Chapter 367. The Head Chef of the Golden Rooster Pavilion (4)
They all brought back the same answer.
"They said they'll follow Young Master Eun's wishes."
So the decision falls to me, then.
I could feel the gaze of Young Master Hokyung, his eyes sparkling as he looked at me.
Ugh, how could I refuse with eyes like that? And I've already accepted so much from them.
"Very well. Let's go together."
"Thank you."
"Then we'll see you at the Golden Rooster Pavilion later."
Hokyung saw Eun Seo-ho off, his eyes lingering on the young man's retreating figure.
The reasons he'd given for wanting to join the evening gathering weren't lies. He genuinely wanted to get close to him.
In truth, he hadn't attended the Top Hundred Merchants' Assembly for a while. Everyone who approached him did so only to use him.
He knew full well that the heirs of the Top Hundred Merchants got chummy with each other purely for mutual exploitation.
So why not just meet and talk openly? Pretending it was true friendship felt so phony.
But this year, his own merchant group had become the World's Greatest Merchant Group, so they hosted the assembly in Shandong—and that's when he first met Eun Seo-ho.
He'd observed the young man's every move.
He was curious about the true face of this renowned hero.
Thanks to that, he'd witnessed Eun Seo-ho embracing a merchant group that had just entered the Top Hundred.
He'd brushed it off at the time...
But the decisive moment came when the young man saved his life—using an artifact, no less.
Hokyung couldn't help but admire Eun Seo-ho's character.
And thanks to him, I avoided an even greater disaster.
Through the tip Eun Seo-ho had casually dropped, he'd learned the truth: the Baekcheon Merchant Group was plotting something dirty behind the scenes.
Being the World's Greatest Merchant Group meant top-tier intelligence, after all.
Especially in Shandong, where the Baekyeom Merchant Group had eyes everywhere—it was impossible to evade them.
They'd tracked both Namgung Gang's movements and Eun Seo-ho's.
It was heartbreaking to suspect the man who'd saved him, but what choice did he have?
Considering all the fake friends who'd approached him before, he couldn't help but doubt.
So he'd investigated Eun Seo-ho's movements too—and not a word of it was false.
Interrogating those involved and analyzing the intel revealed that the incident had been meticulously planned.
"Ah, that day? Of course I knew it was the Top Hundred Merchants' assembly. But that mess caught me off guard too. Oh, you mean who loaded that iron ore we were supposed to deliver to your group that day? It... just vanished all of a sudden."
"I-I was just asked to do it..."
And crucially, the thug who'd caused the incident that day was found dead in his prison cell before he could even be interrogated.
A perfect silencing.
But thanks to Eun Seo-ho's hint, they knew who was behind it.
The problem was there was no confession—and none was likely coming.
With that, Merchant Lord Ho Jushin, the branch leader, and Young Master Hokyung felt guilty for ever doubting Eun Seo-ho.
"Heh heh, now I see why a merchant bears the title of Seonhyeopmirang."
"Exactly, Grandfather. See? My eyes didn't deceive me."
The branch leader voiced his concern at their words.
"But the ones who gave Young Master Eun that heroic title Seonhyeopmirang are the Murim Alliance."
"From what I see, he's not connected to them. If he were, why would he warn us about Namgung's merchant group on purpose?"
"..."
"And that title Seonhyeopmirang—he earned it even before that. When the plague swept through before, he went right into the heart of it for relief efforts."
"Ah! So that's why..."
Only then did the branch leader and Young Master Hokyung understand why his title was Seonhyeopmirang.
If it had just been from the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament, Yonghyeop (Brave Hero) would fit better than Seonhyeop (Swordsman Hero).
Or perhaps a title praising his martial prowess.
"To think we suspected a man like that. I feel ashamed."
"Father, then raise the grade of that artifact we planned as thanks by one level. He saved our son's life—what wouldn't we give for that? Besides, Kyong is the future of our merchant group."
"Indeed."
Merchant Lord Ho Jushin nodded and called to Young Master Hokyung.
"Kyong-ah."
"Yes, Grandfather."
"I'm no ancient sage, but I like to think I have a good eye for people. That's how I've built our group this far."
"..."
"In my view, Young Master Eun is destined for greatness. And he could be the true friend you're seeking."
"I think so too."
"If you want him as your sworn brother, you must treat him with sincerity in return."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Recalling the conversation, Hokyung smiled faintly.
He looked forward to the dinner soon to come.
As the sun began to set, I headed to the Golden Rooster Pavilion.
As the host, it was only polite to arrive first and wait.
But on the way, I sensed a familiar aura.
Hm? That's... the head chef of the Golden Rooster Pavilion?
Why is someone who should be busy prepping food out here? And why with someone else?
Jin Yu Warrior had sensed it too.
"My lord, that's the head chef's aura."
Being at a level where he could detect another assassin's presence, he'd noticed as well.
"I sense another person's aura too."
Jin Yu Warrior replied with a grim expression.
"The one with him... reeks of blood."
"Blood... smell?"
It seemed the incident from the Golden Rooster Pavilion in my previous life was approaching.
"What should we do?"
After a moment's thought, I asked,
"What do you make of that man's level?"
"Lower than mine."
"Then can you keep an eye on him?"
"Of course."
"I'm counting on you."
He nodded and vanished, concealing his presence instantly.
I couldn't help but admire it.
"Jin Yu Warrior's skills are always impressive, no matter how many times I see them."
"..."
Everyone gave me looks of disbelief.
Why?
Palgap sighed and explained.
"Are you seriously impressed by a dragon praising an earthworm right now?"
"Huh?"
"If Young Master really tried to hide, no one would find you. No one."
"Not no one..."
"Kkwi!"
The kkwi from my sleeve made me shut my mouth.
"Ahem."
Then Yeo Eung-am Warrior spoke up.
"Palgap, you're right and it's a fair metaphor, but calling us earthworms..."
"Snakes, then."
"Ah, no, even that's..."
"How about loaches or eels?"
"..."
The guards were speechless.
Watching them, a thought crossed my mind.
Maybe my real arch-nemesis is Palgap...
A short while later,
we arrived at the Golden Rooster Pavilion.
"Welcome! Ah, you're the one who reserved the third floor today?"
"Yes, that's right."
He seemed to remember my face from previous visits.
"Right this way to the upper floor."
We went up to the third floor.
As requested, there were five tables set up.
We couldn't eat and enjoy ourselves without our attendants and guards.
So we'd prepared seats for them too.
I and the branch leaders in the center, with attendants and guards around us.
I'll need to set aside a separate spot for Jin Yu Warrior later.
After a short wait, I saw the head chef returning to the Golden Rooster Pavilion.
His expression confirmed it: that assassin hadn't approached him with good intentions.
Honestly, this wasn't something I'd normally concern myself with.
But I'd never tasted chicken that delicious before, and to keep enjoying it, I took an interest in him.
So if he had troubles, I wanted to help.
I planned to come to Jenam often and eat that spicy braised chicken every time.
As we waited a bit more, my invitees began arriving one by one.
The first was Branch Leader Bokyun.
"Welcome."
"Looks like I'm late."
"Nonsense! I arrived early. Can't keep guests waiting."
Next came Young Master Hokyung.
"I apologize for the sudden request to join and inconveniencing everyone."
"Don't say that. I'm just another guest invited by Young Master Eun. And isn't it better all together?"
"Hahaha. True enough."
Then Branch Leaders Damjin and Sagang arrived.
The last was Branch Leader Han Baek-geon.
Though last, he wasn't late—he'd arrived early, before the appointed time.
As the promised hour struck, the servers began bringing out the food.
"Enjoy."
"We'll dig in."
"Thank you for including not just us, but everyone else too."
"Meals are more fun shared."
I glanced at Palgap as I said it.
The quick-witted Palgap called out.
"Just as Young Master says. Staring while we eat is rude."
Yeo Eung-am Warrior chimed in.
"Palgap's right. We're guards, but still human—who wouldn't want to eat?"
The other guards nodded.
"Exactly. Everyone, eat up."
"Thank you."
Chopsticks rose, and a warm, lively time unfolded.
We chatted away, losing track of time.
The attendants and guards seemed to enjoy the delicious food too.
"I'll step out for a bit."
I headed to the first floor for the interim settlement.
In these pavilion-style eateries, you settle midway if the bill exceeds a certain amount.
To prevent dine-and-dash or later denials.
Better than a server interrupting upstairs with "Uh, interim bill..." and killing the mood.
So I'd come down naturally at the right time.
"Interim settlement, please."
"Yes, that comes to..."
I pulled silver from my pouch and handed it over.
"Eh? This is too much..."
"I know. Hold it for now. We'll settle the final at the end—return any change, or I'll cover shortages later."
"Understood."
I could've paid upfront, but I came down for the interim on purpose.
To check the head chef's expression.
"The head chef must be in the kitchen."
"No, sir. This place is out of the way, so no late-night customers. With all dishes served, he's probably resting."
"I see."
Come to think of it, the first and second floor guests had all left.
"Sorry if we've kept everyone working late."
"Nonsense. Thanks to you, we get bonuses today—what's to apologize for?"
"Bonuses?"
"Yes."
The server nodded with a smile.
"Pavilion Master gives us extra if daily sales hit a target. A tip for our efforts."
"A fine pavilion master."
"Yes, no one like her. She scolds if we mess up, but never nitpicks unfairly."
His words and expression showed the pavilion master's great respect and skill in handling people.
Places don't crumble from outside forces often. Most rot from within.
Barring any issues, this Golden Rooster Pavilion would become a Shandong landmark beyond Jenam.
"Do you know where the head chef is? I'd like to thank him—today's cooking was superb."
"He should be under the tree behind the pavilion now."
"Thanks."
I thanked the server and headed out back.
There stood the head chef under the tree.
"What brings you all the way here?"
He'd noticed me and asked, flustered. I smiled and cupped my hands in greeting.
"Came to thank you properly—the food was delicious."
"I merely did my best."
"That's what matters."
He gave a wry smile and changed the subject.
"That guard didn't come, I see."
"Pardon?"
"The assassin guard who relayed the message."
"Ah! You mean Jin Yu Warrior. He had business and couldn't make it."
Jin Yu Warrior was watching that assassin per my orders, so he hadn't come.
He hesitated, then spoke.
"...But is it wise to have someone like that as a guard?"
"What do you mean?"
He sighed.
"Sigh. He's probably told you already, so I'll be frank. Assassins live to kill. Doesn't that unsettle you?"
"That spicy braised chicken he made? Absolutely delicious."
"As I said, I just did my best..."
"Jin Yu Warrior's the same. He serves me with his best. Does that answer you?"
He chuckled, as if realizing something.
"More than enough."
That was when
the server came running up to us.
"Head Chef! Big trouble!"