NOVEL WEB Chapter 32
“Great Hero Wi. Then we shall meet next time.”
“Farewell.”
We saw off Myung So-in, who was leading the caravan far away.
He would occasionally look back at us while pulling the cart and then continue walking.
Is something bothering him? Even if you keep staring, I have no intention of tearing up the contract.
“This journey was quite busy.”
“Still, it’s fortunate that we resolved the situation without having to unsheathe a sword.”
Ha-jin looked at me with an admiring gaze. She originally had such an expression, but since I resolved the feud between Myung So-in and the Falling Moon Sect, that look seemed to have deepened twofold.
“Uh…just happened to get a good idea. Anyway, it would be better if Myung So-in were to meet us next time as a Lord.”
“Having received a favor, wouldn’t he naturally return it?”
This kid is still naive.
How many people in this world actually repay favors with such dedication? Unless it was out of grudge, of course.
Wait, this *is* the Martial Realm, isn’t it?
If you don’t repay a favor, someone will likely swing by with a sword asking why you didn’t repay the favor—it wouldn’t be strange at all.
“Still, Master’s words might have some truth to them. Since even an elder put their seal of approval on it, wouldn’t Myung So-in be faithful to fulfilling it?”
If what Hye-ryeong said is correct, and Myung So-in returns as a Lord to honor our contract, that would be advantageous for both parties.
It’s not such an easy thing to catch a good deal, and importing armor from the Western Regions isn’t so simple either.
If I were to deal with other merchants, the costs would be astronomical.
The value of armor here is not something to be taken lightly. They’re military-grade goods, which make them quite rare.
Misunderstandings could arise, and the most I can get here is akin to Gambeson-grade armor. Even so, the process of acquiring it would be pretty tedious.
Let’s stop overthinking this and head for some rest.
With a hefty money pouch tucked away in my inner robes, I inquired of Elder Baek.
“Elder. Do you know where the best inn in Muchang County is?”
Since we’ve been adequately paid, we might as well pick a good place.
Even though any lodging would be better than setting up an old tent in the wilderness, I’d rather not live miserably even in the Central Plains.
“Hmm. Surely, the best place in Muchang County is the Hong Family Inn.”
“Auntie! Let’s go to Hong Family Inn!”
“What kind of place is this?”
Hye-ryeong, haven’t you learned that I can’t respond to you when you address me like that? Hye-ryeong then began explaining about the Hong Family Inn.
“The Hong Family Inn is one of the prominent inns in the northern part of Guangdong Province! It’s also famous because the owner is a retired Martial Realm person! It’s considered a must-visit for travelers coming to Muchang County!”
“And how do you know that?”
“Ta-da!”
Hye-ryeong pulled out a book from somewhere, perhaps her bosom. On the cover was written ‘Journey Through the Central Plains.’
Is this some kind of travel guide? There’s something for everything in this era.
Of course, this isn’t the medieval China I know; this is the Central Plains where martial arts exist, so it’s not surprising that such things exist.
“A retired martial artist… Doesn’t that seem dangerous?”
Well, you know, isn’t that too ominous a clue? Going in there feels like an invitation for trouble.
I have no idea whether they’ve formally retired from martial affairs, but it’s not exactly a place I feel like visiting.
Perhaps sensing my discomfort, Hye-ryeong opened her book and tried to persuade me.
“It’s also famous for its cuisine, ranked among the best in Guangdong!”
“That’s right. I’ve had the opportunity to taste their food once before, and it lingered in my thoughts for a few days.”
Famous…cuisine?
So delicious that it stays on your mind for days?
“…One meal wouldn’t hurt.”
“Ho ho, then let’s head to the Hong Family Inn. The host is an acquaintance, so we’ll be treated well.”
With Senior Baek’s support, I didn’t feel like rejecting the idea. If I argue, it’ll make me look like the bad guy.
If trouble ensues, the innkeeper will handle it.
Thus, I left with my party for the Hong Family Inn in hopeful spirits.
————————
“…”
“Hmm.”
The sigh from Senior Baek caught my attention. He was staring vacantly at the building. Following his line of sight, I noticed that the area above the entrance, which should have held a signboard, was empty.
There was only the faint outline where something had been attached.
Other than that, the shop looked neglected, as though it had been out of business for quite some time now.
“Uh, I’m sure the book wasn’t out for too long…”
Hye-ryeong looked distressed and frowned.
Clearly, she was disappointed not to experience the famed cuisine of Hong Family Inn.
Unfortunately, it went out of business, so we’d need to look elsewhere…
“Hmm, I wonder what happened…”
Even though he rarely visits, finding his friend’s shop in shambles must be baffling. I suggested to Senior Baek.
“If we’re to stay here for a day, why don’t we find another inn and then investigate the reason for the Hong Family Inn’s closure later?”
“…Alright.”
Senior Baek nodded with a bitter smile and led the way. We followed him, but in this town, which is on the road to HuBei, the situation was tricky.
Since it was overflowing with travelers and merchants, there were nearly no vacancies available in the inns.
The ones we found could barely offer a single room, forcing us to repeatedly walk out after brief inquiries.
“This is quite a predicament.”
“We’ll have to settle for one of the inns on the outskirts, regardless of its condition.”
“You’re right, Master…but…”
Hye-ryeong, why do you seem so hesitant?
I understood your concern, but…
“Hehe, I’m fine!”
It’s slightly overprotective. She’s a martial artist after all. Technically, she’s like the daughter of the Sect Leader, so I can understand the reasoning somewhat.
Seems like the elders of the Hainan Sword Sect also dote on her.
“Then, for the final option—”
“Senior Baek! It’s been such a long time!”
As we prepared to search for another inn, a unfamiliar voice reached our ears. I turned to see who it was.
“Ma-ryang! Why are you here dressed so shabbily?”
Do they know each other? That doesn’t seem like the relationship of friends; the age gap is too wide.
Is he a nephew, or perhaps a hidden child?
Curious, I observed as Ma-ryang, the young man with brown hair, noticed our group and nervously clasped his fists together.
“Sorry! I failed to introduce myself earlier! I’m Hong Ma-ryang, son of Hong Wu-kyeong, the owner of the Hong Family Inn!”
“I am Ha-jin, currently studying the sword at the Hainan Sword Sect.”
“I’m Hye-ryeong! Similarly, I study the sword at the Hainan Sword Sect!”
Then it was my turn, as the few of us weren’t a large group.
I slightly adjusted my wide-brimmed hat and spoke.
“William Marshall. You may call me Associate William.”
I should probably think of a proper local name.
Now that everyone refers to me as ‘Associate Something,’ perhaps I don’t need to bother with renaming myself.
While contemplating useless ideas, I glanced down at the disheveled man. He seemed to have no martial training.
“Colored-Eyed Person…oh, I apologize! I didn’t expect to encounter someone of your kind here…”
“It’s fine.”
It’s not like reactions like yours are rare. A number of people are startled by my appearance.
It’s good that I bought this hat and cover my face; though people my height might still notice me from afar, it does help from afar or from above.
“What on earth happened to the Hong Family Inn that you are dressed so casually, and why hide like this?”
“…We cannot speak of this here. Would you kindly follow me?”
The desperation in his voice caused Elder Baek to look at me.
It’s as if I have the final say.
Or rather, I’m the foreigner so they don’t want to involve me unnecessarily.
What to do with these overly kind people?
“Let’s go see once. How can one call oneself a hero if they pass by someone in distress?”
“Ho ho…”
Why does he look so moved by my casual response?
I just say things based on what sounds right.
“Uncle…”
“Don’t you start too.”
Ugh.
If the leader hadn’t drilled into my ears constantly not to ignore people in trouble, I probably would have ignored it.
Why can’t I let go of chivalry even here in the Central Plains?
Though I’m no longer a knight anymore.
Pushing that aside, I spoke.
“Mr. Hong. Could you show us the way?”
“Yes, yes!”
Contrasted to his earlier demeanor, his face was now clearly lighter as he enthusiastically nodded.
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