Episode 41: Sophisticated yet scary.
After that day, for a while, I only focused on teaching Ian, Hwangcheongak work, and my own training.
Ian mastered the flying sword technique in an instant, like cotton absorbing water. She was more talented at martial arts than I thought. Add to that the sheer effort, and her achievements were surprisingly fast.
One thing I realized again while teaching Ian.
Teaching is also learning at the same time.
I objectified myself by explaining what I already knew.
‘Ah, this is how I was thinking about this herbivore.’
I got a chance to rethink things I had never seriously considered.
Teaching is not just a matter of scooping out stagnant water. If you teach sloppily and not sincerely, the water will dry up and be exhausted, but if you teach with sincerity and deep thinking, you will increase the size of the well.
So, I was teaching Ian and learning at the same time. This course was an incredible experience for me because I had never taught anyone in my life.
While taking a short break between training sessions, she asked me seriously.
“young master. Are you really going to make a tattoo band?”
“huh.”
“Then can I make the military uniform? I want to make it a sophisticated military uniform, not a dull black uniform. “We use different colors and shapes to make separate clothes for school and military use.”
For a moment, I almost burst out laughing. Since I decided to make a tattoo, I have never once thought about the color or shape of the uniform. Now that I think about it, it was the same for all the military uniforms I wore in my life.
“I also want to divide the masks that cover the face according to the difficulty of the operation. The ghost to be engraved on the mask is drawn in a sophisticated yet terrifying manner so that it makes your stomach tingle just by looking at it… Why are you smiling?”
“I was wondering what a sophisticated yet scary ghost looks like.”
“I also draw some pictures. “I’ll show you later.”
“The people who will join the tattoo team in the future will wear nice clothes.”
“Don’t make fun of me.”
Ian is a truly sensitive person. If the heart that was focused on you turns towards others, you will become a great master who can touch everyone’s hearts.
“The most important thing is your skills. Gui Young-dae will carry out the most dangerous mission in the martial forest. Success in the operation and minimizing damage to your subordinates all depend on your skills.”
“Yes, I will keep that in mind.”
“And one more thing. “There are things more important than skills.”
“what is that?”
“I’m prepared to lose my subordinate. “A steadfast heart that won’t be hurt even if you lose a subordinate.”
Ian stared at me.
“Master, I look like a child. “I’m only here next to the master I’m meeting.”
“No?”
“no. I’m not a kid, and I’m not as innocent and kind as you think. I don’t feel heartbroken to the point of death about losing my subordinate. I’m rather worried that you’ll be disappointed in me later. “I wonder if he was such a cold-hearted guy.”
“I’m not disappointed by something like that. “Then that’s it.”
As if he thought the words had already been said, Ian revealed his true feelings.
“When the master said he would teach me the art of flying swords, I felt like I had finally set foot on the ground.”
“what do you mean?”
“Honestly, before that, I felt like I was floating in the air. Tattoo stand? Would such an organization really be created? I’m the owner? really? Master, you are acting like this because you are caught up in some kind of fever. I had these thoughts. However, as I memorized the nine points of Bicheongeomsul, I felt that this was reality. Can I handle all this? Oh, I’m sorry. “Ah, I wasn’t going to ask such unconfident questions anymore.”
“You can do it. No, I have to. How can we walk down a path that will change the fate of countless people without asking these questions? Do it today and tomorrow too. I have to do it even after ten years. It is a path that must be followed by continuing to ask questions. I will keep nagging you too. “We have to keep asking each other.”
People who don’t ask these questions are people like Palmazon.
They believe that their decisions are right because they think they are better than others. They have no concern or empathy for others. They don’t ask.
“Yes, master. Whenever I’m confused about whether this is correct, I’ll ask. “I will ask you and I will also ask myself.”
I patted Ian’s head once.
“It’s great.”
Ian blushed slightly and smiled.
“Now start training again!”
“yes!”
At the end of her training, I brought her books on organizational management, mercenary skills, and leadership.
“Read whenever you have time to rest.”
“yes.”
She has been neglecting learning about Hwangcheongak since she is continuing her training these days. You need to learn how to run an organization, even if only through books.
* * *
A few days later, I went to Namdojong to see Hyeolcheon Doma.
As soon as I entered Namdojong, demons came out and looked at me.
This is also a place where people live, so some people are trash and others are okay. Various people live together.
Basically, I have no hard feelings towards them. Thanks to them, I was able to successfully complete the Heavenly Vein Strengthening Technique.
The demons also showed interest in me because I had a good relationship with the Hyeolcheondoma. Also, many people admired my courage and strength when performing the Heavenly Vein Strengthening technique, so some even gave me a look of respect.
Some demons came to me and greeted me politely, while others clapped and cheered from afar. Is it because he resembles his owner? The goblins seem like cute crazy guys.
I waved at them.
I arrived at Hyeolcheon Doma’s office under the guidance of the demon.
The person who was surprised by my visit was Hyeolcheon Doma.
“Have you come up with something to catch me?”
“Did you commit a sin in the meantime?”
“My life is full of sin.”
“Luckily not today.”
“Then what brought you here?”
“I came to give you this.”
I handed out what I had brought to Hyeolcheon Doma.
“What is this? “Is this a box that releases deadly poison when opened?”
“Where on earth can you buy a box like that? “I’d like to buy a few.”
“What do you mean?”
“Open it.”
When he opened the box, what was inside was poisonous liquor. Coincidentally, it was the exact opposite of his joke.
“It is the highest quality blood liquor.”
“I know because I saw it. But why this?”
“It’s a gift.”
“gift? “Why are you buying this expensive thing all of a sudden?”
“It’s a birthday present.”
For a moment, Hyeolcheondoma froze in surprise.
“what?”
“Happy Birthday. “It’s your birthday today, right?”
“Is today my birthday?”
Hyeolcheondoma’s voice trembled as if he hadn’t even thought about it.
“Didn’t you know?”
“It’s been a long time since I forgot my birthday. But how did you know?”
“Who am I? There is no data that is not in Hwangcheongak. “I even know how many pairs of underwear the elderly have.”
“How many pieces?”
“That was an exaggeration. Anyway, congratulations.”
It was clearly an intentional favor and an effort to make him truly mine.
I bowed to him and turned around.
“Did you really come only to give me gifts?”
“yes. “I’m giving it to you purely as a birthday present, so don’t feel any pressure.”
“You’re just going to leave like this?”
“I am a busy body. Let’s have a drink at Pungryu Bar later night. I’ll wait. “Ah, don’t think about hitting me today.”
I left the office, leaving him still standing there dazed.
I looked inside before closing the door. Hyeolcheondoma, looking down at the blood poisoned wine, had an expression he had never seen before. For the first time, I thought there was emotion on his face.
* * *
“Are you serious, by the way?”
Seo Dae-ryong, who was walking down the hallway together, asked with a surprised face.
“what?”
“You gave Thomas a birthday present.”
“how did you know?”
“oh my god. “It was true.”
“How did you know?”
“How do I know? I know because there are rumors. “Of course I thought it was a rumor.”
I burst out laughing. If the gift spread in the presence of just the two of them, it means that Thomas boasted about receiving the gift to the demons. Even though it doesn’t really seem like it, it’s secretly a lot of talk.
“Why did you give it to me?”
“I gave it to you because it was your birthday.”
“I really don’t understand your relationship.”
It will happen. Even if we were enemies, several incidents occurred that would have happened, but Thomas and I are becoming closer.
“Because just exchanging nice words with each other doesn’t mean you’ll become friends.”
I went into the main hall at the end of the hallway with Seo Dae-ryong.
Hwangcheongak investigators and executioners were all gathered there.
“It’s been a while since we all gathered together like this, right?”
“yes.”
A loud answer was heard. After the training, the morale of the enforcement officers was sky-high. The investigators also showed great courage as they handled the Baekdogwi case well.
“I came today to pour some fuel on your burning morale.”
Everyone looked curious.
I handed the envelopes I had prepared to Seo Dae-ryong. The envelope was matched to the number of Hwangcheongak warriors.
Seo Dae-ryong was surprised when he checked the inside of the envelope.
“What money?”
Inside was a 1,000-nyang bill.
“Give one to everyone.”
“yes.”
Seo Dae-ryong distributed what was inside to everyone.
“This money is a special gift from me to you.”
Everyone cheered when they heard the word “gift.”
“Thank you, footnote!”
I said it out loud to everyone.
“The money is given because we at Hwangcheongak must become an organization that does not allow any external pressure. In short, don’t take bribes. If you suddenly need money, come to me. Pull the moon pole. “If the monthly salary doesn’t work, I will lend it at my own expense.”
“yes!”
Everyone’s expressions brightened when they found unexpected money.
Nagging when you’re in a good mood only takes away the points you worked so hard to earn.
“dissolution.”
As I was leaving Daecheong, Seo Dae-ryong followed me.
“Mr. Footnote. “How did you know?”
“what?”
“Ikho needs money. I’ve been looking for money lately because my younger brother is getting married. When my parents were alive, I spent all my money on caring for them. “Now there’s no need to fill my pockets by looking after my younger siblings.”
“How do I know? I did not know.”
“Don’t lie.”
Actually, I knew. I found out by chance and was only going to give Ikho, but as it turned out, everyone became runners.
“There’s nothing to be so thrilled about. “It’s all an investment for me.”
“An investment for Confucius?”
“If word spreads that you spend a lot of money, shouldn’t you secretly expect it? I think I will use it more when I become a Cheonma. Then everyone will want me to become the Heavenly Demon. “I am such a shallow person.”
“Have you really thought that far into it?”
“no. That’s what I thought because you asked. “I think other people might think like that.”
“As expected, you know about Ikho.”
“I’m giving it to you as a courtesy. Because everyone worked hard. “Is it that important?”
“It’s important. Will loyalty just happen?”
“Don’t be fooled by this!”
Seo Dae-ryong looked at me intently and said.
“It’s a world where people are manipulated without even using tricks like this.”
Then he bowed his head in greeting and went on his way.