289 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"With skills at the second-rate level, surely there are many places you could work. Why choose to be a delivery worker?" While a third-rate martial artist is akin to a regular person with some martial arts knowledge, a second-rate martial artist has an internal energy mastery they can utilize. In the martial world, reaching the level where one can proudly introduce oneself with a business card starts at the second-rate level. Thus, choosing to work as a delivery worker seemed like aiming too low for a stable job. "You don't quite understand. That's how it is with the Central Plains folks. That doesn't apply to us with black hair," replied a young man, a second-rate martial artist, bowing his head in response to my question. "I heard that the martial escort agencies aren't very welcoming. But aren't there many places that require martial artists, like for security?" "The situation is the same. If you're a 'black-haired,' they'll just place you in the most dangerous positions or worse, use you as a blade catcher. If not that, the pay is meager." It seems the martial world treats foreign martial artists similarly to how foreign laborers, despite the same capabilities, are often pushed to more difficult or hazardous work. "It's true that the salary for delivery workers is generous, but that's only compared to the usual job. It's not something that second-rate martial artists would take." My plan was to groom third-rate martial artists into delivery workers. I intended to entice them with the prospect of a position in the escort agency, hoping they'd eventually leave, departing to live robustly in the martial world as delivery workers. But now, second-rate martial artists are applying. "We've all struggled and trained hard to reach our second-rate level. But if we want to be treated well, we'd have to blend in with the likes of dark factions." "It seems you don't want to go that far." A gang of armed robbers. They were the least desirable to associate with when traveling through the Central Plains. "Though we chose the path of the sword, we learned at least the principles of loyalty and righteousness from our fathers. We would rather starve than resort to stealing from others." In the Central Plains, raising a sword often means treating others' belongings as your own. But these young men, true to being from Joseon, seem to be upright. "So, in the end, you hope to start as delivery workers, get introduced, and land a job at an escort agency." Their intentions were clear. "If you were to assure us of that opportunity, we'd be eternally grateful and never forget your kindness," they admitted without denying it. "Return." "Master!" Startled by my sudden refusal, the martial artists looked at me in surprise. "You lack sincerity in your prayers and your heart lies only in the offerings. I'm selecting diligent delivery riders, not escort guards." The position as an escort guard must remain a reward for the delivery workers. If their main objective from the start is the escort guard position, then throughout their work they'll only complain about when they'll be promoted, which I cannot allow. "I was told we need to work for years. We have no intention of slacking off!" "I didn't label the position 'Herald of Delivery' without reason. The first delivery riders to become escort guards must be exemplary, allowing subsequent recommended Joseon folk to follow in their footsteps, all linked to my name as the Head." Are you capable of bearing such a significant responsibility? I looked at the martial artists with a critical gaze. "Evaluate us after a few years of work!" "We promise to work diligently, always striving to meet your expectations. If we become escort guards under your aegis, we vow to be Joseon people who are never ashamed!" "Master! Even if you don't recommend us, please give us the chance! We will do our utmost!" The Korean martial artists pleaded earnestly, even kneeling. 'They do seem desperate...' I shifted my glance from the bowed martial artists to the Samgu brothers. They nodded, indicating these were trustworthy men. Second-rate martial artists, they could be deployed as delivery workers immediately after learning only light-footed skills, unlike third-rate ones who needed to be trained to the minimum internal energy requirement. If they can work diligently for a few years without complaint, it would ultimately be beneficial to me. "If there are no issues, then I will employ you." After careful consideration, I spoke. "Really?!" The martial artists looked up at me, their faces lighting up with joy. "The initial assessment won't be conducted by me, but by the meeting members. If you pass without issues, I'll employ you then." "We will pledge our loyalty!" ——————- The Korean second-rate martial artists turned out to be better regarded than I had expected. They smoothly passed the assessments and decided to undergo preliminary martial arts training alongside other Korean workers at the franchise. The news spread, 'Head Kang Yunho is recruiting delivery workers. He plans to teach martial arts, and to those who excel, he will even offer elixirs. For those who work well and achieve much, jobs at escort agencies will be introduced in a few years.' Such rumors continued to circulate among the Korean community associations. "This is the tanner's son, Jeong, second child of the family." "Greetings, Head! I've been consistently training in the Triple Talent Technique since childhood!" "This is the youngest son of the Ju family, working at the port, and it's said he was taught a skill or two by Choi Igu." "Head, if you select me, I promise to dedicate myself with all my might!" Applicants gathered in the yard of Cook Ahn's house after passing the association's screening. "Quite a crowd?" Despite the spacious yard, it was bustling with people as if it were an athletic event. "Master Kang! Here you are." Choi Pyo-sa, who would serve as the martial arts instructor, approached with a welcoming expression. "Inspector Choi, did you expect so many talented youngsters?" Although Lim Ha Yeon was to make the final selection, it seemed like the entrance ceremony of a rural school with quite a number of people. "Well... it seems the rumors have exaggerated." Inspector Choi smiled awkwardly, explaining the situation to me. "Exaggerated?" "Our recruitment aimed at quickly learning youngsters. The news seemed to have spread to every household with children." "Is it true, Head, that you'll teach martial arts to our children?" "My grandfather once applied for a martial arts exam in Joseon! I'm nothing special, but my third child is the spitting image of him!" Inspector Choi intervened like a parent attempting to control eager parents. "This is a recruitment event. Didn't the association manage to filter out enough candidates?" There's just too many people here. "We didn't just choose anyone. We selected those kids who seemed to have potential," Choi Pyo-sa added, explaining his dilemma. It seemed like every child associated with the community wanted to apply, making it quite a challenge for him. "You should've been more selective. Not many positions are available, and many will leave disappointed." It's good to have many applicants because there's a better chance of finding talented ones. Still, this was an overzealous turnout. Since it's the first time, such mistakes are understandable, but I made sure to caution Choi Pyo-sa not to repeat them next time. "Well, it's just that..." "Don't be too hard on Inspector Choi. The association has stepped in all for Master Kang," interjected Cook Ahn, the owner of the house. "Cook Ahn? What do you mean by that?" "Master Kang is committed to teaching martial arts to the children, offering them elixirs, and even promising escort positions. How can our association stand idly by? We've decided to train these talented kids as a group and recommend the most outstanding ones as heralds of delivery." It felt like when a community gathered to select a child to send to Seoul for education decades ago, in an underprivileged village. "We don't have enough places of work to pay all these kids' salaries. Plus, accommodating so many for teaching won't be easy." "Didn't you purchase this house with the money from selling the inn last time? We'll open it up for those eager to learn." I glanced around the yard of Cook Ahn's house for a moment. Although the walls enclosed only a few rooms, the yard was as wide as that of a countryside home. "But the wages..." As I hesitated, the listening parents reacted with surprise. "Master! Don't say such a thing. No academic institution asks for money from the teacher!" "Exactly! We'll pool together what we can and assist the children!" "Martial arts aren't academics." "But isn't martial arts still a form of study? Learning is essential for anyone to find usefulness." "That's not all, Master." "Inspector Choi?" "We're thinking of creating a sort of academy, combining education for both martial arts and regular studies for literate kids. Then, we'll recommend the brightest kids as delivery workers." "Indeed. Life is harsh, and Joseon people couldn't even dream of educating their children. Thanks to you, they're seizing this opportunity. If you agree, we'll take care of it ourselves." The earnest gaze of the parents waiting for my approval was directed at me with anticipation. Most of them were living more downtrodden lives in Mu Han, yet their eyes were filled with a determination not to let their children suffer the same fate. "Then let it be." As long as no money from me was involved, there was nothing to lose. If anything, getting a continuous supply of outstanding individuals would greatly aid future business expansion. "Oh, Master, thank you!" "We knew you'd come around!" A smile spread across the faces of the parents at my consent. ——————— "Hhmm. Hmm hm." On the way back to the inn, I could hear Lim Ha Yeon's cheerful humming. "You seem in a good mood." "Seeing the Joseon people reminded me of my childhood." "Your childhood? Are you talking about your time at the gisaeng house?" Did a joyful childhood memory akin to a festival come to mind? "Before I entered the gisaeng house, after my mother passed away." "I heard it wasn't a happy time for you." "Indeed. I was hungry, with no one to rely on. Eventually, I ended up at a gisaeng house to become a courtesan." "......" I seemed to have hit a sensitive spot. Seeing my expression, Lim Ha Yeon chuckled softly before continuing. "Don't look so serious. The elder sisters and juniors there were good people... Though, as I grew older, the house began to feel like a pit." "A pit?" "A pit you can't climb out of. In that pit, one must look as appealing as possible just to snatch the scraps tossed down from above." She was indeed sharing something quite significant. Thankfully, she wasn't telling it with a grave tone, as she continued to smile despite the earnestness in her eyes. "You must've monopolized those scraps to have grown so well." A vase with quite ample features, I jested with a slight scoff. "Hmph. What are you saying?" Laughing coyly, Lim Ha Yeon gently nudged my side with her elbow and sauntered a step ahead. "But what does that have to do with the Joseon people?" "They seemed similar. Good people but trapped in a situation with no way out. They painfully struggle through each day, with no promise of tomorrow being better." "We're only foreigners in this vast expanse." It was far-fetched to think that a scorned foreigner could gain a foothold in the Central Plains. "That would be the case if you weren't here." Turning to face me as she walked a pace ahead, Lim Ha Yeon spoke up. "Me?" "Though it seems you don't realize, when among the Joseon folk, one can't help but hear endless praise about you. They say they're able to feed themselves thanks to having you. You're their pillar of support, and thanks to you, they have hope." "I think my ears are burning from hearing too much." Seeing my feigned exasperation, Lim Ha Yeon struggled to hold in her laughter, covering her mouth with her hand. "Life's tough for everyone. There's cook jobs, servants, delivery workers, dock laborers, inn owners. Now you've even ensured escort or security positions. The pit has become a staircase they can climb." Speaking in a pleased tone, Lim Ha Yeon suddenly climbed onto the wall beside us. "That's dangerous." "Who do you think I am?" A genius of light-footed skills, destined to become a legend feared even by wealthy households. Muyeong Sintoo. But by dangerous, I didn't mean that. "Ha ha..." The wall was quite high, barely concealing the inside of her skirt. I decided to keep some distance to avoid any awkward situation. In a quiet alley, Lim Ha Yeon and I walked alongside each other, albeit on paths of different heights. Even from a distance, there's a slight sense of embarrassment. I'd thought I’d gotten somewhat accustomed to certain aspects of her upper body, but her breathtaking silhouette had its own kind of allure. Unaware of my gaze drawn towards her, she continued the conversation. "It reminded me of the old days. Not that they're exactly the same, but there's a similarity that uplifted my spirits for some reason." Her voice, though seemingly joyful, carried a tinge of melancholy. "Ha Yeon." I stopped in my tracks and called out to her. "……." She turned her head, her face etched with a wistful expression. What might she be thinking? Longing for the Joseon people? Her past self? Or perhaps her current situation? It didn't matter which. "What I truly wish to lift out of the pit right now isn't the Joseon people." What I most want to save from this endless expanse is you, Lim Ha Yeon. I looked at her earnestly. "……Oh. You really are… Let's go." Before I knew it, dusk was setting in. Her face glowed crimson in the light of the setting sun. "What are you staring at!" "Your shoes, just your shoes. Seems they're quite worn from all your hard work." In the end, I was caught.