14 Chapter 14 (1/2)
The martial arts teachers were not concerned about the martial cultivation level of the newly hired liberal arts teachers. This, in itself, was the cause of quite a few issues.
Most newly-hired liberal arts teachers left the school, unable to withstand the malice of the martial arts teachers.
The principal had warned the martial arts teachers about their behaviour, however, they soon found another method of testing out the new liberal arts teachers which wasn't as obvious as their previous methods.
That newer method was the Wolsoru banquet — which up until now had proved extremely effective.
It was a method that clearly showed the liberal arts teachers their hierarchical status below the martial arts teachers in the school. It was also softer and less obvious than their previous methods so that the teacher wouldn't hand in their resignation.
There were a few martial teachers who felt that there wasn't a need for this type of bullying, but they were a small minority and therefore their opposition was left unheard.
Another reason as to why the practice had been going on thus far was the lack of attention from the principal and the Clan Leader.
They, however, had a change in this pattern with Kang-hyuk, who not only failed to fall into their trap but entrapped them instead!
In addition, when they had attempted to steal the debt contract back to destroy it, a 'ghost' showed up, and the ruckus caused by the teachers from the fear of it had drawn further attention to them.
Whilst they had decided to let it be in the meantime, they still had unfinished business with Kang-hyuk.
This was why they tried to pass on the burden of guiding the new students to Kang-hyuk. But as it happened, Oh-Tae himself was given the job.
As Oh-Tae was going crazy with fury inside, the meeting had progressed and was reaching its final stages.
”So, before the meeting finishes, does anyone have any further concerns that they would like to bring up?”
A hand went up. It was Kang-hyuk.
”Yes, what is it?”
Kang-hyuk answered bluntly, ”We need a practice plot for the Horticulture lessons.”
”A practicing plot?”
”Yes. When one is learning a musical instrument, you only need the instrument itself to practice and when one is learning calligraphy, you require ink, brushes and paper. Likewise, to learn horticulture, one requires a plot of land on which to practice and learn.”
Kang-hyuk had realized the importance of practice whilst he was creating the garden in his own residence.
”Er… I guess you're right.”
Eun Myeong-myeong could see the validity in Kang-hyuk's request.
”But regretfully, there aren't any unused plots of land in the Academy.”
”There isn't even the tiniest amount of land available?”
Eun Myeong-myeong couldn't understand why, but he could feel a cold sweat breaking out from Kang-hyuk's question.
It was unusual that a man who was clearly younger than him in age and in experience could make him feel intimidated.
However, there really was no land available.
”….No, there isn't.”
”I've heard that there's some land at that place called 'Forbidden Ground'.”
”...!”
Eun Myeong-myeong and the other teachers in the room stared at Kang-hyuk, agape at his remark.
There were several places within Jungwon that were forbidden, the most famous being the White Sun Valley, but there was another location which had been banned that was within the Hwacheon Academy grounds.
”You want to use that place as a practice plot? Do-doesn't it have quite a rough terrain...”
The principal was at a loss of words at Kang-hyuk's suggestion.
”It's fine. Even if it's rough terrain, the land within the terrain is useable, and we could still use it for gardening practice.”
”That...well, what I'm trying to say is….”
Eun Myeong-myeong's lips were trembling.
The reason wasn't simply due to the forbidden land having rough terrain. In order to protect the Academy's honour, the true reason was a hidden secret that only the teachers were aware of.
Therefore, some of the liberal arts teachers attempted to stop Kang-hyuk's inquisition into acquiring the land.
”It sounds okay, there shouldn't be a problem with it, right?”
An unexpected support for Kang-hyuk came from Oh-Tae.
”Oh Seonsaeng?”
Oh-Tae responded to Eun Myeong-myeong's bewilderment.
”It's not as though the space is being used for martial arts training, it's a gardening practice plot, and as Kang Seonsaeng said, only a small plot is needed and the innermost part of the land isn't dangerous. Hahaha.”
The other martial arts teachers murmured in agreement upon receiving an eye-signal from Oh-Tae.
As the atmosphere had changed in agreement to the idea, Eun Myeong-myeong was unable to oppose it as he couldn't reveal his true reasons.
”What if the students get into danger whilst they are there….”
”I will take responsibility for them.”
”Well if that's the case then I have no more to say. Go ahead.”
Kang-hyuk smiled brightly at his acquisition of the land whilst Oh-Tae and the other martial arts teachers looked at him and smirked.
It was because they were well aware of the circumstances behind the land.
'There's no way an accident can't occur at the forbidden land!'
'Does he really think the land is forbidden due to its poor terrain? What a fool!'
'He'll be writing a letter of resignation after an accident happens there.'
'If Kang Seonsaeng is walking towards his own death, it's good luck for us!'
'Hahaha.'
Whilst the martial arts teachers were celebrating, the liberal arts teachers were only able to gaze at Kang-hyuk in concern.
Kang-hyuk then decided to take it a step further.
”In that case, could you write an official permit? If I work hard on making the place suitable for practice, it would be unfortunate if I was stopped midway due to the lack of a permit.”
He recalled the words of a trusted aide from when he was the Clan Leader.
”Leader, keep in mind to never trust a verbal promise and to take contracts and promises in writing. You never know when the person will retract their words, but a piece of writing will provide you with solid assurance.”
The aide was the leader of the Jimilgak, and was known for his competence.
He asked Eun Myeong-myeong for an official written permit with the aide's advice in mind.
”I would like you to state my right to use the land as a practice plot clearly in the permit.”
”That's fine.”
Eun Myeong-myeong wrote the written permit without any protestations, and handed it over to Kang-hyuk.
”Does anyone else have something they'd like to bring up?”
The teacher collectively shook their heads at his question. Eun Myeong-myeong then looked over at Ok Hae-mi, who nodded.