The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 391

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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 391

Chapter 391. Seolpung Palace Was Not Destroyed (3)

A moment later.
We dragged the man, now half-dead, back with us.
Thud.
And we threw him down before Bing Hae-rin, who came rushing over in shock.
“Who is this person?”
“The mastermind behind the plot to destroy the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
“What?”
Bing Hae-rin, Young Palace Master, questioned my words.
“Is this the mastermind who supplied those counterfeit spirit medicines that the man named Cho Seok mentioned during his interrogation?”
“It appears so. I happened to discover him lurking about and captured him.”
“Hmm.”
At those words, Bing Hae-rin, Young Palace Master, regained her composure and spoke.
“I should express my gratitude first. But why does he look so terrible?”
At that question, Elder Brother Jin-ho scratched the back of his neck.
“Ah, my apologies. It happened while I was beating him. How could I possibly restrain myself against those who troubled my mother-in-law, grandmother-in-law, and my wife’s aunts?”
“…I understand. Still, that’s remarkable. He’s still alive despite being beaten so severely.”
At this, Elder Brother Jin-ho rubbed his nose and spoke.
“It’s thanks to Seo-ho’s advice.”
I let out a bitter smile.
That advice wasn’t exactly intended for this purpose…
“Bring the man named Cho Seok here.”
At her command, her disciples dragged Cho Seok over.
His appearance showed he had suffered greatly, bearing many injuries.
“Is this the man you spoke of?”
At Bing Hae-rin’s question, Cho Seok examined the man lying on the ground intently.
It seemed his face was so damaged from the beating that he couldn’t recognize him at first glance.
Yet fortunately, finding matching features, he nodded repeatedly.
“Y-yes, yes, that’s him! That’s definitely him! He’s the one who instigated me and provided support!”
“I see.”
Bing Hae-rin’s voice was calm. But she could not hide her anger.
“Why didn’t you leave some for my share to beat?”
“My apologies.”
She clicked her tongue and spoke to her disciples.
“Treat him well. He must not die before receiving the Northern Sea Ice Palace’s punishment.”
“Understood.”
.
.
.
The night had grown deep.
I sat before the campfire and watched Palgap stir the flames.
“Palgap.”
“Yes, Young Master?”
“Have you been learning a lot from Jin Yu Warrior lately?”
At my question, Palgap chuckled and replied.
“I’ve been receiving much praise recently.”
I already knew that. Jin Yu Warrior had complimented Palgap to me as well.
“Haven’t my skills in serving you improved considerably of late?”
“Hmm, is that so?”
Now that I thought about it, Palgap truly had become remarkably elusive.
Always present beside me yet seeming absent, and seeming absent yet always there.
I let out a soft chuckle.
Here he was, learning the techniques of none other than Sal Wang himself, yet taking joy in improving his service to me.
Palgap was truly Palgap.
I smiled warmly and withdrew a hidden blade from my robes.
This would be perfect for Palgap.
The Auction Master of Ghost Merchant Market had given it to me as compensation for maintaining secrecy.
“Take this.”
“What? A hidden blade, sir?”
“A gift. They say it conceals one’s murderous intent so that it never shows, no matter how much killing intent you channel through it.”
“Is that so?”
For Palgap, who could perfectly conceal his presence whenever he wished, this was an ideal weapon.
In fact, the moment I received it, I knew I had to give it to him.
“Use it well and wisely.”
“Thank you, Young Master. You truly are the greatest lord one could serve.”
“You’re only realizing that now?”
“I already knew. But this looks incredibly expensive.”
“It is. Very expensive.”
“Then why doesn’t Young Master use it yourself…?”
“Because that blade will shine far brighter in your hands.”
Besides, I already have two—one my elder brothers gave me and another from Grandfather.

A few days later, familiar buildings began to appear in the distance.
It was the Ice Palace Inn, the inn of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
As we drew near, the twin brothers who were the Shop Attendants came out to greet us.
“Welcome.”
“This is the Ice Palace Inn.”
They marveled at the provisions we had brought with us.
“Are those provisions?”
“Wow! That’s incredible.”
The brothers still got along well with each other.
At their words, I smiled broadly and nodded.
“Hearing that provisions were scarce, I rushed here with all speed. Now, I must ask you to look after the others.”
We needed to hurry into the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
Among our party, only I and Seo Hyang could enter the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
I was the owner of the Eun Moo-geom, and Seo Hyang was a woman.
The reason Elder Brother Jin-ho had been able to enter the Northern Sea Ice Palace before was that Young Palace Master Bing Haerin, caught up in my plans, had explained the situation to the Palace Master and received permission.
I couldn’t afford to break the rules too frequently, just in case something unexpected happened later.
“Travel safely. And convey my regards on my behalf.”
“Understood.”
Elder Brother Jin-ho saw me off with a reluctant expression.
Watching us, Young Palace Master Bing Haerin asked.
“What are you doing?”
“Pardon?”
“Isn’t Eun Jin-ho Sub-leader coming in?”
At those words, Elder Brother Jin-ho pointed to himself with his finger and asked.
“Can I enter as well?”
“Yes. Did I not tell you before? Eun Seo-ho Sub-leader is a benefactor of this palace, and his family members will be treated as benefactors as well.”
Ah, now that I think about it, the Palace Master did say that.
“Benefactors of the Northern Sea Ice Palace may enter and exit regardless of gender.”
Saying so, Young Palace Master Bing Haerin handed over a necklace.
“Wear this around your neck.”
“Thank you.”
Elder Brother Jin-ho quickly put the necklace around his neck.
He seemed absolutely delighted.
We entered through the Gate of Mist, and shortly after, we arrived before the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
Those white tiles were always so mysterious to behold.
When I had asked before if they were painted white, I was told that they were all ice, and the white appearance was due to frost settling upon them.
Tiles made of ice, no less….
Truly, this is the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
I immediately headed toward the Palace Master with Young Palace Master Bing Haerin.
“Palace Master.”
Before Young Palace Master Bing Haerin could explain in detail, the Palace Master’s voice came from within.
“Come in.”
“Yes.”
We entered and bowed respectfully to the Palace Master.
“Young Palace Master Bing Haerin, I have returned after completing my mission.”
“Small Merchant Eun Seo-ho, I pay my respects to the Palace Master of Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
In truth, I had wanted to introduce myself grandly as the Young Palace Master of Seolpung Palace, but my Elder Brother Jin-ho stood beside me.
It was still a secret from him.
“Small Merchant Eun Jin-ho, I pay my respects to the Palace Master of Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
Finally, I introduced Seo Hyang to them.
“She is my newly hired deputy officer.”
“It is an honor to meet you. I am Gwak Seo-hyang.”
“I see.”
The Palace Master of Northern Sea Ice Palace observed Seo Hyang for a moment, then nodded.
For some reason, her expression seemed to brighten slightly?
Young Palace Master Bing Haerin spoke.
“First, there is something I must report. We have captured those who attempted to harm this palace.”
At her words, the Palace Master’s eyes widened, and she rose from her seat.
“Is that truly so?”
“Yes.”
Young Palace Master Bing Haerin glanced at me and spoke.
“Small Merchant Guild Leader Eun Seo-ho provided considerable assistance.”
She explained the full account. Since Elder Brother Jin-ho was present, I had omitted everything related to the Ghost Marketplace as I had requested.
“…And that is how it came to pass.”
“How wonderful! I hardly know how to express my gratitude. I was already grateful for the provisions you brought, but to capture Hyung-su as well!”
I bowed respectfully and spoke.
“It was only my duty to do so.”
I continued.
“The provisions I brought this time consist of rice, wheat, and dried vegetables.”
Due to the harsh climate of Northern Sea Ice Palace, fresh vegetables were extremely scarce, yet vegetables on the dining table were essential for maintaining good health.
Therefore, they primarily relied on dried vegetables and other preserved greens.
What I had brought this time was mostly dried radish greens, given the season.
At my words, the Palace Master smiled and spoke.
“Thanks to you, this palace’s crisis has been resolved swiftly.”
She seemed pleased to such a degree, though I hesitated to say so.
I continued.
“However, I must humbly report that you are surely aware of how much the Empire has been struggling due to the recent poor harvests.”
“I am aware.”
“Under such circumstances, procuring large quantities of provisions and transporting them has proven quite difficult. We engaged the Green Forest Bandits in battle several times on the way here.”
At my words, Elder Brother Jin-ho nodded in agreement.
“And as you know, I am a merchant. Merchants move for profit.”
“So, it’s not free?”
“That would be correct.”
“My gratitude is rapidly cooling.”
“I cannot help that. Isn’t that simply how the world works? And while gratitude is a cherished sentiment, kind words alone do not fill one’s belly.”
The Palace Master laughed heartily at my words.
“Well said. Very good. I like it.”
She paused in thought before speaking.
“For your efforts this time, I shall add twenty-five thousand silver taels to the spirit medicines.”
“I am grateful. May the Northern Sea Ice Palace prosper eternally. Then I shall take my leave.”
“Please do.”
We withdrew from the Palace Master’s presence. As we stepped outside, I asked Seo Hyang.
“Did you record everything?”
“Yes.”
As expected of Seo Hyang.
Upon hearing this, Jin-ho wore a displeased expression.
“Seo-ho, isn’t this going a bit too far? This is where your sister-in-law’s mother and grandmother reside….”
“I know. That’s why I accepted less.”
“Huh? You accepted less?”
“Of course. If it weren’t for my sister-in-law’s family, I would have demanded two or three times as much. Why, do you think I couldn’t have?”
At my question, Jin-ho quickly backed down.
“Ah, no… Thank you.”
.
.
.
For dinner, warm rice porridge was served.
A gentle, special meal for the disciples who had gone hungry.
I too did not refuse and ate.
I could not eat something different when everyone else was eating porridge.
And as I walked outside my quarters for a moment.
Hmm? This aura is….
When I turned my head, I saw a white-haired beauty.
“I bow before the Palace Master.”
“What a coincidence to meet you here.”
She spoke as though it were mere chance, but the way she approached me directly suggested she had something to say.
“Have you dined?”
“I ate my fill for the first time in a long while. I offer my thanks once more.”
“There is no need to be so formal. As I mentioned, it was not free.”
“True enough.”
She continued speaking.
“First, congratulations on your achievement.”
As expected, the Palace Master had sensed my breakthrough. Of course—she stood at a realm so distant and elevated that she could hardly have missed it.
There was no way she wouldn’t have noticed.
Since I happened to be alone here, it seemed fitting to offer my respects anew.
I clasped my fist and bowed deeply.
“Allow me to pay my respects once more. I am Eun Seo-ho, Young Palace Master of Seolpung Palace, and I greet the Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, sovereign of the Frozen Extreme.”
The Palace Master smiled at my salutation and spoke.
“So at last, Seolpung Palace has established its Young Palace Master.”
“It is thanks to my Master’s resolve.”
The Palace Master shook her head at my words.
“You give that child far too much credit. That soft-hearted one could never have made such a decision. If a decision was made, it was not that child—it was the Young Palace Master who made it.”
Ah, she sees through everything.
I laughed sheepishly.
“Congratulations on becoming Young Palace Master.”
“Thank you.”
“There is a tradition—whenever Seolpung Palace formally establishes a Young Palace Master for successive generations, the Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace bestows a gift. Is there anything you desire?”
I shook my head at her question.
“Even if I were to wish for something, it might not serve my needs. If the wise Palace Master sees fit to provide for me, I shall accept with gratitude.”
The Palace Master let out a soft laugh at my response.
“You are certainly different from that child.”
By “that child,” she must be referring to my Master.
I enjoyed our conversation today. But tell me—will you not visit that place?”
“…?”
As I tilted my head in confusion, the Palace Master spoke.
“The place where those of Seolpung Palace are received.”
Ah!
As the newly appointed Young Palace Master, I should have visited that place without fail, yet I had forgotten.
“Thank you for reminding me.”

I immediately headed westward, for that was where the remains of those who had fallen in service to Seolpung Palace were enshrined.
Since I had visited before, finding my way there proved effortless.
Soon, a monument fashioned in the likeness of Seolpung Palace came into view.
I approached and offered a respectful bow.
“We meet again in this manner. I have come to inform you that I have become the Young Palace Master of Seolpung Palace.”
Then I continued with measured words.
“I cannot promise that I will lead well, for I am uncertain what leading well truly means. However, I can promise that I will strive with all my heart and effort.”
“….”
There was no response. And why would there be?
The dead do not speak.
But it mattered not.
For this was not a plea for an answer, but rather a declaration of my own resolve.
“I will attend to the welfare of the disciples. And I will ensure that none go hungry.”
Whoooosh.
A wind swept across the grounds, and strangely, it seemed to carry a different sound to my ears.
A sound that whispered: You have endured much hardship.
I let out a soft laugh.
And bowing once more, I spoke again.
“In any case, do not worry overmuch. A Young Palace Master has been formally appointed, after all. So… well.”
I exhaled deeply and finally voiced what I truly wished to say.
“Seolpung Palace has not been destroyed.”
That was the truth.
Seolpung Palace had not perished.
It still lived and moved, and our recent defense of the Northern Sea Ice Palace was proof of that vitality.
Yet a sudden doubt crept into my mind.
Had the Palace Master sought me out merely to congratulate me on my advancement in cultivation?
It seemed there was something more she wished to say….

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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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