56 - I Spent the Night with the Youngest Daughter of the Martial Arts Leader

Title: I Spent the Night with the Martial Alliance Leader's Youngest Daughter. Episode 56 > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive Namgoong Jun. Since he was old enough to understand the world, he had always lived cautiously, reading the room. This was because he was born as the clan master's nephew. For someone aspiring to rise to prominence, the fact that he wasn't a direct descendant of Namgoong Hyuk was a significant disadvantage. Therefore, he had to be adept at gauging situations and following the prevailing trends. ‘There's nothing lacking in them.’ His cousins were exceptionally talented. No matter how fairly Namgoong Hyuk tried to treat his family, it was natural for him to be more affectionate towards his own children. Especially when those children displayed remarkable talents. Thus, Namgoong Jun made persistent efforts to catch the clan master's attention. He was cautious with every move he made. Careful not to incur Namgoong Hyuk's wrath. ‘The clan master is reluctant about Yeon Hee's engagement!’ Recently, when he was caught badmouthing Lee Se Woong. The clan master merely watched as he did with all his cousins. Even though he had openly criticized the prospective son-in-law he had personally announced. The direction indicated by that fact was clear. ‘This is perfect timing.’ There was already growing negative sentiment, particularly among the collateral branches, questioning whether Lee Se Woong was suitable as Namgoong's son-in-law. He had gathered evidence of Lee Se Woong's movements that could potentially become weaknesses. With the clan master's tacit approval, showing opposition to Lee Se Woong and Yeon Hee's engagement would likely win favor from the clan master. ‘The engagement cannot be stopped.’ It was a story that had already been whispered among those quick to catch the news, even though it hadn't been formally announced. Reversing the engagement now? It would be ridiculous. Namgoong Hyuk must be aware of that, too. But often, what the mind dictates and what the heart desires diverge. Namgoong Jun planned to soothe the clan master's emotions. ‘All I need to do is put on an act.’ It wasn’t something that required money. He just needed to add a voice of dissent against Lee Se Woong. Once the engagement was solidified, he could simply clap and go along with it. ‘First, I need to persuade Grandpa!’ Lee Se Woong. Rumor had it that he had talent in Go. Thanks to that, he had apparently won Grandpa’s heart. But in the end, it was just a hobby. No matter how much he won favor playing Go, he couldn’t be preferred over his own grandchild. Blood is thicker than water! “Grandpa, you've been coughing since early this morning.” “Jun, isn't it? I haven't seen you around because you've been busy. What brings you here?” “Haha, Grandpa, really.” Seeing Namgoong Hwan greet him warmly, Namgoong Jun was confident. This task would become easy. Grandpa was an opponent that even the clan master would find hard to defy. He could become his greatest ally. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Yeon Hee’s fiancé lately, haven't you?” “You mean Se Woong? These days, that fellow is my source of joy!” At the mention of Lee Se Woong, Namgoong Hwan's face broke into a wide smile. His expression, with his grin nearly reaching his ears, gave Namgoong Jun a foreboding feeling. “Grandpa, there are some troubling rumors surrounding him.” “Rumors?” “Yes. Bestowing the Baiyangdan recommendation right to someone who hasn’t even married yet seems like quite a favor, doesn’t it?” “And?” “Despite that, he seems ungrateful... He incited turmoil within the Martial Alliance from the first day by beating up seniors. Discontent is brewing internally.” Namgoong Jun spoke with a grave expression, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. “For now, they’re keeping quiet as he’s made achievements, but many are lying in wait. People are questioning why Namgoong recommended someone like him... This issue could eventually tarnish our family’s honor…” “Who’s been spreading such talk?” Namgoong Hwan's cold voice. At that moment Namgoong Jun felt it. This was wrong. “Jun, do you really see me as just an old man passing time leisurely? I'm already aware. It’s the grumbles of fools who got beaten up by a newcomer.” “I-I’m sorry!” “Aspiring to enter Baiyangdan and not knowing even this... Don’t bother with it. If there’s anyone spreading such nonsense, bring them to me. I’ll punish them.” But it's actually true. Namgoong Jun couldn’t bring himself to answer like that. Instead, he silently nodded to Namgoong Hwan. If he pushed further here, he might not even be able to retain his identity as a grandson. ‘If Grandpa won’t work, I’ll go to Jin!’ Now that he had drawn his sword, he had to use it, even if it was just a turnip he was slicing. Though his first attempt failed, Namgoong Jun did not give up and sought out Namgoong Jin. Given his great care for family members, he must harbor wariness towards Lee Se Woong! “What’s with the brother-in-law?” “That is... He’s been frequenting courtesan houses! Even with Yeon Hee around!” “Hmm.” “We need to expel him before our family faces disgrace!” Namgoong Jin showed no reaction. It had always been like this. The reason it was hard for him to approach his cousin who wasn’t much older. The characteristic impassivity that made it difficult to guess his feelings. He had heard that not too long ago, he went around loudly declaring his love for his wife and thought maybe he had softened with age. But faced with the same stern demeanor, Namgoong Jin spoke. “I’m curious which idiotic fellow has been spreading such ridiculous rumors.” “Right. To think the prospective son-in-law of the Namgoong family... Huh?” “That there’s someone distorting an official mission visit to a courtesan house. It’s someone intent on unsettling family discipline, no doubt.” The verdict was delivered with solemnity. “No one cherishes Yeon Hee as deeply as my brother-in-law… When you find the source of these rumors, do inform me. For the discipline of our family, I will ensure strict punishment.” Namgoong Jin's stern warning. Feeling as if it was directed squarely at him, Namgoong Jun could only retreat, unable to utter further words. ‘What kind of sorcery has he used!’ It was bizarre. What method did he use to have so firmly enchanted the direct descendants of the clan master? He gathered with his cousins who shared his intentions. Their opinions were no different. “They won’t bite at all.” “They even accused me of spreading the rumors.” “Brother, perhaps it’s time to let this go.” The fellow had already taken root in the family. It seemed any significant agitation would prove ineffective. Is it time to give up? "Is it a small relief that I’ve made an impression on the clan master with this incident?" It was then that an unexpected guest interrupted their secret gathering. Namgoong Hoo, showing off arms the size of a child's head, entered the scene. “B-brother, what brings you here?” “I heard an interesting story and came by.” “What sort of…?” “I heard there are some going around badmouthing our brother-in-law.” Namgoong Hoo spoke with a jovial smile, but his well-defined muscles, moving with his breath, shimmered ominously. “B-brother, it’s not what you think….” “It's all my fault!” “Pardon?” “I was so engrossed in my own training that I failed to notice my cousins veering onto the wrong path!” What could one say? Ever since he shed his massive bulk and became more muscular, people said Namgoong Hoo seemed constantly excited. He must have gained confidence. But the aura he exuded now was somewhat daunting. “If you let your body become idle, unnecessary thoughts will fill your mind.” “?” “Don’t worry. I’ll take responsibility to guide you to a state of selflessness, and show you the joys of training!” “Brother?” Namgoong Jun, who had lived his life reading the room, couldn’t discern Namgoong Hoo's true intentions. “Do you like chicken breast?” “What? Surely not!” “Let’s get going!” Namgoong Hoo's hands gruffly seized his cousins. No matter how they struggled, they couldn't resist the strength he had honed through consuming chicken breast. “We were wrong, brother. But please, not that….” “Hahaha! I thought the same at first. Soon, you’ll be hooked too! To the infinite allure of chicken breast!” Led by Namgoong Hoo, the group headed towards the training grounds. They were well aware of his peculiar dietary habits. As such, their eyes flickered like candles in the wind. Thus, the force intending to defame Lee Se Woong swiftly disintegrated before it could truly rise. * ‘This is Anhui Province!’ It had been a perilous journey. After wandering aimlessly in search of her disciple, she finally arrived in Anhui Province. ‘Good thing I met the merchant group.’ It all began when she rescued a caravan from bandits. When asked what reward she wished, she requested directions. Coincidentally, traveling with their trade route allowed her to arrive easily. The silver handed over to her was just a bonus. “Lee Se Woong? He quit being a gatekeeper a long time ago.” “W-what?” The answer from the gatekeeper of the Martial Alliance, whom she had painstakingly sought, was shocking. ‘Has he entered a rebellious phase?’ Her beloved disciple. In every aspect, he was an outstanding student, fitting perfectly to her liking. But he had a slight tendency to be impulsive. She had ordered him to serve as a gatekeeper to cultivate patience. He should have been here. He was a disciple who never defied her orders. Could it be the stormy adolescent phase she had heard of? She was confused. “You can meet him if you go to the Namgoong family.” “Namgoong family? I heard he was indebted to them... but to think he became a guest there?” “A guest? Well, that's not incorrect. He's to become the son-in-law of the Alliance Leader.” “?” But a greater shock awaited. The gatekeeper’s subsequent words left a ripple in her chest, like throwing a stone into a pond. “A son-in-law?!” It couldn’t be. Marriage without informing her? Wait, hold on. Marriage? ‘This is ridiculous!’ He was a disciple raised with love. When he glared at her with eyes full of hurt like a wild dog, she felt an instinctive need to protect him. His precarious demeanor was imbued with a persuasive charm that made one want to take care of him. Their first meeting had been intense. Since that day, she had cherished and raised him, and he grew into a young man with a calm and confident smile. She felt genuine satisfaction watching him grow up so well. Building memories together with him like this, someday... ‘And yet, what is this stray-cat-like girl thinking?’ It was a matter she couldn’t ignore. Decisiveness overtook her as she drew upon her internal energy, expanding her senses. Within moments, her ki blanketed Anhui Province, like threads of a spider’s web. Snap. She detected a familiar ki at the thread's end. ‘There it is!’ She sprinted in full force, employing her extraordinary speed. Eventually, she arrived at the marketplace. At a small stall on the outskirts, she spotted her disciple. ‘His features became more defined since I last saw him.’ Her disciple’s gentle expression. She was delighted to see him after a while. But his gaze was focused to the side. Turned toward a woman holding his hand affectionately. ‘How shameless!’ The face looking up at Lee Se Woong was bathed in happiness. It must be that woman. She approached with determined strides. Barely restraining the anger simmering in her chest.