The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 517

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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 Eun Hae Trading Company Chapter 517

Chapter 517. Ice and Flame (5)

Only after my blade clashed with his did he seem to acknowledge my existence.
“What? Who is this bastard who looks like a parasitic elder brother?”
I nearly flared up at those words, but I maintained an outwardly calm demeanor.
I wasn’t the type to let my expression crack over something like this.
“I am the Lesser Palace Mistress of Seolpung Palace, guardian of the Northern Sea Ice Palace. And who might you be?”
“What gives you the right to ask who I am?”
“As I just mentioned, I am the Lesser Palace Mistress of Seolpung Palace, guardian of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
“So what? Are you perhaps the consort of Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master?”
“….”
I glanced at Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master, and she sighed before speaking.
“He’s the Young Palace Master of Chuyong Palace.”
“Ah….”
Now I understood why Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master, had cursed him.
I would have done the same.
To think someone could be this unhinged.
Thwack—!
Something flew through the air and struck the Young Palace Master of Chuyong Palace squarely on the head.
“Ugh!”
Wait? Was that… a shoe?
I turned to see where the shoe had come from.
Ah… the Palace Master of Chuyong Palace had thrown it.
“You little bastard! What kind of madness is this, showing such disrespect in this place! Have you lost your mind?”
“F-Father….”
“Apologize at once!”
“….”
But as he only furrowed his brow in response, the other shoe came flying and struck him on the head.
Smack!
“Ow!”
That must have hurt.
He rubbed his head where the shoe had struck and bit his lip.
Then, reluctantly, he apologized to us.
“I, Maeng Hyun, Young Palace Master of Chuyong Palace, apologize for the rudeness I have shown you all.”
“I accept your apology. I hope there will be no further discourtesy.”
Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master’s eyes remained cold and piercing.
His expression showed not a shred of hope.
He knew this apology was insincere, and he knew full well it would happen again later.
I too sheathed my sword and accepted his apology.
“Leave at once!”
“….”
At the Chuyong Palace Master’s command to leave, the Young Palace Master Maeng Hyun glared at me before departing the chamber.
The Palace Master sighed and apologized to us.
“My apologies. I fear I’ve been far too lenient in raising my son.”
“It seems worse than five years ago.”
“…Is that so?”
“Yes. At least back then he was mindful of his surroundings.”
“After he returned from the Northern Sea Ice Palace five years ago, he suddenly devoted himself to cultivation. I wondered why… but now I understand.”
The Palace Master continued with a bitter smile.
“Had I been younger, I would have fallen for her myself.”
“I appreciate the compliment, but I am the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace. Marriage is impossible.”
At her resolute words, the Chuyong Palace Master shook his head and spoke.
“I know. That’s why I warned my son. Whether this warning will stop him, I cannot say.”
Suddenly, I felt the need to obtain a definitive answer in this moment.
“I have one question for you, Palace Master.”
“What is it?”
“As the Young Palace Master of Seolpung Palace, the guardian of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, I have a duty to protect Young Palace Master Bing Haerin.”
“I understand.”
“Should the Young Palace Master of Chuyong Palace show disrespect again, must I simply endure it as a guest?”
“You need not do so.”
“I worry that if he were to be injured through a somewhat forceful response, it might affect this conference.”
“There is no need to worry on that account. I will not allow personal feelings to cloud my judgment in that matter.”
“Then there will be no punishment?”
“Only if my son initiates the disrespect first.”
“I understand. One called the Master of Fire would surely keep his word.”
“Of course.”
Good.
Now I could act properly should this man Maeng Hyun attempt further disrespect.
“You must be weary from your long journey. Rest now.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
.
.
.
Our party was guided to our quarters.
“You may use this space.”
The quarters provided were a large separate pavilion, which appeared to serve as a guest hall in its entirety.
And from the Disciple Attendant who guided us, I learned about this place.
“If you need anything, simply pull the bell cord.”
“Thank you for your thoughtful attention.”
“You’re too kind. I’m actually grateful to have something to do.”
“?”
He answered our unspoken question.
“I oversee the Guest Hall, but we rarely receive visitors at Chuyong Palace.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Then please have a restful evening.”
The Disciple Attendant bowed respectfully and left the pavilion.
Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master, then collapsed into a chair with a heavy sigh.
I sat before her and spoke.
“I think I understand now why you explained the Ice Flame Conference the way you did.”
“I’m grateful for your understanding. But that firm commitment I extracted from the Chuyong Palace Master—was it for my sake?”
“Yes.”
At my words, she laughed softly.
“So if he dares to be disrespectful again, you have my permission to act without restraint.”
“I’ll do exactly that.”
We rose from the Guest Reception Room in the center of the Separate Quarters and each retired to our chambers.
I decided to share a room with Palgap, while Seo Hyang would share one with Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master.
The others had been too cautious around Seo Hyang, and that made her uncomfortable.
Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master, seemed the better choice.
“Will you be retiring now?”
“Yes.”
“Let me prepare your bed for you.”
And so I lay down on the bed early.
Between the hectic pace of travel and what had happened earlier, I was exhausted.

* * *

The dead of night was so dark that the surroundings were barely visible.
A figure approached the Guest Hall where the Northern Sea Ice Palace disciples were staying—it was Maeng Hyun.
He was the Elder Son of the Chuyong Palace Master and the Lesser Palace Mistress.
Since Chuyong Palace allowed marriages freely, the position of Palace Master had been inherited through bloodline for generations.
‘Hah….’
He took a measured breath.
He was well aware that what he was about to do was dishonorable.
Yet there was a reason he moved toward the Guest Hall.
It was to take revenge on Eun Seo-ho, who had humiliated him before Bing Hae-rin today.
As befitted a man of Chuyong Palace, Maeng Hyun was remarkably persistent when it came to vengeance.
Someone who had followed him whispered in his ear.
“Hey, is this really the right way? Such a cowardly scheme! If the Palace Master finds out, we’re truly dead!”
“We’ll be beaten before we die. But I cannot back down like this. Not after suffering such humiliation before her!”
The follower let out a sigh at those words.
His name was Hae Hong.
He was the Elder Son of the Hae Clan, the guardian family of Chuyong Palace for generations.
He watched his old friend and future Palace Master Maeng Hyun and inwardly grumbled.
‘Damn it, don’t you realize this is even more embarrassing?’
He sighed and recalled events from five years ago.
When Maeng Hyun had visited the Northern Sea Ice Palace for the Ice Flame Conference back then, he had fallen for Bing Hae-rin on the spot.
Over the five years, Bing Hae-rin had matured, and her beauty stirred his heart.
Even Hae Hong had to admit she was truly beautiful and magnificent.
So he had challenged her to a marriage duel, but she had coldly refused.
Upon this, he proposed a marriage duel to Bing Hae-rin, but the Female Candidate coldly rejected it.

“I am the Young Palace Master of Northern Sea Ice Palace. Marriage is forbidden.”

He persisted relentlessly until he finally secured a marriage duel.
But the result was a crushing defeat.
A complete and utter defeat with no excuses to be made.
Yet Maeng Hyun did not give up; he returned to Chuyong Palace and spent every day since honing his martial skills in anticipation of this moment.
And so it came to pass that he stormed into his father’s office today.
When Hae Hong learned of Maeng Hyun’s actions today through the family servants, he let out a quiet sigh.
‘I know he’s always been reckless, but….’
Yet having come this far together, there was no turning back.
If he retreated now, Maeng Hyun would surely sulk.
‘When this bastard pouts, it becomes a headache. And how did Eun Seo-ho end up catching the eye of such a character….’
He felt sympathy for Eun Seo-ho, but there was nothing to be done about it.
“So what are you planning to do? You’re not actually going to harm him, are you?”
“It won’t come to that.”
Maeng Hyun continued, as if to assure him.
“I’ll place this dagger on Eun Seo-ho’s pillow. When he wakes up in the morning and sees it, he’ll be terrified.”
“So you’re planning to issue a warning not to interfere?”
“Exactly. Ideally, I’d like to beat him half to death, but he is a guest who came for the conference after all.”
In his own way, he was being restrained enough to avoid creating real problems.
‘Even that seems like it will cause enough trouble….’
Hae Hong sighed inwardly once more before asking.
“So you know which room Eun Seo-ho is staying in?”
“Of course.”
He was aware that the Guest Hall where Eun Seo-ho was staying was teeming with warriors from the Northern Sea Ice Palace, and that a Guard Warrior stood before his door.
So the method they had chosen was infiltration through the window.
Chuyong Palace had exceptionally large windows due to the climate.
They placed a ladder and climbed up, then drew back the curtain.
Instead of a solid door, the window was hung with a thin, loosely woven curtain to allow the wind to pass through freely.
That was when it happened.
“…!”
“…!”
Their bodies instantly went rigid.
It was the murderous intent that struck them the moment they drew back the curtain.
It was a murderous intent unlike anything they had ever felt before.
Followed by a biting cold that pierced deep into their bodies.
Their bodies trembled with a terror so intense that their blood vessels and organs seemed to freeze solid.
It was as if an ice blade were carving through their insides.
“Ugh, ugh, ugh….”
Creak.
The ladder toppled backward.
Thud!
Thrown to the ground like that, they had no choice but to flee in panic.

* * *

Ouch, their backsides must be aching.
I clicked my tongue as I watched Maeng Hyun and his group escape.
Then I called out to Geumryeong, who had been sitting on the window frame.
“Geumryeong. Come here.”
“Squeak?”
“You drove away those bothersome pests so efficiently—I’ll give you a silver coin.”
At my words, Geumryeong wagged her tail and scurried over to me, then rolled around on the bed clutching the silver coin I’d given her.
Just moments ago, I had sensed killing intent and awakened from sleep.
It was weak for what one might call killing intent, but the hostility directed at me was unmistakable.
So I focused my energy on my ears to listen to the sounds outside, and I could only sigh.
It was an awkward and tedious situation to intervene in.
Perhaps noticing my predicament, Geumryeong emerged from my sleeve and squeaked.
She was offering to drive them out herself.
So I told her to do as she pleased, and she dispatched them with such ease.
“I still don’t understand what Geumryeong finds so frightening about them.”
Palgap, already awake, said as much.
“Right?”
I chuckled and let it pass, but I knew the truth.
She was adorable to her master and his people, yet she was a spirit creature steeped in blood—capable of suppressing even that with her aura.
Those men would be fortunate if they didn’t wet themselves before dawn.
“Let’s get back to sleep.”
“Yes.”
I pulled the blanket back over myself, and Geumryeong rolled around on my belly, clutching her silver coin.
Could money really be that delightful?
Well, seeing Geumryeong so pleased made me happy too.
.
.
.
Dawn broke.
Rising from my bed, I conducted a brief cultivation session.
After washing and changing into fresh clothes, a Chuyong Palace Disciple Attendant who oversaw the Guest Hall arrived.
“I shall prepare breakfast for you.”
“Thank you.”
After eating breakfast and drinking tea, we reviewed the conference once more.
The conference was in two days.
Until then, our time was relatively free.
However, at the same time, that window of opportunity would also close for confirming whether Hyung-su was the one who brought calamity upon Seolpung Palace on behalf of Chuyong Palace.
I spoke to the Disciple Attendant overseeing the Guest Hall.
“I’ve heard much of Chuyong Palace’s reputation over the years. Visits here are exceedingly rare, so I would very much like to take this opportunity to see the historically significant buildings.”
“That matter lies beyond my authority. I shall consult with the Palace Master and return.”
While the Disciple Attendant went to seek permission, Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master, spoke to me.
“I must apologize for last night.”
“Pardon?”
“I saw through the window.”
Ah… so that’s what she meant.
I let out a quiet laugh.
“Think nothing of it. Though I must say, you seem to be walking about quite well despite what must be considerable soreness.”
At my words, she too let out a quiet laugh.
Meanwhile, Seo Hyang wore an easy smile, having apparently witnessed that exchange beforehand as well.
Soon the Disciple Attendant returned.
“Permission has been granted. However, it is only for the two of you, and you must follow the guidance of the Disciple Attendant who will accompany you.”
“Understood.”
I nodded, though inwardly puzzled.
Only for me and Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master?
Was there something the others shouldn’t see?
Or was it that the others couldn’t be trusted?
Though I myself have yet to fully trust this place either.

A moment later.
A Disciple Attendant arrived to guide us.
Bing Haerin, Young Palace Master and I began touring various parts of Chuyong Palace under the Disciple Attendant’s guidance.
Chuyong Palace was unlike the Northern Sea Ice Palace, and entirely different from other sects and families of the Central Plains.
The roofs were elongated overall, and the windows were quite large.
“The roofs are shaped that way because it rains heavily here. And the windows are large to allow good air circulation.”
“I see.”
It appeared that the first floor was typically used for other purposes, with most residents living on this level.
“There are many insects and snakes in this region, so the buildings were constructed with this structure in mind.”
“Though I imagine those of Chuyong Palace would not fear such creatures.”
“Of course not. But they are still troublesome regardless.”
“Ah, I understand.”
That was when it happened.
Growl?
Something large stirred beside the building. I blinked in surprise at the sight.
A, a tiger?
Why was a tiger here?
Unlike my alarm, the Disciple Attendant calmly bowed toward it.
“We pay respects to the Divine Beast Tiger.”
And then spoke to us in a hushed voice.
“Quickly, bow your heads. This is the guardian Divine Beast Tiger that protects our Chuyong Palace.”
Seeing Bing Haerin bow, I knew this was no jest.
I too hastily bowed before the creature.
Yet the tiger circled around me several times, examining me.
And then…
Flop.
It exposed its belly and sprawled out before me.
What, what is this?

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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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