7. Human or Good Man (19)
There is a floating star floating in the sky of Liyue. The rocky foundation made of special minerals and magical treatments supports the mansion, and countless people come and go on top of it to deal with Liyue’s major and small affairs. The name of this floating pavilion was ‘Gunok Pavilion’, and it was a building symbolizing Yingguang, one of the seven stars that ruled Liyue and one of the greatest kings of the Tibat continent.
Gunokgak was nothing but a piece of history built up by Eung-gwang and her superiors. Gunokgak, which initially started out as the size of a single room, has grown in size to a size that would not be out of place even if it is called a ‘floating island.’ The amount invested for this alone amounted to an astronomical amount, and the authority of Eunggwang’s upper division was recognized simply by the fact that it had the potential to invest such a large amount.
Around noon, Gunokgak, which would normally be bustling during meal times, was quiet today. It was strangely quiet. Even the secretaries of Gunokgak, who were always moving around busily, were all watching their eyes and being careful about their actions. It was because there was an important meeting at Gunokgak today.
It was an important meeting that could possibly determine the future of Liyue. Even though the secretaries of Gunokgak looked down on the alleys of Liyue from their seats, they couldn’t help but feel nervous. What’s more, one of the parties to this game is the owner of this Gunokgak.
Eung-gwang sat quietly in her seat with her eyes closed, waiting for her guest. In the lobby of Gunokgak, on the first floor, there was an antique table. All that was placed on it was a teapot and a few teacups. It was a simple outfit, but it did not go against Li Yue’s etiquette.
In the first place, the person I was meeting today was not here to have a leisurely chat with Eung-gwang. The person who arrived first was the person who would mediate today’s bidding. As this was a fight that shook Liyue for a while, the person who would act as mediator was a formidable figure. Now even the Ministry of Finance, which runs Layered Rock Construction, could not mediate this bidding war.
The person who entered Gunokgak with a leisurely gait was a tall man with reddish-brown hair. Her blue eyes were sunken so deep that their true meaning could not be discerned, and the crooked red mask was particularly noticeable. She was a man with pure white skin and a sharp nose, and anyone could say she was handsome.
As soon as he entered the military prison, he leisurely placed his hand on his chest and bowed his head. Eunggwang also got up and responded to the greeting. Even though Eng Guang was one of the seven merchants who ruled Li Yue, he was not an easy opponent to meet in one sitting.
Eleven executors who received power from Queen Snezhnaya, among them the man occupying the last seat. He held full authority over the Wooindan dispatched to Liyue and the Northern Bank, and was a monster who could put the country into trouble with his mere strength.
The nobleman, ‘Tartalia’, greeted me in a relaxed tone as always.
“I meet Li Yue’s Tian Quansheng… hahahahaha, I guess my friend hasn’t arrived yet?”
“I am truly honored to meet one of Snezhnaya’s renowned executors… “Your friend hasn’t come yet, as you said.”
Hearing Eung-gwang’s words, Tartaglia smiled and sat down in the arbitration seat provided at the table. When Eung-gwang and the other person sat across from each other, it was the seat between them. One of the secretaries, who was looking nervous, came over and poured tea into an empty teacup, and Tartaglia immediately picked up the teacup and savored the scent of her tea.
Looking at Tartaglia, Eung-kwang asked with a voice that still could not erase his doubts.
“…… However, you must be feeling complicated because one of the competitors who participated in winning the bidding rights was a close friend.”
Those words seemed to worry Tartaglia, but she was not so oblivious that Tartaglia could not understand what they meant.
He was also one of the leaders of the country. I was not unaware of the fact that the true meaning of those words was, ‘Can I really trust you as a mediator?’
Tartaglia closed her eyes and took a sip of her tea, enjoying the lingering aroma for a moment. His eyes opened when the teacup was quietly placed on the table.
The corners of his mouth drew an arc. He smiled, but his eyes were so sunken that I couldn’t understand his true intention.
“You don’t have to worry. I am here as the executive officer of Snezhnaya and the general manager of the Liyue Branch of the Northern Bank. What kind of place is Bukkuk Bank? “You know, right?”
Eung-gwang seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then he let out a small sigh as if he had no choice. It wasn’t wrong.
The Snezhnaya people, who grew up in a harsh environment, were famous for their cold-bloodedness. Especially when it came to profit, he did not even care about humanity or morality. The place operated by such Snezhnaya was Northern Bank.
At best, friendship could not even make a dent in that trust. Because Northern Bank was a place where people who could easily give up friendship if necessary gathered together. As of now, no better replacement has been found.
Nevertheless, as Eung-gwang could not completely erase his disapproval, Tar Taglia added his words without erasing his relaxed smile.
“And, if not me, who will mediate this fight? On one side is Mond’s financial advisor, on the other is Li Yue’s Tian Quansheng… “Hwiyu, since the two whales are fighting, it’s a good thing if the shrimp gets caught between them and doesn’t faint.”
It was just as he said. The reason why Tartaglia was able to stand here as a mediator even though his neutrality was questioned was because Tartaglia was the only mediator in all of Liyue who was worthy of the level of this fight.
Of course, there was no way North Korea Bank, which considers credit like its life, would have played around with such a stipulated transaction in the first place. Then, if it was discovered by the Liyue authorities, the Northern Bank was bound to suffer a major blow to its credit that day.
For banks, credit was like the foundation of their existence. A bank without credit could not be established in the first place. And the Northern Bank was an international capital that spread throughout the Tivat continent, and of course, their activities were based on absolute trust toward the Northern Bank.
Unless Northern Bank went crazy one day, it was impossible for it to do something that would destroy such trust. Snezhnaya could not have done such a thing in a situation where the country’s survival was not in danger. Knowing this well, Eung-kwang nodded his head as if he understood.
“I’m sorry if you were offended. It’s not that I was suspicious of Bukkuk Bank, I was just worried… ….”
“hahahahaha, no… It’s a worry that anyone can worry about. However, Snezhnaya people are very clear about the distinction between public and private life.”
Eunggwang and Tartaglia exchanged a few empty words. Tartaglia knew that Eung-gwang was asking the question out of suspicion, and Eung-gwang also knew that Tartaglia could not have known him, but sometimes, in diplomatic relations, appearances were important.
The short conversation ended when the secretary waiting at the entrance rang out a word.
“Poetry, Siwoo Sangdanju eats it!”
His voice was stiff, as if he was a little nervous. Even though I was the secretary of Gunokgak who had faced all kinds of opponents, I couldn’t help but feel nervous on a day like today. Moreover, the other party was the central axis of foreign capital that was currently threatening the entire Liyue region.
Tartalia and Eung-gwang, who were exchanging empty words, looked straight toward the entrance to the Gunokgak. A man with black hair and brown eyes was walking there.
The sight of him walking languidly gave the impression that he had been dragged along by some troublesome task. Sharp eyes that show a bit of fatigue, and black Liyue traditional clothing worn to minimize the sense of incompatibility with the people of Liyue.
There wasn’t anything particularly flawed, but he was a man with a wild side. That’s probably why he was given that name. ‘A wolf who loves money.’
‘Golden Prince’, as he trudged along, he paused as if he had noticed the presence of Eunggwang and Tartaglia. And soon his head bowed. Li Yue-style etiquette of placing one’s hand on one’s heart. It meant respecting the owner.
Eunggwang also got up again and responded to the greeting. Because the other person was also Mond’s financial advisor.
“Nice to meet you, Lord Siwoo Sangdan… “Is this your first time seeing your face?”
“It’s nice to meet you, old man Cheon Kwon. “I really wanted to meet you all this time.”
At the same time, Siwoo lifted his bent head again and smiled.
“…… His reputation was famous in Liyue Sanggye. “I don’t know how many times I’ve admired it.”
Eunggwang also smiled brightly upon hearing that. She naturally offered me a seat across from her and sat down again with a polite gesture.
It was a heartwarming talk at first glance, but no one here thought even the content behind it was heartwarming.
Because Siwoo’s words clearly had a bone in them. It was also a sharp thorn. He was now talking about the checks he had received from Eunggwang’s superiors.
If I were to interpret its true meaning, it would be something like, ‘You fight really dirty?’
From Noble mtl dot com
As Si-Woo sat down in the seat given to Eung-Gwang, a secretary who was watching Eung-Gwang and Si-Woo with a nervous expression quickly approached and poured tea. Eung-kwang, who was watching the scene, took a sip from her teacup, and then spoke in a relaxed and alluring tone as always.
“Should we just buy Siwoo Sangdanju… Are you still using the ‘element trap’ you brought in last time?”
‘You f*cked me too,’ if interpreted roughly, words like that were thrown out in old-fashioned clothes. After hearing those words, Siwoo also raised his teacup.
“Of course. However, the old man who worked hard on that issue is now in a bad situation… “For me, it feels painful.”
So you detained each office under that pretext?
“This is the situation within Liyue, so don’t worry too much, Lord Xiu. “If there are no charges, he will be released quickly.”
Then why are you interfering with Li Yue’s internal affairs?
There were several sharp exchanges disguised as polite language. Tartaglia, who was watching her with disgusted eyes, slapped her palms together as if she couldn’t bear it anymore.
With the sound of clap, Siwoo and Eunggwang’s eyes focused on Tartaglia. Tar Taglia got straight to the point.
“Now, it’s good that you two are talking amicably, but… Isn’t the purpose of gathering today to promote friendship? “Let’s get straight to the point.”
Then Tartaglia took out a document. It was a document entrusted to her with full authority from the Heukam Factory, which was in charge of Liyue’s Layered Rock Geoyeon.
There was only one blank space there. No one knew that the numbers written there would soon become the cost of winning today’s exclusive bidding rights.
Siwoo and Eunggwang’s mouths fell shut. The gazes of the two people who were looking at the documents mixed. Tar Taglia added her explanation in a relaxed tone.
“The rules are very simple. If you offer an amount that is within the limit of the amount that can be paid in cash right here and now, the person who pays the highest price will take the last items for sale in Layeram Geoyeon. Of course, your ability to pay in cash will be verified by our Northern Bank.”
Meanwhile, Tar Taglia glanced at her audience. Si-woo, Eung-gwang, and even the secretaries waiting to serve him were not even moving. Because she had a hunch.
It starts now. It was the moment to end a long, drawn-out fight.
“…… “Then, who will present it first?”
“100 Million won.”
It was Siwoo who opened his mouth without hesitation. If the layered rock block had not been blocked and the two companies had not been in a bidding war, this amount would have been too much. It was an appropriate amount to call it a starting price.
Of course, no one predicted that would be the closing price. Eung-gwang also opened his mouth without hesitation.
“150 Million mora.”
“200 Million won.”
“230 Million.”
“300 Million.”
It only took time to blink a couple of times until the asking price, which started at 100 million won, became three times that amount. At the end of the 300 million mora sung by Siwoo, there was silence between the two for a moment. Their eyes met in the air.
Eung-gwang looked at Si-woo’s face. Surprisingly, there was no change. It’s been like that ever since I first came into Gunokgak. Is it confidence or is it bravado?
A blazing flame passed through Eung-gwang’s crimson gaze. Fortunately, Eung-gwang still had plenty of room to spare.
“330 Million.”
“350 Million.”
Si-woo follows right away. If so, it meant that Siwoo was also expecting this amount. I was hoping that Siwoo Sangdan might have been reluctant and brought in a little less available cash assets, but that was out of the question.
Siwoo’s gaze continued to be fixed on Eunggwang. Eung-kwang smiled bitterly.
So it’s a wolf, because once it bites it, it doesn’t let go. There was no way such a person would not give his all. Siwoo’s eyes clearly showed his will to kill Eunggwang right here and there.
At this point, Ying Guang took a sip of tea. Siwoo also picked up the teacup he had put down.
“…… hehehehe, Siwoo Sangdanju. “It hasn’t been long since you established the business, but you are investing too much money.”
“hahahahaha… How can you come with half-hearted determination when your opponent is the famous old man Cheon-kwon? Fortunately, there is still some time to spare. By the way, are you okay, Mr. Cheon-gwon? I heard that you are in quite a bit of trouble due to the recent lockdown of Inazuma and the closure of the Layered Rock…….”
The two sipped their tea with a faint smile. And then, with a thud, their tea cups fell on the table.
“380 Million.”
“400 Million.”
Quick prices came and went like a thunderbolt. Eung-gwang’s gaze deepened. This point was a watershed.
According to the information obtained by Eunggwang, the maximum cash that Siwoo Trading Company could mobilize was 400 million mora. Until the night before, there were no signs of large-scale capital movement. Even though all sources of funds were thoroughly searched, 400 million was the limit.
So, it meant that the asking price that Si-woo was asking now was the maximum amount he could ask. If Eung-gwang’s guess was correct, that would have been the case.
Of course, there could be differences in small units. At most, 10,000 or 100,000 units. But that wasn’t enough to turn the game around.
Eung-gwang watched Si-woo carefully. Siwoo didn’t say anything and just looked at Eunggwang. He also seemed to be examining Eung-gwang’s complexion.
Eung-kwang recalled the choice he made last night. Whether or not that choice was right would be decided now. Eung-gwang spit out the final proposal he had originally thought of.
“…… “410 Million won.”
The words were carefully spoken, and silence reigned in Gunokgak for a while. Si-woo quietly looked at Eung-gwang, then sighed and leaned against the backrest.
Is it the end? But Eung-gwang knew. It will never end like this. There are more clues conveyed by letters and numbers than you can imagine. And the intuition it brings.
This man will not end like this. Siwoo’s eyes opened again. He had cold, sunken eyes.
“413 Million.”
“415 Million.”
“420 Million.”
20 Million, Si-Woo has already bid 20 million more than Eung-gwang expected. The prediction was correct. Siwoo had something to do with it. An unidentified source who can supply Mora by avoiding Eungwang’s information network.
That is the dagger that Siwoo had hidden. Eung-gwang was finally able to be sure of its reality.
A shiver ran down Eung-gwang’s spine. If only 410 million mora had been secured last night, Eung-gwang’s defeat would have been confirmed at this moment. However, this thrill was not because of defeat, but rather the pleasure of being certain of victory.
Eunggwang’s crimson eyes turned cold. Any further fighting was useless. Eung-kwang immediately swallowed and spit out the words he had been swallowing since last night.
“…… “500 Million won.”
And the scenery stops. Siwoo paused. His eyes turned towards Eung-gwang. Tartaglia was also looking at Eung-gwang in surprise.
It was not a response method. In her way, she would have to pay just a little more than the other party in order to get the maximum profit with the minimum loss.
But not now. The asking price immediately jumped to 500 million mora, and it was clear that no matter how unidentified the means, there would be limits. So, didn’t Si-Woo try all sorts of tricks to tie up Eung-Gwang’s funds?
100 Million mora was an amount that clearly showed the difference in weight classes. I don’t know how Siwoo saved up the Mora, but he can’t save up to 100 million Mora. That much seemed certain.
Gulp, the sound of someone swallowing dry saliva was heard. It must have been one of the secretaries working for the city. Eung-gwang spoke again slowly and forcefully. Still glaring at Siwoo.
“500 Million mora, is my final offer… “What about Siwoo Sangdan?”
Siwoo stared at Eunggwang without saying anything. After a while, his eyes moved. Those eyes passed through the air, and Siwoo, who looked hesitant, eventually narrowed his brows and sighed.
He burst into empty laughter. Siwoo raised both his hands and shook his head as if he couldn’t resist.
“…… You are amazing. “I don’t know how you knew I would bring more cash than 400 million mora.”
Hearing those words, Eung-gwang felt like his tension was relieved. I did it. It was a long, long fight, and it had been a long time since I had been cornered like this. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t happy.
However, Eung-gwang was not clumsy enough to reveal this. She had a relaxed expression, as she did from beginning to end. The merchant’s face shows no emotion.
Yes, Eung-gwang never wavers. That was something only humans did. Before he was a human being, Eung-gwang stood here as a merchant. So she was able to rise to a high position, and she has now won this fight.
By believing in numbers, letters, and himself. Eung-kwang laughed and said, “hehehe.”
“Well, numbers and letters know more than we think… Let me just say this. So, what is the final asking price of Siwoo Sangdangju?”
Siwoo seemed to hesitate for a moment. He avoided his gaze, looked at Eung-gwang, and then let out a sighing voice.
“My final asking price is…….”
Eung-gwang leisurely lifted his teacup. Now the next question was: Although it won the bidding competition with Siwoo Sangdan, the alliance centered on Biun Sanghoe and Bukkuk Bank was still a threat. In particular, there was significant bleeding in the bidding war with Siwoo.
It would be a struggle for a while, but it was clear that this match would make it more widely known that Eungwang’s top ranking would not fall. If the power of Li Yue’s commercial world was gathered with Eung-gwang as the focal point, it was not impossible to collapse Biun Sanghoe and Bukkuk Bank. Liyue was the best trading port on the Tivat continent, and Ying Guang was one of its leaders.
As always, you just have to take it step by step. That was when Eung-kwang sipped his tea cup while thinking that.
The next moment,
“…… “It’s 600 million mora.”
Everything stopped. Eung-gwang’s thoughts, gestures, and even the breathing sounds of the secretaries who were working. It was as if Gunokgak was detached from time at this moment.
It was a long time later that the world regained its momentum. Eung-gwang put down the teacup slowly, very slowly. Her hands trembled slightly.
Eung-kwang asked in a tone of mixed disbelief and astonishment. Her voice trembled slightly in a situation she least expected.
“Again… Please tell me once. Siwoo Sangdanju.”
“My final asking price is 600 million mora.”
It was an answer without even hesitation. At those words, spoken as if they were obvious, Eung-gwang’s brows narrowed. ‘600 Million mora’, does that mean that Eung-gwang prepared 200 million more than expected?
But, how.
Eung-gwang’s thought circuit came to a screeching halt once again, and Eung-gwang suddenly stood up. She said, her voice mixed with heat that was either anger or doubt.
“But, that can’t be…” ….”
“Elder Cheon-won.”
Siwoo opened his mouth in a relaxed voice. As he brought the teacup to his mouth, he slowly opened his eyes and glared at Eung-gwang.
Those eyes were extremely cold. These were not human eyes that lie. Because it was twisting Eung-gwang’s judgment and perception, she felt confused.
Bewilderment, disbelief, anger, such emotions were tangled and seething in Eung-gwang’s crimson eyes. Seeing that scene, Siwoo finally smiled.
It was a faint smile, but above all, it was a smile full of strong confidence.
“…… “Now you look a little more like a human being.”
It was the smile of a winner when a wolf bit the back of its prey’s neck.
**
Eung-gwang was indeed not an easy opponent. I had no idea that she would realize that I had the ‘Devil’s Money Copier.’ Although it was considered one of the possibilities, it was unimaginable that an additional 100 million mora would have been prepared.
The ‘functions’ I could use were unknown powers that the people of the Tivat continent could not even imagine. Even the Signora had to step down from the Monde because he did not anticipate my ‘invocation’ function. It was natural. Who would assume that two new things can exist?
It was a destruction of common sense. This reasoning is as meaningless as telling the people of Earth to assume that 1+1 is actually 0.
But Eung-gwang did it. Although I couldn’t guess the exact identity, I vaguely sensed the means and had prepared 100 million mora more than the amount I had available.
No matter how much Mora could be obtained from the ‘Devil’s Money Copy Machine’, it had its limits. Even the ‘Devil’s Money Copier’ had a structure in which the price rose further when a certain amount of Mora was purchased. Even if I burned the entire account balance I had left in reality, it was close to impossible to win more than 100 million Mora.
So, if things had gone the way they were, I would have been the one who lost today. But now it was Eung-gwang who was chewing his lip and glaring at me with distrustful eyes.
Eung-gwang chewed his lips for a while and then spoke in a voice of still disbelief.
“…… “It’s impossible.”
“It is possible.”
The answer to that question was Tartaglia, who had been watching our fight with interest. He watched us quietly with his legs crossed, then uncrossed his legs and tilted his upper body.
He opened his mouth with serious eyes. It meant that he had entered into public affairs.
“In fact, Siwoo Merchants deposited 600 million mora in cash with the Northern Bank just before this meeting began. “It’s already happened, so wouldn’t it be right to think it’s possible?”
“…… But, how?”
Eung-gwang’s gaze wavered. I could hear her brilliant brain working furiously, as if it was trying to find an answer at any moment. She looked at Tartaglia with her young eyes with suspicion.
“Northern Bank? Or Biunsanghoe? But, that can’t be…….”
The two most powerful candidates emerged amidst murmurs. However, this was soon denied by Eung-gwang. Well, it was worth it.
Those two must have been the subjects that Eung-gwang was looking at most closely. Both were large organizations, so of course there were procedures for spending large sums of money.
There was no way Eung-gwang could not trace such a flow of funds. A clue that would resolve such suspicions suddenly appeared.
“…… Lord Sangsan.”
A clear voice rang out. Then Eung-gwang and I looked towards the entrance. A woman was walking there.
She was an impressive beauty, wearing a cone hat and dark blue hair resembling the night sky. She was approaching with a haughty gait, wearing clothes that revealed the curves of her body without filtering.
The secretary at the entrance, who was lost, could only watch her steps with bewildered eyes. Everyone’s eyes turned to her as she entered her presence as if it was so natural.
Anyway, the beauty wearing the cone hat suddenly came to my side and lowered her head. Her polite manner, she handed me her papers which she was holding in her arms.
“I brought the documents you mentioned. “It was a little late to finish the notarization.”
The name of this beautiful woman who handed me the documents was ‘Mona’, one of my precious colleagues and a wise astrologer who was in charge of the headquarters work at Mond.
Originally, she and I had a normal relationship, but now it was a public situation. The performance of a mysterious beauty coming to this event and politely handing over documents would have left a deep impression.
Up until now, people were just blankly watching what Mona and I were doing. I accepted the document with a faint smile.
“…… This is our Sangju Danju. “It’s pretty, right?”
I then stood up. And then he threw the documents he received from Mona into the middle of the table. Stacks of documents were scattered, revealing their contents to the world.
There were dozens of sheets. At least dozens of merchant associations have prepared this document. Eung-kwang seemed to realize that fact and chewed his lips once again.
“Where on earth did you get a top like this?” ….”
“The top company that will jump into the bid for the layered rock formation was originally not supposed to be one.”
Eung-gwang’s mouth closed as if he had noticed something in those words. Her crimson eyes quickly scanned her papers.
The names of the merchants written there seemed somewhat familiar. It had to be that way.
All of these merchants were to receive supplies from Layered Rock Geoyeon. As they were small and medium-sized merchants, they were unable to fight with Eunggwang and had to report non-compliance with the contract with tears in their eyes.
Not one of them is a match. Even if everyone gathered together, they couldn’t even fight Eung-gwang. But if they all come together and give me strength.
It could have been one last dagger. Nevertheless, Eung-gwang looked like he couldn’t understand.
“…… Still, it’s impossible. “It is unreasonable to give money without receiving anything in return.”
“Of course I paid the price.”
I spoke in a calm tone. Eung-kwang looked at me with narrowed eyebrows. The eyes demanded an answer, and I gladly agreed to respond.
“There is an unexplored area in Mond. It’s a bit of a problem these days as adventurers flock there, but perhaps because it’s so dangerous that many people stop visiting, there are a lot of resources. Of course, minerals too.”
“…… “The habitat of the wind devil dragon.”
Eung-gwang came up with an answer right away. It was a fact she also knew well. It was natural. Because Eung-gwang’s information power was that great. What was happening in her neighboring country also did not escape Eung Gwang’s eyes and ears.
Nevertheless, there was a reason why Eung-kwang could not immediately think of such an answer. Eung-gwang did not tolerate her questions.
“But it’s still a dangerous area, so large-scale resource collection wouldn’t be possible, right?”
It was a low-level comment, but I didn’t care. It was rather strange for a confused human to care about such things.
I looked at Eunggwang silently, and then immediately opened my mouth.
“…… Have you ever heard of the hero of Mond?”
I then turned my back and walked slowly. Turning to Ngwang, Tartaglia was watching me with interest, and Mona was politely looking at me without saying a word.
No one stopped me. Even as I walked, my words continued.
“One day, a stranger with beautiful golden hair arrived in Mond, which was suffering from a wind demon dragon. The stranger who saw this went on a heroic adventure to purify the fallen wind demon dragon and became a hero of Mond.”
“…… “You purified the Wind Demon Dragon?”
As he muttered absently like that, Eung-kwang’s eyes deepened. She was smart. In an instant she would be drawing some conclusion. I put into her mouth the answer she would probably give soon.
“Yes, the Wind Demon Dragon regained his sanity thanks to that stranger. So, wouldn’t you like to do at least one favor for your benefactor?”
“…… “The reason people stopped visiting the wind devil’s habitat was because there was a wind devil in the first place.”
“On the other hand, if you receive the protection of the Wind Demon Dragon, there is no longer a risk factor.”
A puzzle that fits together with a thud, thud. It was something I could never accomplish alone. This problem involved the help of many people.
The presence of Lumine, the hero of Mond, Fissle and Mona, who traveled back and forth between Mond and Liwol and carefully coordinated contracts, and the adventurer guild of Mond, who willingly provided information on minerals buried in the area, prioritized the safety of the trade route. Even the Knights of Pebonius decided to take responsibility.
All conditions must be met. So, no matter how much you react, you cannot predict it. She would not have been able to understand, much less someone who trusted numbers and type and believed in her reason and rationality.
Eunggwang asked the last question. The voice was a little weak.
“…… Still, it’s impossible.”
Eung-gwang’s attitude collapsed. She quietly placed her hands on the table to support her upper body and quietly chanted.
“No matter what, it will be a long time before the trade route is completed. It is not reasonable for merchants who have lost their money due to the immediate closure of Layeram Geoyeon to spend cash. Of course, we need to secure some cash now…….”
“…… “You’re human, right?”
Suddenly, the footsteps stop next to Eung-gwang. Eung-kwang looked at me with blank eyes. As if asking what he was talking about, I added.
“Right now, because of someone else, the contract has been canceled, and the top is on the verge of ruin. I heard you have a chance to f*ck that person… “How could I bear it?”
Honestly, I wasn’t sure either. Will small and medium-sized companies suit my plan? However, Mona succeeded in winning more contracts than she could have imagined.
It was an unavoidable choice for them as their immediate mineral supply source was unstable, but at the same time, their hatred towards someone was even greater than that.
Yes, anger towards someone who exercised exclusive bidding authority and bought the last quantity of Layered Rock Geoyeon.
No matter how Liyue’s merchants only viewed the world through the two perspectives of profit and loss, they were also human. Of course, he had all the emotions that a human should have. And this sometimes transcends the language of reason and rationality.
It was a complex number. First, while attention was focused on Biun Sanghoe and Bukkuk Bank, a variable named Pungma-ryong appeared, and Mond fully cooperated with this plan, adding to the anger of small and medium-sized merchants that Eung-gwang had not considered.
So Eung-gwang could not notice. The leader of a country and one of the best merchants on the Tivat continent. It took so many variables and tricks to win over her.
Eunggwang was silent. She didn’t say anything, but then she started laughing. It was a helpless laugh, as if he had finally realized something.
Eung-gwang eventually collapsed and sat down in his place. Only then did the light of disbelief disappear from her eyes. She cast her empty eyes at me. She asked.
“…… So, what do you want?”
I looked at Eung-gwang without saying anything. She was smiling helplessly, as if resigned.
From Noble mtl dot com
“You know, right? I must somehow prevent the contract from being broken. What on earth do you want? My loss? And are you trying to fill that empty space again? “What on earth did you want, coming up with such complicated and difficult moves to deal with me?”
There was even a hint of mockery in her voice as she said that. It was a sneer that she didn’t know if it was directed at herself or if it was her final struggle as a loser. I kept her silent for a while, then took a step closer to her.
Now the distance between her and me is very small. I said with a sigh.
“I had only one request from beginning to end. What does that mean…….”
I slowly lowered my upper body. And when my face and Eung-gwang’s ear got closer, I gritted my teeth.
My gaze sank sharply. It was a feeling I had suppressed and suppressed until now. A growling voice escaped my throat.
The words I definitely wanted to convey to Eung-gwang, containing more intense emotions than anything else.
“…… “Don’t ever touch Lumine again.”
Hearing the boiling heat that suddenly came from my voice, Eung-gwang opened his eyes and looked at me. As if I hadn’t expected it at all. Anyway, with victory confirmed, I slowly moved away from Eung-gwang.
And started reciting the demands. It wasn’t much.
“First, let’s lift the wanted order issued to Lumine. And a public apology for this… ….”
“…… hehehehe.”
As I was laying out the demands I had in mind, I heard laughter from somewhere. It was Eung-gwang’s voice. My eyes turned to Eung-gwang.
Eunggwang’s laughter, which was only a low sound at first, soon began to resonate loudly. She burst out laughing for a long time, as if she couldn’t bear it anymore. I was embarrassed and just looked at Eung-gwang with slightly surprised eyes.
Could it be that the shock of defeat was too strong? Negotiations are not over yet. Only when such ominous thoughts came to mind did Eunggwang’s laughter stop.
“Ahahahaha! hehehe, ha… Unbelievable.”
She asked me with a voice still filled with laughter. It was a tone that made an effort to suppress laughter.
“So, hehehe… “You’re saying that just by touching one woman, you’ve risked the life and death of a caravan company worth billions of mora?”
“…… “It’s just ‘one woman.'”
I answered that question in a slightly rough voice. However, other people’s reactions were not much different.
Tartaglia was laughing and laughing, and she was sighing and shaking her head as if Mona couldn’t stop her. Even the secretaries at Gunokgak were looking at me with dumbfounded eyes.
I was annoyed by that reaction, so I responded even more bluntly.
“He is more important to me than anyone else. So, from now on…….”
“…… Nonsense.”
Anyway, Eung-kwang, whose laughter had finally subsided, let out a long sigh. The back of her hand rested on her forehead. Her head seemed to hurt.
“The man who first defeated me… “I never thought we would fight for such a ridiculous reason.”
I tried to say something again, but eventually closed my mouth with a sigh. This was because Eung-gwang’s face looked surprisingly refreshing.
hehehe, she asked me with a faint smile.
“So, what else? That alone wouldn’t have been worth the 600 million mora loss. “Are you going to make an example of me by destroying my top?”
“…… We exceed the bid quantity. A total of 900 million Mora, so that it can be paid in two installments of 450 million Mora each.”
At those words, Eung-kwang’s eyes opened again. Her face, which had been smiling empty-handedly, was filled with suspicion again. She deserved it.
This is a very merciful condition. Even if he was beaten even further than this, Eung-gwang had no choice but to accept it. Her contracts always had blank information about compensation in case of placebo. In Liyue, where the god of contracts is worshiped, the weight of contracts is heavier than anything else. It was a situation where the top of Eunggwang had to comply with any request that did not lead to destruction.
But 900 million won is only a 50% profit. Of course, even that was a huge profit, but the 300 million mora that the upper management had risked for the past month felt a little inadequate.
After receiving those suspicious looks, I opened my mouth as if I was annoyed. It was a proposal I was reluctant to make.
“You can pay that amount without difficulty, right? Of course, it will be difficult for a while, but at least we will soon find a chance to recover.”
Eunggwang’s face became even more incomprehensible. Why show mercy? That was probably the question. Another question flowed from her mouth.
“…… Why?”
When I thought about that question again, I got annoyed and scratched my head roughly. I immediately clicked my tongue and turned around. It was time to go back.
“…… “A friend I know asked me to do it.”
There was a sigh in my voice when I answered like that, so Eung-kwang seemed to have guessed who that ‘older sister’ was.
As I walked, Mona followed me as if it was natural. I cast one last glance at Eung-kwang.
“Please respect Liyue’s traditions or something…” So, you must faithfully fulfill the remaining conditions. “Please lift the wanted order, make a public apology, and release each office from detention immediately.”
Then, as I was about to walk again, I added, “Oh,” As if I had almost forgotten.
“…… And you have to give a good message to Gamwoo.”
With those words, Mona and I left. The secretaries of Gunokgak stepped aside, not even daring to think of blocking the path we were in. Eung-gwang was blank and just stared at her back.
The moment when the winner of the bidding competition that shook Liyue was decided.
The result broke everyone’s expectations and resulted in my victory.
*
Tartaglia remained silent for a while, watching the incident with her eyes of interest. He stood up shortly after Siu and Mona left.
“Then…” I think it’s over now. I hope you two can agree on the rest on your own. “North Korea Bank maintained its neutrality until the end.”
And Tartaglia left, leaving behind a wide smile, just like when he entered the military prison.
With everyone leaving, Eung-gwang looked down at the table without saying anything.
hehehe, I burst out laughing I don’t know how many times today. She shook her head.
“…… “He said he looked after me.”
Those words reminded me of Gam-woo asking Si-woo not to touch him.
Eung-gwang was completely helpless and leaned against his back.
On the contrary, Eung-gwang survived thanks to his friend. Yes, it was a complete defeat.
*
The wanted order issued to Lumine was lifted immediately on the day I won against Eung-gwang. And soon there was an opportunity to clear up misunderstandings about Lumine.
Eng Guang announced that Lumine, Mond’s hero and Li Yue’s guest, was not guilty and apologized for his rudeness. The apology of Liyue Chilseong, especially Eunggwang, who was in charge of the face madam, immediately caused a big stir in Liyue.
Subsequently, it was announced that each office detained at home was not guilty, and each office was able to return to the political forefront with great splendor. And there seemed to be signs that the misunderstanding of the people of Liyue toward my superiors was slowly clearing up.
The people of Liyue also knew. The fact that I was active behind the scenes of this situation. Before I knew it, I had become a person who bit down on Eunggwang just to save my comrade. That was true, and I also hoped that such awareness would spread widely.
Thanks to this, the way the Liyue people looked at me and Lumine changed a little. Before I knew it, I was being called a ‘mad dog’ in the Liyue commercial world, and Lumine was starting to be known as ‘a person who should never be touched.’ If you touch a stranger in Mond, the golden prince will turn into a rabid dog and come to bite you.
Honestly, the title ‘mad dog’ was humiliating, but it was fortunate that in the end, no one would dare to mess with Lumine. For Lumine’s sake, I was willing to endure such insults.
And the best part was that Lumine and I reunited sooner than expected. Tartaglia seemed to have been in regular contact with Lumine even after the last Cheongsin Rites, and on the day of the negotiation with Eunggwang, he came to me and made a rant.
“hahahahaha. That was amazing, Siwoo! “I will tell ‘Mr. Jesu’ well about this, so just leave it to him.”
“…… ‘Sister-in-law,’ and don’t say unnecessary things, really.”
With that, Tar Taglia narrowed her eyes and walked away, wondering what his intentions were. To be honest, I was anxious, but once I thought about meeting Lumine, I had no choice but to put those worries aside. And with an anxious heart, I waited for a few hours to hear from her.
I quickly went outside upon learning that Lumine had returned to Liyue. It was a square in the center of Liyue. This place, with its roads leading to the adventurer’s guild, the wharf, and the shopping district, used to be a meeting place, and it was here that I decided to meet Lumine.
As I hurriedly walked, I caught a glimpse of light golden hair in the distance. My face suddenly brightened. Next to it were tartaglia and palm seeds, but my mind was filled with thoughts of Lumine rather than those two.
I approached them right away. I shouted loudly.
“Lumine!”
It was a voice full of joy. However, Lumine’s condition was somehow strange.
Lumine was looking down at the ground with her face bright red, confused, and when I called her name, she looked at me in shock. Lumine’s face lit up with joy, but then she blushed and avoided my gaze, as if something had occurred to her again.
I wondered what was going on, but instead of feeling happy, I first approached Lumine, Tartaglia, and Palm. Tartaglia and Mr. Palm greeted me with a glance, but I didn’t even bother to look at them and approached Lumine.
“Lumine! How have you been? “I heard she was going to meet the good guys, but she wasn’t hurt?”
“…… Yes. “Si, how are you, Siwoo?”
Lumine then tried to meet my gaze again, but eventually her face turned bright red and she lowered her head again. At this point, I couldn’t help but have doubts. I asked Lumine.
“What’s wrong, Lumine? “Did something happen?”
As my voice became more serious, Lumine shook her head in surprise. She waved her hands and seemed eager to explain something.
“Well, so…” Me, I… “I-I have urgent work to do, so I’ll go first!”
Then Lumine immediately turned his back and started running. Tartaglia burst into laughter at that sight, and Mr. Palm looked at me with some kind of satisfaction in his eyes.
Only then did I have a hunch. Tartaglia, this bastard did something. Just before I glared at Tartaglia, a small girl-shaped creature poked me in the side.
The girl with silver hair was named Paimon, and she was an unknown being who was also Lumine’s guide. She smiled slyly and nudged my side with her forearm.
“…… ? “What’s wrong, Paimon?”
“hehehe~ I heard everything, Siwoo. “It’s pretty good, isn’t it?”
When I looked at Paimon blankly, as if I had no idea what I was talking about, Paimon put his hands on his waist with a happy expression on his face. And he spoke as if he were reenacting a certain situation.
“Tartalia told me everything. After destroying Li Yue’s Heavenly Power Castle, she whispered this in the woman’s ear?”
It’s ominous. It certainly seemed like that was the case, but for some reason it felt ominous. My eyes quickly turned to Tartaglia.
Tar Taglia raised her hand to greet me. With a sly smile.
“‘Never touch my woman again.’ Like this… “Kyaaah!”
At those words, my consciousness went blank for a moment. The moment I came to my senses again, I felt a surge of shame. I shouted as if it was unfair.
“No, when did I…” Never been like that! Are you crazy? “Why should I say something so cringy?”
However, Paimon was not trusted at all. She covered her mouth with her hand and smiled sinisterly. And soon she flew away and began to chase after Lumine. Scratching my insides until the very end.
“Then I’ll just follow ‘Siwoo’s Woman’, see you later at the dorm!”
I had no choice but to look at the backs of Paimon and Lumine with a bewildered gaze. As I was doing this for a while, a heavy weight was placed on my shoulders. Tar Taglia was leaning her arm on my shoulder.
When my gaze landed on Tartaglia, he grinned.
“What do you think? “You conveyed it well, right?”
“No, are you crazy…?” “It’s become awkward again because of you!”
The last time I kissed my cheek, it was still awkward for a while, but when I let out my anger like a fit, I felt another weight on my other shoulder. It was because Mr. Palm put his hand on my shoulder.
He shook his head quietly with a smile. It meant calm down.
“hahahaha, don’t worry too much… A woman’s heart is like frost at dawn. “Right now you’re as shy as me, but won’t one day you melt into even warmer feelings of love?”
“…… “That’s it, but.”
I soon calmed down due to Palm Seed’s heavy voice. I knew that too, but it was still a shame that I couldn’t share my happiness with Lumine as soon as I met her. In the end, I had no choice but to sigh and lament my situation.
I guess it’s because I had the wrong friend. I glanced at Tartaglia, but he was just smiling shamelessly. I felt like I wanted to punch him in the face. Then I will lose.
As I was trembling in frustration, Mr. Palm suggested me once again.
“hehehe. Instead, how about having a drink today to commemorate the big day? “I’ll buy you a drink today.”
“…… Hwiyu, that’s a great idea, isn’t it? So, Siwoo, you’re not going?”
I looked in the direction where Lumine disappeared for a moment with lingering eyes, and eventually sighed again as if there was nothing I could do.
If I chased after him anyway, I wouldn’t be able to meet him. Her Lumine’s athletic ability was so outstanding that it couldn’t even be compared to that of an ordinary person like me.
“…… “I’m going, I have to go.”
After hearing my answer, Tartaglia and Mr. Palm immediately took the lead and started walking. I walked along with them so as not to fall behind. Well, let’s talk about Lumine later.
Then a thought occurred to me and I asked Mr. Palm.
“So, Mr. Jongryeo, did you bring your wallet today?”
At those words, Mr. Palm’s steps suddenly stopped. He closed his eyes and placed his chin on his chin as if he was thinking. For a long time.
“…… “It’s a pity, but I forgot.”
“Well, I guess so… ….”
As if I wasn’t expecting anything, I answered like that and started walking again.
Lumine returned to Liyue, and Liyue, which had been turbulent, became peaceful again. There was only one thing left for me to do now.
Negotiation with Seonin, and the expulsion of Wooindan.
Of course, this was something that had to be dealt with only after a little more time had passed. Because the ancestors were still gathering and coming to Liyue.
**
It has been several nights since Siwoo defeated Eunggwang, breaking everyone’s expectations. Gamwoo was walking with a confused mind. He was only focused on work and deliberately did not pay attention to whether Si-woo and Eung-gwang won or lost. However, even she had no choice but to respond to the call of Eung-gwang, a saint of heavenly power.
Gam-woo was still Wolhaejeong’s general secretary, and Eung-gwang was her superior. Eung-gwang, who called Gam-woo, immediately said this.
“…… Siwoo Sangdanju, I hear you thinking a lot.”
Gam-woo just blinked his eyes and looked at Eung-gwang blankly at those words. What are you talking about out of nowhere? Moreover, Gam-woo had met Si-woo not long ago. Then she heard clearly. ‘Wolhaejeong’s general secretary.’
Gamwoo may have quit his job as general secretary of Wolhaejeong for that reason. He was sick of it anymore. The title of ‘Wolhae Justice General Secretary’ that Si-woo calls her every time he draws her line, keeps reminding her that her friend is a loner.
But when such a story suddenly came out of Eung-gwang’s mouth, it was natural that Gam-woo could not understand it. Seeing that, Eung-gwang let out a small sigh. She pressed her temples as if her head was pounding.
“Gamwoo, I’m saying this because it’s a contract, but… “Siwoo Sangdanju doesn’t hate you that much.”
“…… “It can’t be.”
Gamwoo immediately denied it. Confusion flashed in her eyes. Her memories pass through her mind one by one like a panorama.
The day I fought with Siwoo and was disowned. When she went to look for Si-woo, the day she heard each Cheong’s voice. On a rainy day, I had no choice but to watch Siwoo enter with each office. Those days when I encountered Si-woo, raised her voice and fought again, and held only the bandage left on her thumb nail as a trace of warmth.
There were a lot of things I did wrong with Siwoo. At least that’s what Gamwoo thought. It was natural that her Si-woo hated her. Didn’t Gakcheong, who always hung around with Siwoo, say the same thing?
Siwoo will find her disgusting. Eung-gwang looked even more troubled by such a reaction.
“Elder Cheon Kwon probably doesn’t know. How many things have I done wrong to Siwoo’s brother? Because I’m not good enough… ….”
“It’s because of you.”
At Gwang’s words, Gamwoo shut her mouth. Her purple eyes deepened with her doubts. Eung-gwang seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then she sighed as if she had no choice.
“…… Siwoo Trading Company transferred the quantity for which it had won the bidding rights under good conditions. They don’t want me to step down from my position. I was trying to stop at the point where my authority was slightly undermined. “If I had wanted to, I could have made several times more profit than that.”
I couldn’t understand every word of it. Gamwoo’s thoughts stopped. It was the next words that dealt the final blow to her.
“Siwoo Sangdanju said it was because of you. And please spread the word well. That’s the condition… “What merchant would give up hundreds of millions of mora because of someone he doesn’t like?”
I don’t remember anything after that. Gam-u heard a few more words from Eung-gwang, left Gunokgak, left Okgyeongdae, and was already walking down the street.
A road that continues. Gamwoo’s steps stopped in front of the Liwol branch of Siwoo Sangdan.
Top floor, Siwoo’s office. There was light shining there. Gam-woo looked at that place blankly, and then walked away as if possessed.
I had a drink with Siwoo for the first time. Yes, right here. At that time, he confessed his dissatisfaction with his boss for the first time.
And he had a big fight with Siwoo. The disownment he declared out of anger that day remained in Gamwoo’s heart forever and was stained with regret. That also happened in this place.
There was a time when I came to see Si-woo and hid after hearing the voices of each office. It was here too, like some fate. Gamwoo’s path continues.
It was late at night. It was always like that. All of the upper-level employees had left work, and although I encountered several security guards, they just bowed their heads without saying a word. Before he knew it, Gamwoo found himself at the top floor.
Light leaks out. It was in the crack of the door. Light and heat, he unconsciously placed his hand on the door handle and stopped at the warm temperature.
Can I open this door?
Gamwoo ran away several times. He was so scared of meeting Si-woo, so scared of realizing that he was hated by him, that he couldn’t pull the handle all the time.
But why was it today? Was it because I heard Eung-gwang’s words? If not, like a pale butterfly attracted to light and heat.
Gamwoo pulled his handle, and the door opened with a soft sound. At that moment, suddenly, the light opened. The cold and dark hallway was colored with a warm breeze, and the lights from the lanterns added a subtle warmth.
And in the center of the light, a man was sitting down processing documents. As always, he was contemplating while tapping his fingers on the table, his frown slightly frowning. Sensing that he was popular, his gaze turned towards Gamwoo.
Gamwoo flinched at that moment. It felt as if that gaze was going to stab Gamwoo. The man looked at Gamwoo blankly. He seemed surprised, and then sighed deeply.
When Gamwoo could not say anything and just looked at his man.
“…… “It’s too late.”
Then, the man lifted her body up. He stretched out, probably tired, and let out his yawn. And then I looked at Gamwoo.
Looking at those eyes, Kamu let out a small exclamation, “Ah.”
Kind and warm eyes. The man asked with a slight smile.
“But anyway, the night was deep… ….”
My heart feels heavy. It was the first time in his life that Gamwoo had felt such an emotion, and he did not even know how to express it. Is it overwhelming, sad, or something else?
“…… Would you like to eat at least?”
However, in response to Siwoo’s mischievous question. He closed his eyes. And he lowered his head. Since his neck was hung, I don’t know if he would be able to answer properly.
“…… “Yes, please excuse me.”
As she answered him on the first day she met Siwoo. Gamwoo said so.
Tonight, the paths of a man and a woman who had crossed each other cross once again.