The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 367

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

The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Trading Company Chapter 367

Chapter 367. The Head Chef of Geumgyeru (4)

They all brought the same answer.
“They said they would follow Eun Small Merchant Leader’s wishes.”
So the decision rests with me.
I felt Ho Gyeong Prince’s gaze fixed upon me, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
How could I refuse when I saw that look? Besides, I’ve received various favors from him.
“Very well. Let’s go together.”
“Thank you.”
“Then I’ll see you at Geumgyeru this evening.”

* * *

Ho Gyeong watched Eun Seo-ho depart, his gaze lingering on the man’s retreating figure.
The reasons he had given Eun Seo-ho for wanting to join tonight’s gathering were not lies.
A person he wished to grow closer to.
In truth, he had abstained from attending the Hundred Great Merchant Guild meetings for some time, for everyone who approached him did so with the intention of exploiting him.
He was well aware that the young scions of the Top Hundred Merchant Guilds befriended one another merely to use each other.
So why not simply meet and converse? Yet feigning friendship felt so hollow and contemptible.
Then this year his guild became the Greatest Under Heaven Trading Company, and during the Hundred Great Merchant Guild gathering in Shandong, he met Eun Seo-ho for the first time.
And he observed his every move.
He was curious about the true nature of the man renowned as a hero.
As a result, he witnessed how Eun Seo-ho embraced a small merchant leader who had only recently entered the Top Hundred Merchant Guilds.
At the time, he had thought nothing of it….
But then came the decisive moment—Eun Seo-ho had saved his very life.
And he had done so while expending precious artifacts in the process.
Because of this, Ho Gyeong could not help but admire Eun Seo-ho’s character.
‘And thanks to him, I avoided a far greater calamity.’
Through the information Eun Seo-ho had subtly revealed to him, he came to understand.
That the Baekcheon Trading Company was orchestrating dirty dealings behind the scenes.
The title of Greatest Under Heaven Trading Company meant their intelligence network was equally formidable.
Especially in Shandong, where the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild held a firm grip—it was impossible to escape their notice.
They had tracked Namgung Kang’s movements while simultaneously tracking Eun Seo-ho’s as well.
It was sorrowful that he had to doubt the true intentions of the man who had saved him, but what could he do?
When he thought of the countless false friends who had approached him until now, he could not help but harbor suspicion.
So he had investigated Eun Seo-ho’s movements as well, and found not a shred of deception in his words.
After interrogating those involved and analyzing the information, it became clear that the incident that day had been meticulously planned.

“Ah, that day you speak of? Of course I knew it was the day of the Hundred Great Merchant Guild Meeting. But such an unexpected incident occurred, and I was quite troubled by it. Ah, you’re asking who loaded the iron ore that was supposed to be delivered to the Baek Yeom Merchant Guild that day, the one that became problematic? Well… it simply vanished.”

“I… I was only asked to do it…”

And most decisively, Mak-du, who had caused the incident that day, was found dead in the Prison before he could even be interrogated.
A perfect silencing.
However, thanks to Eun Seo-ho’s hint, we had discovered who the culprit was.
The problem was simply that the true perpetrator had not confessed, and it was difficult to expect such a confession.
With this revelation, Ho Ju-shin, the Merchant Guild Leader, the Small Merchant Guild Leader, and Ho Gyeong Prince felt deeply sorry for having suspected Eun Seo-ho.
“Hehe, I wondered why a merchant was called by the illustrious title of Seon Hyeop Mi-rang, but there was a reason after all.”
“Indeed, Grandfather. My eye for people has not failed me.”
At their words, the Small Merchant Guild Leader voiced his concern.
“However, it was the Murim Alliance itself that bestowed upon Eun Small Merchant Leader the heroic title of Seon Hyeop Mi-rang.”
“But from what I can see, he has no connection with them. If that were the case, there would be no reason for Eun Small Merchant Leader to deliberately speak about Namgung Kang.”
“…”
“And that title of Seon Hyeop Mi-rang itself was something he had earned long before. When a plague swept through some time ago, he personally went there and conducted relief efforts.”
“Ah! So that’s why…”
Only then did the Small Merchant Guild Leader and Ho Gyeong Prince understand why Eun Seo-ho’s title was Seon Hyeop Mi-rang.
If the title had been given solely because of what happened at the Yongbong Martial Arts Tournament, the word “righteous” would have suited better than “benevolent.”
Or perhaps a title emphasizing superior martial prowess would have been more fitting.
“To think we suspected such a person—I feel truly apologetic.”
“Then Father, why not raise the grade of the treasures you had planned as compensation for this matter one level higher? Honestly, he saved my son’s life—what could be too precious for that? Moreover, Gyeong-i is the future of our guild, is he not?”
“That’s true.”
Ho Ju-shin nodded and called out to Ho Gyeong Prince.
“Gyeong.”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
“I may not have lived for countless years, but I believe I possess some ability to judge people. It is thanks to this that I have built this guild to its present state.”
“…”
“From what I can see, Eun Small Merchant Leader is a man destined to grow far greater. Moreover, he is someone who could become the kind of true friend you desire.”
“I believe so as well.”
“If you wish to make him your friend through sincerity, you must also treat him with genuine heart.”
“I shall keep that in mind.”

Recalling that conversation, Ho Gyeong smiled softly.
He looked forward to the evening meal that would come shortly.

* * *

As the sun began to set, I made my way toward Geumgyeru.
Since I was the one hosting the event, it was only proper that I arrive first and wait.
However, as I walked toward Geumgyeru, I sensed a familiar presence.
Hmm? That’s… the aura of Geumgyeru’s Head Chef, isn’t it?
Why would someone who should be busy preparing food be here? And why are they with someone else?
Jin Yu Warrior seemed to sense it as well.
“My lord, I sense the aura of Geumgyeru’s Head Chef.”
Perhaps because he had reached a level where he could perceive the auras of other assassins, he had noticed it too.
“I also sense the presence of another person nearby.”
Jin Yu Warrior answered with a grave expression.
“From the one accompanying them, I smell blood.”
“Blood… smell?”
It seemed that the incident which had occurred at Geumgyeru in my previous life was drawing near.
“What shall we do?”
After pondering for a moment at his question, I spoke.
“What level of mastery would you say that person possesses?”
“It appears to be lower than mine.”
“Then could you keep watch over them?”
“Of course.”
“Then I ask for your assistance.”
He nodded, then immediately concealed his presence and vanished.
Watching this, I marveled aloud.
“No matter how many times I see it, Jin Yu Warrior’s technique truly is remarkable.”
“….”
Everyone who witnessed my words wore expressions of disbelief.
Why?
Palgap sighed and spoke to me.
“Are you really admiring a dragon for the skills of an earthworm?”
“Huh?”
“Honestly, Young Master, if you set your mind to hiding, no one would notice. No one could find you.”
“Well, not no one could find me…”
“Squeak!”
At the squeaking sound from Geumryeong in my sleeve, I fell silent.
“Ahem.”
Then Lee Pil Warrior spoke.
“Palgap, you’re certainly right, and it’s an apt comparison, but calling us earthworms…”
“Then shall I say snakes instead?”
“Ah, no, come to think of it, that’s also…”
“What about loaches or eels then?”
“….”
The Guard Warriors fell silent, at a loss for words.
Watching them, I found myself thinking something.
Perhaps the true formidable opponent wasn’t Palgap, but someone else entirely….

A short while later,
we arrived at Geumgyeru.
“Welcome. Ah! You’re the one who reserved the third floor today, aren’t you?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
It seemed the attendant remembered my face from my previous visits.
“I’ll show you right up.”
We climbed to the third floor.
There, as we had requested, five dining tables were arranged.
We couldn’t very well enjoy delicious food and conversation while excluding the attendants and Guard Warriors, could we?
That’s why I had prepared seating for them as well.
The Sub-leaders and I sat in the center, with the attendants and Guard Warriors positioned around us on all sides.
I would need to arrange separate seating for Jin Yu Warrior later.
Just then, I noticed the Head Chef of Geumgyeru returning.
From the expression on his face, it was clear that the assassin’s approach to him hadn’t been made with good intentions.
Honestly, under normal circumstances, this wouldn’t be something I’d concern myself with.
But I had never tasted spicy steamed chicken this delicious before, and I suppose my interest in him stemmed from wanting to continue enjoying this dish.
That’s why I wanted to help if there was something troubling him.
Every time I came to Jinan in the future, I wanted to eat this place’s spicy steamed chicken.

As I waited, the guests I had invited began arriving one by one.
The first to arrive was Bok Yun Sub-leader.
“Welcome.”
“It seems I’m late.”
“Not at all! I simply arrived early. How could I let my guest wait?”
Next came Ho Gyeong Prince.
“I apologize for the sudden invitation and the trouble it has caused everyone.”
“Please don’t say such things. I too am merely one of the guests invited by Eun Small Merchant Leader. And isn’t it wonderful when we all gather together?”
“Ha ha ha. That’s true indeed.”
After that, Dam Jin Small Unit Master and Sakang Branch Master arrived.
The last to come was Han Baek-geon Sub-Master.
Of course, being last didn’t mean he was late. He had arrived earlier than the appointed time.
Soon, as the appointed hour arrived, the Shop Attendants began bringing out the food.
“Please enjoy your meal.”
“Thank you for the food.”
“We’re grateful that you’ve taken care not only of us but of everyone else as well.”
“Meals are always more enjoyable when everyone eats together.”
As I said this, I glanced at Palgap.
Quick-witted Palgap immediately spoke up.
“Just as the young master says! It’s embarrassing to have people staring at you while you’re eating.”
The Yeo Eung-am Warrior agreed with him.
“Palgap is right. Honestly, we guards are people too—why wouldn’t we want to eat?”
The other guards nodded in agreement at his words.
“Quite right. Then please, everyone, enjoy your meal.”
“Thank you.”
Everyone picked up their chopsticks, and a warm, convivial atmosphere settled over the gathering.
We lost track of time as we conversed among ourselves about this and that.
The attendants and guards also seemed to be enjoying themselves, savoring the delicious food.
“I need to attend to something briefly and will return.”
With those words, I descended to the First Floor. It was time for an interim settlement.
At a multi-story tavern like this, once the bill exceeds a certain amount, an interim settlement must be made.
Guests could flee, or later deny responsibility for the charges.
It was better to come down beforehand and handle the interim settlement myself rather than have a Shop Attendant come up mid-meal asking for payment—it wouldn’t disrupt the atmosphere.
So I had come down at an appropriate moment, naturally and unobtrusively.
“I’d like to settle the interim payment.”
“Yes, so far the total is….”
Upon hearing the amount, I withdrew silver coins from my purse and handed them over.
“Oh? This is far too much….”
“I’m aware. Please accept it for now. When we settle the final bill later, if there’s any remainder, simply return the change. If it falls short, I’ll make up the difference then.”
“Understood.”
I could have paid and gone upstairs from the start, but I deliberately came down to settle accounts midway.
It was to observe the Head Chef’s expression.
“It seems the Head Chef is in the kitchen.”
“No, that’s not the case. Since this place is rather remote, we have no customers late at night. All the dishes that needed to go out have already been served, so he’s resting for a moment.”
“I see.”
Now that I thought about it, all the guests who had been on the first floor and this floor earlier had apparently gone home.
“It seems everyone’s departure was delayed because of us. My apologies.”
“Please don’t say such things. Thanks to you, we were able to receive a bonus today. Why would you apologize?”
“A bonus?”
“Yes.”
The Shop Attendant nodded with a smile.
“When Luzu’s daily sales exceed a certain amount, he gives us attendants a bonus. It’s a kind of gratuity.”
“He’s quite a fine proprietor.”
“Yes, there’s no one like him anywhere. Of course, if we make mistakes, he scolds us sternly, but he doesn’t nitpick or make trouble without reason.”
From his words and expression, I could tell that Geumgyeru’s proprietor was highly respected.
And that his skill in handling people was considerable.
Whatever it may be, things rarely collapse from the outside. Most collapse from within.
If nothing goes wrong, this Geumgyeru will become a landmark not just of Jinan, but of all Shandong.
“Do you happen to know where the Head Chef is? I’d like to express my gratitude for today’s excellent cooking.”
“At this hour, he should be under the tree behind the tavern.”
“Thank you.”
I thanked the Shop Attendant and headed toward the back.
There, under the tree, I could see the Head Chef standing.
“My, what brings you here?”
He noticed my arrival and asked in surprise, and I smiled and cupped my fist in salute.
“I came to express my gratitude, to say that I enjoyed the meal today.”
“I merely did my best.”
“That dedication to one’s craft is what matters.”
He gave a bitter smile and changed the subject.
“By the way, that Guard Warrior doesn’t seem to have come.”
“Pardon?”
“The Guard Warrior who was an assassin. The one who delivered your message to me.”
“Ah! You mean Jin Yu Warrior. He had something to attend to and couldn’t come.”
Jin Yu Warrior couldn’t come here because of my orders to have him watch over that assassin.
At my words, he hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“…But is it really alright to have such a person as your Guard Warrior?”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
He sighed and spoke.
“Sigh, since he’s already told you about me, I’ll speak plainly. An assassin is a being who has lived to kill people. Doesn’t it trouble you to have such a person as your guard?”
“That spicy steamed chicken dish made by the former assassin was absolutely delicious.”
“As I mentioned earlier, I simply do my utmost to serve faithfully.”
“Jin Yu Warrior does the same. He too serves me with nothing but sincerity. Does that answer your question?”
At my words, he let out a soft chuckle as if he’d grasped something.
“Quite sufficient.”
It was then.
The Shop Attendant came rushing toward us.
“Head Chef! We have a crisis!”

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