Chapter 564: Divine Transformation Technique (3)
The Emperor chuckled at my question.
"Why? Are you scared of what I might do to your master?"
"That's not it."
"Hm?"
"My master isn't the type to cause trouble if he gets caught up in something—he just rolls with it. And if there were a problem, they wouldn't have called for me; the Gold Guards would have stormed in instead."
"Tch! What a boring guy!"
"Thank you for the compliment."
The Emperor's expression turned serious as he got to the point.
"Recently, I commissioned several escort agencies. Out of them all, only Kwak Myeong-hyeon of the Changin Escort Agency delivered the goods on time and without issue. That's why I'm asking about him."
His words stirred memories from my previous life.
While I was learning martial arts from my master, he suddenly left and introduced me to Kwak Jun-ha.
He said Kwak would teach me in his place, but it was essentially a job referral.
So I hired him as my bodyguard.
It was more convenient to keep him close for training anyway.
And according to him, my master had headed to Beijing.
He'd been receiving some persistent request for a while and had finally accepted it.
Now I knew what that request was.
It was from the Emperor.
The Emperor must have tested my master's abilities with this mission and worked tirelessly to bring him into his fold.
But my master was the lord of the Snow Wind Palace.
That's why he hadn't accepted the Emperor's request at first.
So why had he responded to the Emperor's call after refusing for years?
Perhaps... he had learned that the fiends who destroyed his palace were the Murim Alliance?
If so, to confront the overwhelmingly powerful Murim Alliance, he'd have no choice but to rely on the imperial court's forces—hence answering the Emperor's summons.
"So, here's the thing..."
I snapped back to attention at the Emperor's continuing words.
Whoops!
Daydreaming in front of the Emperor? I needed to focus.
One slip, and he'd devour me whole.
"What is your master's character like?"
"Could you be more specific, Your Majesty? 'Character' is a broad term, and this foolish one finds it hard to know exactly what answer you're seeking."
Of course, I had a good idea what he wanted to hear.
But better to confirm just in case.
"Fair enough."
The Emperor nodded and asked more precisely.
"Is he a man of integrity?"
Just as I thought.
Integrity...
"Among those I know, he is the most trustworthy and honorable."
"I see!"
He seemed quite pleased. A bit premature, if you ask me.
"I don't know what task Your Majesty intends for my master, but I hope it's nothing dangerous."
I put strength into my voice as I continued.
"He's my one and only master. If anything happens to him, I won't hesitate to seek vengeance."
The Emperor furrowed his brow slightly.
"Are you threatening me right now?"
"What do you mean? How could this subject commit such irreverence?"
"It sounds like a threat to me."
I shook my head.
"The ones I'd seek vengeance on are those who harm my master. That could never be Your Majesty the Emperor."
"If I were to harm your master, you'd come after me?"
"Your Majesty the Emperor."
I smiled as I asked,
"Do you have that much free time?"
"......"
The Emperor fell silent for a moment, as if at a loss for words, then burst into roaring laughter.
"Hahahahaha!"
Pounding the armrest of his chair, he looked at me and said,
"Cheeky bastard. You're right—I'm not that idle. That's exactly why I need sharp minds like you to help with my work. Just like you."
The Emperor continued.
"So, your worry is that your master might be in danger?"
"That's part of it, but I'm also concerned that fulfilling my master's vengeance might prevent me from answering Your Majesty's call."
"This punk threatens so elegantly."
"As I said again, I harbor no such irreverent thoughts."
The eunuch beside us stared blankly into space with a resigned expression, seemingly having given up on advising the Emperor about his rough speech.
"No need to worry. I plan to use your master for discreet and urgent courier duties—nothing much different from what Kwak Myeong-hyeon has been doing."
"Even if Your Majesty tells me, it's ultimately Master's choice."
"True enough."
"And... never mind."
As I hesitated, the Emperor scolded me with a displeased look.
"What? Why stop mid-sentence?"
"It's nothing."
"Spit it out while I'm in a good mood."
He'd taken the bait.
I smirked inwardly and spoke.
"I was slightly worried Your Majesty might command my master without compensation."
"......"
"But realizing that the supreme ruler of the empire wouldn't be so stingy, I hesitated to bring it up."
The Emperor clicked his tongue in exasperation.
"This guy looks after his master with filthy thoroughness."
"Were you planning to use him for free?"
"As if."
"As expected of Your Majesty. What an honor to serve such a sovereign!"
"Insidious brat. Hearing flattery from you gives me hives."
"Flattery? These are perfectly fitting words. Isn't that right, Eunuch?"
The eunuch standing nearby quickly replied to my question.
"Indeed."
The Emperor shook his head, and I chuckled inwardly.
I'll protect my master.
And I'll make sure he doesn't get exploited cheaply.
"You punk."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"I get what you want, so get out already."
At the Emperor's dismissal, I quickly backed away.
"Ah! Wait."
"What is it?"
"I almost let your master's story distract me, but you can't gloss over running errands for the Murim Alliance Lord that vaguely, can you?"
"......"
.
.
.
I returned to the Beijing branch that evening.
Drained from tug-of-war with the Emperor, I collapsed onto my bed as soon as I arrived.
It was exhausting.
For him, it was like pulling on flat ground; for me, it was balancing on a tightrope.
Felt like five years shaved off my lifespan.
I shouldn't let that happen.
This life, I need to live long without sudden death or illness.
Sigh.
But if I can tug-of-war with the Emperor for my master's sake, what choice do I have?
Once he sets his mind to it, my master can't escape his grasp.
His greed for talent reaches the heavens.
So I have to ensure my master gets the maximum benefit.
After all I've done, the Emperor won't misuse him.
A few days passed.
The transmission of the Divine Transformation Technique was going smoothly.
My master said about half remained, so it should wrap up in a few days.
Tonight, I'd reserved a pavilion to treat the Beijing branch staff and nourish their bodies.
Of course, my master's group was invited too.
"This place is famous for its roast duck."
"Ah, the place Hyungjin mentioned."
Last time I brought Kwak Hyeong-jin and Seok Il-song to Beijing to keep Seon-il hyungnim company in my stead, we'd eaten here.
Kwak Hyeong-jin must have told his father about it.
"I've heard about it from clients too. First time trying it myself."
I realized my mistake at those words.
"My apologies, Master. I should have brought you here first. Forgive this unworthy disciple."
"It's fine. I know it's out of care for me."
The server greeted us warmly as we entered the pavilion.
"Welcome."
"Eun Seo-ho of the Eunhae Merchant Group. We reserved the third floor for dinner."
"Ah! Right this way. Up to the third floor."
We followed to the third floor.
The view of Beijing from there was truly beautiful.
"Food's coming right up."
"Yes."
I'd pre-ordered the food when reserving.
Roast duck takes time, and for this many people, it was necessary.
That way, everyone could eat together.
The pre-prepared dishes were brought out one by one.
I'd ordered roast duck prepared three ways from the oven and rainbow dumplings.
This place's rainbow dumplings were exceptional, besides the duck.
And tea that pairs well with roast duck.
The alcohol ban wasn't lifted yet, and Master doesn't drink anyway.
"I hope it suits your taste, Master."
"Looks like it will. Thank you. Let's eat."
I stood and addressed everyone.
"This is for all your hard work lately. I hope it's a pleasant gathering."
"Thank you."
"Let's eat."
The feast began, and we wrapped various vegetables and crispy duck skin in thin pancakes, dipping them in sweet sauce.
Delicious as expected.
Seeing Master's usually impassive brow furrow slightly meant he liked it too.
I should bring him here often.
As we finished eating and sipped tea, a familiar presence appeared.
Master set down his teacup tensely and reached for the sword at his waist.
Jin Yu Warrior glanced that way too, sensing it.
His senses were already sharp, but reaching Super First-rate had made them even keener.
The reason for their reactions was simple.
High-level experts had suddenly swarmed the pavilion.
And the familiar aura drew closer, followed by a sound transmission to me.
"Eun Seo-ho, branch leader. Come to the annex Kehwa Room with your master."
"......"
It was Jin Yeong Daehyeop.
I sighed and stood.
"Master, I need to go somewhere with you briefly."
A moment later.
We headed to the pavilion's annex Kehwa Room, and I sent a sound transmission to Master.
"Master. I heard there was a commission that brought you to Beijing."
"Yes."
"Did anything feel off about the commission?"
Master thought for a moment at my question, then nodded.
"Now that you mention it, there were a few odd points. But as you know, branch leader, you can't nitpick every detail in escort work."
"True."
There are secret escorts too.
Ones where you ask no questions, and the fee is steep.
Calling me and Master like this meant the Emperor had made up his mind.
I decided to give prior warning and sent another transmission.
"Truth is, the escort you handled was commissioned by His Majesty the Emperor."
Master's eyebrow twitched. He was shocked.
"So even if you meet His Majesty, please don't be surprised."
We soon arrived at the Kehwa Room.
The server standing outside nodded at me and said,
"Follow me."
"Yes."
Master's transmission came.
"That server's aura isn't ordinary."
Of course not.
I hadn't known before, but this life, tangling with the Gold Guards taught me.
This pavilion was one of their info-gathering spots.
The chef's skills passed down well, and smooth operations owed to that.
Soon, I faced a welcome face.
"I've brought the two."
"Good work."
I clasped my hands in greeting.
"Greetings, Jin Yeong Daehyeop."
Master followed suit, bowing.
"Kwak Myeong-hyeon, escort leader of Changin Escort Agency, greets the daehyeop."
"Pleased to meet you. A word of caution out of concern: don't even think of speaking of what you see or hear here."
"Understood."
Entering the Kehwa Room, we sat at the table and saw the Emperor in plain clothes.
"His Majesty the Emperor."
Jin Yeong Daehyeop said it for Master's benefit.
We lowered our voices and paid respects.
"We see His Majesty the Emperor. Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand!"
"Rise and sit."
"We are immensely grateful for Your Majesty's grace."
Perhaps for us, another low table was set before the Emperor.
"Escort leader Kwak Myeong-hyeon."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
I glanced at Master. He was quite tense.
Who wouldn't be before the Emperor?
Even the Crown Prince gets nervous, they say.
"The reason I've come here so discreetly is to ask a favor of you."
"A favor, Your Majesty?"
"Become my courier."
"What exactly would you have me deliver?"
Master continued,
"I ask boldly because my capabilities depend on what it is."
The Emperor burst into laughter at the question.
"Hahaha!"
"......"
The Emperor teased me, looking my way.
"How can master and disciple be so alike? Both so meticulous. Meticulous."
"My apologies."
"No. That's why I like it even more."
The Emperor grew serious and continued.
"What I want is for letters to be delivered discreetly and swiftly. I've heard you do something called secret escorts. Think of it like that."
"......"
"It's not much different from what you've done, and I'm not telling you to quit. In fact, it's even better since you already have work—it'll help evade their eyes."
Master asked calmly,
"Whose eyes must we evade, exactly?"
"The Murim Alliance and those plotting to overthrow this empire."
"......"
"Ah, of course, I won't use you for free. With your disciple glaring daggers, how could I dare?"
*Cough!* Y-Your Majesty...?