NABC Book 5: Chapter 5
Book 5: Chapter 5
Book 5: Chapter 5
Do you desire these letters?
Yeom Baek-ha considered.
At this moment, the smile of the Eldest Young Master was akin to the temptation of a demon.
She pondered what would happen if she refused the offer.
But she realized there was no need to think twice.
Even with every conceivable effort from her father, Elder Yeom, there was no way to secure the business rights.
This was evident from her fathers current situation, which had been stagnant for almost a year.
If so, just as the Eldest Young Master said, what remained was an unfathomable fall.
However.
What would happen if she were to owe a debt to the Eldest Young Master?
That too was clear.
The Yeom family, both father and daughter, stood here to decide their fate.
To owe a debt akin to a life-saving grace before the negotiations properly began meant losing the very essence of negotiation.
However.
Perhaps it was about surviving by any means necessary, whether it meant owing a debt or not?
Without a backup, negotiating with the Eldest Young Master would mean being as good as dead in the political circles of the Sword House.
And just as Yeom Baek-ha was leaning towards accepting the Eldest Young Masters extended hand, Elder Yeom spoke.
We refuse.
A firm refusal was evident in his calm expression.
Father?!
Astonishment was clear on Yeom Baek-has face, and the Eldest Young Masters smile deepened.
Really? You do not need these letters?
Father! Even now!
Elder Yeom simply closed his eyes and crossed his arms.
We do not need them.
At that, the Eldest Young Master burst into loud laughter.
Right. Right. Your choice is indeed wise.
Yeom Baek-ha was the only one with a bewildered expression.
Why?
Then, the Eldest Young Master looked at Yeom Baek-ha.
Do you understand the reason?
The reason, you say?
After staring blankly at his face for a moment, Yeom Baek-ha was startled and bowed her head.
I, I do not understand, Your Highness.
The Eldest Young Master nodded gently.
It is the difference between 0 and a number close to 0.
Although the answer to the riddle seemed like another riddle, the exceptionally astute Yeom Baek-ha realized its meaning.
Are you saying that owing a debt to Your Highness would mean complete defeat, but in the case of a mission, it shows that Your Highness deems it possible, hence there exists at least a slight possibility?
Excellent.
The Eldest Young Master, with an elegant demeanor, applauded briefly and said,
Indeed, a fitting response for someone chosen by Elder Yeom as his successor.
Your praise is too generous.
Despite her modesty, Yeom Baek-ha couldnt help but harbor a new question in her mind.
How did the Eldest Young Master know my father chose me as his successor?
She soon found the answer herself.
Because I am present here.
As if reading her mind, the Eldest Young Master continued,
You must understand, Miss. At this moment, your father carries the fate of not only the entire Yeom family but also those akin to family, his subordinates, on his shoulders.
Yeom Baek-ha clenched her teeth.
Indeed.
She had been inclined to take the devils hand over just her fathers position as an elder.
Yet, her father made a choice to seek a way out amidst all the burdens the Eldest Young Master mentioned.
Il-ryeong, the senior maid of Wongak Pavilion, looked down at the old man with an arrogant gaze and announced,
My master, the Eldest Young Master, wishes to see you. Please follow me immediately.
The old mans eyes sparkled.
* * *
Upon hearing the name the Eldest Young Master had mentioned to the maid, Elder Yeom deeply pondered.
After a moment of hesitation, he spoke to the Eldest Young Master, who was savoring the tea that the maid had reheated.
Eldest Young Master, that old monster is not an easy opponent to handle. It might be better if I personally take your letter to the North and settle the matter
The Eldest Young Master shook his head.
This matter requires more than just adept negotiation; its crucial not to provoke the others pride.
He looked at Elder Yeom.
The hero of the Northern Wars and an elder of the Luoyang Sword House would merely provoke the pride of General Kwak Kyu and the Governor by his mere presence, making it even harder for either side to extend a hand.
The Eldest Young Master added,
Moreover, the one to play this matchmaker role must be able to humble themselves, and sometimes even roll in the dirt. That does not suit you.
Elder Yeom let out a bitter laugh.
However, that old monster is haughty and full of himself in the North, hardly the right choice for such delicate work, wouldnt you agree?
Is that so?
The Eldest Young Master wore a curious smile.
Ive never met this old monster you speak of, but dont you think hes the type to even feign death if ordered?
Yeom Baek-ha inwardly shook her head.
She had heard enough from her father about the notorious reputation of the War Merchant of the North.
Elder Yeom said with a hint of frustration,
Its hard to believe that stubborn old monster would
Just then, the maids voice was heard.
My lord, as you commanded, I have brought Dong Ga-hyu.
Let him in.
The Eldest Young Master gestured towards the entrance of the office, indicating for them to witness firsthand.
As soon as the office door opened, a volume of voice that seemed impossible for an old man filled the space.
To celebrate the end of the seclusion of the Eldest Young Master, the direct descendant of the Great Luoyang Sword House, I wish you great fortune and longevity, and may all your endeavors be successful!
Before even fully entering, the notorious old monster was seen performing a deep bow.
.
Yeom Baek-ha could swear she had never seen her dignified father look so bewildered in her life.
* * *
Even after entering the office, Dong Ga-hyu continued for a while to invoke the names of various deities from Daoism, almost in praise of the Eldest Young Master.
Yet, towards Elder Yeom, with whom he had past connections through the Northern Wars, he merely nodded slightly, hinting at his true nature.
Do you have any guess why I called you here?
The old man once again began with his booming voice.
How dare this lowly merchant even presume to fathom the wisdom of the high and mighty Eldest Young Master!
The Eldest Young Master clicked his tongue.
Utterly useless.
Before the Eldest Young Master could finish, the old man, prostrate on the ground, exclaimed,
It must be concerning the military facility renovation project rights in the four regions of the North, isnt it!
Dong Ga-hyu had made his guess the moment he saw Elder Yeom seated in the office.
Indeed, the title of War Merchant of the North was not an empty one.
Yes, thats right.
The Eldest Young Master asked Dong Ga-hyu, who was prostrate on the floor, Do you think you can accomplish the task?
After a brief moment of calculation in his head, the old man cried out as if in excruciating pain, Please, grant me death instead!
The Eldest Young Master tossed two letters towards Dong Ga-hyu, still flat on the ground, Then, would it be possible with these?
Without changing his prostrate posture, Dong Ga-hyu quickly unfolded the letters and read their contents, then exclaimed, In obedience to the Eldest Young Masters will, I shall devote myself fully to fulfill your grand intentions!
Perhaps giving both letters was too generous? the Eldest Young Master mused.
As the Eldest Young Master subtly moved to retrieve one of the letters, the old man began to bang his head on the floor, I implore you, hurry! Eldest Young Master, please pity this poor old man
The Eldest Young Master chuckled, looking towards Elder Yeom, It seems the problem is already resolved, Elder Yeom?
As Elder Yeom, wearing a resigned expression, was about to speak, Dong Ga-hyu cried out once more, Please, trust in this Dong Ga-hyu, who is as loyal as your own limbs, Eldest Young Master!
FootnotesAll-encompassing God of Heaven, worshipped by nomadic tribes of Mongolic people[]