Second Departure (2)
I stepped out onto the street, recalling the morning's events.
Master truly mastered the Extreme Ice Sword incredibly quickly.
Previously, it had taken him quite some time to learn the martial arts I'd passed on from Teacher.
But seeing that time shorten bit by bit, I was convinced.
Master has grown even stronger than before.
What did I feel about that? Half of it was something like, "As expected of Master!" and the other half, "I've still got a long way to go."
Whew, I've got a long way to catch up to Master. A long way.
That's when Palgap asked,
"By the way, Young Master."
"Yeah?"
"Why did you bring all the guards with you to the market?"
I chuckled at his question.
"I was curious if Seo-u Warrior and Yeo Eung-am Warrior were spending their time off as per my orders. And if I show up with some gifts, it'll make their shoulders puff up with pride, right?"
"Ah... so there was such a deep meaning behind it."
I glanced back casually.
Something I couldn't do for the other four warriors.
Myeongjong Warrior and Cheongun Warrior had no intention of leaving their sects, so marriage wasn't on their minds either.
But Jin Yu Warrior and I-pil Warrior were at an age where they might consider it...
Do they have no plans to marry?
Then I chuckled to myself.
It was because their lord—me—was wandering all over the place without settling down. When would they have time to meet a woman and share their hearts?
I'm a bad guy.
The first stop was Seo-u Warrior's home.
Seo-u Warrior happened to be out in the courtyard.
"My lord! What brings you here?"
"I came to check if you're following my orders properly."
A young boy was cradled in Seo-u Warrior's arms.
"Ah! That must be Yoon!"
"Yes, that's right."
Seo-u Warrior had sought out Hubei Province's most famous namer with my letter of introduction. The namer had pondered for several shichen before bestowing the name.
And the name he gave was Yoon (奫).
It meant water that was both deep and vast.
A name wishing for talent, wisdom, and a heart equally profound and broad.
Of course, it wouldn't hurt if he earned a fortune to match.
For a boy, he was remarkably pretty. Was it because he was still a baby?
I approached Seo-yoon and waved hello.
"Hi?"
At my greeting, Seo-yoon burst into giggles.
"Huh? He laughed."
Palgap sighed deeply at my words.
"There's no child who doesn't laugh when they see you, Young Master."
"I-is that so?"
We chatted briefly there, handed over the gifts and gold envelope, then headed to Yeo Eung-am Warrior's home.
Yeo Eung-am Warrior was teaching his two daughters martial arts.
"Ah! My lord!"
He rushed over to me.
"How's your vacation going?"
"Wh-what brings you all the way here?"
"I was curious if you were spending good time with your family."
His two daughters quickly clasped their hands in greeting, their forms quite proper.
How old were they now?
Eight or nine, something like that?
"We greet the branch leader."
"We greet the branch leader."
"You seem like first-timers, but how did you know?"
At my question, the girl with her hair tied in a red ribbon—one of the twins—replied,
"Father called you 'my lord' earlier. Father has only one lord."
"Ah... that was a foolish question."
I couldn't help but chuckle.
Then I asked Yeo Eung-am Warrior,
"Were you teaching them martial arts?"
"Ah, yes. That's right."
He nodded.
"They show real talent... Time flew by without me noticing."
Come to think of it, I recalled a report from the Youngyeongwon director.
Yeo Eung-am Warrior's twin sons had talent in academics, and his twin daughters in martial arts.
If it wasn't skipping a generation, the girls must take after their father.
"Go play together for a bit."
"Yes."
Yeo Eung-am Warrior led me inside.
In the meantime, his wife came out and greeted us.
We talked briefly, I handed over the market-bought gifts and gold envelope, and left.
Lingering too long at a subordinate's home would only burden them.
That's when Myeongjong Warrior spoke up.
"Actually, Yeo Eung-am Warrior asked about good martial arts schools nearby. Now I see it was for his daughters."
Of course. Finding a good school and enrolling at the right time was crucial.
Too early wasn't good, but too late was worse.
Starting serious training before the bones hardened was best.
Cheongun Warrior then said,
"He must have attended a martial school himself—why ask about others?"
I explained the reason.
"All parents feel the same. They want to give their kids something better."
"That's too much of a generalization."
Palgap chimed in.
"Not all parents sacrifice for their kids. Plenty abuse the name without deserving it, right?"
"Are those even parents?"
"Pardon?"
"I don't see them as parents."
Palgap nodded vigorously at my words.
"You're right. They tarnish the sacred name of parent."
I gazed at the sky for a moment before continuing.
"You know, thinking about it, our Eunhae Merchant Group has academies for scholars but none for martial artists."
With that, my next move was set.
I'd have to build a martial school for kids who want to become warriors.
Of course, after handling the urgent matters first...
.
.
.
That afternoon.
I went to find Captain Yong.
I'd wanted to see him right upon arriving in Hubei, but he'd been away, so today was the day.
I headed to the dock where our Eunhae Merchant Group's ship, the Eunhaehho, was moored.
I marveled at the might of our fleet.
The Eunhaehho was impressive enough, but four ships in total?
This voyage would yield substantial profits.
Captain Yong was discussing something with Navigator Songjuk and the crew.
They were so focused, no one noticed me until I approached.
"Is something serious going on?"
At my question, they finally startled, turned, and bowed.
"We greet the branch leader."
"Good work. I always remember the efforts you all put in for Eunhae Merchant Group."
"Your words alone leave us overwhelmed with gratitude."
I laughed at Captain Yong's reply.
"You've gotten much better at flattery."
"It's not flattery."
"Sure, sure, I know. So, what were you discussing so gravely?"
Captain Yong shook his head lightly.
"Nothing that serious. Just figuring out which cargo goes on which ship and the crew assignments."
"I see."
Captain Yong said as if realizing something.
"Ah, my apologies for the late introduction. This crewman is new to you."
Come to think of it, everyone else was familiar, but one was a stranger.
A sturdy middle-aged man with deep, piercing eyes.
Who is he? Doesn't seem ordinary.
"This gentleman's name is Jangwol."
Jangwol...
Could it be that Jangwol of the Nine Returns?
In my previous life, he was a renowned sailor.
He earned the moniker Guiguihwan—Nine Returns—because his ship went missing nine times at sea, yet he returned safely each time.
Most would see nine disappearances as ominous, but one fleet owner thought differently.
He valued the vast experience, unyielding perseverance, and tenacity.
I agreed.
And Captain Yong seemed to think the same.
"Actually, that's why I was away—I went to recruit Elder Jang."
"Yes, Father mentioned you were out for crew matters."
He nodded.
"Exactly. Now with four ships, I worried Song Navigator and I alone wouldn't suffice."
"I see."
I greeted Jangwol.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Eun Seo-ho, branch leader of Eunhae Merchant Group."
"Jangwol. It's an honor to meet the Swordsman Beauty."
"To recruit the famous Nine Returns master—Captain Yong, your connections are impressive."
Captain Yong looked startled at my words.
"You know Elder Jang?"
"Of course. You must have gone through a lot to bring him aboard."
"Well..."
Captain Yong trailed off, hesitating. I could guess why.
"Father and I left all crew selections to you, Captain. You should be confident and proud of your choices. Otherwise, how will the others trust you?"
"True. Thank you for enlightening this dullard."
I smiled softly and nodded.
"Just do well from now on."
Encouraging him, I turned to Jang.
"Now that you're with our group, you'll be a great asset. Looking forward to working with you."
"Of course. But how can you be so sure I'll be helpful?"
His tone was polite, but the words were a test.
My answer would decide if he stayed or left after this voyage.
A prideful ship owner might snap, "How dare you test me!" But not me.
Pride doesn't earn money.
This was a decision shaping years of his life—couldn't I humor him?
I chuckled at the question.
"Why I'm sure you'll be helpful, Master Jang?"
"Yes. I've vanished nine times. Others call me cursed with bad luck."
"But you came back alive nine times—doesn't that mean you're tough as nails with luck?"
"If I vanish again, it could cost your group dearly."
His concern was valid.
Of course, knowing the future, I knew nine was his limit—but I couldn't say that.
"Don't you have experiences others can't buy?"
"Pardon?"
"Experiences worth a fortune, ours for less than a nyang of gold a month. Why refuse?"
"..."
"Not just us—every group values experience because it minimizes losses."
"But..."
"If you don't get it, that's fine. Haha. Just know this one thing."
I gave a meaningful smile.
"Worried about costing us if you vanish? No problem. Eunhae Merchant Group won't crumble from that. Satisfied?"
"Yes. Thoroughly."
Satisfaction gleamed in Jangwol's eyes.
"Then, Captain."
"Yes."
"Before departure, let's gather the fleet's officers for a modest banquet. How about three days prior?"
Father planned a big one for all crew two days before.
He glanced at Songjuk Navigator, who nodded.
"Time's good."
"Did you come in person to relay that?"
"Yes, I heard you're too busy to even see Mother and Sister. Couldn't just send a messenger."
"I feel sorry for Mother and my sister."
"They'll understand."
I continued,
"And I wanted to check preparations myself. This voyage looks promising."
I returned to my office.
"I miss Hongryeo."
Palgap chuckled.
"That eager to see Miss Hongryeo?"
"Of course! She's Brother Jin-ho's daughter!"
Hongryeo was born safely to Second Sister-in-law earlier this year.
Father mentioned her in a letter via golden eagle, but I'd yet to see her.
No labor pains even on due date, but as soon as Brother Jin-ho returned, it started.
Father praised her as a dutiful daughter waiting for him.
Anyway, she was not yet two months old.
And I'd just returned from Yunnan. For the baby's health, I couldn't visit yet.
So I was avoiding Second Brother's annex as much as possible.
Brother Jin-ho and Second Sister-in-law's child...
Wonder what she looks like. So curious.
In my previous life, they never married.
But now, safely wed with a child!
One of the futures I'd changed.
Feels rewarding.
A few days later.
I headed to an inn in Hubei.
We were hosting a banquet there for the Eunhae fleet's officers.
Had to arrive early for preparations and greetings.
So I left ahead, strolling the market.
Then I had to stop at one spot.
"...?"
On the way to the inn, I spotted someone at a teahouse.
"Huh? Isn't that our fleet's Geon overseer?"
I nodded at Palgap's words.
"Yeah. Geon Overseer."
But...
He should have left the group by now to head to the inn. Why here?
I quietly concealed my presence, leaped to the roof, and peered from across.
His seat was hidden from inside but visible from outside.
Letting me clearly see his companion.
My expression turned grave.
I knew the man sitting opposite all too well.
The overseer of Baekcheon Merchant Group.
