Chapter 13. The Waiter of Dragon Gate Inn
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It has already been several weeks since I took over the Iron Fist Chamber.
—Everyone’s spirit has changed quite a bit.
"Indeed. At this rate, they wouldn't fall far behind the rank-and-file martial artists of the Black Water Society."
Perhaps.
—Isn't their growth rate quite fast?
"It’s only natural."
—Natural, you say?
"They simply never had the opportunity to learn martial arts properly. Regardless, they were all guys who knew how to throw a punch among their peers. Once you provide proper training, feed them meat, and teach them the basics, they quickly start to show their true potential."
It was merely a matter of direction; they possessed the aptitude all along.
—So that’s another advantage of the Evil Path.
"Don't get too excited. They’ve only just reached the level where I can call them third-rate martial artists."
—What’s the plan for the future?
"Time to go take over the next organization."
—Already? You’re moving faster than lightning striking a bean...
"Do I need to put on full armor just to catch a rabbit in my own front yard?"
I immediately summoned Han Sa-gwang.
"Branch Master, did you call for me?"
"I’m thinking of going out on a patrol, so get me a guide."
"Ah, I shall do so immediately."
Han Sa-gwang, who now carried himself with the air of a proper chief, replied respectfully.
"But, regarding this patrol..."
"Before we take over the Black Water Society, I want to see for myself what the sentiment is like on the ground."
"……!"
Han Sa-gwang swallowed hard.
"Understood. Is there anything else you need me to prepare?"
"Not for now. But make sure to warn the branch members so they don't panic, no matter the situation."
"Understood."
As it happened, the one who became my guide was the very guy who had learned how to use a sword from me on the first day.
"Branch Master, I shall escort you."
In just a few weeks, he had clearly been drilled in proper etiquette.
—It seems Han Sa-gwang has been putting them through the wringer?
'His martial talent isn't bad. Seeing how quickly he picked things up, he might have been someone Han was keeping an eye on and grooming all along.'
"What is your name?"
"It is Jang-o."
"The fifth son of the Jang family, I presume."
"How did you know?"
"It’s written all over you."
Guided by Jang-o, I slowly walked through the territory of the Black Water Society.
'They are quite imposing.'
Whenever the Black Water Society martial artists, who moved in groups of three or four, passed by, the crowds would part like an ebbing tide, clearing a path for them.
—Doesn't seem like they are well-liked, does it?
Myoseonja was right. The emotions surfacing in the eyes of the people were closer to fear and disgust.
"Um, Branch Master."
Jang-o, who had been scanning his surroundings with a nervous expression, spoke up.
"Why?"
"That... what is with the rabbit doll tied to your scabbard?"
"Ah, this?"
I stroked Myoseonja, who was sitting there with a look of feigned indifference.
—Get your hand off me!
'You want me to get caught throwing it off?'
—Damn it.
It was a pleasant sight to see Myoseonja being stroked so tamely.
"I’ve always liked rabbits. Isn't it cute?"
"……."
"Why?"
"It is nothing."
Fear flickered across Jang-o's face. Humans are naturally afraid when they see a madman they cannot understand.
"Is the training manageable?"
"Yes. Everyone has completely given up both alcohol and gambling."
"Good."
"Um, Branch Master. This might sound strange."
Jang-o scratched his head bashfully.
"For the first time in a long while, I feel a sense of pride. The feeling of accomplishment when gritting my teeth to endure the training, the taste of the meat that soothes our exhaustion, and the time spent chatting and falling asleep together after a long day—I never knew that seeing myself grow stronger through these accumulated efforts could be so joyful."
I grinned.
"That is the joy of a martial artist, Jang-o."
"I see, so this is..."
The overwhelming emotion on Jang-o's face was like that of a young child.
—You two are just like a master and his disciple.
Now that I think about it, he’s right. I nodded at Myoseonja’s words.
"Jang-o, in a way, you are my subordinate and my disciple. So, do not do anything that would smear your master's face."
"……I will keep that in mind."
"Do you have family?"
"My parents have passed away, and my younger sister, who hasn't yet moved out, is taking care of our youngest sibling."
"Every penny you earned must have been precious."
"Yes."
I recalled Han Sa-gwang's words.
"I know what shame is, too. But what can we do when our skills are lacking?"
He was right. Even the trashy third-rate Evil Path practitioners, water bandits, and mountain bandits were originally just weaklings exploited by those stronger than them.
'That is why I respect those who do not succumb to that cycle and instead face it with pride.'
Not everyone can live that way. But I wanted them to at least try to emulate that image. That is the ideal I inherited from Alliance Leader Jong.
"Jang-o, does your youngest sibling know what you do for a living?"
Jang-o's expression darkened. It was the face of a man who knew shame.
"I haven't told them in detail, but they probably suspect. They are a clever child."
"Is that so?"
I nodded.
"If one day your youngest sibling's face lights up when they see you, it will mean they have become proud of their older brother."
"……!"
Jang-o's expression twisted in a complex way.
"Branch Master, *sniff*! I will make sure of it."
I gave his shoulder a light pat.
—He’s going to cry, isn't he?
'Back when I was a low-level grunt, I remember how much a small word of encouragement from a superior meant to me.'
—Did you learn that from Jong Yu-gang, too?
'Call him Alliance Leader.'
—You madman.
To rebuild the Ten Thousand Evil Alliance I remember, I had to start with this small, handful of an organization.
That is why I gave them my sincerity. It remained to be seen how that would return to me.
"Jang-o, let's go to the Dragon Gate Inn."
"Pardon?"
"I heard that place is also under the management of the Black Water Society."
"Ah, that is correct."
"The food tasted good. I want to see just how much protection money they are being extorted for, to be struggling to make a living despite having such skill."
Jang-o swallowed hard. He was clearly nervous.
"……I shall escort you."
Dragon Gate Inn.
It was a name that felt like trouble was bound to happen.
— — —
* * *
— — —
"Welcome! Oh, Brother Jang-o? It’s been a while!"
The waiter at the Dragon Gate Inn was a boy who looked to be in his mid-teens. Even in his worn-out clothes, he was neatly dressed, and his eyes were sharp, giving him a very intelligent impression.
"Wow, you look much healthier! I heard you’ve been training lately..."
"Don't even mention it. I'm going through hell."
Jang-o chatted with the waiter without reserve. They seemed quite close.
"You’ve brought a guest today? I haven't seen this person before."
Jang-o glanced at me cautiously before replying.
"Yeah, bring us some Dugang wine first. And the best food you have."
"If that’s the case, the Five-Spice Pork and the Tanghuli-cheok are perfect. Though the price is..."
"We aren't going to skip out on the bill, so don't worry."
"I trust you, Brother. But it’s still payment in advance."
"Ah, this kid. You're being a nuisance today."
Jang-o sounded slightly annoyed. He was likely acting out of concern that the boy might offend me. However, I was more intrigued by the waiter's attitude—shrinking back, yet insisting on payment in advance.
"If that is the inn's rule, the guest must follow it. How much?"
"Ah, yes! Seven silver coins."
Watching the waiter walk away with the money, I remarked.
"He’s sharp, isn't he? And bold, too."
"He’s not just quick-witted; he’s sharper than most adults."
"Hmm."
As an organization grows, you need people with a good head on their shoulders. I became interested in the boy.
—He doesn't seem to have the physique for martial arts. He’s too slender; he wouldn't be able to exert any real power.
'That may be true, but that’s not for a rabbit to say.'
—Will you shut up!
I didn't have to wait long before the food arrived.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
Watching the food, wine, and chopsticks being placed with precision, I nodded.
"You recommended something that comes out fast."
"This kid, he’s playing tricks."
"As long as it tastes good, that’s all that matters."
It must have been prepared in advance because it was a popular dish. I savored the aroma with my eyes and nose before putting the meat in my mouth.
"……!"
—Why? Is it good?
'It’s beyond just good. Given the price, they couldn't have used very expensive ingredients, but the level of cooking and the blend of seasonings is truly the work of a master.'
It was a different flavor from the meat I had eaten before.
"Why is it so delicious?"
"Rumor has it the owner was a chef who made a name for himself in the North, but retired to the countryside for some reason."
"Strange. With skill like this, he could have commanded any price he wanted."
Why would he be selling food with such difficulty in this shabby inn while being exploited by the Black Water Society?
"I don't know the details either. I just assume there must be some circumstances."
I turned my head. The waiter was moving around the inn like a fish in water.
"Uncle Hwang, the wheat noodles again today?"
"What’s it to you! Just bring it out quickly."
"You should eat something more expensive."
"Quiet, it’s my choice."
"Aunt So! Are you not having the Bamboo Leaf Green wine today?"
"I drank too much yesterday, so I’m not in the mood."
"Then I’ll bring you some honey water. I won't charge you for it!"
"Oh my, this is why I can't go anywhere else."
"Great Hero! If you're hungry while you wait, how about some dumplings? They’ll be right out."
"You rascal, trying to swindle me?"
"I’ll give you a discount instead."
"Well, I suppose I could try one."
"Coming right up!"
Even a brief observation showed he had an extraordinary knack for work. Not only did he remember the customers' preferences, but his ability to offer small favors or upsell was no amateur feat.
"He’s quite something."
He seemed more like a proprietor than a mere employee, with a sense of ownership that...
"Is he the owner's son, by any chance?"
"Yes. He is the chef's son."
"And he must know your younger sister, too."
"Ah, that’s right. How did you—"
"I just guessed because they are around the same age. Seeing how close they are, I figured it was a possibility."
"Did you come here after getting your fortune told or something?"
If I had, I wouldn't have been backstabbed by Jong Wi-cheon. I smiled bitterly and continued to eat.
'With skill like this, he could easily succeed even if he opened a large tavern.'
Just as business ideas began to surface in my mind,
"Clear the table and bring us some drinks! And bring out some twice-cooked pork and shredded pork in bean sauce while you're at it!"
A group of Evil Path practitioners appeared, armed with broadswords, iron maces, and cudgels.
"They're from the Black Water Society."
Even without Jang-o’s whisper, their identity was easy to discern.
"Um, sirs. We don't serve twice-cooked pork."
"Just go buy the ingredients and make it. Is that too hard for you?"
The waiter faced the group of Evil Path practitioners with a calm expression.
"If you want me to buy the ingredients, you must pay me first."
"Just put it on our tab. We'll pay you next month."
"Hehehe!"
*They’re as trashy as the rumors say.*
The opponents were martial artists of the Evil Path, reeking of the scent of blood. They were not the kind of people a young, powerless waiter could handle.
"I apologize, but you have never paid off your tabs before. Please, pay in advance."
"What?"
However, it seemed the waiter had no intention of backing down easily today.
"This little brat is getting mouthy."
"Is your body itching because you haven't been beaten lately?"
"That’s not it—"
*Crash!*
A table was overturned by a kick.
"Ahem."
A few customers who felt uncomfortable with the situation cleared their throats and stood up; the swordsman who had been called a "great hero" was among them.
"……."
It was a situation where they could neither stop the thugs nor drive the Evil Path practitioners away. The waiter’s fists clenched tightly. One could easily see the boy’s shame and rage just by looking at his flushed face.
*Aren't you going to help?*
'Let’s watch for now. I’m curious to see how he has been handling them until now.'
My interest right now was not in the riffraff of the Black Water Society.
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