598. Good for the Emperor, Good for Me (3)
So, seven people went to investigate something on Haenam Island and vanished?
This is more serious than I thought...
Judging by Jin Yeong Daehyeop's reaction, those missing weren't civilians or scholars.
Which means seven Gold Guards or Eastern Depot agents dispatched there have gone missing—no, been eliminated.
The fact that elite warriors trained in martial arts and special operations vanished like this... means this job is even more dangerous than I'd imagined.
"Here, take this."
Jin Yeong Daehyeop handed me a scroll.
"It's the official orders."
"......"
Do I have to take this?
But it was too late to back out now.
If I said right here, "I'm not going," the fallout afterward would be...
I don't even want to think about it.
I shook my head to clear the thoughts and accepted the scroll with due respect.
But I couldn't help grumbling inwardly.
Damn it, couldn't you have told me sooner?
"And take this too."
"What is it?"
"Information on the Gold Guard who'll assist you. Memorize it here and burn it right away."
"Understood."
That was only right for intel on someone operating in deep cover.
If it leaked, he'd be in mortal danger.
Once I'd read and burned it, Jin Yeong Daehyeop cautioned me again.
"His Majesty has high expectations for this mission. Take care of yourself."
"Yes, sir. I will."
"Then safe travels."
He was busy, apparently, and left right after wrapping up.
I saw him off and let out a sigh.
"Hoo..."
Palgap approached and asked, "What's wrong, young master?"
"It's like this: I found a spirit herb that could bring massive profits, and instead of taking it myself, I agreed to half its value as a finder's fee. But then I learn it's dangling off a cliff a thousand feet deep. That's the feeling."
"In short, we're screwed?"
"......Yeah."
"But even if you fell off a cliff, you came back fine, young master."
Ah...
That's right.
On the way back after rescuing Brother Jin-ho, an earthquake hit out of nowhere. I sent him up first and took the plunge instead.
I survived by the skin of my teeth.
I still don't fully understand how.
And that's where I got the Silver Mist Sword—and met Gold Spirit.
I slipped my hand into my sleeve and stroked Gold Spirit's soft fur.
This calms me down a bit.
I pondered the plan calmly.
Hm, looks like it needs a few tweaks.
"Palgap."
"Yes."
"Prepare some outrageously flashy clothes. And a flashy carriage too."
I returned to the office.
Seo-hyang Sojeo was reviewing documents and gave a slight bow when she saw me.
At first, she'd stand and greet me every time, but that hurt efficiency.
So I asked her to just give a seated bow instead.
I waited for her to finish with the papers she was on, and she soon handed them over.
"Young branch leader, please review and approve."
"Thank you."
I took them, set them on the desk, and said, "Deputy Officer Gwak, I have a favor to ask."
"Yes, what is it?"
"I'd like you to come with me to Haenam Island."
Truth be told, she was originally slated to stay in Beijing.
The trip to Haenam was long and arduous.
But she nodded without surprise.
"I already knew."
"Oh, really?"
"I could tell while we were working earlier."
I explained the full situation.
"......So, it's a dangerous spot, and I hesitate to drag you into it—but that's exactly why I need your skills. And a disguise too."
I continued, "I'm planning to pose as a rich, idle young master from a wealthy house. So... I need you to pretend to be my woman, not my deputy."
......
......
......
After talking it over with Seo-hyang Sojeo, I returned to my room, washed up, and lay down.
We were leaving at dawn, so I needed to sleep early.
But...
Why does Seo-hyang Sojeo's face keep floating in my mind?
If I really needed her skills, I could just send Gold Spirit periodically for advice.
But to avoid suspicion from the local officials, we needed the disguise.
And having a woman by my side made it perfect.
I'd considered bringing a female warrior from Silver Wind Corps or a female intel agent, but scrapped that.
The thought of another woman touching me stirred an inexplicable revulsion.
If it showed on my face, it'd be a disaster.
But with Seo-hyang Sojeo, it was fine.
She was always by my side, so there was no physiological rejection when she touched me.
That's why I made the request, and she agreed.
"Then I should dress up a bit prettily."
Her smiling face lingered in my vision.
Sigh...
Can't sleep now. Better review the plan again.
......
......
......
The next dawn.
I rose from bed.
Still tired, but I must've slept some.
About an hour and a half?
A light session of meditative breathing cleared my head.
Creeeak.
Stepping out, cool wind brushed my face.
Already late October.
My birthday was coming up—turning twenty-four?
Nine years since this new life began.
I'd accomplished a lot in that time.
But I was far from done.
Making Eunhae Merchant Group the world's greatest. Getting revenge on Baekcheon and the Murim Alliance.
I couldn't stop until it was all achieved.
A moment later.
Geared up, I headed to the stables.
A flashy carriage awaited, as requested.
Our superior stallions were harnessed to it.
"Hiiing!"
They looked displeased.
Arrogant beasts—they didn't see themselves as carriage horses.
What's the difference between carrying people or pulling a cart?
Then Gold Spirit poked out from my sleeve, scampered over, and lightly hopped onto one stallion's head.
And said one word.
"Kkwi?"
"......"
Now they're behaving.
Better keep what Gold Spirit just said to myself.
Gold Spirit returned to my shoulder and chirped.
Did I do good?
"You did great."
"Kkwi!"
Then gimme money? Gotta eat well for the long trip?
Hey, Gold Spirit?
You're just riding comfy in my sleeve?
A bit absurd, but I chuckled and pulled out a silver coin.
Gold Spirit snapped it up and vanished back into my sleeve.
Well, whatever. It's cute.
And thanks to Gold Spirit reining in the stallions, we'd travel without hassle.
Carriage accidents could be nasty.
Then Seo-hyang Sojeo's voice came from the side.
"Am I late?"
"No."
I turned—and lost my words.
She'd dressed flashily as requested, but dazzlingly beautiful.
......This might be dangerous.
She approached and asked, "I dressed up as you wanted. Is it weird?"
"No. You did great."
Is this okay? But if I'm flashy, my 'woman' can't be plain.
Besides, her beauty wouldn't hide under plain clothes anyway.
We got send-offs from Brother Jin-ho, the Beijing branch chief, and the Hyeonpung Kingdom folk before heading to Haenam Island.
......
......
......
Nearly a month later, we reached Guangdong Province.
Longer than it should've taken? No—we pushed the stallions when alone to speed up.
Too fast, and the carriage might break, so we stored it in subspace then.
Along the way, my birthday passed, so we stopped in cities for lavish banquets—drawing eyes, as planned.
Guangdong now, Haenam Island just ahead.
Our outfits were worlds apart from departure.
Beijing's chilly fall had us bundled; here felt like warm spring.
Guangdong's climate differed wildly from Beijing or Hebei.
Lots of rarities up north, like lychees.
Harvest season's over for fresh ones, but dried or candied should be available.
"Pretty hot, huh."
I smirked at Palgap's words.
"This is nothing. Summer here would cook you alive. Especially Haenam Island—hotter than Yunnan."
"Come on, how bad can the weather be?"
Palgap had endured Yunnan's heat, so he grinned.
That was his hottest experience.
Seo-hyang Sojeo smiled. "The young branch leader's right."
Her home was south of the Yangtze, so she'd heard the tales.
Palgap tilted his head. "But young master, how do you know? You've never been to Haenam, right?"
Never? Wrong.
In my past life, I went and suffered the heat.
Not as adept with Taiyin Ice Sea Divine Art back then.
Couldn't say that, so I bullshitted. "Read it in a book."
"Another book? You've read so much."
"Knowledge is power. Alright! Let's head out again!"
"Yes."
Our destination: the ally Jin Yeong Daehyeop mentioned.
From here, we'd travel at normal pace.
"Real leisurely, yeah?"
"Got it."
A rich, lucky young master rushing? Wouldn't make sense.
I fanned myself in the carriage, admired the views, snacked on treats, and took two days.
We arrived at a seaside inn in Guangdong.
[Song of the Sea Inn]
Song of the Sea, huh.
"Welcome!"
The carriage halted; two errand boys rushed out.
I stepped down and offered my hand behind me.
Seo-hyang Sojeo took it and descended.
I naturally pulled her to my side and told the boy, "We'll stay here tonight."
"This way, please."
We took the inn's best room.
The guiding boy asked, "Meals? To the room or dining hall?"
"Here."
"Got it."
"Oh, special orders okay?"
"Of course. If the chef can make it and ingredients are here."
"Then steamed fish: stuff three spoonfuls of rice in a fresh fish's belly. And ginger tea."
"Understood."
"Seo-hyang, what do you want?"
Awkward calling her that, but it was the act.
She played along with a coy tone. "I want to try the local delicacy."
"That it is."
Guangdong cuisine was famous.
I looked to Palgap and the guards. "Order what you like."
"As you wish, my lord."
Orders placed, the boy left.
Moments later.
"My lord, the errand boy says they need to confirm an order."
"Let him in."
The door opened; a boy entered.
Not the same one.
"Who ordered the rice-stuffed steamed fish?"
"Me."
He approached, and his expression shifted.
"Gave me a start. Heard from above you'd come, but didn't expect this getup."
Right.
This inn was Gold Guard-run. My "special dish" order was the code for "sent by His Majesty."
I stood and cupped my fists. "First time. Eun Seo-ho, here by imperial command."
"Jang Won of the Gold Guard."
"Sorry if I startled you. Seven missing so far—thought a disguise was best."
"No one'd peg a daehyeop like you for an imperial envoy looking like that."
"Daehyeop? Me?"
"Seonhyeopmirang of Eunhae Merchant Group, no?"
"I get called that, but..."
"Rumors have spread beyond Haenam, even here. Haha!"
I tilted my head at Jang Won Daehyeop's hearty laugh.
"Rumors? What kind?"
"You crushed it at the Murim Alliance friendship matches. Reached the finals but got injured saving people from the fire—couldn't advance."
"......You know it well. Luoyang incident reached here already?"
He nodded. "Haenam Sect folks who attended came back, spread the word. And..."
And?
"They bought tons of food, distributed it to Haenam locals—said Seonhyeopmirang heard their plight, teared up, and donated. You're a hero there now, you and Eunhae."
"......What?"
No, Sect Leader...
I asked for good press for Eunhae—why drag me in?