Unexpected Journey (4)
In response to the bandits' proposal, Master—our group's representative—and Branch Chief Jeong Chung exchanged glances before nodding.
Then, Jeong Chung approached me and whispered,
"It would be best to follow them to their stronghold for now. This sort of thing happens often, so no need to worry."
"Understood. I'll defer to you two, who have far more experience than I do."
At my words, Jeong Chung gave a faint smile and bowed his head slightly.
He then replied to the bandits.
"We accept your proposal."
And so, we headed to their stronghold.
Along the way, Im Gak-won asked me,
"Aren't you scared, Eun Gak-won-nim?"
"Pardon? Scared of what?"
"The bandits. They call it an invitation, but things could go south and they'll draw their weapons."
He looked genuinely worried.
But I wasn't too concerned.
"Probably. Still, with Escort Leader Gwak and Branch Chief Jeong making the call, it should be fine."
"Right, of course. Their decision is bound to be the right one. But you're remarkably calm. Like a seasoned merchant. Haha."
Oh dear, sharper than I thought.
Did I let too much show?
As he'd said, my calm demeanor stemmed from ample experience.
Yet to Im Gak-won, it seemed novel.
"No such thing. I'm worried too. I'm just trusting Escort Leader Gwak and Branch Chief Jeong."
I credited it all to the two of them.
That way, he wouldn't find it suspicious.
Still, inviting us to their stronghold like this—didn't it mean they wanted to talk?
No need to panic preemptively when we didn't yet know the purpose.
Worst case, with Master here, our basic safety was assured.
Besides, the lord of this Odongsan stronghold, as I recalled, disliked needless bloodshed.
.
.
.
We soon arrived at the stronghold.
It was strategically positioned, fortified with sturdy wooden barricades and fences.
As if word of our arrival had preceded us, a burly, imposing man emerged promptly.
"Hahaha! Come on in!"
A welcoming face.
His majestic presence matched my memory perfectly, drawing an involuntary smile from me.
I turned to Palgap beside me.
"Let's get out of the carriage."
"Pardon?"
"They're bandits, but he's the lord of this stronghold. Greeting him from inside the carriage could give them an excuse to take offense."
"Understood."
Im Gak-won nodded at my words.
"Well thought."
Seeing us disembark, Master gave a subtle nod of approval.
Palgap stepped out and immediately positioned himself in front of me, shielding me.
I tried to stop him.
"I'm fine, but..."
"No, young master. I must protect you."
"Alright, got it."
"Besides, you're getting more handsome by the day, which makes me uneasy. Can't have some brute eyeing you."
"......"
I decided to stay quietly behind Palgap.
Meanwhile, Master and Jeong Chung clasped their hands in salute to the giant.
"I see the Mountain Hero. I am Gwak Myeong-hyeon, escort leader of Changin Escort Agency."
"Jeong Chung, third branch chief of Eunhae Merchant Group's Silver Wind Division."
"I am Jang Dae-su, lord of Odongsan stronghold."
I remembered that name.
Wolf Fang Blade Ghost Jang Dae-su.
A nickname earned for wielding the wolf fang blade like a demon.
"It's cold out—thought resting here before you go wouldn't be bad, so I invited you."
"Our thanks for your hospitality."
Jeong Chung expressed gratitude on our behalf, and at the stronghold lord's command, a meal was prepared.
A large bonfire blazed in the center of a wide clearing, with seats arranged around it.
Warm tea and roasted meat were served.
"Thank you."
"We'll partake."
Only after Master and Jeong Chung sipped their tea did the others cautiously follow suit.
Drinking alcohol during an escort mission was taboo.
Jang Dae-su knew this, hence the tea instead of liquor.
I took a sip too.
Not bad—pretty good quality. Must cost a bit...
What's his angle, serving tea and meat like this?
"By the way..."
The lord glanced my way.
"You don't look old enough for escort runs..."
I smiled and replied,
"Pleased to meet you. I am Eun Seo-ho, working in the Eunhae Merchant Group's Finance Division."
"Eun, you say... Any relation to the Eunhae Merchant Group leader?"
"He's my father."
He burst into hearty laughter.
"What an honored guest! Hahaha!"
I bowed slightly in humility, then resumed eating.
"......"
But my senses had picked up something odd for a while now.
It was...
"Gulp!"
"Grumble..."
The bandits swallowing hard at the sight of the tea and meat, their stomachs growling.
Something was off.
Pretending to inspect the spread, I eyed their tables.
Tea cups were there, but the color seemed淡.
And why aren't they touching the meat?
I scrutinized the meat on their tables and realized.
Pine needles piled high, thinly covered with meat slices to make it look abundant.
What the...?
I retraced our path mentally.
Clearing snow to traverse the mountain path meant no prior wagons had passed.
With fresh snow, wild game wouldn't roam much either.
Ah, got it.
I understood why they'd invited us.
They were starving, and hoped to squeeze more money from us to resolve it.
Things had been manageable before, but this year's heavy snow changed that.
Pride intact, they'd served plain water as tea and fake-plenty meat.
A bluff to hide their weakened state from hunger.
Besides, Jang Dae-su was too decent for a bandit chief.
In such straits, most would just raid, kill, and seize the cargo.
Or perhaps he thought long-term.
Groups like Eunhae Merchant Group or Changin Escort Agency could retaliate against lesser strongholds.
That calculation kept him in power here.
But Jang wouldn't last much longer.
Five years before my death, right? Raided by the Murim Alliance.
Back then, the news puzzled me.
His band only took tolls, never needless trouble.
Yet the Alliance claimed they'd eradicated heaven's scourge by razing Odongsan.
And on the ruins, they built a branch office, extracting "protection fees" from travelers.
Absurd.
Black道 deeds whitewashed by the righteous Murim.
Then, Jang Dae-su spoke gravely.
"Truth is, our stronghold's in dire straits."
"With the snow blocking passage, we figured as much."
"So, we'd like a bit more this time."
"We understand, but the toll we've collected is fixed."
"Cut us some slack."
As the conversation unfolded predictably, I watched silently.
But a memory flashed, making it all feel frustratingly stagnant.
That prompted it.
"Sigh..."
An involuntary sigh escaped me.
"Hm?"
The lord eyed me.
"Was that a sigh?"
"Ah, sorry."
My mistake.
I apologized quickly, but Jang Dae-su wasn't letting it slide.
"I'd like to hear why."
The air turned icy in an instant.
Palgap dropped to his knees at once.
"Please forgive our young master. He's still young and inexperienced..."
I looked at him.
What have I done to deserve this loyalty?
And then, simply—it hit me.
I didn't want to be a pathetic lord.
I placed a hand on Palgap's shoulder.
"Stand up."
"Young master..."
"The only one you kneel to is me. So get up."
Palgap looked up, eyes moved.
That expression embarrassed me a bit.
Hiding my awkwardness, I faced the lord boldly.
"Truth is... the conversation struck me as pathetic."
"What?"
Killing intent from Jang froze the air further. The weak and untrained paled, trembling.
But I wouldn't flinch at that.
Fifty years of inner power and decades of experience backed me.
"Why act so shortsightedly, Lord, instead of addressing the root issue?"
"No idea what you're on about."
He gripped his wolf fang blade's hilt.
Master and Jeong Chung tensed toward their weapons, ready to act.
A powder keg moment.
"Sigh!"
I sighed dramatically again.
Now wasn't the time to cower.
Boldness was key.
And the lord I knew admired those who struck true.
"Why grab your weapon? That's shortsighted too."
"You lecturing me..."
I cut him off.
"Lord, this stronghold's trouble stems from the snow, right?"
"Obvious."
"Then why not clear it?"
"What?"
"If snow's the problem, clear it all and pave the path properly. More travelers will use it—cheaper than detours, even with tolls."
"......"
The lord blinked.
Murmurs rose among the bandits.
"Huh, yeah..."
"Why didn't we think of that?"
"Smart, as expected from an educated one."
I was dumbfounded.
No one had considered this simple fix?
Well, at least it'll save five years this time.
Beneficial for escort agencies and Eunhae alike.
Shorter transit times made tolls worthwhile.
The lord cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Ahem. Never thought of that."
"You're the lord of Odongsan, aren't you? Lords maintain their land. Right?"
"W-Well..."
"Fix broken roads, clear snow. Were you just leeching tolls without the effort?"
"......Ahem."
"A well-maintained road? Everyone uses it—saves massive time. No need to beg for extras like this."
Jang Dae-su laughed boisterously, masking embarrassment.
"Haha, sharp kid. Jealous of your father!"
The bandits nodded.
"Gives us work now."
"Yeah, we can collect with pride."
The sudden warmth flustered our side.
"Good idea. I'll accept your proposal."
"Wise choice. And..."
I approached Jang.
He looked puzzled—flustered by my advance.
"Let's talk alone."
"Private chat?"
"Important words for you."
He tilted his head, then stood.
"Alright."
Jeong Chung interjected hastily.
"I'll join!"
The lord smirked.
"Worrying over nothing. That young master you're guarding is stronger than you."
"Pardon?"
As Jeong Chung reeled, the lord pointed.
"Quiet spot there. Let's go."
"Yes."
Palgap stuck close.
"Anyone but me stays back. I'm your valet."
The lord nodded readily, unlike with Jeong.
"Fair enough. Valets stick close."