Chapter 116 - Unexpected Revelations (1/2)
When Hei arrived at Sok Yeong-Gi's villa, he noticed that surveillance was even tighter than the time he first came. It was strange since Sok Yeong-Gi was a spirit soldier, a martial artist at the top of the martial artists' society. Not to mention the fact that it was evening at the moment, and nobody would have liked to spend an entire night working as a sentry.
Either way, Hei followed the guard/emissary who had gone to call him. Their two entered the villa until they reached the room where the Sok Yeong-Gi was.
”Welcome, Hei. I am glad that you arrived immediately, despite the sudden summons.”
As usual, Sok Yeong-Gi's tone was a farce of courtesy and education. If Hei had been late for some reason, even if it wasn't his fault, Sok Yeong-Gi would have punished him.
It was why Hei didn't like hanging out with people very much. Many of them pretended their true nature to maintain appearances. With spirit beasts, however, everything was more straightforward. Of course, not all humans were like this.
”I am sorry if I kept you waiting, even if it was for a short time. You summoned me. I suppose you have an assignment for me, don't you?” Hei didn't let his feelings cloud his judgment and asked about the reason for his summons.
”You are very witty despite your age. Yes, indeed. I received a letter from Captain Ho Ri-Na. You and your crew have been admitted to the main base of our crew.” Sok Yeong-Gi communicated in a striking way as if it were one of the highest honors that could be received.
Hearing what spirit soldier Sok Yeong-Gi said, Hei was confused. After all, it had been told to him that only after completing three missions, he would be admitted to the main base. That location was where the Pirate General Ho Ri-Na resided, after all.
At the moment, he had completed only two of the three missions required, and pirates weren't the type of people to give discounts. Therefore, there had to be something behind these changes.
”Sok Yeong-Gi-nim, can I know why I was admitted to the main base? If I'm not mistaken, I was told that only after completing three missions, I would be officially accepted into the crew. But I've only completed two so far.”
Sok Yeong-Gi, listening to Hei's question, laughed amicably, ”Yes, you will still have to the third mission. It's just that you will do it on your way to the main base.”
”On the way to the main base?” Hei asked, still confused.
What kind of mission was it that could be done on the way? Was it another naval conflict again?
”No, it's not a naval conflict if that's what you're thinking. However, I wouldn't feel like ruling out that this could happen during the mission. No, your job is simply to escort a person until you reach your destination - the main base of our crew.”
When Hei heard Sok Yeong-Gi's words, he frowned. Escorting someone involved many things, but first, he needed to know something.
”Who should I escort?”
Exact. Before Hei could speculate or prepare himself, he had to know who was the target to protect.
Sok Yeong-Gi smiled and rang a bell on his desk. From outside, the sound of footsteps could be heard as the office door opened. In the doorway stood a beautiful young gray-haired woman.
'She's the woman of this morning!'
Yes, Hei knew that woman. It was the same one who had tormented him with her questions at the tavern. The gray-haired woman also recognized Hei.
”Ah! It is you! Uncivil, you left without warning.” Ho Yeon-Hong retorted as she puffed. Her two soft cheeks swelled as if she was a small tender animal.
Sok Yeong-Gi was surprised by that interaction between the two and asked the young woman.
”Yeon, do you happen to know this guy here?”
”Yes, I met him at the tavern this morning. But he was vulgar and went away without answering my questions.”
Hei frowned even more at Ho Yeon-Hong's claims. It was clear that the young gray-haired woman had an important background in Pirate General Ho Ri-Na's crew.
'Ho Yeon-Hong. Ho Ri-Na. Could it be that...? '
In order not to make matters worse, Hei promptly apologized, ”I apologize for my behavior. I'm not a sociable guy, and I don't like anyone who investigates me. I didn't want to offend the young lady. I hope you can forgive me.”
”Humph! Just an apology won't be enough. If you really want my forgiveness, then you will have to answer my questions.”
”As the young lady wishes.” Hei could only accept reluctantly. Obviously, he wouldn't answer sincerely any questions that were too personal.
”Now that you have finished solving your matters let's move on to the main topic. Hei, this one in front of you, is Ho Yeon-Hong, the younger sister of Pirate General Ho Ri-Na. Few people know of her existence. If it weren't for urgent circumstances, such a secret would never have been revealed to you.”
Hei's conjectures were correct. He had foreseen that she should have a close relationship with the Pirate General. A sister or daughter. These were the two most credited options, and in the end, Ho Yeon-Hong turned out to be the younger sister of Pirate General Ho Ri-Na.
”Hong Shin spent this month by investigating far and wide in search of those responsible for the attacks. Although he hasn't been able to obtain tangible evidence, it is clear that he suspects us. After all, we pirates don't need too many reasons to kill someone. The problem is that he found out about Yeon's identity. He wants to capture her to bring out the Captain. The ship with which Yeon came was, in fact, attacked by unknown. It was only by a miracle that Yeon was brought up here.
As a result, your mission is to escort Yeon to the Captain safely. You own an artifact ship, so in case of extreme necessity, you can take her with you and run away. I'll sail with my ship with you as well. I alone am more than enough, but the Captain doesn't want to take any risks. Therefore she has ordered me to involve you in the plan.”
Sok Yeong-Gi finally revealed the reasons behind the third mission that Hei was to carry out.
”An artifact ship? Wow, do you have one on your own? Very few have one among the pirates, where did you find it?” Asked Ho Yeon-Hong. She didn't seem very upset even though she was the target of the attacks.
”A gift from some kind acquaintances. Rather than that, Sok Yeong-Gi-nim. Will it be just the two of us leaving?”