Chapter 51: A Price Paid, A Future Shifted

With newfound confidence, Moon Hae-min continued his argument.

“Also, in my humble opinion, since the exchange of goods between nations is extremely important, it would not hurt to be cautious, again and again, about accidents. What if we increased the number of escort ships and had them led by experienced sailors?”

Only after a long moment did Song Seol speak.

“I wondered why you requested a meeting at such a late hour… was it because of this?”

“…Yes.”

Even though he wasn’t being scolded, Hae-min felt slightly intimidated. Perhaps it was because Song Seol’s appearance was perfectly composed, without the slightest disorder. It felt as though he were standing before a powerful and fearsome official.

Which, in truth, Song Seol actually was. Realizing that, Hae-min reflected on whether he had overstepped.

‘A little… no, quite a lot.’

Since he had already come this far, he decided to push his luck just a bit more.

“I may not be well-versed in the conditions at Yesong Port, so my suggestion might lack practicality. However, if you grant me time, I will refine it.”

“How do you intend to refine it?”

“I will visit Yesong Port again and conduct a survey. If I familiarize myself with the sea’s geography and speak in detail with the sailors, I’m certain better ideas will come.”

“You intend to investigate it yourself?”

“Yes.”

Though he answered confidently, Song Seol seemed unconvinced. Or perhaps that was merely Hae-min’s impression, Song Seol’s face remained expressionless, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

“I can’t tell what you’re thinking.”

For a moment, Hae-min flinched, thinking his thoughts had been read.

Song Seol continued slowly,

“No… perhaps I should say I can’t tell what you want.”

“…”

“I wondered why you came to see me at this hour…”

He had only asked for a brief conversation, yet the tone felt strange. Then again, he had come at this time because Song Seol usually returned home around now.

“Why should I accept your proposal?”

Hae-min was at a loss for words.

He wanted to prevent the accident at Yesong Port, that was his own desire. But in the end, it would benefit Song Seol as well.

He couldn’t explain that outright. So instead, he blurted out,

“You’ve assigned me work and haven’t paid me a single coin.”

“So? This is what you demand as compensation?”

“Yes.”

He couldn’t bring himself to ask for money outright, but oddly enough, he could make this kind of bold request. Song Seol gazed at him steadily.

“I don’t know how effective it will be…”

Murmuring, Song Seol rubbed his chin with his thumb. It seemed he wasn’t particularly impressed, and Hae-min’s spirits sank.

“Still, it’s a good idea.”

“…Pardon?”

“It’s a good idea.”

This time, it sounded like he was speaking to himself as he looked down at the paper, reading each line carefully. Realizing that his proposal was being seriously considered, Hae-min felt a wave of tension hit him belatedly.

“It’s worth trying.”

“…”

“I’ll discuss it tomorrow.”

Folding the paper, Song Seol tucked it into his robe, a clear sign he had accepted the proposal positively. Even though things had gone as he’d hoped, Hae-min felt oddly dazed.

“Did you take your suppressant?”

“Ah, yes. I didn’t forget.”

He had taken one as soon as he received it, another upon returning to his quarters, and a third before meeting Song Seol, three doses in total, just as the physician had instructed.

“As expected, I can’t sense even a trace of your scent. It’s only been about a month since you struggled to control it, yet you’ve already improved.”

“It’s thanks to your guidance, my lord.”

“Well done.”

Despite his words, Song Seol’s expression seemed somewhat bitter. Perhaps it was sarcasm, but there was no reason for it, so it must have been Hae-min’s imagination.

“Then I will take my leave.”

“Very well.”

“Rest well, my lord.”

After offering a polite farewell, Hae-min turned to go, but Song Seol’s voice stopped him.

“Come to think of it, there’s something I need to correct.”

“What is it?”

As he turned back, Song Seol suddenly held something out. Hae-min instinctively took a step back.

“Why are you avoiding it?”

“My apologies, I was startled… But, my lord, this is…?”

It was a pouch of coins. Hae-min had no idea where he had suddenly produced it from, nor what his intention was.

“You said I assigned you work and paid you nothing.”

“…”

“I regret that I am only paying you now.”

“No, that’s not-”

It seemed he had been misunderstood. Hae-min waved his hands in denial, but Song Seol remained firm.

“Use it to have clothes made. If it’s not enough, tell me.”

“I doubt that will be necessary…”

“There’s no need to explain why it’s insufficient.”

“…”

Come to think of it, Song Seol had been like this in the past as well, suddenly handing over a pouch of coins. When Hae-min hesitated at the unexpectedly large amount, he had simply cut him off, saying, As long as it’s not lacking, that’s enough.

“…Thank you.”

This time, Hae-min didn’t refuse. He was in no position to turn down money. If he wanted to escape safely in a year, he needed to start saving now.

“Then take it.”

At Song Seol’s urging, Hae-min accepted the pouch. The coins clinked together with a metallic sound.

“I’ll make good use of it, my lord.”

“Good. If there’s nothing else, you may go.”

“Yes.”

Hae-min bowed and left.

The weight of the coin pouch in his hand was substantial, reassuring, yet somehow burdensome.

****

A few days later, Song Seol summoned him again.

He informed Hae-min that discussions were underway based on his proposal. Similar ideas had been raised before but couldn’t be implemented due to lack of technology.

However, they could no longer ignore maritime accidents, and this time they intended to find a solution.

“When ships carrying trade goods depart, multiple escort vessels will be assigned.”

“Really?”

Hae-min smiled brightly. It might look suspicious if he showed too much joy, but he couldn’t help it.

Song Seol’s gaze lingered briefly on his smiling lips.

“By the way, Moon Hee-yul.”

“Yes?”

“How did you know that ships often collide with sandbanks?”

“…”

“And that sometimes sand is more dangerous than reefs.”

Hae-min almost swallowed nervously, then stopped himself. He needed to remain composed.

“I heard it through rumors.”

“I see.”

Song Seol didn’t press further. It was common knowledge, after all.

Phew…

Hae-min sighed inwardly. His heart had nearly dropped for no reason. He had to be more careful, he couldn’t afford to repeat the mistake he made with Dong-sik.

“By the way, Yoon Seung hyeok was asking about you.”

“For what reason?”

“Well, it seems he wants to become acquainted with you.”

Hae-min gave an awkward smile instead of answering. Truly, Yoon Seung-hyeok was no ordinary person, openly expressing interest in getting close to another man’s concubine.

“When did you become so close to him? Did you even have the chance?”

“Not at all. We’ve only met a few times, and spoken even less. It’s embarrassing to say this myself… but I think he’s more interested in my handwriting than in me.”

Song Seol nodded. Even he was aware of Yoon Seung-hyeok’s obsession with fine calligraphy. At this point, he bordered on being an eccentric.

“I’ve been invited to his residence this evening. He invited you as well, what will you do?”

“Me… as well?”

“Yes. If you don’t wish to attend, you don’t have to.”

Hae-min thought for a moment. He wasn’t particularly eager, but there was no reason to refuse either.

“I’ll go with you.”

“Then we’ll depart around dusk.”

“Yes, I’ll see you then.”

As he was about to leave, Song Seol asked casually,

“You’ve been taking your suppressants properly?”

“Of course. As the physician instructed, three times a day without fail.”

“That must be troublesome.”

“Not really. Since I’ve manifested as an omega, it’s a necessary medicine.”

“Any side effects?”

“No, it seems to suit my constitution well.”

“…That’s good.”

Song Seol narrowed his eyes slightly. There was a faint hint of dissatisfaction in his expression and voice.

But Hae-min dismissed it as his imagination. After all, Song Seol was the one who had provided the suppressants, why would he be displeased that Hae-min was taking them properly? If anything, failing to take them would have been the real offense.

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