Heir (2)
I had no choice but to tense up at that aura.
It was the same energy I'd felt at the site where Poet Na Jeong-su had been murdered.
Which meant the culprit was here.
As I entered, Elder Namgung Geonji greeted me warmly.
"Come on in."
I quickly cupped my hands in respect.
"Eun Seo-ho of the small firm greets the elder. Thank you for inviting me."
"Hahaha! How could I let the hero of the martial world, the great Seonhyeopmirang, pass by without a word?"
"That's an undeserved title."
"Nonsense. The Alliance Leader wouldn't bestow it lightly. Sit, make yourself comfortable."
"Thank you."
I took the seat he indicated. Young Master Namgung Yang sat across from me.
But everyone else stood around the edges.
Eating under all those stares...
Impressive that their stomachs can handle it.
I muttered to myself as I exchanged greetings with Young Master Namgung Yang.
"I enjoyed your poetry today. Shame about the preliminaries, though."
He gave a wry smile and shook his head.
"No helping it. My opponent was the better poet."
"Don't give up. Try again next time."
"I plan to. A real man doesn't quit so easily."
"That's the spirit."
Elder Namgung Geonji nodded approvingly at my praise.
"Exactly. As a son of the Namgung family, he needs that fire and grit."
By then, attendants began setting out the food.
I feigned surprise at the spread.
"Could this be the pavilion's finest set menu, the Hojeopmong?"
"Oh? You know your stuff."
Hojeopmong was Chunmong Pavilion's signature feast—a harmonious selection for the indecisive, varying by price tier. The top one filled the table with dishes from premium ingredients.
"Hahaha!"
Elder Namgung Geonji laughed heartily.
"The Namgung family isn't stingy! Treating a martial hero like this is only right."
"I'm deeply grateful for the honor."
I cupped my hands and bowed, letting out a quiet sigh.
Waste of good food.
Enough for ten, and only three of us...
Famine's not even over yet.
To the Namgung, though, it's someone else's problem.
The Emperor's table was lavish too, but that was to thwart poison. Leftovers went to eunuchs and maids—no waste.
But I'd heard the Namgung tossed theirs out. They disliked servants eating the same fare.
Arrogant bunch.
They also prized appearances. By tomorrow, word would spread through Beijing: Elder Namgung Geonji hosted Seonhyeopmirang.
"All dishes are served. Let us know if you need more."
The pavilion's madam attended us personally.
Elder Namgung Geonji spoke up.
"When in a flower garden, admire the blooms, right?"
"Hohoho, of course! How could we not?"
She clapped.
Clap clap!
Three stunning courtesans glided in, taking seats beside me, the elder, and the young master.
Figured as much.
I clicked my tongue inwardly.
"I've heard Chunmong Pavilion's girls are top-notch, and they don't disappoint. Hahaha!"
"Oh, you're too kind~"
"You vixen, that charm just flows right out. Hahaha!"
The elder bantered easily with his courtesan, while Young Master Namgung Yang fidgeted awkwardly.
No wonder—their outfits were deliberately revealing.
The young master sent me a sound transmission.
—Uh, what do I do?
Can't ignore my deal partner's distress.
—Remember what I told you before? About what to say if brought to a place like this.
—Yes.
—Now's the time.
I spoke carefully.
"Elder, the young master seems unused to women."
The elder chuckled heartily.
"Hahaha, why so shy? A man must know how to embrace a beauty. That's why we come here, no?"
"It was mere curiosity then. And I vowed: no women until I reach the Transcendent Realm."
Using my line perfectly.
"So I'll send her away."
"If a warrior's that resolved, who am I to stop you? Go ahead."
"Thank you."
At the elder's glance, the courtesan by the young master rose.
But I kept mine.
She'd discreetly traced characters on my thigh: the hidden "eun" (隱) and Eunhae's wave symbol.
The intelligence unit's mark.
Pride swelled as I looked at her.
Even courtesans in Beijing's top brothels as agents.
The Eunhae intelligence network had grown massively.
Why the guilt toward Seo-hyang, though? It's not like I fancy courtesans.
"So anyway, I..."
"I see."
I shook off the thought and nodded along with the elder.
I'd come to endure his drivel, so might as well enjoy the meal.
Plus, an unexpected gain.
Thanks to this visit, I could track Na Jeong-su's killer.
Observing patiently, I'd pinpointed the aura behind Young Master Namgung Yang.
Not from him—his was pure.
From one of the guards circling us.
First-rate realm.
His clothes and demeanor screamed the young master's bodyguard... but why hadn't I seen him at the inn before?
Ah... he must've gone to the Namgung estate to report the young master's arrest.
Puzzle fits.
The dinner dragged nearly six hours.
Night had fallen completely.
Who eats this long?
The alcohol ban kept it tame, at least. Without it, we might've seen sunrise—or worse.
"Take care on your way."
"You too."
As I bowed, I added casually.
"Oh, almost forgot something."
"What?"
"I think I've identified the killer."
The elder's eyes widened.
"What?"
"Haven't told others yet, but as the family head's representative, you should know first."
"How?"
"The culprit left a tiny clue at the scene. We caught it and traced him."
I continued.
"When confirmed, I'll need your cooperation."
"Naturally."
With his assurance, I sent a sound transmission to the guard.
—So, if you don't want to be outed as the killer, bring a proper bribe.
I paused, then sent another.
—Ten gold taels should seal my lips.
Bowing to the elder and young master, I gripped my courtesan's shoulder and told the madam.
"We'll stay tonight. Any private annexes?"
"Of course. We'll serve you impeccably, great hero."
To Palgap and the guards:
"You know my temperament. Stay back."
"B-but, even so, you can't dismiss your guards!"
"It's fine. Who in Beijing could harm me?"
I said it loud, glancing back.
Bait set.
No one would buy my blatant bribe demand.
Ten gold taels was to push him to act.
And my little act just now cemented it.
His eyes confirmed: plan working.
.
.
.
Soon, I headed to Chunmong Pavilion's annex.
A discreet spot for quiet trysts with courtesans.
Secrets exchanged, illicit deals too.
Tucked deep and secluded, hidden from view.
"Here we are."
The room boasted ornate bedding, a neat table and chairs.
Attendants approached.
"Appetizers incoming."
Luxurious snacks filled the table.
I eyed them greedily.
"Don't come unless I call."
"Understood."
Click.
Door shut. I scanned: clear.
Sitting, I asked the courtesan.
"You work here?"
She knelt promptly.
"Yes. Agent 58 of the intelligence unit greets the branch head."
Over a hundred agents now—mid-tier for her.
Time to name the unit, restructure.
Later. Priorities first.
"I don't tumble with courtesans as a hobby."
"We know. Unaware as an agent? Disqualified."
"So why do you think I'm here?"
She pondered, then:
"Poison in the food?"
"...!"
Impressive deduction in so little time.
"Why?"
"Your parting words at the banquet, dismissing guards, staying overnight here alone... suggests luring the Beijing killer."
I suppressed a smile, nodding.
"Go on."
"He needs your silence, but you're a Peak realm master. So neutralize you first... via the food. Sleeping draught, say."
Palgap startled.
"What? Sleeping pills in this?!"
I nodded.
"Yep."
To her:
"Spot on. Sharp skills."
Insightful, quick thinker.
She added:
"And... you probably provoked him too."
"Why?"
"Even Namgung elites don't lose reason easily. You must've pushed him over the edge."
Right. The bribe hint was bait.
My eyes lit up.
Talent here.
No field agent waste.
"Your name?"
"Pardon?"
"Not unit or number. Real name."
"Ha-hwa."
Ha-hwa (夏花)—summer flower.
Tell the chief: groom her for leadership.
Capable ones rise, easing field burdens, boosting standards.
I sent Ha-hwa agent away.
Palgap and guards too—far off.
He'd only come if guards seemed distant.
Still early...
Name the unit meanwhile?
Inspiration struck.
Geumryeong knows money-makers; maybe good names too.
I set her on the table.
"Geumryeong, naming the intelligence unit."
"Kkwi?"
"Suggestions?"
"Kkwi."
She nodded expectantly. I listed ideas.
But meh reactions.
"Kkuu..."
She burrowed into my sleeve.
Hey... really?
Then, the aura.
"...!"
I smirked.
Finally moving.