WRBFW 62

Chapter 62

“Still, I was relieved that she could understand us, Chief Proprietor.”

As they climbed into the carriage, Commander Wi wiped the cold sweat from his brow and spoke. Though he said “relieved,” his expression was uneasy.

“…Yes, indeed. It is fortunate.”

Seol Jadan nodded at Commander Wi’s words, forcing a wry smile.

Though it was fortunate, seeing the true face of the current Martial Alliance left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Seol Gajang had always kept a distance from the Martial Alliance. The one who showed up for the introduction was a lower-ranking commander from the Chief Administration Office, responsible for the Alliance’s affairs.

Du Gonghyo (Du Konghyo), who had worn a sullen expression until then, changed his demeanor after receiving a pouch full of gold.

This was something Seol Gajang had never done before. But Seol Jadan did not want to miss the opportunity created by his daughter, Un-Yeong.

Negotiations with someone who was fumbling the gold in their arms proceeded smoothly.

Providing the necessary items free of charge was a deal the Martial Alliance could only welcome.

They first supplied Geumchang-yak and the tasty powder as a trial, and even showing only prototypes for the rest received a positive response.

For the time being, Seolwon Trading House would be extremely busy.

“But, Chief Proprietor…”

“What is it?”

“The… tasty powder, that is.”

Commander Wi spoke with a slightly awkward expression.

“Ah…”

“Are you really okay with this?”

Seol Jadan’s face lit up with a smile as he thought of Un-Yeong. They couldn’t publicize the seasoning under the name “Tasty Powder,” so he was referring to the renamed version.

“…Isn’t it fine?”

Seol Jadan replied, holding back a laugh.

“Ahem. But Commander, let it be considered your choice to change the name.”

Seol Jadan avoided Commander Wi’s gaze as he spoke.

“Chief Proprietor… How could you?”

Commander Wi looked as if he had been betrayed.

“You actively changed it yourself. I had no choice but to speak honestly to the young lady.”

Commander Wi felt wronged. He had even tried to dissuade her because Un-Yeong seemed to like the original name.

“No, you agreed to it in the first place, didn’t you?”

Now Commander Wi avoided eye contact. He had worried at first, but ultimately, he had thought of a different name as well.

In fact, no one liked the name “Tasty Powder.”

“…The junior officer did a good job.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

Seol Jadan had ordered the subordinates of Seolwon Trading House and Yeonhong Garden to come up with new names, promising a big reward.

They quietly followed the tricky order to proceed without Un-Yeong knowing. Many names were suggested, and the one created by the junior officer was adopted.

The gold ointment was named Seolhogo (Snow Tiger Ointment), meant to resemble the energy of a tiger, and the tasty powder was named Seolmion (Snow Taste Warmth), meaning delicious and warm.

Technically, “Tasty Powder (Mi-Pun)” was the most intuitive name. Delicious and warm were abstract concepts, after all.

But it was also the name that best captured the essence of the powder. Eating porridge made with Tasty Powder would warm both body and heart.

I thought it would be good to let everyone know it was made at Seolwon Trading House.

Seol Jadan recalled the junior officer’s calm face. Though usually expressionless, there was a slight trace of excitement.

The young lady said in passing that even if others imitate it, they should remember that Seolwon Trading House made it first.

This perfectly answered the concerns Commander Wi and Un-Yeong had about copycat products.

Both Un-Yeong, who thought of it, and the junior officer, who captured the idea in the name, did a great job.

If Tasty Powder became widely known as Seolmion, future imitations would also be called Seolmion.

Seol Jadan and Commander Wi clapped at the junior officer’s words, and even Seolwon Pyeong praised them. It was decided that future products from Seolwon Trading House would bear the prefix Seol (Snow).

“…That child has changed quite a bit.”

Seol Jadan’s voice dropped low, and his eyes deepened.

“Time… is time, isn’t it?”

Commander Wi answered calmly. Both remained silent after that.

They were remembering the day the junior officer first stepped into Seol Gajang.

It had been a snowy day.

At that time, Wi Jeong-gon worked as a manager at Seolwon Trading House, assisting Chief Proprietor Seol Jadan.

A usually perceptive servant quietly approached Wi Jeong-gon.

A guest wishes to meet the Chief Proprietor.
Who is it?
The name was not revealed. They said they brought a letter sent by the Chief Proprietor’s friend.
A friend?
Yes, though they did not reveal who…
And?
The child’s eyes were so earnest that they wished to ask the manager first.
A child?
Yes. Around sixteen, still a young girl.
Let’s go see her.

Though Wi Jeong-gon was skeptical about this friend whose name was not disclosed, he chose to meet the visitor. It felt like the right thing to do.

Hong So-gyo.

So-gyo, her cheeks red from the cold, bowed her head in greeting.

Yet her expression, devoid of any emotion, surprised Wi Jeong-gon. She looked far too mature for her age.

There were many children of her age in both Seol Gajang and the trading house, but he had never seen one so devoid of expression.

The faint aura she unconsciously exuded revealed that she was a martial artist.

Please convey this to the Chief Proprietor.

For the first time, So-gyo showed emotion—earnestness. A subtle emotion, yet Wi Jeong-gon understood, and nodded.

After reading the letter Wi Jeong-gon handed over, Seol Jadan met So-gyo.

The short letter, simply stating that she was trustworthy, had been sent by a friend both welcome and painfully vexing.

It was a persistent and harsh bond.

Seol Jadan immediately realized at first glance that So-gyo was special.

I heard the young lady has been born. I wish to be her protector.
Why?

Though her face was unreadable, So-gyo revealed earnestness when saying she wished to protect Un-Yeong.

Madam…
Madam?

Seol Jadan’s lips twitched, but So-gyo continued.

She instinctively understood that this was her last chance to stay close to Un-Yeong.

Miss Tang… she saved me.
I see.

Even in the brief exchange, Seol Jadan understood the situation.

She asked that if her own child is born in the future, please protect it.
From assassins?

Seol Jadan’s sharp question flushed So-gyo’s face with surprise. She had never shown such an emotional reaction before.

What were you planning in my house while hiding that you are an assassin?
…That…
What would you have done to my child?

This was Seol Jadan’s test. Though she trusted her friend, she could not leave an assassin like So-gyo by Un-Yeong’s side.

It was believable that Tang Jo-yeong saved an assassin-trained child. He had done so because he judged it dangerous for Seol Jadan.

It was natural for him to save So-gyo, who had been raised among assassins, even if she had lost her emotions from the harsh training.

She said I could protect the child.
Who?

Despite So-gyo’s urgent cry, Seol Jadan remained sharp.

It was a test. It was natural for Seol Jadan.

She said an assassin can be one who protects, not kills. Miss Tang… told me to come later and protect the child.

So-gyo’s voice was earnest but calm, and Seol Jadan nodded.

…Yes. She was that kind of person.

Seol Jadan murmured and remained silent for a while. It was Tang Jo-yeong’s kindness that saved So-gyo.

I will allow it.

Seol Jadan’s words eased the tension on So-gyo’s face.

I will give you one year. If within that year you can fully control your killing intent, I will allow you to become the protector of the child.
Th-thank you, Chief Proprietor.

And So-gyo kept her promise. She endured a year of harsh training and became Un-Yeong’s dedicated protector.

It was the year Un-Yeong turned three.

With the sound of a horse whinnying, the carriage stopped. Commander Wi, having dismounted first, called Seol Jadan, who was still lost in thought.

“We’ve arrived, Chief Proprietor.”

“…Yes, let’s get out.”

Seol Jadan slowly stepped down from the carriage and asked Commander Wi:

“Everything is ready, right?”

“Of course. Not only Muhan, but they are considered the finest blacksmiths in Hubei.”

“I see.”

“It is a gift for the young lady. You must get the best.”

“Indeed. I trust you.”

“Yes, Chief Proprietor.”