episode_0082

We decided to look around a place called Dongleung and decide whether to build a top, a base, or even open a guest house.

In any case, Namgung-myeong also wanted his daughter to escape from the confines of Sega and see various landscapes, so the start was made quickly.

The party was broadly divided into three types.

The most important one is Namgung Hwaran, me who serves her, and the two wives.

If you find a product or building you like, you can buy it right away. The messengers hired by Hebei to transport silverware and expensive items.

It was quite a large group of 12 people from 2 groups of the Cheonpung Sword Squad, which the head of the family included in the party to protect her daughter.

In addition, Baek Geon was also added to the group at a separate request from Namgung Hwaran.

Because the protagonist grows through experience.

There was no part in the original about Namgung Hwaran going out or going out to escort her, but since it was the early part of the story when she was confined to a family and only trained, there shouldn’t be a problem.

“What kind of place is Dongleung?”

In the carriage heading to Dongneung, I was held in the arms of Namgung Hwaran and asked her a question.

After learning how to make ice cream, her skinship increased significantly.

Originally, there was frequent contact such as stroking the head, touching the cheek, or lightly hugging, but I tended to refrain when other people were watching.

But a few days ago, he seemed to have lost his psychological brakes, so he tried to hug me all the time.

Even now, there were rebels sitting across from the carriage, desperately pretending not to notice.

At first, I tried to refuse because of the stares from those around me, but every time I did that, my expression suddenly became depressed, so I had already given up halfway.

Namgung Hwaran, who was sitting on her lap and holding me, smiled.

“Dongreung (铜陵) is an area just south of Hebi. As the name of the place has copper (铜) in it, it is a place where a lot of copper is produced from mines in the nearby mountains.”

Although she had been outside the public a handful of times in her life, she seemed to be interested in the outside world and had researched it.

“And since the Yangtze River runs through the center of the region, it is said to be a strategic point for logistics where goods and people endlessly travel.”

“How does it compare to Hapbi?”

“That’s…”

As Namgung Hwaran hesitated, the explanation that continued like a clear stream stopped.

‘I think I asked a very difficult question to a young lady who hasn’t even been to Hefei Island.’

“Sojeo, may I explain that part?”

At that time, a man’s voice was heard from next to the carriage.

It was a familiar voice.

I took a quick look at the cloth covering the carriage window.

Namgungmu, the 2nd leader of Cheonpunggeomdae, who played the role of guard, was driving a horse next to the carriage.

“Sorry for eavesdropping.”

“……No. It’s not even a carriage that makes a loud sound. Namgoongmu Sohyeop, please explain.”

He bowed his head from his horse and spoke with an honest expression.

“Dongreung is located a little more than a day away by carriage from Namgung House. Although it is close by, the atmosphere is very different from Hefei due to its location along the Yangtze River.”

“What’s the mood?”

“Yes, Hapbi is where the influence of the Namgung family is directly exerted. So there is order in the city, and people coming in and out from outside are also careful about their behavior.”

“Isn’t that the case in Dongling?”

“Of course, Namgung’s influence is present in Dongleung, but since it is a place with so much traffic, it is difficult to expect order as good as Hebi. If an attempt is made to force control, the impact will be felt from the nearby Wu Lake and Ma’an Mountain to the greater Jiangsu Province downstream.”

“I see…”

“So, the area near the Yangtze River appears to be similar to Hefei in development, but there are a variety of human groups. When you arrive at Dongling, please do not separate from Tianfeng Sword for your safety.”

It seems that Namgungmu gave an explanation for the safety of Namgung Hwaran.

“I understand.”

Namgung Hwaran also nodded because he understood what he meant.

I looked at Baek Geon, who was slightly visible through the window.

Each member of the Cheonpung Sword Team was driving a horse, and Baek Geon, who did not know how to ride a horse yet, was riding behind the youngest member.

‘Okay, just suffer a little bit.’

I feel a bit sorry for thinking this way while in the arms of a fragrant woman, but what can I do?

It would be good to get used to this early on.

As expected, the trip to Dongneung took a little over a day, as Namgungmu said.

Unlike when we came from Hwangsan to Hebi, there was no attack by bandits.

I thought that the Namgung family’s warriors, who were riding horses, seemed so strong that they did not dare to attack them.

At that time, it was a simple procession for small and medium-sized countries, and now it is the official procession of the Namgung family.

“Move to the guest room!”

“Yes!”

When we finally arrived at Dongneung, we followed Namgungmu’s instructions and headed to the guesthouse we had rented in advance.

“That is the Yangtze River…”

I turned my attention to Namgung Hwaran’s admiration.

At the end of the main street, I saw a blue river flowing by.

Loaded ships were sailing on the wide river.

Even as a modern person, it was an amazing sight to see.

I suggested it to Namgung Hwaran.

“Shall we unpack our bags and go see the river?”

“Yes! Let’s go!”

After putting all our heavy luggage in the guest room, we went out to the street.

Half of the Cheonpung Sword Team remained in the guesthouse to guard the luggage.

Baek Geon was lucky enough to join us to see Dongling.

Certainly, the appearance of Dongling was a little different from Hefei.

First of all, the clothing of the people seen on the streets was not uniform but unique.

Because of my luggage, I had to rent an entire guesthouse, even though I came to the outskirts of Dongleung.

However, most of them had a rough-looking atmosphere, perhaps because they were sailors.

“There’s a baserunner over there.”

Namgoongmu pointed to a building standing by the river.

It was a wooden building that showed traces of time.

“In that place, you can have a meal while looking at the river. What do you want to do, Sozer?”

“Good!”

Namgung Hwaran nodded willingly.

It was meal time soon anyway, so I had to find a place to eat.

If I couldn’t find a suitable restaurant, I was going to go back to the guest house and eat, but I ended up finding the perfect place.

As I approached the base, a plaque with my name on it caught my eye.

Baekhwaru (白花樓).

“Is the owner here?”

It was surprisingly quiet inside.

All there was was a few grim-looking customers sipping alcohol.

“Yes, I’m leaving!”

An answer came from the kitchen as if they didn’t have a separate Jumsoi.

As I stood waiting at the entrance for a while, the owner appeared.

He was a tall man with impressive bushy hair and beard.

His forearms were as thick as logs and had scratches here and there.

Namgoongmu, who had not expected such a person to come out as the owner, looked embarrassed.

“The owner is… right?”

“That’s right. I am the owner of this Baekhwaru.”

The owner answered in a hoarse voice.

“……I want to eat, but can you also take orders?”

Namgoongmu glanced at another table.

Except for our group, all the other guests had bottles of alcohol on the table.

The owner said with a big smile.

“Of course! Now, please take a seat.”

We went upstairs.

“Wow…!”

Namgung Hwaran ran to the window, leaned on the railing, and admired the scenery.

“Do not lean on the railing as it is dangerous.”

He stopped her gently.

She obediently retreated and sat down at the table next to the window.

I too was held by her hand and had no choice but to sit at the same table.

The other people took their seats separately.

We left the ordering of the meal to Namgoongmu and quietly enjoyed the scenery.

While observing the surface of the Yangtze River, which sparkles by reflecting light, I felt eyes on me.

When I turned my head, Namgung Hwaran was looking at me.

White hair blowing in the wind from the river caught my eye.

As I was staring blankly at that figure, she said.

“Thank you.”

“Yes? What…?”

“All. If it weren’t for you, I would still be withering away in my room, looking out the window.”

Namgung Hwaran slightly turned his head and looked at the river.

“Even though it’s the same window, I get such different impressions. I finally found out about this. Is it because I like the place and the people I’m with?”

“Haha…”

“Are you going to continue to be by my side in the future?”

Her deep, dark eyes were waiting for my answer.

Of course, the answer was predetermined.

“Of course.”

Her eyes widened beautifully after hearing the satisfactory answer.

After spending some time like that, food started to arrive from downstairs.

“This is the porridge (包子), Dongpoyuk (東坡肉), and Miseon (米線) that you ordered.”

Dumplings with round tops, pork with a delicious shine, and noodles were served.

I was a little worried because the owner’s appearance was so impressive, but the food turned out delicious.

Slurp~

As the warm soup entered my stomach, my body, which had been slightly stiff due to exhaustion, seemed to relax comfortably.

The dish seemed to suit Namgung Hwaran’s tastes as well, as she had a gentle smile on her face.

Looking around at the other group members, some of them seemed to be enjoying light drinks as well.

Although I’m not a drinker, I was intrigued when I heard that it was the drink of the martial arts world.

‘I’ll have to drink it secretly later too.’

A few alcoholic beverages that can be said to be the most famous in martial arts came to mind.

Bamboo Leaf Blueberry, Shaoxing Wine, Yeoahhong, Geumjoncheong, etc…

While the meal was going on in such a good atmosphere, Namgoongmu suddenly knocked over his chair and stood up.

Drurrruk!

Clink!

“It is acid poison!”

Everyone stopped moving along with the noise of a glass breaking.

“……”

Namgoongmu winked at the Cheongpunggeomdan members with a drop of cold sweat rolling down his face.

“Let’s all improve our skills!”

“Huh…! It’s true!”

“Damn… When…?”

“It’s food! Everyone stop your hands! Don’t eat any more food!”

Namgoongmu’s expression became serious.

“What on earth is this…! Cheonpunggeomdae protects Namgunghwaran Sojeo! Everyone attack!”

Chae Jaejaeng!

The inside of the base running, which had been filled with a warm atmosphere just a moment ago, was filled with a cool vibe.

The members of the Cheonpung Sword Team watched the surroundings with sharp eyes.

They walked slowly and formed a formation to protect Namgung Hwaran.

I held Namgung Hwaran’s hand, who was frozen in shock at the sudden situation.

at that time.

“Hehehe… You’re quicker than I thought. If all went according to plan, I was going to start with a full stomach with Sanggong poison…”

The owner with a gravelly voice appeared from downstairs.

Behind him, there was a line of grim-looking customers sipping drinks on the first floor.