Fake Concubine 51

Now ​feeling ​more ​confident, ​Moon Hae-min continued ​his ​argument.

“Furthermore, ​in ​my ​humble opinion, since exchanging ​trade ​goods between nations ​is a matter ​of ​great ​importance, ​I ​believe ​it would be ​wise ​to ​be as cautious ​as possible regarding accidents. ​What if ​we increased ​the number ​of Sea-Guiding ​Ships ​and ​placed them under ​the command ​of experienced sailors?”

Only after ​a long silence did ​Song Seol speak.

“I wondered ​for what ​purpose ​you requested a meeting at such ​a late hour; was ​it ​for ​this?”

“……Yes.”

Though ​it ​wasn’t a scolding, ​Hae-min felt ​a ​bit intimidated. Perhaps ​it ​was because Song Seol’s appearance ​was impeccable, ​without ​a single crease. ​It ​felt ​as ​if ​he were ​standing ​before a ​formidable person of very high rank.

And in ​fact, Song Seol ​actually was a ​‘formidable person of very ​high rank.’ ​Recalling this, Moon ​Hae-min ​wondered if he ​had been too ​presumptuous.

‘I was ​a ​little… no, ​I ​was quite ​presumptuous.’

Since ​he had ​already ​gone ​that far, Moon ​Hae-min ​decided to ​act ​beyond ​his ​station just a bit more.

“As I am not well-versed in the circumstances of Yesung Port, I may have offered an impractical opinion. However, if you give me time, I will supplement it.”

“And how do you intend to supplement it?”

“I will return to Yesung Port for a field survey. Once I familiarize myself with the geography of the sea and speak in detail with the sailors, I am sure a better idea will come to mind.”

“You intend to conduct the survey yourself?”

“Yes.”

Despite his confident answer, Song Seol seemed reluctant. Hae-min only sensed this through intuition, as Song Seol’s face remained expressionless. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

“I truly cannot tell what you are thinking.”

For a moment, Moon Hae-min flinched, thinking his inner thoughts had been read.

Song Seol continued slowly.

“No, perhaps I should say I cannot tell what it is you want.”

“…….”

“I was wondering why you sought me out at this late hour….”

He had simply asked for a brief conversation, but the nuance felt strange. Moreover, the reason he had sought Song Seol at this late hour was that the man generally returned home around this time.

“Why should I accept your proposal?”

Moon Hae-min was at a loss for words.

His desire to prevent the accident at Yesung Port stemmed from his own greed. However, in the end, it would be beneficial for Song Seol as well.

He couldn’t explain those circumstances plainly. So, Moon Hae-min blurted out:

“You’ve been giving me work all this time without paying me a single coin, haven’t you?”

“And so. This is all you request as payment for your labor?”

“Yes.”

While he couldn’t bring himself to ask for money, he could make this request with some brazenness. Song Seol gazed intently at Moon Hae-min.

“I do not know how effective it will be, but….”

Song Seol murmured, rubbing his chin with his thumb. Hae-min felt his energy drain, thinking the man found the proposal unsatisfactory.

“It is a good idea nonetheless.”

“……Pardon?”

“It is a good idea.”

This time, Song Seol muttered as if to himself, looking down at the paper. His deep gaze read through the characters one by one. Realizing that he was seriously considering the proposal, tension rushed back into Hae-min belatedly.

“It is worth a try.”

“…….”

“I shall discuss it tomorrow.”

Song Seol folded the paper and tucked it into his robes. It was a signal that he had accepted Hae-min’s opinion positively. Even though things had gone as hoped, for some reason, Moon Hae-min felt dazed.

“Did you take your suppressant pill?”

“Yes? Ah, yes. I took it without fail.”

One pill as soon as he received them, one immediately after returning to his quarters, and one before meeting Song Seol. He had taken a total of three pills, just as the physician had instructed.

“Indeed, not a trace of Chromatic Scent can be felt. It was barely a month ago that you were struggling because you didn’t know how to control your scent, yet you’ve improved your skill in such a short time.”

“It is thanks to your excellent teaching, My Lord.”

“Well done.”

Contrary to his words, Song Seol’s expression was sour. He might have been sarcastic, but visit our sitesince it wasn’t a matter that warranted [stolen content]such [unauthorized copy]a reaction, Hae-min assumed it was just his own conjecture.

“Then, I shall take my leave.”

“Very well.”

“Sleep well, My Lord.”

After the brief farewell, Hae-min turned around. Just then, Song Seol’s call caught him.

“Come to think of it, there is one thing I must correct.”

“What is that?”

As he asked while turning back, Song Seol suddenly held something out. Moon Hae-min reflexively took a step back.

“Why do you recoil?”

“I apologize, I was just startled for a moment…. But My Lord, this is….”

What Song Seol held out was a bundle of coins. Moon Hae-min had no idea where he had suddenly produced such a thing. Likewise, Song Seol’s intention was a mystery.

“You said that I ‘gave you work without paying a single coin.’”

“…….”

“I regret that I am only paying you now.”

“Ah, no, it’s not that.”

He felt that Song Seol had misunderstood, thinking he had resented him. Moon Hae-min waved his hands in explanation, but Song Seol’s attitude was firm.

“Use this to have some clothes made first, and if it is insufficient, let me know.”

“I doubt it will be insufficient….”

“There is no need to tell me if it is insufficient.”

“…….”

Come to think of it, Song Seol had been like this in the past. He had suddenly handed over a bundle of coins. When Hae-min had hesitated to accept the amount, which was more than expected, Song Seol had cut him off, saying, ‘As long as it is not lacking, that is enough.’

“Thank you.”

Moon Hae-min did not decline this time. He was in a position where every single coin mattered. To escape safely in a year, he had to diligently gather funds starting now.

“Then take it quickly.”

Song Seol urged. At this, Moon Hae-min took the bundle stolen contentof coins. A metallic clink [unauthorized copy]visit our siteechoed as the coins collided.

“I will put it to good use, My Lord.”

“Very well. If you have no further business, you may leave.”

“Yes.”

Moon Hae-min bowed and left the guest house.

The bundle of coins in his hand was quite heavy. While he thought it was for the best, it felt heavy enough to be burdensome.

A few days later, Song Seol summoned Moon Hae-min.

He delivered the news that he was discussing the practical implementation based on Moon Hae-min’s proposal. He added that similar opinions had existed before, but they couldn’t be executed due to a lack of technology. However, as they could no longer ignore maritime accidents, they intended to find a solution this time.

“Furthermore, when ships carrying trade goods set sail, several Sea-Guiding Ships will be deployed.”

“Is that so?”

Moon Hae-min beamed. He knew that showing too much joy would look suspicious, but it was hard to suppress his smile.

Song Seol briefly glanced at the curve of his lips.

“By the way, Moon Hee-yul.”

“Yes?”

“How did you know that accidents where ships hit sandbanks occur frequently?”

“…….”

“To even know that sand is sometimes more of a problem than reefs.”

Moon Hae-min instinctively tried to swallow hard, but stopped, thinking it would make him look more suspicious. Now was the time to act nonchalant.

“I heard it through rumors.”

“Is that so.”

Song Seol asked no more. Since Moon Hae-min hadn’t revealed any great secret and had merely spoken of common knowledge known to those in the loop, he seemed to accept it.

‘Whew….’

Hae-min sighed inwardly. His heart had plummeted just now, despite having committed no crime. Still, he had to be careful not to repeat the mistake he had made with Dong-sik.

“Come to think of it, Yoon Seung-hyeok was wondering about your recent wellbeing.”

“For what reason?”

“Well, it seems he wishes to cultivate a friendship with you.”

Moon Hae-min responded with an awkward smile. In any case, Yoon Seung-hyeok, who boldly expressed a desire to befriend another man’s concubine, was certainly no ordinary person.

“When did you become so close with Yoon Seung-hyeok? Did you even have the opportunity?”

“Hardly. I have rarely encountered him, and even then, we have only spoken a couple of times. It is embarrassing to say this myself, but… perhaps the young master is interested in my calligraphy rather than in me.”

Song Seol nodded. To think that even Song Seol knew of Yoon Seung-hyeok’s tenacity and obsession with master calligraphers. At this point, he wasn’t just an unusual person; he might fall into the category of an eccentric.

“This evening, I intend to visit Yoon Seung-hyeok’s home upon his invitation. Yoon Seung-hyeok has invited you as well; what will you do?”

“Y-you mean he invited me along with you, My Lord?”

“Yes. If you do not wish to, you do not have to attend.”

Moon Hae-min pondered for a moment. He wasn’t particularly keen on it, but there was no reason to specifically refuse Yoon Seung-hyeok’s invitation.

“I will go as well.”

“Then we shall depart around the hour of Shin.”

“Yes, I will see you then.”

Just as Hae-min was about to leave, Song Seol asked casually.

“Are you taking your suppressant pills well?”

“Of course. As the physician said, I am taking them three times a day without fail.”

“It must be a hassle.”

“Not at all. Since I have manifested as an Eumin, it is a medicine I must take.”

“Are there any other abnormalities?”

“No, the medicinal ingredients seem to suit my constitution well.”

“That is… quite fortunate.”

Song Seol said, narrowing his eyes slightly. A hint of dissatisfaction could be felt in his expression and voice.

However, Moon Hae-min dismissed this as his own imagination. Since the person who provided the suppressant pills was none other than Song Seol, why would he be dissatisfied that Hae-min was taking them properly? Rather, failing to take the pills regularly would be the thing to feel sorry about.