476 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

**EP.476 The Paper Mill - 10** It all started with a simple question. 'Why did the landowner borrow such a large amount of money?' He's one of those corrupt officials who accumulate illicit wealth as if it's a daily habit. Why would he need to borrow someone else's money instead of using his own? It didn't take long for Jegal Sojeo and me to find the answer. "What nonsense is this! When did I ever borrow money from anyone?!" The landowner's denial is futile. The cross-verification between the ledgers is already complete. The money Gujuk borrowed went straight into the pocket of the Inspector-General. "In my line of work as a constable, I've developed an interesting habit. I try to think from the criminal's perspective." I let out a derisive laugh, lifting one corner of my mouth, as I glanced at Gujuk, whose face had turned as pink as a pig caught in a scandal. "Think like a criminal?" I naturally stood in the spot where Mae Hyangi had sung just moments ago. Time to start a little reenactment performance for the culprit. Pivoting on one ankle, I immersed myself in the dual role performance. "One day, the criminal is startled by something the Inspector-General says. 'Hand over the money by today!' he demands. What nonsense is this? Perhaps you've bought land, but who has that much cash on hand? Now what? Who would keep that kind of money handy in an infinite chain? Oh, right. The Man Geum Trading House!" "You said you didn't borrow any money!" The furious squeal of a pig being cornered was audible, but it didn't matter. "Landowner. You should have repaid the money before making such claims." As expected, I hold the butcher's knife for the pig. "What? No way?!" "What were you thinking borrowing such a large sum and then wiping your hands clean? Even with a simple investigation, secrets spill out easily." "Ack...!" There's no need to even mention the forbidden ledger. The borrower himself will understand why the information leaked so easily. "I understand. It must have been an unexpected expense. An enormous amount, to be sure. But at the very least, you should have repaid the interest." "......" "At the very least, disqualification from office is inevitable. You might even have to live in exile. With evidence linking you to the Inspector-General's affairs, you'll find yourself seated next to him when your crimes are interrogated." In this world, corruption is somewhat commonplace, but the timing is unfortunately bad. The Inspector-General apparently needs to be cautious with his neck. If you’re entangled together, you’ll end up living on a secluded island for life. "That... that can't be... It's a misunderstanding! A misunderstanding! When the Inspector-General demands money, how could I refuse him? I had no choice!" Aha. So, now he intends to play the victim role since the evidence has come to light. "I suppose you also had no choice about the lands you seized." I sneered, and the landowner's complexion changed instantly. "Argh! You...! Do you really think this will end here because of some paltry accusation? Do you think a mere constable can do anything to me?" "Your opponent is not me, but Inspector-General Jeong Munwon." "Damn it...!" Gujuk let out a despairing sigh from between tightly clenched teeth. The opponent is the Inspector-General with the Emperor's command. Jeong Munwon. He has exposed the Inspector-General's crimes down to the last detail, so we're talking about a league far beyond his reach. How could someone like Gujuk confront an enemy that even the great Inspector-General cannot handle? The blood began to drain from Gujuk's face. He must feel like a pig standing at the slaughterhouse entrance. "Of course, the Inspector-General would have seen my materials, so it was bound to happen." Shall I extend a helping hand and become the savior now? "Wh-what do you mean by that? You don't mean...?!" Gujuk's eyes widened as he looked at me. "The materials have already been handed over to the Inspector-General. However, he's a very busy man. Mentioned he'd deal with urgent matters first and set it aside." I shrugged as if wondering why he was so surprised. "Jeong Munwon hasn't seen the evidence yet?" "What a coincidence." Backed the landowner into a corner. "What do you mean by that?" Time to start acting. I tapped my chest. A young man caught in political strife. A renowned constable. These are merely the outer images others see. Inside, I show a side I have never revealed to anyone. "The materials are in a place where only the Inspector-General can access them, but the only one authorized to touch them for supplementary reasons is standing right here." You want to live? Then grab my hand. But it will cost you dearly. In the face of this golden opportunity, I revealed a smile of ambition glistening on Kang Yoonho’s face. "What do you want?" A moment of surprise flashed in the landowner’s eyes, but his response came quickly. As expected of someone who has long navigated the political landscape, he quickly grasped the situation. "Well, what are you willing to give?" I purposely knocked on a container holding decrees of commendation, responding with a sly expression. "Is it because you were dissatisfied with a lower rank position? You've meticulously planned and approached me; it must not have been enough. Fine, I’ll use all my power to secure you a higher rank position." "Hmm..." I don't need a position. "Not satisfied with a position? How about a woman? I'll marry you into a noble family. With the support of a rank and your in-laws, the position of Constable wouldn’t be far off." "I've already promised my future with an honorable woman." One from the Jegal Clan, Hao Clan, Sichuan Tang Clan, Assassination camp, and the Moyong Clan each. "Need money? I'll prepare a residence for you in the city under my rule. Oh! Mae Hyangi seemed fond of you. I'll buy her contract to give her to you. The more women, the merrier, right?" My allotment of courtesans is already filled. I shook my head. "I have already mentioned what I wanted, but you keep saying other things." The landowner isn't getting the hint. Why does he keep missing the mark? I laughed, looking at him. "What? What did you say? Tell me. I'll give it to you!" The landowner's anxious voice echoed. What I want is not a governmental position, a woman, or money. It's not such a low exchange. It's not a transactional relationship that’s forgotten after one give-and-take. What I want is... "You said you wanted to be friends, didn't you?" "What?" I confidently approached the landowner. Desire still smoldered in my eyes. Let’s clarify what that desire truly is. "Landowner, would you pour me a drink this time?" What's reflected in my eyes isn't mere greed, but a burning ambition. ——— He must not misunderstand my true purpose. 'I am taking the succession test for the Man Geum Trading House, not an Inspector-General exam.' The Inspector-General would prefer to see the landowner taken down, but I need to ensure the debtor doesn't end up bankrupt in prison. Only once I resolve my top priority can I assist the Inspector-General. "I suppose I should pour a drink for my drinking buddy. Here, take it." "The drink is exceptionally sweet when poured by you, Landowner." Kang Yoonho is progressing. Even the mayor is politely pouring him drinks with both hands. "Would you like some appetizers as well?" He's offering appetizers with the chopsticks he's used. How utterly impolite. I'd rather not eat appetizers picked up by another man's chopsticks. I respectfully declined and continued to share drinks with the landowner. "Now that I've enjoyed some drinks, I suppose it's time I get to work." "Are you really going to help me...?" The landowner asked, disbelief evident in his voice. "What could be better than having a good drinking buddy? I will help you." "Why on earth...? I must have misjudged you..." I've already given the answer. In politics, it's wise to be friends with both the Inspector-General and the landowner. Only now did Gujuk seem to realize this, looking at me in shock. "I’ll do my role, but there's something urgent for you to do, Landowner." I am a foreign barbarian. The opponent is the impossibly high-standing landowner. Opposing and contending with the landowner to get what I wanted was the worst move (下策). Attempting to secure what I wanted through a transaction with someone who wields the power to manipulate the scales was a mere middling strategy (中策). So what is the superior strategy (上策)? "Something urgent?" "Repay the borrowed money from the Man Geum Trading House and erase the debt record first. It’s crucial to eliminate the evidence, isn't it?" Obtaining what I want while making the other person feel indebted to me was the superior strategy (上策). "Erase the evidence?" "Even if I secretly retrieve the materials, an astute Investigator-General might visit the Man Geum Trading House at any time. The debt record should be erased as a priority." "It’s not like I haven’t tried. But that damned thing got in the way...!" "What did the Inspector-General do?" "No! It's the Shadowless Thief!" The landowner gritted his teeth and exclaimed. "The Shadowless Thief?" Why is Hayeon Sojeo suddenly mentioned here? "That scoundrel stole the jewelry I gathered to repay the debt overnight!" "Ah..." Your money. It filled the hungry bellies of the poor. Thank you. Who would've thought the Shadowless Thief activities Hayeon Sojeo and I orchestrated would connect to evidence of corruption. "It was a substantial sum even for me to repay. It's not easy to come by that kind of money." I knew you’d say it was difficult to repay. That's why I did a lot of pre-investigation for you. "I understand you have considerable assets in Infinite, don’t you?" "Ugh..." "What are you hesitating for? Survival comes first. You must act quickly!" I raised my voice in apparent frustration, like an advisor beside their indecisive lord. "I understand what you're saying. But all I have in Infinite are land and buildings. It would take forever to sell them; how could I manage?!" "I’ll handle it for you." I’ve prepared everything already. "You, you will?" "The truth is, I have a deep connection with the Man Geum Trading House owner. We meet regularly due to our closeness. If you give me the deeds to the land and buildings, I'll assess their value and expedite the process for you." If you have no money, give me the deeds. I've already arranged everything with the Man Geum Trading House. "Oh, I didn't know that. Would you really do that for me?" "Sharing drinks with you, Landowner, I should certainly do this much." The landowner must repay the money to wipe out evidence, and I package it as though I’m relieving him of his burdensome task. It's something that must be done out of necessity, not because of coercion or trade. "I’ll send someone to your house immediately!" The pig that stood at the slaughterhouse door moments ago would do anything to survive. It was easy to steer the pig in the direction I desired. "Once I verify the documents, I’ll head to the Investigator-General’s office." "Thank you. Truly, thank you!" I should be the one thanking you. ———— "Do you really have no ulterior motives? If you want, I could arrange for a position, women, or money." The landowner's eyes had shifted from gratitude to a mix of awe and reverence. "What greed could I have when I can enjoy drinks with you this way, Landowner?" "There might have been a way to please that brat Jeong Munwon too." Gujuk sighed softly as if he couldn’t believe I’d betrayed anyone, still muttering in disbelief. "I prefer to drink with someone who buys the drinks rather than someone I have to buy drinks for." I subtly complimented the landowner, implying that I preferred to keep better connections. "Haha! I get it now. It makes sense! A man should have such aspirations! Here, take this! From now on, I'll have your back!" We're almost there. All that remains is to conclude the drinking session and stand up. Just one more matter to resolve. "While getting drunk is great, I must address one last concern for my drinking buddy." "A concern?" "I'm referring to the paper mill." Surely, you haven't forgotten why we're meeting here. "Ah, yes! The paper mill! It slipped my mind. Right, right! So what’s your plan for the paper mill? Will you disperse the protestors?" I shook my head while meeting Gujuk's expectant gaze. "To maintain my drinking buddy relationship with both you, Gujuk, and the Inspector-General, disbanding them is a bit tricky." "Tricky, you say? So, is there another solution?" "There's one way to resolve this neatly, without getting on the bad side of the Inspector-General, and while keeping you, Landowner, satisfied with the outcome." "A neat solution?" This scheme isn't just about settling the landowner’s debts. I had a bothersome issue of my own to deal with. Now it's time to present the final resolution to both our problems. Looking at the landowner with genuine eyes, I spoke up. "Why not give the paper mill to me?"