🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter : 15
The entire Samryeong Mansion was thrown into chaos, with clamor echoing in every corner. But the place that was the most uproarious of all was none other than the Namgung family estate.
Ever since rumors involving Yu Geonmyeong began circulating, the head of the household, Namgung Cheok, called Yeonhwa in, in his capacity as her father.
However, after Yeonhwa went only once out of every three invitations and simply stood there silently, he decided to change tactics.
He began seeking Yu Geonmyeong himself.
Yu Geonmyeong had visited the Namgung mansion several times and, though it was somewhat bothersome, he casually shrugged it off as nothing serious.
But how could Yeonhwa not notice the cunning malice of the head of the family, who tormented people like they were gnawed upon from the inside?
“Yet I said at least we should go together when discussing marriage!”
He had spread rumors under the pretense of observing the situation, only to rush off alone.
“Who behaves like this?”
Yeonhwa stomped her feet in anger as she walked, then suddenly paused, realizing her behavior seemed childish. She shook her head vigorously and pressed her lips together.
“It’s all because of Master Yu. He keeps doing childish things, and I end up reacting to them…”
After deciding to show a well-behaved front in public for a while to make their relationship known, Yu Geonmyeong’s actions were more than enough to fluster Yeonhwa.
It made sense—he had approached suddenly, making her think it was an ambush, and she had almost struck him with her sword, risking serious injury. Yet he just scratched his cheek and said it was a joke.
Then he picked flowers by the roadside and offered them to her. Not knowing why, she thought he disliked flowers and avoided them, leaving them aside, only to see him walk away sulking.
Then he immediately returned and asked why she hadn’t followed, leaving Yeonhwa thinking he had lost his mind.
As she pondered how to rectify choosing the wrong prospective fiancé, she was bewildered when she was told it was simply the playful behavior of lovers.
Something more perplexing than unfamiliar martial arts techniques or an awkward sword?
Meeting a boy her age on equal footing for the first time felt like facing a new problem every day.
And of course, Yeonhwa was a diligent, hardworking type.
Even when uncomfortable or difficult, she kept trying, and eventually she became accustomed to the problems created by Yu Geonmyeong!
Feeling a twinge of injustice, she was about to step forward again when she suddenly realized—ah!
She had been blaming others all along.
Embarrassment made Yeonhwa’s cheeks flush bright red.
The warmth spread across her pale skin, bringing her face to life like a blooming flower. Anyone who saw it might easily mistake it for the blush of love.
Rarely, she actually looked her age, not the surreal, almost lifeless beauty she usually carried.
Rubbing her cheek with the back of her hand to cool it down, Yeonhwa tried to loosen her steps and walk lightly—but suddenly, someone appeared, blocking her path.
“You… just now…!”
A low voice spoke, and the person engulfed Yeonhwa entirely in his shadow.
Without a chance to defend herself, she looked up at him, trapped.
For a moment, she thought she must be seeing things.
The absolute master, known across the world for his ferocity, was pale.
“What is the meaning of this?”
Yeonhwa asked, and Tak Museong’s eyes twisted in displeasure.
“What meaning? This is for you. Yeonhwa, how could you deceive us until now, hmm?”
“Deceive? What are you talking about?”
“Feign ignorance, even now?”
Tak Museong exuded a threatening aura, yet Yeonhwa did not flinch.
Even if the surroundings were devastated and chaos reigned, she knew not a single hair on her head would be harmed.
It had always been that way.
‘As long as I don’t cry and cling to keep it from being taken, this person can’t take anything from me.’
Breaking her silence, Yeonhwa finally spoke.
“Marriage is a family matter. I merely judged that obtaining permission from the head of the household and the elders would give a proper reason to be formally introduced to my brothers.”
When her explanation seemed insufficient, she added:
“Besides, is there anything in the Martial Alliance that could be done in secret from Samryeong anyway?”
“If you did it knowing this, it would be an even bigger problem.”
“Had you been concerned, you could have called me to check long ago.”
“…….”
“You must have thought there was no need. After all, the younger sister of the brothers is young and inexperienced; she could not possibly find her own match.”
Yeonhwa’s faint smile at the end was dry and completely opposite to the expression she had before Tak Museong appeared.
He folded back his hands behind his back, restraining the urge to reach out.
“We only sought to prevent your failure.”
Tilting her head as if she couldn’t understand, Yeonhwa replied:
“Do you mean that my liking swords is a failure? Or that I cannot eat spicy food is a failure? Or that I reached for blue before red…?”
She paused briefly, recalling someone, her gaze dropping.
“Is it really a failure that I came to like someone who suddenly entered my life and want to be with him?”
No—it was not a failure, but a choice. A trait shaped over time. A defining quality, a uniqueness that made her herself.
Of course, she did not expect the other person to immediately understand or accept it.
If people in Samryeong could be swayed with just a few words, the consequences for the world would be immense. That was truly frightening.
Hence, Yeonhwa no longer felt disappointment toward the unyielding family.
“Brother, Master Yu is not from the Nine House Factions or the Five Great Clans, so he will not greatly affect the internal power balance of the Alliance.”
Not only that:
“Even if Master Yu is not as affluent as Brother Uijun, he comes from a wealthy merchant family. No matter what the Namgung family demands in exchange for me, he could comply.”
Yeonhwa spoke as if predicting the future.
“Most importantly, Master Yu is gentle and bright. He cherishes me and makes me smile. If I marry him, I will surely be happy.”
Her confidence shone brightly.
Tak Museong felt as if his sister were running far ahead on her own.
His hands, folded behind him, loosened instinctively.
He wanted to grab her and pull her back immediately.
But she likely would not yield as before.
‘She will surely resist.’
Though he did not mind her childishness, Tak Museong worried she might hurt herself in the process.
He resented Suhodan Leader Gu Heeryang, who had unnecessarily exposed her to such dangerous rigor.
…And how fortunate it was.
The timing had been perfect, giving Yeonhwa the opportunity to confront a young upstart.
When Tak Museong’s expression hardened, Yeonhwa asked:
“Brother, do you and the other two oppose my marriage?”
She inwardly thought it could not be.
If Samryeong truly opposed, the Namgung family would have immediately nipped any rumors in the bud.
Yeonhwa was pointing out the inconsistency in Tak Museong’s actions.
He pressed his brows together and answered, “No. But there is no need to rush. Marriage is a truly important matter in one’s life, is it not?”
If Yeonhwa had not reported to Ji Wonhyung that she was secretly gathering information on suitable candidates among Samryeong’s followers, and was not hiding this fact, he might have been more willing to trust her.
Though being under Samryeong’s protection was difficult, the benefits far outweighed the hardship.
As long as Samryeong had not harmed Brother Seonyu, there was much to repay in the future.
Above all, simply staying by her side when she was scared after Brother Seonyu’s death was a kindness…
Yeonhwa did not wish to truly hate them.
“Brother, I am not proposing to marry immediately. The family is eager for the marriage, so first, I will arrange an engagement to ease the elders’ worries and choose a suitable time for the wedding later.”
This seemed a compromise, and Tak Museong’s aggressive demeanor softened slightly.
Satisfied, Yeonhwa estimated it was time to leave.
“I have places to be, so I should go. Brother, do you have any other business with me?”
“Business? Are you going to see that child?”
His tone sharpened again.
By now, Yeonhwa’s expression had completely hardened.
“Do you truly consider me your sister?”
“What?”
“Look at your behavior. Are you really treating me as your sister?”
Yeonhwa meant to point out how they treated her like a doll, but it sounded entirely different to them.
“Explain what you mean by that…”
Tak Museong stepped closer, aiming to grab her shoulder, when suddenly a presence approached urgently.
Even distracted by Yeonhwa, Tak Museong’s martial skill was unparalleled.
Bang!
With a flick of his hand, the newcomer was thrown back by the force.
Turning, Yeonhwa cried out in surprise:
“Master Yu!”
Shaking off Tak Museong’s hand from her shoulder, she ran toward Yu Geonmyeong.
