Chapter 210 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Chapter 210 - Reopening - 2 "Lady Hwarin's mother was murdered, I've heard." While I was aware of the issue that Manager Ajusshi mentioned, it was an incident that had been pushed to the back of my mind. "I heard as well." I had seen it, too. I was there when Hwarin's mother passed away. "It's unclear who the killer is, but when the creditors went to the large mansion in Sŏmsŏ province, they only found decomposing corpses." Manager Ajusshi briefly explained the dreadful scene that the creditors encountered upon reaching the grand estate in Sŏmsŏ province. That scoundrel, Danggeoho, made quite a scene. From seeking Hwarin at the Dang house in Sichuan, then to the Daeheung county's Sangbong house, and even stopping by Euijang before reaching Sŏmsŏ province. There couldn't have been a wilder goose chase. Like going to a collaboration store offering coupons for a favorite game only to find it sold out. Then, holding out hope and visiting another location far away, only to find it sold out again. I imagine he was more infuriated than someone returning home empty-handed after being subjected to the shame play of clerks saying, "What is that?" "That otaku game event starting today, you know?" "Ah! It's sold out!" than if they had simply failed in their quest. Such a garbage person, Danggeoho. Even if infuriated, one should just write a confirmation post on the demonic sect community or bond with the Dang family's friendly group for some comfort, not go and kill innocent people. "Did Hwarin's mother's debt problems arise because of her demise?" Hwarin and I had promised to repay half of Baekga House's debt as a reward for safeguarding Daseogak. Of course, even this was obtained as compensation for revealing the whereabouts of Hwarin's escaped mother and through some minor machinations. "Yes. It's unclear whether the jewels were stolen by the murderer or by a thief after the crime, but they could only recover much less money than expected because most of the valuables were stolen. Thus, there was talk of saddling Lady Hwarin with the remaining debt." Was it that they recovered a lesser sum than expected from the debt her mother was supposed to repay? "That's ridiculous. We've taken responsibility for half of a debt we didn't even owe. And now they expect us to cover the rest?" Our contract with the creditors covered only the matter of providing Hwarin's mother's whereabouts. It's absurd to demand more money now. "Yes, that's right. But it seems those who've lost money can't easily let go of their obsessions. They say that since Lady Hwarin has become the only blood relative of Baekga House, she ought to settle the remaining debt. Some even came to me with the outrageous request to help impose more debt on her." Manager Ajusshi seemed flabbergasted himself, chuckling ruefully as he spoke to me. "Hwarin has done all that she could as an external granddaughter. No matter the justification, there should be no further quibbling over a matter that has been stamped and settled." "Now that Lady Hwarin has been officially recognized by the Dang family, the creditors won't be able to make such nonsensical demands. However, if the creditors act collectively, Daseogak might become somewhat chaotic." So, while Hwarin might not be directly pestered since she's with the Dang family, they can still be bothersome. The first letter to Hwarin should contain news of her safe arrival, along with a rundown of the latest situation at Daseogak. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you." I expressed my gratitude to Manager Ajusshi and downed my now-cold tea. -------- Finding nothing more to do at Seocheon Courier, I cheerfully donned my black headdress and set out for Daseogak alone. "Ah! My goodness!" The wailing really was audible. Near Daseogak's main gate, as I'd heard, a huge crowd of people had gathered. "We shall offer prayers for the safe return of Manager Kang Yoonho. Continue as usual today; everyone proceed independently." As I moved closer, a familiar face from the Daseo Assembly, seeming to lead the ritual, came into view. "May Manager Kang withstand the cruel torture of the Dang family and return safely." "Hey you! If Kang Yoonho gets tortured by the Dang family, he won't make it back alive!" "Then I shall pray for the safe return of Manager Kang Yoonho's soul." "Hey!" "Danggapungun Volume 3. Danggapungun Volume 3. Danggapungun Volume 3." "Buddha. Primeval Heavenly Lord. Today is the 120th day; I consistently offer my sincere prayers for the safe return of Manager Kang Yoonho." "This friend claimed he never prays, but now he comes to offer them daily." Approaching, I could see an array of food offerings placed upon a large altar. Was it some kind of ritual? I thought they would at least be praying with a modest bowl of holy water, yet it was as elaborate as an ancestral household offering. 'Could these be why I dreamed of partaking in a grand feast?' I'm not dead yet. It seems unlikely, but with the prayers of so many people like this, it could be possible. The Daseo Assembly members' prayers for a safe return caused quite a stir, but the people of Euijang seem to be used to it by now and continued on their way without paying much mind. Has this become a part of daily life? Should I announce to the crowd that I've returned? Or should I reopen quietly after everyone has left? As I pondered this, a man suddenly raised his voice from one side. "It's useless, I tell you! It's been months since Manager Kang was dragged away to the Dang family. There's no news from Sichuan, and writer Hofil has stopped writing his usual 'This is Hofil...' It's all over!" "Stop!" "Here comes that sacrilegious scoundrel again!" "Let's just tie that wretch up!" "How much longer will you carry on with this meaningless charade? Do you really think Manager Kang will return unharmed? It's over, I tell you!" The man was as loud as the other Daseo Assembly members. It made sense, to be honest. The black-haired barbarian trapped in the Dang family's dungeon, the writer fled, and Danggapungun serialization halted. It would be reasonable to give up. But who am I? I am Kang Yoonho, who returned alive from the tiger's lair. "It wasn't meaningless." The protagonist always arrives with impeccable timing. Using the Soyun Sim Sang Gyul technique to ensure everyone could hear, I spoke up. "Uh?" "Whaaat?" Perhaps it was the familiar voice. In unison, people turned their heads in my direction. "It's nice to see you all again." Removing my black headdress, I greeted the people from the Daseo Assembly whom I hadn't seen in months. "Manager Kang!" "It's Manager Kang!" "Manager Kang has appeared!" "Is it truly Manager Kang Yoonho?" The chair of the ritual. The man who used to engage in a chest-thumping contest with his brother at Daseogak. Master Hwang approached me with a look of disbelief, as if his long-departed great-grandfather had returned. "Master Hwang. It's been a while." I greeted him warmly, clasping his shoulder with a smile. "Good heavens! Are you hurt anywhere? Weren't you tortured at the Sichuan Dang family residence?" Master Hwang scanned my body up and down with a face that couldn't believe what he was seeing. "Ha ha. There were some dangerous moments, but I returned safely thanks to all your prayers." "Did you really return safely all because of prayers?" "Spread the word to the Daseo Assembly!" "Is it really… true?" The people from the Daseo Assembly swarmed around me, not the altar. "What happened with 'Danggapungun'? Did they... tell you not to publish the third volume?" "I went to the Sichuan Dang family to negotiate!" "A negotiation, you say? Could it possibly mean…?" "I resolved the misunderstanding myself, and on the contrary, they even admired 'Danggapungun'. Now, the Dang family is eagerly awaiting the next volume." I spoke confidently to the flock of Daseo Assembly members gathered around me. "Unbelievable!" "Whoa... Seriously insane, isn’t it?" "Kang Yoonho! Kang Yoonho! Kang Yoonho!" "Manager Kang is your friend?" "Did Manager Kang use the legendary martial art, Taeyang Fist? It's blinding!" "I never lost faith!" "Didn’t you just say he was dead a minute ago?" "......" "I could die without regrets now!" "Really?" "Hey! Don’t know the saying? Of course, I'll continue following the next volumes!" "Ha ha ha. While it will take some time to reopen Daseogak, I promise to swiftly prepare for the reopening and the release of volume 3." "Waaaahhhhh!" "Kang Yoonho! Kang Yoonho! Kang Yoonho!" "In honor of Manager Kang Yoonho's return, I'll treat everyone from the Daseo Assembly to a meal today!" I announced my triumphant return to Euijang amidst the rousing cheers of the Daseo Assembly members. ---------- "Look at the dust." After settling the commotion, I entered Daseogak to find it covered in dust. I swept at the ferociously attacking dust particles with my palm as I began to stroll through the interior of Daseogak. It seems we've been fortunate enough to avoid any burglars. With people at the door every day, it would have been quite risky for any thief to attempt a break-in. "The ingredients have all gone bad." That smell. I thought I'd cleared out all the perishable food before leaving, but it seems something was overlooked. I quickly disposed of the foul-smelling waste into the garbage bin, then sat in a chair, gazing vacantly around the empty Daseogak. I had barely walked a few steps, yet the air was hazy with dust swirling in the sunlight streaming through the windows. There’s a mountain of work to do. While the interior was largely unchanged from months ago, dust and rubbish, areas needing tidying and refurbishing kept catching my eye. "This won't be a job for just a day or two of cleaning. I’d better start scrubbing diligently, right?" I spoke towards a spot where someone always used to be, through the haze of dust. Under normal circumstances, I'd be scolded for not moving and just talking, but there was no response from beyond the dust. "… Whom am I talking to?" Embarrassed, I mumbled to myself. Not much had changed, yet the biggest thing had. The familiar place I returned to after months. My beloved home. Where there used to be someone to talk to, no matter how tough or joyful things were, there's no one now. "I guess I'll have to find some staff." Shaking off the sentimentality that almost took hold of me, I stood up. No one's dead, so there's no need to get sentimental. Instead of sitting around, I should work hard and pay more attention to the main production. "I need to hire staff appropriate for Daseogak." Perhaps someone with excellent service spirit as befits a book café, sharp reflexes, outstanding appearance, and a passion for 'Danggapungun' would be ideal. Whether such a person exists, though, remains to be seen. ------- Hao Mun Euijang Branch. "The Usan branch was attacked." The woman with pink pigtails explained to the Hao Mun Euijang branch leader about the incident that had occurred in Usan. "It was a strangely shaped carrier pigeon tapping at the window. I thought something was up, but it was your messenger pigeon. I was worried when I heard the news, but I'm relieved you managed to escape amidst the chaos." The Euijang branch leader extended words of comfort to the familiar figure with pink hair. "No one has the skills to catch me. There was a crisis, but midway through, I received huge... well, somewhat significant help from a benefactor." "That’s good. You've had it tough. For now, let's monitor the situation and discuss with the higher-ups how to handle it." "Yes." She had succeeded. With a trembling heart, she placed her hand on her chest and exhaled a sigh of relief. "What are you planning to do now? You must be on the run as a courtesan. Shall I inquire about a place in the red-light district for you? If you're lucky, I might be able to procure a buyer for your debut there." Considering her appearance, any house of pleasure would beg her to work for them. The branch leader surveyed the pink-haired woman from head to toe. "I haven’t even completed my courtesan training. Moreover, if word spreads to Usan that a pink-haired courtesan is working here in Eui, they'll come to capture me." She immediately shook her head at the notion of courtesanship. Everyone for themselves (각자도생). While Hao Mun is a renowned sect even among the jianghu, unlike other sects, they don't take care of their members' basic needs. As a runaway courtesan subject to a terrible example of punishment, she didn't want to be caught again after escaping the attack in Usan. "That's true. Then what skills do you plan to live off?" The branch leader, aware of her talents, asked curiously, twiddling his thumbs. "I have no intention of living as a thief." She narrowed her eyes at the branch leader, chastising him. "What else have you learned but the arts of courtesanship and thievery? If you don’t start with something, then what will you do?" She looked perplexedly at the branch leader's confused face. Courtesanship and thievery. Indeed, those were the only two things she had learned so far. But must one only live by what they have learned? She decided to share with the branch leader the dream she had recently conceived. "I'm thinking of becoming a writer." "A writer?" "Yes. I want to become a novelist, like Writer Hofil."