481 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.481 Paper Mill - 15 “You're not pursuing collections anymore?” “The Tri-Eyed Inspector, the Imperial Auditor, and the Landlord. With all that addressed, using the remaining time for collections seems unnecessary.” He had nabbed the final boss known as the Landlord. It was time to skip the side quests and jump straight to the ending. Having collected all the funds from the Landlord, he moved on to other tasks rather than focusing further on collections. “Leader! I've liquidated some of the land deeds you've entrusted to me.” The first task was to swiftly sell off the rights certificates handed over by the Landlord. “Kang Gongja Nim, will you sell everything within ten days?” “Mangeum House offered to buy the rights certificates at 80% of their market value. If I manage to sell them at a higher price by the end of the exam period, the profits are all mine, so I must try everything I can.” It was a fire sale. As long as sold for more than 80%, profit was guaranteed. Plus, there was an additional benefit in sight. “The inn in the prime location was sold to you, Kang Leader, at 80% price, and another was switched to the name of an association.” “You've done well. If we conclude this matter successfully, everyone will be rewarded generously. Give it your best.” “Wasn't the paper mill supposed to be the end? What's next?” Jeon Gil San eyed the certificates, puzzled. “I've cheaply acquired the best inn transferred by the Landlord, and the second best was reserved as the next property for the Joseon Association.” It's a rare chance to augment wealth. Missing it would be unfortunate. He constructed the documents for purchasing the inn at 80% price. The finance manager sold other properties or land to cover the surplus. This established a new franchise of Yoongi Inn. “Wow…” “I knew something was up when you said you were stopping collections.” After explaining the situation, the two were left speechless. “It wasn't solely to stop collections for the sake of sales.” “Are you going to handle the paper mill tasks in the remaining period?” Of course, Jegal Sojeo hit the mark with her astute observation. “Yes, initially, it needs stabilization. Though most tasks will be delegated to the manager, the clientele must be visited.” With over 100 staff under the paper mill, it was akin to devouring a stable small business whole, requiring attention from the start. “Eh, boring times ahead. I’m out.” Like a spectator leaving reluctantly after a sports event, Jeon Gil San turned to leave. “Where do you think you're going? You have to help too.” “What help? I told you, I'll be back on the exam's last day.” That guy, Jeon Gil San. Thinking he can shirk off when it looks like boring tasks are about to commence. “Your parents run the Mangeum Bookstore, right?” No way out this time. You'll lend a hand. “Why?” Sensing something amiss, Jeon Gil San took a step back. “For the future of their son, shouldn't they consider switching paper suppliers?” “……” “Brother, a little help couldn't hurt, could it?” Why the frown? You've enjoyed watching so far. How about paying some admission? “Ha... Hard-headed fellow.” With a deep sigh from Jeon Gil San, a new supply deal was secured. —————— “Kang Gongja Nim. Someone from Mangeum House has arrived.” “Please ask them to wait. No, I'll tell them myself.” After quickly liquidating the certificates handed over by the Landlord, stabilizing the paper mill, and briefly enjoying a break with Jegal Sojeo, the exam's end day approached unnoticed. “What are you up to? Aren't you ready to leave?” By then, Jeon Gil San was at the residence, assuming they'd leave together as he readied himself. “I’m waiting for someone.” Departing immediately wouldn't do. “Did you tell them to bring in cash again? Even if today is the deadline, you’re really pushing it.” “No, it’s something else.” He shook his head. “Waiting for something else?” “Just wait a little longer.” Why aren't they here yet? Sitting in the inner court, he looked towards the door leading outside. “Hey there. What's he waiting for?” “He hasn't told us... I'm not sure.” The two looked at him baffled. I wouldn't make you wait for nothing. Just hold on a bit longer. The meeting spot was on the outskirts of Mu Han, so being late was a problem. With patience, he listened for news from outside, but the door remained closed. “… Running late.” Like this, we’d be late for the meeting. “Kang Gongja Nim! The person you mentioned has arrived.” Fortunately, the person arrived just in time. “Great. Let’s move.” They were ready to go. *** “Lord Jeon. Your grandchildren are on their way.” In a residence on the outskirts of Mu Han, surrounded by a garden soaked in autumn’s reflection. While some held hands with lovers this season, others prepared for the life's winter ahead. Mangeum House hoped their preparations weren't late, turning to address the attendant. “That child?” The attendant knew exactly who Mangeum House referred to. “At Kang Gongja Nim's request, I sent my son as the lead servant along with several others to his residence. They'll be slightly delayed.” “He requested to send servants? Has the calculation for the debts of the Imperial Auditor been completed?” “It was settled days ago.” “Then?” The call for servants implied a new certificate needing evaluation. Kang Yunho, having resolved two debts already, wouldn’t summon them without reason. If there was a reason, only one made sense. “He might have successfully pursued someone else’s debt…” The attendant carefully suggested, bowing his head. “One more… that means three within a month, as said… Do you think it’s possible?” Mangeum House’s servants never crafted an erroneous ledger. For the heirs of Mangeum House, succeeding in even one might be possible, given all their effort and a stroke of luck. That was the nature of the infamous ledger. Yet here was Kang Yunho, who had collected from both the Tri-Eyed Inspector and the Imperial Auditor. And now, another one? It was to a point where no one at Mangeum House dared to make jokes. "Impossible. However..." "However?" The attendant, deep in thought with his head bowed, finally spoke as if resolving his inner debate. "If there's a man who might open a new future for Mangeum House, it could be him." "Hehehe." A pleased smile brushed past Mangeum House's lips. "Kang Gongja has arrived." Jeon Un Yeob, the son of the attendant who had been sent to Kang Yunho’s residence, entered breathless. "You’ve come? Whose money did you bring?" Could it be that he succeeded with a third one? The attendant couldn't suppress his curiosity and asked his son. "Well..." Jeon Un Yeob's eyes trembled. "Well?" "Kang Gongja requests a chance to speak directly in front of everyone." "In front of everyone?" "Hehe. Is that so?" Mangeum House snickered, amused by Kang Yunho's bold declaration. "Yes, he insists on showing it in front of everyone." Show it, huh. Mangeum House examined Jeon Un Yeob closely. Jeon Un Yeob exhibited the demeanor of someone who had witnessed something unbelievable. He had tightly sealed lips, clearly reluctant to speak unless explicitly ordered. Jang No Ya, for some reason, saw a reflection of the loyal young attendant in Jeon Un Yeob’s demeanor. What could have moved the attendant’s son so deeply? "Alright, let’s proceed to the venue." Like a child eager to open a gift box, Mangeum House hastened his steps. ———— “Grandfather! I’ve collected more debts than anyone else here!” The anticipated expression on Mangeum House's face soured rapidly as he entered the designated meeting area. “What kind of ledger did you take?” “The, the risky ledger.” The ledger held by his grandson was of the lowest difficulty level. “They’re clients of Mangeum House! Just coax and mildly intimidate them! Breaking shops, maiming people, forcibly taking what's owed until resentment reaches the heavens—who would dare borrow from Mangeum House again!” Mangeum House's roar made shoulders slump throughout the room. “That, that’s because!” “Pfft.” At the sound of sneering laughter from somewhere, Mangeum House furrowed his brow instantly. “Laughing? You think this is amusing?” “Grandfather…?” “Using force only to end up kidnapped, almost sold a noblewoman into a brothel, and then laughing like you've done something extraordinary?” “……” The antics of the grandsons were numerous and shameful. Jang No Ya sighed deeply at the sight of his grandchildren's bowed heads. He wanted to scrap everything and pretend the exam never existed. “Only one remains. Fine. You said you want to announce whose debt you collected, right?” Were it not for one black-haired youth. “Yes. Thank you for granting me the chance.” Kang Yunho approached Mangeum House confidently and took a seat reserved for him. “Whose debt did you collect?” The grandsons couldn't grasp the situation unfolding before them. Kang Yunho's ledger was the infamous one, a choice everyone had given up on. To think he collected from it. Mangeum House’s grandsons, as well as the accompanying family members, widened their eyes in astonishment. “I’ve collected the debts of Jo Cheol, the Tri-Eyed Inspector, and Jeong Mun Won, the Imperial Auditor.” “What?!” “You succeeded with the infamous ledger? For both of them?” “The Imperial Auditor’s debt?!” “The Tri-Eyed Inspector Jo Cheol is a renowned rogue expert!” The shock was palpable among Jang No Ya's daughters and grandsons. “Are those the only ones?” “No.” Could it be true? Seeing Mangeum House’s composed facade slightly quiver was noteworthy. “Then from whom did you collect?” "It’s marked on what I brought back." Whose money did he obtain? The answer lay within the document Kang Yunho presented. “This is the infamous ledger, isn’t it?” Why hand back the ledger given for the exam? What had occurred? Mangeum House accepted the document from Kang Yunho. “Open to the first page.” “The first page?” Kang Yunho nodded assuredly. The first page of the infamous ledger. "Wait!” “Certainly on the first page…” Everyone, from Mangeum House to the chosen heirs and daughters who refused to select the infamous ledger, remembered what was written there. “Could it be you collected from them…?” Could it be. Indeed. Even Mangeum House, with trembling eyes, opened the first page of the infamous ledger. “Yes. I collected the debt from Gu Juk, the Landlord.” “……!” The first page of the infamous ledger clearly bore Mangeum House's mark indicating completion. “Impossible!” “How could this be…!” “Here’s a certificate bearing the signature and seal of the Landlord confirming full repayment to Mangeum House.” Kang Yunho extracted a document from his possession and handed it to Mangeum House. The ink on the “repayment completed” stamp had barely dried. Alongside it was the seal familiar as the Landlord’s. “Truly… you managed to repay the Landlord's debt.” The name, strategically placed on the first page to discourage attempts at collection. He actually succeeded in retrieving it. Even Mangeum House found it hard to believe and questioned Kang Yunho. “It wasn't just the Landlord's debt.” Kang Yunho responded with a sly smile to Mangeum House's question. “What do you mean by that?” “It includes the Landlord's debt.” “Includes?” “Please turn to the next page of the infamous ledger.” “No way…!” Such a thing couldn't happen. Jang No Ya’s hand shivered as if opening a box that contained his most desired gift. “Judge Wang, Wang Hyun Seung.” Paid in full. As Mangeum House turned the page, a melodious voice resonated throughout the room. Jang No Ya exchanged a glance with a gaze that suggested the gift box was far from empty. No way. “Assistant Administers, Seo Il, Yeo Sang-tak.” Paid in full. “District Magistrates, Yoo Cheon-baek, Myoh Ji-hak, Bang Ung, Bae Mok-seung.” Paid in full. “Assistant District Magistrates, Gal Hwi-jin, Do Song, Shim Nan-cheon, Gok Dan-yung, Un Sang-tak.” Paid in full. The gift box contained an inexhaustible bounty of treasures. “This, what on earth is this…?” In the end, Mangeum House couldn't fully regard all the contents of the gift box before him, but he could perceive the greatest gift of a lifetime. The young man who had smiled and made a promise to him. “Didn't I assure you?” It was Kang Yunho, who pledged he would prove himself as the rightful successor.