Hainan Island (3)
Mu Merchant Group.
"And so, we signed the contract."
The clan head nodded at Deputy Manager Wang-seok's words.
"Do as you see fit, Deputy Manager."
His expression showed zero interest in the merchant group's operations.
He was nothing more than a figurehead, after all. The real authority in the Mu Merchant Group rested entirely with the deputy manager.
As if uninterested in the contract itself, he extended his hand.
"Oh, and give me some pocket money. I promised to go drinking with my buddies."
The alcohol ban hadn't been lifted yet, so this meant sneaking off for bootleg liquor.
"I've told you time and again—don't let anyone catch you. If it looks like you might get found out..."
"I'll sell those guys out? Got it."
"Then, please sign here and here..."
The clan head duly signed wherever the deputy manager directed, pocketed the money pouch with a grin, and sauntered out.
The deputy manager watched him go without a flicker of expression.
He felt no affection for the clan head.
The only thing that mattered was the money he could squeeze from the Mu Merchant Group.
He turned to his bodyguard.
"Prepare the carriage. We're heading there."
"Yes, sir."
A short while later, the deputy manager arrived at the county office.
But he didn't enter the office itself—instead, he slipped into the building behind it.
The Mu Merchant Group's local branch.
Upon entering, he announced his arrival to a servant there.
After waiting briefly in one of the rooms, the bookshelf against the wall slid aside.
The deputy manager rose to greet him.
"My respects to Lord Ji-hyeon."
"Sit. What brings you here?"
"As you commanded, we're finally starting to wrap up Mu Merchant Group operations."
"Didn't you say it would be difficult right away?"
"Yes. There were liquidation costs, and I figured we could squeeze out a bit more, so I planned to hold off for about a year. But we landed a big deal this time, so we're liquidating immediately."
"A big deal?"
"A trade with the Eunhae Merchant Group."
He explained the details of the deal to Ji-hyeon.
"Eun Seo-ho, the branch leader, huh. But didn't I tell you he's likely an imperial inspector sent by the Emperor? And you're making a deal with him?"
"After hearing your warning, we sent out men to investigate from every angle. The results show he's just here on Hainan Island for personal business—not operating under imperial orders."
"What makes you so sure?"
"What inspector shows up and parties so openly? And boy, does he know how to have fun."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Besides, if he were an inspector, would he deal with us? If he knows who we are, it'd be outright defying the Emperor. If he doesn't, it's a man who should prioritize imperial orders slacking off—and do you think the Emperor would let that slide? The Gold Guard would raise hell first."
"Fair point. Your reasoning holds water."
"We told them we'd deliver the grain in a fortnight, so we'll wrap things up before then. Please pass that along to the higher-ups."
"Understood. We'll meet at the promised location, then."
"Yes."
Returning to the Mu Merchant Group, he headed straight to his office.
"You're back?"
Two of his trusted aides bowed in greeting.
"Yes. Did you convert the vouchers to silver?"
"Yes. Right here."
They pointed to a chest overflowing with silver ingots.
"Good. Everyone out."
"Yes, sir."
Once his aides had left, he opened the office safe.
Kiiiiiik.
Night pearls embedded in the ceiling bathed the interior in brilliant light.
Jewels and treasures glittered dazzlingly within.
He heaved the heavy chests of silver inside.
It was quite a load, but he managed.
Once they came for it, his mission would be complete.
But he knew this wasn't all the wealth his superiors had amassed.
On one hand, he couldn't help wondering what they planned to do with so much money.
Enough for everyone involved to live leisurely forever.
But he quickly dismissed the thought.
He just needed to claim his promised share.
Kiiiiiik. Thud!
Closing the safe door, he smiled with satisfaction.
That night.
I slipped out of the inn in secret.
Dressed in night-walking garb, a smiling mask over my face, and a cloth wrap on top for good measure.
Even if spotted, no one would recognize me.
I vaulted quietly over the Mu Merchant Group's wall and scanned the surroundings.
Quite a few guards patrolling.
All reeking of black path energy, thick with the scent of blood.
In the old days, that might've turned my stomach from dinner, but not anymore.
First things first: check out that deputy manager.
Something's off about him.
Normally, a deal that size would be led by the clan head.
Yet the clan head hadn't even shown his face, and the deputy used his seal.
Obvious conclusion: the clan head's a front. The deputy manager runs the show.
In my previous life, the Mu Merchant Group clan head was found hanged from a beam.
Investigations dragged on debating suicide or murder—and why—letting the culprits slip away.
I evaded the guards and infiltrated the deputy manager's office.
Confirming it empty, I slipped inside and summoned Gold령.
—Gold령.
—Kkwi!
—Smell any money in here?
—Kkwi! Kkwi!
Huh. Judging by how excited Gold령 is, there's more than just silver in there—something very valuable.
Gold령 scampered over and pecked at the bookshelf.
Secret safe, then.
I've cracked enough of these to figure it out quickly.
Kiiiiiik.
Stepping inside, I couldn't contain my rage.
Mountains of gold, silver, and jewels.
These bastards!
Killing intent nearly leaked out before I reined it in.
—Kkwi, kkwi...
Gold령 drooled, but I scooped it up and tucked it in my sleeve.
—Sorry, not tonight. I'll give you a silver ingot later.
—Kkwi...
I didn't come here to loot the safe.
Ultimately, yes—recovering it all is the goal. But raiding it now would be cutting off the grass to get at the roots too soon.
Someone else will clean this place out for me.
Today, they converted the vouchers I gave them on the battlefield into silver and brought it here.
That's why I came: I needed a hiding spot for something I had.
Bury it in one of the fresh silver chests, and it won't stand out as new.
I pulled items from my spatial ring and buried them deep in a silver chest.
Time to go.
I left as if nothing happened, sealed the safe, and returned to the inn.
"You're back?"
"Still up?"
Seo-hyang was waiting for me, wide awake.
"I figured if I slept first, you'd end up on the floor again."
"Hahaha."
I chuckled awkwardly.
It reminded me of our first night at the inn.
Pretending to be a couple meant sharing a room—no separate ones.
But we couldn't share a bed, so I offered her the bed and planned to take the floor.
Then...
"Isn't the floor too cold?"
"It's fine. This isn't cold at all."
"Still, it's so hard."
"Compared to camping outdoors, it's silk bedding."
"If it's because of me, I can sleep on the floor."
"No way! If Inspector Po finds out, I'm dead."
Plus, I was paying her well for protection.
"I know you mean well, but it bothers me. I'll make a blanket wall—sleep above it."
"It's fine..."
"What if someone sees and thinks I'm a shrewish wife?"
"..."
In the end, I slept on the bed with her too.
A blanket barrier down the middle, each with our own covers.
First night, sleep evaded me. Now? Resignation brings comfort.
And it meant she trusted me that much—grateful for that.
But if she'd slept first, I'd have taken the floor. Apparently, she saw through that.
Maybe she foresaw it.
"Oh, and one more thing."
"Yes?"
"A Gold Guard contact will visit tomorrow."
Seo-hyang only mentioned the future for good reason.
"Problematic?"
"Yes."
She nodded gravely.
"He can't learn your plans."
"..."
Now I knew who the traitor was.
Agents here had to stay long-term, so someone relayed Beijing news and orders.
But this contact wasn't just feeding the Gold Guard—he was sharing with others too.
Circumstances screamed traitor, yet no black path aura clung to him.
Constant contact should leave traces.
Unless the contact himself was the traitor. That fit.
"Does he know my identity?"
That would be trouble.
"Not sure. But better safe."
"Got it. Thanks for the heads-up."
I immediately summoned Palgap, who fetched Warrior Jang-won. He entered my room quietly.
"You called?"
"Sorry for the late hour."
"No issue. Dawn's breaking soon anyway."
True.
I'd pulled an all-nighter without realizing.
Wait—does that mean Seo-hyang did too?
Feel bad now.
"What's going on?"
"When does the contact who relays news arrive?"
"Jia came last time, so Yi next. Probably today."
Jia? Yi?
"Two of them?"
"Three. Beijing to here is far—they rotate."
So the traitor hadn't leaked my identity yet.
But not safe.
Contacts likely knew who I was.
Meaning: prevent him from meeting them.
"I need your cooperation, Warrior."
"Of course."
Yi arrived at Seomunhyeon.
He carried orders for the Sunset Guest Inn.
He had a real name, but on duty, he was just Yi.
Selected for the Gold Guard for his speed, he became a contact agent.
But loyalty to the Emperor? Nonexistent.
He joined for the power, not duty.
And even that was wearing thin.
Then a mysterious figure approached with a hefty bribe and a proposal.
Refuse and die.
Loyalty and death? Or sell info for cash?
He chose the latter.
Betraying comrades, getting several killed.
No guilt.
'Their fault for trusting me.'
This time, crucial intel: the Emperor dispatched Eun Seo-ho to handle Hainan Island.
By now, Eun Seo-ho should've crossed over.
Hurry.
The guy's sharp—likely to uncover their corruption.
Disaster.
He wouldn't die easy.
But first, hit the Sunset Guest Inn for letters to Beijing.
Needed them to pass extra info.
Hence, straight there.
"Jang! Guest!"
Jang-won approached.
"Staying over?"
"Yes."
"This way to your room."
Jang-won led him to a room. Yi handed over the letter.
"From the top."
"Thanks."
"Just following orders."
Yi watched Jang-won take the letter.
High rank in the Gold Guard—couldn't touch him lightly.
So he used Jang-won and the inn instead.
Jang-won read it, pondered, then said,
"Got something for Beijing via you. Top secret—can't do it here. Follow me."
"Understood."
Yi smelled a payday. Valuable info meant big payout.
They left the inn, entering nearby woods.
Deep enough, Jang-won stopped.
"No passersby here—no eavesdroppers."
"Right. What's this about?"
"Well... it's meant for a written report, but interception risk means oral relay. Don't be shocked."
"Got it."
"It's just that..."
As Yi leaned in, a blow struck his nape.
Thwack!
He crumpled unconscious.
Seo-u Warrior emerged from behind—he'd snuck up and knocked Yi out.
Eun Seo-ho stepped forward beside him.
"Good work. Now, shall we shake him down bit by bit?"