470 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.470 Paper Mill - 4 "Improve the treatment of paper mill workers! Improve it!" "Guarantee holidays! Improve wages! Implement mandatory sick leave! Implement it!" The workers nailed the chants I taught them. Occupying the paper mill, they heralded the start of their strike. Most of the workers were Koreans, but the inclusion of workers from the Mainland and paper artisans who felt discriminated against in their treatment made the presence much more formidable than I had anticipated. "You fools! We must prepare the shipments for the overseas trade in five days! What on earth are you doing?! Get back to your positions at once!" The Deputy Head and the managers stepped forward shouting, yet the workers held their ground firmly. "Dialogue for dialogue! Resistance for resistance!" "Darn barbarians! Talk some sense!" "If the paper mill provokes, the workers unite!" "You’ve managed just fine until now, so why this fuss about a strike all of a sudden!" The first day ended with both sides just affirming their stance differences. "Let's strike and find enlightenment instead of trembling in anxiety!" "How long do you plan to keep this up? Because of you, no materials can enter! Get those materials moved immediately!" On the second day, a carriage laden with raw materials appeared. Normally, the materials would be quickly moved to the warehouse, and some would be spread out on the hills to dry. "No materials can enter the paper mill!" Today, there was no one willing to move the materials. "What?!" "We won’t work until our demands are met." "What… then…." The Deputy Head looked at the workers who brought the materials with a flustered expression, and the lead worker steadfastly stated. "The additional transport and warehouse fees will double." "Ugh!" On the second day, the Deputy Head in distress hired people to carelessly dump the materials at the entrance of the paper mill. "No work without improvement! No labor without negotiation!" "These insolent fools!!! Fine. You’ve been at this for days, so I have an idea too! Come over here!" By the third day, the Deputy Head appeared with a group, looking exuberant. "What is this?!" The paper mill workers couldn’t help but tense up. The people behind the Deputy Head were clearly intimidating martial artists. "Why all the heavy act. You could just speak up." "That's right. It's not hard to trample over these barbarian bastards." The martial artists wore sinister grins as though they were eyeing easy prey. "Deputy Head! Hiring martial artists?! Are you truly seeking bloodshed?!" "I'll make them beg for mercy!" The Deputy Head pointed agitatedly at the workers' representative, wearing an expression as if the tiresome strike was finally over. "Bah. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a good sweat." The workers were robust individuals. Handling a few third-rate martial artists would’ve been feasible, but it was unlikely that the Deputy Head only brought third-raters. At this rate, they’d be subdued in no time. "Hold it!!! What’s going on here?" If it weren’t for me, that is. "Gang Pok-hae?" When I blocked the space between the two groups, the Deputy Head looked towards me, unsure of the situation. "Are you suggesting wielding swords against honest citizens right in front of law enforcers?" I questioned the Deputy Head with a look of incredulity, doubting what I had just heard. "They’re causing a riot! No, they’re rampaging, so we need to discipline them!" "Are they animals?" "What?" "Are they incapable of dialogue?" "No, but that's not the case." "Then how can you so brazenly claim to wield swords against the common folk in front of the enforcers?" Would it be acceptable for gangsters to assault civilians openly in front of the police? "Didn't they tell us to handle it ourselves?" The Deputy Head asked, as if questioning where he had gone wrong. He had a point. Typically, it’s natural to use force against those occupying one’s own property in this world. Though I found myself in a tight spot for a response, there was a way out. "You there." I pointed to one of the martial artists whose demeanor was rough. "Me?" "Mind your tongue." "Ha. Who do you think you are…? Oh, no, sir." Yes, get a grip. How many officers were around? Once the officers frowned at their insolent demeanor and grabbed their clubs, the martial artists’ attitudes turned respectful immediately. "What’s your name? And what’s your alias?" "Why, why do you ask?" "Hey. These guys seem suspicious. Detain them and find out their identities." I gestured to the officers, signaling towards the martial artist. "No, we aren't those types." The martial artist denied with a smiling face, but tension was evident in their eyes. “What do you mean you’re not? Just one look and they seem to have a lot of past offenses. Hey. These guys might be troublemakers from other regions, so investigate thoroughly.” These scoundrels were brought in to unleash violence on the commoners. Any legitimate sect, bound by reputation, wouldn’t accept such a request, so these must be rogue vagabonds. Such individuals surely would have some dirt upon being examined. "I'm sorry! We apologize for the intrusion." "It's a misunderstanding! We just came to take a look." "Where do you think you’re going! Though the Deputy Head shouted after them, the group of martial artists fell apart in an instant. "They claimed it was a sightseeing visit. You must’ve misunderstood something." With a faint smile, I shrugged my shoulders. "Wh-what the heck is…." For the Deputy Head, it was preposterous and unfair. But it didn’t matter. 'I'm the referee, so it's my game.' Who dared try to tackle? Yellow card. Red card. The referee’s mind satisfied with the usage of them as he pleased. Until that day, I’d keep wielding my discretionary power. "Deputy Head." I called to him as he stared vacantly at the path where the vagabonds vanished. "Yes?" Of course, excessive use of referee power could be problematic. If the Deputy Head later brought in martial artists with no disqualifications, it could create a tough standoff. To preemptively prevent any troubling situations, a small maneuver was necessary. "We might not see a resolution today either, so let's go grab a drink." --- "Mr. Gang. Are you really going to do this?" The Deputy Head was quick to express his displeasure as soon as he took his seat across from me. "Who starts off a meeting meant to clear misunderstandings with anger?" Did I drag you here against your will? Do you have personal animosity against me? Why the sour face as soon as you sit down? "Come on, let’s order some food. The waiter's already standing by." "And who might this be...?" The Deputy Head asked, looking at Jeon Gilsan seated beside him as if it were the most natural thing. To be honest, I had no clue why he was here either. When I mentioned getting a drink, he insisted we visit a place he knew well. "...Don't mind him. He came because he caught a whiff of booze. What do you want to eat?" I generously offered the menu, and without even glancing at it, the Deputy Head responded. "I'll have the nakgopsae." "Waiter, three servings of nakgopsae here." He must be a regular if he doesn't even need to look at the menu. "Would you like the original soju or the fresh one?" "...What?" For a moment, I couldn't believe my ears. Jeon Gilsan clicked his tongue at my bewildered expression and handed the menu back to the waiter. "Tsk tsk. How can you, a Korean, not know what 'fresh' refers to? It's low-alcohol soju. Bring two bottles of the fresh one." I thought I was getting the hang of things as I surpassed my two-year mark here, but sometimes the world still left me exasperated. As the green bottles of soju arrived, I stifled my laughter and handed one to the Deputy Head. "Come on, let's have a drink." "......" The Deputy Head didn’t touch his glass. "Do you hold a grudge against me? Don’t tell me you’re still upset about a light spanking?" "It wasn't just a light spanking, was it?" I sighed deeply at the Deputy Head, who seemed rather aggrieved. "Listen, you think I felt good hitting you? I had to put on a show of venting some anger so nobody would get hurt." I stressed that it wasn't personal but a necessary action for law enforcement. Though admittedly, there was some personal satisfaction mixed in. "You sided with the Koreans." "Honestly, this is why my brother-in-law has problems. Even with all the praise and an engagement to a prestigious family, he gets discriminated against over hair color. Brother-in-law, you’re upset, so let's just have a drink." "Haha. I'm fine, brother." Gilsan had impeccable timing these days. Feigning disappointment, I accepted the glass offered to me. "The famous Inspector Gang Yunho..." Oh, he's finally caught on to my reputation. "Do you doubt me when even high-ranking officials seek me out, hoping to meet? Will you alone view me with such suspicion?" During the Silent Fist case, numerous high officials sought my help. That's how much they trusted me, yet this paper mill's Deputy Head is doubtful? Upon this subtle appeal to authority, the Deputy Head sighed deeply and extended his glass. "...Pour me a drink. I'll accept it." "I understand your difficulties. But they are your paper mill workers, aren't they? Try to resolve it well. I had to intervene because both sides started too aggressively." The nakgopsae is delicious. I’ll have to request fried rice afterward. With more soju going in, the Deputy Head's face turned red, and he began venting his frustration. "Can you believe these workers? They’re nothing but rotten troublemakers! Ah! Maybe if I declare them all fired, they will stop being workers. Would you help then?" "That's a smart idea. Go ahead." I nodded with a smile. "Really?! I could do it right now..." "I'll attend your funeral in two days." I abruptly shifted my expression to a frown and spoke in a cold tone. "Wha-what do you mean by that?" The Deputy Head, suddenly sobered up, asked me nervously. "Why would you pour fuel on an angry public sentiment? They have backing, which is why they're protesting. Do you think the paper mill will remain untouched if you say there's nothing but a fire pit behind them?" The thing about strikes is that they wouldn't exist if the employers always won. Even the powerful Pharaohs of Egypt had to negotiate with workers during strikes. Yet you think you can just fire them all? "The-the paper mill?!" "What if they've occupied the paper mill and set it on fire? Do you think losing your job will be the end? You'd either be caught by the raging public or dragged to the authorities to bear the blame." The Deputy Head should be well aware of the fear of fire. Stressing that he would have to bear all the consequences alone emphasizes the weight of the situation. "I didn’t think that far ahead." The Deputy Head's voice trembled, as if realizing his oversight. "That's why I called you over. You know what your superiors said. I do too! But in the end, when things escalate, you're the one who bleeds. If you just do what those above tell you without question, you’re the one left holding the bag." I intentionally poked him near his heart. After all, the Deputy Head was ultimately a manager hired by landlords. If trouble arises, will the landlords take responsibility, or will the Deputy Head? The brutal reality is that he's in the most precarious position, not truly holding any power. It's vital that he understands he's not in charge. For a fleeting moment, fear, rather than anger, passed through the Deputy Head’s eyes. "...I may have misjudged you, Inspector." I refilled the Deputy Head's glass with a smile that seemed to say, "You finally get it." "I'm only hoping for the situation not to escalate. Try to talk things over. They’re not refusing dialogue, are they?" "Indeed, the famed Inspector! I never imagined you had such noble intentions! Thank you for the advice!" "Let's bury any past grievances and make things work out well!" No need to play the hero; just don't interfere. --- "I will work as hard as I can." The Deputy Head gulped down the fried rice with determination, then stood up, his face flushed from alcohol as he gave me a respectful bow. "Let’s wrap this up nicely with smiles. Take care on your way!" "I’ll see you tomorrow!" I sent the Deputy Head off in a carriage. "Alright, that's one taken care of. Now onto the next." I concentrated for a moment, dispelling the inebriation from my body. It was a technique Hwa Rini taught me, which feels like an essential skill for any working adult. "Where are you headed?" Jeon Gilsan asked curiously, and I replied with a smile. "Time to start a fire." "...What?" --- "As you requested, I've brought representatives from the other paper mills." Our covert destination was the paper mill that the workers had occupied for three days. I’d brought some food and medicine in case anyone was hungry or injured, but fortunately, on the third day, everyone seemed alright. After distributing the supplies, I stood in front of the representatives. "Now, the Deputy Head will find it quite difficult to make rash approaches to the paper mill. Nor will he be able to easily mobilize martial artists." For my plan to succeed, it’s crucial that the strike isn't abruptly crushed through violence. Meeting the Deputy Head today wasn’t an accidental move. "Is that true?!" "It is indeed." I nodded to reassure them. "Then perhaps prolonging the strike to secure negotiations..." "No, what are you saying?" I questioned the paper mill representative, as if taken aback. "Excuse me?" The workers’ representative wasn’t entirely wrong. They could aim for a prolonged struggle, maybe reach a compromise through drawn-out negotiations. But here’s the thing. I have exams coming up in less than two weeks. We need swift action. "Simply holding your position at the paper mill might inconvenience a few, but more is needed! We need to step it up!" The fire is already burning, but it’s confined to one paper mill. Protests happening at a mill far from the bustling downtown and the hub of Wuhan might not draw significant attention. The landlords could easily ignore it if they deem it manageable by their subordinates. "What would you suggest we do?" We need to ensure that the landlords cannot turn a blind eye. Turn the situation into a political issue notable enough to satisfy even investigative magistrates. Create a topic of discussion for the people of Wuhan to talk about over tea. And how do we do that? "Let’s begin a street march. Make sure everyone is aware of the paper mill strike." A street procession. Publicly broadcast that the landlords are brutally mistreating their workers through tyranny and oppression. In other words, put on a spectacle for everyone. A firework display that will leave only the landlords wanting to cry.