I left the Deep Fragrance Pavilion and stopped by the Wind River Inn to order dinner for delivery. As he gave me my change, Gu-sam asked.
"Hey, Great Hero, can I bring Hojin with me? It's been a while."
"Hojin?"
"The eldest son from the cloth shop. My right-hand man."
Gu-sam raised his perfectly fine right hand and made a fist. It looked ridiculous to me, but Gu-sam was, for all intents and purposes, the boss of the Western Village's alley. Even that fist, like a cat's soft paw, was an object of reverence in the world of children, no less than the iron fist of Shaolin.
"I know him. Why him?"
"Please check his stance for him. It's been a while."
"Hmm."
I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes. I wasn't keen on it. The weather was cold, and it was a bother.
I was busy enough with my own training. In three days, I had to escort the pavilion master's group into the Dragon Sky Escort Agency, which was no different from enemy territory. Until then, I wanted to further refine the new secret art I had acquired, the 'Flying Saber Wild Dance'.
It would be best if I didn't have to use it, but a situation might arise where I must, so I had to be prepared. Like the quick-witted waiter he was, Gu-sam noticed my reluctance and quickly made an offer I couldn't refuse.
"You said your nephew's name is Ju-gyeong, right?"
"Hm? Yes... why?"