The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 555

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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 555

Chapter 555. The Test (3)

The next day.
I was preparing to depart from Cha-jang.
“You’re leaving now?”
Looking up, I saw it was Eun Jung-ho.
“Yes.”
“Sigh. How many days has it been since you declared yourself free, and now you’re leaving again?”
“I don’t want to go either. But what can I do? The Murim Alliance told me to go.”
At my words, Eun Jung-ho clicked his tongue.
“Being too exceptional has its drawbacks. No one will leave you alone.”
I laughed awkwardly.
How was I always managing to say exactly what I wanted?
“Don’t worry. I’ll stay out of trouble and return safely.”
At my words, Eun Jung-ho chuckled.
“I’ve decided not to believe your promises about avoiding trouble anymore.”
“Huh?”
“Trouble always follows you around. How could any human prevent that? That’s what we call an act of fate.”
His face bore a mischievous smile.
“And if those traveling with you fall into difficulties as a result, that too would be an act of fate, wouldn’t it?”
“Hehe. True enough.”
I immediately understood what Eun Jung-ho meant.
It seemed Eun Jung-ho had accumulated quite a bit of frustration with the Murim Alliance as well.
“Then go safely.”
“I will.”
Thus I departed from the Beijing Branch with only Palgap and three Guard Warriors.
As I left, I recalled the Emperor’s reply I had received through Jin-yeong Great Swordmaster the previous night.

[Remember that you are my subject.]

A single sentence.
To others, it would mean ‘You are mine, so do not think of escaping,’ a warning. But to me, it carried a different meaning.

‘You are my subject, so if you need anything to deal with the Murim Alliance, I shall provide support.’

I recalled that letter and let out a soft chuckle.
“Didn’t you say you didn’t want to go? So why are you suddenly grinning like that?”
“It’s nothing.”
As I gave a vague response, Palgap tilted his head in confusion.
“Don’t look at me like that. I’m perfectly fine.”
“Ah, yes.”
Soon we arrived at the Yulryeon Inn.
Martial artists who appeared to belong to the Murim Alliance were preparing to depart, gathering their belongings.
“Greetings, Great Heroes. Is Won Chief inside?”
At my question, they nodded.
“He’s inside.”
“Thank you for letting me know.”
Like leader, like subordinate—they too seemed insufferably arrogant.
The one who answered me looked quite young, yet his curt manner of speech suggested he held me in little regard.
Regardless of age, shouldn’t one show at least basic courtesy to someone they’re meeting for the first time?
In any case…
For what was supposedly an important mission, everyone looked far too young.
Why was that?
Carrying that question with me, I stepped inside.
“Ah! You’ve come?”
Won Eop Group Leader, still as terse as ever.
“I trust you had a peaceful night?”
“Of course. Haha. A most satisfactory night indeed.”
I glanced at the Shop Attendant who was watching this exchange.
He nodded with a satisfied expression.
So he’d extracted the information thoroughly, as expected.
“Are you departing now?”
“That’s the plan.”
I asked carefully.
“If I may ask, how many times have you and your group members undertaken long-distance missions like this?”
“Ah, this will be our third time.”
“…”
Only their third time… They were greenhorns.
In the merchant guilds and the Pyo Bureau, anyone with fewer than ten long-distance missions under their belt is considered inexperienced.
That’s because their ability to handle unexpected situations falls short.
I began to suspect that the League Master entrusting me with this task wasn’t merely a test, but also a request to clean up after these fools.
Sigh… After all, the Murim Alliance is still the Murim Alliance.
Normally, when a mission is assigned, appropriate compensation should follow.
But.

“This matter is necessary for the peace of the Murim, and it is an opportunity to elevate your name. I hope you will not refuse.”

Based on the letter’s contents, the League Master’s offer was peace within the Murim and prestige.
I am a merchant. Merchants are creatures driven by money.
That is precisely why I was displeased.
But what choice did I have? My own safety and that of the Eun Hae Trading Company hung in the balance, so I had no choice but to move forward.
Yet who am I?
I am Eun Seo-ho, the sort who picks up coins even while drowning in a swamp.
“Both I and the group members have sufficient experience with such matters. It is hardly a difficult task.”
“Of course. Then may I simply follow behind the Great Hero? The Small Merchant and his companions have never received orders directly from the League Master before, so we are uncertain how to proceed.”
“Do not worry. We shall protect you. Hahahaha!”
I cupped my fist in gratitude, then caught the corner of my mouth with my sleeve before it could rise any further.
Being forced to move at the League Master’s command was already irritating enough—there was no reason for us to bear unnecessary sacrifice.
So we decided to let them carry us along.
.
.
.
Clop, clop, clop.
The sound of hoofbeats rang out briskly.
I observed the figures of the group ahead of us.
Ten in total, including Group Leader Won Eop.
I heard the remaining half were with the Vice Squad Leader at the Murim Alliance.
They belonged to the Murim Alliance Dragon Fang Division Squad Six.
The fact that the League Master sent only half of the Martial Force Division Unit One Squad suggested he did not consider this mission particularly difficult.
But thanks to Seo Hyang’s counsel, I had come to understand otherwise.
This task was far from simple.
The League Master likely did not know that either.
Had he known, he would have sent the entire group or more.
But why was simply retrieving the Golden Buddha Statue a test directed at me?
I had received advice from Seo Hyang, but I was still uncertain.
I would simply respond calmly as circumstances demanded.

Thus, we traveled for several days, and today we would make camp for the night.
“We shall handle the campsite preparations and evening meal ourselves. We cannot impose upon the other Great Heroes.”
Camping was exhausting enough as it was, and I feared that staying at a prepared campsite would only accumulate more fatigue.
At my words, Won Chief readily agreed.
A fortunate turn of events.
We swiftly prepared the campsite and waited for Palgap to prepare dinner.
Watching them set up camp, I could not help but smile faintly.
As expected, their preparations were clumsy beyond measure.
Some areas had not even managed to kindle a fire yet.
Circumstances vary, but generally speaking, the most critical element of camping is starting a fire.
With fire, one can maintain body heat, drive away wild beasts, and prepare meals.
Thus, fire-starting should be both essential and fundamental to camping training.
“Should we not offer assistance?”
At Lee Pil Warrior’s question, I shook my head.
“If we step forward to help first, they will come to underestimate us.”
“Indeed, judging by their behavior thus far, that seems quite likely.”
“Yes. Normally, gratitude would be the natural response. However, these are not ordinary people.”
I continued.
“They are ignorant of the world’s ways. They have lived lives where being supported is their natural due.”
“I must say, they do appear that way.”
Through my time with them, I had come to understand their composition.
A squad composed of young scions from martial families favorable to the Murim Alliance.
They were likely being given relatively simple yet important missions to expand their standing.
Yeo Eung-am Warrior spoke.
“Yet they have somehow completed two long-distance missions.”
“Indeed, that is curious.”
Though they likely lodged only at inns.
“Therefore, we shall not move until they make a request of us.”
“Understood.”
Soon, the porridge Palgap had prepared was complete.
As we ate, someone approached.
“Ahem, ahem. Give me a bowl as well.”
It was Won Chief.
Hungry and watching us eat contentedly nearby, he could not restrain himself. My prediction had proven correct.
“Ah, my apologies. I prepared it precisely, so there is no extra.”
A flustered expression crossed his face.
“Would you perhaps accept what we are eating?”
“Bah, enough! Do you take me for a beggar?”
“Surely not. Besides, even a beggar could not afford this.”
At that, he grumbled.
“Isn’t this going too far? If you’re going to prepare meals, shouldn’t you have asked us first?”
“I did ask.”
“When?”
“I clearly told you earlier. I said we would handle the campsite preparations and dinner ourselves. And what did you say then? Didn’t you tell us to go ahead? If the Great Heroes wanted to join us for the meal, you should have asked at that time. Isn’t that right?”
Won Chief seemed at a loss for words.
Then, as if something had occurred to him, he spoke.
“Now that I think about it, this isn’t your first time camping out.”
“No, it isn’t.”
“Then why did you lie?”
“When did we lie?”
“You clearly said it was your first time….”
“I said it was my first time receiving the League Master’s orders, not that it was my first time camping out.”
“….”
Running out of arguments, he suddenly shouted.
“Fine! From now on, you handle everything yourselves! We won’t protect you!”
“So you’re saying we should act separately?”
I asked with a smile.
“Are you certain about that?”
“What do you mean?”
“The League Master clearly ordered us to move together.”
“Then we’ll travel together, but we won’t interfere in each other’s affairs!”
“I see. What about mutual assistance?”
“We’ll decline! We won’t offer help either!”
“Very well. If that’s what you wish, so be it.”
“Hmph!”
Unable to contain his frustration, he turned away.
Tsk, how petulant.
Won Chief began urging his group members along.
“Are you certain this is wise?”
Seo-woo Warrior’s expression was filled with concern.
He was likely worried about what they might do to us going forward.
“It’s fine.”
I smiled and sent a silent message to Lee Pil Warrior.
At my message, Lee Pil Warrior chuckled softly.
“I wasn’t pleased with them either.”
He quietly slipped into the forest and returned, placing a medicinal herb root before me.
Truly worthy of the Sichuan Tang Family.
To think he could procure the exact herb I needed so effortlessly.
– Geum-ryeong.
– Squeak!
– Would you put these herbs into their pot?
– Squeak!
Geum-ryeong immediately distributed the herbs evenly into their pot.
That creature moved with remarkable speed.
There was no way they would notice Geum-ryeong’s movements.
As I had anticipated, they began eating without realizing the herbs had been added to the pot.
“Oh! I made this myself, but it tastes incredible!”
“Mmm-mmm!”
“Ha! Delicious!”
They ate while repeatedly praising the taste, and Lee Pil Warrior and I watched them with expressions of anticipation.
Yes, enjoy your meal. Hehehehe.
Soon you’ll be crying out for mercy.
The herbs I had requested from Lee Pil Warrior possessed analgesic properties when consumed raw or applied to the skin.
However, when heated, they transformed into a poison.
Not the kind that would take their lives or cause permanent damage, merely the kind that would inflict severe abdominal pain.
Some might question whether deliberately inducing stomach pain in one’s own allies during a campout was the act of a sane person, but I assure you—I am perfectly sane.
With just myself and my companions present, our safety was more than assured.
Moreover, the antidote was remarkably simple.
They need only consume the same herbs raw.
A fascinating herb indeed.
When steeped in boiling water, it enhanced the flavor of food exquisitely, so they would enjoy themselves for a time.
After that would come hell.
I explained the situation to my companions through silent transmission, excluding Lee Pil Warrior.
– Am I being too villainous?
At my question, all my companions shook their heads.
– My heart feels quite relieved, actually.
– Kuh! Excellent!
My companions had accumulated quite a bit of resentment as well.
.
.
.
After finishing their meal, half an hour later.
“Ugh….”
“Uhhh… my belly, my belly….”
It had finally begun.
Won Eop Group Leader and all his men began clutching their stomachs and groaning in agony.
The cold sweat pouring from their bodies suggested they were experiencing truly excruciating pain.
Yet we merely watched them with expressions of sympathy.
Won Chief approached us.
“Why, why are you merely watching? Shouldn’t you summon a Physician at once?”
Tsk, tsk. You don’t even remember what you said just moments ago.
I maintained a sorrowful expression as I spoke.
“I would like to help, but given what you said earlier, I cannot act rashly.”
“What?”
“Surely you just said we should have no involvement with each other whatsoever, and that we should neither give nor receive aid?”
“…That, that is….”
“How could I possibly defy the Great Hero’s command?”
He spoke with great difficulty, his words faltering.
“B-but the situation is different now, isn’t it?”
“In what you said earlier, you made no mention that such a statement would be withdrawn should circumstances change. I dare not refuse the Great Hero’s order.”
“….”
I exhaled a long sigh.
“And truthfully, my companions and I have suffered great emotional wounds. Would we have acted this way if we wished to prepare meals for the Great Heroes?”
Of course, we acted this way precisely because we did not wish to prepare meals.
“Since you made that statement beforehand, we merely acted accordingly. Yet you press us so relentlessly over this matter… Sigh.”
After some deliberation, he finally offered me an apology.
He must be in considerable pain to do so.
“I, I am, s-sorry. I inadvertently misunderstood….”
“I accept your apology.”
My heart felt somewhat lighter, but there was still more to come.
“Please, help us out.”
“I shall take your pulse.”
I grasped Won Chief’s wrist and pretended to examine his meridians.
“Since our trading company primarily deals in medicinal herbs, I can make an educated guess. Based on your symptoms and circumstances, it appears you have ingested something harmful.”
“S-save me!”
I shook my head.
“You will be fine. Though you will suffer greatly and find movement difficult for now, your life is in no danger whatsoever.”
“Truly?”
“Yes. You will experience abdominal pain for approximately five days, but after that you will recover completely. Surely the Great Heroes of the Great Martial Alliance can endure that much?”
“F-five days?”
“Yes.”
“H-how am I supposed to endure that!”
He cried out in agony, and I responded with a sly smile.
“Of course, there is a method to counteract the poison.”

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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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