733 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

If it's difficult to secure new clients through ordinary sales tactics, then engage in the kind of sales only I can achieve. Kang Yoon Ho is a detective. He should leverage the misunderstanding caused by Jegal Sherlock to his advantage. It doesn't matter if I'm not a brilliant detective like those in mystery novels. Even if I'm just a half-baked detective, with the answer key in hand, there’s no worry about getting it wrong. Since the detective solved the case, even if they choose to switch their main bank to the one run by the detective, there's no way the competition can prevent it. Of course, there was still a significant hurdle: obtaining permission from the Sihwang Elder to act as a spirit detective. "Detective? Are you referring to Jegal Sherlock?" That's a relief. The Sihwang Elder has read Jegal Sherlock too. Ga Young mentioned reading Jegal Sherlock from the Elder's bookshelf, so it was only natural he'd know. "Recently, there's been someone else that's being called by that extravagant moniker." "I heard the novel, Jegal Sherlock, was based on your story." It seems he found it quite entertaining. I could feel the spark of interest in his eyes. "I'm not as great as the character in the novel. Unlike detectives who can identify the culprit just by examining the scene, I stumbled, fell, and nearly died before finally catching the culprit." "So, the rumor about you even catching a demon wasn't just talk, was it?" "It was among those near-death experiences." He shrugged lightly, as if it had been an amusing experience. Catching a demon is an adventure akin to a badge of honor for orthodox martial artists. I wish to use his granddaughter as an answer key. Before presenting my main agenda, I needed to garner substantial trust. "I understand your unique skill. But what exactly is a spirit detective?" I just wanted to borrow the answer key. I need his granddaughter's abilities to expand my business. I shouldn't reveal selfish motives. After receiving two warnings from the Sihwang Elder for unfulfilled resurrections and possessions, I needed caution. "How about using my reputation to attempt Ga Young's treatment?" This was the time to put forth the greater cause over personal desires. "By using possession, you mean?" "In places where mysterious deaths have occurred, there's a high chance of encountering vengeful spirits. If she gains experience in controlling and possessing those spirits, can't we achieve soul growth as today?" Instead of low-level ghosts, dealing with higher-level spirits is necessary for leveling up. "Also, you'll build your reputation." Indeed, the Sihwang Elder made a savvy observation. "For a merchant, empty fame is a nuisance, but it's better than none." I had my reasons too. Elder, I am a merchant, not a constable. Reputation isn't bad, but what purpose would it serve to gain the detective's empty fame? It's all for Ga Young, truly. "Impossible." "Why is that?" Did he see through my intentions? Without much contemplation, the Sihwang Elder simply shook his head. "The risks are too great. If Ga Young loses control over the spirits, those waiting for their chance might rush into her body." He cannot stake the life of his granddaughter, who had overcome death, for the sake of a cure. As much as I could argue, his reasoning was sound. Though there wasn't a lack of ways I could guide the conversation toward my objectives. "The reason I intend to act as a spirit detective is for precisely that." There's no need to break the Elder's resolve. Agreeing with him while gently guiding him toward another possibility would suffice. "For Ga Young?" "Her soul's growth is necessary, but the risks must be minimized. Luckily, I have the ability to handle the spirits and control Ga Young, so I just need an excuse to accompany her." I'm not saying we should rush into a treatment method just because we've found it. With safety measures in place, it's worth considering. Like a physician proposing a new treatment to a patient's guardian, I suggested subtly. "Hmm..." He wavered slightly. Not missing the opportunity, I pressed further. "I'm not suggesting to resolve every case blindly to build my reputation. Rather, by visiting crime scenes and avoiding malevolent spirits, we should find vengeful souls who can communicate and resolve their grievances. Wouldn't that also rectify Ga Young's incomplete resurrection?" I don't intend to solve every problem just because I have an answer key. I mean, this is how I make a living; I'll handle it as safely as possible. "Searching for a suitable spirit to hone one's training..." He was nearly convinced. I maintained my expression, like a doctor understanding a patient's suffering, and spoke with a pained look. "It must be difficult for you to watch your granddaughter craving my blood every morning." "......" "Just as Jegal Sherlock has Inspector Kang by his side, a detective needs an assistant. Who would suspect the detective is actually searching for spirits to aid in a junior's growth, rather than solving cases?" The Sihwang Elder observed Ga Young and me intently, and then spoke firmly. "With your current skills, you cannot control her alone." "Elder." I suppose it can't be helped. It's understandable that he worries for his granddaughter. I should consider other options. "Therefore, your immediate priority should be to improve your martial arts proficiency." "What...?" The Sihwang Elder gave a small chuckle at my bewildered look, as if asking why I was surprised at my own suggestion. "Take her with you as you wish. However, I will ensure you reach a level where you won’t die by her hand." --- "We'll start with the Jade Face Body Protection Technique." "Right now?" "I have already gathered the necessary herbs; why delay?" "Indeed, that's true." The Sihwang Elder took out a pill from his sleeve and handed it to me. "Take it and immediately begin energy circulation. This pill aids in enhancing the medicinal effects on the skin when you start applying the technique." The first time I learned the Jade Face Body Protection Technique, there wasn't any supplementary medicine. It seems improved martial arts are different. As I began circulating energy, I sensed the effects were different from ordinary elixirs. "It feels a bit... dizzying." It's akin to consuming a potent spirit. "The effects stimulate the bloodstream and open the pores, creating a sensation similar to intoxication to aid in the absorption of the medicine through the skin. Now, take off your clothes." “I’ve never undressed in front of a woman before, so doing it in front of you, Elder, is a bit...” “Talking nonsense, are you? The effects of the medicine must be strong indeed.” My head felt dizzy. “Don't you have a bathing tub? I used a tub before.” “Do you wish to bathe in gold?” “That does make sense.” I must be frugal. Even though I promised to pay whatever Hosanyara wanted, I can't uproot the whole foundation. I quickly took off my top. “Start with your arm first.” “Ow! Ah! Ow! Could you please be a bit gentler?” Am I a piece of laundry? Why are you applying the medicine like you’re wringing out a dry cloth? “You’re quite a loud mouth for a man.” Elder, you’re not some bathhouse scrubber hurrying to the next client, but your care seems a bit lacking. Before I could even voice a complaint, the Sihwang Elder had finished applying the medicine to both my arms. “Now, try circulating your inner energy according to the new mantra for the Jade Face Body Protection Technique that I taught you earlier.” “Oh, understood. Uh...?” “Do you feel the effects of the medicine?” “It’s a curious sensation.” The solution was absorbed smoothly into my skin, which was already trained by the Jade Face Body Protection Technique. It felt as if a polishing agent was applied over a metal surface full of cracks and dents. “Since you've been practicing the Jade Face Body Protection Technique, it won't take long. Let’s stop here for today.” The Elder nodded satisfactorily at the condition of my skin and rose from his seat. “Do you have other business to attend to?” “I used my existing herbs for the recent application. Now that the materials are prepared, I must make a new batch.” “But there’s still some medicine left,” I said, pointing to the small bowl of mixture. “It will take a few days to prepare, so apply it morning and evening until then.” So that’s why he only applied it to my arms. They were running short on the solution. As I nodded, Ga Young, who had been observing from the side, stepped closer. “I’ll apply it for you, Master.” “Ga Young?” “I want to do it.” Did she see this as an opportunity to help me? Ga Young nodded with determination. “Is that alright, Elder?” Though a faint crease appeared on his brow, the Sihwang Elder eventually nodded, seeming resigned. “It’s not a difficult task, so go ahead.” --- UlFRblVJeEt0R01oWGZFZXFXMGFSNFcwRWpLTHpLMjk2OUovRGhlSjZpeTk5UkJYcCtiZXRvQ2xUR3NGczFQRQ “Master, I'm ready.” “So it’s dusk already. Alright, let’s begin training.” Having been engrossed in my tasks, the entire day flew by unnoticed. Ga Young, who had left the room for a while, presumably to prepare for this new task, reappeared with a neutral expression, indicating she was ready. “Come to the bathroom.” “The bathroom?” Perhaps she prepared it to prevent the medicine from spilling onto the floor. Following Ga Young into the bathroom, I found an unfamiliar object taking up one corner of the room. “A bench? Was this always here?” It was a bamboo bench, just big enough for one person to lie on. “I brought it.” “You’re quite thorough.” Did she bring it to keep my body out of water? Despite her stoic expression, her confident demeanor suggested she had put considerable effort into her preparations. “Master, strip.” “Right, I just need to take off my shirt...” I was about to remove my top to apply the medicine like in the morning when she suddenly spoke. “I’ll undress.” “What?!!! No, absolutely not!!!” Utilizing the principles of the Shadowless Steps, I quickly moved to stop her. I barely managed to keep things decent, only catching a glimpse of her cute navel. “Why...?” Her eyes conveyed genuine confusion. “Why would you suddenly try to undress?!” You were there earlier, watching me, not the Elder. Did she misunderstand something when I mentioned undressing in front of a woman? Sure, if I undress, it’s fair that she'd want to as well. But that’s not what I meant. This situation was entirely incomprehensible to me. “A maid serving her master in the bath should do so in the nude as a basic rule.” “Huh?” Until Ga Young stated it like it was the most obvious maid etiquette. “Isn’t it...?” I felt I might be on the brink of being killed by the Sihwang Elder, but I couldn't bring myself to answer her immediately.