Michelin Chef Goes to Joseon (2)
The First Quest
“Ah! So this man is my father!”
Inhyeok realized the man’s identity from the information in his status window.
As he secretly sighed in relief, Kim Jaehwan spoke sharply, his tone rising.
“Why are you standing there like a fool? I came because Manseok said something was odd… Have you been drinking again?”
“No, I can’t drink, actually…”
In modern times, Inhyeok truly couldn’t hold his liquor — but of course, Kim Jaehwan had no way of knowing that.
“Now you’re lying, too? You, who nearly drowned yourself in a jar of wine yesterday, claim you can’t drink? Even a passing dog would laugh!”
‘But I really can’t…’
Inhyeok groaned inwardly but didn’t dare talk back.
He lowered his head, darting his eyes nervously, hoping to survive the scolding — when a familiar sound chimed in his ear.
Ding!
Startled, Inhyeok lifted his head to see a glowing window appear before him.
[Quest]
Event Occurrence: 5th Year of King Yeongjo’s Reign, 12th Day of the 11th Month.
Summary:
Jo Hyeonmyeong, the Assistant Director of the Royal Kitchen has submitted a memorial to the king requesting permission to punish the merchant guild leader who failed to deliver suitable fish for the royal table.
As a result, fish dishes cannot be prepared for the upcoming banquet to welcome the Qing Dynasty envoys, scheduled two days later.
Mission:
Meet with the guild leader, Jang Seokgap, investigate the cause of the fish shortage, and resolve the issue so that fish dishes can be served at the banquet for the Qing envoys.
“Fish shortage? How am I supposed to fix that…”
“What did you just say?”
“Huh?”
Startled, Inhyeok looked up from the glowing window to find his father’s sharp gaze fixed on him.
“How do you know there’s a problem with the fish?”
“Ah, well… I just heard—”
Kim Jaehwan cut him off, nodding slowly.
“Hmm. I thought you were just idling around in the Royal Kitchen, but it seems you’re paying attention, at least.”
Inhyeok scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
“I don’t know the details. I heard it from someone while working today.”
“That makes sense. Actually, that’s why I called you home.”
Kim Jaehwan stroked his chin, his expression hardening.
“Today, the Assistant Director of Saongwon, Jo Hyeonmyeong, submitted a memorial to the king.”
“A memorial?”
“Yes. He requested punishment for the guild leader who failed to deliver fish.”
Though Inhyeok already knew this from his quest window, he pretended to be surprised.
“The man has long supplied fish to Saongwon, but lately, the tides have been poor. He petitioned to supply only half the usual amount. Yet soon after, he refused to deliver any fish at all, delaying preparations for the Qing banquet. Furious, Jo Hyeonmyeong reported him without even confirming the situation.”
“Father, may I ask… why are you telling me this?”
With a weary sigh, Kim Jaehwan spoke heavily.
“I’m entrusting this matter to you.”
“What? Me?”
‘Oh no… this is that quest!’
Inhyeok’s eyes widened as he clenched his jaw, recalling the quest details he’d just seen.
“You already serve at Saongwon. You’ll understand the matter better than most.”
“Wouldn’t it be faster if you handled it yourself, Father?”
“You know I’m busy.”
“Well, I’m… also busy.”
“Do you really think you’re busier than I am?”
At that, Inhyeok froze.
There was no way he could be busier than the Chief Scholar of the Hongmungwan and Royal Kitchen Director himself.
‘Right… he outranks me in every possible way.’
“…What should I do, then?”
“A boat will be prepared. Go to the dock tomorrow morning and take it to Ganghwa Island.”
“Ganghwa Island?”
“It’s half a day’s journey. When you arrive, find the guild leader Jang Seokgap — he’s responsible for supplying croaker and corvina. Bring the fish, and if possible, bring the man himself. I’ll delay the memorial as long as I can, but you must return tomorrow.”
“…Yes, Father.”
Without another word, Kim Jaehwan left the room.
Inhyeok sighed deeply, pressing his temples.
‘Great. I’ve been here less than a day, and now I have to fix a fish supply crisis.’
“Ganghwa Island, seriously? I just want to go home, not chase fish across Joseon…”
Frustration welled up inside him.
“Ugh, forget it. I’ll just sleep.”
And thus, Inhyeok’s first day in Joseon ended in exhaustion.
The Next Morning
At dawn, Inhyeok was woken by Manseok’s voice.
After a quick wash and dressing, they hurried to the riverside dock.
“Sir! The weather’s perfect today — smooth waters ahead!”
“And why are you coming with me again?”
“Ha! You think I’d let my poor, directionless young master wander alone? Madam told me to make sure you come back today, no matter what!”
‘Yeah, right. You look way too excited for someone being forced to go.’
Inhyeok sighed as the ever-cheerful Manseok grinned from ear to ear.
Not long after, a middle-aged man approached them at the dock.
“Pardon me, are you the second son of Lord Kim Jaehwan, the Chief Scholar?”
“I am.”
“I’ll be your boatman to Ganghwa. The lord instructed me to depart as soon as you arrived. Please, follow me.”
The man led them to a sturdy wooden boat.
“Is this thing safe?”
“Don’t worry, sir! As long as you don’t jump, it won’t break apart mid-river.”
Inhyeok shot Manseok a look before taking a seat.
The oars dipped into the water, and the boat began gliding down the river.
Manseok hummed cheerfully beside him.
‘He’s really enjoying this.’
After a while, Manseok turned, eyes sparkling.
“Sir, it’s your first time in Ganghwa, right? They’ve got the best croaker and corvina you’ll ever taste!”
“And how do you know that?”
“What? You forgot? That’s my hometown! I told you before!”
Inhyeok sighed.
“Manseok… I’ve been a bit distracted. I’ll remember this time.”
“Hmph. You better.”
After some bickering, the boat finally reached Ganghwa Island.
They disembarked and hurried into the bustling market, asking around for Guild Leader Jang Seokgap.
Soon, a middle-aged woman offered some useful information.
“If it’s Jang Seokgap who sells fish to the capital, I know him. He hasn’t shown up at the market lately — stays home all day. Why are you looking for him?”
“It’s urgent business. Could you tell us how to find him?”
“Well, the only way is to go to his house yourself. See that hill up there? There’s a lone house — that’s his.”
“Thank you.”
“Come on, sir! Let’s go!”
Following her directions, they climbed the hill.
From a distance, a solitary house came into view.
‘That must be it.’
Inhyeok quickened his pace, while Manseok, panting heavily, soon collapsed behind him.
“Tch. For such a big guy, you’ve got no stamina. Stay here — I’ll handle it.”
He reached the door and knocked firmly.
Knock, knock.
“Is Guild Leader Jang Seokgap home?”
Heavy footsteps approached — and then, the door swung open.
A towering, broad-shouldered man glared down at him.
“Who are you?”
“I’m Kim Inhyeok, a servant of the Royal Kitchen.”
“What? Saongwon? What’s someone from there doing here? Get out of my sight!”
“Wait— please, just a moment!”
“Didn’t you hear me? I said get out!”
He moved to slam the door, but Inhyuk instinctively thrust his hand forward to stop it.
“At least hear me out first—”
Bang!
The door shut with such force that his hand barely escaped being crushed.
“Unbelievable…”
Inhyeok groaned, massaging his forehead.
If he couldn’t meet Jang Seokgap, the quest — and the banquet — would both fail.
Moments later, Manseok staggered up the hill, sweating and gasping.
“Hah… sir… did you find him?”
“Found him, yes. Talked to him, no.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ah, forget it.”
Ignoring Manseok’s confusion, Inhyeok sat down right in front of the tightly closed door and shouted loudly enough for those inside to hear.
“Fine! If you won’t come out, I’ll just wait here until you do!”
And thus, the stubborn modern chef began his first quest —
to win over a furious Joseon merchant, one fish at a time.
