“Running away recklessly might get you caught. The Three-Eyed Sword is trapped in a corner.”
How can I strip the Three-Eyed Sword of the choice to escape?
There are no warriors from the Man Geum Battlefield looking for the Three-Eyed Sword at the port. But what’s important is making them believe it’s true.
If the people I hired at the tavern say there are warriors from the Man Geum Battlefield at the port, then there will be. The Three-Eyed Sword wouldn’t dare risk his neck to go to the port.
“If he gets caught, that’ll be the end. He won’t just lose the token. He’ll suffer the consequences of daring to treat the Man Geum Battlefield as a piggy bank.”
Now, the choices for the Three-Eyed Sword are running out.
“I could continue hiding without spending money.”
“With every breath I take, the interest keeps piling up? It’s better to have hope with a reliable person who can multiply your money while you still have a chance.”
Now that I’ve eliminated the choice to escape for the Three-Eyed Sword, I am his only best option left.
“How can I expect someone who just plans to take my investment money and pay off debts?”
I chuckled at Jeon Gil-san’s remark.
“What can I say? No one knows my true intentions. Plus, it looks good on paper. A misunderstanding. I’m doing business. I’ll pay back the interest. Just wait a bit for the principal. Even if it’s unlikely, it gives me hope to at least say it.”
“A runaway who can’t even meet their repayment deadline? Whatever excuse they make, it’s unlikely anyone will buy it.”
That’s true.
As long as I haven’t written a promissory note, any excuse will work—provided that the warriors from the Man Geum Battlefield find out about it. It means I can return the principal along with the interest smoothly.
If I used the investment money and said I’d only pay back the interest, they would immediately want to reclaim the principal.
“Holding onto hope is my freedom. Even without hope, hiding assets isn’t such a bad idea. If I invest secretly, even if I suffer in the Man Geum Battlefield, I’ll still have money left. The problem is finding someone trustworthy who can keep your money hidden, which isn’t exactly easy in this world.”
When I lifted my head, I locked eyes with Jeon Gil-san, who looked at me like I was out of my mind.
“Looks like you’ve found someone reliable.”
“Quite the coincidence.”
Both of us let out a hollow laugh.
What a truly amazing coincidence. If this wasn’t something someone had orchestrated, I’d believe there’s always a silver lining even if the sky were to fall.
“You crazy bastard. I can’t believe you’ve created this entire situation from start to finish.”
“Isn’t it the hardest thing in the world to eat off someone else’s money?”
Of course, it’s a lot harder to eat the money of someone who’s running away with someone else’s cash. I stood up from my seat in Jeon Gil-san’s office.
“Where are you going?”
“To become someone trustworthy. Hey, I’ll be back at your place later. Memorize this paper.”
“Trustworthy? What’s this about?”
“I’m not at the level where I could entrust someone with my life savings yet. So, I need to put in some work.”
Burning the boat to escape may have made me the best option, but it’s not enough.
The money that the Three-Eyed Sword, Cho Cheol, has is what he brought with his life on the line. I still need to become someone suitable enough for him to hand that money over without hesitation.
Would I be able to entrust my money to a younger brother from my hometown? If I lose that money, my life will be over. No matter how good the option is, can I truly trust it?
Is there a way to give the other party confidence?
I had one.
——
“Hyung, what’s troubling you? Just now, the fish only took the bait and ran.”
The Three-Eyed Sword, Cho Cheol, couldn’t focus on the way to the fishing spot.
It’s natural to be anxious with the encirclement closing in. Though I knew it all, I asked with a semblance of concern.
“No, I’m just thinking for a bit. By the way, I’m a bit late today.”
Cho Cheol asked me with a barely concealed worried expression for being late.
“Well, I had some business at the port, and the guys from the Man Geum Battlefield kept bothering me.”
If he just managed to shake off his worries, it’s time to layer on some more. Hearing that from my hometown brother must be weighing even heavier on him.
“Is that so?”
Cho Cheol looked as though he was afraid someone might see him, pulling his hat down as if that would help.
“Hey! A giant carp! I feel like I’m stealing your luck today, Hyung!”
I caught a carp the size of my forearm and said cheerfully.
“It’s not because of luck, but I’m just clumsy at this. I’m just trying to develop a hobby since coming to Wuhan; I’m not good at it yet.”
“You’re still amazing, Hyung! People say it becomes harder to pick up new hobbies as you get older, but I admire your spirit to always take on new challenges.”
Even in dire situations, Musu Village’s village head respects Hyung, so hurry up and give me money. As I flattered the Three-Eyed Sword, a smile spread across Cho Cheol’s face.
“Just speaking kindly, thank you. Still, to my untrained eyes, it seems you have a knack for fishing.”
“I’m just trying my hand at fishing since coming to this land, and I think I’m doing surprisingly well.”
In truth, I was surviving on instinct.
When I was vagabonding through the Central Plains like a beggar, I had to catch fish to fill my empty stomach. But I found I had a real aptitude for it.
Finding something worth catching, sprinkling bait the fish wanted, waiting until it moved as I intended, and then pulling it up.
Becoming a fisher who ensnares people after living diligently as a worker and web novel writer gave me many insights.
“Younger brother, are you looking for something?”
The Three-Eyed Sword was looking for a method to gain my trust.
He said he’d come around lunchtime, so it should be time for him to appear. Why wasn’t he here? I kept looking around even if the Three-Eyed Sword had a confused expression.
“Uh… oh?! Isn’t it the Lady, no?”
Waiting for a suitable fish takes patience. The fish I awaited had finally appeared.
“Oh, Ho Pil? What brings you here?”
The person I had been waiting for was Jung Mun-won, the inspector close to the future princess and someone who had helped each other out during the Shadowless Thief incident.
“I just came to fish! Do you enjoy fishing too, Lady?”
I asked the inspector, surprised to find someone with the same hobby at work, though I had actually gathered intelligence that she frequently visited this fishing spot lately.
“Ha ha. That’s the case, eh? Who’s this person beside you…?”
Could it be awkward to talk about hobbies in front of a stranger? Jung Mun-won gestured for me to introduce Cho Cheol.
“This is my hometown hyung, the Three-Eyed Sword, Cho Cheol. Hyung, this is the inspector Jung Mun-won, whom I serve specially.”
“An inspector?”
Cho Cheol pulled his chin in, gazing at Jung Mun-won with astonishment.
It’s only natural to be surprised. She has the authority to oversee corruption among the officials. Even though her rank is low, inspectors are directly appointed by the emperor.
“You serve him? That’s a lie!”
Jung Mun-won squinted at me with a teasing voice, sounding disappointed.
“Ha ha.”
“You have a great little brother. I hold Ho Pil in special regard.”
Maybe it was really because of my merits. When I introduced Cho Cheol as my hometown older brother, Jung Mun-won praised me and smiled.
“Ho Pil?”
“I worked briefly for the Shadowless Thief.”
That was because, now with the Shadowless Thief gone from Wuhan, there was no reason for Ho Pil to continue working.
“He’s the best Ho Pil in Wuhan. I wish he would keep working under me, but it’s not easy.”
“Hahaha. Even if you continue to praise me, I prefer doing business.”
Still clinging to the dream, are you? No matter how often I say, that path for me isn’t a flower road, but a fiery path.
As I and the inspector exchanged small banter and the atmosphere became lighthearted, the awe on the other side couldn’t be hidden.
“Wow. The world-renowned inspector and…”
Good response.
How could a person build trust in a short time?
While it’s certainly possible to become friends with a younger brother or elder brother, entrusting your life savings to someone you’ve met after decades is another story. Trust is built over the years.
How to build trust beyond time?
“By borrowing the authority of others.”
There’s a reason scam artists flaunt friendships with celebrities or politicians. Being close to socially reputable individuals can easily lead others to confuse it with reliability.
I decided to use the world’s most thoroughly validated method.
“Huang-sir’s trusted inspector, trusted Kang Yoon-ho?”
How could they not trust me?
I needed to turn Cho Cheol’s awe into confidence and trust. I waited for Jung Mun-won to share stories of life while observing Cho Cheol’s surprise fading.
“If you want to contribute to the nation, just let me know anytime. By the way, that fish in the bucket… is it… a carp?”
Jung Mun-won carefully asked about the big carp that had drawn her gaze from earlier.
“I caught a dragon carp.”
“I’ll reward you, so could you hand it over?”
“Ha ha! What’s there to reward between us? Go ahead and take it.”
It seems she likes carp. Though they smell earthy, it’s a fine catch for showing off. Definitely a size worth bragging about.
For whatever reason, it doesn’t matter. While I’m gifting the inspector, it’s a solid chance to appeal.
“Got it, you really are something! Thanks!”
Jung Mun-won genuinely patted my shoulder as though she was really grateful.
“I’ll be on my way now. If you need anything from me, feel free to reach out anytime.”
“…Right. When should I contact you?”
Since she seemed to be in a good mood, the inspector waved goodbye with a warm smile and returned the way she came.
“Go ahead, Hyung.”
That business was done. As I turned to head back to the horse-drawn carriage I was waiting for, Cho Cheol spoke up.
“Kang, I had no idea you had connections like that. So close to an inspector acting on imperial orders.”
The gaze Cho Cheol directed at me was distinctly changed to one of admiration.
“Even you looking at me with those eyes, I might just float away. Ha ha! Let’s go grab a meal.”
The trust-building process has only just begun.
——
“Club Leader! What brings you here?”
As I entered Jeon Gil-san’s tavern, the members busy working greeted me.
“Are you doing well? No trouble?”
“My wife is almost due.”
“Is that so? That’s tough. Make sure to head straight home after work to avoid any trouble.”
“Right! This friend gets off and goes home right after these days!”
“Hahah!”
After a light conversation and leading the surprised Three-Eyed Sword inside the tavern, he remarked.
“Club Leader? Speaking of which, the Joseon people at the tavern I’m staying at call you Club Leader.”
“Oh shoot! I forgot to tell you. I’m leading the Joseon Association in Wuhan.”
“The Joseon Association, huh…?”
“In the Central Plains, it’s common to be harassed by the natives, so we need to support each other, right?”
The leader of the Joseon Association. If I borrow credibility from others to build trust, now I’m showing off my own authority. It may seem insignificant, but it changes the narrative as the numbers build.
“You’re the one leading all those Joseon people in Wuhan?”
The Club Leader, who commands all Joseon nationals in Wuhan, becomes an undeniable proof of trustworthiness.
Cho Cheol couldn’t conceal his disbelief as he looked me up and down.
“You’re surprised? But it’s not over yet.” Without giving Cho Cheol a moment to calm down, I pointed towards a helper waiting at a distance.
“Has my brother-in-law arrived?”
Jeon Gil-san approached me, his face lighting up. This dude. Seeing him nearly mess up my plan almost made me smile. Keep your expressions in check.
“We’ve arrived.”
“The tavern isn’t run by Joseon people…?”
Cho Cheol looked at me as if wondering whether I offered franchise to non-Joseon folks.
“Is this the older brother you’ve been bragging about?”
Jeon Gil-san asked while looking at Cho Cheol.
“Yes. This is Hyung Cho Cheol. This guy is…”
“This guy’s brother-in-law.”
“Brother-in-law? Were you married?”
“Not yet, but the ceremony hasn’t occurred.”
“Your brother-in-law must be busy then. I keep telling him to find time and visit Yungjung Mountain.”
Unexpectedly smooth. Jeon Gil-san naturally regurgitated the lines I’d put in his head.
At the mention of Yungjung Mountain, Cho Cheol’s expression changed.
It was only natural. In this martial arts world, there was only one group who could flow into Yungjung Mountain.
“Y-Yungjung Mountain…? You don’t mean your bride…?”
“Haha, it’s…”
I pretended to look shy, looking away as if flustered.
Hey. Jeon Gil-san. Hurry and say it. What others say amplifies the impact. As I sent him a glance, he finally understood it was his chance and opened his mouth.
“Did your brother not tell you? He is marrying my cousin, the daughter of the Jegal Clan.”
“Ugh.”
The Three-Eyed Sword looked at me with a gasp of surprise.
“Haha! You can look at me with those astonished eyes, but it doesn’t mean anything. Let’s go eat.”
Using others’ authority, I piled on the trust.
Who among the martial artists from Hubei doesn’t know the reputation of the Jegal Clan?
Right before Cho Cheol’s eyes, the younger brother ties the knot with the Jegal Clan. Right now, in this moment, I have filled my trustworthiness stamp full to bursting.
———
“Today, I’ve learned a new side of you, little brother.”
Cho Cheol spoke with disbelief still apparent on his face.
“It’s nothing much.”
“The president of the Joseon Association, a Ho Pil favored by the inspector, and now marrying into the Jegal Clan. I’m embarrassed for boasting earlier.”
“Hyung, I’m only here because you paved the way. Let’s strive hard like you. Let’s live diligently. I’m only here because I can count on you every day. Honestly, if it weren’t for your name, I’d just be a beggar from Musu Village.”
Hyung, even if I’m the one who should be trusted enough to manage all your money, I still respect you the most. I effortlessly built up Cho Cheol’s ego.
“…If you really think so, I’m grateful.”
Cho Cheol nodded, his face wrapped in emotion. It’s time.
“Club Leader!”
As I sent the prearranged signal, a Joseon national rushed toward me with an urgent expression.
“Who told you to interrupt while we’re eating?”
“Club Leader, please! We must buy that tavern building!”
“We agreed to drop that discussion.”
I replied with a frown.
“Club Leader! We’re so keen! Just buying that tavern will fill our bags with money!”
“I just opened another franchise a while ago. I can’t even spare any more for the funds pool.”
“Club Leader……!”
“Younger brother, what are you talking about?”
I was casting a fishing line, reeling him in.
I waved them off, unconcerned.
“It’s nothing. Don’t mind me. Let’s just order some drinks.”
“Club Leader! However you can, please arrange for the funds!”
“Ah!”
With a little more waiting.
“Younger brother.”
“Yes?”
“Can I hear more about that tavern you mentioned, please?”
The fish is about to bite the bait.
