458 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.458 A Request - 2 Inspector General. Jeong Mun Won. The Inspector General, tasked by the Emperor to root out government corruption, holds a position of authority that even high-ranking officials cannot easily dismiss. Yet, I knew a future where Jeong Mun Won would be treated flippantly. The one responsible for cleaning up after the future princess. In terms of a tokusatsu series, Jeong Mun Won’s role was akin to the official who tidies up the chaotic mess after the protagonist’s giant robot defeats a monster. Certainly, he was an official appointed by imperial decree and served a person of great stature. However, he was also fated to be an official who would suffer endlessly in the future. Now, he asked me for a loan. Covering my eyes with both hands, I spoke dramatically. “Waaah. The great Inspector General himself wants my money. Even if I have to eat dry morning bread with plain water tomorrow, I’ll get it for you.” “No, no! Pretend you never heard that!” Jeong Mun Won, flustered by my exaggerated crying, waved his hands in a panic. “Haha! It’s just a joke.” “A... joke?” Seeing him in such agony, I thought a lighthearted joke might change the atmosphere. “I can’t give you the large sum you mentioned. But perhaps I can arrange about a quarter of it for you right away.” The amount Jeong Mun Won requested wasn’t a financial strain for me. Yet, it wasn’t a trivial sum that I could easily hand over to a mere superior. ‘He really must be a paragon of integrity.’ Corruption is rampant in the world. Even those without official rank, like enforcers, use authority to extort money from market merchants, demand bribes from those involved in cases, and employ various other unscrupulous methods. Yet, here was the Inspector General, tasked with rooting out corruption. If he were to suggest turning a blind eye to someone's violations in exchange for money, few would refuse. Given his need to borrow money, it implied he had never accepted a bribe, proving his integrity. No wonder the Emperor appointed him as an inspector. “Really?” “I don’t know what’s going on, but here’s a note you can use to put out the immediate fire.” Without hesitation, I offered him a note of credit. “......” Jeong Mun Won alternated his gaze between me and the note, unsure if it was really okay to accept it so easily. “Is it not enough to tide you over in your urgent need?” “No, it’s not that...” “Please, speak.” “Are you not curious about the reason?” Was that why he hesitated to ask for a loan? It would indeed be puzzling. Despite having worked together on the Muyoungshintu incident, it’s not commonplace to lend money without a reason. Why would I trust him and lend money? Naturally, he’d be skeptical. But Inspector General, here’s the thing. I happen to know your future. “If someone rushes in saying their house is on fire, would you ask why they set it ablaze?” “Huh?” “The honest and upright Inspector General sought me out because he needs money. That indicates you are in a very difficult position. Naturally, solving that takes precedence.” Building rapport with someone who will one day be pulled along by a golden rope is certainly no loss. I spoke with a smile, conveying my trust. “I may be in a difficult spot, but that doesn’t justify why you’d lend me money.” “Did you not think of me when you needed help, Inspector General?” “What do you mean by that?” “When the Inspector General needed help, did you not think of me, Kang Yoon Ho, as a trustworthy person? Since the esteemed Inspector General, favored by the Emperor, believed in me, naturally, I must reciprocate that trust.” This is a chance to invest in a promising figure in the bureaucratic world, bound to rise in the future. What’s better than such an opportunity? “You…” Of course, from Jeong Mun Won’s perspective, unaware of my ulterior motives, he might see me as a benevolent person offering trust without reason. It was my intention. “Haha. Even if you look at me like that, no more money will come out. Use it for your urgent needs now, and if it’s insufficient, I’ll have more prepared. Come back within two days if necessary.” I offered the note to Jeong Mun Won once again. “......” “If your conscience feels heavy, you can tell me the details next time you come.” The Inspector General had words lingering on the tip of his tongue, then finally lowered his head and said, “Thank you.” ——— “Are you sure you should be lending money just like that? It's dangerous to spend recklessly just because you've had some success.” Who’s talking about spending recklessly? I explained what had just happened to Je Gal So Jeo and Jeon Gil San, who were waiting with curious expressions, right after the Inspector General left the house. “Money can be earned again anytime, but it’s not every day you get the chance to earn the goodwill of an Inspector General in need.” Jeong Mun Won appears as a supporting character, akin to comic relief, in the original storyline. Though he may seem like a lower-end official, he is someone who competently executes his duties when decreed by the Emperor. If he seeks help, it’s an opportunity to earn his favor, not a chance to coldly reject him. “......That’s true. But wasn’t it a chance to test his integrity?” “Would he give us money if we asked someone seeking a loan for it? Anyway, he's bound to come back.” “Huh? Why?” Though Jeong Mun Won and I worked together on the Muyoungshintu incident, we are not particularly close. If I hadn’t so readily provided money, Jeong Mun Won would have been more flustered. Despite this, why did the Inspector General choose me to borrow from? There was a reason. I began explaining to the two puzzled individuals. “As an Inspector General, appointed by imperial decree, his power is immense compared to his rank. Consequently, he is sent to places where he has no hometown or connections. Jeong Mun Won was assigned to Hubei Province, and right upon his appointment, began upsetting officials, even stepping on the toes of the provincial head…” The next answer is simple. I turned to Je Gal So Jeo with a smile. “Ah, so… he wouldn’t have any... friends.” “Clearly, he had no friends!” “Right. He likely doesn’t have any friends.” Jeon Gil San and I both silently turned our gazes toward one person. “Why… why is everyone staring at meeee?” Je Gal So Jeo, looking both indignant and as if acknowledging the truth, found it difficult to argue and stared back at me. Je Gal So Jeo. You misunderstand. We looked at you because you gave a good answer. We were expecting the response about having no one to borrow money from, but you mentioned the lack of friends, which amused us, not because we thought it true. "I didn’t intentionally give only a quarter and send him off without a reason. By saying he should come back within two days for more, I'm certain he'll return." “Hehe!” I gently took Je Gal So Jeo's slightly sulky hand and seated her beside me. It's okay. I’ve also lived a wandering life and have few friends. Although there is a big difference between zero and one, of course. Thankfully, Je Gal So Jeo wasn’t too miffed, as her expression softened quickly when I fiddled with her hand. There was a sound of someone clicking their tongue, seemingly finding us unseemly, but it didn’t concern me. “So the reason for sending the Inspector General away is...” “Rather than forcing a confession with money, isn’t it better to build trust and become confidants?” ——— “So, is the Inspector General your next target?” Jeon Gil San asked as he reached for the chopsticks on the dinner table. This guy plans on staying the night, huh. When I subtly gave him a look, Jeon Gil San just grabbed some side dishes, mentioning how they make the food rather salty here, hinting that I should be mindful. “I’m debating it.” I sighed softly. “Shouldn’t it be easier since you know him?” If someone who borrowed millions from a friend heard their boss telling them to get the money back, they’d usually refuse to do it. And even if they wanted to follow through, who would? Debt collection is inherently a task that involves witnessing a lot of unsavory scenes. While the Man Geum Bureau is involved, it’s possible to retrieve the money without crossing paths with the Inspector General too much. But one should not carelessly provoke the Inspector General. There are reasons, ones only I know. “...No one would open a window knowing an irresistible natural disaster is coming.” A golden calamity that summons storms—a golden dragon that calls forth whirlwinds. The woman who carries with her an unavoidable natural disaster must not learn the name of the wicked debt collector, Kang Yoon Ho. While I can’t say where the Inspector General ranks in the hierarchy of the Man Geum Bureau's impossible tasks, I could say with certainty. If I had to choose the one person on the list, the worst challenge, and someone you should never provoke, it would be Inspector General Jeong Mun Won. “What are you saying? Are you saying the Inspector General’s influence is too powerful?” “Yes, something like that. I want to avoid any work that would put me at odds with the Inspector General.” Though I don't know the Inspector General’s past from the story, he’s like a detective who, despite living in poverty, never loses his sense of justice. The odds are high that the Man Geum Bureau issue will be resolved without a fuss. If I could just get in and get the money back without causing friction, that would be great. Otherwise, I’m better off giving the money and earning trust. “Do you want me to look into other options?” Je Gal So Jeo offered as she gently refilled my empty glass with wine. “Thank you. Having already extended my hand, I must think carefully. Plus, there’s one thing I can’t comprehend.” “What is it?” “Unlike the situation with Sam An Geom, the reason for the loan wasn’t noted in the ledger. There’s no collateral either. It’s not like the Inspector General's salary is high. Surely, there must be a reason for lending such a large sum, yet nothing was written. It's puzzling.” The Inspector General was dispatched alone to an unfamiliar place. The amount is too substantial to be mere living expenses. The only thing that comes to mind is gambling. But from what I recall, and from my prior investigations, there were no indications that he indulged in gambling. “Hmm... When you put it that way, it is strange.” Even Jeon Gil San, unable to come up with any ideas, simply picked up his chopsticks. Unlike with Sam An Geom, where a business-related clue led us to a solution, this time, the path seems obstructed. The wine tasted a bit bitter. It was the day we solved the Sam An Geom issue, so there's no need for negativity. I raised the glass with a smile, only to find Je Gal So Jeo staring at me. “Hey…” “I’m listening.” She had the look of someone with something to say. I patiently waited for Je Gal So Jeo to gather her thoughts. “My, my elders at home used to say…” “The elders of the Je Gal family?” “Sometimes, there’s a relationship where you give and take poison knowing it’s poison.” Poison? “Poison? What are you talking about?” Je Gal So Jeo seemed flustered, unable to articulate clearly in response to Jeon Gil San’s query. Poison. A drug you take even knowing it’s lethal. Could it be? “Are you talking about bribes?” “Something like that.” “Ah! So giving money to an official becomes beneficial whether or not it’s paid back?” I understood. “What are you talking about? Tell me too. And pour me some wine.” Such greed. I poured a drink for the hardworking Jeon Gil San and continued speaking. “For the Man Geum Bureau, it’s good if he pays back with interest, and if not, it becomes a sort of shackle. If they can bind an incorruptible Inspector General like that, it’s clearly to their advantage.” It’s like receiving an awkward gift. Once you accept it, at some point, you can't refuse a small favor when asked. “Ah!” “Yes, that’s right.” Je Gal So Jeo nodded with a bashful smile, confirming my understanding was spot on. It’s a stark reminder of how differently we live. For me, hearing about a corporate conglomerate funding a politician is a distant story, but for Je Gal So Jeo, it’s likely something she has seen in everyday life. Always by my side, though I sometimes forget, Je Gal So Jeo is indeed the youngest daughter of Hokboksung’s greatest martial clan, the Je Gal family. “I’ll send someone to check on the Inspector General’s current circumstances.” We didn’t uncover any new information, but at least the mystery was somewhat unraveled. Let's start moving. ——— “Sorry to come back so soon.” He returned faster than the information could arrive. “Not at all. I was waiting for you.” I hadn’t expected him to come back as soon as morning broke. I hid my surprise and led Jeong Mun Won to the living room. “Re-really?” “I’ll bring some tea.” His face was full of worry. I prepared the tea, and as the chill in the teacups waned, Jeong Mun Won remained silent, shifting his gaze between me and the tea. Explain the situation. I sensed that he was deliberating on how much to reveal since I had brought it up. Maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, I waited patiently until Jeong Mun Won finally spoke. “There is a child I personally care for.” At last, he opened up. “Is it a woman, by any chance?” His voice carried a peculiar affection. Jeong Mun Won didn’t deny my words. “Before you arrived in Muhyeon, I was gathering information through undercover investigations. Moving through places like gisaeng houses and breweries required a companion who wouldn’t seem out of place. So I needed a woman who could accompany me without arousing suspicion.” “Were you accompanied by a gisaeng?” In this world, gisaeng are akin to idols. Just like booking someone for a local concert, one can hire them if the price is right. Jeong Mun Won nodded cautiously. “Thanks to her, I was able to secure some decisive evidence. However, the influence of the district’s powerful nearly had me dismissed. During my undercover work, I made a promise to her.” The affection in his tone, the acknowledgment of indebtedness, and now a promise with a gisaeng. The conclusion was clear. “You intended to purchase her freedom.” “...That was my intention.” “You intended, you said?” “Well, an unexpected problem arose.” Jeong Mun Won appeared troubled, unable to continue. Buying someone’s freedom with money is quite customary among the wealthy or officials. It made complete sense why he needed such a large loan. Then why did he seem hesitant with me? Jeong Mun Won couldn’t meet my eyes, as if reluctant to speak. But why? Wait a moment. A memory suddenly surfaced in my mind. A carp in a bucket. Will you sell it if I compensate you? The recollection of meeting the Inspector General with Sam An Geom came to mind. Could it be? “By any chance...” I looked at the Inspector General with apprehensive eyes. Please, let it not be true. “What?” Kang Yoon Ho comes from a family of ginseng merchants and naturally knows a lot about medicinal herbs. As far as I know, carp... “Did you get her pregnant?” It’s a well-regarded medicinal ingredient for pregnant women. “...” Jeong Mun Won answered by tightly closing his eyes.