The Ruler of Darkness

Book 5: Chapter 16

Luoyang Sword House, Wongak Pavilion.

Burly men, sweating profusely, carried large chests.

They entered in a line and set down the chests as carefully as possible, but the iron and wood chests were so heavy that small sparks flew on the stone slabs laid in the courtyard.

Without a moment to appreciate the otherworldly scenery of Wongak Pavilion, they were busy continuously gulping down cold water from the bucket brought by a Wongak Pavilion maid.

The head of transportation, standing next to a chest and stroking his beard, asked Jung-ah.

Are you going to check now?

At the rude tone of the secretary trying to act tough under Jung-ahs authority, the twin maids became furious.

Your words are curt.

This person is the head maid of Wongak Pavilion, the chief maid in charge of the Eldest Young Master, and the manager of Wongak Pavilion.

Whats your status that youre wagging your tongue so carelessly?

The transportation head, a mere secretary, took a step back unconsciously at their fierce momentum.

Ugh?!

He hurriedly looked back at the warriors in the transportation escort team.

But despite his gaze seeking help, the warriors just stood there blankly, with no one stepping forward.

Outside the Luoyang Sword House might be a different story, but if its a problem between fellow clan members, theres no reason for them to intervene in the pride battle of a mere transportation head, is there?

H-hey, you guys.

Moreover, the maids on the other side looked like they had enough reason to be acknowledged as a warrior.

Rather, they were busy stealing glances at the young and beautiful maid-swordswomen.

Why are you looking back?

The twins, their noses held high from the warriors subtle glances, relentlessly pressed the transportation head.

The direction you should be apologizing to is this way, isnt it?

Do you perhaps have a problem with your cervical vertebrae?

The transportation head cleared his throat and changed his words.

Ahem. Then, for the verification procedure first.

Il-ryeongs eyes glinted coldly.

.

I-ryeong and Sam-ryeongs hands slowly moved towards their swords.

In the end, the transportation head deeply bowed his head and apologized to Jung-ah.

S-sorry!

When Jung-ah gave no response, the transportation head felt even greater pressure.

Im sorry! Head Maid! This lowly one acted recklessly without knowing his place!

The position of a butler or maid follows the status their master holds.

It could be seen that Yeon So-hyeons current position was quite different from the past in the eyes of the mid-level secretaries of the Luoyang Sword House.

Please forgive me!

As his head nearly touched the ground and the cold sweat dripping down fell on the stone slabs, Jung-ah spoke.

Begin the verification procedure.

Inwardly sighing in relief, he shouted at the secretaries standing far away, fearing sparks might fly.

E-everyone, hurry and move!

The secretaries, inwardly cursing at him for causing unnecessary trouble, each stood in front of a chest and rummaged through their pockets.

What they each took out were heavy, dark, glossy keys.

The heads of those keys were all sealed with paper, and the red seal of the head of the Money Hall was stamped on that paper.

After meticulously checking for any damage to the seals with a Wongak Pavilion maid, they tore off the seals in unison.

T-then, I will open the first lock.

Seeing Jung-ah nod, he shouted.

Open lock number one!

Then the waiting secretaries simultaneously opened the first lock of the chest they were in charge of.

The seal, thickly pasted on the lock with glue, was torn by the inserted key.

Sparks flew as locks larger than an adult males fist fell on the stone slabs.

Next, the warriors of the escort team stepped forward, each taking out a key.

Likewise, after checking the seals, the transportation head shouted.

Open lock number two!

Similarly, the locks fell to the ground, and the warriors stepped back to their original formation.

Now only one lock remained.

Then, the key box you received in advance.

The maids brought a metal box.

The entire opening part of that metal box was covered with seals stamped with a stamp, and the transportation head, after checking, took out a key from his pocket and opened the lock.

Then, inside the metal box, sealed keys equal in number to the chests were revealed.

Those were the keys for the final locks.

With Jung-ahs permission, the maids each took a key, tore off the seal, and opened the final lock.

Open the vault!

The burly men, exerting their full strength, opened the lid of the chest they were in charge of.

Then, golden reflections shot out in all directions from inside.

It was a reflection bright enough to make even the maids of Wongak Pavilion, trained not to carelessly close their eyes, blink for a moment.

Gold coins filled to the brim in each chest sparkled, flaunting their immense presence.

.

The transportation head, who had intended to look around at the Wongak Pavilion staff for a moment to enjoy their surprised faces, looked crestfallen.

Because he couldnt find a trace of agitation on any of their faces.

Wealth belongs to the master.

They defined themselves as their masters possessions, and thus, they considered themselves to have nothing to do with wealth.

T-then, if you could start the amount verification procedure.

Jung-ah cut him off.

Ive checked. Move on to the next step.

Her dragon eyes had already grasped the entire count before the chests were opened.

Pardon?

The transportation head, who had expected the maids to swarm and count the gold coins, was flustered.

Didnt the Head Maid say she checked?

It seems this persons eyes and ears are in poor condition.

A spasm ran across the transportation heads face.

T-then, for the final confirmation procedure.

In any case, it was their responsibility if they didnt accurately verify the amount on their side.

As he took out three receipts from his pocket, a warrior who had been standing far away with his arms crossed sauntered over.

He was the head of the transportation escort team.

Then, please check the contents individually and stamp and sign each receipt.

The three documents, stamped and signed by everyone, were pocketed by each of the three.

Then, with this, all procedures are complete.

Jung-ah interrupted him.

What about the bills equivalent to the remaining half of the amount?

As for the bills.

The transportation head lowered his head and answered.

The Money Hall Chief said he would personally deliver them to the Eldest Young Master.

***

Wongak Pavilions VIP reception room.

Now, Eldest Young Master. Please verify the amount and sign here.

A middle-aged man with a sly voice held out a receipt to Yeon So-hyeon, who was checking the bills.

.

When Yeon So-hyeon said nothing and just stared at him, the middle-aged man hit his forehead as if he had just realized.

Oh my, how dare I be rude to the Eldest Young Master. Please forgive my impudence.

A twisted smile hung on the corner of his mouth.

Its not like the Great Luoyang Sword Houses Eldest Young Master of your stature would later deny it and demand double the bills just because theres no receipt.

Then he laughed, hahaha, by himself.

But even so, he made no move to take back the receipt placed on the table.

Deputy Money Hall Chief.

A deep voice called out to the middle-aged man with the sly voice, the Deputy Money Hall Chief, from behind.

Yes, Money Hall Chief. Please speak.

Where the Deputy Money Hall Chief turned around, an old man with graying hair was sitting upright.

Apologize to the Eldest Young Master for your rudeness.

As if revealing his personality, it was a voice that left no room for argument.

Ah, this is truly embarrassing. Please, Eldest Young Master, show magnanimity and forgive this lacking one.

.

Bowing his head and apologizing in a tone that subtly irked the listener, the Deputy Money Hall Chief was.

Then, even though Yeon So-hyeon didnt accept the apology, he slyly got up from his seat.

Well, now that our business is done, well take our leave.

The Money Hall Chief, sitting across from the Eldest Young Master, cut him off.

Eldest Young Master, first, I apologize for making you wait due to our Money Halls slow response even in a situation where an emergency order was issued.

The Deputy Money Hall Chief slyly reattached his bottom to the chair and waved his hand.

Oh, how is that our fault? Thats only because the Elder Council resolved to have the Inner Court pay punitive damages.

Yeon So-hyeon interrupted him and answered the Money Hall Chief.

I will accept that apology.

Thank you.

The mustache of the Deputy Money Hall Chief, who was repeatedly ignored, trembled finely.

.

But given his position, he didnt dare think of acting rashly.

The Money Hall Chief returned to his upright posture and spoke to Yeon So-hyeon again.

In that sense, if there is a way for our Money Hall to show sincerity as an apology, please do tell us.

His words were polite, but not the least bit servile, and were dignified.

Oh, Money Hall Chief. If youve already apologized, isnt that enough? As I said earlier, it wasnt our mistake in the first place, but the Elder Council.

This is about what happened after the Elder Councils resolution.

The Money Hall Chiefs voice rang out quietly.

Normally, it would have taken twice as long to prepare the same amount. How is this not our responsibility?

Ah, that. As I mentioned before, there was a delay due to the personal misconduct of a few employees, so it cannot be said to be the responsibility of our entire Money Hall.

The Deputy Money Hall Chief finished his piece to the end despite the Money Hall Chiefs sharp gaze.

Even though the direct superior of those employees was the Deputy Money Hall Chief himself.

It wasnt an intentional delay either. Haha.

You!

At that moment, Yeon So-hyeons voice intervened in their conversation.

You asked how the Money Hall can show sincerity to me?

The Money Hall Chief politely answered.

Yes, Eldest Young Master.

Before the Deputy Money Hall Chief could run his mouth again, Yeon So-hyeon brought it up first.

Then how about giving me a loan?

You mean a loan?

As talk of money came up, the Deputy Money Hall Chief nodded and joined the conversation.

Oh, we can give you a loan anytime. Since youre a fellow clan member, that much is possible to any extent. How much do you want?

Yeon So-hyeon replied.

Five times the amount you brought today.

!

A spasm briefly ran across the Deputy Money Hall Chiefs face.

After doing some mental calculations, he finished calculating and spoke again.

Although that amount is possible, the interest will inevitably be a bit high, and the collateral needs to be solid.

With no interest and no collateral.

.

The mouth of the Deputy Money Hall Chief, who had been running his mouth at every opportunity, closed tightly.

At that sight, a faint smile hung on the lips of Yeon So-hyeon, who had been expressionless until now.

Would that be difficult?