Backroom Deal (6)
I spoke to the Hae-nam Sect leader and the Cheongryu Warrior.
"Truth be told, I'd love to give more, but I held back figuring you'd both find it burdensome."
The leader cleared his throat awkwardly in response.
"Ahem. As I mentioned earlier, our sect is too poor to offer much."
"That's not true at all."
"Hm?"
"Don't you know pirates better than anyone?"
"We do."
In that instant, a surge of killing intent rose from the leader.
It was pure hatred for pirates.
"Our Hae-nam Sect knows them better than any other."
"Ahem. L-Leader."
The Cheongryu Warrior spoke cautiously, and the leader quickly withdrew his intent.
"My apologies. Just hearing the word 'pirate' makes my blood boil uncontrollably..."
"I understand. After all, wasn't the Hae-nam Sect founded to fight pirates from the start?"
"Exactly. Thanks for understanding."
I smiled lightly and began my pitch.
"The truth is, our Eunhae Merchant Group sent a trading fleet to Dai Viet Country and made a tidy profit. The problem? Pirates caught wind of it and started harassing our maritime routes."
"Mm, I can imagine."
"Those bastard sons of bitches would do exactly that."
I couldn't help but chuckle at his crude language.
"Which is why I'm wondering—do you need a sponsoring merchant group? Support from warriors who can fight pirates and secure safe anchorages would suffice."
"......"
They pondered with furrowed brows.
"Of course, I'm not asking for an answer right this second. But I'd appreciate a decision before this friendly martial exchange ends. We're planning to depart immediately after."
"Understood."
"And this."
I pulled a promissory note from my bosom.
The ten thousand nyang silver note I'd mentioned earlier.
"You're really giving it?"
"Of course."
"Does this count toward that sponsorship you just mentioned?"
"No. Think of it as a simple gift for Hae-nam Island."
I continued.
"If it still sits uneasy, just wish me smooth sailing in all things. And while you're at it, pray our Eunhae Merchant Group becomes the world's greatest."
"That shouldn't be hard."
The leader turned to the Cheongryu Warrior.
"See? Gold falls from the heavens like this."
"Hahaha. It sure does."
......
I parted ways with the two from Hae-nam Sect and returned to Yeonpung Guest Inn.
No word came from the Ji Clan Manor until the next day.
Well, they're probably scrambling to scrape together the funds, but that's no easy task.
Three million nyang in silver isn't pocket change.
That's why they accepted my proposal.
The ones who trapped them in that pit are all gone, but the debt they owe is still real.
Time to swallow their pride.
The sun rose.
Today marked the start of the preliminaries' main rounds.
Sixteen in total: fifteen who passed the prelims, plus me.
It still pisses me off thinking about it.
Why'd they nominate me...?
I just wanted to turn a modest profit on the trade run and bounce.
- Kkwi?
Gold Spirit's sound transmission made me sheepish.
Okay, fine—not modest. A hefty profit.
Running two pop-up shops doubled my expected revenue.
Nice.
I called out to Jin-ho hyung over breakfast.
"Jin-ho hyung."
"Yeah?"
"How's the rib?"
"Better. It's stuffy wearing that chest plate you gave me, but worlds improved."
It was a custom piece I'd commissioned from Baekyeom Merchant Group, covering the full chest and back.
The physician said ribs heal best with minimal movement.
But sitting still wasn't in Jin-ho hyung's nature.
Hence the design.
Steel armor lined inside with padded cloth to prevent rust poisoning and ensure comfort.
That's when the physician eating nearby spoke up.
"Third Young Branch Leader."
"Yes, Physician?"
"That chest plate the Second Young Branch Leader's wearing—could you make a few more?"
"This one?"
"Yes."
The physician explained.
"Truth is, quite a few Eunpung Corps warriors suffer rib fractures from training or combat. They know they should rest, but they push through and make it worse. I think this could help immensely."
"If that's the reason, we'll make them, of course."
As I said it, an idea struck.
"Wait—these injuries aren't exclusive to Eunpung Corps, right?"
"Of course not, but..."
Father seemed to catch on and smiled.
"Planning to sell them?"
"Yeah. I think they'd sell well."
- Kkwi!
Gold Spirit's reaction suggested it was worth a shot.
The little guy's got a nose for future money.
"We're already making and selling prosthetic limbs, aren't we?"
Jin-ho hyung's comment had me nodding.
"Right."
"Prosthetics, chest plates—all for the injured. You aiming to go full medical supplies?"
His words sparked a great idea. I grabbed his hand.
"Hyung, that's brilliant!"
"Huh?"
"Why didn't I think of that?"
I turned to Father.
"Father, we make and sell tools for the infirm. Like a medical supply shop."
"Medical supply shop..."
"Yes. Profits aside, it'll boost our Eunhae Merchant Group's reputation hugely."
"You've got a point. I'll discuss it with the branch leaders when we return."
The meal ended warmly. I approached Father quietly.
"Got a moment?"
"Plenty of time. My room."
"Yes."
I followed him to his quarters.
He poured tea himself from what the attendant brought.
"So, what is it?"
"About what I mentioned last night."
After returning to the inn, I'd brought up sponsoring Hae-nam Island's merchant group.
Father had said he'd think it over.
"Seems urgent for you. Not even a full day yet."
"I pushed them a bit—ideally decide before the friendly exchange ends."
"Mm... Sponsoring under those terms wouldn't hurt us."
Father continued.
"Our fleet will only grow, and current anchorages have limits. Nanjing's are too pricey and draw eyes."
That was the issue.
Standing out too much.
We couldn't flaunt our full strength.
"That's why I suggested it."
"I like the idea, but even if they agree, Hae-nam officials could be trouble."
Father sighed.
"Those bureaucrats specialize in lining their own pockets."
Ah, so Father knows about Hae-nam corruption too.
Makes sense—Chunggyung Castle in Unnam was the same. Remote areas lack oversight, breeding graft.
"They mentioned substantial relief funds vanishing mid-recovery from the typhoon. Yet their heads still roll on their shoulders?"
With the Emperor's eyes and ears everywhere. Issues with the Gold Guards or Eastern Depot again?
Father answered my doubt.
"No evidence."
"Pardon?"
"No proof they embezzled. They report ships sinking en route to Hae-nam—how do you investigate wrecks in the deep sea?"
"Ah... I see."
Meaning, without reining in those officials, allying with Hae-nam Sect was pointless.
Whew, straight to the Emperor after this.
Just then, Palgap's voice from outside.
"Young master! Time to head out!"
......
A short while later.
I headed to the martial arena with my family.
Today was Hyang-ok noona's main round.
Mine was tomorrow.
Dung-dung-dung!
Drums rolled, and Geum Yeon-hwa announcer climbed the arena.
"We now begin the first main round of the Integrity Division. First match..."
Soon, two disciples from notable sects took the stage.
They unleashed a ferocious duel, staining the arena red with blood.
How'd the brackets draw this?
Like Huashan and Zhongnan, Bi-gyeok Sect and Pungha Sect were infamous rivals.
But the big sects have honor and decorum. These guys? Straight dogfight.
"Haat!"
"Haak!"
They clawed desperately for vital spots, defense locked tight—no quick finish.
The arena floor looked painted red from all the blood.
They gonna bleed out?
That's when it happened.
"Enough!"
Geum Yeon-hwa stepped between them.
"This match is halted by referee authority. Treat wounds and resume."
Halting a match once started was rare.
But referees could for excessive bleeding risking life.
They'd staunch with hemostatics, heal, then continue.
"Damn it!"
"Kuh!"
Bi-gyeok and Pungha warriors hid their fury but obeyed.
Defying meant brig lockup—sect disgrace.
Someone piped up.
"Hey, Geum announcer. Can't they just keep going?"
"What do you mean? Bi-gyeok Sect Leader."
"Fights draw blood, right? Don't lump our disciple with that weak Pungha Sect runt."
"What? Your sect doesn't value its own? Heartless bastards! He should be nursed back—no way continue like that! Bah! You punk!"
"Warriors fight!"
"There's time, place, and circumstance!"
The argument heated.
Ugh, they'll draw steel soon.
Everyone knew their grudge, so just tongue-clicks and head-shakes.
Why's no one stopping them?
But my question answered itself.
"Bi-gyeok Sect Leader, Pungha Sect Head."
Geum Yeon-hwa called softly.
"Proving your feud before all these eyes. Fine enough—grudges happen."
Her gaze sharpened.
"But why now?"
"Eek!"
"Ugh!"
They flinched under her stare.
"Want me visiting your sects?"
"N-No! Not that!"
"Haha, no need for busy Geum announcer to grace our humble Pungha Sect..."
Why so terrified of her visit?
Intriguing.
"No objections? Match halted by my authority."
They nodded. With permission granted—
Thud.
Splat.
The two warriors, clinging to consciousness, collapsed as tension broke.
Medical staff rushed with stretchers, carting them to the infirmary.
Assistants cleaned the arena.
Snacks were served meantime. Some skipped them.
Fair—gory sight kills appetite.
Me? Used to it. Enjoyed mine.
The arena soon cleared.
"Next: Ami Sect's Hyang-ok! Versus Hwangbo Clan's Hwangbo Ho-myung!"
"Woooaaah!"
Cheers filled the arena as the pair ascended.
Hwangbo Clan... The punk I beat at last Dragon-Phoenix Meet was their young master, right?
Making mains here means he's got skills.
Seven tags each, facing off.
No words, but Hwangbo Ho-myung's eyes screamed scorn.
Dung!
Drum sounded.
Noona assumed stance. Only then did he.
Why the delay?
Stance up pronto on drum, no?
Tilting my head, I spotted oddity.
Wax in his ears?
Melted candle wax as earplugs to ignore noona.
I smirked bitterly.
Doesn't know her skills, thinks she's all talk.
Prelims, she won without fighting—just words.
So blocking sound to dodge her barbs.
But is noona's terror just her tongue?
Her insults sting, sure. Why send her for Ami Sect?
They judged her worthy to uphold their honor.
Underestimate her, and you'll regret it big time.