348 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Thief – Chapter 7 "Manager Kang! It's been a while! I heard you were taken to the authorities. Are you alright?" "Thanks to your concern, I returned without any trouble." As I approached the Daseo Hoe, everyone greeted me with expressions of relief. "It seems you're greatly concerned about Muyeong Shintu. I've heard it appeared over in Dong Ho the day before yesterday." Dong Ho, that's across the Yangtze. Lim Ha Yeon and Jegal Hyang have been organizing information on the wealthy of Wuhan, did they end up going there? "I hear you've been involved in fascinating debates lately." Regarding Muyeong Shintu, it's best to act connected yet indifferent. As I changed the subject with a smile, the members of Daseo Hoe began to passionately express their concerns with lament. "Manager Kang! Listen. If you've been reading 'Dangjapseong' from way back, you'd understand. How can Un Hyeon possibly defeat Dang Jeong? While Un Hyeon's spirit is admirable, it's simply not plausible." "Manager Kang! Hear us out. Who is Un Hyeon? The hero who has inherited the will of the former leader of the Wudang sect! Isn't he a genuine warrior who grows stronger through adversity and hardship? To say such Un Hyeon can't defeat Dang Jeong, one would question if we've read the same book." "What?! What did you just say?!" "Now, now. Isn't Ho Pil's close friend right here? Surely he can give us a definite answer, so why quarrel?" "Manager Kang, please give us your insight!" Every member of the Daseo Hoe looked at me with hopeful expressions. When in doubt, ask the teacher. Feels like being a kindergarten teacher where whatever you say becomes the truth. Is Dang Jeong stronger, or is Un Hyeon stronger? They wanted a conclusion. I had to answer, but there was no need to overthink. "I think Dang Jeong is stronger than Un Hyeon." Gotta acknowledge what's there to acknowledge. "Of course. Ho Pil's close friend!" "Ah, indeed, that settles the debate." "Manager Kang, how could you say that?" "Exactly. Ho Pil's work in 'The Tale of Chivalrous Heroes' was meant to support you, Manager Kang. And yet you side with Dang Jeong." With a single statement, one side smiled in victory, while the other expressed deep disappointment. They all thought that was the end, but the story wasn't over yet. "However…" Time to deploy So Yoon Sim Sang Gyeol quickly. Making sure every word was heard by all present, I continued with an intentionally hesitant tone, observing the members of Daseo Hoe. "However?" Curious gazes gathered again. Adopting a thoughtful expression as if imagining someone aspiring, I carefully spoke again. "Just imagining how Un Hyeon continued his chivalrous journey all the way to Dang Jeong’s era and gained fame, even if he was slightly weaker at first, truly leaves one in awe." I've praised Dang Jeong, now it's time to uplift Un Hyeon. "Manager Kang?! What do you mean by that?" "The Un Hyeon of Volume 2 is still not widely recognized as a chivalrous hero. Meanwhile, in 'Dangjapseong,' he is a famed warrior even esteemed by Changhong Yi Hwa. So, while the novels are set in the same world, there's a time difference between them." You're missing something important in your debate between Dang Jeong and Un Hyeon. To argue who's the strongest, it should be between their complete forms. "Time difference?" "In Volume 2, Un Hyeon becomes enlightened and grows stronger within a single book. So doesn't it pique your curiosity just how powerful the future Un Hyeon, who embraced the insights of the leader and chose the path of chivalry, would be in 'Dangjapseong'?" Throw some fuel onto the debate fire. "The one Dang Jeong has to face is the future Un Hyeon?!" The members of Daseo Hoe suddenly looked as if they were struck by a realization. "Indeed. If it's the future Un Hyeon, even a decisive battle with the current Dang Jeong seems possible." "A battle between the perfected Eight Trigrams Swordplay and the Venomous Killing Realm! This could be a fight that won't fall short!" "Hmph." In an instant, those who wore victorious smiles just a moment ago appeared troubled, while those who had expressed disappointment cheered with enthusiasm. "Is there really a need to engage in arguments?" If I've thrown the logs into the fire, now it's time to utilize the heat. "Manager Kang, are you attempting to stifle the discourse of Daseo Hoe?" No. I'm suggesting you fight in a different way. "Manager Kang, I've brought it." So So, you've timed it well. "You came at the perfect moment. Please, everyone, help yourselves." Let me throw a lure. Skillfully taking the tray So So held, I placed it on the table before the Daseo Hoe members. "…What's this?" Seeing their gazes fixate on the cups in front of them, I began to speak. "These are green tea latte and black tea latte." What I debuted to the Daseo Hoe members was a new menu item from the Daseogak. "Green tea latte? Surely not, did you add milk to tea?" One member looked at me with a face full of disbelief. "I even think iced Americano is an anomaly and only drink espresso. How can you add milk to tea!" "This is not authentic tea!" Several members of the Daseo Hoe grabbed their heads, shouting as if they couldn't bear it. It's puzzling how they drink coffee lattes readily yet remain stringent on milk tea. There's actually a reason for this. Among modern people, drinking milk in tea is widely popular as milk tea. However, in this world, adding milk to tea is known as 'Sutae-tea' and considered a dish of the northern barbarians. Of course, many think it's fine as long as it tastes good, but some people instinctively avoid it. "Wait, wait, wait, wait! Could this be a new menu from 'The Tale of Chivalrous Heroes'?" "Oh, wait! Is this another manifestation of your notorious business tactic, the 'Rightful Set'?" "Business tactic, you say? It's a menu developed in the spirit of unity for patrons fond of both heroes." Green tea latte representing Dang Jeong of the Sichuan Dang family, black tea latte signifying Un Hyeon of Wudang. "It's the same thing! Aren't you advocating for polls and votes to settle who is stronger!" I really dislike sharp-witted individuals. It's an unpopular beverage among some in the central plains. If this is mistakenly launched with such a ruthless business tactic, the public opinion might not bode well. What to do in a situation like this? "It's quite regrettable. To call it a business tactic. It's a menu crafted to symbolize harmony, especially since the debates at Daseo Hoe seem overly heated these days." Adding a narrative to the menu can work wonders. Let me wrap it up perfectly. "Unity, you say. What do you mean by that?" I glanced around at the curious faces of the Daseo Hoe members, then began to expertly prepare green and black teas in empty cups. "Green tea and black tea — while they share the commonality of being tea, they are grown in separate environments and processed differently. Much like the distinct backgrounds of the protagonists in 'Dangjapseong' and 'The Tale of Chivalrous Heroes.'" Start with contrasts to emphasize their differences. Symbolically presenting the green tea representing Dang Jeong to the Dang Jeong faction and the black tea representing Un Hyeon to the Un Hyeon faction, just like the divided Daseo Hoe. "Indeed, the two protagonists are quite distinct." "However, now a clear commonality has emerged in these two teas." Show contrast, then introduce change. "Commonality?" I placed a hand on my chest. Even if the faces of the protagonists in my novels differ or the martial arts they possess vary, this remains unchanged. Though they lamented the world or compromised with it, it's something they never let go of. "It's their heart for chivalry." "Heart for chivalry?" Nodding, I took the prepared kettle and brought it to the tea. What poured from the kettle was pure, white milk. "This boiling, white milk symbolizes a unified heart shared by both of them." A heart dedicated to righteousness. Two martial artists, raised in different environments, but harboring that one heart within. "Though different, they are the same. Though similar, they are unique. Yet, it's the shared heart of chivalry that defines them. That is why both are chivalrous heroes." The two teas, initially disparate in color and aroma, slowly took on a similar appearance. Just like chivalrous heroes emerging into the world. "Un Hyeon and Dang Jeong, both are champions..." "Feel free to debate on who is stronger. However, it needn't become overheated. We are the Daseo Hoe, gathered to cheer on both heroes' futures. That's the spirit behind this menu." I carefully handed the two tea cups to the representatives of each faction. "So that's the spirit of chivalry this menu represents!" "Indeed. They are both characters of Ho Pil. It's a reminder to avoid emotional arguments." Delicately, as if holding the hand of a revered martial artist, they lifted their respective tea cups. "What a new taste! Sweet and mild, quite unlike regular green tea. I could easily drink several cups." "Let me too! I was hesitant since it's not traditional, but what a flavor!" Great. Now the packaging is complete; time to reveal the reason to buy. "When you purchase the heart of chivalry set, it doesn't matter which latte you order. It symbolizes unity. Plus, with every heart of chivalry set bought, we'll give a ticket for a drawing." I dangled some enticing fishing bait prettily packaged. "Isn’t this just another vote in disguise?" A Daseo Hoe member frowned. "It’s a drawing, not a vote.” “Drawing?” “We’ll conduct a draw every time that small box is filled with tickets. The first prize is an official scroll featuring a character from Ho Pil's novel.” “A scroll?!” "And it's illustrated with the character of the winner's choice." An appealing bait on the hook, enticing you, isn't it? Please bite soon. "Oh my gosh!" "And for second, third, and even fourth prizes, there are various gifts. Unlike the ‘Rightful Set,’ this time, Ho Pil won't only get public sentiment feedback, but Dasogak will also offer generous gifts to incoming patrons." The public sentiment round for the endless 'Rightful Set' menu has concluded. I have no ambition to spread infamy. Something that looks like loss-leading, but it isn’t really. It might be pricier compared to the regular sets, but hey, we're still offering rewards. "For Ho Pil to hear which one might become stronger and to get a scroll with your favored character from the novel?" "What a crafty tactic!" "But at this level, I can accept it!” "If Un Hyeon eventually outpaces Dang Jeong, it's worth it! Are you selling it now?!" “Yes, sales start today.” From afar, So So looked over with an expression saying her hard work begins today. "I'm leaving first!" "One heart of chivalry set for me, pleeaaase!" "Me too, pleeaaase!" The heart of chivalry set, launched with a hint of narrative, became immensely popular. --- "...And so, since Dasogak’s response has been very positive, Lady Jegal, we’d appreciate your assistance." Selling inexpensive tea leaves with milk at a premium. It’s a flawless plan. I reported the events from Dasogak to two women with a pleased expression. "..." Why is there silence? Why do they both have such sullen faces? "Lord Gang." Lady Jegal finally lowered her head and spoke after a long pause. "Lady Jegal? Is there something you'd like to discuss?" Perhaps it's the overwhelming workload lately? There are only a few scrolls to draw for the heart of chivalry set. With a puzzled look, I gazed at Jegal Hyang, who closed her eyes tightly before speaking to me. "Sometimes, Lord Gang, you’re the most chaotic of all..." "Haha..." "Exactly, you're quite the rascal. Sometimes I think if you didn’t manage Dasogak, you'd be the first on a wanted poster." Can't deny that. "Let's leave Dasogak’s matters aside; I have something to ask of Ha Yeon." When you can’t refute, swiftly change the topic. Flashing an embarrassed smile, I turned to Lim Ha Yeon. "Me?" "Did you operate around Dong Ho the day before yesterday?" “Dong Ho? I haven't gone down past the Yangtze River yet." Lim Ha Yeon shook his head with a puzzled expression. Dong Ho is a lake south of Wuhan, beyond the Yangtze River. When picturing Wuhan, it is easiest to imagine modern-day Seoul. With the Yangtze River flowing in its center dividing Wuhan into the north and south. The northern part of Wuhan is the hub of Hubei Province’s administration and is affluent, whereas the south is centered around tourism and entertainment, with its pleasure districts of brothels and casinos. I guess you haven't crossed the Yangtze recently. "I heard that Muyeong Shintu appeared towards Dong Ho the day before yesterday." I shared the news I had overheard at Dasogak with the two women. Muyeong Shintu, who had never been active around Dong Ho, had suddenly appeared there. None of the three were the type to miss what this news implied. "A fake Muyeong Shintu?" Lim Ha Yeon's expression hardened. "Muyeong Shintu is so elusive that even the constables have given up trying to catch him. It seems there's a thief out there impersonating him." "How could this happen? We've worked so hard to build that reputation." "From picking targets to leaping over fences, soiling Muyeong Shintu’s honor like this!" Are you angry? Lim Ha Yeon clenched his fist as if he could punch the fake Muyeong Shintu if he were standing right before him. "There are always those looking to make a profit off your fame. Unfortunately, dealing with a fake Muyeong Shintu..." "Lord Gang, there's a visitor from the authorities." Just as I was about to discuss the fake Muyeong Shintu further, a housemaid came to announce the arrival of a guest. "A guest from the authorities? Show them in." Who could it be? After dismissing Jegal Hyang and Lim Ha Yeon, the housemaid brought the guest in. "How have you been?" "Officer Jeong, isn't it? Please have a seat. I'll bring out some tea." The visitor was Officer Jeong, the one who had previously tipped me off about my impending arrest. "I need to return immediately after delivering Commander Chong's message, so there's no need for tea." "Commander Chong's message?" "Lord Gang." Officer Jeong looked at me with a solemn expression. What's going on? I hope it's not news that they're coming to arrest me, or anything dire from the authorities. I faced Officer Jeong with a tense expression. "Yes?" "Have you ever considered becoming a constable?"