The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 365

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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 365

Chapter 365. The Head Chef of Geumgyeru (2)

Since there were still a few days before Captain Yong Eung-wan decided to conclude matters with In-seon, I needed to learn more about this Geumgyeru in the meantime.
It wasn’t simply because I was bored.
I had far too much to do as it was!
It was just that I would feel terribly sad if a place that created food delicious enough to move both me and my parents were to disappear.

After finishing our meal, we descended to the first floor.
“Thank you for the meal.”
“It was truly delicious.”
We exchanged pleasantries with Luzu Jang Eun-ok and departed from Geumgyeru.
“Father, Mother, please go ahead. I’ll settle the bill and catch up with you.”
“Very well.”
I turned to Luzu with a question.
“How much is the total?”
“Yes, altogether it comes to….”
Wow, the bill was far more substantial than I’d anticipated.
But for food of this caliber, the price was hardly excessive.
“And I’d like to rent the third floor tomorrow evening. Would that be possible?”
“Yes. It is possible.”
Tomorrow I was planning to gather with peers I’d rarely encountered in one place.
“Then I’ll arrange to rent the third floor again tomorrow evening.”
“Understood. I’ll have everything prepared.”
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
I clasped my fist in salute and departed.
When we had walked some distance from Geumgyeru, Jin Yu Warrior spoke.
“My lord, regarding that Hwang Suk-su from earlier.”
“Yes?”
Had Jin Yu Warrior sensed something odd as well?
It was strange enough that a martial artist would work as a head chef in such a place, and his aura had felt peculiar….
“He was an assassin.”
Ah… now I understood why his aura had felt so distinctive.
As if he were present yet absent at the same time?
That absence of presence seemed to be a characteristic of his inner cultivation.
Setting that aside for now, what mattered was why such a person was working there.
“If he’s an assassin, then he’s working as a head chef to kill someone, is that it?”
“No, that doesn’t seem to be the case.”
Jin Yu Warrior shook his head.
“He certainly has the background of an Assassin, but he is no longer one.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“There is no scent of blood.”
At Jin Yu Warrior’s words, I tilted my head in confusion.
“But how do you sense this scent of blood you speak of?”
“Pardon?”
“To be honest, I’m not entirely sure myself.”
When I encounter someone, there are times when I feel an oppressive presence or my vigilance heightens.
Thanks to that, I’ve managed to escape danger countless times.
But Jin Yu Warrior spoke of it specifically as a scent of blood, and that’s what intrigued me.
“Do you actually smell blood?”
At my question, Jin Yu Warrior nodded.
“Yes, I do.”
“Really? Truly?”
I wasn’t the only one surprised. The other Guard Warriors looked equally astonished.
Seo-woo Warrior stroked his chin and spoke.
“Now that you mention it, I’ve heard something before. Assassins who reach a certain level can detect the scent of their own kind.”
Jin Yu Warrior nodded.
“When I had survived over thirty brushes with death, I developed such an ability.”
“….”
At those words, I was left speechless.
Jin Yu Warrior had mentioned before that the process of cultivating Assassins was witnessing the depths of cruelty.
Acquiring such an ability meant the suffering he endured was immense.
It’s remarkable that he didn’t lose his mind after crossing so many lines between life and death.
That such a thing was possible likely meant there was something sustaining him.
Though I still don’t know what that is.
“In any case, after that, I became able to locate Assassins wherever they are and discern their level as well.”
Ah… so that’s how he was able to find Assassins so effectively.
“Ah, the level I speak of now refers not to simple martial prowess, but to the level of an Assassin.”
Seo-woo Warrior provided additional explanation.
“Of course, the higher the level, the better one is at killing someone.”
That’s true enough.
While martial arts are often used for spiritual cultivation, generally speaking, they are instruments of murder.
“However, that doesn’t mean they’re good at assassination. Martial artists prefer to kill openly rather than in secret.”
“That’s certainly the case.”
That’s why Martial artists carry so many grudges and debts.
“The level Jin Yu Warrior speaks of concerns how discreetly one can kill.”
“So Assassins have ranks among themselves too.”
“That’s correct.”
I heard Jin Yu Warrior’s voice transmission in my mind.
– The highest rank of that tier is precisely ‘Sal Wang’.
Sal Wang? If it’s Sal Wang….
I turned my head to look at Palgap.
Palgap, who was always beside me, present yet absent.
“Is there anything you need me to do?”
“…No.”

* * *

After tidying the kitchen, Hwang Seok stepped outside.
“Are you finished cleaning up?”
“Ah, Eun Ok.”
The one who called to him was Luzu, Jang Eun-ok.
His wife—someone he could gaze upon endlessly and never tire of seeing.
She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind and asked.
“What is it? Is something wrong?”
He caressed her arms as he spoke.
“It’s nothing, really. Autumn is approaching….”
“I see.”
Autumn.
Autumn was a special season for this couple. It was the season when Hwang Seok abandoned his blade and took up the chef’s knife.
“You worked hard today as well.”
“You’re the one who worked hard.”
This evening, a considerable number of group guests had arrived. The Eunhae Trading Company had rented the entire third floor and dined here.
Though it was exhausting to prepare such large quantities, the income was substantial enough to give the Shop Attendants a bonus.
“You must be tired. Why don’t you go rest first?”
“Like this, let’s stay a little longer.”
At her words, Hwang Seok smiled softly.
Honestly, before meeting her, he had never imagined such a future.
‘I would have either been tortured to death for a failed mission, or taken my own life.’
She was the one who gave meaning to his life and courage to him—a man who lived without dreams or hope.
Because of her, he could abandon his life as an assassin.
He recalled the tension from a few days ago.
An assassin had visited the Geumgyeru as a guest.
Moreover, one who had reached the realm of Sal-seon.
Assassins too had their own realms.
When one first embarked on assassination, it was called Sal-a—like a child.
Once assassination became second nature, it was called Sal-gun.
A true assassin who reached that level was called an Assassin Immortal.
Beyond that lay the highest realm: Sal Wang.
A state where, if one so desired, there existed no one who could not be killed.
What was peculiar was that among the companions of that assassin who had reached the Assassin Immortal realm, there was one who possessed the aura of Sal Wang.
For such individuals to visit the inn where I worked surely meant they had a purpose.
Had they come to recruit me after hearing about me?
Either way, it was unwelcome.
So I remained extremely tense, but….

“Wow! This is really delicious!”
“Indeed it is. Could we order this one more time?”
“You already ordered this as an extra.”
“…Can’t we?”
“…Order it.”

They simply ate their fill of steamed chicken and left.
I examined the bones carefully, wondering if perhaps something had been left between them, but… there was nothing.
All I could discern was that they had deboned it cleanly, leaving not a scrap of meat.
So thoroughly that I couldn’t even tell if the steamed chicken I’d made was spicy or soy-based.
I was puzzled by this, when they visited again as customers.
Only then did I learn they were members of the Eunhae Trading Company.
That day, the Eun Hae Merchant Guild Master summoned me, saying he wished to express his gratitude.
Honestly, I didn’t want to meet him, but I couldn’t refuse a guest’s request.
And… seeing him up close, I could discern it.
The one who had reached the Assassin Immortal realm had long since ceased his assassin’s work.
There was barely any scent of blood on him.
And the one with the aura of Sal Wang bore no scent of blood whatsoever.
It’s said that at the level of Sal Wang, one can conceal the scent of blood, but this felt different from that.
He was simply an attendant.
Only then did I realize I had been overly cautious.

“Hwang Rang.”
“Why do you call for me?”
“Do you regret leaving that path?”
“Regret? I regret not leaving that path sooner.”
He turned his body and caressed Jang Eun-ok’s face as he spoke.
“You look tired. Go inside and rest.”
“Just a little longer.”
“I’ll be coming in shortly as well. Go on inside.”
Only then did she nod and disappear into the house.
Hwang Seok watched her retreating figure, and once she had completely vanished from sight, he turned and spoke.
“Come out now.”
At those words, someone immediately stepped into view.
“We meet again so soon.”
“I greet you, senior.”
“Tsk, senior? You’ve already left that path, so you’re no senior of mine.”
“That’s precisely why I address you as such.”
“…?”
“Because I too have left that path.”
“So… what brings you to seek me out?”
“I’ve come to deliver a message from my master.”
“A message?”
“Yes. He said that should any trouble befall the Geumgyeru, should the day come when you can no longer enjoy that spicy braised chicken dish, you need only ask for his aid.”
“…?”
“It seems my master has quite taken a liking to that spicy braised chicken dish.”
“Is that so?”
Then, a sudden curiosity arose within him.
“But… does your master know of your origins?”
“Of course. He is the one who personally extracted me from that place.”
“Then, the one bearing the aura of Sal Wang is?”
“Ah, the Attendant.”
“The Attendant?”
“Yes, my master’s Attendant. Both he and my master are aware of his talents.”
“Yet he doesn’t put those talents to use?”
“He’s already making full use of them.”
“What do you mean? From what I can see, he’s merely an Attendant….”
“Yes. He’s making excellent use of his talents as an Attendant. I’ve been teaching him Assassin techniques, and he says it helps him in his duties as an Attendant, so he’s quite pleased with it.”
“And your master?”
“He pays it no mind whatsoever.”
“Truly a remarkable person. This master of yours….”
“Rather than remarkable, he is extraordinary.”
As he spoke, Jin Yu continued.
“Therefore, I hope you will not forget the master’s words.”

* * *

I returned to my room as soon as I arrived back at the Cheongsan Inn.
There were accumulated matters that needed my attention.
After working for some time, a knock came at the door.
“Master. It is Jin Yu.”
“Ah, please come in.”
The door opened and Jin Yu Warrior entered.
“Did you deliver the message?”
“Yes.”
He nodded.
I had asked him to relay my words to the Head Chef of the Geumgyeru.
Based on my memories of my previous life, something would soon occur that would cause the Geumgyeru to disappear entirely.
I do not know what that something is.
But I believe it is better to take action than to simply watch it vanish without lifting a finger.
Captain Yong Eung-wan is waiting to perform the ritual of in-seon, and Father said he would remain a while longer as he has business to attend to.
.
.
.
Dawn broke.
Today I was to visit the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild.
Ho Ju-shin, the master of the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild, had formally extended an invitation to me.
And this evening, I had arranged to dine with Bok Yun Sub-leader, Sakang Branch Master, Han Baek-geon Sub-Master, and Dam Sim Sub-leader, all of whom were still in Jinan.
The venue was the Geumgyeru.
Good and delicious places should be widely known.

“Then, I’ll be on my way.”
“Go safely.”
“Be careful out there.”
“Yes.”
I bowed to my parents and left the inn.
After stopping by the marketplace to purchase an appropriate gift, I headed toward the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild.
“Where have you come from?”
Whether it was because this place dealt with metalwork, or because some unfortunate incident had occurred recently, I couldn’t say.
The Gate Keeper’s demeanor was remarkably stern.
“I am Eun Seo-ho from the Eunhae Trading Company. Today, the Merchant Guild Leader….”
Before I could finish speaking, he bowed respectfully.
“Eun Small Merchant Leader, welcome.”
“Please, come in! We’ve been expecting you.”
The sudden shift in his attitude caught even me off guard.
“And….”
The Gate Keeper continued speaking to me.
“I heard that you saved our young master. I offer my sincere gratitude.”
From his words, I could sense how deeply the people of this guild cherished Ho Gyeong Prince.
I responded gently.
“I merely did what was necessary.”
“As expected of you. Allow me to show you the way.”
I followed his guidance inside, and then trailed an Attendant who had come to greet me toward the Guest Reception Room.
As I settled into a chair in the Guest Reception Room, a Maidservant arranged refreshments before me.
Wow….
Upon seeing the refreshments, I couldn’t help but let out an exclamation.
I could tell exactly how the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild regarded me.
In truth, all guests should be treated equally without discrimination, but in reality, such a thing is not easily accomplished.
The price of refreshments varies greatly, and one cannot serve expensive delicacies to every visitor.
Therefore, those with much experience can discern their own standing by observing what refreshments they are served.
And so it should be.
To prevent relationships from breaking due to overstepping words and actions.
The pastries before me now were topped with dried apricots, drizzled with honey, and even dusted with gold leaf….
Is this actually meant to be eaten?
It seems they’re expressing their gratitude to me in this manner.
As I sipped my tea, I found myself thinking once more that saving Ho Gyeong Prince had been the right decision.
Suddenly, I recalled the sense of discord I had felt when I first saw him.
What was it?

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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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