Jin-ho's In-Laws (4)
Bok Yun, the branch manager, laughed heartily and elaborated.
"I can lend you the signaling horn anytime. But you won't need it this time."
"……?"
"To the tribes of these plains, the North Sea Ice Palace is an object of terror and awe in itself."
He leaned forward toward me and continued.
"I heard this from a friendly tribe once... In the past, one tribe targeted disciples of the North Sea Ice Palace."
"……."
"They sent a letter to the palace. If they wanted their precious disciples back, they demanded a fitting price."
"Such insolence!"
"To resolve it, the palace lord herself stepped in, and they say half the plains froze over."
"……."
Half the vast plains frozen solid!
I could freshly feel the power of the North Sea Ice Palace lord.
"That's even after the Moyong family mediated to limit the damage. Anyway, after that, an unwritten rule emerged among the plains tribes: never touch North Sea Ice Palace disciples."
In other words, they valued their lives too much.
"Moreover, the Little Palace Lord is the next heir to the North Sea Ice Palace. Who would dare stand in her way?"
"I see. I had no idea our journey with the Little Palace Lord would be this secure."
Bok Yun smiled at my words.
"Truth be told, you wouldn't have needed the horn even without her."
"Pardon?"
"The rumors are still rife among the plains tribes. If you see a strikingly handsome young man moving like a gale and his men, run."
I blinked at that.
Was that referring to me, by any chance?
"You caused quite a stir crossing the plains last time."
"Hahaha. Things just... happened."
I scratched the back of my neck, feeling a bit embarrassed.
.
.
.
The next day.
We set off right after breakfast.
Thanks to Bok Yun's help, our supplies were plentiful.
Yesterday, I'd delivered Father's letter to Branch Manager Gwang Jun and passed on personal thanks as well.
Now, all that remained was stopping by the merchant group branch in the hunter tribe to deliver Father's letter and funds.
As we entered the plains region, Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin manipulated the bracelet on her wrist.
A blue character for "ice" (氷)—the symbol of the North Sea Ice Palace—appeared in midair.
"No tribe on the plains will come near once they see this."
"It's a kind of marker, then."
"Yes."
Thanks to it, we crossed the plains swiftly without interference.
"I'll guide you to the Eunhae Merchant Group branch."
Upon reaching the North Sea border, Jin Yu the warrior stepped up as guide.
He'd stayed with the hunter tribe, guarding it until the branch was established.
That's why we hadn't brought a separate guide.
Entering the Eunhae Merchant Group branch in the North Sea, we saw people bustling about.
"Hey, handle that hide carefully! That's expensive stuff!"
"Whoa, don't put it there!"
Spotting us, they stopped and bowed deeply.
"Oh? Branch Manager!"
"What brings you all the way here?"
Their reaction was natural. Two branch managers visiting a remote outpost like this.
It showed Father had decided after much deliberation.
"Passing through on our way to the North Sea."
"Where's the branch chief?"
"In the hunter village right now."
We unloaded there and headed to the hunter village.
"Here, have some."
"Hahaha! This must be that famous Eunhae silk liquor!"
"Indeed! Delicious!"
Entering the village, we found the branch chief and hunters drinking outside at a table.
"Next time, I should bring some Eunhae liquor as a gift."
At my words, the drinkers jumped up in surprise.
"Gasp! Branch Manager! And the second branch manager too!"
"Just stopping by on our way to the North Sea."
It was work hours, but I didn't scold them for drinking.
I knew it was to build camaraderie.
In other words, part of the job.
"Allow me to introduce—my second sister-in-law."
"We heard from the ones who came for hides before. Sorry we couldn't attend the wedding."
"No need for such words."
The main headquarters was too far for them to attend, naturally.
That's why the branch chief had significant independent authority, as a deputy merchant.
He'd been loyal to the group to the end in his previous life, trusted deeply by all.
Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin hadn't come with us.
The hunters' deference made her uncomfortable.
Even the reactions from Gwang Jun Merchant Group and the plains tribes had been overwhelming—what about these battle-hardened hunters?
We wrapped up smoothly and returned to the North Sea branch.
I handed the branch chief Father's letter, encouragement funds, and extra gifts.
"This is ginseng. Father sends it for your health."
"Aigoo! Thank you!"
Thus, Father's tasks were complete.
.
.
.
That evening.
Our group borrowed the branch's large hall and gathered.
We were about to enter the North Sea—the snowy plains—so preparations were needed.
"Little Palace Lord, when should we head to the North Sea Ice Palace?"
It was early May, when snow winds blew periodically, but unsure of the cycle, I asked an expert.
"Tomorrow's fine. No signs of snow winds for a while."
"Good."
"Well, with you, young hero, it wouldn't matter when."
"Pardon?"
To my question, she changed the subject as if she'd said nothing.
"Anyway, the North Sea's dangers aren't just the cold. It's the bloodthirsty spirit beasts."
I nodded at her words.
Memories of the snow leopard from my prior North Sea visit surfaced.
"And North Sea spirit beasts are strong."
"No issue. I've handled a bloodthirsty tiger with this spear."
Little Palace Lord shook her head at Brother Jin-ho's confidence, warning him.
"North Sea spirit beasts are stronger than Central Plains ones and craftier."
"……."
"Not just us two—young hero and I—but our whole group means more bloodthirsty beasts will target us. They're always hungry."
Gulp.
A swallow echoed from somewhere.
"That's why I called this meeting early."
Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin explained how to handle North Sea dangers.
We discussed countermeasures for spirit beasts too.
"If you meet a spirit beast with blue eyes, don't fight—just retreat quietly. They'll leave on their own."
"Got it."
"Red eyes mean bloodthirsty. Dangerous. Best to move in formation."
Her suggested formation was the Wheel Formation, but an unusual variant.
It protected horses and charges while three attacked in rotation.
Thus, we finished full preparations for the North Sea.
The next morning.
We crossed into the North Sea.
Our journey's end was in sight.
Snow-laced winds blew, but compared to snow storms, it was nothing.
"Whoa... real snow."
Brother Jin-ho seemed amazed by snow in May.
"Of course it's real. What, fake snow?"
"Feels kinda beautiful."
"Don't space out—stay sharp. As we heard yesterday, most spirit beasts here are white and blend into the snow."
"Got it."
I glanced at sister-in-law beside Brother Jin-ho.
She seemed a bit excited about finally meeting Mother.
I recalled the Yangyang Martial Hall master saying, when I brought her daughter Hyeon-i, that girls born to North Sea Ice Palace women must become disciples.
But later in Hangju, he'd changed his tune.
Girls had a choice too.
Something felt off.
Exceptions, maybe?
I quietly asked Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin.
"Both are correct."
"Pardon?"
"Children normally have a choice. But some don't."
"?"
She continued.
"For example, girls born before age thirty to those with the Snow (雪氏) surname must become North Sea Ice Palace disciples."
"Does the Snow surname hold special meaning?"
"They're peak realm experts. Their children are likely born with exceptional talent."
"In short, no leaking talent."
"You could say that."
Anyway, sister-in-law walked the path of a warrior, and to avoid trouble for her mother, the wedding visit was brief.
She tried to keep entanglements away.
Learning her daughter and son-in-law crossed this harsh land to see her, Mother might react coldly on purpose.
I hoped it wouldn't hurt if so...
Looking at Brother Jin-ho, I chuckled inwardly.
He wasn't one to bend to that.
While trudging through snow, I halted. Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin sensed it too.
"Halt! Everyone dismount. Spirit beasts."
At her command, we got off the horses.
Horses startle easily; falling from a panicked one could injure badly.
"Battle ready."
We gripped weapons and formed up. White shapes charged.
A pack of white wolves. Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin sighed.
"Snow wolves right off the bat..."
"Guess we look tasty."
She giggled at my words.
"Must be."
The snow wolves closed in, eyes glowing blood-red.
We fought calmly.
Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin and my guards were expected, but Eunpung Corps' six warriors held well too.
And sister-in-law fought better than thought.
After all, meridian blockage struck the talented.
Plus, good training from Hall Leader Ha.
Her swordsmanship looked familiar.
Snow Spirit Swordsmanship (雪英劍法).
I hadn't learned it, but first for Snow Wind Palace disciples.
When I first heard of it, I wondered why not taught—later realized it was fused into my True Snow Twelve Forms Swordsmanship.
No need.
One by one, snow wolves fell.
Golden Spirit helped greatly again.
Beasts hesitated near me from its aura.
Should give it a silver coin next.
"……!"
Then.
A chill raced up my spine; I flinched instinctively.
What? This feeling...
"Fall back!"
Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin's sharp cry rang out.
We retreated hastily. A massive beast approached.
Size of two thatched huts combined—overwhelming.
"Snow wolf leader."
Its growl made my hackles rise. No pushover.
We could handle it, but not without losses.
Too early for casualties at North Sea's edge.
Needed to repel with minimal harm...
As I racked my brain desperately.
"Kwiit-!"
Golden Spirit burst from my sleeve, planting itself before the wolf leader.
A battle of auras between the spirit beasts.
Red qi rose from the wolf leader; gold from Golden Spirit.
Visible qi meant immense power.
How long the standoff lasted?
"Kiiing..."
The wolf leader yielded.
Tail tucked, it turned quietly.
The pack fled after it.
"Whew..."
"Haa..."
We sighed in relief. I lifted Golden Spirit in both hands.
"Thanks. You saved us."
"Kkwi!"
It puffed up proudly.
Yeah, yeah—you earned it.
Even scaring off that wolf leader... incredible!
But last time, no visible golden qi...
Has it grown?
Then, Little Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin's voice from beside me.
Wide-eyed shock, trembling tone.
"Could that be... a Hanho-su?"
As expected, she recognized it. No lame excuses would work.
"Well..."
"Tell me straight, young hero. What is it?"