Chapter 88
Hwang Bo-taesan spoke with a smile.
“I am curious about your name, young master.”
I couldn’t help but snicker inwardly.
This was, in a sense, a kind of test.
A test to see whether I would deceive Hwang Bo-taesan—or, going further, the entire Manma Ranch.
I could have lied and given a false name, but I didn’t feel the need.
After all, from the moment I took Chupung, information about “me” would inevitably be revealed.
It was only a matter of time.
There was no reason to turn my back on Hwang Bo-taesan or the Manma Ranch just to buy a little more time.
“Judging by their condition, the horses are in quite good shape.”
Indeed, there was a reason why the people of Bima Village recommended the Manma Ranch above all others.
If I could secure a deal, it would be a great benefit for the Geumhwa Trading Company as well.
It only took a single breath to think this through and organize my thoughts.
“Geumhwa Trading Company’s, Geum Ja-mun.”
I simply and openly revealed my family name.
Honestly, given that I was taking Chupung, this was hardly a significant reward.
Yet Hwang Bo-taesan looked pleased.
“So you are the young master of Geumhwa Trading Company. I hope we can meet often in the future.”
Perhaps he meant to build a friendship, or more likely, he wanted to observe my ability to handle horses.
If necessary, I was willing to teach him—though he probably wouldn’t be able to fully learn.
“The doors of Geumhwa Trading Company are always open. Feel free to visit anytime, even if it’s not out of necessity.”
I focused more on building rapport than on immediate gain.
Some might dismiss a horse ranch, but such connections often become powerful over time.
Considering the future, if these quality horses could be supplied to the newly forming Sword Soul Corps, it would be a tremendous asset for Geumhwa Trading Company.
Hwang Bo-taesan, unaware of my intentions, nodded in heartfelt appreciation.
“I will definitely visit Geumhwa Trading Company soon.”
Following Hwang Bo-taesan’s guidance, we walked toward the gate.
During this time, the Chief Steward of Wangma Plains appeared, holding a small box the size of a palm along with the saddle I would use.
Hwang Bo-taesan took the box and handed it to me.
“It’s a modest reward, as I mentioned earlier.”
Opening the box, I found a horse token engraved with the words “Manma Ranch.”
“This is?”
“It signifies that you are a guest of the Manma Ranch. Even if not everywhere, in most stables, showing this token will allow you to receive help in the name of the Manma Ranch.”
This was more than I expected.
Money is fleeting, but this token could be used repeatedly.
Though not every stable, it seemed the Manma Ranch’s influence was greater than I had imagined.
“Thank you very much.”
I sincerely expressed my gratitude to Hwang Bo-taesan. After setting the saddle, I was about to leave when I suddenly turned back and asked, seeing him waving.
“By the way, you said I should bring Chupung to the Wang residence in a month. Would it be a problem if I took him now?”
I had stopped out of concern, but Hwang Bo-taesan smiled.
“This was actually a secret, but Chupung was the Manma Ranch’s troublesome horse, impossible for anyone to tame. We only planned to quietly hand him over to His Highness the Crown Prince for his birthday in a month. So you needn’t worry.”
In other words, it was intended as a gift, not a trade.
Hearing this, I left with a light heart.
I led Chupung along the road.
“I think we can stop here.”
After walking into a thick forest, I stopped, calling out.
Chupung’s body was trembling too much to continue.
Naturally, this reaction was due to Ja-ho-wang, who had been hiding in the bushes and following us.
Emerging from the bushes, Ja-ho-wang had returned to his original size, larger than before—at least it seemed so.
When I asked about it:
“You noticed, master. I’ve made some progress with the Zaha Divine Skill.”
It seemed he had achieved some growth through Zaha Divine Skill.
I had expected as much.
“I gave him the Yeouiju, after all—there’s no way he wouldn’t grow.”
I was glad and congratulated Ja-ho-wang.
“Congratulations. With continued effort, you’ll grow even stronger.”
“Thank you! I will remember your words, master!”
“By the way, where’s Geumcho-san?”
I hadn’t seen him at Manma Ranch either—only Ja-ho-wang appeared here.
Ja-ho-wang sighed softly.
“He caught another scent to make up for the previous failure and moved ahead. I suggested that he wait for you, master, but that demon wouldn’t listen…”
It seemed there was some history between them.
Interestingly, Saseun, who had been hiding, spoke up briefly.
“Even Ja-ho-wang seems uncomfortable. Why not just resolve Geumcho-san permanently?”
I couldn’t help but laugh at Saseun’s seriousness.
“No, it’s not right to eliminate him just because he doesn’t obey. After all, he was the first one Chupung found.”
I sided with Geumcho-san, pointing to Chupung, and Saseun stepped back.
Ja-ho-wang chimed in.
“I haven’t experienced much, but he’s truly useful. He finds things that even ghosts would find precious.”
His ability was clearly exceptional—my expectations had been correct.
However…
“He’s not evil, just a bit stubborn.”
To be honest, it was probably better for Ja-ho-wang to handle this.
“If someone doesn’t consider me, I see no reason to consider them. Understand, Ja-ho-wang?”
What was needed was one thing: hierarchy management—something I excelled at in my previous life.
Ja-ho-wang’s eyes lit up.
“I understand at once. Hehe, I can’t wait to meet Geumcho-san again.”
His laughter was a little frightening, but I let it slide.
“Before that, we need to sort things out with this one.”
Chupung still seemed nervous around Ja-ho-wang, though calmer.
The horse-tiger relationship was clear: hunter and prey. The hierarchy was already set.
Here, we needed to build familiarity.
“I’ll handle it.”
Ja-ho-wang nodded, understanding, and spoke to Chupung:
“Don’t worry. Whatever happens, you won’t be eaten. I promise.”
Hearing this, Chupung’s fear vanished. Life is paramount, whether human, beast, or spirit.
Ja-ho-wang had gained Chupung’s trust in an instant.
“Well done.”
Ja-ho-wang scratched his beard, looking slightly embarrassed.
“My experience as a mountain king comes in handy.”
A mountain king—ruler of a mountain.
It seemed Ja-ho-wang had ample wisdom to handle such situations.
“May I ride you now?”
Chupung had been tense since leaving Manma Ranch. I wanted to make him comfortable.
Chupung responded energetically, lowering his body to let me mount.
“Thank you. Now, let’s go.”
I lightly pushed off the ground and mounted. The saddle, thoughtfully prepared, was extremely comfortable.
I wanted to sprint immediately, to feel Chupung’s speed, but first, I needed to confirm one thing.
“You may accompany me, or meet later at Geumhwa Trading Company.”
I suggested this to Ja-ho-wang. He shook his head.
“I will ensure you can return safely with the unpredictable one.”
“If that’s your plan, so be it.”
He would follow his own judgment; I wouldn’t force him.
“It won’t take long. You’ll be back within five days at most.”
With that, Ja-ho-wang disappeared into the bushes. Saseun had also vanished earlier.
It was now just Chupung and me.
“Then let’s run.”
It was time for an exhilarating ride.
Changyeon Mountain lay at the northern edge of Honam Province.
Even riding nonstop, it would take three days to reach Geumhwa Trading Company.
Chupung crossed that distance in a single day.
A thousand-li horse. I had heard of it, but seeing it firsthand, even with my experience, was incredible.
“Even after running like this, Chupung shows no sign of fatigue.”
Chupung let out a joyful, spirited neigh.
I had unexpectedly obtained a truly magnificent horse.
“Still, there’s no need to overexert. From here, I will go alone.”
Changyeon Mountain was steeper than expected, unsuitable for riding.
However, upon reaching a village near the mountain, a small problem arose.
“Th-the horse is too big to enter…”
Wherever we tried to go, Chupung’s massive size prevented entry.
