677 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Somehow, I had a feeling it would turn out like this. “How long do you plan to just stand there? Won't you at least join me for a warm cup of tea?" When I stood frozen with a dumbfounded expression, Jang Noya, stretching as if he was itching from lying down too much, got up immediately after. Was he really a patient lying down just moments ago? Mang Geum Jeonju sat calmly at the table, while the servant who hurriedly brought out the tea set seemed even more perplexed. “Lee Gang Yoon Ho. It truly fills me with emotion to see you so well.” Trying to calm my bewildered mind in this absurd situation, I offered a sardonic greeting to Jang Noya. “How did you know?” Mang Geum Jeonju brushed off my greeting indifferently and poured tea into my cup, gesturing for me to sit. “Even before I left, the physicians unanimously sang praises about your flawless recovery. Moreover, upon arriving, the famed physician from the Jegal family seemed visibly reluctant about the patient being so kind.” “Tsk tsk. This is why being a workaholic is a problem. Even when paid to rest easy, he couldn't stay still.” Was it a bribe? This really is too much. I plopped into the chair and picked up the teacup. “There was also a matter with the documents.” “Documents?” “It seemed the chancellor had finalized the new year’s budget. Of course, in business, a financial crunch can be dire, but for an expense significant enough to warrant such spending, it should require the ultimate approver's consent.” The organized documents certainly indicated they were stamped. “Didn’t you appoint a substitute chancellor before you left?” “I expected the chancellor to send documents to the Jegal family, but he seemed unlikely to overstep his boundaries.” Even a substitute knows where not to cross the line. Moreover, considering the days it takes to reach the Jegal family from our place, it’s unlikely he would overreach. “Indeed...” Perhaps Jang Noya had well assessed my loyalty. He took a satisfied sip of tea. “Unless, of course, the chancellor held ill intentions towards Mang Geum Jeonju. But given how they’ve supported me even in emergencies, it’s unlikely. It indicates someone else stamped the papers in my stead.” I didn't stamp it, yet the document indicates the final approver did. I've only one suspect in mind. “That's right. I stamped it for you.” I wasn’t entirely sure. I only felt suspicious. “I came in to verify, and seeing the shoes confirmed it further.” “Shoes?” Mang Geum Jeonju looked puzzled, lifting the worn-out leather shoes he wore. “Shoes usually show signs of use or tidiness. Yet, they were carelessly placed under the bed. For someone who’s been bedridden for months, it’s an unnecessary item, even more so if they’re untidily left around. Since neither was the case, there's only one conclusion.” You’ve been awake for some time, haven’t you? Feigning unconsciousness because of the warriors from the Dang family. Once I concluded this, waking him was straightforward. “Haha. I’ve heard you’re quite the detective. Indeed, you caught Baek Myeonhori.” It was a long-overdue laugh from Mang Geum Jeonju. I was genuinely glad to hear it, though I couldn't help but chuckle awkwardly. —— “What on earth happened?” Jang Noya was almost appointed as my successor when he fell due to Baek Myeonhori's scheme and poison. “What do you mean?” “When did you regain consciousness? Surely it wasn’t from the Baek Myeonhori incident onwards?” He was so nonchalant upon waking up, making me feel everything had been under Jang Noya’s control. As I shot him a skeptical glance, he gently shook his head. “It hasn’t been long since I woke. Do I seem like someone who would pass my responsibilities onto others?” “Yes.” “......” Jang Noya frowned as though he had been struck. Even if others can't say it, I’m entitled to. Do you know how desperately I managed after you collapsed? “Even when the physician visited, I was still out cold. I must’ve woken quite recently.” I had a rough idea. The famed physician from the Jegal family had abruptly become curt recently. “The physician sent by your in-laws is indeed a master.” As expected. “After you collapsed, much happened.” I sighed with relief, as if I’d narrowly escaped death. “Haha. Looks like you managed to survive.” “How could I let things remain unresolved? I wouldn't die until I cleared it up.” Mang Geum Jeonju silently observed me as I shrugged my shoulders with a deep gaze. “I had faith.” “Pardon...?” “That day. When I drank the poison. Even at death’s door, I believed you could handle it.” YW9peUx5cktZYXhyU2hzY1VsMkQ0VytKNkptS3FHOExQOVp6VGp6cS8zTTRyZFUxUFdMNjA0bVBxcEZPa1ZTZA Mang Geum Jeonju spoke to me as though he had no regrets, even if he had to lie down forever. “You haven't suddenly fallen gravely ill, have you?” Why are you talking like someone with not much time left? “Haha. There’s nothing wrong with my health. Now, let’s hear it from you.” “Hear what?” “What’s happened thus far.” For an elder, tales of travels are the most entertaining stories, especially those from a potential successor returning with wedding blessings. And so, I began recounting the events. —— “So, that’s how the affair with Baek Myeonhori concluded.” From Mang Geum Jeonju’s collapse, my imprisonment and release, foiling the schemes of other successor candidates, revealing Baek Myeonhori’s identity, to solidifying my position as successor. Mang Geum Jeonju nodded, smiling bitterly. “The incident linked to the Demonic Sect was something that needed precise excision.” It involved his daughters and grandchildren, so it wouldn't merely be a matter for celebration. I explained the situation as clearly as possible and once again sought understanding from Mang Geum Jeonju, my father and grandfather. “Well done. Truly well done.” “I’ve felt intensely why both the authorities and martial world remain wary of the Demonic Sect.” Heo Song, who sold my novel without permission. Ma Yangbaek, Aunt Jang Nook’s son. Man Sopyeong, whom Baek Myeonhori disguised as in the end. The people from the Eun family who collaborated with the Demonic Sect. The Bang family who bribed the magistrate to imprison me. And numerous other victims whose stories are hard to convey. So many people have died. “It’s not solely a problem with the Demonic Sect.” “Pardon?” “It’s my fault. I failed to properly educate my children.” Jang Noya let out a deep sigh with a pained expression. “Elder…” “When I was young, I found my work immensely enjoyable. It suited me well, and I relished overcoming and conquering any adversity that came my way.” “I understand what you mean.” I’ve been feeling that way lately. Working used to feel like I was simply doing someone else’s tasks, but now I’m handling my own endeavors. “At first, my sole concern was to ensure my children were well-fed and comfortable. Even after my work was established, I always thought I was doing my best so they could grow without embarrassment.” “And isn’t that exactly what you did?” Jang Noya shook his head with a grim face. “I was lacking. I was too engaged in work outside to pay proper attention to how my motherless children were growing up.” “Being a perfect father is no easy feat. At least you married them off into good families. And if your grandchildren went astray, that’s the fault of their families, not yours, elder.” The responsibility for raising grandchildren falls on that side, doesn't it? Look at the Jegal family. They raised their children well. “……” Mang Geum Jeonju couldn’t easily shake off the expression of regret. It must be a difficult experience to rid oneself of. His children were involved with the Demonic Sect, and many of his kin were killed. While it’s hard to claim it was entirely his fault, the fact that the cause was the successor’s test means the shock will linger. “Elder, instead of blaming yourself unduly, how about a little praise? You did land yourself a wonderful successor. If you hadn’t tempted me with fragrant plum wine, I wouldn’t have been swayed.” Intense mental shock in one's later years can easily deteriorate a healthy body. The successor test wasn’t a flaw. You gained a proud successor, didn’t you? I raised my tone intentionally to console Jang Noya. “Haha.” Mang Geum Jeonju, having slowly gathered his composure, smiled at me. “I truly nearly died multiple times.” “You did well.” “That praise seems a bit faint.” I do love getting praised, but this shouldn’t end with just a few words. If you're going to praise, it should be grand enough to make my shoulders dance. “Feel like I’ve gained an overly outstanding successor compared to the days I've lived.” “......” I didn’t expect this level of praise. “Was that too much compliment?” “It feels just about right.” “You rascal…” It was indeed praise that made my shoulders dance. —— “Anyway, though many challenges arose, I have returned acknowledged as the son-in-law of the Jegal family.” I narrated the tale of being summoned by the Jegal family, the first greetings, passing the mixed-hue separation formation, Jegal Seolrok’s writings, the Dang family’s intrusion, and entering the Celestial Possession Map. By the time I finished recounting, the sun was already setting in the sky. “Though I trusted you, I didn’t expect you would return with permission for another engagement as well.” “To be honest, both situations were unexpected.” “Though challenging situations arose, it’s fortunate that it won’t become noisier due to women troubles.” “……” “Hmm? Is there something more?” “Oh, no. That aside, what do you intend to do?” Since my father-in-law forgave me once, perhaps the next forgiveness would come easier. “What are you referring to?” “It seems both the Jegal family and the Sichuan Dang family are quite upset.” Since I’ve resolved my issues, it’s Mang Geum Jeonju’s turn. I looked at Jang Noya with concern. What are you going to do? If handled poorly, it could have resulted in war between the two families. The Sichuan Dang family is one thing, but the Jegal family must be seething with resentment towards Mang Geum Jeonju. “A stubborn old man must pay the price for his greed.” “That’s an unexpected response.” He answered so plainly, as if willing to accept punishment after achieving his goal. “However, an old man knows the way to apologize in an old-fashioned manner.” Mang Geum Jeonju raised one corner of his mouth in a sly smile. For some reason, I feel uneasy. It's reminiscent of when I hatch my schemes. “Pardon?” “The journey to Sichuan is long and arduous. Once you leave, it’s a place hard to return from.” “You intend to lie low until the Dang family leaves?” I immediately understood what he meant. “There’s no need for misunderstandings to cause friction. Once the Dang family’s warriors depart, I will send people from the Mang Geum Manor to convey my apologies and sincerity.” “That might not suffice.” “Of course not. However, clearing up misunderstandings about you, receiving my apologies and gifts, and calmly organizing it all within the family is entirely different from allowing unfocused rage to fester.” He intends to buy time to cool their anger. “What about the Jegal family?” “I ought to pay a visit to my son-in-law after such a long time.” Regardless of his status with the Jegal family, to him, the head was merely a son-in-law. If the head is appeased, who beneath him could challenge? No wonder Mang Geum Jeonju wore a confident smile. “You must be pleased to have the head of the Jegal family as your son-in-law.” I retorted incredulously. “I raised them without shame. It’s time to benefit from my daughter as well.” “What remarkable experience you possess.” Just a moment ago, you lamented over not raising your children properly. This old man… you have to appreciate his shamelessness. I worried for nothing. “When one grows old, admitting mistakes comes hand in hand with a bit of shamelessness.” Against the Sichuan Dang family, he’ll buy time. The result turned out well. Even if it began with misunderstandings, as the successor of Mang Geum Manor and the son-in-law of the Jegal family, it shouldn’t lead to excessive outrage. He intends to placate the Dang family’s anger with apologies and gifts. Against the Jegal family, he'll leverage his father-in-law's influence. After all the support he provided under the surface, isn't it time he reaps some benefits from his son-in-law? "Incredible crisis management skills. As expected from the great merchant." He wasn’t just a self-made man who established the Mang Geum Manor for nothing. "But you know, elder." It really is a well-thought-out plan. "Hmm?" "There's something I haven't mentioned." There's something I need to confess as well. "What do you mean?" "Please come in." I got up from my seat and opened the door. "What?" Jang Noya's bewildered gaze met the fiery eyes of the man standing in the doorway. The man, who had been waiting patiently until now, had purple hair and green eyes. "Nice to meet you, Mang Geum Jeonju. I am Dang Mu Gi from the Sichuan Dang family." "A warrior of the Dang family?!" Didn't you say earlier that the Dang family’s warriors had withdrawn? Mang Geum Jeonju's gaze shifted to me. Well, about that. "I didn't lie. All the Dang family's warriors indeed withdrew, but remember, the Doctor of Medicine is a physician from the Dang family." "I believe we need to have a calm conversation." "This, this is..." The expression on Mang Geum Jeonju's face when meeting the Doctor of Medicine was so amusing that it made me forget all my past hardships, even more than the praise from Jang Noya.