Bonds of Fate (3)
Kang Yeon and Jo Hwan appeared on the evening streets of Hangzhou. Gazing at the crowds packing the thoroughfare, Jo Hwan wore a dazed expression.
"Somehow it feels like there are even more people than before."
Ever since he had been swindled by the Five Blossoms Sect, Jo Hwan had shut himself away in the inn as if in seclusion. It had not been long, yet in that short span the war between the Orthodox Path and the Demonic Cult had ended, and people had begun returning to their daily lives. In particular, once the fighting ceased, countless martial artists poured into Hangzhou.
"All that's left for martial artists after the war ends is emptiness. And there's nothing quite like the pleasure districts to fill that void."
At Kang Yeon's low, subdued voice, Jo Hwan asked with concern,
"Is that your story?"
Kang Yeon offered a faint smile.
"No. Of course not."
"Well, that's a relief then. Come on. First we have to go to the Ilyeong Inn. They say it's the finest place in Hangzhou these days."
"Is that so? Well… it did seem crowded. Is the food there really that good?"
A sharp light flashed in Jo Hwan's eyes.
"The food's excellent, and the liquor they somehow manage to get their hands on is outstanding, too. On top of that they've built the place so splendidly, of course it's thriving. I'll give the Ilyeong Inn that much. Credit where it's due."
"Aren't they our competition?"
"Competition only counts when you're in the same league."
"What's wrong with our inn? Just you wait—I'll make it the number-one inn in Hangzhou."
Jo Hwan stared quietly at Kang Yeon.
"You said that same thing once before."
"I know. That's why I came back. A real man keeps the words he speaks."
Kang Yeon began striding forward with long steps. Jo Hwan hurried after him.
"Wait up, you rascal!"
Kang Yeon and Jo Hwan arrived in front of the Ilyeong Inn. As always, the place was thronged with people.
"Heavens, look at this crowd. It's a miracle they aren't spilling out into the street."
Even from outside, the interior was packed with guests. A flicker of envy crossed Jo Hwan's face.
"Just watch. We'll catch up soon enough. I've got a secret weapon, you know."
"A secret weapon???"
"Yes. Keep your eyes open. Hangzhou's streets are going to be turned upside down. Just get ready to rake in the money."
Kang Yeon strode confidently toward the Ilyeong Inn. Guests were waiting in droves, but today was different from last time.
A waiter spotted Kang Yeon and asked,
"How may I help you?"
"I have a reservation for the top floor today."
The waiter's expression shifted in mild surprise as he looked Kang Yeon up and down. No matter how he looked at it, the man's attire hardly seemed suited for the top floor. The uppermost level of the Ilyeong Inn was reserved for only a single party at a time and required a considerable sum. Money alone was not enough, either. With reservations backed up for ages, only those with serious connections could secure a spot.
"Ah… is that so? Might I have your name?"
Kang Yeon grinned.
"It should be under Dan U-ryeong."
The waiter's demeanor changed at once.
"Ah! You're an acquaintance of Young Master Dan? Please, allow me to show you inside."
Guided by the waiter, Kang Yeon and Jo Hwan stepped into the inn. The first floor, filled with noisy chatter, served simpler fare.
"Quite the racket."
"That's how well business is booming. Most of the guests who come to the Ilyeong Inn come for the first floor. The food's tasty, it comes out fast, and the prices are very reasonable."
At Jo Hwan's praise the waiter nodded as if to say, This one knows a thing or two. Following him up to the second floor, the atmosphere shifted a little. It was still lively, yet quieter than below.
"This is where you can taste the real cuisine of the Ilyeong Inn."
"You're right. Even the aromas are different already."
Jo Hwan smirked.
"Your nose is as sharp as ever."
"Even sharper than before."
"And your palate?"
"Need you ask? Keen as a blade."
Jo Hwan marveled.
"Ah… you truly were born a chef. Just thinking about cooking together in the kitchen again has me excited."
"Look forward to it. It's going to be incredible."
Overhearing their conversation, the waiter glanced back, eyes flicking over Kang Yeon and Jo Hwan as if wondering whether they might be spies from a rival inn. Still, he could never ask them to leave. After all, they were precious guests who had reserved the top floor.
Kang Yeon and Jo Hwan reached the third floor.
The third floor was an entirely different world from the second. Private rooms lined the space, and guests seemed to occupy them. Jo Hwan looked regretful.
"I wonder what it looks like inside those rooms."
Kang Yeon casually cast his gaze about.
Woom.
Internal energy gathered in his pupils, and the interiors of the rooms began to reveal themselves.
"Eh… nothing special."
The waiter glanced back briefly, then faced forward again. Passing the third floor, Kang Yeon and Jo Hwan arrived at the fourth.
"Here we are."
Ascending to the fourth floor opened up a new world. The entire spacious level had been arranged for a small number of guests, giving the impression of a carefully tended garden.
Jo Hwan looked around with a blank expression.
"Heavens… I never imagined anyone would decorate the inside of a building like this."
"It's Dan U-ryeong's handiwork. This is nothing to him."
"Really? Is Young Master Dan that skilled?"
"Hmm… I'd say he might be the best in the Central Plains."
Jo Hwan's eyes trembled violently.
"Th-that impressive? But then how on earth did you come to know someone like—"
"You don't know?"
Jo Hwan nodded.
"I saved him once."
"S-saved him? From what?"
"The destruction of his sect."
At Kang Yeon's words Jo Hwan tilted his head. Meanwhile the waiter guided the two to the center of the fourth floor.
"Here we are."
In the middle of the fourth floor was a beautifully appointed space prepared for guests. Following the waiter's lead, Kang Yeon and Jo Hwan took their seats.
"Please wait a moment while we bring out what we have prepared."
The top floor of the Ilyeong Inn required no ordering. The finest food and liquor the establishment offered simply arrived of their own accord. Once the waiter vanished, Jo Hwan asked quietly,
"This place was reserved under Young Master Dan's name?"
"Yes. When he built the inn he received a free pass, and I… appropriated it."
"Is… is that really all right?"
Kang Yeon spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Of course. I'm the man who saved his life, after all. So don't feel the least bit awkward—just enjoy yourself."
Color returned to Jo Hwan's face.
"All right then, let's enjoy it. When else in this life would I ever set foot in a place like this again?"
"Hey! Don't go deciding things so hastily. Once our inn hits it big, we can come back whenever we want."
"Heh heh… if our inn hits it big, do we even need to come here? If we succeed, we can just build something this grand ourselves."
Kang Yeon's expression turned firm.
"Huh? I'm against that."
"Hmm?"
"If we succeed, I'm against making the inn this big."
Jo Hwan looked puzzled.
"Why not? Don't you need a big inn to draw more customers?"
"I like our inn just about the size it is now. Getting too busy, becoming famous, attracting too much attention… all of that feels burdensome."
Jo Hwan nodded.
"True. That makes sense."
"Why be greedy? As long as we can live without wanting for anything, that's enough."
"Even that isn't easy, you know. Competition on the Hangzhou streets has gotten fierce."
With so many people flocking to Hangzhou, there were just as many inns and wine houses. Surviving among them was no ordinary feat.
"Don't worry. I'm back now."
At Kang Yeon's confident air, Jo Hwan's face softened with warmth.
"Right. With you at my side, there's nothing we can't do."
Just then a middle-aged man with a dignified bearing approached them. Coming to a stop before the two, he spoke with formal courtesy.
"Greetings. I am Oh Hu, manager of the Ilyeong Inn. It is an honor to welcome such distinguished guests today."
Jo Hwan looked a little embarrassed. All his life he had only ever served customers and cooked; he had never received treatment like this.
"A pleasure to meet you."
Kang Yeon addressed Manager Oh Hu with easy familiarity.
"Nice to meet you. We'll be in your care today."
Oh Hu studied Kang Yeon for a moment.
Doesn't seem like some rich young master… nor does he appear to have trained in martial arts… Hmm… so he really is just a connection of Young Master Dan's.
In that instant Manager Oh Hu reached his judgment about Kang Yeon. Still, the man was a legitimate user of the fourth floor, entitled to the highest level of service. Oh Hu promptly composed his expression and offered the kindest smile in the world.
"The fourth floor of the Ilyeong Inn will provide our guests with the finest experience possible. Today we shall deliver a level of emotion you have never encountered before."
At Oh Hu's polished words, Jo Hwan let out an admiring breath.
"Th-thank you."
Kang Yeon grinned.
"Then let's begin."
Oh Hu bowed and withdrew. Watching him go, Kang Yeon snorted softly.
"He sure puts on airs. Well then, shall we see what dishes come out first?"
His eyes sparkled.
"Yes. Let's taste just how magnificent this food really is."
Jo Hwan's expression grew utterly serious.
Whatever else might be said of him, when it came to cooking Jo Hwan was sincere to the core—it was his calling.