candied hawfruit each from a street vendor and munched as we walked. Before we knew it, we arrived at Gwanrim. Unlike a simple grassy mound, Gwanrim featured over a hundred halls and gate towers—a miniature palace in scale. The Eon siblings began exploring in their own ways. Yin Ha-seong shouting "Loyalty!"
Wu So-ryeong mimicking him. Dang Ok-gi comparing its scale to the Wuhou Temple in Sichuan. Jeong Hyeon reciting tales and anecdotes about Guan Yu from memory amid them. And Yin Xia Lian simply savoring the long-overdue rest. Among them enjoying the sights each in their fashion, I approached Yin Xia Lian.
"You seem in a good mood."
"Of course. It's been ages since I relaxed. When you mentioned getting the White Lotus Swords earlier, I had no idea you'd bring so many. I was happy but inwardly panicking about distribution—realizing even here on vacation I was still working, my inner self screaming. Thanks to you bringing plenty, I can rest easy for half a day. Thank you, Young Master Eon."
"I won't accept your thanks."
"Pardon? Why, why not?"
"Truth is, I need your help with something."
At my words, Yin Xia Lian seemed to sense it—her already pale face turned porcelain white.
"W-work?"
"You know how we've been securing steady funds for Cheongjuk Hall? A good idea came to me."
I felt a twinge of guilt, but no one else could handle this but her.
"I learned recently from talking with Brother So-cheon and Sister So-jin that Father up north hears our news through Professor Paeng Jae-hyuk and the Paeng family's messenger hawks. I think we could turn this into a business. Sell the academy's key updates and news on the families' heirs to their clans for a fee."
"Ugh."
"It'll need a few things. First, a skilled lead writer—and there's the perfect one right here in the Alliance. Senior Ye Hae-su, a Cheongjuk Hall alum on dispatch. Explain the business to her and tell her to return to the academy; she probably won't come back this semester. Could you meet with Senior Ye separately?"
"Eek."
"You might ask if it's feasible—the south uses Silver Radiance Merchant Group's messenger network, the north Paeng—my maternal side's—Taewon Merchant Group's..."
"Uwaaack!"
"What? Not good?"
"No, the idea itself is fine. More than fine—great. I'll do it. Let me do it. But."
"But?"
"Look at the sky. Nice weather, right? Can we postpone that talk?"
I halted my steps, words, and thoughts, looking up. Just as she said, perfect weather.
"Fine, we'll talk about the rest later."
"Yes! Great!"
I set work aside for the moment and took in the clear sky and Gwanrim's scenery. A little break couldn't hurt.