Ch 343 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Phantom Thief – 2 “The Muyoung Shintu has appeared again!” With each wall Lim Ha Yeon leaped over, the rumors about the Muyoung Shintu grew louder among the people's conversations. “Was it a black paper crane this time as well?” “Yes. There was nothing but a black paper crane left in the jewelry box!” “So who was robbed this time?” “You know that infamous rich man. Famous for his ruthless money lending…” “They say a notorious inn was robbed back then. Could it be someone else this time?” “That shows how many ill-reputed rich folks there are in Muihan.” “What exactly is the Muyoung Shintu?” “Haven’t you read the ‘Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles’ that’s making Muihan all abuzz?” As more people turned their ears to the tales of the Muyoung Shintu, the fame of the Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles also grew exponentially. “Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles?” “The phantom thief Muyoung Shintu from there has now appeared in the lands of Muihan!” “What on earth does that even mean?” “If you’re curious, go read the Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles!” The Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles and the Muyoung Shintu. They were topics igniting tension in the previously relaxed atmosphere of Muihan after the ghost ship incident. ——— “It seems our strategy to promote both the Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles and the Muyoung Shintu is working quite well.” I remarked to Lim Ha Yeon while reviewing the materials sent from the newsroom in the estate’s study. “I heard from So Soo. Unlike Yichang, there are people who first discovered Ho Pil’s novels through the Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles and joined the Daseo Meeting.” “….” Entering through Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles and joining the Daseo Meeting is delightful news, but it raises some concerns. “G-gang Gongja. Do you have any worries?” Noticing my slightly darkened expression, Jegeal Hyang asked with a concerned look. “It’s nothing significant. I was just pondering the future operations of the Daseo Pavilion.” “The operations of the Daseo Pavilion?” “Our preparations for the fans of Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles seem somewhat lacking. We have the Tangga Wind and Cloud menu at the Daseo Pavilion, but nothing for the Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles yet.” We need to earn money, after all. “Ah… I see.” “Ah! Please don’t make such remarks with Ho Pil’s name, Gang Jeomjang.” There’s no need for these two to look so dismayed. I admit it might seem like greedy commercialism from a reader's perspective. “Haha. Are you disappointed?” I forced an awkward laugh. Yes, go on. Criticize me. I can’t even guess how many mouths I’ve got to feed in the future, so I have to work diligently. Is this the sorrow of being a patriarch? I feel the weight on my shoulders already. Looking at me, Lim Ha Yeon sighed softly and spoke up. “…If people start calling you a wicked merchant, then the Muyoung Shintu would need to act. Let’s think of some good ideas together.” “Ha Yeon Sojeo…” I’m touched. “M-me too.” Jegeal Hyang gazed at us, lowered her head, and approached me. “Yes, let’s think of something together.” “Yes, and it’s not just the Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles; the news media are greatly aiding us. They say once I visit at night, everyone at the inn talks about me.” “Only because it’s Ha Yeon Sojeo, not because it’s Hao Mun.” “Because it’s me?” Lim Ha Yeon tilted her head and asked. “It wouldn’t be a topic of conversation if innkeepers and geishas talk about which wealthy house was robbed. But the phantom thief Muyoung Shintu acting like a Robin Hood is unprecedented, which is why it’s so captivating.” Of course, Hao Mun’s aid is significant. However, although the authorities can make innkeepers and geishas talk, they can’t make the people gossip. The endless spreading and re-creation of Muyoung's tales owe a lot to its unusual activities, which fueled people's curiosity. “So, it depends on you and me. We created this Muyoung Shintu together.” Lim Ha Yeon softly smiled at me. “Is that how it is?” As one who devised the Phantom Thief Muyoung Shintu plan, it feels wonderful to receive acknowledgement from the executor. “U-um. Th-that’s not it.” “Sojeo Jegeal, do you have something to say?” Perhaps she also wanted recognition as a middle manager between the planner and executor? Of course, she deserves it. “Ah, um, actually. It’s due to the Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles. I think people will soon notice the connection to the Daseo Pavilion.” What Jegeal Hyang said was completely unexpected. “Indeed, I heard something similar from So Soo. They expressed concern, wondering if Muyoung Shintu is somehow connected to Daseo Pavilion or if it was influenced by Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles.” In truth, opinions regarding the Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles and the Muyoung Shintu are divided among avid readers. Some dismiss them as sheer coincidences, others see no relation at all, and some speculate Ho Pil’s stories as prophecies. Among them, a few cautiously suggest the possibility of Muyoung Shintu being linked to Daseo Pavilion or being influenced by the Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles. “We already have countermeasures... hm? What’s going on?” What’s the issue? As I was trying to continue the conversation, Shibi visited. “Gang Yun Ho Gong Ja. There’s a guest here claiming it’s urgent.” A guest? Is it someone from the Korean expatriate society or perhaps a Daseo Pavilion employee? When I asked Shibi, he shook his head, indicating it was neither. Who could it be? Filled with curiosity yet unable to dispel it, I approached the front gate only to find an officer in a constable’s uniform standing there. “The face looks familiar… Who are you?” It wasn’t a new face, yet I knew no officer. Acknowledging me, the officer spoke with a welcoming tone: “Indeed it’s Gang Jeomjang! You even remember those you’ve met a few times at the Daseo Meeting. I’m Jeong Mo, working as a junior officer at the bureau.” A constable from Daseo Meeting? This does not bode well. What could this be about? “Ah, you’re from Daseo Meeting. What brings you here alone, Jeong Po Jol?” Could it be an official task from the bureau? I must tread carefully to avoid getting embroiled in any unnecessary trouble, so let’s highlight our connection with a friendly demeanor to gain favor. Jeong Po Jol, displaying a serious expression, opened his mouth to answer my question. "I've come today not as a constable but as a member of the Daseo Meeting to offer some advice." "Advice?" I asked in a puzzled tone, and Jeong Po Jol looked around before fixing his gaze on me. "There are too many prying eyes. Can we talk inside?" "Please, come in." —— It's best if Lim Ha Yeon doesn't draw unnecessary attention. Officially, she's supposed to be at the establishment, not here at the estate. I had Shibi convey the message to keep Lim Ha Yeon and Jegeal Hyang away, then led Jeong Po Jol into the living room. "Within a few days, the magistrate will send enforcers to visit you, Gang Gong Ja." Jeong Po Jol sipped the tea Shibi served and revealed the reason for his visit to the estate. "Enforcers?" "Apparently, some wealthy individuals victimized by the Muyoung Shintu have made requests from higher-ups. They want to investigate the connection between the Daseo Pavilion and the Muyoung Shintu." They must have been too vexed to remain passive after being robbed. Seems like they greased some palms. "A connection with the Daseo Pavilion? That must be a serious misunderstanding." I decided to feign ignorance and deny any association, waving my hands in dismay with wide eyes. "Of course, it's a misunderstanding. Isn’t Gang Gong Ja the renowned investigator who solved the ghost ship case, where bodyguards were brutally murdered, earning you a stellar reputation among the people? How could you possibly be connected to a thief? It's absurd!" Jeong Po Jol clenched his fists as if he had been personally slandered. "As a real law enforcer, I'm ashamed to hear you say such things." "You need not be modest. It was a case the authorities wanted to drop due to the connections to martial artists. Yet a Korean solved it, which made even low-ranking officers like us marvel in admiration." The professionals responsible for public order must find discussions of transgressing the duties of law enforcement particularly vexing. Apparently, Jeong Po Jol holds me in high esteem since I resolved the Nokcheong Pyo Guk case, where bodyguards and porters were horrifically murdered, and all goods stolen. I only acted to recover what was mine. "Haha. Thank you." "While some of us, including myself, argued for your innocence regarding the ghost ship incident, the superiors refused to listen." "That's troubling. If they took a bribe, their investigation likely won’t have benign intentions." I put on a troubled expression. "I understand your frustration. To investigate the Daseo Pavilion just because a thief resembling a fictional character appeared is ridiculous. Why on earth would the renowned author Ho Pil and Gang Jeomjang, be involved with a thief? It’s nonsense!" Sorry. It actually makes sense. Beating his chest in frustration, Jeong Po Jol sighed. "With so much to handle, now the magistrate is sending people to investigate..." "I'm sorry. As a low-ranking officer, the only thing I can do against the corruption of the high-ups is to advise you to prepare in advance." Jeong Po Jol said, clenching his shaking fists in frustration. Perhaps uneasy about the false accusation against someone who solved a case regular officers couldn't, he visited out of concern not only for me as a member of the Daseo Meeting but also for the troubles Gang Jeomjang might face. Thanks to Jeong Po Jol, I've gained some time to prepare. "Thank you. If I come up with a way to handle it, I will let you know. Have you had a meal?" "If there’s any further help I could offer. As for a meal... Well, with Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles being released in succession this month. Haha." Jeong Po Jol scratched his head awkwardly with a slight chuckle. Even though constables are government employees, being at the lowest rank, their salary must be meager. Corrupt constables, much like traffic officers from decades past, would extort money from commoners through various means. Should I slip him some money? Though rewarding someone who courageously defied the corruption in their ranks might demean us both. "While I wish to show appreciation for your courage, doing so would place us both on the same level as those we disdain, wouldn’t it?" Let's test the waters slightly. If he's a cunning person, he might try to coax some money. "You're right." He nodded. Seems he won't take a bribe. Just as I was about to say my thanks and see him off, a fleeting look of regret crossed his face. Ah. Perhaps he's the type who wouldn’t demand outright, but wouldn’t refuse should money be slipped into his sleeve. "Then let's step out. I’ll buy us a meal." I stood up with a smile. "Gang Jeomjang. As I mentioned…" I know all too well. You don’t want either of us to lose face. We can certainly handle this. "It seems there is a misunderstanding. I’m not intending to buy you a meal as Gang Yun Ho." Jeong Po Jol looked a bit bewildered and asked back. Surprised? I continued speaking with a slight smile. "Rather, Gang Jeomjang would like to show appreciation to the Daseo Meeting member who loves Ho Pil’s books so much they've forgotten to eat." It would be a service offered by a merchant to a regular customer. "Ah!" A hint of guilt in Jeong Po Jol's eyes vanished. "If you feel uncomfortable about it, we can share a meal with other Daseo Meeting members as well." "Perhaps discussing Ho Pil’s novels as well?" Jeong Po Jol asked, seemingly excited. "Of course." “Ah! I think my judgment about you was spot on.” Not quite. ———— "It seems they’ll be visiting from the magistrate within a few days." After lunch, I discussed what happened with Jeong Po Jol with the two ladies. "I suspected they wouldn't let it be, but I didn’t expect them to mobilize the magistrate so soon." I nodded in agreement to Lim Ha Yeon’s words. I had anticipated some repercussions once Muyoung Shintu began operations, but the authorities moved faster than I expected. Did I have too much fun liberating wealthy individuals of their burdens? "W-what should we do?" Jegeal Hyang looked at me with a worried expression evident on her face. "You don’t need to worry too much. We all planned contingencies together, didn’t we?" It's just a matter of timing. I had expected the authorities to come knocking at some point. They'd likely suspect whether the Muyoung Shintu incidents are copycat crimes or if there is some sort of connection to the Daseo Pavilion. "We must be cautious; they can conjure crimes where none exist." "Then we need to ensure that they can't address any actual wrongdoings on our part." "Do you have a specific plan in mind?" Of course, I do. A way to ensure that nothing disrupts the future sales of the Wind and Cloud Heroic Chronicles.