NOVEL NEXT I Will Raise It as the Best Family in the World
Chapter 32
“I greet the Young Miss.”
“Welcome, Head of the Household. You’re here because of the fragrant meat mushrooms, right?” After the morning training, Head of the Household Wi Jeonggon visited the Red Mist Quarter. “That’s right. I came under the Head of the Family’s orders.” “I didn’t expect the Head of the Household of the Inner Court to come.” Woonyeong, who had invited him to take a seat, spoke first. “Why is that?” “I told Grandfather that it would be a dish for the Seolwon Guesthouse. I thought it would be more appropriate for the Head of the Household of the Outer Court to handle matters related to the guest house.” The Head of the Household Wi’s expression softened in response to Woonyeong’s answer. “Yes, that is correct. However, the Head of the Family has specifically entrusted me with the matters of the Red Mist quarter. In the future, I will continue to assist with whatever you wish to do, Young Miss.” “I see.” Woonyeong nodded at the Head of the Household Wi’s explanation. “Do you not like it?” In a cautious tone, the Head of the Household Wi asked. “No. That can’t be. I’m glad to be with the Head of the Household Wi.” The person Seol Won-pyeong arranged for Seol Jadan was the Head of the Household Wi. From Woonyeong’s perspective, it couldn’t get any better than this. It was beneficial to maintain a good relationship with the Head of the Household, who was both highly capable and loyal until the end. “Have you tried the fragrant meat mushroom?” “Yes, I have tasted it as well. It’s a mushroom I’ve eaten since I was young, but I didn’t know it was so delicious.” “Our Head Cook Wang has excellent skills.” “Is that so? Then, will Head Cook Wang be the one in charge at the Seolwon Guesthouse?” “No.” Woonyeong quickly shook her head and replied. Head Cook Wang was a talent he wanted to keep in the Red Mist quarter for his whole life. To send a head cook who is so skilled and can prepare meat dishes perfectly suited to Woonyeong’s taste to another place is unacceptable. “It would be better to call the head cook from Seolwon Guesthouse to Red Mist Quarter.” Words filled with determination to protect the valuable talent of Head Cook Wang flowed out. “That’s not right.” At Head of the Household Wi’s words, Woonyeong’s face looked as if she was about to cry. “Haha. We cannot bring outsiders into the Red Mist Quarter. I will instruct that Head Cook Wang will continue to teach at Seolwon Guesthouse.” The Head of the Household Wi finished speaking and smiled slightly. ‘He completely saw through me. Anyway, a merchant. Tsk.’ Having risen from a lowly errand boy in a merchant guild, Head of the Household Wi was a master at dealing with people. That’s why he didn’t miss the expression on Woonyeong’s face. “That would be for the best.” “The head cook at Seolwon Guesthouse is also very skilled. You will be able to learn the fragrant meat mushroom dish in no time.” “That sounds good. Will it be possible to secure a supply of fragrant meat mushrooms?” Woonyeong, having composed her expression, asked in a calm tone. “Yes. Following the Young Miss’ order yesterday, we have started securing the supply. We already had some stock on hand, and we have also prepared to purchase more from Seolwon Merchant in the future.” “We have to secure as much quantity as possible even if it costs extra money.” “Is there any doubt about that?” The two looked at each other and smiled. “And, let’s spread some more rumors.” “What… rumors are you talking about?” “Didn’t the Great Young Master of the Jegal family visit the Seolwon Merchant after hearing the news about the fragrant meat mushrooms?” “The mushrooms are so delicious that the Great Young Master of the Jegal Family would deliberately come all the way here for them. That’s great. Very great. It would be strange if the rumor didn’t spread.” Even though the Head of the Household Wi was aware of everything that happened at the banquet hall yesterday, he agreed with Woonyeong’s words. It was beyond his expectations. He thought it was merely the work of a Young Miss wanting to share delicious food with others, but he was mistaken. The Young Miss in front of him must have seen something bigger. She had perfectly planned to spread the rumors and attract people. “Hyangah, bring the porridge and the delicious powder.” “Yes, Young Miss.” While the Head of the Household Wi’s eyes sparkled with anticipation, Woonyeong prepared another product. The product would be evaluated by the Head of the Household Wi. Although Woonyeong thought it was necessary, she was a bit nervous about how it might appear to a merchant’s eye. “Oh. Do you have anything else prepared?” “Let’s first taste it and then talk.” What Hyangah placed on the table was porridge seasoned with a delicious powder made from beef jerky and dried vegetables. The delicious powder was a seasoning created by Head Cook Wang at Woonyeong’s request. The Head of the Household Wi took a spoonful of the porridge and tasted it. Though it looked quite rough, the flavor wasn’t bad. Of course, it couldn’t compare to the fine dishes served at Seolwon Guesthouse. However, it was much better than the food he used to eat in his childhood. Since Woonyeong was watching him with bright eyes, the Head of the Household Wi also took the time to seriously savor the taste again. “How does it taste?” “I think the answer will vary depending on where you eat it.” “As expected, as expected. You got the answer right.” Woonyeong, pleased with the Head of the Household Wi’s reaction, clapped her hands with delight. “Well then, Young Miss, please tell me what you plan to do with this.” The Head of the Household Wi asked as he put down his spoon. ‘Hmm. How should I bring this up?’ Selling the mushroom dish at Seolwon Inn was something Seol Wonpyeong was also pleased with. It was something that could be passed off as his granddaughter discovering a delicious dish—something he could simply find admirable. However, what Woonyeong was planning to do now was aimed at expanding the Seolwon Merchant itself. Since this would mark the beginning of Seolwon Guesthouse stepping out into the world after staying hidden for so long, Woonyeong was cautious. Furthermore, the heir of the Seol Family was Seol Dojin. Therefore, it was important for her to define the limits of what she could do. “Father often goes on business trips, doesn’t he?” “That’s correct.” “I’ve heard that he often spends the night on the road as well.” Woonyeong didn’t clearly remember if Seol Jadan had said such things, but it was common for merchants to spend the night on the road when they went on business trips. “When staying in one place, the food is likely to be poor, so I thought it would be nice if he could have something warm. That’s why I asked Head Cook Wang to prepare this.” “What is that?” “It’s made by drying freshwater shrimp, green onions, garlic, and other ingredients, then grinding them into a powder and mixing it with salt. Only Head Cook Wang knows the exact proportions. When it’s cooked with dried mushrooms, it adds flavor. The name is ‘delicious powder.'” “Yes? Delicious powder?” “Does the name seem strange to you too, Head of the Household Wi? I thought it was a perfect name, but it seems everyone reacts the same way.” “Haha. It’s quite intuitive. Delicious powder. Haha.” The Head of the Household Wi wiped his cold sweat and forced a smile. Woonyeong looked on with a puzzled expression, not understanding what was strange. In fact, Woonyeong wasn’t good at naming things. Even when naming her own martial art, she based it on her perception of harmony, and ended up calling it ‘Harmony Principle.’ Her mind technique was called “Harmony Mind Technique,” her swordsmanship “Harmony Sword Technique,” her martial arts “Harmony Fist Technique,” and her evasive movements “Harmony Evasion,” and so on. – Since ancient times, the important thing about martial arts is the fancy name. One can create a martial art worthy of being called a divine technique, but what does it become if it lacks a fitting name? Though Old Man Teng chided her, Woonyeong didn’t listen. Since the techniques were not meant to be passed on to others, she didn’t care what they were called. “Then was this made for the Young Lord?” “Yes, that is true for now.” Woonyeong continued speaking while observing the Head of the Household Wi’s reaction. “Seolwon Merchant is a merchant guild, isn’t it? Merchants sell goods. Is it really necessary for only Father to use them?” Haha. Yes, that’s right. The Head of the Family’s words about Young Miss’ talent in business were not mistaken.” Woonyeong was a little embarrassed. She hadn’t expected such a warm reception. “Then, can it be sold through the merchant?” “Hmm. It could be a good product for escorts or travelers on long journeys. I will discuss it with the guild first, considering the pricing issues as well.” “Since the ingredients are easy to obtain, we can sell them at a little more than the price of salt.” “No, Young Miss. That won’t do. The price of goods isn’t determined that easily.” The Head of the Household Wi’s sharp gaze lit up. Woonyeong’s body shrank a little as he faced the momentum of the highly skilled merchant. ‘I thought too lightly.’ In the past, Seol Woonyeong was a martial artist. Despite seeing and experiencing much, business was unfamiliar to her. It felt like her vague belief that good information alone would make it possible to sell was hitting a wall. “Yes. Please take care of it.” However, Woonyeong couldn’t give up. She clenched her fist and said. ‘When have I ever done something easy?’ The path to becoming the greatest family in the world had only just begun. “If you have any other plans, please feel free to call me anytime.” The Head of the Household Wi’s voice was filled with joy. “And Young Master Namgoong has requested to meet with you.” “Is that so?” “He asked me to convey that he will be waiting at the small training ground.” “Hmm. I will go. Thank you.” “It’s nothing. I’ll be on my way now.” As she watched the Head of the Household Wi’s retreating back, Woonyeong got up from her seat. “Then shall we go see the great Namgoong?” A wicked smile appeared on Woonyeong’s face. * * * Although the Seol Family was a merchant guild, it had a considerable number of training grounds. This was possible due to the manor’s large size. At the small training ground, not far from Red Mist Quarter, only Namgoong Hwi was training alone. The space had been reserved for the direct descendants of the Namgoong family. Woonyeong narrowed her eyes and observed Namgoong Hwi training. “Why is he… swinging his sword like that?” The sword of the man once known as the Sword King didn’t move like that. Namgoong Hwi’s sword was strange.
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