Return of the Mount Hua Sect

Returning to the palace after the banquet, Seol So-Baek appeared extremely joyful.

“I am glad the talks went smoothly.”

“P-Palace Lord.”

However, Han Yi-Myung’s expression seemed devoid of life.

“M-monopoly isn’t something to casually discuss. To gain profit from trade, one must compete with other guilds. If we grant them the monopoly, they will dictate the price of goods as they please.”

“Indeed.”

“And this would result in significant losses.”

Even after hearing those words, Seol So-Baek shook his head.

“I do know that. Father… no, commander.”

“Then why do you look so happy? Right now, the Ice Palace is being plundered by this sect of the Central Plains.”

This made him smile ever so slightly.

“If they were that greedy, they had plenty of opportunities to exploit the North Sea and flee the moment they discovered that the Demonic Sect had arrived. Even if I were captured, they wouldn’t have risked their lives to save me.”

“…”

“It’s true that his words and actions can be harsh and unexpected, but I’ve never seen him do anything that violates our agreement.”

True. That was true.

That was all true, except the fact that they had known them for less than a month!

“But Palace Lord…!”

“Commander.”

Seol So-Baek, who firmly cut off the words of Han Yi-Myung, opened his mouth with shining eyes.

“How much stronger do you think Mount Hua will get?”

“What…”

Han Yi-Myung, who was about to answer, went silent. And after a moment of thought, he said.

“Not long ago, the fame of Mount Hua didn’t even reach the North Sea, but soon it will be the most renowned sect in the North Sea. And perhaps beyond.”

“Indeed. That’s true.”

Seol So-Baek and Han Yi-Myung nodded in agreement.

Hadn’t they witnessed firsthand the astonishing level of their m