The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 728

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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 728

Chapter 728. Hyerim Sect (5)

Mak Chung Pyo-du, who had personally inspected the Secret Vault, wore quite a serious expression.
“Hmm… Now that I’ve seen that place, I understand why you requested top-tier security.”
“I would greatly appreciate your assistance in any case.”
At my words, he spoke firmly.
“This decision is beyond my authority. It seems the Lord himself must come here.”
“I agree that would be best.”
He immediately dispatched a letter with one of the Escort Warriors who had accompanied us.
In the meantime, I drafted a contract with Im Seok-hwa.
The contract outlined monthly wages and work conditions, and we agreed that once she arrived at the Hubei Province Headquarters, she would be given time to visit Hyerim Sect without fail.
The reason was that she needed to learn the martial arts of Hyerim Sect.
For Seo Hyang’s safety, it was a beneficial arrangement, so I readily accepted that condition.
Thus, the matter of Seo Hyang’s maidservant was resolved, but one problem remained.
That was the matter of Seo Hyang’s protection.
I myself traveled with six Guard Warriors.
Going forward, Seo Hyang would be my wife, not a deputy officer, so she would need to move about independently at times.
In that case, guards would be essential for her safety.
I would need to consult with Go Il-pyeong on this matter.
At that moment, Im Seok-je spoke.
“While you wait, would you like to look around this area? The scenery is quite beautiful.”
Since Mak Chung Pyo-du and the Escort Warriors were still here, it seemed I could spare about half an hour.
“That sounds good.”
I asked Seo Hyang.
“Would you like to come along?”
“Yes.”
Thus, under Im Seok-je’s guidance, we began to explore the surroundings.
“As Father mentioned earlier in the Secret Vault, our Hyerim Sect’s martial arts are based on the forest, so we must have forests nearby. That is partly why we established ourselves here.”
He continued.
“Moreover, there is a valley with considerable depth nearby, so obtaining water for daily use is quite convenient.”
Before long, we reached the valley.
If we went a bit further from here, we would arrive at the place where I had met Im Seok-hwa.
A waterfall about three times the height of a man came into view, along with the Dragon Pool beneath it.
“That Dragon Pool appears to have considerable depth.”
“It is deeper than a man’s height. That is why there was once an incident here where someone nearly drowned while playing in the water.”
“My! That must have been quite a close call.”
“After that, I haven’t set foot there again.”
“But is it possible to swim in this water? I thought I heard it was used for daily living water?”
“Ah, yes. Of course. We draw our drinking water from a bit further upstream.”
I see, so that’s how it is.
As I arrived here, I recalled seeing open grounds suitable for training and caves scattered about in various places.
“Lord Im. Would it be possible to lodge at the Hyerim Sect?”
“Pardon?”
“My Guard Warriors need a quiet place to train.”
“I’ll have to discuss it with Father, but he’ll surely grant permission readily.”
“My lord. Are you perhaps referring to us?”
I nodded at Lee Pil Warrior’s question.
“Yes.”
“We’re fine as we are.”
“No. For proper training, one must eliminate distracting thoughts as much as possible, and that will be difficult while at the Eun Hae Trading Company. Don’t you lack a quiet space for contemplation?”
“….”
“So train here until my wedding.”

Shortly after.
The Lord of Changin Escort Agency arrived, and we discussed security for this place.
“Have you heard the saying that ten Imperial Guards cannot stop a single thief?”
“What are you trying to say?”
The lord spoke decisively.
“If word spreads about the Secret Vault, it will be difficult to protect it no matter how many people we assign to security.”
That’s true.
I was already worried about that, and the lord shares the same concern.
At those words, the Hyerim Sect Master also let out a deep sigh.
“Sigh, even obtaining treasure becomes a problem.”
“The best course would be to keep the opening of the Secret Vault secret, but the issue is that we must repay the debt.”
We can’t simply ignore the debt now that we have the means to pay it.
Moreover, if we suddenly live comfortably after living in poverty, that too will raise suspicion.
I presented an alternative that had just occurred to me.
“What about this?”
“Hmm?”
“The Eun Hae Trading Company pays the Hyerim Sect’s debt in exchange for receiving the land and buildings here.”
The Hyerim Sect Master’s eyes wavered slightly.
Ah, the Sect Master really has no appetite for this.
“Of course, outwardly speaking. That way, people won’t think the Hyerim Sect has suddenly come into great wealth.”
However, the Lord of Changin Escort Agency expressed concern.
“It’s a good idea, but it falls short. Isn’t the Small Guild Master famous for never taking losses? Anyone would see this as a loss for both the Eun Hae Trading Company and the Small Guild Master.”
At this, the Hyerim Sect Master offered an additional opinion.
“Moreover, wouldn’t it suffice to say that my daughter has agreed to become a maidservant to the Small Guild Master’s lady?”
“Pardon?”
I quickly provided clarification.
“In fact, the reason I became involved in this matter is precisely because of that. I had proposed to Im Seok-hwa that she become my lady’s maidservant.”
“I see.”
The Hye Rim Moon Master appeared to have made a decision, speaking with a different expression than before.
“Then let us proceed this way. The Small Guild Master saved my daughter from nearly losing her life to the Red Bean House, and in gratitude for this kindness, I have donated this land and building, and sent my daughter as a maidservant.”
“And you’re saying that while I initially declined, the Hye Rim Moon Master insisted, so instead of accepting this land and building, I agreed to repay that debt?”
“Precisely.”
“Truly befitting of the Sect Master. That works well.”
In the end, it amounts to the same thing, but how one frames a matter determines how it is received.
“Then, in addition to that, should the Red Bean House ever target this place again, I could say that I personally commissioned the Changin Escort Agency to protect it.”
“Indeed.”
“How fortunate this timing is.”
“…?”
I smiled as I spoke.
“In truth, I intend to station three of my Guard Warriors here. They are at a stage requiring intensive training, and with the wedding approaching, the main headquarters of the Eun Hae Trading Company has become too chaotic to focus on cultivation.”
“If that is the case, this arrangement gains even greater credibility.”
“Exactly.”
Having established our course of action, we discussed the matter of expenses.
Following our agreement, the expenses would not be substantial, so we decided on a sum between the second and third tier of payment.
Thus, the monthly cost was set at seven silver taels.
“Then I shall send Construction Merchants to repair the damaged buildings. And I will also send servants and maidservants to handle miscellaneous tasks.”
“Thank you.”
“Not at all. After all, it is now my land and building, is it not?”
“….”
“Officially speaking, that is.”
.
.
.
Thus we concluded our business at the Hyerim Sect and returned to the Eun Hae Trading Company Headquarters.
And I immediately proceeded to Mother’s Quarters.
“Mother, I have arrived.”
“Come in.”
Mother smiled upon seeing Im Seok-hwa beside me.
“You have brought Im Seok-hwa with you.”
“Yes. And I have come to ask you, as there is education she must receive as a maidservant.”
“Truly my son, and with such capable judgment.”
Having praised me thus, Mother turned her gaze to Im Seok-hwa.
“Im Seok-hwa, daughter of the Hye Rim Moon Master, greets the Master’s Wife.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Min Sun, the wife of the Merchant Guild Leader of Eun Hae Trading Company.”
Mother continued with a gentle smile.
“My maidservant will teach you what duties you must perform as a maidservant.”
“I will do my best to learn.”
“Rest well today, and we’ll begin tomorrow morning. Come back here after breakfast tomorrow.”
“Yes, I understand.”
We returned to my separate pavilion.
I had the others rest in the pavilion and took only Yeo Eung-am Warrior with me to see Father.
The matter of Seo Hyang’s Guard Warrior was something to discuss with Go Il-pyeong, but I needed to inform Father first.
Shortly after, I entered Father’s office.
“Sit down.”
“It’s fine. It won’t take that long.”
“I said sit. How else am I supposed to rest?”
“Ah….”
I quickly settled into a chair and spoke.
“I wasn’t being considerate.”
Father smiled and brewed tea for me, which I drank.
It truly was delicious.
“So, what were you doing that you didn’t come home last night?”
“Ah, I was at Hyerim Sect because of the matter of finding a maidservant for Seo Hyang.”
“At Hyerim Sect?”
Father tilted his head and asked.
“I heard that Red Bean House has been targeting that place. Was everything alright?”
“I paid them off on their behalf and sent them away.”
“Is that so? Well, you always handle these things well. You’re not one to make a losing deal.”
“Yes, Father. Don’t worry. Hyerim Sect now only needs to recover.”
Father, who had been thinking for a moment at my words, asked.
“Could it be… the Secret Vault?”
“Eh? You knew about it?”
“It’s in the records passed down through the House Master I mentioned before.”
“That place really does have all sorts of records.”
“They’re records passed down over a long period. But to think the Secret Vault actually existed!”
“It was truly extraordinary.”
“Did you go inside yourself?”
“Yes. I helped open it.”
I briefly explained to Father about last night’s events and the Secret Vault.
“So that’s how it happened.”
“Yes.”
“Once Hyerim Sect starts repaying debts, ruffians will swarm like bees. I’m worried.”
“Ah, that’s why I have a request for you, Father.”
I informed Father of the matters I had discussed with the Hyerim Sect Master and the Lord of Changin Escort Agency.
“…That is how we have decided to handle the situation.”
“I see. If that is the case, there should be no troublesome complications.”
Father continued speaking.
“However, we must still ensure that the Red Bean House is dealt with decisively.”
“Of course. Please do not worry.”
“Very well then. I shall entrust that matter entirely to you.”
“And there is one more matter I must discuss with you, Father.”
“What is it?”
“It concerns the Guard Warrior for Seo Hyang—that is, my lady’s protection.”
“Yes, the Third Son’s new bride will certainly need a guard.”
“So I intend to visit Go External Chief Manager today.”
“Very well. See to it.”

Leaving Father’s quarters, I made my way directly to the Eun Pung-dae.
“Ah! Seriously! Officer Go! What is this report? Did I not tell you that reports should not be written this way? This is already the second time! If you do this again, I will have you brought to the Guild Leader’s office and make you rewrite it there!”
“This is such a bother. Just write it roughly and it should be fine.”
“Then should I write Officer Go’s performance evaluation roughly as well? Should I also write Officer Go’s salary statement roughly?”
“Uh… That, that would be difficult.”
“This report is reflected in your performance evaluation and salary statement, so you must write it properly. I am doing this because I am concerned about Officer Go, not for my own benefit, am I not?”
“Ah, fine! I will rewrite it.”
The Eun Pung-dae Warriors watching this commotion chuckled and spoke.
“That is why you should write it correctly from the start.”
“Listen well to what our Frost Claw Pine Lion says.”
It meant a lion-dog with frozen claws.
The lion-dog known as a pine lion is extremely fierce.
With deep loyalty, it will charge even at animals larger than itself to protect its master.
Above all, its bite force is formidable, and once it bites, it rarely lets go.
It seems this relentless, tenacious nature is likely the reason for such an epithet.
At that moment, he saw me and came running with a delighted expression.
“Small Guild Master!”
Now a proper young man, he is Gwak Hyung-jin, the son of my Master.
“Good to see you. How have you been?”
“Very well, sir.”
“And your younger brother?”
“Jun-ha is also doing well.”
“Good. I am glad everyone is faring well. Is the External Chief Manager in his office?”
“Yes. I shall show you the way.”

I headed toward the External Chief Manager’s office.
It had been quite some time since I’d been here.
“External Chief Manager! The Third Sub-unit Leader has arrived.”
At Gwak Hyung-jin’s announcement, the door opened and Go Il-pyeong stepped out.
“My goodness! What brings you here?”
“It’s been a while since we last spoke.”
“Not at all. I know you’ve been busy.”
I smiled as I spoke.
“Actually, I’ve come to consult with you regarding a Guard Warrior for my lady.”
“I see.”
He turned to Gwak Hyung-jin with a question.
“Hyung-jin, how many Guard Warriors are assigned to the Small Guild Master’s lady?”
“Yes, sir. The Merchant Guild provides one Guard Warrior.”
“Then please come back at an appropriate time and choose one.”
“May I choose now?”
“There’s no objection, but did you come alone without the Young Lady?”
“Ah, yes.”
Go External Chief Manager spoke to me.
“As you know, a Guard Warrior is someone you entrust your life to. I understand the Young Lady trusts you as the Third Sub-unit Leader, but wouldn’t it be better for her to choose the one to whom she’ll entrust her own life?”
“Ah….”
I nodded in acknowledgment, bowing my head slightly.
“Thank you for the counsel. Then I shall return with Seo Hyang.”
Go External Chief Manager was right.
I had tried to choose a Guard Warrior on behalf of Seo Hyang, worried it might be burdensome for her, but upon reflection, this was something she needed to do herself.
I immediately headed to my separate pavilion.
Yet Seo Hyang was already prepared for the outing and waiting.
“Did you know I would come to fetch you?”
“Yes.”
“Then let us go at once.”
I headed with Seo Hyang toward where the Eun Pung-dae was stationed, and we concealed ourselves behind a tree to observe the Eun Pung-dae members.
Then Seo Hyang pointed to one warrior.
“Could I see that female warrior more clearly?”
“Pardon? A female warrior?”
I couldn’t help but be bewildered. Where she was pointing, there were only male warriors.

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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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