The Ruler of Darkness

Book 5: Chapter 15

Luoyang, the uppermost-class residential area.

Under the warm sunlight of a spring day, a sight rare even in Luoyang was unfolding.

In a garden maintained by a masters touch, a banquet in the European style was being held.

Outdoors, high tables were arranged regularly to be easily approachable while standing.

On top of the finest silk tablecloths were simple finger foods placed on splendid porcelain from renowned workshops.

The astonishing point was that those strolling through the garden with music flowing were dressed in European aristocratic attire.

It wasnt a complete reproduction of the historical evidence of a specific European country, but at least here, no one cared about such things.

Ah. I wished to invite at least a proper orchestra from Europe.

A young lady in the most splendid attire sighed while looking at the ensemble.

The colored-eyed people were doing their best to play their respective instruments, not wanting to displease the host, but they couldnt hide their clumsy skills.

No. This level of performance is extremely excellent.

Is that so?

The young ladys eyes sparkled.

I guarantee it.

The one standing next to her, spouting lies without even wetting his lips, was a handsome man also dressed in European aristocratic attire.

They are on par with the orchestra I saw at the Spanish embassys banquet before.

When a man renowned for his discernment like Consultant Yeon says so, this young lady feels reassured.

Consultant Yeon, Yeon Ha-eung, smiled gently.

Hoho. Then shall we go and have a conversation with the orchestra for a moment?

When he politely offered his arm in the European style, the young lady happily placed her hand on his arm.

Cursing inwardly at the costume that was strangely tight due to his small frame, he approached the orchestra with the young lady.

The members, who had just finished playing and were taking a break, greeted them with awkward expressions.

Performance, opportunity. Thank

Looking at their shoddy old instruments, Yeon Ha-eung interrupted the man stumbling through his Chinese.

Hoi!

He spoke to them in his fairly decent Dutch.

(Are you from the Netherlands?)

Then one of them who spoke Dutch replied.

(We came from the British Empire.)

Yeon Ha-eung shrugged and spoke in English.

(You guys arent an orchestra but sailors, right?)

At those words, everyone waved their hands in a fluster.

(No! We really are an orchestra!)

Ignoring their clamor, Yeon Ha-eung finished what he had to say.

(If I ever see you again at a banquet I attend, Ill hang you all by the neck.)

The sailors, who had planned to run a high-paying side job by deceiving the young ladies unfamiliar with the ways of the world since they were leaving soon anyway, turned pale.

Yeon Ha-eung smiled brightly at them.

(If you understand, laugh along with me. You frauds.)

Then the sailors put on the brightest smiles they could muster.

Wow, as expected of Consultant Yeon! Your foreign language skills are amazing!

What did they say?

What kind of conversation did you have?

Before he knew it, the surroundings were filled with glittering-eyed girls.

Yeon Ha-eung, not flustered in the least, smiled at the young ladies from high-class families.

They said its an honor to have the opportunity to perform for you, who have inherited noble blood.

When Yeon Ha-eung gestured, the fake orchestra began playing with all their heart and soul.

Oh my! As expected of an orchestra invited by Young Miss Ju, even the way they speak is elegant!

How about holding another banquet in the European style next time?

The host of the banquet, called Young Miss Ju, couldnt hide her delighted expression at the praise from the other young ladies.

While they were conversing, Yeon Ha-eung quietly slipped away and approached the housekeeper standing in a respectful manner.

The housekeeper, who had a puzzled expression at first, turned red and blue as Yeon Ha-eung continued speaking, and soon expressed his gratitude to Yeon Ha-eung repeatedly.

Ive scored a favor with this.

The housekeeper would convey to his master the grace Yeon Ha-eung had bestowed on his daughter.

Catching the frauds and smoothly resolving the situation so that his daughter wouldnt be humiliated in front of the young ladies from other families was a significant favor in high society.

This favor would return as another favor someday when needed.

The trade affairs of the Outer Court of the Luoyang Sword House focused on accumulating such favors on a regular basis rather than gaining an edge over the other party or securing greater profits through negotiations.

Now, shall we carry out the special mission?

Consultant Yeon! Consultant Yeon! What new news do you have this time?

The story you told us last time about the porcelain exhibition was very useful!

Im also curious about the news of the Eldest Young Master!

Yeon Ha-eung smiled at the young ladies who gathered around him, chattering endlessly.

Actually, there is truly shocking news this time.

Yeon Ha-eungs voice lowered quietly, drawing attention.

Im sharing this news especially for you.

The young ladies, who couldnt resist gossip, stopped even their chatter and looked only at Yeon Ha-eung.

In some quarters, there were those who ridiculed Yeon Ha-eung as a walking rumor, but at least in Luoyangs high society, he was one of the top five celebrities.

After teasing the young ladies anticipation a few more times with his clever rhetoric, Yeon Ha-eung got to the point.

You must have also heard about the collaborative business venture between the Eldest Young Master and the 4th Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House this time.

Everyone nodded.

No matter how uninterested the young ladies were in business matters, given their status, they knew that much.

So, the 4th Young Master invited investors from the capital of Sichuan and brought them to Luoyang.

Yeon Ha-eungs eyes sparkled.

Among them, there is a name that will surprise you. Its such a famous business that I need to catch my breath before uttering its name.

When Yeon Ha-eung pretended to catch his breath in an exaggerated manner, the young ladies fidgeted with excitement.

Tell us quickly!

Hurry! Hurry!

After dragging out the anticipation sufficiently, Yeon Ha-eung uttered a single name.

Tea Fan Maiden.

Instantly, a scream-like cheer erupted from the young ladies mouths.

Tea Fan Maiden?!

Tea Fan Maiden! Do you mean that Tea Fan Maiden thats hugely popular in Sichuan right now?!

The very Tea Fan Maiden where, every season when new accessories crafted by master artisans are unveiled, the young ladies of Sichuan line up and wait!

Then a young lady raised her wrist, boasting.

Hoho, this is the new bracelet released by Tea Fan Maiden last winter. Its an item my uncle acquired for me when he visited Sichuan.

A commotion arose.

To that extent, this business called Tea Fan Maiden, which hadnt been established for long, was enjoying explosive popularity.

The fact that even the young ladies from high-class families residing in Luoyang, the center of culture, or Shanghai, the center of foreign trade, were captivated by its charm meant that the competitiveness of the company called Tea Fan Maiden was that outstanding.

Could it be that a new branch of Tea Fan Maiden is opening in Luoyang now?

Is that it?!

Consultant Yeon! Tell us!

Hoho. The possibility is very high. Because

Yeon Ha-eung gave a meaningful smile.

The founders of Tea Fan Maiden are personally coming to Luoyang at this very moment!

You mean?!

Thats right! Miss Shangguan Lanhua, the only daughter of the Governor of Chengdu and the representative of Tea Fan Maiden, is personally coming to Luoyang!

Forgetting both etiquette and dignity, everyones mouths gaped open.

The number one beauty of Sichuan!

That Miss Shangguan Lanhua herself?!

Shes coming to Luoyang?!

Yeon Ha-eung was momentarily taken aback by how much they were jumping for joy, forgetting all decorum.

To that extent, the name Shangguan Lanhua currently held absolute influence in the social circles of young ladies.

And theres even more surprising news!

At Yeon Ha-eungs exclamation, the young ladies felt their hands and feet trembling.

The news is that the Eldest Young Master of the Luoyang Sword House has invited the founders of Tea Fan Maiden to Wongak Pavilion!

The reaction was so explosive that saying it was explosive would be an understatement.

It was to the extent that the servants of the mansion checked the garden, wondering what was going on.

Wongak Pavilion, called Peach Garden Village among the young ladies of high society, and stories about its mysterious owner Yeon So-hyun, were always the most popular topics of conversation.

And now, the name of the number one beauty of Sichuan, whom all the young ladies of the Central Plains admired, was added to that.

Hohoho. The special mission is going very smoothly. Its a good start.

Yeon Ha-eung, who had left the mansion under the pretext of work, boarded the waiting carriage.

Inside the carriage, he changed his clothes and shouted.

Hurry up! Lets go to the next banquet venue!

The day was short, and there were many banquets.

***

Se-ah the owner of Moon Pavilion, the fastest-growing information organization in Luoyang, wanted to scream.

Leader. Another merchant has come wanting to purchase information about Tea Fan Maiden.

Tell them to wait.

The waiting room is full.

Most of them were customers who had come to purchase information about Tea Fan Maiden.

Then tell them to line up in the hallway! I havent even had a single meal today!

Lets try to get the cooperation of the tea house across the street.

After the subordinate closed the door and left, Se-ah grabbed her forehead and slumped into a chair.

The walking rumor

Just what on earth had he been doing in Luoyang in a mere few days?

She felt fear from that name.

Leader!

I told you to tell them to line up!

The subordinate shook his head.

A letter has arrived from the Luoyang Sword House in the name of the 4th Young Master.

She tore open the seal without hesitation.

The content was short.

[Come to Wongak Pavilion immediately.]

She instructed her subordinate.

Summon her at safe house number sixteen right now. Were entering Wongak Pavilion immediately.

The 4th Young Master shouted as he hurriedly prepared with the help of the head maid.

Red Spider! Youre coming with me! Gather all the documents right now!

In the office that the 4th Young Masters group had hurriedly left, there was a report translating the coded message brought by Jeon Seo-eung.

[Investors. Three days away from Luoyang.]