I calmly nodded and asked.
“Has the North Sea Ice Palace’s Young Palace Lord arrived?”
“…How did you know, sir?”
“I have my ways. Let’s go.”
“Ah, yes, sir.”
When I entered the Reception Room, I saw Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin crunching away on some snacks.
She usually acted like a little old woman, but seeing her like that made her look fresh and innocent, like someone her age should.
Maybe that was why a surge of anger rose in me toward the unknown force behind it all.
Because of them, the Snow Wind Palace had fallen, Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin had lost her family, and from that moment on, she had been forced to grow up far too quickly.
But what had brought her here?
I cleared my throat.
“Ahem.”
She flinched in surprise and hurriedly stuffed the snack into her mouth.
“Cough, cough!”
It must have gone down the wrong way, because she started coughing as if it were stuck in her throat.
“Oh dear! You should be careful.”
I infused Qi into a teacup, chilled the tea inside, and handed it to her. She immediately gulped it down.
“Haaa…”
“Are you all right?”
“Yes.”
“It seems our merchant group’s refreshments were to your liking. Our pastry artisan will be pleased. I’ll have some sent to the place where you’re staying.”
“Thank you.”
She gave me an awkward cupped-fist salute.
“By the way, what brings you here? Isn’t it still too early for the Snow Wind to have settled down?”
“That’s why I came alone. At this point, the Snow Wind isn’t enough to frighten me anymore.”
Now that I looked closer, she had reached the Profound realm.
She must have trained incredibly hard.
“Congratulations on your achievement.”
“It’s nothing.”
She brushed her hair behind her ear and spoke with a faintly prim air.
“I worked hard because you were already at the Profound realm, Deputy Merchant Lord.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
“The Palace Lord told me that, long ago, the Snow Wind Palace Lord and the North Sea Ice Palace Lord were close friends. Friends who would have given their lives for each other.”
So they were friends who would gladly offer their necks for one another.
For some reason, I recalled the former Snow Wind Palace Lord’s belongings that we had found thanks to Young Lady Seohyang’s Ice Crystal Eyes when we went to the North Sea Ice Palace.
The blue jade ring and the letter that had been inside the box.
He had said they were his mother’s keepsakes.
If not for the former Snow Wind Palace Lord, those things would have disappeared forever.
That was the kind of relationship they had, one where he had protected his friend’s precious belongings even at the risk of his own life.
“I don’t know about anyone else, but I didn’t want to be a lesser friend than you, Deputy Merchant Lord. Since we were going to be friends anyway, I wanted us to stand on equal ground and face each other properly.”
Her bold words made me chuckle.
I felt the same way.
“Then I suppose we’re friends who sharpen and polish each other.”
“That’s right.”
Now it was time for the real matter.
“So what brings you all the way here?”
“Ah, there is something I wanted to ask the Snow Wind Palace’s Young Palace Lord.”
“…?”
“Please come with me to the Ice-Fire Conference.”
“The Ice-Fire Conference? What is that?”
“Ah, I explained too little. Do you know about the Zhurong Palace?”
“I know of it, though only about as much as anyone else does.”
“Then you must also know that our North Sea Ice Palace and the Zhurong Palace are mortal enemies.” (TL Note: Zhurong is the God of Fire, mostly associated with the South)
“Yes.”
Just as cold Qi and heat could not coexist, it was famously known that the two forces had a terrible relationship.
“So the two sides have been locked in conflict for a long time, but eventually both realized that it was nothing more than a war of attrition where neither side truly gained anything. Because of that, they agreed to a sort of truce.”
“Then this conference is for that truce?”
“Yes. Whether or not the truce continues is decided at the conference held once every five years. Since it’s an important meeting, tradition says that each palace’s Young Palace Lord and the heirs of their guardian families attend as well.”
So that was why she had come looking for me.
I was the Snow Wind Palace’s Young Palace Lord, and the Snow Wind Palace was also one of the North Sea Ice Palace’s guardian forces.
“Until the last conference, I attended alone, and you have no idea how much they mocked us for it…”
“Did you perhaps cause an incident?”
Given Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin’s personality, I could easily imagine it.
“I may not look it, but I’m rather patient.”
That was unexpected.
“Anyway, that’s why I came here. I wanted to ask you to attend this conference with me.”
I briefly went over my upcoming schedule.
“Then do we need to go to the North Sea Ice Palace?”
“Yes. We’ll gather the conference delegation there and depart. Also, the Palace Lord said she hopes the Divine Maiden can come as well.”
“The Divine Maiden?”
“That’s what we call the one who possesses Ice Crystal Eyes.”
So that was how it was.
This time, Young Lady Seohyang would have to come along too.
“She seemed uncomfortable with the title, so we didn’t call her that back then.”
“I understand. Then please rest for a while. When is the conference?”
“At the end of the Fourth Month.”
There was about a month left, but considering the travel time, we did not have that much leeway.
I told Palgap to guide Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin to a place where she could stay, then called Geumryeong.
“Geumryeong.”
“Kui?”
“I have an errand for you.”
Geumryeong, who had only poked its head out from my sleeve, quickly sprang out and sat on my desk.
Then it looked at me with eyes that sparkled to a burdensome degree.
I paid no mind to that, wrote a letter, tied it to Geumryeong’s tail, and said,
“This letter is for my Master. It’s urgent, so you need to go quickly and come right back.”
“Kui? Kui!”
“Hm? You’re saying I have to give you two silver taels for that?”
“Kui! Kui!”
At some point, this little thing had learned to negotiate.
Well, it was not like that was difficult.
And I had received far more from it than I had ever given.
“Fine. Hurry back.”
“Kui!”
Geumryeong shot out through the office window like an arrow. Beside me, Young Lady Seohyang said,
“Geumryeong’s fur has been looking glossier lately. It must be because it’s been eating so much silver.”
“That’s because money is literally food to that little thing.”
At my words, she laughed and said,
“I don’t think I could ever afford to raise it.”
“It must know that too. Apparently, it only follows people with money.”
“How clever.”
After saying that, she began sorting through some documents and handed them to me.
“Then please approve these first.”
“Pardon?”
“These documents absolutely require your approval, Deputy Merchant Lord. And please approve them before this evening. Should you be even a little late, you’ll suffer terribly for it.”
“…Did you see that?”
“Yes.”
I had no choice but to tilt my head.
Receiving a reply before the day was over was one thing, but we had to depart immediately?
And if we did not, I would suffer?
No way…
“Is it His Majesty the Emperor?”
“Yes.”
“Phew. In that case, I should hurry and work.”
But there was something I had to do before that.
I called Escort Guard Seo Wu, who was standing guard outside.
“Escort Guard Seo Wu!”
“Yes! Did you call, sir?”
Escort Guard Seo Wu, who had been outside the door, entered, and I said to him,
“Tell everyone to prepare to leave. Our destination is the North Sea Ice Palace, and we must depart before dinner today.”
“Understood.”
“And inform the North Sea Ice Palace’s Young Palace Lord as well.”
“Yes, sir.”
The effect of two silver taels was incredible.
Geumryeong returned with the reply much faster than usual.
After giving Geumryeong two silver taels, I unfolded the letter.
[The Ice-Fire Conference! It has truly been a long time since I last heard news of it. In fact, when I was younger, I also attended that conference from time to time. As you know, the Zhurong Palace is one of the possible culprits behind the Snow Wind Palace’s destruction.]
To be honest, I had been slightly worried about this conference.
If I attended, it would announce to the world that the Snow Wind Palace was still alive and well.
In other words, it could reveal to those who destroyed the Snow Wind Palace that the Snow Wind Palace yet endured.
If that happened, they might try something again.
But we could not keep cowering and hiding like this forever.
We had to find out who destroyed the Snow Wind Palace before we could decide our next move.
That was why I had written to Master and asked for her opinion.
[However, I agree that we must discover the culprit as soon as possible. Still, if that happens, Young Palace Lord, you will be the one bearing every bit of the risk. I am reluctant to accept that, and yet I cannot stop you either. It is truly difficult.]
I smiled.
I could feel the heart of a master who cherished her disciple.
At the same time, as the Palace Lord who had to rebuild the Snow Wind Palace, she seemed tormented by her duty as well.
She did not need to carry those feelings so heavily.
[If they are not the culprits, then there is no need to worry too much. Although they stand opposed to the North Sea Ice Palace, personally, I consider them trustworthy. I leave this in your hands.]
I burned the letter and rose from my seat.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
Thanks to Young Lady Seohyang, we were able to depart before dinner.
First, I had entrusted the production of the liquor bottles to the old Merchant Lord, so I was sure he would handle it well.
Many other matters remained too, but the capable staff of the Virtuous Wind Department would surely handle them.
Suddenly, I understood how the Emperor felt when he wanted capable work slaves… no, capable subjects.
And so, we headed for the North Sea Ice Palace.
The next morning.
A eunuch visited the Eunhae Merchant Group’s Beijing Branch.
“Welcome.”
The one who greeted him was Branch Manager Eun of the Beijing Branch.
The eunuch exchanged greetings with him as if they were already familiar with each other.
“It is good to see you. But where has Deputy Merchant Lord Eun Seo-ho gone, for the Branch Manager to come out instead?”
“Hahaha. The truth is, the Deputy Merchant Lord left for the North Sea yesterday.”
“…Pardon?”
“It must have been terribly urgent. He departed last evening.”
“…”
The eunuch looked up at the sky and let out a sigh. Then he muttered inwardly.
‘Your Majesty. You were one step too late.’
We urged our horses onward, riding and riding without pause.
After two days of that.
“This should be enough.”
I slowed the group’s pace.
At this distance, even if the Emperor looked for me, he would not be able to catch up.
We were riding River-Crossing Horses, and Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin’s Lightness Skill was quite impressive as well.
“An inn should appear soon. Let’s rest there for the day before moving on.”
At my words, Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin nodded.
We rested comfortably at the inn, then continued north again.
Most people would live their entire lives without ever setting foot in the North Sea, yet I had already gone there several times.
Come to think of it, since I was going to the North Sea anyway, I should stop by the Gwangjun Merchant Group for a moment.
I had heard that Deputy Merchant Lord Bok Yun was disappointed because I did not attend last autumn’s Hundred Great Merchant Groups Under the Heaven.
A few days later.
After asking Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin for her understanding, I stopped by the Gwangjun Merchant Group.
“Welcome.”
It seemed I had visited rather often.
The gatekeeper recognized my face immediately.
However, perhaps because Young Palace Lord Bing Hae-rin was wearing a bamboo hat, he did not recognize her.
Well, if he had recognized her, there would have been a commotion by now.
That was precisely why she was wearing the bamboo hat.
“Is Deputy Merchant Lord Bok inside right now?”
“Yes, he is. Please come in.”
And so, we headed to the Reception Room. After waiting there briefly, I sensed Deputy Merchant Lord Bok Yun’s Qi drawing closer.
The door opened, and Deputy Merchant Lord Bok Yun entered.
“Deputy Merchant Lord Eun!”
I rose from my seat and approached him.
“Deputy Merchant Lord Bok!”
“Do you know how disappointed I was that I could not meet you at this gathering?”
“I truly am sorry. At the time, I had an urgent matter and was in Yunnan.”
“I see. If you were in Yunnan, then it couldn’t be helped.”
He looked over my companions, then flinched and asked me,
“Could that person be…?”
“Yes. You are correct.”
At my answer, he immediately gave Bing Hae-rin a proper cupped-fist salute.
“Bok Yun, Deputy Merchant Lord of the Gwangjun Merchant Group, greets the young master of the Ice Palace.”
“I did not come here officially, so there is no need for such formalities.”
“Thank you.”
Then he said to us,
“I will guide you to your lodgings. And tonight, please attend the banquet.”
.
.
.
That evening.
Deputy Merchant Lord Bok Yun held a banquet for us.
It was filled with delicious food, and it was an enjoyable time.
After everyone else returned to their lodgings, I remained alone with Deputy Merchant Lord Bok Yun and talked with him.
Perhaps because he truly was a friend I got along with, I lost track of time.
“Are you going to the North Sea Ice Palace again this time?”
“Yes.”
“What sort of connection do you have with the North Sea Ice Palace, for you to visit it so often?”
At those words, I simply smiled.
For now, it was still difficult to reveal that I was the Snow Wind Palace’s Young Palace Lord.
I had known him for quite some time, and I was certain he was a trustworthy friend, but…
The fewer people who knew a secret, the better.
In the Zhurong Palace’s case, it was just as closed off as the North Sea Ice Palace, so the story was unlikely to spread elsewhere, but…
Deputy Merchant Lord Bok Yun looked at me and said,
“Come to think of it, my father once told me something. He said there was once a place called the Snow Wind Palace that served as the guardian of the North Sea Ice Palace. It has since been destroyed, though.”
“…!”
I had not expected him to bring up the Snow Wind Palace, so I was greatly surprised.
Of course, I managed my expression.
He brought writing paper, a brush, and ink from the corner, wrote something, and handed it to me.
When I read it, I had no choice but to be shocked.
[Deputy Merchant Lord Eun, are you someone from the Snow Wind Palace?]
I bit my lip, then let out a sigh.
I spread my Qi around us to check whether anyone was nearby, then even formed a Qi barrier to keep sound from leaking out.
If he had gone so far as to ask through written conversation, I could no longer keep it completely hidden.
And based on what I had seen of him, he would keep this secret.
“I’m sorry. Please forgive me for being unable to confirm that with my own mouth.”
“No. I fully understand the situation.”
He knew too. There were too many suspicious details surrounding the Snow Wind Palace’s destruction.
“If I could not understand even that much, how could I call myself your friend?”
For some reason, those words stirred something deep in my chest.
He took the paper from me, wrote something else, and handed it over.
[In other words, that means you are indeed someone from the Snow Wind Palace, does it not?]
Then he wrote another line on the paper.
[If so, you should go see my father. It seems my father has something he wishes to tell you.]
–TL Notes–
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