464 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.464 Request - 8 There's no intention to plead for mercy from a hostage-taker. It's a direct confrontation. I'll reciprocate in kind. Let's start by pointing our barrels at each other's most precious things. Instead of a unilateral notification masked as a proposal, let's negotiate properly. Of course, if either side falters, the trigger will be pulled, but in such a tense situation, you'll surely understand our stance, won't you? In the end, Hyewolruju, who had been intransigent in the Mann Financial Group negotiations, had no choice but to request a mediator. "A negotiation, huh..." A woman with navy-blue hair neatly pinned with a hairpin gazed at me disapprovingly. To an outsider, it might have seemed like a typical quarrel between a man and a woman of a certain age, but the reality was entirely different. The woman before me was the Gi Moon Hyang Ju, in charge of the Gimuomun within the Haomun of Hubei Province. It's astonishing, despite my efforts not to notice. She looks like she's in her twenties, so how is she in her forties? Even though the progression of martial arts can slow aging, it makes one wonder where in the world she faced life's harsh trials. Perhaps due to the storms of life she's weathered, her eyes suggested both seasoned wisdom and an elegant maturity. I quietly awaited Gimun Hyangju's next words. "Is this of your own volition? Or is it Gamchaleosa's wish?" The question was simple: Did you propose the renegotiation, or did Gamchaleosa instruct you to do so? "It's at the behest of the Gamchaleosa." "Then I suppose the method comes from your own mind." "......" You know me too well. "If you swing an unfamiliar sword gleefully, many people end up bleeding. All the more reason to be cautious with someone else's blade." The warning was less an admonition and more a piece of advice about the dangers of relying on borrowed power. "I'm planning to seize just one goat and promptly return it, under the assumption that I am something significant." Could it be that she thought of Hyewolruju's goat's beard? Gimun Hyangju's mouth formed a slight smile before she hastily composed herself, bringing the smoking pipe to her lips. "Whew. Since you're so spirited, I'll have to ensure the goat doesn't meet its end. So, what exactly do you wish to do?" "I wish to recalculate." Now that we're on equal footing, let's establish the negotiation conditions anew. "Hyewolruju said he'd rather sell the whole place than give Hong Ran away." "Even I am not so shameless as to demand it for free." "That’s quite unexpected given the uproar you caused." Gimun Hyangju raised her eyebrows briefly, as if surprised. Honestly, if it were my own business, I might have demanded it free of charge. But there are words Gamchaleosa has said to me. - Pay the price and come back, right? - You're free to use my name. However, forcibly taking Hong Ran is not permitted. - Gamchaleosa, with a little exertion of your power... - That's why. - What? - If I indulge in power and brandish the sword granted by His Majesty as I please, how would I be different from those corrupt schemers I must eradicate? - You're absolutely right. Yet, shouldn't you also consider your own circumstances, sir? - I'll rely on you. Please, I ask of you. An exasperating request, but one must possess such integrity to be a mere inspector yet flourish while facing the establishment of the world. I pledged to engage in reasonable negotiations rather than taking by force. "So, what do you intend to do?" How much should I pay for the successful conclusion of negotiations? After careful thought, I arrived at one conclusion. "I'll only pay half of the originally agreed amount for the negotiation." "Absolutely not." "Gimuhyangju." Too resolute. Showing considerable annoyance, Gimun Hyangju lightly tapped the ash out of her pipe and presented me with the opposing party's condition. "Hyewolruju said that whether they fail like this or otherwise, if they're going to fail, they're not going down alone." "How pitifully treacherous." Doesn’t want to perish alone, huh? "He was scoundrelly from the start. Yet, even I find half unreasonable." "It was only because the original negotiation amount was incorrectly calculated that I suggested it." "Incorrectly calculated?" "I confiscated Hyewolru's ledgers and examined them. From the start, they considered Gamchaleosa as an easy target, calling an absurd amount for the negotiation. Not something you would expect from a place like Hyewolru, even if it were a brothel managed by Gimun Hyangju." Negotiation costs generally consider both the cost of training a courtesan and their potential future earnings. While Gimun Hyangju might have thought it reasonable considering the courtesans in her establishment, Hyewolru, which rarely saw capacity, was a different story. "I understand your reasoning, but Hyewolruju will not accept it easily." I expected as much. No matter how much I present the ledgers, if I offer to pay only 1/6 of the promised amount, the reaction would be the same from anyone. With Hyewolruju holding a child and mother hostage, arbitrarily presenting conditions was challenging. Nevertheless, there was no plan to increase the offer. 'To repay the debt Gamchaleosa has with the Mann Financial Group, this is the best I can do.' I have to make a living too. He'd have to use the money received from the negotiation to settle his debts at the Mann Financial Group. Neither Gamchaleosa nor I could offer more money. Yet Hyewolruju wouldn't likely concede. What to do? "A brewery will be auctioned off in a month." It was time to introduce a new negotiation card. "What do you mean by that?" "It's a rather crude place capable of producing only cheap liquor. Since it was used for illicit brewing, it might be unappealing, and the production capacity is limited, making it an unattractive purchase." "Are you suggesting to sell liquor to earn money?" Smiling, I shook my head at Gimun Hyangju's words. Did she think I came all this way to offer employment or propose a business investment? "Since no one else will buy it, the government will grant it a tax exemption for a year." The negotiation card I brought was a proposal anyone would find tempting. "A brewery permitted to sell tax-exempt liquor?" Even Gimun Hyangju seemed genuinely surprised. Of course. Alcohol sold in an establishment must be supplied by a brewery. The government imposes taxes on brewery products, centralizing taxes on alcohol and collecting a substantial amount. To think of those taxes being exempted—it's a story anyone would find tempting. "An order will be passed down. While inspecting official corruption, some innocent people were wrongly imprisoned. They should receive priority when the auction happens. However, since it may become too complicated, only those with a business license should be allowed to participate in the bidding." "Among those caught, Hyewolruju is the only one with a business license, isn't he?" Feigning surprise, I looked at Gimun Hyangju with exaggerated amazement. "What a splendid co.in.cid.ence. Such an excellent coincidence, indeed." "Hmm..." It's a situation that leaves no one at a loss. The authorities confiscate a brewery from an illicit brewer and reclaim the funds in the state treasury; they attach a one-year tax exemption incentive to sell a brewery that might otherwise be hard to sell. The condition to favor those who suffered wrongful imprisonment is blameless as well. The issue is the condition of holding a business license, but slack officials have been neglectful for ages. Who would have anticipated only one person held a business license? That's where we didn't quite delve deep enough. It was a misstep. With a mere remark, pointing out the negligence of an official letting some money slip through, it becomes a rather convenient circumstance. However, assistance from a single person is necessary. "Of course, this would only be possible if Hyewolruju is suddenly cleared of charges." To obtain the rights to sell tax-exempt alcohol, he needs to retain his business license. To do so, he'll need to gain favor with Gamchaleosa, won't he? While transactions between merchants involve money, dealings with those in power often involve enticing rights. The conditions on the table were enough to shift the stakes. ————— "Half of the original negotiation price and a one-year tax-free brewery..." Gimun Hyangju seemed intrigued as well. "At the very least, it should earn the additional negotiation price initially intended for Hong Ran. Depending on Hyewolruju’s business acumen, there might be potential for more earnings. What do you think?" "If that guy had such capability, would Hyewolru be in its current state?" "Ha ha." "Whew... Although the terms aren’t bad, Hyewolruju might find immediate cash more appealing." While nodding at my proposal, Gimun Hyangju brought her pipe to her mouth, seemingly troubled. Does she really wish someone would just bring her the money? "If only Gimun Hyangju would force Hyewolruju to comply." Since Gimun Hyangju stepped in as a mediator, perhaps she should also represent Hyewolruju's stance. Otherwise, I'd be stuck in tedious negotiations and verbal sparring. 'Having a condition that satisfies everyone but one person means there's a way.' I had one trump card to play in this scenario. First, I needed to catch Gimun Hyangju's gaze. It was a daunting task. While not as boldly revealing as during our first meeting, did she have a certain fashion philosophy? Her tantalizingly exposed collarbone remained unwavering. If my gaze inadvertently lowered, I'd seem like just another typical man. Even if Gimun Hyangju threw me a 'what is he doing?' look, it was of no concern. I mustered a warm expression and began to speak. "Grandmother." "What?" The pipe in Gimun Hyangju's mouth fell to the ground. "Grandmother. Think of it as saving me and lend a hand." "What?! I told you not to call me that!" Gimun Hyangju's voice rose, nearly exploding with intensity. To flip the game, this level of shock was necessary. There was no other choice. "Surely Gimun Hyangju didn't come here just because it was enjoyable to tussle with me. Think of it as helping your endearing grandson and lend a hand." Why struggle with endless negotiations at the table? Leverage connections instead. The representative at the negotiations is ostensibly my mother's mentor. That makes me a grandson, doesn't it? I clasped my hands together in a plea, cautiously gazing at Gimun Hyangju. "I heard that Mann Financial Group is conducting its successor test." "If I succeed, wouldn't I bring you boxes of ginseng for the holidays and offer a respectful bow? Once you retire, you must consider your later years too. As Kang Yoon Ho, I won't entrust your future to anyone else." While I’m leveraging connections, why not even sway the mediator a little? "Ugh… It is not yet time to think of such things…" Oops. Was the mention of her age, in addition to calling her grandmother, another misstep? Gimun Hyangju gritted her teeth and protested. "Ahaha... Oh come on, Gimun Hyangju." This won’t do. Time to change tactics. I quickly moved to her side and linked arms. "What- what is this?" Bending my knees, I looked at Gimun Hyangju, who seemed flustered. While I'm taller, the setup is crucial for portraying a grandmother and grandson relationship. Like a child playfully pleading for a snack at a market stall, I spoke with exaggerated cuteness. "Gimuhyangju, please think of it as your grandson's antics and favor me. I know you can do this." Oh boy, Kang Yoon Ho, you're doing things you'd never have imagined seeing in a bathroom mirror in the past. But, it's different now, perhaps. "Such nonsense. You're 20 years too early." "Ack!" As stars danced before my eyes, I nursed the forehead struck by the pipe while Gimun Hyangju disentangled herself and turned away. Was it counterproductive after all? It was foolish to attempt an unfamiliar act of cuteness. "Haah... Who do you take after…" With a sigh mixed into the hazy smoke, a voice sounded bittersweet yet affectionate. "Gimuhyangju?" Could it have worked? "Do we really need to go to such lengths?" Gimun Hyangju turned back to me with a serious expression. Gimun Hyangju, head of the courtesans. Letting Hong Ran's offenses slide wouldn't be without its complications. Ignoring her crimes and persuading Hyewolruju—why should she bear that burden? Her eyes questioned me. This was a golden opportunity. Change my expression. Look like a wounded boy, or a pitiful grandson. Like a young man overcoming a painful past as I gaze at Gimun Hyangju. And then... "...In fact, it's partly because it doesn't feel like someone else's problem." "..." Kang Yoon Ho is the son of the courtesan Hyanga. Hyanga was Gimun Hyangju's disciple. I've already set the stage by framing it as a grandmother-grandson relationship, reminding her of how dedicated I've been to the geisha issue related to Hayeon Sojeo. A young man who can't forget his mother showing his vulnerabilities to his grandmother. For Gimun Hyangju, it was a request she couldn't easily refuse. "You really are someone who should never be placed on the opposing side." Gimun Hyangju chuckled lightly as if she had been bested. I've nearly swayed her. "You don't need to worry about that; I'll always be by Gimun Hyangju's side!" I tried to link arms with her again, only to be immediately stopped. "That's enough. Just stay away from the giru." "Does that mean...? Oh?!" Gimun Hyangju, standing on her tiptoes, patted my head, then responded with an incredibly warm smile. "Do as you wish."