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Chapter 5
I realized what had happened and my face turned hot. No matter how amazing Baek Mu-wol was, this was too much. How long had it been since I said family was the most important? And now, I was distracted by the man in front of me.
“Sorry, brother.”
“…I only told you to be careful. Why are you feeling guilty again?”
“I’m not guilty, I just feel sorry.”
“Same difference.”
My brother shot me a look and then stood up. Baek Mu-wol was asking Jeom So-i if there was a room available. My brother smoothed the wrinkles in his clothes and said seriously,
“You two eat without me. I can’t miss this opportunity.”
“Good luck.”
If I followed him, people would probably think he was trying to bring me and Baek Mu-wol together.
Even though I stared too much earlier, everyone else did too, so it was fine. At this point, anyone who wasn’t surprised by him would probably seem strange.
I watched my brother naturally start talking to Baek Mu-wol. After a brief conversation, they moved to another room in a cheerful mood. It was clear my brother wanted to serve tea to Baek Mu-wol in the best room.
As expected, my brother didn’t miss opportunities. I clenched my fist and silently wished him luck. Then I noticed Nan-hyang, who looked completely dazed.
“I think I’m really crazy,” she said.
“Why?”
“Let’s walk for a bit. I need to calm down.”
“What about lunch?”
Nan-hyang ignored me and stood up quickly. I had no choice but to ask Jeom So-i to serve the food later and followed her. The streets were chaotic because of Baek Mu-wol’s arrival.
“Really, he’s staying at Hanlim Inn? That’s strange. Usually people go to the best rooms first.”
“It’s quiet and clean there. The rumors about his modesty must be true.”
“True, he’s not from a noble family anyway.”
Unlike the crowd rushing to the inn, we walked in the opposite direction. We walked for a long time, but Nan-hyang didn’t seem to calm down at all.
It looked like she wanted to go all the way to the pond we usually visit when we were upset. After some time, I quickly stepped close to her and said,
“Nan-hyang.”
“Just a little further, let me walk.”
“No, we have to stop.”
“I’m not calm yet—ahh!”
Nan-hyang almost fell forward, but I quickly grabbed her arm. She clung to me, shocked.
“What? How did we get here?”
“I told you several times, but you didn’t listen.”
“Thank you. Without you, I’d have ruined my clothes. You’re amazing.”
She rubbed my arm with a curious expression.
“How are you so strong?”
“It’s natural.”
“Even brother Jin-han lifts heavy things too… you’re really amazing.”
After rubbing my arm a few more times, she let go. We crossed the bridge side by side and climbed onto the pavilion. Leaning against a pillar, we looked at the pond. Nan-hyang spoke first.
“Earlier, I could only see brother Jin-han.”
“What’s surprising? You always do that.”
“But Baek Mu-wol was right there too. Yet brother Jin-han looked so much more handsome.”
“Really? Thank you for seeing him that way.”
“That’s not the point!”
She shouted and put her hand on her chest.
“I think I like brother Jin-han way more than I thought. I’ve never felt this before.”
She ruffled her hair.
“Do I look weird?”
I shook my head immediately.
“No.”
“Really?”
“Yes. It’s just… amazing. I can like someone who isn’t family. Even if I marry, I think I’d only love my spouse after marriage.”
That love would probably feel small compared to the love I had for my family. That’s why I found Nan-hyang so amazing. But I didn’t want to be like her.
“I want to marry brother Jin-han.”
“…You might actually be the most suitable woman he knows.”
Right now, Nan-hyang couldn’t think of anything except brother Jin-han. She would probably stay like this for a while.
I never wanted to love someone that much. Loving my family was enough for me. I also hoped the other person wouldn’t love me too much.
I hated myself for feeling this way, but I couldn’t help it. If I received any more love, I’d feel suffocated. Thinking that made me dizzy, so I closed my eyes.
Somewhere, a clear wind blew. The flowers in the field swayed gently. An old man, feeling the wind with his eyes closed, slowly opened them.
The clear, open sky filled his vision. As he admired it, he sensed someone approaching.
“Grandfather, you’re here again.”
A man in blue clothes came closer. The old man tapped his shoulder.
“Sometimes it’s healthy to get fresh air.”
“But please tell me before you go out. We searched for you for a long time.”
“Haha… everyone seems very concerned about me.”
“Of course. You’re no ordinary person, Grandfather.”
The man sat beside the old man.
“So why did you call me here today?”
“Namgung Yuhan, I need to talk to you.”
Yuhan’s expression immediately became serious. The old man said,
“I heard Yuwon’s marriage partner hasn’t been chosen yet.”
“Yes. But since it’s your sibling’s marriage, it’s only natural to be cautious.”
Yuhan stroked his chin.
“The one who marries my sibling will be the future head of our Namgung family. So my parents are careful. But no perfect woman has appeared for Yuwon yet.”
“…”
“Why is that?”
In a low voice, the old man said,
“I have a girl in mind for Yuwon’s bride.”
“What? You, Grandfather?!”
“Shh, lower your voice.”
He pressed Yuhan’s shoulder down to stop him from standing.
“Only you should know for now. Nothing is decided yet.”
“But why tell me instead of Father?”
“Because you care for Yuwon the most in the family.”
“Ha! Of course. But who is she? I’m so curious just knowing Grandfather is interested.”
Yuhan’s eyes spun with excitement.
“Please tell me!”
“I can’t. I haven’t even met her yet.”
“…What?”
“I said she’s only someone I’m considering as a bride.”
“Just in thought?”
The old man nodded.
“I’ll decide after meeting her personally.”
“Still, I’m excited. Will she please Grandfather?”
Yuhan tried to stand again, but the old man calmly sat him back down. Yuhan was excitable when it came to Yuwon, which was a problem.
Though it was a flaw for a martial family member, the old man couldn’t help but admire his grandson’s care for his sibling. A gentle smile appeared on his face.
“Do you want Yuwon to marry soon?”
“I just want to see him happy. Didn’t you say marriage made you truly happy, Grandfather?”
“Indeed.”
The old man recalled his past. Weak and poor at martial arts, he had lost the competition to become family head and was unloved by anyone. But after marriage, his life completely changed.
His wife cared for him and gave him a talented son. Though she died young, his son grew to lead the Namgung family well.
The old man’s gentle smile returned as Yuhan clenched his fist.
“Marriage really is wonderful! I hope Yuwon finds the perfect woman soon!”
“No.”
Yuhan looked confused as the old man interrupted.
“What do you mean ‘no’?”
“I hope the child isn’t perfect.”
“What? But she should be perfect!”
“Of course, wisdom to lead the Namgung family is important. But her happiness is my priority.”
The old man thought of Yuwon, who always pursued perfection. Without flexibility, even a perfect spouse could be too much. That’s why he was drawn to So-jin, a girl he thought could balance Yuwon.
“So-jin is gentle and calm but not rigid. She can express her feelings and care for others.”
“I hope she becomes Yuwon’s breath of fresh air.”
Thinking of the righteous Yuwon suffocating, it seemed impossible. The old man hoped So-jin was truly a good girl.
“Grandfather, we should go back. It looks like it will rain soon.”
“Let’s.”
The old man stood and walked with Yuhan.
