474 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Chapter 474: Paper Mill - Part 8 Why is Hwawolru considered one of the finest pleasure houses in Wuhon? It took me less than an hour after entering to figure it out. "Thinking about the treasures stolen by Muyeongshintu makes my teeth grind. I must commend the efforts of Inspector Gang today." Zhizhu Daein decided to reward the renowned inspector, and in his honor, called forth successive performances by skilled entertainers. The food, reminiscent of dishes that wouldn't amount to my daily meal costs, and the drinks, delectable even to those who don’t indulge, were laid before us. The dances and music performed by the courtesans felt far too grand for a private show just for me and Zhizhu Daein. “Hehe. Is that the only achievement of our esteemed inspector?” One can't help but wonder how much this display at Hwawolru costs. Or rather, how much does Zhizhu Daein usually indulge to warrant such a spectacle? I pondered if Gilsan would know, driven by innocent curiosity. As I was lost in thought, Maehyang refilled my empty glass and spoke to Zhizhu Daein. “Is there more to it?” "He has also caught countless murderers who could have evaded justice forever. Recently, he dealt swift punishment to those who attacked a pleasure house and killed innocent courtesans." "Haha. This is the first I've heard of such deeds. Is it true?" "The false Muyeongshintu incident was also orchestrated by that villain. As the true culprit was about to flee with a smile, a fire burned in my chest, and I could not hold myself back." "Is that why you jumped into the river from the building!" "The grievances and sorrows of the slain courtesans reached even my ears. Even knowing he was the false Muyeongshintu, I couldn't stand by and watch him escape." As if I were a tenacious detective, even with knives flying at my leather jacket, I clenched my fist and spoke, trembling with intensity. "Inspector Gang..." Despite Maehyang's moved gaze, I silently tilted the liquor into my mouth. Don’t be deceived. Hwawolru is a place of drinks and smiles. Even the simplest boast must earn a courtesan's warm smile, as if she’s seeing the greatest man on earth. Whether her impressed expression is genuine or a ploy to lower my guard, who can know? “Ha ha. I never knew Maehyang could make such a face.” As suspected, it’s a coordinated act. How much did Zhizhu Daein pay her? "Lately, Inspector Gang is the hottest topic among the courtesans. They're all clamoring for a chance to entertain him even once." "Is that really the case?" Maehyang winked at me with one eye as she gazed upward. "You have no idea how much effort I made to secure this spot today. Even Daein might not know." Could it be that I've been portrayed as Inspector Gang Yunho, risking his life for the revenge of courtesans? Thanks to some strategy to quell Hao Mun's internal conflict, my reputation seems to be growing in unexpected places. As I pondered, Maehyang's hand gently brushed the inside of my forearm. Where do you think you’re going? I swatted it away. Don't act surprised and disheartened; it's obvious you're pretending. Whether she favors me or is putting on a show with Zhizhu Daein, it matters not. There are women waiting for me. It's not permissible. “Indeed, Maehyang owes me a debt of gratitude.” “That’s why, as per Daein's command, I’m graciously attending to Inspector Gang.” Suddenly! Maehyang energetically answered, then found a small gap and linked her arm through mine. Indeed, she’s a seasoned courtesan; such minor obstacles are nothing to her. There’s an undeniably pleasant sensation on my arm that’s hard to ignore, even as I try. Stay calm. Your heart shouldn’t waver over this. Thanks to my composed demeanor, the pleasant touch on my arm intensified. Don’t fall for it. If Madam Gimhwa or Miss Hayeon finds out, I’m done for. While for some, a pleasure house might be a place to enjoy a man’s delights, for me, it’s a stage where my follies are all witnessed live. Barely managing to hold onto my wits. “Well, seeing how Maehyang clings like that, many men might collapse in envy. Inspector Gang, you might be more famous than I am in Wuhon.” “Comparing my fleeting renown to the steadfast reputation of Zhizhu Daein, who has held tightly to governance and the martial world for decades, feels like a feather before a mountain. I, Yunho Gang, am overwhelmed.” “Oh…” Naturally disentangling my arm, I bowed my head slightly in deference to Zhizhu Daein. “Then the mountain must now embrace the feather.” “Huh...?” Zhizhu Daein nodded as if the time had come and instructed Maehyang. “Dismiss the others, Maehyang, sing us a song.” ————— “Allow me to offer you a song.” Is this how it feels to sit in the VIP section of an idol concert? If Miss Hayeon would debut as a top-tier visual idol, Maehyang, though several notches below in appearance, was like an idol singer flaunting experience. Of course, I prioritize visuals over vocal talent. “I have a minor case I'd like to ask the illustrious Inspector to handle.” Has the moment finally come? Zhizhu Daein’s voice, using Maehyang’s song as a background, reached out to me subtly. Asking her to sing was likely to prevent our conversation from being overheard. I approached Zhizhu Daein, my expression turning stern. “With respect, does this pertain to a case within my purview?” “Yes. I’d prefer the streets to remain peaceful.” A concise command. It wasn’t the voice praising me moments ago, but one filled with authority that a mere inspector couldn’t refuse. “I’ll be taking my leave.” Of course, that authority doesn't sway me. “Inspector Gang!” “Who told you to stop singing?” Zhizhu Daein’s eyes, filled with frustration, turned to Maehyang. “My, my apologies.” As Maehyang resumed her song, Zhizhu Daein clicked his tongue in disapproval and looked at me as if I were hopeless. “I didn’t expect the esteemed Inspector to act so foolishly after coming all this way.” “My reason for attending was to listen directly to the people involved.” Even though I knew everything, why did I refuse? I met Zhizhu Daein’s questioning gaze with a steadfast expression, and replied. “To listen, you say. And what did you intend to do with what you heard?” “To handle it fairly. Isn’t that the duty of an inspector?” I responded like an inspector who follows principle and protocol. A corrupt official and an honest inspector. Normally, the inspector would toss aside the envelope and storm out in defiance. “Is it not because you were coerced by the Censorate Office?” “How did you...?!” Now it was time to retrieve the bait I had laid earlier. “I heard Jeong Moon Won has been leaving work early lately. Surely, you planned to discuss something together today, didn't you?” No, it’s because he goes home to his second wife, who is pregnant, precisely on time. It seems few are aware of the recent events, especially since the official wedding hasn't been held. “You misunderstand.” Though my words dismissed it, my body betrayed my flustered state. He thought I was a steadfast inspector, but I'm showing myself to be one who might be open to negotiation. “So you pretended to have sharp ears, but in reality, only one ear was open.” Zhizhu Daein smirked knowingly. “...” I was supposed to act embarrassed at having my ploy uncovered. It's challenging to plaster the right expression on my face. Imagine this. Yes. Think back to a confession received from a girl in another class, unknowingly pulled into an April Fool’s joke, only to see her expression sour afterward. Embarrassing. Utterly mortifying. No… this is heart-wrenching. I've conjured something too painful. The blood rushed to my head. “Seems like one of your ears is still closed. Very well, let me open Inspector Gang's ear. Maehyang.” “Yes, Daein. I’ll get it.” Maehyang, having something prepared in advance, retrieved it from the corner of the room and brought it to me. Money, perhaps? If you bring me a chest full of gold, you might as well pay back the debt. “What is this...?” Before me was not a chest brimming with treasures. Instead, it was a long cylinder, seemingly empty. “I heard, saying one’s notorious inspector has a dishonorable nickname attached.” The foreign savage with black hair. Zhizhu Daein didn’t specify further but gestured with his eyes towards my hair as he sipped his drink. “I have never once been ashamed of the hair color my parents gave me.” “A commendable son indeed. But isn't it about time you become someone your parents can be proud of, not just someone who isn’t ashamed of them?” “What do you mean by that?” “Open it.” What could possibly be inside? Shouldn't he be convincing me, given my alliance with the Censorate? Perhaps there's a document. My curiosity overtaking me, I extracted the contents of the tube. Inside was a large sheet of paper. The contents caught me off guard. “An appointment letter... Ninth Rank, Podogungwan (捕盜軍官)?!” An inspector is a position without rank. Like minor officials in the Joseon Dynasty, it's not a proper official post but someone assisting officials' work. In modern civil service terms, it’s akin to a contract position—permanent but with low pay, no promotion or pay increase. In contrast, a Podogungwan is a government position. Even as an entry-level position, it’s a legitimate office obtained through military examinations. “What do you think?” “Zhizhu Daein, what exactly is this...?” Why is there no name on the appointment letter? Beside the title of Podogungwan, a name should have been written. Could it be... The ace up his sleeve to persuade me. Zhizhu Daein nodded, turning my suspicion into certainty. “If you handle some small matters for me, I'll give you a small gift in return.”