The Weight of Words
Baek Yuseong had developed a new habit when treating patients.
Before, he had preferred to conserve his holy power and only treated the affected areas after listening to their symptoms.
When he treated many patients at once, it had become a habit.
But this time, after healing Jegal Yeong-yeong’s headache, she had suffered from appendicitis.
To prevent a recurrence of such incidents, when holy power remained, he began examining the patient’s entire body.
A moment ago.
When treating Namgung Yuhyeon and Juyeon, Baek Yuseong had covered only their eyes and faces, yet his holy power had already spread throughout their bodies.
He had discovered some hidden ailment and begun to investigate it.
“Hmm…?”
Baek Yuseong sensed something special from Juyeon’s body.
He felt a tiny spark inside her abdomen.
“This… she’s pregnant?”
The birth of a new life.
At the time, he had no idea who the father was.
That was why he had remained silent with Juyeon.
But now he knew.
Namgung Yuhyeon’s intense gaze at her, Juyeon’s hidden joy, the familiar embrace.
“The baby’s father is Namgung Yuhyeon.”
Yet the odds were high that no one else knew the truth.
Since the pregnancy had only just begun, perhaps even Juyeon herself did not yet realize.
Baek Yuseong debated for a long time whether he should reveal the fact.
Was it right to interfere so boldly in the affairs of the Namgung family?
And, more importantly, was it acceptable to reveal the truth to others before the parties involved, Juyeon and Namgung Yuhyeon?
However, Namgung Yuhyeon had shown his resolve to protect Juyeon and was already in open conflict with the elders.
He felt the urge to give him strength.
Namgung Yurin had also learned that her older brother and Juyeon wished to be together.
If he was to help now, he had to speak out.
Baek Yuseong calmly met the gazes directed at him.
In particular, Namgung Yurin, seated beside him, looked at him with clear curiosity.
With a calm voice he dropped a bomb.
“The fact I discovered while treating that maid just now… she is carrying a child.”
“...!”
Everyone’s eyes widened in shock.
“D-Does that mean Juyeon is pregnant?”
Namgung Yuhyeon was the first to speak.
Though he had looked momentarily stunned, he was now smiling brightly.
Of course he was happy to have fathered a child of his own bloodline.
If the same moment came for him, he would feel the same elation, so Baek Yuseong fully understood.
“Yes. It is certain. But the pregnancy does not seem long-standing.”
“...”
After a brief pause as if recalling something, Namgung Yuhyeon looked up at the ceiling.
Was he remembering when it had happened?
“Congratulations, older brother!”
Namgung Yurin also offered her congratulations.
“Thank you, Yurin. Thank you, Doctor Yuseong!”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“No. You brought us wonderful news!”
Namgung Yuhyeon was overjoyed, and little Namgung Yurin, who had just gained a cousin, giggled like a child.
Baek Yuseong’s heart softened.
“Both of them are handsome and beautiful, so a pretty baby will be born.”
Whether this world or the original one, whether he would ever become a father himself, it might happen someday.
Namgung Hwan, who had been clashing with his father the Sword King, let out a resigned sigh.
“Huu…”
Namgung Hwan had already decided that if his son had fathered a child, he would accept his wishes.
He had also worried about how the world would react if word spread that the head of the Namgung family had taken a maid as his principal wife, but there was nothing to be done.
‘Father, it’s time to respect Yuhyeon’s wishes. We shall marry Juyeon.’
With that thought in mind, he looked toward the Sword King.
“...!”
Namgung Hwan’s eyes widened in realization. The Sword King’s expression had not changed in the slightest.
Namgung Hwan, who had lived his entire life studying his father’s intentions, knew that such a calm reaction could not possibly be positive.
‘Father’s intentions differ from mine!’
And.
He could not defy a father who felt that way.
To earn his father’s recognition and become the head of the family, he had acted according to his father’s values and arrived at this moment.
Even when opinions clashed, the father’s decision always became the Namgung family’s decision.
‘When will I finally be free from Father’s shadow?’
Namgung Hwan sighed inwardly, but he could not voice a single word.
As expected, his voice had sunk.
“Yuhyeon.”
“Yes, Grandfather!”
Namgung Yuhyeon’s voice still carried joy.
The Sword King stared at him with an indifferent expression.
“Before taking a principal wife, you first took a concubine’s son into your home.”
“W-What are you—”
A concubine’s son.
In other words, the Sword King was declaring that he would accept Juyeon as a concubine.
Realizing the meaning, Namgung Yuhyeon shouted loudly.
“Grandfather!”
“Since you have fathered a child, you say you will recognize that maid as your concubine—what problem is there?”
“I have no intention of marrying any woman other than Juyeon!”
“You are the future head of the Namgung family. If you dislike the Gong family, I shall arrange a marriage with the daughter of another excellent clan. For now, take a principal wife.”
The Sword King’s lips pressed tightly together in stubbornness.
Namgung Yuhyeon could not accept such a demand.
The maid he had divorced and the man who would soon divorce her.
Juyeon, who had not been welcomed even by the maids, and himself, who had become almost forgotten among the family.
Namgung Yuhyeon had endured the same pain and had gradually fallen for Juyeon, who truly cared for him.
Living his life without motivation in eternal darkness, Namgung Yuhyeon had found strength in her.
He had straightened his broken body and mustered the courage to face the world.
They had confirmed their sincere feelings and promised a future.
If a kind brother became head of the family, he would never be treated poorly.
He could make Juyeon very happy.
That was why he had crossed a line with her recently.
She had not regretted it, nor had he.
Even today.
They had been united, their bodies scarred by their hasty union healed, and now they were hearing the joyful news that love had borne fruit.
Yet in this good day.
“Now you want to order Juyeon to become my concubine?”
“Being the concubine of the future head of the Namgung family is a great honor. Besides, since there is an apology to be made, this should serve as an appropriate reward for the child.”
Of course Juyeon would say something like that.
It was fine. She was more than satisfied.
But.
“I am not satisfied. I have already promised Juyeon. If I am forced to take her as a concubine, I will give up the headship!”
“I do not listen to the words of weak men.”
In the space where everyone held their breath during the clash between Namgung Yuhyeon and the Sword King, one person had missed the moment to leave the room.
That person was Baek Yuseong.
‘The Sword King is a serious old tyrant.’
He had already shown the signs many times.
He had never believed Namgung Yurin’s words about using the Changgung Muae Sword despite his repeated failures, and he had heard that Juyeon had suffered for nearly ten years because of it.
Just moments ago, after apologizing to Juyeon and seeming like a decent person, he had reverted to his old ways.
What was his ridiculous face thinking— the head of the Namgung family could not take a maid as principal wife?
Of course, as a modern man, he might not take it too seriously.
‘I already revealed that Juyeon is carrying Namgung Yuhyeon’s child.’
Namgung Hwan, the head of the family… had no idea what he was thinking.
Baek Yuseong glanced at the seat beside him.
Namgung Yurin was also wearing an irritated expression toward the Sword King.
Suddenly.
Their eyes met.
Determined.
At the same time, a telepathic message flew.
- Master Yuseong, can you perhaps help me like last time?
Baek Yuseong blinked several times.
He had not understood what she meant.
‘Help with what?’
Seeing his lips move in question, Namgung Yurin realized and explained in detail.
- Last time I almost died. Can you help me like that time?
Baek Yuseong slowly nodded.
Namgung Yurin sighed in relief.
‘If this continues, my brother will really give up the headship and sever ties with Grandfather. Then Grandfather will make me head.’
He had said that passing the succession to a collateral line was something he would die before allowing.
As long as grandson and granddaughter did not all perish, he would not consider collateral lines.
Namgung Yurin was less interested in the headship than Namgung Yuhyeon.
She had originally disliked such heavy responsibilities, but now she had another goal.
‘Even if others laugh, this is better…’
She had planned to enter the Murim Alliance for that reason, yet she could not let Grandfather’s ankle trap her here.
She had just decided to help Juyeon, and she had already received Yuseong’s help request, so she had the advantage.
‘Then I must confront him.’
She hardened her resolve and called out to the Sword King.
“Grandfather.”
The Sword King, who had been about to continue speaking to Namgung Yuhyeon, looked toward Baek Yuseong.
“Grandfather, you said before. Words of powerless people carry no weight.”
“You remember well.”
The Sword King glanced at Namgung Yuhyeon.
As if to say “the words of a weak man have no value.”
Namgung Yurin took a few deep breaths and met her grandfather’s eyes.
“Do as you like, Grandfather.”
“Huu… even you—”
“I!”
Before the Sword King could finish his mocking laugh, Namgung Yurin shouted.
The Sword King waited quietly as if to let her continue.
“If I spar with Grandfather and prove my point, will my words carry weight?”
The Sword King’s eyebrows twitched.