454 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.454 The Second Test - 8 Sam An Geom Jo Cheol. At the age of forty, he reached the pinnacle of his martial prowess as a wandering warrior. By forty-two, he had earned the reputation of a master as a rogue warrior. How could a vagabond who lived day-to-day selling his skills with a sword rise to such a level? Those around Jo Cheol often praised him over drinks, but Sam An Geom's thoughts were different. ‘I cannot surpass the wall.’ He had learned various martial arts and grew stronger through real-world combat. He knew how to swing his sword to decapitate an opponent and where to step to ensure his survival. Yet, that was his limit. His martial arts lacked foundation, as they say. Even the old man who assessed his skills probably never imagined he would reach this far. Although he barely earned the title of a master, breaking through to reach higher was out of the question. Jo Cheol realized this painfully. ‘I was the one who should've died at the gambling house.’ As financial trouble beset the gambling den, they organized a life-or-death competition to regain power. It was there that Jo Cheol’s old comrade perished. It wasn’t even a glorious fight. He was a disposable piece used against an opponent he could never defeat. The reason for such use was simple. Because he was a vagabond. Jo Cheol, in his early forties, still had potential for growth, but his comrade, in his fifties, had been stagnant for over a decade. Jo Cheol fought over countless exchanges, barely escaping with his life, and the power shift was solidified, leading to the downfall of the gambling house. That day, Sam An Geom Jo Cheol had an epiphany. He could foresee his path for next ten years. With the gambling den gone, he would seek refuge in a suitable place. ‘And after ten years?’ What will become of him, trapped beyond an insurmountable wall? Jo Cheol gazed at the cold corpse of his once-comrade. ‘I should just quit everything and start a business.’ His advantage was his quick grasp of reality. A vagabond who doesn’t learn quickly becomes a cold corpse the next day. He didn’t want to die. He would start a business. Live a second life. This was why Jo Cheol fled with the trinkets from the ruined gambling house and a voucher from Mankeum Finance. “Mr. Jo Dae-hyeob. The disposal of the trinkets is all done.” Though not enough to change his life completely, money to start a second life lay in front of Jo Cheol. “How much should I pay in fees?” Checking the money, he asked the Korean introduced by his village brother. “Fees? No! You’re the hometown brother of our leader! I’d be struck by heavenly punishment!” “Didn’t you work tirelessly to dispose of them in time?” Everything was disposed of within two days. It couldn’t have been easy. “There’s no one who hasn’t been graced by Leader Kang’s kindness at the Korean association. What could this small effort possibly be?” “Is my brother really that significant?” A brother he barely remembered turning out to be a renowned figure with connections in Wuhan was bewildering. “For our association members, when in trouble, he stands up for them without hesitation. We even toast to his health and well-being when we gather.” “I think I've seen him a few times.” “He provided us with a new home. Please, buy him something good with this money. That is for his and the Korean association’s wellbeing.” With seemingly no desire for reward, the Korean pushed all the money on the table toward Sam An Geom. “I’ve found the right brother back home.” The more he thought about it, the more remarkable his brother seemed. Jo Cheol thought of Kang Yoon Ho. He left the poor slash-and-burn village unwilling to starve there, and now, unknowingly, his younger brother was treading in his footsteps. It wasn't a wasted life. Sam An Geom felt pleased, as if his brother was affirming him. “A new home…” Sam An Geom reminisced about the now-gone village ravaged by famine and plague. A place he never wanted to return to in his youth, it had become a lost home. With age, thinking back, it was a place full of foolish people who acted as if others’ troubles were their own, a place filled with human warmth. A home he could never return to. Before he knew it, he had become a displaced person. But it didn’t matter. His brother was building that village, the village of their youth, in Wuhan. A gentle smile spread across Sam An Geom Jo Cheol’s face. “By the way, there seems to be great fortune headed the Korean association’s way.” “Great fortune?” “Haven’t you heard? You, being the leader’s hometown brother, surely must know?” “What are you talking about?” Jo Cheol looked at the Korean with a puzzled expression. His brother’s important matter? Thinking it would be good to know, Jo Cheol pressed for an answer, and what came from the Korean was completely unexpected news. “Our leader is soon to become the grandson-in-law of Mankeum’s owner.” “…What?” ** "By now, Sam An Geom must have heard the news about me." To get the money back and avoid getting stabbed in the lavatory, groundwork is necessary. I spoke while waiting in the inn Sam An Geom coveted, along with Jegal Sojeo. "Are you sure it’s going to be okay?" "He will come within the promised time regardless of what he thinks. Sam An Geom has no other path left but me now." It’s not without reason that I burned the boats to prevent escape. It’s not without reason I mentioned that if the deal falls through today, I would transfer the inn to Jeon Gil San. Whether out of curiosity about me or matters regarding the contract, Sam An Geom absolutely had to come here today. "I worry about Mr. Gang Gongja." Jegal Sojeo looked at me with concern in her eyes. "While Sam An Geom might be perplexed, it's not news that would make him draw his sword recklessly. After all, it’s news about the marriage of the younger brother he so highly respects. Thanks to him, isn’t this escape ordeal likely to end well? There’s a high chance of that misconception." I didn’t cultivate the image of a younger brother who greatly venerates Sam An Geom for nothing. Nowhere in the news I deliberately leaked does it imply that I’m after Sam An Geom’s money. It’s purely a familial connection, nothing else. While the news might evoke a slight sense of urgency, it's far more likely to encourage him to leverage his connections. "Still..." "There's really no need to worry too much... huh? Jegal Sojeo?" Jegal Sojeo, looking down, clutched my sleeve. She then glanced at the ground in embarrassment, her lips trembling as she spoke. "If the situation arises, I-I'll p-protect you." "Hahaha. I’ll be counting on you if it comes to that." Of course, I’ll ensure it doesn’t get to that point. I laughed, tilting my head back at Jegal Sojeo’s reassuring words, just as a familiar pigeon flew into the inn. "Coo! Coo!" "It says Jo Cheol set off right away. Thanks, Goo Goo." "Leader, should we prepare?" Man Sik, who had provocatively stirred Jo Cheol, asked me. "It seems he’s eager to resolve things quickly. Yes, let’s proceed." It was time to wrap things up. ———— What is all this? Explain yourself. I have no intention of confronting an agitated Sam An Geom outright. Man Sik was standing at the inn's entrance, holding up three fingers. Three. Two. One. "Brother! I’m right now—!" "What were you thinking, coming here without any plan?!" As soon as the door opened, I shouted loudly. "Brother?" Paying no heed to Jo Cheol's surprised voice, I looked toward the others. "Sam An Geom Dae-hyeob. Please wait a moment. The leader is quite busy today." “Oh... Brother! You’re here early.” I approached Jo Cheol with a belated, wry smile. “I have something to say... No, why are there so many Koreans here?” Sam An Geom, realizing my outburst wasn't directed at him but the many gathered Koreans, asked me with a surprised expression. “Just handling some matters before you arrived, Brother. I only called those in urgent need of help amongst our compatriots, but there are quite a few. Ah! This is Miss Jegal Hang from whom I spoke previously.” I had no intention of giving him any leverage over me, so I introduced Jegal Sojeo naturally. “N-Nice to meet you.” “Ah, the Jade family’s? A very exceptional lady.” “We should attend to your matters, Brother, but... well...” I glanced around as if uncertain. Too many Koreans. It's embarrassing to bring up the fact that you're really a debtor, and that I happened to be seen as the prospective grandson-in-law of the place you owe money to. Right? “That’s fine. Attend to your business. I'm the one who came early.” As expected, Sam An Geom nodded with an awkward expression. “Then, I'll attend to some urgent matters briefly.” I have no intention of engaging in a power struggle with a master right now. The Koreans lined up quickly before me. You’re merely one of the matters I need to address. Instantly dispelling any potential for an interrogation atmosphere. And the scene I orchestrated didn't end here. “Leader! I'm so sorry for coming unannounced. We’re facing such hardship that we fear we’ll starve if this continues.” Nodding for him to continue, a shabbily dressed Korean man spoke in a desperate voice. “Leader, it’s not my husband’s fault. I heard rumors of an exceptionally intelligent leader in Wuhan, and persuaded him!” “Do you have a place to stay for tonight?” I clucked my tongue, asking the couple. “With what money we have, we might last a week…” “Head to where the Koreans are gathered by the port at dawn. Mention my name, and you'll be given work. Man Sik, check if the house you used to live in is vacant.” “With so many Koreans around, it ought to be.” “L-Leader!” “The child hasn’t even been fed. Give them some meat and rice. They shouldn’t starve until they get settled for a few months.” “Leader! Thank you! Thank you so much! We’ll repay this kindness!” “Never mind me; just help out the others in your community. Next.” How do you like it? The charity session of Kang Yoon Ho. I caught a glimpse of Sam An Geom’s expression, showing signs of astonishment. Be more surprised. I staged this scene purposefully. I had asked those in need to gather today especially for this. A compassionate leader of the Korean association, people moved by the help. My charity is real, and the people in need are real. In this entirely truthful situation, only one element stands out as special. The orchestration. All of this was choreographed to frame me favorably in front of Sam An Geom. “Thank you! Leader! Truly, thank you!” By this point, Jo Cheol must have been filled with questions about me. Could I be connected to Mankeum Finance in some way? Could I know the truth? Am I scheming anything sinister? No. Look closely. I’m someone who gives to the people like this. How could you think otherwise? Everyone gathered here sings my praises. It would require tremendous audacity to harbor suspicion against me in this setting. Yes. My brother would never do that. He respects me so deeply. Look at how he gives to the people. How could he be trying to swindle my money? I wait until the atmosphere is ripe. Until even Sam An Geom is swept up in the spirit of admiration. “Brother, shall we seal the contract now?” With a smile as if harboring not a single dark intention, I called upon my brother. “Y-Yes, let’s do that!” Sam An Geom, with no suspicion at all, could only nod. ---------- “Brother, here are the membership documents for the Korean association.” Sam An Geom handed me the papers, wiping his thumb. “Sorry for the hassle. The investment club members questioned why only you, even if you're the brother-in-law.” The document bore the blood-stamped seal of Jo Cheol. “I’m glad. I'll be living off what I earn here in Wuhan from now on. Anyway, it’s peculiar to stamp it with blood.” “Vows made in water vanish when it dries, promises drunk over alcohol fade with sobering, but a pledge written in the blood of black hair binds us until the end.” Actually, you were the only one who stamped it with blood. The bond between Sam An Geom and me became tight, solidified by attributing meaning to the seal, thereby strengthening our relationship further. “There was such a profound meaning behind it…” "Leader, all the contract money Mr. Jo Dae-hyeob brought is accounted for." With Man Sik counting the money in the corner, I nodded as if to signify my understanding. “We just need to stamp the contract.” “Brother.” As I handed the contract over, Jo Cheol looked at me with a pained smile, as if troubled. “Yes?” “There’s actually a small issue with the voucher.” “A small issue?” “If you take that voucher straight away, you might encounter some problems. Where do I even begin to explain...” While Sam An Geom avoided making eye contact due to his discomfort, I discreetly moved the voucher and money out of view. Alright. The first plan is a success. Now for the next one. "That's not right." Time to reveal my true intentions. “Hm?” “If we proceed with the contract as is, there will be very big problems, and we will encounter significant difficulties.” I spoke with a seriousness I had never shown to Sam An Geom before now. “What?” “Man Sik!” “I brought the brazier.” Without hesitation, I tossed the contract into the brazier. “What on earth are you doing? Burning the contract?” I ignored Sam An Geom’s bewildered voice. The contract turned into ashes in an instant, just like a lie crumbles when touched. “If it’s a contract that could never have been fulfilled, why would we need a contract at all?” As the contract vanished without a trace, I shot Sam An Geom a faint smile. “Such jest goes too far.” In Sam An Geom’s eyes, the flame of his ambition that had evaporated in an instant turned to anger. “Does this situation look like a joke to you?” “Are you testing my patience now?” The sharp edge of Sam An Geom's blade hovered at my throat. If you’re testing patience, you could at least pretend to restrain yourself a bit. “L-Leader!” “G-Gang Gongja!” It’s okay, this is within expected bounds. Stopping the people moving closer, I met Sam An Geom’s gaze, showing no fear. “Do you truly not understand why I’m doing this?” I just gave you a fresh clue. If you’re not a goldfish, you should recall it quickly. “Could it be... because of the story I just heard?” “What story did you hear?” “That you’re the prospective grandson-in-law of Mankeum’s owner…” Fortunately, you’re not a goldfish. “Mankeum's daughter is the mistress of the Jegal family, and Miss Jegal Hang is the youngest daughter of the head. So yes, that’s correct.” “Could it really be that it wasn’t a distant family line…?” A direct engagement with a leading family like Jegal’s must be hard for someone like Jo Cheol, deeply ingrained in the martial world, to accept. But here’s the thing. The surprises don’t stop there. “Jo Cheol! Halt right there!” “Sam An Geom! Could you put the sword down?!” Wielding swords, warriors from Mankeum Finance burst into the inn. “Why are Mankeum’s warriors here? ...No way? Was this all an elaborate setup?” A betrayal from his hometown brother. Watching the Mankeum warriors, Jo Cheol’s face filled with rage. Just when betrayal was swallowing his feelings and he turned his fierce gaze toward me— “Did I not tell you to wait and not intervene?!” I stood by Sam An Geom Jo Cheol. “W-What?!” Shock flickered across Jo Cheol’s eyes twisted with anger. Good reaction. Keeping as calm a demeanor as possible, I spoke to Jo Cheol. “Brother Cheol, put your sword down.” “You deceived me? You…?” His sword trembled with rage. It seems mere words won’t be enough to clarify the situation. In that case, I need to provide definite assurance. “No.” “Leader!” The preparations were complete. I took a bold step toward Sam An Geom’s sword point. “What do you mean, no?! Explain yourself!” Retrieving Sam An Geom's voucher is simple. However, receiving money without inciting his wrath is impossible. Or is it truly impossible? “I did it all to save you, Brother.” If I hadn’t truly intended that, I wouldn’t have attempted it in the first place.