Become Stronger
‘That little shit…….’
Jo Yeong whipped his gaze toward the source of the transmission voice. His eyes met Noegeom’s, and he blinked several times. A chilling dread washed over him, as if staring any longer might tear his pupils apart.
Jo Yeong quietly averted his eyes.
‘Damn it…… Why the hell does that guy only have monsters like this around him?’
That was when it happened.
That punk tucked his tail between his legs real quick.
“……!”
Jo Yeong snapped his head up at the mocking transmission. It wasn’t Noegeom. The voice was different.
That was when it happened. Jo Yeong spotted Seobaek grinning at him.
You don’t stare at people like that. You might end up dead before you know it. Heh heh heh.
‘That bastard…….’
Just a heads-up…… You’re already on this guy’s radar. So watch where you look and keep that mouth shut from now on. Heh heh heh.
As Seobaek waved his hand, Jo Yeong’s face flushed beet red.
That was when it happened.
“We’re done here.”
Yeon-hoo stood, blocking the line of sight. Even then, Seobaek poked his head out for one last grin.
Grip.
‘Damn bastard.’
Iron Blood Family.
Dongbang Ri, who had entered the Iron Blood Family with her retainers, gazed out the window of her quarters, lost in thought.
‘Was coming here really the right choice?’
She had accepted Yeon-hoo’s offer for the sake of her retainers, but she still couldn’t convince herself it was the correct decision.
When she thought about it, the Iron Blood Family bore the greatest responsibility for the downfall of the Dongbang Clan. Recalling the mocking stares from the crowd when they first arrived made her want to flee back to the valley right then and there.
‘I’ll endure for now. For the retainers, at least…….’
Dongbang Ri resolved to think positively. At least they no longer had to worry about sudden attacks, and having a warm home with full bellies would be a great comfort to her people.
Whoooosh!
Only after the cold wind blowing through the window grazed her face did Dongbang Ri snap out of her reverie.
“……!”
Her eyes widened slightly. Outside the window stood a young man looking up at her.
It was Songyeong.
“Do you need anything else?”
“Thanks to you, we’re settling in comfortably.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Then I’ll be off.”
“Wait a moment.”
Dongbang Ri called out to Songyeong as he turned to leave.
“Is there something you need?”
“No, it’s just…… Do you know when he will arrive?”
“You mean him…… Ah! He should be here soon. A messenger just came by.”
“I see. Thank you.”
“No trouble at all. Then.”
Dongbang Ri watched Songyeong’s hurried retreating figure and let out a quiet breath. He was the only one here who treated them with genuine warmth. Thanks to his attention to every little detail, her retainers had adapted faster than expected.
The lord has commanded us to serve you with utmost care.
Songyeong’s words echoed, followed by the image of Yeon-hoo’s cold face. Then, the face of former lord Yi Yeom—whom she had resented her entire life—overlapped in her mind. Dongbang Ri bit her lip and shook off the thoughts.
That was when it happened.
“Clan head, it’s me.”
“Come in.”
A young warrior opened the door and entered.
“How is she doing?”
“She ate both meals today and just fell asleep. The physician says she’s improving steadily, so don’t worry too much.”
“Did she ask for him?”
“Of course she did. She even asked the physician when he’d arrive…… Haha.”
The young man laughed, and Dongbang Ri offered a faint smile.
“How about the others?”
“They’re still uneasy with the sudden change, but they’ll adjust with time. Me too.”
“He’ll be back soon, so I’ll ask him for a clear direction then. You’ve done well—go rest.”
“Yes. Rest well, clan head.”
As the young man left, Dongbang Ri turned her gaze back to the window.
Crunch!
Just then, a large bird landed on the tree outside, a small morsel in its beak. It startled and flew off as the young man opened the door.
Dongbang Ri followed the bird with her eyes, lifting her head. Her eyes widened slightly.
At the end of the wide, straight boulevard leading to the Iron Blood Family, a group of soldiers was marching in.
“The lord has returned!”
“Open the gates!”
People began gathering at the main gate. Dongbang Ri threw on an outer robe and stepped outside.
A few greeted her, but most did not. Ignoring it, Dongbang Ri headed for the gate.
Then a hoarse voice called from behind.
“Any discomfort in your stay?”
Turning, she saw Elder Council Chairman Song Gyeom.
“……Thanks to you, we’re doing well.”
“Speak up if there’s any inconvenience. The lord specifically ordered us to assist you diligently.”
“Yes.”
Song Gyeom passed her and headed to the gate. Dongbang Ri’s gaze on his back was peculiar. To her, Song Gyeom was as resentful a figure as former lord Yi Yeom.
‘Discomfort…….’
The room filled with the aroma of tea. Yeon-hoo silently savored it.
Dongbang Ri watched him wordlessly. Unexpectedly, upon his return, Yeon-hoo had come to see her first.
She clearly remembered Song Gyeom’s bitterly sour expression as he left. He had intended to visit the young lady first but changed course upon hearing she had just fallen asleep.
Dongbang Ri cautiously took a sip of tea.
Clink.
The sound of the teacup being set down rang like thunder in her ears.
Then Yeon-hoo spoke.
“Adapting alright?”
“……I’m trying.”
“Try harder, even if it’s tough. For your retainers, if not for yourself.”
“……Yes.”
“Where’d you learn your martial arts?”
“The clan’s arts since childhood. Nothing to boast about, but enough to protect myself, so don’t worry.”
“That won’t cut it.”
“…….”
“Once you’re settled, training starts. If you want to rebuild your clan, approach it like being reborn.”
It was for her and her clan. Yet it felt utterly cold.
His impassive, icy demeanor stirred an inexplicable sadness.
“Will you teach me personally?”
“I’ve got plenty of skilled friends. They’ll come soon enough, so focus on adapting until then.”
“Teach me yourself. I’ll give it my all, even if it kills me.”
Yeon-hoo lifted his gaze from the teacup for the first time, meeting Dongbang Ri’s eyes. She continued, staring straight back.
“We were thoroughly excluded just for being in-laws. Everyone knows the former lord’s neglect dragged the main family to ruin. So please teach us yourself.”
“Sounds like you’re telling me to take responsibility.”
“Yes, exactly.”
Her tone carried a chill. Her eyes held not just resolve, but the grim determination of one prepared for death.
‘I’d be the same.’
The anguish of watching one’s clan crumble. If it stemmed from the main family’s deliberate neglect solely because they were the wife’s kin—would one simply accept it?
Yeon-hoo brought the teacup to his lips.
Clink.
“Fine. I’ll teach you myself.”
“…….”
Dongbang Ri’s eyes trembled faintly. She had spoken out of fleeting defiance against his coldness, never expecting him to agree. And that faint smile tugging at his lips, despite how her attitude might have irked him—what was that?
“This attitude today…… I like it. I expect even stronger resolve as the Dongbang clan head from here on.”
“……!”
Clank.
Yeon-hoo pulled out a money pouch and placed it on the table.
“Separate funds will be allocated. But a clan head needs resources to lead her people—take it.”
“I have enough money already.”
“Take it anyway.”
“…….”
“Come in.”
Cheol-u entered.
Yeon-hoo fixed Dongbang Ri with his gaze and continued.
“I saw a few promising ones among your men before…… I’m assigning him to train them. It’ll be grueling, but they’ll be a great asset to you after.”
One kindness after another. Dongbang Ri couldn’t bring herself to say thanks. Her heart yearned to, but the words wouldn’t come.
Yeon-hoo eyed her a moment longer, then rose.
“Wait.”
He turned back as Dongbang Ri looked up at him squarely.
“What should I do?”
“Focus solely on training for now. We’ll discuss the rest once you and your warriors are stronger.”
With that, Yeon-hoo headed for the door. Just as he grasped the handle, Dongbang Ri’s transmission voice flowed into his ear.
……Thank you.
After Dongbang Ri, Yeon-hoo spoke with Elder Council Chairman Song Gyeom, then returned to his quarters to organize his thoughts.
Looking back, it had been nonstop since his return after fifteen years. Every action had been meticulously planned, and everything was proceeding as intended.
Pour.
Cheol-u calmly refilled the teacup as he spoke.
“It’s going smoother than expected, my lord.”
“We’ve only taken the first step—still a long way to go. They’re waiting for my mistake. Handing over the lord’s symbolic sword so readily? They’re convinced I’ll fail. That way, they seize the throne without the blame of ousting the rightful heir.”
Clink.
“I don’t understand why you ignore the easier path.”
“Force alone can’t solve everything. The surest way is to make my rivals submit. To absorb their factions seamlessly……”
“Have some.”
Yeon-hoo took the teacup Cheol-u offered. Fatigue made it taste like saltwater.
“The letter’s sent?”
“Yes. He’s probably racing here like the wind at the thought of seeing you. When will you summon the others?”
“Not yet. Rash changes would only alert my rivals.”
That was when it happened.
“My lord, it’s me.”
“Come in.”
Songyeong entered, holding an ornate liquor bottle with gold leaf accents.
“The Elder Council Chairman’s private stash—he drinks it alone, so I brought one.”
“That close already?”
“Followed your orders, and now he’s all honey-eyed whenever he sees me. It’s overwhelming. Anyway, I looked into what you asked.”
Songyeong’s eyes sparkled as he launched into his report. In truth, Yeon-hoo had given him specific instructions.