Chapter Index

    When Geomseong and Sayun left and evening came, a guest came to the guesthouse.

    The old man who entered the guesthouse with a triumphant look on his face, unlike before, was none other than Branch Manager Hao Mun Yang Wi-seong, Hano.

    He sat down and made a bold request.

    “Madam! Bring all the dishes here!”

    “…Who is the mastermind?”

    It was nearing the end of the evening business, and Yohwan was eating with me and Chaejin.

    I smiled and stopped Yohwan, who was openly frowning at Hano, and welcomed Hano.

    “You should have just said goodbye.”

    “Good news always comes suddenly.”

    It’s good news.

    Well, after defeating Sima’s army, he must have received a lot of things from Wang Hui.

    I pointed to the box in his hand, and Hano grinned and held out the box.

    “Wang Hui is not a person without any concepts. but. Because I almost lost everything, but I survived. No matter how much Safa guys swallow if it’s sweet and spit it out if it’s bitter, they still lose their reputation if they do it in this situation.”

    “Oh. Are you talking as if Hano is not Sapa?”

    “The side that handles information is a bit different. Trust is the most important thing.”

    He laughed and responded to Chaejin’s words and tapped the box.

    Are you asking me to open it?

    I immediately opened the box and tilted my head as I looked at the things inside.

    There are quite a few items.

    “First of all…”

    There were as many as four elixirs called Cheongsahwan.

    It is one of the elixirs that increases endurance when taken, and was one of the elixirs that could be obtained when completing an event hosted by the Four Black Lotus.

    Although it boasts the same level of effectiveness no matter what martial art you learn, Cheongsahwan had its drawbacks.

    Originally, this type of elixir becomes less effective the more times it is taken.

    This is especially severe with Cheongsahwan, so once you take it, the effect drops significantly from the next time you take it.

    Therefore, it was known as one of the representative elixirs with a limit on the number of times it can be taken in the Heavenly Moon.

    “Actually, it seems like I wanted to give you something better. There is no elixir in Black Lotus.”

    Hano was very embarrassed. Well, in a force as large as the Black Lotus, the lack of elixirs is something that can’t help but be embarrassing.

    But I have to understand.

    Not long ago, the Black Lotus was cut in half, and we had to prepare coriander to prepare for it, so we would inevitably be short of elixirs.

    “And next…”

    And what was inside was a slip.

    It’s quite generous, so I guess I can give it to the mayor.

    What followed next were a few amulets and a few precious things that could be used as materials.

    As I was examining them, I picked up a medicine case and admired it.

    “Oh. This is.”

    “It is a tonic called Cheonjakbun, which is widely used as a stamina supplement. If you eat it, your stamina will increase.”

    It is a medicine often used in Cheonsangmyeongwol.

    Unlike the elixir that improves internal strength, this is a tonic that increases stamina. In some ways, this is probably what I need most. Of course, there is a limit to the number of doses taken, but it is not as small as an elixir.

    After checking it, I took out the last item.

    There were two small clothes boxes.

    “Huh? What is this?”

    Chaejin stretched out his hand, opened the box, and immediately closed it.

    Looking at her bright red face, I knew what clothes she was wearing.

    It must be the black lotus women’s uniform.

    “Why are you sending this to the political faction?!”

    I put the box she gave me aside and picked up the box underneath.

    What was inside was a black long gun with black and red colors in harmony.

    This was a black lotus conquest for men.

    Hano grinned at me as I looked around at the long sleeves, which, unlike those for women, had a more dignified taste.

    “Wang Hwi must have wanted to interact in this way.”

    What a useless thing.

    Anyway, I guess I’ll have to distribute it soon…

    I looked at Chaejin and asked.

    “Chae Sojeo, what do you want?”

    “I don’t really want anything.”

    “Still, since you worked hard, shouldn’t you take one?”

    “Then I’ll take this.”

    What she took out of the box was a small piece of bone. It is a material used to make amulets for those who practice Dun from the bones of a monster called Manu (慢牛).

    It could be said to be a perfect reward for Chaejin, who has been studying Dune for a while.

    “I’m done. My position within the Black Lotus has also improved, so I should be satisfied with that. If you really want to do something, please prepare some alcohol for the medicinal dish. It’s been a while since I ate my fill.”

    “In that case… Yohwan. Can I ask you a favor?”

    “Okay.”

    Yohwan goes inside. While watching it, I tapped the box and said,

    “Anyway, I will distribute this well.”

    Although it was a bit late, I went to visit the local governor. He, who was working late, chose a slip among the rewards that Wang Hui had sent him in return for this work.

    Money had been tight lately, so it was a relief to see him happy that things were going well.

    After giving the voucher to the mayor and returning to the room, I saw what was left in the box.

    A few ingredients needed to make amulets or equipment, and four pieces of Cheongsa-hwan.

    I looked at it and nodded.

    After all, it would be better to give one of the Cheongsa pills to Chae-ryeon and the rest to Hong Seong-moon.

    Hand over the materials to Moonwoljeong.

    And what remained was the conquest of men and women by Cheonjakbun and Saheukryeon.

    Even if I were to eat a thousand pieces…

    What do you do with these clothes?

    In particular, Black Lotus’s women’s uniform is…

    The top is open in the back and has a hole in the chest. Included with it were garter belt-shaped stockings and short pants that made me wonder if they were underwear or pants. And even ankle-length high heels.

    Ugh.

    Sure, it looks cool, but it’s a bit…

    After all, it would be better to keep it sealed.

    I folded the Four Black Lotus liveries neatly, put them in a box, and shoved them in the corner of the room.

    Still, Wang Hwi took care of many things for me.

    I was going to make a fuss if they threw something strange at me, but I’m glad I didn’t have to.

    I tapped the remaining green tea pills and closed my eyes.

    I’m planning to meet the Sword Saint tomorrow, so I can give it to you then.

    By the way, Sayun probably didn’t take the Cheongsa pill, right?

    The next day, while I was going about my daily life as usual, I felt some pressure coming from the backyard.

    When I went out there, I saw a woman with dark blue hair wearing a shabby top, Hongryeon, who appeared to be out on patrol, and Yuhee, all staring at me.

    “No, if you come, just call me.”

    “Is there any need to make other people uncomfortable?”

    Although she is just a beautiful woman on the outside, Geomseong is a superhuman who can put pressure on those around her just by her presence.

    That’s why there were Jeomso and servants who were intimidated by her, so Geomseong used his inner strength to call me.

    I put on my clothes and went out.

    “Huh? Where are you going?”

    “I have a quick word to talk with Geomseong.”

    “Ah… Shall I go with you?”

    When Chae-jin, who followed behind, smiled and said, Geom-seong shook his head.

    “I’m sorry, but I have something else I want to talk about. Moonlight too. I know you are Yu Gaekjanju’s escort, but I ask for your understanding.”

    “Ugh… Yes.”

    Chaejin could not refuse Geomseong’s polite request.

    She nodded slightly and stepped back, and Geomseong said the same thing to Hongryeon and Yuhee.

    The two of them looked at me and Geomseong alternately with concern, and when they both nodded, she spoke to me.

    “Now. Let’s go.”

    “Yes. Of course.”

    So I walked the streets of Seomhwachon with Geomseong.

    How long did you walk? When we arrived at the market, Geomseong asked calmly.

    “The market wasn’t like this in the past. Do you know?”

    “Yes. Well, that’s right.”

    Compared to the beginning, the market has developed considerably. Goods increased and people increased.

    Now that I think about it, the number of people in Seomhwachon has increased considerably. Originally, the number of people in a village would increase as farmland or facilities increased.

    Since the county government did not receive excessive taxes, it was not strange for the village to expand by accepting wanderers and refugees.

    “Oh my! Guest owner!”

    As I was walking through the market, a vegetable shop owner called me with a smile.

    Is it because this is a place I often stop by when buying vegetables? He smiled and handed me a few fist-sized apples in a bamboo basket.

    “Apples are very delicious! Eat as you go!”

    “Thank you.”

    “What?! Aren’t you the guest?! What brings you to the market at this hour? Take some of this with you while you’re here!”

    “I will eat well.”

    “Oh! Guest lord! Don’t need any fabric? There are a lot of good fabrics these days! And use this as a handkerchief!”

    “Haha. Thank you.”

    “Guest guest! Thank you for your consultation last time! Thanks to this, production has increased!”

    “Nothing much. If you have anything to ask, please come visit us at any time.”

    A craftsman from a small workshop in the market smiled, waved, and handed me a small trinket.

    Last time, he said he had a problem while working, so we had a drink together, listened to his story, and helped him, and he seemed quite satisfied.

    As I walked through the market, I didn’t really come to buy anything, but I got a lot of different things.

    Before I knew it, I had a basket in one hand, and it was full of things the people in the market had given me.

    Apples, pears, sweets, meat. A book worth reading at the beginning of the year or when you’re bored. Even things like brushes and ink.

    There are many different types.

    Geomseong stared at what was in the basket and then laughed.

    “You are loved by the village people.”

    “Not really.”

    “Do you also do a lot of things like counseling?”

    “People often soothe their worries with alcohol. Since I run a guest house, I often meet such people and listen to their stories.”

    “Even so, isn’t the fact that you can voice your concerns proof that the guest owner is trusted?”

    “Thank you for your kind comments.”

    What on earth are you asking and trying to confirm by praising me like this? I looked at the swordsman and snapped my fingers.

    “Now that I think about it, there is something sent from Saheukryeon as a reward for the last battle.”

    “Is that so?”

    After explaining what I had received, I told them the distribution plan.

    “And I would like to give the Cheongsamwan to Hong Seong-moon. Since I received four pills, it would be better to give one pill to Munwoljeong and take three pills from Hongseongmun Gate.”

    “…Who is the guest?”

    “Ah. I also took something with me. I received the tonic called Cheonjakbun and the conquest of the Black Lotus.”

    There doesn’t seem to be much use for the Black Lotus Conquest, but you should still take the tonic.

    “Health medicine and clothes… aren’t they the least valuable?”

    “The value of an item is determined differently depending on the person.”

    “Are you planning on going to Sapa?”

    “That’s not true. However, most of the people who helped us with this project are from the same faction, so we can’t give them clothes from the same faction. It’s me… I don’t care.”

    “Can I have an elixir? You also learned martial arts”

    “How many times will I have to fight? Just enough to protect yourself. Instead, eat a thousand crops and your stamina will increase. Wouldn’t it be better when working?”

    “From what you say, it seems like you have quite a bit of martial arts skills.”

    I shrugged my shoulders as she smiled slightly.

    “You only learn to the necessary level. Aren’t you leaving everything like the battle to me like last time? ah. That’s right.”

    Great. Better say it now.

    “I remembered it while I was talking about the battle, and Nodoin, who gave me the royal assistant, told me one thing. They say there might be a strong monster coming out around here. It is said that Sanbeom may appear, so I hope Hongseongmun will pay attention.”

    Geomsung stared at me, and I shrugged my shoulders.

    “I can’t catch it, and although the tail is a precious material, it’s something I don’t need. Also, Naedan will probably be used better by Hongseongmun than by me. Also, scales and bones are used a lot, so they will be helpful to Hongseongmun.”

    Geomseong closed his eyes for a moment at my words.

    “The inner layer of evil monsters such as mountain lions is not pure and is weak and toxic, so it must be divided, neutralized, and weakened. Otherwise, if you take it alone, there is a high possibility that your body will explode. So, we must divide them into elixirs.”

    I know this too.

    That’s why you should consult a pharmacist before taking medicine, and that’s why Naedan was treated as an ingredient in Cheonsangmyeongwol and not as an elixir.

    That’s why it’s not the monster’s inner altar, but Gongcheong Oil, Doll Seolsam, Yin and Yang. In addition, elixirs containing natural energy, such as herbs that have been growing for a long time, were much more popular.

    That’s because you could just eat it without having to make it into an elixir. The effect is better when taken.

    “If I catch Sanbeom… I think I can use that inner dan to make at least ten elixirs that are better than Cheongsahwan.”

    “Huh? Is that so?”

    “That’s right. There is a secret passed down to Hongseongmun. Fortunately, I know it because it was passed down in book form. However, it would be difficult to level up with the Summoning Team, Small Cheongdan, or Plum Blossom Team. In the first place, that kind of thing is not made for something like Naedan.”

    I know.

    Such a precious elixir was made not from a monster’s secret potion, but from the essence of nature collected over a very long period of time through the secret techniques of each sect, and that was why it was so ridiculously rare.

    No, more than that.

    At least ten elixirs that are better than Cheongsahwan??

    The elixir can be copied?!

    Even in the bright moon of heaven, if you make an elixir using a special combination formula including the inner dan of monsters like mountain tigers and other medicinal ingredients, you’ll be lucky enough to get about seven, so I thought it would be that much.

    After all, Hongseongmun is a prestigious family name…

    …Tsk. Well, Hong Seong-moon burned down before Sayun learned such things, so there was nothing he could do.

    “I can give it to you. All if you want.”

    I smiled and shook my head at Sword Saint’s suggestion.

    “It is right that what is needed should go where it is needed. There won’t be enough to use for Hong Seong-moon’s disciples right now, so there’s no need to give it to me.”

    And if I really need it, I can get it through an event later.

    There is an event that must be done when entering the next scenario.

    If you go through that, you will get the elixir.

    So, if you catch Sanbeom and make an elixir, it is right for Hongseongmun to do it and for Sayun to take it.

    Give the elixir made by collecting nature’s energy later.

    “And you haven’t even caught the mountain criminal yet. If you catch it, how about we talk about it?”

    Geomseong opened his eyes and stared at me for a long time before shaking his head.

    “You.”

    “Yes.”

    “He always thinks about many things and tries to act rationally.”

    The Sword Saint’s gaze became much warmer.

    And one step. She approaches.

    “Always try to choose the right thing.”

    “Uh…”

    Another step.

    “I don’t hesitate to give.”

    “That…”

    And one more step.

    “Give up your own greed and always try to make concessions.”

    “…Yes?”

    It’s not really like that, is it?

    I am taking care of my desires and doing what I want to do.

    Because supporting Sayun is what I and we wanted to do the most.

    After thinking for a moment, she took another step toward me.

    Before I knew it, the distance that had seemed so far away had become considerably closer.

    “Now that I think about it, didn’t you say there was something you wanted to check?”

    “Hehe. exactly. But… I don’t think there’s any need to check. Because I knew you were as good a person as everyone saw.”

    Geomsung finally took one step closer to me.

    Now she was so close that I could say she was right in front of me, and the faint scent of plum blossoms rising from her started to tickle my nose.

    She smiled very brightly at me.

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