Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: penny
Chapter Title: Infinite Pavilion's Central Treasure (2)
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After a long time, the main gate of Infinite Pavilion swung wide open.
Red lanterns hung from every eave for the auspicious occasion, and bonfires blazed here and there in the courtyard.
Amid all this, the household servants of Infinite Pavilion bustled about busily.
It was the day a precious guest would arrive.
"Hahaha. Merchant So, you've arrived?"
As a man in fine silk robes rode in on horseback, White Dragon Swordsman Baek Ri-jeong-sun hurried over with a beaming smile to greet him.
So Yong-dae.
The man called Merchant So was a middle-aged fellow with streaks of gray in his hair.
He had his half-white hair tied back, and with his ample robes billowing, he leaped lightly from the horse.
"Delighted to see you. Baek Branch Master. My thanks for the warm welcome."
After a brief exchange of greetings, So Yong-dae cut straight to the point.
"I hear the manual is finally complete. Is it true?"
"Haha. What reason would I have to lie to you, Merchant So?"
"Heavens. Truly, my deepest gratitude, Baek Branch Master."
So Yong-dae expressed his thanks several times before suddenly shouting.
"What are you all doing? Hurry and show your sincerity to Baek Branch Master!"
"Yes, Master!"
The workers who had come with So Yong-dae quickly set down the chests they carried.
Jewelry and silver poured out as the chests were opened one by one, filling Baek Ri-jeong-sun's eyes with delight.
"I came in such haste that I couldn't prepare much."
"Th-this is 'not much'? Merchant So, you are as generous as ever."
"Soon we'll be family—what's a little wealth between us?"
Baek Ri-jeong-sun burst into loud laughter at So Yong-dae's words.
"Hahaha! Indeed. We are to become one family. Ah, yes."
"Pleased to meet you, in-law."
At So Yong-dae's playful remark, Baek Ri-man-ho and his wife, standing nearby, broke into broad smiles.
"Haha. To think I gain such a fine brother-in-law."
"Today is the joyous day we welcome a son-in-law. Please make yourself at home."
Screeeeech.
Thud.
In the warm and jovial atmosphere, the gates of Infinite Pavilion closed shut.
Entering the room, Baek Ri-jeong-sun guided So Yong-dae to the reception hall.
If there was one place considered the most opulent in Infinite Pavilion, it was either Baek Ri-jeong-sun's office for handling family affairs or this reception hall.
The maids called it the "Hall of Splendor" for its extravagant decor—so lavish that it intimidated most visitors. It was used only for entertaining distinguished guests or important business associates.
After several rounds of drinks.
As faces began to flush red, Baek Ri-jeong-sun called for a servant.
"Bring Miss Seol here at once."
"Yes, Branch Master."
Soon after, Baek Ri-seol entered, clad in flowing pale blue ceremonial robes.
Instead of her usual training garb, she wore long sleeves that clung to her figure like a proper lady's attire, even applying white powder and lip rouge—things she had always despised.
Step. Step.
So Yong-dae, mid-sip, stared wide-eyed at her cautious, delicate steps.
"Oho. What exquisite beauty."
"Haha. Seems the prospective groom has taken a liking to her."
Baek Ri-jeong-sun chuckled heartily, feigning magnanimity.
"You'll have plenty of time to drool over her for the rest of your life. No need to fixate today. Come, let's drink."
The feast resumed, and Baek Ri-seol faded once more from attention.
Sob. Sob.
Drip. Drip.
Baek Ri-seol wept quietly.
'It's over now.'
How had it come to this?
Was it wrong to heed the words that she must live for the family, for the clan?
Or was it because she hadn't fled from the beatings her family inflicted whenever she disobeyed?
Or perhaps because she had clung to faint hopes, steeling herself against the despair of shattered expectations?
Maybe it was all of those.
Suddenly, she felt envious.
And terribly nostalgic.
She longed to return to those false yet free days.
'I have to give up now.'
Tears welled up and fell, soaking the hem of her skirt.
It was vast.
The main avenue was wide enough for four carriages to pass side by side.
The walls lining the streets were so tall one had to crane their neck to see the ends, and beyond them rose countless imposing halls.
One of the wealthiest districts in Infinite Castle.
After a long walk, Chu Un-hwi's simple impression was:
"What a dreary neighborhood."
He had heard as much from Yeo Mae-hong.
It was so exorbitantly expensive that only high-ranking officials and power brokers could afford it.
Everyone dreamed of just visiting the place.
But his assessment differed.
"What kind of place for people to live is this?"
Long walls of white plaster.
And high barriers stacked to ward off outsiders.
Even if a commotion broke out next door, the neighbors probably wouldn't bat an eye.
"That part I like."
Step. Step.
Walking down the center of the avenue, Chu Un-hwi recalled Yeo Mae-hong's words.
- White Dragon Swordsman Baek Ri-jeong-sun isn't the good man the rumors claim.
- He excels more at turning a profit than at martial arts, which earned him his position in the Baek Family.
- At some point, he changed, as if bewitched by money. He started taking on all sorts of dirty dealings.
She had gone on about Baek Ri-jeong-sun and his family.
- Baek Ri-man-ho. Why do you think he couldn't enter Divine Martial Academy?
- The clan hushes it up, but he's just a parasite living off his father's halo.
And about Baek Ri-seol.
- Lately, the family treats her as if she doesn't exist.
- To Baek Ri-jeong-sun now, she's just prime merchandise to sell at a high price.
- The household servants who know call her a "false flower."
"So that's how it was."
Baek Ri-seol had always said:
[I'm special!]
[The Baek Family's forbidden jade leaf!]
[My father gives me anything I want! Jealous?]
[Impressed? I'm loved as much as this room is big.]
He had found it odd.
All that boastful chatter every time.
"Truly loved children don't brag about it themselves."
They take it for granted and don't think it's special.
That's why her constant proclamations of being loved had struck him as strange from the start.
His suspicions turned to certainty the moment he saw her room.
A barren space, utterly empty.
Not even a single flower for decoration.
What beloved child gets left alone in such a desolate room?
A place ready for her to leave at any moment.
That was Chu Un-hwi's feeling.
"More high-maintenance than I thought."
Far ahead, at the end of the broad avenue.
A vast estate gleamed red like an island.
- Infinite Pavilion of the Baek Family.
The destination of his house call.
As Chu Un-hwi approached Infinite Pavilion and spoke to the gatekeeper.
"May I stable my horse? Is this the Baek Family estate?"
"It is."
"It seems quite bustling. Is today some special occasion...?"
"An auspicious event."
"What kind?"
"Can't say. The Branch Master will announce it himself soon enough. But..."
As the gaze sharpened, Chu Un-hwi chuckled.
"I'm Chu Un-hwi, instructor at Divine Martial Academy."
"Divine Martial Academy... You must know Miss Seol, then."
"May I enter?"
"The Bronze Hall Master sent word. Leave your weapon here."
"Thank you."
As he handed over his sword and stepped toward the gate.
"Instructor Chu!"
A woman with a frantic face rushed up from the side.
"The young miss! The young miss!"
At Ryeong-ryeong's tearful voice, a faint smile cracked Chu Un-hwi's lips.
Ryeong-ryeong hurried ahead, explaining the situation.
"Suddenly, the Branch Master called for the young miss and..."
As she choked up mid-explanation, Chu Un-hwi asked.
"Who's Merchant So?"
"Merchant So Yong-dae is Infinite Pavilion's biggest patron. They say he owns several major trading caravans—a man of great wealth."
"I see."
"They've been close for a long time, but recently he proposed to the young miss. She refused at first, but he wouldn't give up."
It was a clichéd tale.
He visited repeatedly on business, fell for Baek Ri-seol at first sight.
Baek Ri-jeong-sun, sensing this, pushed the marriage through with various favors.
That was Ryeong-ryeong's summary.
"He picked a troublesome day to visit. Shouldn't have come."
"...The Branch Master is waiting for you in the annex. He wants to thank you for your help so far and speak privately..."
"Perfect timing. Let's go."
After passing several corridors and two gardens, a small pavilion emerged beyond a bamboo grove.
"Quiet spot."
"Today, with the noble guest here, he said there were confidential matters to discuss."
"Well, can't complain when I'm the unannounced visitor. Lead on."
"Yes, Instructor."
Entering the annex revealed a lavish interior.
Golden walls gleaming brightly, countless artisan-crafted ornaments.
Like a massive treasure vault. There, with a dozen guards posted, four men sat drinking.
'There she is.'
As he spotted Baek Ri-seol alone in the corner, the middle-aged man in the seat of honor rose.
"Ryeong-ryeong. Is this the fellow?"
"Yes, Branch Master. This is Chu Un-hwi, the young miss's supervising instructor."
"My daughter spoke of you often. Said you helped her a great deal?"
A quick glance showed Baek Ri-seol avoiding his eyes.
'Embarrassed, huh.'
Hard not to be, showing up at the wedding arrangements with a man her father's age.
Chu Un-hwi smirked faintly, offering a perfunctory clasp of fists.
"I'm just that good."
"Haha. Quite the bold one. Most can't even speak in my presence. A real man's answer."
He laughed heartily at first, then tilted his head at the box Chu Un-hwi carried.
"What's that?"
"A return gift for the other day. Doesn't suit me, so I brought it back."
Opening the box, Baek Ri-jeong-sun clicked his tongue.
"Tsk tsk. Foolish boy. Trying to move a man like you with pocket change. You there."
Evidently, he thought Chu Un-hwi had come for some other scheme.
He summoned a guard to fetch a box and said.
"Take it."
"Isn't this gold?"
Pointing to the shining gold bars inside, Baek Ri-jeong-sun continued.
"My apologies for my foolish daughter's mistake. Take it."
"Eat wrong and I'll get indigestion."
"Hahaha. A few coins won't stab the instructor who taught my earnest but lacking girl with sincerity."
"Fair point, but..."
"I have a condition, however."
Thud.
Setting down his cup, Baek Ri-jeong-sun leaned in.
"Straight to the point."
His face dripping with greed, he asked.
"I hear you're exceptional at studying forms. Care to work with me?"
"Afraid not."
"Not?"
"Side jobs are forbidden."
"Kahahahaha!"
His hearty laugh froze into a cold glare.
"My offer doesn't please you, it seems."
Shing.
At his gesture, the Infinite Pavilion guards in the corners tapped their sheaths.
"Is this why you called me to the annex?"
"No place more private from prying ears. Think it over. My offers won't stay gentle forever."
Baek Ri-jeong-sun pressed with a chilling aura.
"I'll ask once more. Will you accept?"
At his signal, the guards' eyes sharpened in unison.