Chapter 86
Chapter 86
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 86
Chapter Title: An Uncomfortable Meal
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Thanks to Un Hak's help, Neung Un-bi's party was able to stay at the station inn, assigned to a separate, isolated annex.
But how could they blame the innkeeper?
It was a place where warriors and merchants of the Orthodox factions gathered, so staying in the same building could lead to unforeseen friction.
The annex was enough.
It had been used as quarters for the innkeeper and his workers, so it wasn't small, but with the addition of the Nakmyeong Merchant Guild, the total number of people reached about a hundred, making it feel cramped.
However, Neung Un-bi gave even that to the merchant guild and chose to camp in the open space in front of the annex.
Fortunately, the apologetic innkeeper provided them with tents, so they wouldn't have to endure the cold frost.
“So… we're supposed to rest here?”
But Wang Cheon was clearly not pleased. He complained nonstop with a sullen face.
“Damn it, what kind of treatment is this? Huh?”
Wang Cheon glanced around the inside of the tent, his expression full of irritation.
“Hah, what is it that you find so disagreeable?”
“Everything! Everything!”
“…”
“You, of all people—the one who will become the supreme leader of the Demonic Cult—are staying in a tent like this when there's a perfectly good annex?”
“I already gave that to the merchant guild leader.”
“That's the problem! Why would you give it to him? It is you, my lord, who should be using it! The guild leader even repeatedly refused!”
As Wang Cheon pointed at the annex visible through the open tent flap and shouted, Neung Un-bi chuckled and tried to calm him.
“Wang Cheon, who are we?”
“Who else could we be! We are the Third Young Master of the Demonic Cult and his escort guard!”
“That's only when we're within the Cult. Right now, we're merchant escorts.”
“What did you say?”
“We're merchant escorts, properly contracted and paid.”
“…What does that…?”
“Am I wrong?”
“…”
“The client is the guild leader, not us. So naturally, he should be the one to use the annex.”
“Damn it all… Fine, forget the annex, but let's at least go to the lodge ourselves.”
“The lodge?”
“It looked like there were plenty of rooms. A lot of guys left in a hurry when they heard the Demonic Cult was here…”
“Mm, we can't do that.”
“Whaat?”
“No matter how few are left, that place is full of people from the Orthodox factions.”
“So?”
“No matter how careful we are, a fight is bound to break out.”
“…”
“Even though a pact was signed with the Orthodox Murim Alliance, the prejudice against our Demonic Cult hasn't disappeared.”
“So? The Third Young Master of the Demonic Cult is just going to sleep in a tent like this?”
“It might be uncomfortable, but it's better than sleeping under the open sky.”
“That's not the point, is it?”
“Hm?”
“This is a matter of the Cult's prestige!”
“What are you talking about now? What prestige is there in a mere sleeping arrangement?”
“Think about it. If we just meekly follow their command to go rest in a corner over there, what do you think those bastards will think?”
“…”
“They'll think the Demonic Cult is nothing special. They'll look down on us! Do you have no pride, my lord!”
“Hah, is there any need to bring pride into something so trivial?”
“…”
“Besides, what kind of decent person would look down on our Cult over something so minor? Stop talking nonsense and come have a drink. Hyang-i has warmed it just right.”
Neung Un-bi tried to soothe him calmly, but Wang Cheon pouted and turned his head away.
It wasn't that he didn't understand.
It was a matter of principle.
“Wang Cheon, aren't you going to drink?”
“I'm not drinking.”
“…Hmph.”
Seeing Wang Cheon cross his arms in protest, Neung Un-bi shook his head.
How could he not understand Wang Cheon's feelings?
As he said, the prestige and face of the Demonic Cult were at stake.
Concession and consideration—fine words, indeed.
But among warriors who prove themselves through martial strength, they are not always virtues.
One couldn't say Neung Un-bi's thinking was wrong, but right now, he was a representative of the Demonic Cult. Regardless of his personal feelings, every minor action he took became the Cult's official stance.
Even if it meant acting unreasonably, he had to throw a fit if necessary to protect their pride.
This was precisely Wang Cheon's point, and Neung Un-bi was not unaware of it.
Perhaps he was also displeased that his lord was enduring such treatment so calmly.
However, Neung Un-bi had no intention of changing his decision.
Of course, he could take it by force. Since the pact was made, it would be reasonable to confidently demand his rightful place.
But a conflict, big or small, would arise, and he might have to use force.
He felt no fear. There was a renowned Taoist staying at the inn, one before whom others would have to bow their heads, but even he would not be a problem.
With his own strength, Wang Cheon's, Ju Seung's, and the Lunar Eclipse Squad's, they had more than enough power to turn the station inn into a chaotic mess.
And besides, wasn't there an unbelievably terrifying maid by his side?
But power is not cultivated to be used so carelessly.
It should only be used when absolutely necessary. While he wouldn't care if a few sword-wielding warriors died, the victims of a pointless show of force were always the powerless.
Like the innkeeper who apologized for not being able to provide rooms and instead offered the annex where he and his workers stayed, or the other transient guests.
No matter how great the Demonic Cult's pride was, it wasn't worth causing trouble for them.
Why create a disturbance over something that would be over once they stayed for a short while and left?
And wasn't it just a place to sleep?
Having a place to avoid the night dew was enough.
Besides, he needed to train immediately, so the outdoors was better than being inside anyway…
“My lord.”
“…What is it now?”
As Ju Seung, who had been watching them in silence, began to speak, Neung Un-bi narrowed his eyes.
Dealing with a pouting Wang Cheon was already a handful… What was this guy going to say now?
“How could I not understand my lord's consideration for the guild leader and those unrelated to the martial world? As a fellow warrior, I find it truly respectable. Furthermore, as your guard, I believe choosing an isolated place to sleep is the right decision, as we don't know what unpleasant incidents might occur while resting in a place full of Orthodox faction members.”
“Oh?”
“However, the Guard Captain is not entirely wrong.”
“…”
“A leader represents their group, and the treatment he receives affects the morale of us, his subordinates.”
“…”
“Therefore, while the sleeping arrangements may be unavoidable, why not at least have your meal in a proper place?”
“A meal?”
“Yes. We have yet to have dinner, let alone drinks.”
“You told the guild leader in the annex not to worry, but he must be on pins and needles. He's probably so embarrassed and self-conscious that he can barely swallow his food.”
“Hmph…”
“So, why not have your meal at the tavern here at the inn? I believe that would be better for everyone. If you do, the Guard Captain will likely come to an understanding as well.”
“Mm.”
Unlike Wang Cheon, Ju Seung's words were polite and thoughtful, making Neung Un-bi nod his head in agreement.
Considerate of Wang Cheon, and considerate of himself…
Hah, this guy has returned to being the thoughtful and loyal Ju Seung.
Yes, a meal should be fine.
It's a timeless truth that even a dog isn't bothered while it's eating. Surely they wouldn't object to that, would they?
“Wang Cheon.”
“What is it?”
“As Ju Seung suggested, you don't have a problem with this, do you?”
“If it's just that…”
At Neung Un-bi's words, Wang Cheon finally took a step back.
He knew that Neung Un-bi was compromising for him.
“Good. Let's do that, then. But do not get angry. No matter what happens.”
“What if they start a fight first?”
“Endure it.”
“Endure it?”
“Yes.”
“What if they insult the Demonic Cult?”
“Endure it.”
“Still endure it?”
“Yes. If you can't do that, we'll call it off. Even if they insult me, let it go in one ear and out the other. That's why you have one mouth but two ears.”
What kind of nonsense was this?
The saying about having one mouth and two ears was meant to encourage careful speech and attentive listening…
“Understand?”
“Damn it, I understand. But what if those bastards cross the line and insult my parents?”
“My parents?”
“Yes.”
“Then… you slit their throats.”
“…”
“Insulting parents is unacceptable. Yes, absolutely. That's a line no one should cross, regardless of whether they're Orthodox or Demonic.”
“…I understand.”
“Good. Then give a stern warning to the Lunar Eclipse Squad as well.”
“Yes.”
Having received Wang Cheon's answer, Neung Un-bi smiled and gave an order to Ju Seung.
“Go to the guild leader and tell him we'll be eating at the tavern, so he can dine in peace.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“And send someone to the innkeeper. Tell him to prepare a quiet table where we won't disturb the other guests. And to prepare plenty of food and wine.”
“Understood, my lord.”
As Ju Seung replied with a bright smile, Neung Un-bi turned his head and said.
“Hyang-i.”
“…”
“Let's go eat.”
“…Yes, Young Master.”
Hyang-i smiled as she watched the three of them bicker their way to a conclusion.
Why were they fighting over something so trivial?
Understanding, persuading…
If you don't like a subordinate, you beat them until they listen. If that doesn't work, you slit their throat and replace them. It's that simple.
Besides, if they were like other members of the Demonic Cult, they would have 'cleaned up' the inn, finished their meal amid the blood, and then gone to sleep.
But this was somehow… very Neung Un-bi.
She thought he was a fascinating man, not at all like a typical demonic practitioner.
“Oh, Hyang-i.”
“What?”
“You endure it too.”
“Sure.”
“You really have to. Understand? Even if you don't like that Taoist fellow.”
“The Taoist? Heh heh, you think I'd fight a little kid? He looked weak at a glance. I'll endure it, unless they insult my parents.”
“…No, you endure it even if they insult your parents.”
“What?”
“I'm asking you this as a favor. Please?”
Neung Un-bi suddenly grabbed Hyang-i's hand and spoke imploringly.
Was it because his hand was warm? Or because she could feel his hand trembling slightly?
Hyang-i turned her head away awkwardly, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.
“…I'll try.”
“…”
At her answer, given with a frown on her pretty face, Neung Un-bi breathed a sigh of relief.
You're the one I'm most worried about.
You see even that Taoist—a man so famous that everyone in the Orthodox factions knows his name—as a little kid.
Wang Cheon and Ju Seung, at least, have loyalty, so even if they protest at first, they'll at least pretend to listen when I give an order… but not you.
You're so powerful you see the Cult Leader's disciple as less than a neighborhood mutt, so you're uncontrollable.
I'd better stick right by her side.
* * *
“This way, please.”
“Thank you.”
The innkeeper, who had hastily prepared a space for their sudden visit, guided Neung Un-bi's steps.
Enduring the sharp glares of those on the first floor, they arrived on the second floor of the tavern, which had been completely cleared out.
Seeing the staff diligently clearing leftover food from the tables, it seemed they had deliberately emptied a space that had been occupied by customers just moments before.
Just in case a fight broke out.
That anxiousness was written all over the innkeeper's face.
“It seems we've caused you unnecessary trouble. I apologize.”
“What? No, not at all. How could you say such a thing? I was already feeling terribly sorry for having such esteemed guests stay in the annex's front yard, let alone having you eat outdoors.”
“…”
“So it is only natural that I offer you this entire floor. I have told the chef to do his best and ordered the finest wine, so please, I hope you have an enjoyable meal here.”
The innkeeper said, bowing deeply.
I hope you have an enjoyable meal *here*…
It was a plea for them to stay on the second floor if at all possible.
He might have even paid the previous customers extra to make them leave.
“Thank you. I won't forget your sincerity.”
Neung Un-bi thanked the innkeeper and sat down by the window.
“Ptooey! That damn innkeeper, serving food to the Demonic Cult?”
“Damn right! See if I ever come back here again.”
“…”
He could see people leaving outside the window.
“Those bastards!”
“Wang Cheon!”
“Aargh! They're not even worth a single punch…”
Neung Un-bi hastily stopped Wang Cheon, who had shot up from his seat as if to jump down at once.
What could he do?
This was their territory, and he was from the Demonic Cult.
Doesn't the saying go that even a mutt fights with an advantage in its own yard?
Still, this damn prejudice was a problem.
There were so many things to fight against, and now he had to fight this too…
He had told them to endure it, but being needlessly insulted was hardly pleasant, and Neung Un-bi's own face contorted into a frown.
Just then, a cheerful voice was heard.
“Oh? And who might this be?”
“…?”
“I heard you were using a separate annex and was thinking of paying a visit, but this works out perfectly.”
“…”
It was that Mount Hua Taoist, Un Hak.
Approaching with an expression as delighted as if he were meeting an old friend, he took the seat opposite Neung Un-bi.
Without asking, without permission…
Hey, can't you read the room? The guys are clenching their fists and glaring at you, pal.
You're a Taoist, we're the Demonic Cult?
So please, just get lost and let us eat in peace.
I feel like I'm going to get indigestion. Okay?