636 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

“W-What on earth happened here?” Within the quarters of Jegal Hyang at the Jegal family residence, a voice filled with confusion flowed out from the room of the lady who had narrowly escaped death. “Miss Jegal Hyang?! Is everything alright?” The servant, hearing a voice from the room that had been silent all day, asked with concern just outside the door. “It’s nothing at all.” Jegal Hyang immediately denied it, but couldn’t completely hide her disturbed emotions from the servant. “Are you feeling unwell? I’ll call the physician immediately!” “N-No, it’s just that… I, I was startled awake by how hungry I was!” “Ah…….” “Do you think we might have a late-night snack?” “I’ll have a meal and medicine prepared at once.” Why did they accept it so easily? Maybe it’s because she often ate late-night snacks. Aside from the wound to her pride, it was a pretty effective excuse hastily put together. Jegal Hyang let out a small sigh of relief only after the sound of the servant’s footsteps faded away. “What should I do about this…….” A situation too incomprehensible had unfolded. Jegal Hyang struggled to understand the bewildering event that had happened to her. How did it all happen? Why did this occur? “I should go to Kang Gongja first!” She resolved to find the one person who might make sense of the current predicament. ** “It’s late.” An evening late into the night. Jang Yeong Yeong, the mistress of the Jegal family household, warmly welcomed her returning husband with a relieved expression. “Were you waiting up all this time, my wife?” Did he think she would be asleep? At the surprise of her husband’s expression, Jang Yeong Yeong responded playfully with a sly smile. “Did you visit the patient well? Sneakily going alone. How is our son-in-law?” “He seems to have lost a lot of weight. Although there’s no serious concern, I’ve instructed the physician to take another look.” “…….” Jang Yeong Yeong wordlessly smiled with her eyes at her husband’s reply. “Why do you smile so?” “You don’t object to calling him son-in-law anymore.” “Ahem!” He couldn’t deny it and let out an embarrassed cough. She knew what kind of words the husband must have shared with the son-in-law without needing to ask. “If only you had agreed sooner.” Even though there were unexpected events, it might have been resolved more smoothly. No matter the position of the mistress of the Jegal family, hearing that their daughter could die made it difficult to remain composed. Jang Yeong Yeong finally expressed her long-held regrets once her husband acknowledged their son-in-law. “I never thought he was inadequate. It was a matter of whether he was sufficient.” Jegal Geuk replied with a wry smile at his wife’s playful complaint. Initially, he had been quite angry about the young man living with their youngest daughter without his permission. But what transpired afterward? A successor of the renowned trading firm Mangumjeonjang, skilled in rhetoric and business, a revered raid leader, acclaimed author who shook Hoebuk Province, and the one who passed the immensely difficult Huncheonmiri formation. Not to mention, he harbored undeniable love for their daughter. There was no deficiency in him as a son-in-law for our daughter. There were many reasons to be convinced—except one. “What isn’t enough about our son-in-law?” “He already has a fiancée. Despite his talents, marriage is not solely about abilities.” It wasn’t something the father could easily overlook that the one who came to take his precious daughter had hidden the fact that he already had a fiancée. “That's true.” “When I asked if he loved our daughter the most, he couldn’t answer. He called it a harsh question, but from a father’s perspective, what could be seen positively?” The complicated situation involving two fiancée due to his father-in-law’s schemes was understood. Still, even a simple sweet talk to please a hopeful father wasn’t forthcoming. “He’s a smart boy who could say as much. The fact he didn’t means something.” Jegal Geuk nodded at his wife's words. As a merchant and an author, surely he knew what words were expected. “Opening up the boy's heart isn't within my means.” It was likely a pride he couldn’t yield. A determined expression that he wouldn’t rank the order of love, given his unavoidable dual engagement. As a husband of two women, as the head of a household, it was a demeanor he must consistently maintain, but as a father wishing his daughter to be the most cherished, it was unsettling. “Ultimately, there was a chance to confirm.” “Above all, how many men who profess love would choose love over their own life at a critical moment?” Jegal Geuk nodded, recalling what Kang Yoon Ho had said when going to save his daughter. “To weigh love on a scale is absurd.” It wasn’t merely a situation that could have cost him his life. He prioritized their daughter even if it meant placing his life on the scale. How could one not recognize such a man as their son-in-law? “I am at ease knowing that.” “Now it really seems sufficient. Although I’m still a bit vexed he didn’t claim she was his first.” “It’s a little late to pretend you have reservations after personally selecting each good medicinal herb for your son-in-law.” “Ho-How did you know?!” “A whole day of visiting patients was plenty to find out.” Jang Yeong Yeong laughed at her husband, who, surprised, stepped back slightly. “I only mentioned it because he always complained of aches in the winter due to the incident, so I was being considerate not to burden our daughter.” “Yes, yes. Your words are ever so smooth.” “My wife…….” Just say it’s a belated show of love for your son-in-law, and let it go. Though Jang Yeong Yeong wanted to tease her startled husband more, she gave up to avoid him pouting and broached the next topic. “What should be done about the wedding date?” “There’s no need to rush it. We should first send someone to the Dang family to clear any misunderstandings. Only then should we proceed with wedding discussions.” “I wonder if they’ll take it well, considering our son-in-law’s complicated family situation.” Even from an outsider’s perspective, the rift between father and son seemed deep. Jang Yeong Yeong spoke with concern. "Still, he is your father. We must maintain a certain level of respect, and your father-in-law must also wake up. Let's discuss it further when the weather improves." "Winter is in full swing. It's cold, and I hope everyone recovers soon." The air was chilly. The events that began in late autumn had only settled now that winter had come. Jang Yeong Yeong worried over her family, who lay bedridden in the cold winter, and her expression darkened. "I’ve sent physicians to your father-in-law, so we'll receive news soon. How is Hyang doing?" "She’s still sleeping all day. Occasionally, she just opens her eyes to take some medicine or a meal." "Wasn't that often the case with her? Don't worry too much." “Even after narrowly escaping death, she refused to eat, waiting for her husband! I really... Is there truly no issue?” When a loved one has risked their life, how can you tell them not to wait? Even as a mother, it was a hard thing to say. “The physicians said there are no major issues. Once she’s better, we’ll ask the elders to examine her again.” “Yes, that sounds good. Oh, and you asked them to pay attention to our son-in-law’s meals, didn’t you?” “...Sometimes I feel like too much leaks out from this household.” Even as the matron of the house, isn't this excessive? Jegal Geuk muttered with a slightly disgruntled expression. "Because it's your task. What did you ask them to provide?" “I just instructed them to serve patient meals that youngsters would like these days.” He had specifically requested healthy dishes that would appeal to the young. Jegal Geuk simply laughed. *** “What is this?” The morning after a sleepless night due to excitement over my father-in-law’s—no, my father’s—approval of the marriage, I couldn’t help but inquire about the unusual breakfast the servant brought. "The master has prepared a special Jegal family nourishing soup for you, Gongja. It’s called Simnyeong Gye-tang (心靈鷄湯)." Simnyeong Gye-tang (心靈鷄湯). Even the name sounds as though it could restore your vitality. A name worthy of being listed alongside ginseng chicken soup for its nourishing properties. Being a special Jegal family tonic, the aroma and appearance seemed to indicate it was made with premium ingredients. It probably tasted delightful too. Except for one small issue. “This is just chicken noodle soup, isn’t it?” As if anyone would be fooled. Anyone could see this isn't Simnyeong Gye-tang but rather plain chicken noodle soup. “When not taken as medicine but as a dish, it's called that sometimes.” “Come on…” I know well enough how ordinary cooking ingredients can be draped in medicinal titles. Still, some things should maintain their limits. “Aren’t your mind and body quite weary? At such a time, chicken noodle soup for the soul (心靈鷄湯) is just what's needed.” “Am I still trapped?” Am I possibly unable to escape the world of Sanha Sajikdo? “Pardon?” “Nothing. Since it's prepared with my father-in-law’s consideration, of course, I will enjoy it gratefully.” “The chef has put great care into crafting this restorative meal with excellent ingredients. Once you finish, I'll see that your medicine is prepared.” “Please pass on my thanks for the care.” With the encouragement to enjoy my meal, the servant left the room. I reluctantly lifted my spoon. “It is tasty.” Although it's the Jegal family's special tonic dish I'm indulging in, not just chicken noodle soup. I'm eating Simnyeong Gye-tang. Though I enjoyed every last drop, my hands slightly trembled. “I feel better treated these days.” Is it because my father-in-law has accepted me? It seems people’s gazes have become more favorable. “I should see Miss Jegal as soon as I gather enough strength.” It was as I murmured contentedly when— 一 Clatter. I heard a suspicious noise from a corner of the room. A sound I was quite familiar with, one that others might not notice. I immediately turned my head toward the source. “Hyangmae, there’s no need to sneak into my room anymore.” What came into view was an all-too-familiar box. “Gagaga…….” Inside the box was Jegal Sojeo, looking somehow anxious.