Deputy Merchant Lord Ji Seok-mun came rushing over as soon as he received word.
“I heard you found the man who stole the chest.”
“That’s right.”
Deputy Merchant Lord Ji Seok-mun looked at the still-unconscious Indigo Thread Wanderer and asked.
“Is this man the Indigo Thread Wanderer?”
“That’s him. And apparently, this manor was one of his safe houses. Let’s have a look inside.”
“Yes.”
We entered the manor.
The dangerous Trap Formations had already been rendered useless by the Unorthodox Faction thugs who had gone in ahead of us.
Escort Guard Myeong Jong stared at the aftermath in admiration.
“So this is what they mean by using one enemy to deal with another.”
Escort Guard Chang Un’s eyes also lit up as he nodded eagerly.
“To think you found a way to make those utterly useless Unorthodox Faction scum useful for once. What an ingenious method!”
Why did I sense a disturbing sort of madness behind those words?
Once inside the manor, we searched every corner with the soldiers’ help.
The Indigo Thread Wanderer had accumulated far more wealth than I expected.
There was no chance most of it had originally belonged to him. He had probably stolen nearly all of it.
“It’s here!”
Deputy Merchant Lord Ji Seok-mun suddenly shouted.
His voice was brimming with joy.
“This emblem carved into the lid! This is the royal crest of Maraeseo Kingdom.”
Sure enough, the lid bore an emblem that resembled a stylized star.
“Check what’s inside.”
At Lord Ak’s words, Deputy Merchant Lord Ji Seok-mun opened the lid and examined the contents.
That allowed me to see them as well.
The assorted jewels and ornaments crafted from gold looked outrageously expensive even at a glance.
Come to think of it, I had heard that in Maraeseo Kingdom, when a daughter married, her birth family sent her off with a lavish gift.
Was this that gift?
“Whew! Thankfully, nothing is missing.”
“That truly is fortunate.”
Then again, the Indigo Thread Wanderer probably hadn’t even had time to do anything with what was inside.
“But… the letter is missing.”
“Ah! If you mean that, I have it here.”
Lord Ak handed Deputy Merchant Lord Ji Seok-mun the letter from the King of Maraeseo Kingdom.
“What a relief. Did you recover this separately?”
Lord Ak nodded.
“Thank you for recovering both the gifts and the letter. I truly won’t forget what you’ve done for us.”
“Hahaha! What did I do? I wasn’t the one who recovered the letter and the chest. That was Deputy Merchant Lord Eun Seo-ho.”
Deputy Merchant Lord Ji Seok-mun turned toward me, and I awkwardly scratched my cheek.
“I thought my cousin’s family would be heartbroken if we couldn’t recover them, so I went looking. More than anything, I’m just glad we managed to get everything back safely.”
Everything after that proceeded smoothly.
First, we spread word that the treasure map containing the location of the legendary great thief’s hidden storehouse had been burned by the Indigo Thread Wanderer in a fit of rage while he was fleeing.
“But why did you post the notice under the One-Stone Thief God’s name?”
At Lord Ak’s question, I hurriedly came up with an excuse.
“Isn’t that the most famous name around right now? He stole treasure from the Murim Alliance Leader himself, after all.”
“Hmm, that is true. Still, I’m concerned that this One-Stone Thief God fellow might come after you for using his name.”
“I’ll be fine. If he did anything to me over this, wouldn’t he only be tarnishing his own reputation?”
“You accounted for even that?”
“Of course.”
“Oh…”
Lord Ak looked at me with open admiration, and I could only avert my gaze in embarrassment.
It wasn’t as though I could tell him who the One-Stone Thief God really was.
Before long, the Imperial Guards dispatched from the Imperial Palace arrived, and the soldiers began loading the food onto wagons before setting out.
I suppose it’s about time I headed for Beijing too.
I made my way to the inn.
When I arrived, Captain Yong was talking with his older brother, Warrior Yong Min.
I had traveled here to Nanjing with him this time.
They were speaking in the Great Yue Language rather than the Empire’s language, but after studying Great Yue so diligently, I could understand a fair amount of what they were saying.
I didn’t let that show, though, and addressed them in the Empire’s language.
“So this is where you were.”
“Ah! Deputy Merchant Lord.”
“When are you planning your next trading expedition?”
Captain Yong answered my question.
“Most likely sometime next spring.”
“Then you have a little time before that.”
“That’s true, but… is something going on?”
“Father will explain everything separately once you return to Headquarters, but it wouldn’t hurt for you to know in advance.”
I continued.
“You’ll probably have to leave on another assignment almost as soon as you reach Headquarters.”
“What? Where am I being sent?”
“Brother Jin-ho will explain everything on the way back.”
“Ah, come to think of it, I heard the Second Deputy Merchant Lord would also be traveling to Headquarters with us this time.”
“Yes. So please take good care of him.”
“I’ll make sure he reaches Headquarters safely. Hahaha.”
He smiled.
“And congratulations. I heard you’re getting married?”
“It’s a little embarrassing to hear it put like that, but yes. I am.”
With that, we finished exchanging our farewells, and the next day, the Eunhae Merchant Group’s ship began making its way upstream along the Yangtze River.
I traveled toward Beijing together with Deputy Merchant Lord Ji Seok-mun’s party.
Considering what they were transporting, the Imperial Palace had dispatched additional Imperial Guards as soon as word reached them.
Traveling with them also meant my guards wouldn’t have to wear themselves out as much.
“We’re leaving!”
“Yes!”
The carriage I was riding in slowly began to move, and just like that, we set out for Beijing.
* * *
At that same time.
Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province.
A group of travelers arrived in the city.
The flag hanging from their carriage bore the image of a moon floating over the sea, the symbol of the Eunhae Merchant Group.
A man stepped down from the Eunhae Merchant Group’s carriage after it arrived at the Guizhou Branch.
He was none other than Eun Gil-sang, Merchant Lord of the Eunhae Merchant Group.
He had personally come all the way to Guizhou Province to settle an extremely important matter.
His third son’s marriage.
Officially, of course, he was here to thank the Guizhou Provincial Administration Commissioner for approving the expansion of the Guizhou Branch.
As soon as Eun Gil-sang arrived in Guizhou Province, he gave instructions to his second Deputy, Im Man.
“Arrange a meeting with the Provincial Administration Commissioner.”
“Understood.”
The appointment was arranged surprisingly quickly.
The Commissioner agreed to meet him the very next day.
Eun Gil-sang took exceptional care with his appearance and formal attire before heading to the Provincial Administration Commissioner’s Office.
“This humble merchant, Eun Gil-sang, greets the Provincial Administration Commissioner.”
“Welcome. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Eun Gil-sang was shown into the Reception Room, where a maidservant brought out tea.
Once the tea and refreshments had all been set out, Provincial Administration Commissioner Dong Hwi spoke to his guard.
“Have everyone nearby withdraw.”
“Yes.”
Eun Gil-sang also turned to his guard.
“Clear the area.”
“Yes.”
Soon, only Eun Gil-sang and Provincial Administration Commissioner Dong Hwi remained inside the Reception Room.
Eun Gil-sang first placed the gift he had brought in front of him.
“I brought a small token of appreciation to thank you for approving the expansion of our Guizhou Branch.”
“Hahaha, there was really no need for this…”
“You went through considerable trouble on our behalf, my Lord. I would have no sense of propriety at all if I couldn’t offer you even this much.”
Dong Hwi accepted the box with a show of reluctance and opened it.
“…!”
But the instant he saw what was inside, he couldn’t hide his surprise.
The first thing that greeted his eyes was a mirror.
A red tassel hung from its handle.
It was a gift signifying marriage.
Dong Hwi pulled the brush, ink, and paper beside him closer and began to write.
[What is the meaning behind giving me this gift?]
[Exactly what you believe it means. My son asked Deputy Gwak to marry him, and Deputy Gwak accepted.]
As far as Eun Gil-sang knew, his son still hadn’t made what could truly be called a proper proposal. But he had given the boy sincere advice, so surely Seo-ho would arrange something suitably impressive soon enough.
That was why he wrote it that way.
[Whatever the circumstances may be, how can we arrange our children’s marriage without even meeting face-to-face when both of her parents are still alive?]
Dong Hwi’s eyes grew moist as he read the words.
He was deeply moved by how thoughtfully Eun Gil-sang had considered his position.
Then a thought suddenly occurred to him.
If Eun Gil-sang had come all the way here because of Eun Seo-ho and Gwak Seohyang’s marriage, that meant he knew Dong Hwi was Seohyang’s… no, Dong Ja-ryeong’s father.
His gaze instantly sharpened.
[Who knows my daughter’s true identity?]
[There is no need to worry. Aside from my wife and me, not even the rest of our family knows. My son’s safety is tied to this matter. How could I possibly speak of it carelessly?]
Eun Gil-sang continued writing.
[Aside from us, only Seo-ho’s master, Escort Chief Gwak, knows. Deputy Gwak has been living under the pretense of being Escort Chief Gwak’s relative. His disciple’s safety is also at stake, so he will keep the secret without fail.]
[Is that truly so?]
[It is.]
Their conversation continued entirely through writing.
[Since Young Lady Seohyang’s public story is that she has no parents and Escort Chief Gwak is her only living relative, I believe Escort Chief Gwak and his wife will have to stand in for her parents from her birth family on the wedding day. I ask for your understanding on that matter.]
Dong Hwi thought for a moment before lifting his brush.
[Is this Escort Chief Gwak a good man?]
[He is Seo-ho’s master, so yes, he is a good man, and an exceptionally capable one at that. I can personally vouch for him.]
[If a merchant such as yourself says he can be trusted, then I will trust him as well.]
[Yes. My son chose his master extremely well.]
The two continued their written conversation and eventually even began discussing the wedding itself.
By the time they were finished, a thick stack of paper had accumulated beside them. Once the conversation ended, Dong Hwi picked up the sheets one by one and burned them in the candle flame.
“Then let us proceed that way.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
As Dong Hwi looked at him, he thought to himself.
‘Someday, I’ll be able to hear you call me family.’
That would mean his daughter could finally reveal who she truly was.
And Eun Seo-ho had promised him that day would come.
“Since you’ve come all the way to Guiyang, you should take some time to look around before you leave. There are quite a few sights worth seeing here.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
* * *
We arrived in Beijing with remarkable ease.
Traveling with the Imperial Guards made our pace slower, but it also meant there was virtually no chance of trouble finding us along the way.
“Deputy Merchant Lord Ji, are you heading straight to the Imperial Palace?”
“Yes. I met with His Majesty the King of Maraeseo Kingdom during this journey, so I must make a report regarding our audience.”
“Then I suppose this is where we part ways. I hope everything goes smoothly.”
“Once again, thank you for everything. I’ll see you again next time.”
With that, they headed for the Imperial Palace, while I returned to the Beijing Branch with my own party.
“You’re back!”
“Yes. Has anything happened while I was away?”
“Everything has been perfectly peaceful.”
The manager of the Beijing Branch smiled as he welcomed me.
“And did you know?”
“Know what?”
“Everyone in Beijing knows about how you proposed to Deputy Gwak at that restaurant.”
“…”
“Apparently it was so moving that some people have even started proposing with the song you sang that day.”
Was I really that famous?
That was an incredibly uncomfortable thing to hear, so all I could do was sigh. It wasn’t as if I could do anything about it now.
That evening.
A servant came from Cousin Seon-il’s residence.
He brought word that they wanted me to join them for dinner that night, and I had a fairly good idea why.
The servant had also brought a letter from my aunt.
[Bring Deputy Gwak, your future wife, with you. All of Beijing is talking about the two of you, so you weren’t planning to keep her hidden away without even letting this aunt of yours meet her, were you?]
Well, there was no getting around that.
I called out to Young Lady Seohyang, who was diligently working through a stack of documents beside me.
“Deputy Gwak.”
“Yes?”
“My aunt has invited me to dinner tonight. Would you be willing to come with me? She specifically asked that I bring you. If it would make you uncomfortable, you can refuse.”
“No.”
She shook her head.
“I think this would be a good opportunity to formally introduce myself.”
I nodded and called for Palgap.
“Palgap!”
“Yes, sir! You called?”
“What happened with the clothes I asked for before?”
“The seamstress is working hard on them right now, sir. She says she’s finished about three sets already.”
“Bring one that matches the color of the clothes I’ll be wearing tonight.”
“Got it, sir.”
Palgap hurried out with a broad grin, while Young Lady Seohyang nodded as if she now understood what I had in mind.
A short while later, Palgap returned with the clothes I had requested.
“You can wear these tonight.”
“They’re even more beautiful now that I’m seeing them in person.”
The jade-colored outfit had even been embroidered with silver thread. I figured there would be plenty of occasions when she would have to go out with me in the future, so I had ordered several sets in advance. Good thing I had thought ahead.
“Thank you.”
“If you’re willing to wear them, I think I should be the one thanking you.”
Evening came.
Young Lady Seohyang and I finished getting ready and stepped outside.
Over our jade-colored clothes, we had even put on fur outerwear sold by the Eunhae Merchant Group.
Truthfully, I wasn’t cold, but we still had to consider how things looked to everyone else.
People who saw Young Lady Seohyang and me together immediately offered their congratulations.
“As expected! You two make a wonderful couple!”
“Hahaha! Do we?”
Before long, we arrived at the Yeonjun Merchant Group compound, where my aunt came out to greet us.
“Welcome.”
“Greetings, Aunt.”
“Deputy Gwak, it’s been so long! My goodness! To think you’re going to marry our Seo-ho! I knew there was something between you two from the very first time I saw you!”
“Thank you for thinking so well of me.”
“Where are Uncle and Cousin Seon-il?”
“Your uncle should be home soon, and Seon-il will be leaving the palace offices about now.”
“Then I suppose we’ll have to wait a little.”
Princess Shina was standing nearby as well. It had been a while since I last saw her, and her face had grown considerably prettier than before.
Amazingly enough, she would become even more beautiful than she was now.
“Welcome, both of you.”
“It’s been a while, Princess.”
“Yes.”
We moved into the Reception Room, where Princess Shina spoke to me.
“Someone from the Imperial Palace came today and delivered the things my father sent me. They also told me everything that happened along the way.”
She bowed her head to me.
“Thank you so much for recovering the letter.”
Seeing the redness around her eyes as she thanked me, I could more or less guess what had been written inside.
“Thanks to you, I was able to feel my father and mother’s love again for the first time in a very long while.”
“I’m glad I could help.”
“I want to repay what you’ve done for me. So… would you happen to be interested in trade with Maraeseo Kingdom?”
“…!”
She continued.
“If you are, I can speak with my father and arrange an introduction for you.”
When I recovered the letter, I hadn’t been thinking this far ahead.
But if she was willing to make an offer like this, there was no way I could let the opportunity pass.
Just then, a servant came in and announced that my uncle and Cousin Seon-il had arrived home.
I turned to Princess Shina.
“I’d like to discuss the details with you after dinner.”
–TL Notes–
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