The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 364

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Trading Company Chapter 364

Chapter 364. The Head Chef of Geumgyeru (1)

Ho Gyeong Prince looked at me as I spoke.
“I’m referring to the man who was causing trouble earlier. I felt like I’d seen him somewhere before, and just now it came back to me.”
“Where was that?”
“After arriving here in Jinan, I was exploring the marketplace and visited a place known for excellent spicy steamed chicken. It was called Geumgyeru.”
Ho Gyeong Prince nodded.
“I know where Geumgyeru is. The head chef there is quite skilled with chicken dishes. Did you meet the night guard there?”
“Not exactly.”
I continued.
“When I first entered Geumgyeru, the shop attendant mentioned that the third floor had been rented out entirely, so I ate on this floor. But I did venture slightly up to the third floor.”
“….”
“To be honest, I was curious about who had rented out the third floor. Surprisingly, that man from earlier was there.”
“….”
“As you know, renting an entire floor—especially the top floor—requires considerable money. Does his monthly salary amount to that much?”
“No.”
He shook his head.
“While we do pay him well, it’s not that much.”
“Then I suspect someone he met rented out that entire third floor.”
“That would seem to be the case.”
I deliberately refrained from revealing the identity of that person.
It would be far more effective for him to investigate and discover it himself rather than hear it from my lips.
The Baek Yeom Merchant Guild certainly had the capability to do so.
I couldn’t help but smile imagining how bewildered Namgung Kang would become.
But my words were not yet finished.
“Oh, and come to think of it—was it the next day? Or the day after that? I saw him having tea and conversing with someone at the Tea House.”
“Really?”
“It was a man with a single mole on his right jaw… I mention it just in case.”
“Thank you for the information in many ways.”
“Then I shall take my leave.”
I bowed respectfully to him and made my way toward the Cheongsan Inn where I was staying.

“Have you returned?”
As I stepped into the Inn, Father greeted me.
“Yes.”
“Well then, how was the Iron Tools Workshop?”
“It was truly a fierce place.”
Father nodded at my response.
“As you say, it is indeed a fierce place. So, did you learn anything?”
“Of course. The Baek Yeom Merchant Guild didn’t earn the title of Greatest Under Heaven Trading Company for nothing.”
I had observed the Iron Tools Workshop carefully earlier, and everything felt different from my previous life.
Perhaps it was because I had experienced far more in my current life than I had back then.
As I recounted what I had witnessed and learned there, Father nodded with a pleased expression.
“You must be tired. Go rest.”
“Yes.”
Oh!
I nearly forgot to mention that.
“Father, actually, a small problem occurred at the Iron Tools Workshop.”
“A problem?”
“Yes. A Night Guard there attempted to harm Ho Gyeong Prince, so I stopped him and saved Ho Gyeong Prince.”
I continued.
“In the process, to avoid revealing my level, I explained to others that I had used a device and that the device’s lifespan had expired.”
That was the truth, after all.
Well, that should suffice, shouldn’t it?
The furnace nearly toppled in that perilous situation, but… sometimes ignorance is a blessing.
“I see. Is Ho Gyeong Prince unharmed?”
“Yes. He has no injuries.”
“That’s a great relief. You did well. Yes, we should help when we can and live righteously.”
“I share that sentiment. Then I shall retire now.”

* * *

Eun Gil-sang watched Eun Seo-ho’s retreating figure as he climbed toward the upper floor.
‘Something feels off about this….’
He narrowed his eyes.
Eun Seo-ho’s explanation of how he had rescued someone was far too concise.
As if he were deliberately minimizing the details.
Of course, given Eun Seo-ho’s nature, he wasn’t the type to boast about such things.
But he was Eun Seo-ho’s father.
It wasn’t just his mother who possessed such intuition. A father had his own instincts as well.
‘I should ask Chun-il to look into this.’
However, as it turned out, there was no need.

The next morning.
As he finished his meal, the Shop Attendant approached.
“Pardon me, sir. The Merchant Guild Leader of the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild has come to see you.”
“What?”
Eun Gil-sang was startled.
The Merchant Guild Leader of the Greatest Under Heaven Trading Company had come to find him this early in the morning.
“Please show him in at once.”
“Very well.”
He turned his head, and Eun Seo-ho deliberately avoided his gaze.
‘This is definitely suspicious.’
Soon, Ho Ju-shin, the Merchant Guild Leader of the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild, entered the inn.
“What brings you here so early in the morning?”
“I owe your son a great debt of gratitude, and I apologize for coming so late.”
“Now that you mention it, I heard that Seo-ho rescued the Ho Gyeong Prince yesterday. Is the prince unharmed?”
“He’s fine. He’s been working diligently ever since.”
“That’s a relief.”
“It’s all thanks to your son. My grandson nearly had molten metal from the Furnace pour down upon him, yet your son risked his own life to save him. And he even sacrificed his belongings in the process.”
“….”
Eun Gil-sang was left speechless by those words.
‘Molten metal? There was no mention of anything like that….’
Of course, he knew Eun Seo-ho wasn’t the reckless type. The boy was meticulous about protecting himself.
But still, a father’s heart was different.
‘Should I scold him later… but then again, perhaps I shouldn’t….’
Suddenly, he felt a chill beside him.
That coldness was emanating from none other than his wife.
“Our, son, did, that?”
“….”
He muttered inwardly.
‘Seo-ho. This is beyond even my control.’

* * *

I returned to my guest room and collapsed onto the bed.
“Are you feeling unwell, sir?”
Palgap asked, observing my state.
“I’m not alright.”
I had just come from being thoroughly scolded by Mother.
This morning, the Merchant Guild Leader of the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild had visited to express his gratitude, and the problem was that he had detailed my accomplishments during that meeting.
Ah, couldn’t he have kept such matters confidential?
Mother was naturally shocked, and the moment the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild Leader departed, I was summoned and received a thorough scolding.
“I’m not certain what words of comfort I should offer you, sir.”
Palgap said to me.
“Still, you should be grateful to have a mother who scolds you.”
“….”
Palgap had lost his mother.
She had passed away when he was very young.
I rose from the bed and spoke.
“I know that too. But you see, if I say I’m not alright because Mother scolded me, that makes me look like a wretch.”
“Ah, now that you mention it, that’s true.”
He had done that on purpose.
In truth, the main reason Mother scolded me was why I had taken such dangerous actions.
But, Mother.
I apologize, but I cannot achieve my goals by living so cautiously.
So please forgive this unfilial son for causing you worry and for the worry I will continue to cause you in the future.
In any case, word of this failure must have already reached Namgung Kang’s ears.
He must be quite irritated.
As I thought of him, something suddenly came to mind.
The spicy braised chicken dish at Geumgyeru.
As an apology to my shocked parents, I should take them to dinner there this evening.
“Palgap.”
“Yes?”
“Tell them we’re renting out the third floor of Geumgyeru for the evening.”
.
.
.
Evening arrived.
I headed to Geumgyeru with my parents at the appointed time.
“Is this a rare occasion where your son is treating us to dinner?”
“Yes.”
I scratched the back of my neck as I spoke.
“I bear some responsibility for what happened… and while I was eating spicy steamed chicken there, I found myself thinking of you both.”
“My, is that so?”
“Yes. That’s when I decided I should bring you here sometime.”
At my words, Mother’s expression grew tender. Father, too, wore a pleased smile.
Seeing their faces, I felt a wave of bashfulness wash over me.
Soon we arrived at Geumgyeru.
“Welcome. You’re the guests who reserved the third floor, aren’t you?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Allow me to show you the way.”
We followed the Shop Attendant’s guidance up to the third floor.
“Oh my…”
Mother let out a gasp of wonder as she took in the view from the third floor.
I too found myself captivated by the scenery, which proved far more beautiful than I’d anticipated.
Geumgyeru was situated slightly on the outskirts.
Which meant we could see the bustling marketplace of Jinan spread before us.
And at this hour, the lanterns throughout the marketplace were just being lit.
Gazing upon that spectacle from such a height was truly magnificent.
“It’s quite a beautiful view, isn’t it?”
Turning around, I saw a woman approaching with a smile.
The grace she carried suggested she was no mere attendant.
Could she be the proprietress of this establishment?
“I was so enchanted by this view that I had this pavilion built here.”
“I see. It truly seems to be built in a wonderful location.”
“Thank you. I am Jang Eun-ok, the proprietress of Geumgyeru.”
“I am Eun Gil-sang, Merchant Guild Leader of the Eunhae Trading Company. And this is my wife.”
At Father’s introduction, Mother bowed her head slightly.
“I am Eun Seo-ho, Small Guild Master.”
I offered my greeting as well.
“I came to welcome you personally, as I heard that distinguished guests had reserved the entire third floor today. I shall have the food brought out shortly.”
“We are grateful for such personal attention.”
We took our seats at the dining table, and soon the attendants began bringing out the dishes.
Surrounding our central table, the others who had come with us were seated at separate tables.
Palgap and my guards, along with Father’s Deputy Officer and the commander of the Eunpung Corps, as well as our company’s employees and retainers.
“Please, enjoy your meal and have a pleasant evening.”
“Thank you.”
Once the dishes were arranged, Jang Eun-ok bowed to us and took her leave.
“Father, Mother. Please, enjoy your meal.”
“Yes, let’s eat well.”
“I will.”
I picked up my chopsticks and reached for the dishes, beginning to serve myself some of the spicy braised chicken.
“Hmm?”
“Oh my!”
As expected, my parents expressed their admiration at the fantastic flavor of the spicy braised chicken.
“This is truly delicious!”
“I’ve never had braised chicken this delicious before.”
Seeing them enjoy it so much made bringing my parents here worthwhile.
After we had eaten for a while, I set down my chopsticks and bowed my head.
“Father, Mother.”
“…?”
“I apologize once more. I caused you worry without intending to.”
Mother shook her head.
“No, I should be the one apologizing. In truth, saving someone’s life is an entirely righteous act, yet I only scolded you instead of praising you.”
“That’s not true. I understand that Mother was simply concerned for me when you spoke that way.”
“Thank you for saying so.”
The atmosphere became warm and harmonious.
Indeed, there’s nothing better than good food for easing tension.
“Ahem.”
Father seemed somewhat embarrassed by the tender moment and pulled the bell cord to call the Shop Attendant.
“Yes, did you call for me?”
“Is it possible to meet the Head Chef of this Geumgyeru?”
“The Head Chef, sir?”
“Today’s cuisine was so exquisite that I wished to personally express my gratitude to the Head Chef.”
“I shall inquire for you.”
The Shop Attendant descended, and shortly after, he returned with a man.
The man was younger than I expected, appearing to be only about thirty years old.
“This is the Head Chef of our establishment.”
At the Shop Attendant’s words, Father rose from his seat and introduced himself.
“I am Eun Gil-sang, the Merchant Guild Leader of the Eunhae Trading Company.”
“I am Hwang Seok, the Head Chef of Geumgyeru.”
“I was deeply moved by your cooking today, Hwang Suk-su. I wished to express my gratitude for providing such delicious fare.”
Father continued.
“Of course, it would be proper for me to visit the kitchen to thank you, but I understand that kitchens are not places for outsiders to enter freely.”
“That is correct.”
“Therefore, I took the liberty of requesting your presence here.”
“I see.”
Hwang Seok spoke gently.
“I am truly honored by such high praise for my cooking.”
He smiled bashfully and sought our understanding.
“I apologize, but orders continue to arrive, and I fear I cannot stay long to converse.”
“Ah! I hadn’t considered that angle. Thank you again for the insight. I’ll take my leave now.”
“Then I’ll be going.”
Hwang Suk-su descended the stairs, and we resumed our meal.
At that moment, my mind grew troubled for an entirely different reason.
The chef who had introduced himself as Hwang Seok was unmistakably a martial artist.
In my previous life, when I visited this place, Geumgyeru no longer existed.
In fact, the building itself was gone.
Which meant the structure had burned to the ground entirely?
What on earth had happened here?
Despite being constructed of wood, fires rarely consume a building completely.
Most often, they burn partway before extinguishing themselves.
Complete destruction occurs in only one scenario: when someone deliberately set the fire to reduce it to ash.
This raised yet another question.
Who had burned down Geumgyeru?
Had they destroyed it themselves, or had someone else done it?
It’s difficult to say. Without any clues whatsoever….

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