The Granddaughter of the Manhyang Escort Agency Hides Her Magic - Chapter 48

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 48

“You’ve prepared the assassins I requested before, haven’t you?”

“Yes. But Madam, will assassins be enough? Miss Shin Ah’s skills are quite extraordinary.”

Dang Mihee wanted to deny Iso’s words, but whatever method Shin Ah had used, this time she had no choice but to acknowledge it.

“I know. I’ll also prepare So Ilbi, so you just focus on doing what I’ve instructed you.”

So Ilbi was currently regulating his energy after consuming the Inner Core that Dang Jugong had brought recently.

By now he should have fully digested it, so it would be good to call him and teach him new Poison Arts.

“Call So Ilbi on your way out.”

“Yes, Madam. But may I ask one thing?”

“What is it?”

“A mere Porter is nothing significant, isn’t it? Even if Miss Shin Ah becomes a Porter, nothing major will happen, so why are you so concerned about her?”

In Iso’s view, Dang Mihee’s wariness of Shin Ah was excessive.

While it was true that Shin Ah had shown excellent performance in the Porter test, whether that was her real ability or just luck was questionable.

And Shin Ah had only just begun learning martial arts. Immediately threatening So Ilbi and So Mando’s positions was impossible, and even helping So Cheondo would have its limits.

‘In the current situation, shouldn’t we be more wary of the Biwongak Master than Shin Ah?’

If Dang Mihee later ordered her to attack someone other than Shin Ah, it would be Iso herself who’d be busy.

Iso wanted to understand Dang Mihee’s thoughts to prepare for any possibility.

As if mocking Iso’s thoughts, Dang Mihee clicked her tongue.

“Don’t look at the trees, look at the forest, as I’ve told you. Shin Ah makes other people dream.”

“Pardon?”

When Shin Ah became healthy, So Cheonrim actively engaged in Escort Agency affairs, and when Shin Ah threw her hat into the Porter test, So Cheondo joined as an Escort Warrior.

‘It’s not just those two. Lately, Father has become quite motivated. I hear he’s even taking interest in and examining branch offices that are barely more than signboards.’

People who make others dream fall into exactly two categories.

Either an excellent leader who appears maybe once in a generation, or a con artist.

Whether Shin Ah would become a leader or a terrible con artist was still unknown.

‘So I need to cut her off quickly. Before she sprouts. Before she grows any more.’

Dang Mihee ground her teeth.

“You don’t need to understand deeply. Just do what you’re told.”

Dang Mihee issued an order to leave.

Iso withdrew without delay. She didn’t have enough time to handle all the tasks entrusted to her to eliminate Shin Ah.

In the now quiet room, Dang Mihee fell into deep thought.

‘She moved the Iron Needle Bees. Without losing a single one? How exactly?’

I should have told them to find that out first.

Dang Mihee regretted it belatedly.

* * *

Shin Ah’s group received the highest score on the second test and headed to their assigned lodging.

All Porter candidates who passed the second test were required to stay in lodgings within the Escort Agency.

This was a mechanism to let them experience a Porter’s life in advance to strengthen their resolve, or make them give up early if they had second thoughts.

And most applicants burned with determination after staying at Manhyang Express.

The reason was simple.

‘The treatment is good.’

Shin Ah was pleased.

Unlike most Escort Agencies where 12 people shared one room, Manhyang Express had a maximum of 8 people, and bedding wasn’t something you prepared yourself but was provided by the Escort Agency.

The meals were excellent too.

Though it was just rice balls and soup, you could receive plenty without worrying about others’ reactions.

Rumors had long spread that actual Porters could have proper meals with side dishes.

But Shin Ah knew this good treatment would disappear after So Baekrim became the head escort.

“Now I understand why Manhyang Express is the best in Murim.”

On the way back after finishing their meal, Shin Ah shrugged her shoulders at Chilseon’s praise, but Juhwa poured cold water on it.

“It’s not the best. It was one of the Three Great Escort Agencies, and now it’s barely maintaining its existence.”

Though it was unpleasant, Juhwa wasn’t wrong, so Shin Ah just pouted her lips.

“Haha, then perhaps it will become the best in the future.”

Chilseon smoothly changed the atmosphere.

“Why do you think that? Shouldn’t we think the opposite?”

Juhwa immediately poured cold water again.

Shin Ah rested her chin on her hand and looked at Juhwa.

She had been sharp and prickly beyond measure in her previous life too, and seeing her like this now, it seemed to be her nature.

Come to think of it, Juhwa had disliked Shin Ah.

‘I wanted to make her my ally, but it might be difficult.’

Just as Shin Ah was about to sigh deeply.

“If they keep giving out so generously like this, they’re bound to go completely bankrupt.”

Juhwa held up and shook the clothing and shoe bundle they’d received with instructions to wear for tomorrow’s test.

“That’s Juhwa’s opinion. Miss Shin Ah, what are your thoughts?”

It was a pointless question to ask her.

Shin Ah was someone who aimed to become the head of Manhyang Express.

Nevertheless, Shin Ah answered sincerely.

Those people didn’t know who she was. She should kindly inform them with broad magnanimity.

“Kindness returns as gratitude, and proper treatment develops into loyalty. That’s how Manhyang Express will become the best.”

Because I will make it so.

Shin Ah swallowed the last words she really wanted to say.

“Well said!”

Chilseon chimed in agreement.

“The world isn’t quite so easy-going.”

Juhwa sighed. The girl’s face momentarily looked like an 80-year-old’s.

“If Miss says it will happen, then it will happen.”

Then Mugyeol, who had kept his mouth shut the whole time, spoke.

At his voice, mature beyond his years, and the steel-like trust contained within it, Chilseon and Juhwa turned to look at him.

Mugyeol made eye contact with Chilseon, Juhwa, and Shin Ah in turn before opening his mouth.

“It will definitely happen. Because Miss said so.”

Mugyeol’s black eyes were unwavering and equally sincere.

“So don’t doubt it and believe.”

Mugyeol spoke in a stern voice, as if scolding them.

The sense of intimidation emanating from the small boy was quite remarkable.

Enough to make Chilseon and Juhwa nod reflexively. Even Shin Ah did too.

A faint smile appeared on Mugyeol’s lips.

“Miss, Manhyang Express will become the best in Murim, the greatest Escort Agency under heaven.”

His blind faith made Shin Ah quite happy. And she found Mugyeol, who had stood up for her, endearing.

‘This kid would believe me even if I said the sky was the ground. Goodness, why does he like me so much? Could it be because he wants to succeed?’

Even if that were the case, Shin Ah didn’t dislike Mugyeol. Rather, she found him admirable for backing the right horse.

‘I’ll definitely make you my right-hand man later.’

Of course, Mugyeol was already like Shin Ah’s right-hand man. Though it might not mean much since he was her only subordinate.

The four people walked back and forth, imagining what work they would do at Manhyang Express when it became the best in Murim, the greatest under heaven.

Just picturing a bright future, before considering possibilities, made them feel good.

Just as all four had become absorbed in their imagination.

“Miss, wait a moment! Huff, Miss!”

“Danmi, what brings you here?”

Shin Ah gestured for the others to go ahead first, then approached Danmi.

Danmi was gasping for breath while supporting herself on her knees.

“Miss, your pace, huff, is too fast, gasp.”

“I have been practicing my Footwork Technique diligently lately, haven’t I?”

“Yes, Miss is, the best. Let me catch my breath first, phew, then I’ll talk.”

Shin Ah waited patiently for Danmi.

She needed to go to her assigned lodging and pack for tomorrow’s departure, but there was no rush.

She had already thought through what would be good to bring.

And Shin Ah didn’t have much cargo to take anyway.

‘I can start fires and obtain water with magic.’

Just materials for starting fires and drinking water would make a full load of cargo. Since she could reduce that burden, Shin Ah felt lighthearted.

Danmi, having caught her breath, straightened her back.

“Miss, are you injured anywhere?”

“Yeah. I’m perfectly fine though?”

“Oh my, that’s truly fortunate. Ah, we shouldn’t be doing this here – you need to hurry to Biwongak.”

“To Biwongak? Why?”

“Biwongak is completely turned upside down! The Pavilion Master said he would go protest to the Escort Agency Master.”

Upon learning about Shin Ah’s package, So Cheonrim was furious that Iron Needle Bees – which even skilled Escort Warriors would find troublesome – appearing in a Jaengjeasu test was unprecedented in the Escort Agency’s history, regardless of Shin Ah safely completing the test.

And he declared he would demand an apology if it was a mistake by those who prepared the test, or root out the culprit if it was sabotage.

‘Huh? That can’t happen!’

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————