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Chapter : 31
“Has the promotion to the Inspection Corps been approved?”
Yeonhwa’s voice rose slightly.
When the other person nodded, she thanked the clerk who had come from the Personnel Department of the Martial Alliance.
The clerk modestly replied that it was simply his duty and disappeared immediately.
Having officially completed her studies at the academy, Yeonhwa now had to decide where she would stay…
She had to choose between her old residence at the Namgung Manor, which she had used since childhood, and the new quarters that Yoo Geonmyeong had prepared after the engagement ceremony on the Daejungsangdan side.
“On the surface, it looks like a choice, but right after the engagement, the Namgung Manor quarters were eliminated by the head of the house.”
It seemed that the previous evening, the daughter, who had already annoyed him, had further damaged her reputation by clashing with the Grand Elder and Namgung Hyechan, the next Grand Sub-Head, as punishment.
Could it have been intentional?
If Yeonhwa had left on her own, it would be one thing.
But if rumors spread that she had been forced to move by her elders, she would feel ashamed, apologize for past incidents, and ask for the rumor to be corrected.
Apparently, they hadn’t considered that their own actions would appear far more disgraceful than any rumor about Yeonhwa herself.
“Do I really need to stay at Namgung Manor?”
Although she had matters to attend to, they were connected to people, not places.
“They’re capable enough. It’s fine if I see them elsewhere. If they really care, they might even come to me first.”
That would give her more legitimacy in handling future matters.
“Who’s here?”
“From the Personnel Department.”
“Could it be—?”
“Yes, your promotion to the Inspection Corps has been approved.”
“Congratulations!”
Yoo Geonmyeong said with a broad smile.
Yeonhwa nodded, then asked curiously,
“Where are you going?”
“No, I was just on my way to ask if you’ve moved all your belongings and if you need anything… but then I was told a guest had arrived, so I came.”
He probably thought someone from the Namgung family came to pick a quarrel, which is why he hurried to her.
“That’s fine.”
Yoo Geonmyeong gave no further response, instead walking beside her.
The northern and southern martial worlds had the Martial Alliance at their center, and the merchants and groups from the north living in the merchant district were limited by the size of the land. Naturally, the Daejungbang, which settled late, had smaller accommodations compared to the tribute they paid.
The path from the main gate to Yeonhwa’s residence was short.
After only a few steps, they arrived at Yeonhwa’s quarters. Yoo Geonmyeong scratched the back of his head.
“This… is my residence.”
He pointed to a small two-room residence visible just by turning one’s head.
Yeonhwa frowned; she clearly remembered her old residence having three rooms and even a storage space.
Seeing her expression, Yoo Geonmyeong explained,
“There aren’t many people staying in Daejungsangdan within the Martial Alliance. I don’t have much luggage or anything to do, so it’s better for you to stay in the larger quarters, Yeonhwa.”
She opened her mouth to disagree but stopped.
Was this really worth arguing over?
Besides…
“Miss!”
Hongri, who was tidying up the room, came running when she heard Yeonhwa’s voice.
She must have been worried about Yeonhwa feeling uneasy in an unfamiliar place.
“I’ve finished tidying everything! Do you have anything else for me to do?”
Her expression wasn’t bad.
Though she still watched carefully, her occasional smiles showed that she seemed genuinely pleased to have left the Namgung family.
The family had initially wanted to send her off empty-handed, saying no dowry was needed since it wasn’t a marriage, but insisting on bringing one personal maid seemed to have been the right choice.
“You already cleaned all three rooms?”
“Yes!”
Her response was crisp.
‘The Chief Manager recommended a good child.’
If the Chief Manager hadn’t suggested she take her, Yeonhwa would have simply thanked those who helped during the engagement ceremony and left. There wouldn’t have been any need to bring her here.
Looking at the main building, Yeonhwa asked Yoo Geonmyeong,
“There should be an extra room since we don’t need a study. Can I use it freely?”
“Of course. You can use it however you want… um, may I ask for what purpose?”
“I was thinking of bringing one more person here.”
“Is that person Ji Gongja?”
“Yes. Since Wonhyeong has also completed the academy, he needs a place to stay, so I was planning to look for guest rooms within the Martial Alliance.”
Yoo Geonmyeong couldn’t easily approve.
If he hesitated, she might retract her request, feeling she had overstepped.
Quickly suppressing his discomfort, he filled his expression only with disappointment.
“I suspected as much. How could you give a room in the same building to another man?”
“He’s not another man; he’s my subordinate.”
“Just because he’s your subordinate doesn’t mean Ji Gongja becomes a woman.”
“W-well… that’s true.”
“Having another man under the same roof right after the engagement would cause scandal. How about this: I’ll say that, because of you, I got to know Ji Gongja and invited him to stay in my room.”
“Is that really okay?”
Yeonhwa looked at him.
Yoo Geonmyeong met her gaze with clear eyes.
“Of course. Since Ji Gongja is your closest ally, you’ll still see him often. This is a good chance to strengthen your bond. Who knows? This connection might last a lifetime.”
Yeonhwa agreed.
“Wonhyeong is worth it, after all.”
Seeing her, who often misjudged things despite appearances, smile, he quickly straightened his expression.
Seeing his serious face, she hurriedly said,
“This is good news. I should tell Wonhyeong.”
Apparently, she had been worried about Ji Gongja’s residence more than she had shown.
“Let’s go together. If I tell him myself, maybe Ji Gongja will become closer faster.”
Her agreement made sense to him.
Once they left, Hongri, left alone, busied herself with other tasks.
The first day at Daejungbang passed.
Yeonhwa was happy, but someone else received news like a thunderbolt.
“She’s in the Inspection Corps? How did Samryeong approve?”
“Wasn’t she at odds with Samryeong? Didn’t no one from Samryeong accept her cup at the engagement ceremony?”
Hearing the complaints, Inspection Corps Chief Dohyeongrye shook his head.
“If she really had a problem with them, would she have attended the engagement? No. The engagement wouldn’t have happened at all.”
“Exactly. At that time, it was said that she decided too hastily, and Samryeong merely wanted to warn her future husband not to act recklessly.”
Dohyeongrye, with the Deputy Chief agreeing, raised his voice.
“She’s a precious young lady. Don’t cause trouble and treat her well, understood?”
“Ha, what’s there to see in such a little brat…!”
Those murmuring, hoping to get a recommendation from Samryeong and transfer elsewhere, added,
“She’s just a kid who just became an adult. If we coax her carefully, we can make her do as we wish.”
Their whispers spread quietly.
“Can we just leave them be?”
Deputy Chief Idoujin asked, worried about potential trouble. Dohyeongrye’s lips tightened.
“Do you think they’ll listen? We should just hope she realizes what the Inspection Corps really is and quits quickly.”
“Right, that would be best.”
Yet, contrary to their wishes…
The previously unnoticed Inspection Corps seemed poised to become the center of a storm, sending shivers down their spines.
And a few days later…
As expected!
An uninvited guest burst through the Inspection Corps’ door.
KRAAAASH!
Yeonhwa looked down at the broken door at her feet.
She hadn’t intended to make such a strong first impression, but what could she do?
“Hello, I am Namgung Yeonhwa, a new member of the Inspection Corps.”
After her greeting, she looked inside the Hapyonggwan, the building shared by the Inspection Corps and other minor departments.
Some of them went pale.
Yeonhwa unfolded the paper in her hand toward them.
“I don’t know who played this prank, but there was nothing to learn from it.”
At her words, Dohyeongrye, the Inspection Corps Chief, quickly signaled the Deputy Chief.
Idoujin, unwilling to approach but forced to step forward, felt his bones chill under the overwhelming pressure.
‘They’re going to use someone like her?’
He clenched his teeth, realizing that the trouble caused by the lower-ranking members had now bounced back onto him.
