Chapter 26
He let out a small sigh and continued talking while sitting across from Datak.
“I wasn’t originally a member of the Namgung family. I was lucky to be adopted, which brought me this far.”
This was a story Hongseol already knew well. Namgung Muyeong continued with a bitter expression.
“That’s why I went to such lengths for Jongwoo. If your roots are weak, the leaves must at least look lush. I had no choice but to do so to ensure my grandson wouldn’t be underestimated by others.”
After saying that, he let out a long sigh.
“But I suppose it turned out to be poison for Jongwoo. Seeing how reckless and thoughtless he became… I hear he even picked a fight with you at the training grounds before martial arts class?”
Ah, the shoe incident.
“Was that really considered a fight?”
In the innocent mind of Hongseol, it seemed like a trivial matter.
“Also, I hear he even acted disrespectfully toward Young Master Namgung Baek.”
Did he… really?
“No matter how I think about it, I don’t recall Namgung Jongwoo ever behaving rudely toward my older brother.”
Hongseol had no way of knowing that Namgung Baek, in addition to grabbing Jongwoo by the ankle and scolding him, had deliberately spread rumors so that the family elders would hear about it.
“Anyway, Jongwoo has regained his senses. He’s reconciled with me. And that’s all thanks to you, Hongseol.”
Truly thankful, Namgung Muyeong bowed deeply once again.
“Oh, it’s nothing…”
The unexpected praise from an elder felt as sweet as honey. Hongseol, flustered, blushed.
“So, I want to give you a gift.”
“A gift?”
Hongseol tilted her head at the surprising words.
“Yes. What do you think it might be?”
Could it be something like candy?
“…Candy?”
Upon hearing that, Namgung Muyeong’s face turned red and purple, and he burst out loudly.
“What nonsense is this!”
The strict elder pounded his chest with his fists.
“I am Elder Namgung Muyeong! Despite appearances, I own the largest merchant guild in Habi!”
While saying that, he made a hand gesture with his thumb and forefinger, imitating the shape of money.
Though he seemed fierce outwardly, his heart was completely different.
Hongseol’s eyes widened as she watched Namgung Muyeong’s gestures, and a pure smile slowly formed on her face.
This is fun!
This grandfather is fun!
Hongseol’s eyes sparkled, encountering a former commoner for the first time in her life.
“Do you think I would give candy and expect a simple ‘thank you’?”
“Wow!”
Hongseol, her anticipation growing, swallowed nervously. Her small hands fidgeted with excitement, and Namgung Muyeong unconsciously smiled in satisfaction.
“I’ll give you the choice between two gifts.”
“What are they?”
“The first is… clothing.”
Namgung Muyeong pulled out a box wrapped in silk cloth. The box was made of pale blue jade.
Hongseol’s gaze fell on the box.
The packaging is so meticulous. It must be something valuable.
Her cheeks flushed red, and her heart thumped.
Click.
When Namgung Muyeong unfastened the clasp and lifted the clothes,
“Oh?”
Hongseol couldn’t help but let out a sound of surprise.
In Namgung Muyeong’s hands was a tattered martial arts uniform.
It had no holes or tears, but the sleeves were worn down, clearly an old item.
It was as if it had just been dug up from a grave, completely decayed.
Noticing Hongseol’s disappointed expression, Namgung Muyeong smiled knowingly.
“You don’t like it?”
“Oh, no, it’s not that…”
Hongseol waved her hands, her face red.
I can’t look disappointed when it’s something he prepared just for me!
Trying to keep her expression bright, Hongseol asked,
“What about the other one?”
Though clearly disappointed, she hid her feelings and asked about the next gift.
A smile of amusement spread across Namgung Muyeong’s lips.
“The other gift, unlike this old uniform, is something you deeply desire.”
Something I deeply desire?
What could it be?
Namgung Muyeong whispered discreetly to Hongseol, who blinked in surprise.
“Don’t you want to become a member of the Namgung family?”
Hongseol’s heart sank at those words.
“Y-You… knew?”
She was so surprised she blurted out her thoughts, then immediately felt embarrassed.
I never spoke it aloud, not even once…
She felt ashamed, as if her secret thoughts had been discovered.
“Of course. Anyone who looks upon the Namgung family’s clear skies even once will be captivated.”
Especially a child with no one else to rely on.
Hongseol bit her lips, her face reddening, and asked quietly.
Her small hands were folded politely in front of her.
“…Can I really become a member of the Namgung family?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t have even mentioned it if there were no way.”
“How?”
Curiosity sparked in Hongseol’s eyes. Namgung Muyeong spoke gently, almost teasingly.
“It’s simple… by marriage.”
“Marriage?”
“Yes. It’s when a man and a woman promise to be together for life and make it known to the world.”
“Can I become a member of the Namgung family by marrying just anyone?”
“Not anyone. You must marry someone with the Namgung name to become a member.”
“Hmm…”
Hongseol pondered for a moment, then, carefully observing, said,
“But I don’t want to marry you, grandfather…”
“W-What!”
Namgung Muyeong blew out hot air in shock. Meanwhile, Hongseol hesitated and added,
“I’m sorry, but… I like someone with a beautiful face…”
This was the innocent cruelty of a child, tearing the wings off a dragonfly.
Her lowered gaze, sincerely apologetic, only made Namgung Muyeong more exasperated.
“No, I was once… no! What foolish thoughts are in that tiny head of yours?”
His face, including his sparse crown hair, was bright red.
“This old man has a grandmother at home who seems too precious to hurt! Don’t ever spout such nonsense elsewhere!”
“Then why did you even mention marriage?”
“Hmm. There is already a Namgung child I have in mind as your partner.”
A partner?
For some reason, Hongseol immediately thought of a boy with beautiful silver hair.
“My grandson, Jongwoo. Handsome, isn’t he?”
Hongseol shut her mouth tight at that.
He wasn’t unattractive, but to Hongseol, he wasn’t impressive. She had already seen the most beautiful members of the Namgung family: white, black, and red.
“Hmm…”
“If you marry Jongwoo, you’ll also become a member of the Namgung family. Plus, you’ll have a real family of your own.”
Family?
Hongseol’s heart skipped a beat.
The family of Namgung Jongwoo, who came to cheer for the martial arts match, would become my family?
The parents of Jongwoo, who cheered with concern and support, would become hers.
This was truly what Hongseol wanted, even more than the Namgung name itself.
Namgung Muyeong cleared his throat.
“Of course, I will also become your grandfather. I will devote myself fully to protecting you for life.”
Because that’s what family is.
Hongseol’s heart was deeply shaken.
“So, which will you choose? This old uniform, or the Namgung name and a real family?”
“I… I…”
After hesitating for a long moment, Hongseol took a deep breath and said firmly in one breath.
