Whatever, Let's Just Go With Rabbit. Who Cares?
In any case, hadn't I achieved the goal of presenting it to Grandfather?
My mind had gone completely blank from the unexpected encounter. Worried I'd make another mistake, I stealthily edged toward the door to make my escape.
"Then, Grandfather, I'll take my leave."
"Stand right there."
Damn it.
I turned back with the cutest smile I could muster. They say no one spits on a smiling face—surely he wouldn't scold me. But Grandfather said something far more terrifying than a scolding.
"Since we've run into each other, let me ask you one thing."
He sat down in his chair and gestured to the one opposite.
"Sit there."
Ugh! Why ask me to sit if it's going to be a long talk? My steps toward the chair felt like lead.
Once I was seated, Grandfather spoke in a gentle voice.
"Ri-yeon."
"Yes, Grandfather."
"Do you think Pyo and Ak will surpass the third star this year?"
"Pardon?"
I stared at him in bewilderment. Of course not... absolutely impossible. But I couldn't say that.
"How would I know?"
"But you didn't even hesitate before suggesting closed-door training."
"Because Great-Aunt said they would."
"No, you knew. You've known from the start that Pyo and Ak couldn't reach the third star."
"......"
"I've watched you closely, and I know you're a very clever child. You brought up closed-door training to help me. Am I wrong?"
I looked up at him in surprise. I'd been too brazen all this time, it seemed. For Grandfather to see through me already...
Like a child caught red-handed, I lowered my eyes and bowed my head.
"......No, Grandfather, you're right about everything."
Lying wouldn't work here. Better to show sincerity. Half-hearted lies would only stoke his anger.
I glanced at him cautiously and continued.
"I just thought you wanted to send the older brothers to the academy."
"Don't stick your neck out like that anymore!"
His sudden roar startled me into looking up. His gaze was stern.
Biting my lip, I swallowed my bitterness and apologized.
"......Yes. I'm sorry."
"You don't get it."
Grandfather lightly rapped the table.
"After you stepped in like that, what do you think Pyo and Ak will make of you? That you sabotaged them, right? So how do you think they'll act from now on!"
He continued, frustration clear in his voice.
"You can't even practice martial arts properly, and your body's so frail. What if the twins decide to bully you for real?"
I jerked my head up again, mouth agape in shock.
Wait, what? Grandfather's got the twins pegged pretty well, doesn't he?
Unaware of my inner thoughts, he pressed on.
"It's not like your mother is here in the household, or your paternal aunt. Even if your father looks out for you, he can't intervene in every kids' squabble. And he can't stay home forever! Don't even dream I'd take your side over something like this!"
At first glance, it sounded like a warning not to act high and mighty by clinging to Grandfather's and Father's authority. But I knew better. This was concern for me.
What's going on? Why the sudden advice? Doesn't he dislike me? Could it be...?
Maybe, after everything, some faint affection had grown for me? If so...
I swallowed dryly and decided to push a little further.
"But Grandfather, what if they pick a fight even if I don't want one?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Older brothers Pyo and Ak said it to me. That I'm trash, useless junk who can't even use martial arts."
"What? ...They said that?"
Grandfather's eyes widened as if hearing it for the first time.
To earn his trust, I nodded vigorously.
"Yes. Right before you arrived that day, when Father stepped out for a moment."
He paused, then slammed the table.
"Where did they pick up such vulgar talk! What has Ui-ran been teaching them? You didn't tell your father and just let it slide?"
"It was just kids fighting."
Grandfather looked caught off guard. I seized the moment, pulling out my prepared line with a touch of bitterness.
"Grandfather, if I hear that and don't fight back, even if my body heals later... do I deserve to hold a sword?"
"......"
"I want to be proud of myself."
Unshakable pride in the face of adversity. The perfect attitude for any martial artist, wasn't it? And it was my true feeling, too.
* * *
How did things end up like this?
I stared blankly at the feast laid out before me, spoon in hand.
"What are you waiting for? Eat."
This was all because of the braised meatballs!
Grandfather had grabbed me as I tried to leave and insisted I eat before going. I'd meant to refuse, but "braised meatballs" made me hesitate... and now here I was, at this dinner table.
The cousins would lose their minds if they heard I'd dined alone with Grandfather.
But it's so delicious...
I popped a meatball in my mouth, contentedly kicking my feet—probably without realizing it.
"Eat heartily! No wonder you're so scrawny. Try this too. It's venison."
"Venison?"
"Yes. You've never seen one. It's yellowish-brown, looks like young beef."
I picked up a thin slice of marinated meat.
Delicious!
It was so good it almost made me resentful.
Grandfather frowned, misreading my expression.
"Why the long face over good food?"
"It's too good..."
I mumbled, then quickly added,
"Father can't have any, so it's a shame."
"Don't make that face over nothing. There's plenty for your father—eat up without worrying!"
"Thank you, Grandfather!"
"Always going on about your father. You like him that much?"
I nodded with an expression that said, Isn't it obvious?
"How's Ui-gang these days?"
I tilted my head at the cryptic question.
"I mean how he spends his days. You're with him all the time, aren't you?"
But in the Baek Ri Clan, was there any place beyond Grandfather's eyes and ears? One word from him, and he'd know everything from the day's meals to how many times I used my chopsticks. I couldn't fathom why he'd ask me.
"He wakes at dawn for light training, reads books, handles a bit of work while I nap..."
"Not that... Never mind."
What was that? Grandfather trailed off with a look like Why ask a kid?
Playing innocent, I set down a piece of venison before him.
"You eat some too, Grandfather."
Maybe it was the late lunch filling my belly, but drowsiness hit like a wave.
Come to think of it, I skipped my nap...
A child's body was the problem. No matter the will, the flesh gave out.
With fine tea before me, I covered my mouth through endless yawns.
Tsking his tongue, Grandfather said,
"If you're sleepy, nap here."
"But..."
"You'll collapse on the road otherwise."
"Grandfather, do you think I'm some baby?"
He let out a disbelieving chuckle, but I was already half out of it.
"Am I the baby, or are you the adult?"
"Still..."
I knew I needed to pull myself together, tried over and over—but my head grew heavier by the second.
"Then, if you'll excuse the imposition..."
"Heavens, where'd you learn to talk like that?"
Led by Old Man Noh's hand, I lay down somewhere. Thick blankets enveloped me in comfort. Sleep claimed me in an instant.
"Just one question."
Grandfather's voice came from my bedside.
"......Yes, go ahead."
"Do you know anything about your mother?"
"Mmm..."
Looking back, it was a gravely serious topic. Maybe that's why he'd fed me first—to ask this from the start.
But half-asleep as I was, such thoughts didn't cross my mind. I answered drowsily.
"No... She never told me anything. But... am I stupid?"
"Stupid?"
"Haha... How could you not know...? That Mom abandoned me..."
Grandfather's eyes widened at my words. But I didn't see it, already lost in deep slumber.