Ch 356( wrong order maybe?) - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Great Thief – Chapter 6 "The Moo Young Sin Tu has appeared again!" "After the Gyeong Jibu Dain incident again?" "When was the last mention of Gyeong Jibu Dain? Several more houses have been burglarized since then!" The exploits of the Moo Young Sin Tu were far from over. In fact, Gyeong Jibu Dain was just the beginning. Sending advance notices to mock the wealthy, boldly scaling walls to steal the most precious of belongings, and then distributing the proceeds to the poor. Despite the malicious gossip, he remained unfazed, while those once greedily hoarding wealth like ogres now trembled in fear. All because of a single thief. The residents of Mu Han had no choice but to lend an ear to the news of the Moo Young Sin Tu's notices day after day. "What is the Moo Young Sin Tu?" "Hey, have you never read 'Tales of the Heroic Wanderer'?" "What?" "Get yourself to the Da Seo Gak and start with that book!" "Author Ho Pil is amazing, wouldn't you agree? To transform a mere thief into a righteous outlaw." "That's precisely what's impressive about Ho Pil!" It was said the thief known as Moo Young Sin Tu was inspired to become a benevolent outlaw after reading Ho Pil's novel. Those who were initially skeptical of the official announcement by the authorities shrugged and nodded in agreement after reading 'Tales of the Heroic Wanderer'. "Give me the entire series of 'Tales of the Heroic Wanderer'!" "Which book features the Moo Young Sin Tu? I want them all!" Consequently, the Da Seo Gak became the busiest place in Mu Han, all due to recent events. "Did you hear that a whole grain of rice was delivered to the slums? A note on black paper left instructions to purchase rice equivalent to the money placed at the grain store and distribute it!" "That’s not all! Money was left at a clinic treating patients for free, urging them to prepare medicine!" "Such a thief has never existed! Is the Moo Young Sin Tu a hero or an outlaw?" "He might not be a hero, but he’s certainly an outlaw!" "Redistribution of wealth indeed! Robbing piggish wealthy families to feed the poor!" "I wish Moo Young Sin Tu would rob that guy's house too." "I heard another notice from the Moo Young Sin Tu arrived. Kang Po Kwae will surely take action again." As rumors of the Moo Young Sin Tu spread, so did tales of a certain enforcer in Mu Han. "What's up with Kang Po Kwae?" "Didn't you hear about Gyeong Jibu Dain? He apparently predicted the Moo Young Sin Tu's entry path." "What?! Is that true?" "I heard he dismissed a suggestion made by that guy with black hair and ended up getting Gyeong Jibu Dain's fortune stolen." "The famed enforcer’s reputation wasn’t unfounded." From the ghost ship incident, mansion murder mystery, to the exposure of a fake Moo Young Sin Tu. The renowned enforcer has been trying to catch the Moo Young Sin Tu. People started to eagerly join in on the intriguing showdown. "Last time, every place except the one Kang Po Kwae advised got robbed." "Could it be that Moo Young Sin Tu is wary of Kang Po Kwae?" "It seems like he’s paying attention. Even the house advised by Kang Po Kwae was robbed on the day the Moo Young Sin Tu notice arrived elsewhere!" "Did you hear about the altercation between Moo Young Sin Tu and Kang Po Kwae?" "What’s that about?" "Kang Po Kwae predicted Moo Young Sin Tu’s entry route again, but no one believed him. So he declared he’d prove it! He guarded the place alone at night! Then, someone approached and warned not to interfere further!" "What! Did the Moo Young Sin Tu really come?" "'I'll definitely catch you!' he yelled during the confrontation before the property guards arrived at the thief's exit. But Moo Young Sin Tu had already made his escape!" "A battle between the famed enforcer and the crafty thief! It’s as exhilarating as any historical showdown!" "Not exactly. All the wealthy houses that received notices still got robbed." "Doesn’t that imply that, like future historical figures, Kang Po Kwae also has potential?" "These days, whenever a notice from the Moo Young Sin Tu arrives, everyone goes to Kang Po Kwae. Rumor has it that mansion owners were competing in his presence, asking how much it would take for him to secure their homes first!" The mysterious Moo Young Sin Tu and the peerless rival, renowned enforcer Kang Yoon Ho. As the world continued to buzz about the Moo Young Sin Tu, mentions of Kang Po Kwae increased, and with each notice sent to the wealthy, 'Tales of the Heroic Wanderer' sold in the dozens, even hundreds. **** "What? You're planning to deliver the secret ledger to the inspector?" Jegal So Jeo tilted his head, asking if he heard me wrong. "The chief is said to have connections with the inspector. I plan to ask for an introduction." If the chief is like the police, the inspector serves as the prosecutor. They often work together, so I think they'll agree to bridge the gap if I approach correctly. "Even though the inspector investigates official corruption, are you sure? They might link you to it unnecessarily." Ha Yeon So Jeo, arms crossed with concern, questioned my decision. "I’ve planned it so no one can suspect me. And I'll make it known that the Moo Young Sin Tu provided the secret ledger." "Are you out of your mind? What if something goes wrong?!" Ha Yeon So Jeo, disbelieving my intentions, grabbed my sleeve anxiously. "I approached this, crafting a narrative with my reputation." There’s a reason I spent days coordinating with Ha Yeon So Jeo. "A narrative with your reputation?" Seeing the concern on their faces, I realized a detailed explanation might be necessary. How should I explain this? “The daring challenge of the crafty Moo Young Sin Tu against a corrupt world! Ah! Standing in his way, the renowned enforcer with striking features and a sharp intellect! They clash time and again, eventually acknowledging each other as formidable adversaries!" Nothing beats storytelling in these moments. Feigning a dramatic voice and exaggerated gestures, I began my performance, drawing a smirk from Ha Yeon So Jeo, who seemed to think I was up to another scheme, while Jegal So Jeo watched with amusement. "I don't think you're quite the sharp intellect you claim to be." "Not disputing the other parts?" "Well…" Ha Yeon So Jeo nodded with a curious expression. Hold on. Focus is key here. Let's explain swiftly. "Gah! Thief! W-what is this?" Under a bright moonlit sky, it begins with an enthusiastic yet inexperienced enforcer… "Take it." The Moo Young Sin Tu hands something over with interest, sliding sideways to portray both at once. "I trust that I can leave this with you." “This... This is Gyeong Jibu Dain's secret ledger?!” “I’m not the only one who's disillusioned with this rotten world.” “Do you want me to report Gyeong Jibu Dain?” “What you do with it is up to you. I’m off.” With the Moo Young Sin Tu disappearing into the shadows, the first act of the tale concluded. “Wow! You perform even better than the storytellers called for festive occasions!” Jegal So Jeo, wearing the same expression he had when complimenting my novel, clapped enthusiastically. “Aha, this is from the end of the third volume of 'Tales of the Heroic Wanderer.' Is there more to the story?” Ha Yeon So Jeo, pleased with her grand portrayal, joined in with applause. “There’s more to be written soon.” I chuckled, realizing my storytelling skills hadn't dulled with time. Compliments from these two beauties caused my shoulders to lift with pride. “I understand your intention, but are you sure the inspector won't become suspicious?” “Don’t fret too much. He is known for his integrity and harbors a particular animosity towards Gyeong Jibu Dain. With this secret ledger, he’ll be in a state of fervor.” “Then go ahead with your plan.” With both women’s agreement, I headed straight to the police office where the chief was stationed. ** “Ugh…” At Mu Han's government office, an official, appearing to be in his thirties, drearily examined the contents of his stomach in a bowl from last night’s excesses. “Inspector, how long has it been like this? Just how much did you drink last night?” The scribe assisting the inspector looked at him with pity. “It's a world too hard to navigate sober. I must rely on the power of alcohol—I'll drink today, and I’ll drink tomorrow.” “You'll risk getting discharged for neglect of duty.” “What’s so bad about that?” As an official, he ought to fear dismissal, yet the inspector mumbled, seemingly indifferent. “Oh, sir…” “I diligently investigated and reported Gyeong Jibu Dain’s corruption. Do you know what the court said?” “What did they say?” “That my evidence was baseless, and I was slandering a reputable Gyeong Jibu Dain! Instead of receiving any reward, I nearly got dismissed!” Despite last night’s drinking, the allure of alcohol called to him. It seemed to be the only way to quell the fiery resentment within. The inspector thumped his chest in frustration. “That’s Gyeong Jibu Dain for you.” He picked the wrong opponent. A mere junior inspector who had only just completed the civil exam tried to tackle the case against a highly reputed Gyeong Jibu Dain. Though he held a position to report directly to the emperor, it was inevitable that once the issue reached the court, the outcome would be predictably fruitless. “If it were any other official facing the same corruption charges as Gyeong Jibu Dain, they wouldn’t escape unscathed. But instead, it's the court and society mocking me.” The enthusiastic young official eager to reveal Gyeong Jibu Dain’s corruption tasted despair just as profound as his determination. “I don’t know… Suit yourself.” The scribe sighed, standing up, aware of how driven the inspector had once been. “Where are you going? Can’t you fetch me some honey water?” “Kang Po Kwae is coming to testify about the Moo Young Sin Tu case. They need the scribe present.” “Kang Po Kwae? Ah… the enforcer with the black hair? That poor guy must have it rough, trying to prevent thefts but still getting the blame.” “You’re too absorbed in drinking to notice the current situation. The people of Mu Han are lauding Kang Po Kwae.” “Praising him?” The inspector's eyebrows furrowed. “When someone shows dedication even in failure, people praise him. Ah! Did you know Moo Young Sin Tu even hit Gyeong Jibu Dain’s house?” “Hehe, that was a sweet revenge appetizer recently.” The inspector chuckled, recalling why the drink had seemed sweeter than usual. “Kang Po Kwae is reporting on Gyeong Jibu Dain today, so I think it’s worth bribing a colleague for a chance to hear firsthand what happened.” Hearing firsthand how Gyeong Jibu Dain fell? A fleeting spark of motivation danced across the inspector's usually apathetic eyes, a sensation not felt in forever. “How much did that meal cost?” “What?” “I’ll pay you 2 silver, just let me take your place.” From that moment, the scribe decided not to assist him again. His face grew overcast with despair. *** “Just please pretend…” “That’s not feasible.” “Chief!” Why was the chief outside the police office? I waved as I approached, seeing him speaking with someone from afar. “Welcome! You’ve been working hard recently.” “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to show my face more often.” “No need. I can’t summon a busy person at whim. Shall we head to my office?” “Yes, let’s do that. And who is this?” He doesn’t look like an enforcer. I glanced at the man feigning ignorance in a corner, asking the chief. “Oh, this is… a scribe! Yes, a scribe! Today, he’ll transcribe what you relay.” “A scribe?” “Hello, Kang Po Kwae. Please call me Jeong Seogi.” What?! I nodded, taking in the features of the man. Appearing around thirty, his shabby demeanor resembling an official of the lowest rank. It wasn’t unusual for enforcers to have a scribe accompany them to document incident reports, given their field duties. ‘But why is this guy here?’ I recognized this person. He was the inspector who reports official corruption to the emperor. The reason I knew him wasn’t because I planned to ask the chief for an introduction. As someone who’s never seen the Mu Han inspector's face before, identifying this person at once would be impossible. Yet, I knew exactly who he was. There was no way I wouldn’t recognize him. ‘Why is the inspector from the Hwang Nyo Roo plotline here?’