Chapter 28
Sitting in the banquet hall, Unyeong narrowed her eyes and looked at Namgung Hwi.
Whatever he was so pleased about, he was smiling brightly and constantly chatting with Jegal Dam by his side.
‘So that’s… huh. That’s what he grew up to be? That oh-so-great Namgung Hwi used to smile like that?’
There was not a trace of the former Sword King Unyeong knew in the young Namgung Hwi.
The Sword King Namgung Hwi had been an exceedingly arrogant man. He had the strength to back up his arrogance, too. That had made him even more unpleasant.
Unyeong had been startled when Namgung Hwi visited the Seol Family Manor—but she also saw it as an opportunity.
‘I’ll just take care of it all at once. I’ve got things I need to say anyway.’
Jegal Dam, seated beside Namgung Hwi, was trying hard to keep his composure. But it was clear he was still unsettled.
‘That clever boy is still sulking.’
Perhaps feeling the gaze, Jegal Dam looked over and gave Unyeong a smile. Unyeong gave a wry smile in return.
‘So he’s not going to just sit there and take it. Of course, things never go smoothly.’
The fact that she hadn’t been told ahead of time about Namgung Hwi’s visit made that clear.
He kept watching Unyeong’s reactions closely.
Truly befitting the future strategist of the Jegal family.
“Ahem. So, Young Lady Yeong-ah prepared this banquet?”
As gazes moved around the room, the attendants finished setting the table. Seol Wonpyeong, seated at the head, spoke up.
“I only gave the instructions. The real effort was from Head Chef Wang of Yeonhongwon.”
“Haha. But isn’t that still your doing? You’ve worked hard.”
“It was nothing. Thank you.”
Unyeong smiled brightly and bowed her head. Her eyes quickly scanned the food set before them. The dishes were full of fragrant meat mushrooms.
She had already tasted them before, but the delicious presentation still made her feel proud.
“This looks absolutely delicious. You must’ve worked very hard, young lady.”
Namgung Hwi said admiringly, addressing Unyeong.
“Thank you, Young Master. Grandfather, I think we should begin the meal.”
Unyeong hid her discomfort and politely expressed her thanks.
“Yes. As they say, food is heaven. I’m quite hungry myself. Dear guests, please enjoy.”
“Thank you.”
“We’ll enjoy it.”
Unyeong watched the reactions of those eating the mushroom dishes. She smiled in satisfaction at the looks of surprise as they chewed.
“Are these really mushrooms? The flavor is astonishing. Isn’t that right, Brother?”
“Yes. It tastes… excellent.”
Namgung Hwi was the first to speak. Jegal Dam nodded subtly in agreement.
“Yeong-ah, what are these?”
Seol Jadan asked in surprise, looking at Unyeong.
“They’re called hyangyuk mushrooms. You’ve had them before, Father.”
“Have I? I suppose I have, but I never knew they tasted this good.”
That made sense. In Honganhyeon, they were a common mushroom, not something considered rare or valuable.
There had likely never been a chef like Wang who specialized in cooking with hyangyuk mushrooms either.
This was why experience mattered. If Unyeong hadn’t lived her past life as a sword ghost, and if Chef Wang hadn’t gained experience in Hapbi, this mushroom’s uniqueness might never have been known.
“Chef Wang from Yeonhongwon is incredibly skilled.”
“Indeed. He should be rewarded.”
“Yes, I think so too. He would be pleased.”
Unyeong agreed with Seol Jadan and glanced at Jegal Dam.
“Jegal Gongja said he heard about this mushroom and came to the Seol Family Manor because of it.”
“Now that you mention it, I hadn’t asked. Is that true, Gongja?”
Seol Jadan asked Jegal Dam. Though polite, his tone had a subtle edge.
He was not exactly pleased about the sudden visit of two young masters from the Five Great Families, nor was he comfortable with Jegal Dam being at the manor where Unyeong was staying alone.
Jegal Dam, perceptive as always, sensed Seol Jadan’s wariness. With a calm expression, he answered.
“Yes. I met Brother Namgung in Muhan and decided to travel with him to the family estate. While waiting for him in Muhan, I heard something interesting.”
He glanced at Unyeong, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“They said there was a mushroom unique to Hongan that had an extraordinary taste. I happen to love mushrooms, so my curiosity got the better of me. I took the liberty of visiting the Seol Family Manor.”
“Haha, no need to call it a liberty.”
Even Seol Wonpyeong, a seasoned merchant, couldn’t detect anything amiss.
“Then, what brought you here, Namgung Gongja?”
“I came following a message my brother left for me. I was headed for the Seol Family Manor from Hongan and had the fortune of meeting the clan master’s party. I was lucky.”
Unyeong nodded, understanding why he had come with his grandfather.
“And now I get to enjoy this rare dish. I must be blessed. Isn’t that right, Brother?”
“Indeed.”
Jegal Dam replied lightly.
“There’s hongshaorou as well. That’s my favorite.”
Namgung Hwi’s eyes lit up when he saw the Anhui-style hongshaorou with hyangyuk mushrooms.
“I love Anhui dishes too. Chef Wang is very talented. I hope it suits your taste.”
“Thank you for the thoughtful preparation, Young Lady.”
“Please enjoy it.”
In response to Namgung Hwi’s polite bow, Unyeong lowered her head slightly.
“Yeong-ah has done a fine thing, Grandfather.”
Seol Dojin, quietly observing, spoke up.
“Oh? What do you mean?”
“This mushroom. None of us realized how delicious it was, but Yeong-ah uncovered its value. And our honored guests seem to enjoy it as well.”
“Yes, that’s true. Our Yeong-ah has done wonderfully.”
Seol Wonpyeong looked at Unyeong with a hearty laugh. Even thick-skinned Unyeong looked a bit embarrassed.
“Grandfather, speaking of which…”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“What if we sold hyangyuk mushroom dishes at the Seolwon Inn? It seems too good to keep to ourselves.”
“Oh? You thought of that?”
“Yes. Since the mushrooms grow only in Honganhyeon, wouldn’t it be nice for travelers to taste them?”
Sensing an opportunity, Unyeong responded. There was much she needed to do ahead, and a strong start was crucial. She needed to win over Seol Wonpyeong while the mood was good.
Seol Wonpyeong seemed a bit surprised by her suggestion and looked to Seol Jadan.
“What does the young lord think?”
“I believe it’s a good idea. Many travel through Honganhyeon via the official roads. And since this mushroom grows only here, it would be considered a delicacy.”
“Of course.”
Seol Wonpyeong stroked his beard and nodded. It was a side of him Unyeong hadn’t seen before—the shrewd merchant.
“And mushroom lovers like Jegal Gongja would surely come looking for it.”
“Very well. Yeong-ah.”
“Yes, Grandfather?”
“I’ll send a steward in a few days. Speak with the head chef and make the arrangements.”
“Yes, I’ll do that.”
Unyeong nodded brightly in response.
“Haha, so our Yeong-ah has a knack for business too. If only she had martial—”
“Ahem, Clan Master.”
Seol Jadan cut him off before he could finish. It was not yet time for others to know about Unyeong’s martial potential.
No matter how people might interpret it, Seol Jadan believed it was better kept quiet.
“Oh dear, this old man keeps rambling in front of such noble guests.”
Despite the jest, there wasn’t a trace of shame on Seol Wonpyeong’s face. He simply looked like a proud grandfather.
“Does Young Lady Seol practice martial arts as well?”
At the mention of martial arts, Namgung Hwi showed interest.
“My grandfather was just being overly generous. I’ve merely begun practicing on the physician’s recommendation for health.”
Unyeong replied calmly. Although she had started quite intensely.
“Judging from the clan master’s praise, I doubt it’s mere exaggeration.”
Jegal Dam persistently continued his questioning. It was clear he wanted to know everything he could about her.
“To the eyes of a merchant like my grandfather, everything probably seems impressive.”
“Oh, I look forward to it. I hope I’ll have a chance to witness your martial skills someday.”
Jegal Dam didn’t let go until the end. Unyeong lifted the corners of her lips as she answered.
“I’m sure the opportunity will come.”
Her eyes curved as she smiled.
‘He sure knows how to talk—right up to the point of getting smacked.’
The long banquet finally ended with the serving of tea.
“You mentioned heading for Yangyang, correct? Then what are the young masters’ plans from here?”
Before the gathering dispersed, Seol Wonpyeong asked—he was inquiring about their departure date.
“That’s something I wanted to speak to you about, Clan Master.”
“Yes? What is it?”
“I’d like to stay at the Seol Family Manor a few more days and deepen my acquaintance with Young Lord Seol and Young Lady Seol.”
“That’s a good idea, a very good idea.”
Seol Wonpyeong, after studying him with probing eyes, soon nodded and gave his permission.
“Then do so. Dojin, Yeong-ah, listen well.”
“Yes.”
“While the young masters are staying at the manor, see to it that they lack nothing.”
“We will.”
And with that, the two young lords became guests directly in front of Unyeong.
