The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 568

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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 568

Chapter 568. A Grand Opportunity (3)

I turned to Father and asked.
“Is there a particular location you would prefer, Father?”
“Wasn’t the right to choose yours? Then you should select it yourself.”
“I fear that if I choose poorly, I might bring shame upon the Trading Company.”
“So you’re trying to shift the responsibility onto me.”
Instead of answering, I laughed awkwardly.
“And you would choose poorly? Everyone here would have a good laugh at that.”
“Ahem.”
I cleared my throat and turned away, catching sight of Bok Yun Sub-leader stifling a smile.
This was rather embarrassing.
“Understood. Then I shall select the location myself.”
I approached the scroll hanging on the wall.
The scroll was a map of the Commercial District for this Martial Arts Grand Conference.
If there was a jewel of the Commercial District, it would surely be this place.
I raised my hand and pointed with my index finger at one location.
“I shall take this place.”
It was a spacious area where multiple roads converged.
In other words, a location with heavy foot traffic.
At my choice, the others nodded knowingly.
The expression of someone who had expected exactly this.
However, I had not chosen that location merely because it was a prime spot.
There were several other prime locations besides that one.
“That place is….”
Just as I anticipated, the Commercial District Official’s expression grew troubled.
“What is the matter?”
“I am truly sorry, but would you not consider choosing another location? That spot is already occupied.”
“What do you mean? The League Master clearly told me I would have the first opportunity to select any location in the Commercial District. Yet you say that spot is already taken? I do not understand what you are saying!”
At my protest, the Official sighed and spoke.
“That location has been claimed by the Baekcheon Trading Company.”
Indeed.
I had chosen that location precisely because I already knew the Baekcheon Trading Company would select it.
In my previous life, the Baekcheon Trading Company had chosen this very spot.
Though the current leader of the Baekcheon Trading Company is the younger brother of Namgung Kang Former Leader, he is being manipulated from behind the scenes, so there should be no difference from my previous life.
I made my displeasure plainly evident as I continued speaking.
“I’m not unaware of what the Baekcheon Trading Company is, but the League Master promised me something, and yet this happens without my knowledge. Has the League Master broken his word? Or does the Baekcheon Trading Company stand above the League Master?”
At my question, the Commercial District Official and everyone who came with him exchanged uncomfortable glances, each trying to read the others’ expressions.
There was no way to answer either way.
If the League Master had broken his promise, it would tarnish his honor. If the Baekcheon Trading Company stood above him, it would diminish his prestige.
I looked around the area.
While other merchants whispered quietly among themselves, the Baekcheon Trading Company’s leader was nowhere to be seen.
Well, it made sense—they had backing since the company was founded with capital from the Murim Alliance’s senior figures.
I turned my gaze back to the Commercial District Official.
He sat lost in troubled contemplation.
Understandably so.
If he gave the Baekcheon Trading Company’s assigned location to me, he could only imagine the criticism he’d face later.
Now then, should I finally achieve the purpose I had in mind when I deliberately chose the location the Baekcheon Trading Company had selected?
From the start, my goal wasn’t actually to seize the spot the Baekcheon Trading Company had chosen.
It wouldn’t be impossible for me to take this location now, but there was no real need to.
I could use this situation to gain something far more valuable.
And this time, there was also a reason why I shouldn’t choose that particular location.
“Very well then. I’ll select a different location.”
At my words, the Commercial District Official brightened visibly.
“I would be truly grateful if you would do so.”
“However, I must receive compensation for this.”
“Pardon?”
“I’m accepting a loss and yielding the location to the Baekcheon Trading Company. Asking for compensation in return—am I making an unreasonable demand?”
The Commercial District Official sighed at my words.
“That’s not unreasonable. So what compensation do you seek?”
“Please allow the Eun Hae Trading Company to operate two temporary shops in the Commercial District.”
By principle, when the Murim Alliance holds events like the Martial Arts Grand Conference, each merchant guild can operate only one temporary shop in the Commercial District.
One could technically circumvent this by temporarily separating family members to pose as a different guild, but the competition was so fierce that such loopholes made participation impossible.
Since the stall fees were substantial, one had to operate properly to make any profit.
“And please waive the stall fee for one of the locations.”
The Commercial District Official considered my proposal for a moment, then nodded.
“Agreed. However, the other location will be selected fairly through a lottery.”
Perfect!
I inwardly cheered and responded.
“Yes, I understand.”
Then I selected another prime location, slightly removed from my initial choice.
Shortly after, my father drew a wooden token and received a location near the entrance of the Commercial District, somewhat distant from my first selection.
That location was also quite favorable, so it was a thoroughly satisfying outcome.
.
.
.
The next day.
We made our way to the Commercial District at dawn and erected our tent in the space assigned to us.
Watching the staff and managers prepare, I approached Father and spoke quietly.
“Father. There is something I wish to discuss with you.”
“Speak freely.”
“I believe our Merchant Guild should establish a branch in Luoyang.”
“Does our guild not already have a branch in Luoyang?”
“Father?”
Surely he understood my words carried a different meaning.
Father cleared his throat as if to acknowledge his jest.
“Ahem, yes, well—what scale are you envisioning?”
“Considering Luoyang’s size and strategic position, should it not be at least half the scale of our Beijing Branch?”
“Given our guild’s current standing, branch expansion is certainly feasible. The real challenge, however, is securing the land.”
This was the same obstacle we had faced in Beijing.
“I shall search for suitable property.”
“Do so. Once the Martial Arts Grand Conference concludes, I shall return to the Main Headquarters and discuss this matter with the other leaders.”
“Understood.”
With that, our tent was fully erected, and the staff began displaying our merchandise.
Father and I commenced our duties.
“We have become neighbors in this venture. Let us conduct ourselves well throughout the Martial Arts Grand Conference.”
“I am equally grateful for the opportunity.”
This meant exchanging greetings with the Merchant Guild Leaders and Chief Managers who had opened temporary shops nearby.
Such courtesies ensured we could offer mutual assistance when needed.
Since we had opened two temporary shops this time, there were considerably more introductions to make.
“By the way, Seo-ho.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Was opening two temporary shops your deliberate intention?”
I answered with a broad smile.
“It was a spontaneous decision.”
Though not entirely unplanned, of course.
“Since we have completed our introductions, I shall take a walk around the Commercial District.”
“Very well.”
With Father’s permission, I began surveying the Commercial District.
The wares sold by each merchant guild were remarkably diverse.
Some sold food, others peddled ornaments for women, and still others offered tailoring services.
Of course, given that this was the Martial Arts Grand Conference, a significant portion of the stalls dealt in weapons and medicinal salves essential to martial artists.
“Eun Small Merchant Leader.”
“Ah, Bok Sub-leader.”
During my walk, I encountered Bok Yun Sub-leader of the Gwangjun Trading Company.
They were preparing to sell several horses, saddles, stirrups, and other equipment.
Since this merchant guild primarily dealt in horses, the saddles and stirrups they crafted and sold were renowned for their comfort and durability.
“Have you finished all preparations for opening the Temporary Shop?”
“Yes. That’s why I was looking around the area.”
“May I join you?”
“Of course.”
After joining forces with Bok Yun Sub-leader, we hadn’t walked far before encountering Sa Cheol Prince of the Hongyeon Merchant Guild.
The Hongyeon Merchant Guild was a merchant guild that primarily dealt in weapons.
For them, this Martial Arts Grand Conference would be one of the best business opportunities.
“I see you’ve brought many high-quality weapons this time.”
At my words, Sa Cheol Prince nodded quietly.
Then a young man who had been watching us hurried over and greeted us.
“It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Sa Cheol, the second son of the Hongyeon Merchant Guild Leader.”
“I’m Eun Seo-ho, Small Merchant Guild Leader of the Eunhae Trading Company.”
“I’m Bok Yun, Small Merchant Guild Leader of the Gwangjun Trading Company.”
“My older brother isn’t very talkative, but he’s a good person.”
“That’s fine. I already know him well.”
At my words, he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly and spoke.
“Ah, now that I think about it, you two must have met at the Hundred Great Merchant Guild Meeting. But seeing you walking together like this, it seems your pressing matters are finished.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“So we were looking around the Commercial District.”
“How fortunate! Please include my older brother as well.”
And he pushed his older brother forward. Seeing Sa Cheol Prince yield so readily to the push suggested he was willing as well.
“Understood.”
“Older brother.”
He whispered to him.
“Please talk more and build relationships. These are all remarkable people, after all.”
Bok Yun Sub-leader wouldn’t have heard it, but I could.
The ears of those trained in martial arts are keen.
The younger brother certainly takes good care of his older brother.
Thus, Sa Cheol Prince also joined our group.
“Your younger brother is quite lively.”
“Yes.”
“Do you perhaps have another younger sibling?”
“Yes.”
“What is his name?”
“Geom.”
Combining the three children’s names in order… Steel Sword?
Well, there must be some meaning behind such a naming choice.
Judging by today’s display, Sa Cheol Prince, the second son, seemed to possess more qualities of a merchant guild leader.
However, Sa Cheol Prince became a Small Merchant Guild Leader not merely because he was the eldest son.
I had witnessed his deeds in my previous life, after all.
While he lacked interpersonal finesse, he possessed an unwavering determination and steadfast resolve—never compromising on quality, always pushing forward.
He could have easily varied his product quality based on the buyer to pocket greater profits, yet he never did.
That was why Hongyeon Merchant Guild’s reputation climbed ever higher.
People spoke with one voice: if you wanted weapons, you had to buy from Hongyeon Merchant Guild.
Procuring a weapon from Hongyeon Merchant Guild for a martial artist making their debut was considered the finest gift one could give.
Another remarkable thing was that Sa Cheol Prince never coveted his elder brother’s position.
That too speaks to his character.
As I continued surveying the Commercial District, hunger began to gnaw at us.
“Our stomachs are rumbling—shall we have a bowl of noodles?”
At my suggestion, they nodded in agreement.
Strange though—I haven’t spotted the others around.
I heard Han Baek-geon Sub-Master, Dam Jin Sub-Master, and Ho Gyeong Prince were all here in the district.
Setting aside my disappointment, I led them into a noodle restaurant within the Commercial District.
“Welcome!”
“Meat noodles for everyone, please!”
“Yes! Please wait a moment.”
Soon the meat noodles were placed on the table, and we began eating.
The taste was quite good, actually.
Watching the Guard Warriors beside us slurp down their bowls with single-minded focus, I realized the flavor wasn’t just to my liking.
“How do you find the noodles?”
The man addressing us was someone I’d seen before—during the Commercial District site selection.
He’d been standing uncertainly in a corner, so Father and I had approached him first, greeted him, and offered some advice.
So this must be where that man runs his business.
“Yes. They’re quite delicious.”
“I was grateful for your help back then.”
“Think nothing of it. Don’t merchants help one another? That’s how we survive.”
“But isn’t Eun Hae Trading Company a major merchant guild?”
We ranked quite high among the Top Hundred Merchant Guilds, so yes, we were major.
But that wasn’t what mattered.
“Whether small or large, a merchant is a merchant. And were the great guilds always great from the beginning?”
Just then, a woman carrying noodles with a sword at her hip caught my eye.
“Who is that person?”
“Ah, that’s my daughter.”
The father was a merchant who hadn’t trained in martial arts, yet his daughter was already a first-rate martial artist… how unusual.
“My daughter, though lacking, has some talent and is studying under a Martial Hall. This time, with the Martial Arts Grand Conference coming, she asked permission to attend and broaden her horizons.”
He continued with some embarrassment.
“With no mother and only one daughter, I was worried and couldn’t make a decision. Then the School Master of the Martial Hall came to me and suggested she help me run a shop here in the Commercial District.”
“I see.”
“So she’s been helping me here. It’s not tournament season right now, after all.”
“Your daughter possesses remarkable character.”
“Thank you.”
My keen interest in her at this moment stems from the characters inscribed upon her blade.
Ahjang—峨張.
A name meaning to bestow generously upon the world.
And that very sword would one day belong to a Female Swordmaster whose name echoed across the martial realm.
So this Martial Arts Grand Conference marks the beginning of her tragic destiny.
Her father, who once conducted business in the Commercial District, lost the fortune he had earned, and in his desperate struggle to recover it, he fell victim to a Thief’s blade.
Thus the Daughter embarked upon a path of vengeance to find that Thief, a pursuit that would consume far more time than she could have imagined.
Both the father and his Daughter—they seemed like genuinely good people.
Such trials seemed undeserving of such souls.
I posed a question to him.
“It appears you exerted considerable effort to enter this Commercial District….”
“You perceive things with uncanny insight.”
He laughed with an awkward smile.
He must have borrowed money from the School Master to establish his business.
That debt likely drove him to desperation in his search for the lost funds.
“Might I offer you one more piece of counsel?”

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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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