288 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

**The Standard Bearer of Deliveries** In the world of delivery, the most crucial aspect is ensuring that the food arrives quickly, neither cold nor spoiling, but still warm. For that, speed is essential. In the modern world, motorcycles would be the tool of choice, but this was a martial arts world without such conveniences. Here, a method to achieve speeds surpassing that of a motorcycle was needed. By training delivery personnel in light footwork, the range of deliveries would expand, allowing them to cover greater distances more swiftly. Furthermore, couriers trained in martial arts could even calm minor disputes within inns. It was certainly a venture worth attempting, but there was one significant challenge. "I understand your suggestion. However, Hui Joo Nim, performing this light footwork requires at least a second-tier level of internal energy. It isn’t something achievable in just a day or two." Internal energy. That was the core issue. One needed about five years' worth of internal energy, cultivated diligently each morning, to use such light footwork. Of course, I had several solutions to address this problem. "I'm thinking of developing delivery-specific light footwork." "Delivery-specific light footwork? What kind of martial art is that?" "It's a technique that requires less internal energy than other martial arts but depletes it more rapidly. With proper training, even those at the lower end of the third tier could use it." Im Ha Yeon, standing beside me, added her insights. Though it can be easy to forget, she is a martial arts prodigy—an expert in the Shadowless Fist. Modifying a commonly circulated piece of light footwork was not a challenge for her. "Hmm. Developing light footwork designed for covering long distances, that's interesting. However, even for the lower end of the third tier, about 3 to 4 years of internal energy would be necessary." I had a plan for that as well. "I intend to provide medicinal herbs to those with potential." I have my own jumping max-level ticket, or experience booster, if you will. "Medicinal herbs?! How are you going to obtain something so precious?!" There are these ginseng candies, which, while considered ordinary, can help third-tier individuals enhance their internal energy. I planned to offer them in exchange for a franchise fee. "In addition, for those delivery personnel who train diligently, achieve remarkable growth, and work hard, I'll connect them to prestigious job opportunities like escort agencies in the future." Thus providing motivation for them to learn martial arts. However, hearing this, Choi Pyo Sa's expression darkened. "Hui Joo Nim. The escort agencies in the middle lands don’t want Joseon people whose backgrounds aren't verifiable." "Is that so?" "In a profession where trust is life. Of course, there are minor agencies where mixed nationals like me get employed. But do you know what we face then?" "What do you experience?" "We're treated as throwaway cards. When I started work as a courier, I had two friends from Joseon. One died in the first year, and the other in the tenth year. By the twentieth year, I also became a cripple from succeeding in an impossible mission." "……." "As long as we have black hair, Hui Joo Nim, we will forever be outsiders in this land. Just because a black-haired individual learns martial arts, it doesn’t mean esteemed jobs are easily accessible." Regret dripped from the end of Choi Pyo Sa's words. But even this was a scenario I had anticipated. "What about Seocheon Escort Agency?" If I introduce them to a secure escort agency, there won't be any issues. "Are you referring to the agency run by the Tang family from Sichuan?" "I've already secured their agreement, as I'm a valued guest there. Furthermore, since my business will continue with Seocheon Escort Agency, they'll have to pay heed to my influence in the future. Do not worry." "Hahaha." "In battle, a standard bearer is the one holding the flag at the front. If these couriers can live lives thinking about their futures, not just earning day by day, it will undoubtedly inject new vitality into the Infinite Joseon Youth Association." A society where everyone thrives together. I spoke to him with an expression like a benevolent figure drawing a grand vision. Though the reality is that I, personally, will live even better. "Haha……. The greatest fortune the Infinite Joseon Youth Association has had in decades seems to be having Kang Yoon Ho as our leader. I will do my utmost." In the end, I succeeded in recruiting Choi Pyo Sa as the martial arts teacher for the delivery couriers. ———————- After finishing discussions with Choi Pyo Sa, I noticed the day was already heading toward dusk. What should I have for dinner with Im Ha Yeon? I had been so busy running around all day that I hadn't given much thought to her suggestion meant to cheer her up. "It's already this late. Is there something you'd like to eat?" "I have a place in mind. Follow me." Without hesitation, Im Ha Yeon began walking after hearing my words. Where could she be taking me? Perhaps a fancy restaurant? I don't mind, given how hard she's been working lately. I’m prepared to spend. However, where she led me diverged entirely from my expectations. "This place is a restaurant?" Away from the bustling streets, in a secluded area, a small establishment emitting smoke from inside looked like a restaurant. "Welcome. Customers. Oh! Hui Joo Nim! Hello!" Once inside, we were greeted by a young attendant with black hair and a shadow of whiskers forming on his face. "This place…." "It's a restaurant run by someone like you from Joseon. Can we sit here?" Where did she hear about this? Im Ha Yeon pointed out an empty seat to the attendant. "Please have a seat! Hui Joo Nim! Should I call my mother from the kitchen?" "No need. Just bring out the food." "Yes. What would you like?" What do they serve here? As I hesitated, glancing at Im Ha Yeon, she smiled warmly and held up two fingers. "Two bowls of pork soup, please." "Alright!" "And add a good amount of chives." "Wow! The pretty sister knows how to eat. I'll bring it right away." So it was a pork soup restaurant. I recalled tales from association members who stated that with just one bowl of pork soup, a bottle of spirits would smoothly go down. So this was that place. "Add some boiled pork slices too," I quickly called out to the attendant. "Got it, Hui Joo Nim!" "Is this alright?" I asked Im Ha Yeon as I took a seat, glancing around the modest interior of the establishment. You could have chosen a nicer place. "Considering our situation, should we be ordering gourmet food at a fancy restaurant?" "Hahaha..." Balancing the demands of the bank and the poetic exam means I'm in a position where I must squeeze out every ounce of potential to expand the business. "So, did you enjoy it?" A sudden, pointed question pierced through like an unexpected stab. How could she spring a question on me like this? Though the subject and object were entirely omitted, I could still discern her intended meaning. "Not all high-end food is delicious, you know." But it certainly was tasty. "Isn't any meal delightful when enjoyed in the company of a beauty?" Agreed. Without a filter, saying this could end with a soup shower. Supporting my chin with one hand, I turned to Im Ha Yeon and remarked with a sly smile. "That's why I'm eagerly anticipating such a delicious meal." "……." In this humble pork soup restaurant, even the cheeks of one of the most beautiful women in the vast expanse of the world trembled slightly. "For me, a meal shared with close company in a relaxed setting is far more enjoyable." Fortunately, that seems to have been well-received. Again, I teased Im Ha Yeon, whose stern demeanor seemed on the brink of breaking. "Sigh. If only you could stop talking…." She exhaled a small sigh, and soon after, a gentle smile began to spread, softening her once-stern expression. Thankfully, I navigated through it smoothly. Had I spoken unwisely, who knows if the soup would have gone down my mouth or up my nose? "Here's your pork soup!" "Let's dig in." Looks like this is a proper pork soup spot. It's my first time seeing the soup served pre-tormented. As I was about to sprinkle salt and pepper on the soup and start eating, Im Ha Yeon gestured. What's up? "You can't just add salt to pork soup and call it a day. Here, add some chives as well." With chopsticks, she picked up some leek kimchi and placed it on the spoon with my rice. "Where did you pick up on this…?" How does a woman from the Central Plains know about authentic Busan-style tips? "Thanks to your staff diligently teaching me." "Do they teach things like this?" "They call me sister-in-law and insist on teaching me about Joseon culture. The other day, they even argued fervently over whether to eat blood sausage with ssamjang, vinegar chili paste, or salt." Recalling this, Im Ha Yeon displayed an exasperated expression. "Hahaha. Isn’t it because they now see you as part of the family?" Such immigrant community groups usually become tightly knit due to their closed nature, especially here in the Central Plains, where they're often looked down upon as barbarians. It’s only natural they’d bond tighter in unity. However, thanks to her relationship with me or possibly her innate ability to connect with others, everyone seemed to recognize her as one of us. "Hmm… It's not bad at all, really." Im Ha Yeon, with a soft nasal tone intertwined with laughter, playfully stirred the soup. Initially, she would get upset every time someone called her sister-in-law. Now, perhaps she's exhausted from denying it every time. Either way, she's made great strides. "With work increasing, it seems things might get busier for Miss Ha Yeon with this new venture." I asked her as I hurriedly ate and pondered. "Teaching light footwork to the couriers?" "Indeed." "While it was a hassle to create, learning it won't take long for them. It's only a basic form of light footwork, not an advanced shadow-step technique. The greater challenge will be selecting the talented individuals." "You don’t need to worry much about that." "Why not?" "The youth association gathering will sort through and select those kids with solid backgrounds, good character, and apparent talent." "Because they're going to be your employees?" "Precisely. Miss Ha Yeon only needs to choose from among the pre-selected few." I had no intention of burdening her unnecessarily. Once you reach a position where you manage others, it's the underlings who should handle the mundane tasks. "That's a relief to hear." Upon realizing that I had finished my soup, Im Ha Yeon hastily wrapped up hers, wiping small beads of sweat from her brow. Eating pork soup with a woman who looks like she should only dine at Michelin-starred restaurants certainly feels surreal. "I'm always grateful." I handed her a handkerchief, speaking in a sincere tone. "Oh, I mean... Was the soup delicious?" As if struck by an unexpected attack, Im Ha Yeon turned and asked. "It reminded me of the harbor at Dongnae, in Joseon." The taste was comforting. "Hmm. Really? Then I'll treat you today." "What do you mean, of course I will… Hm?" As I stood up to pay, she grasped my sleeve firmly, holding me back. I wanted to comment on paying when one hasn’t even received a proper salary. However, the seriousness in her expression stopped me. Perhaps she had something important to say. With a tender face, still holding my sleeve, she spoke. "You don’t need to spend a fortune to feel joy and happiness from something like this. So let's push through these tough times a little longer together." Her voice carried a mix of regret and apology. It seemed she, too, wanted to express her gratitude and apology, just as I had occasionally shown toward her. In that case, there was only one thing I could say. "It was a delicious meal." "Same to you." —————— Days after notifying the gathering of the association about the first delivery order and explaining the new courier initiative. Teaching a third-tier martial artist light footwork could take quite some time. Hence, the selection was being carried out meticulously. "You!" That's when Im Ha Yeon came bursting through the office doors. "What brings you here?" "Huh? What were you doing?" "Organizing." I was tidying up the piles of documents messily strewn across the desk. "I keep telling you to organize regularly. I always end up scolding you and tidying up myself. Hm? What's with the box I've never seen before?" She side-eyed the luxurious box I was hastily pushing into a drawer. Inside the box was something far more valuable than its elegant exterior, but there was no need to mention it. "It's nothing significant. By the way, what brings you in here so suddenly?" "Come outside. It seems like something you need to handle." What could this be about? ———— "What are you all doing? Hui Joo Nim is coming!" "Greetings!" "What is all this?" As I descended to the inn's common area, the Samgu Brothers and several robust young men from Joseon awaited me. "Hui Joo Nim! Will you truly recommend us as escorts for the Seocheon Escort Agency if we learn martial arts and work as delivery couriers?" "Rumors are spreading about this within the association!" As soon as their greetings were finished, the young men approached me with a tone of earnestness. "Hey! How dare you speak so impudently before Hui Joo Nim! Where do you get the nerve to speak before he's even said a word?" "I'm sorry!" At Choi Il Gu's reprimand, the young men collectively bowed their heads. So that's why they're here—because of the rumors about teaching martial arts to couriers. "It is true that I intend to select a few talented individuals to recommend as escorts. But Choi Il Gu, what exactly is going on here?" I turned to Choi Il Gu, who was fumbling awkwardly, with a perplexed expression. "These lads have learned some martial arts through the Infinite Joseon Youth Association. At the very least, they are at the entry level of a second-tier martial artist." "Second-tier martial artists, you say?" Why have martial arts-trained individuals come here? The plan for the delivery standard-bearers is to train third-tier martial artists to learn light footwork, eventually turning them into second-tier warriors. There’s no reason for already capable second-tier martial artists, who can use light footwork and handle martial arts, to join this initiative. Seeing my bewildered expression, the young men, keenly observant of my mood, bowed deeply once again and exclaimed, "Hui Joo Nim! Please, use us as delivery standard-bearers!"