Chapter 10
Chapter 10
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: A Gift from Grandfather
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Sometimes I dream of those days wandering the world.
Only now can I look back and think, Oh yeah, that happened, beautifying it as a fond memory. But it wasn't exactly a pleasant recollection.
Back then, every day was spent fending off maids who came knocking while entrusting my tomorrow to a single sword. I'd often sleep in the woods with nothing but a ragged straw mat for cover.
It was tough.
Overnight stays only get romanticized in meticulously prepared one- or two-day camping trips.
Hot or cold, at the mercy of the weather, fighting swarms of insects. Waking up to find a wolf baring its teeth right in my face was par for the course.
Compared to that, am I living too luxuriously now?
'So soft and comfy.'
Even the guest room was furnished with the Namgung Family's top-grade pieces.
A bed that gently cradled my back, fluffy cotton blankets.
I could probably sleep here all day.
'Time to get up.'
I'm not one to sleep much anyway.
Four hours is usually enough for me to recover fully.
Especially since staying at the Namgung Family, I've gotten into the habit of rising early.
"Young master-in-law, you're awake?"
A knock at the door, followed by Yeonhui's voice.
It was a familiar part of my daily routine now.
"Yeah, just got up."
"You should've slept a bit longer..."
Yeonhui sounded a little disappointed, but she was dazzlingly beautiful as always. Sunlight streaming through the window served as her personal spotlight.
"You don't have to come wake me every time. You've got your own schedule."
"I just stop by before heading out."
"I don't want to trouble you."
"It's fine. Mother always said waking her husband is a wife's duty."
Yeonhui usually went along with whatever I wanted, but she was firm on things like this.
Probably from all the bride training since childhood.
I couldn't argue when she said it came straight from her mother.
"Young master-in-law, I prepared something light for breakfast. You'll be having lunch with Grandfather later."
Yeonhui said as she set a bowl of thin noodles on the table.
I could handle my own meals, but she brought them to my room every time. Namgoong Hyeok would probably foam at the mouth if he saw.
"The elder?"
"Yes. He said to send you alone."
What could the old man want?
I'd crushed Huang Bo-chung's arrogance with six straight wins, and he'd told me not to come around for a while.
Guess I'd find out when I got there.
"I need to go see Mother, so I'll be off. Enjoy your meal."
"Alright. See you later."
After seeing Yeonhui off, the room fell quiet.
Staring at the steam rising from the noodles, I sank into a strange mood.
'Is this really okay?'
Since staying at the Namgung Family, I'd quit my job.
Apparently, it looked bad for their future son-in-law to keep gatekeeping.
Just like that, I became unemployed.
My routine lately went like this:
Wake up → Yeonhui brings food → Train or meet family members → Evening date with Yeonhui → Bed.
Rinse and repeat.
Honestly, it was comfortable.
Cozy bed, top-grade meals whenever hungry. No need to work, so time to spare.
Lately, I'd grown a bit complacent, absorbed in this routine.
The training portion of my day was shrinking.
'Am I just a kept man?'
I was totally mooching off my wife's family.
No, it was nice. Really nice.
But there was this subtle pressure, like I shouldn't be doing this.
'I need to get out of this house soon.'
Otherwise, I'd sink into the comfortable swamp of the Namgung Family.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Hello, Elder."
"Come in. Sit."
Did he call me to play another game?
The joke died on my lips the moment I entered and saw Namgoong Hwan's stern face.
Was he still sore about that last loss?
It felt heavier than that.
"I called you because I have something to ask."
"What...?"
"I heard you lost your parents young. Is that right?"
Namgoong Hwan eyed me appraisingly.
I barely remembered them.
Even before awakening to my past life, my home was a dingy alley.
"Lost them? I don't even know who they were. I've been an orphan since the start."
"Ahem."
He cleared his throat awkwardly.
Did he think he'd hit a sore spot?
I didn't mind.
"No relatives at all, then."
"That's right, Elder."
"You were a gatekeeper before."
"Yes."
"Got any savings?"
"I lived frugally, but not much."
"Enough. No need to hear more."
The questions came like an interrogation.
Far too blunt for his granddaughter's fiancé.
This flow... I'd seen it somewhere before.
"You should understand what this means."
Namgoong Hwan pulled a thick paper envelope from his bosom and placed it on the table.
'This is that morning drama trope!'
Even non-drama fans know the story.
Poor guy falls for rich girl.
Her family disapproves, shoves money at him to know his place.
The man's unwavering conviction against the cash!
I'd thought he'd been too friendly teaching me Go lately.
But he's the Retired Family Head of the Namgung Family after all. Family prestige over personal bonds!
So he'd prepared this payout.
'No reason to refuse!'
Earn money and escape the Namgung Family?
Two birds with one stone!
But courtesy demanded a token refusal first.
"I can't accept this money!"
It was like a scripted line.
Refuse outright, get scolded for overstepping.
Sure enough, Namgoong Hwan frowned.
"Money? It's land deeds, land deeds."
Too big for a parting gift?
"A house on the outskirts and a few fields."
"Pardon?"
"Can't have you living with your in-laws after marriage. A man needs property to earn respect."
"?"
"If it's lacking, the elders provide. Take it without fuss."
Good thing I'd refused at first.
This wasn't a goodbye bonus—it was a wedge to pin me down.
Accept it, and I'm trapped!
"Elder, what son-in-law accepts a house from his wife's family anywhere in the world?"
"Elder? How long do you plan to call me that?"
No, why now?
Too stiff for "Retired Family Head."
"I don't see you as a son-in-law."
"Pardon?"
Leave or stay? I couldn't follow.
"Think of it as gaining another grandson. Call me Grandfather."
What was this old man saying?
My head spun.
"Poor boy. How lonely must it have been, no kin in this vast land."
"......"
"I'll gladly be your guardian. Be grateful!"
It was a bit touching.
Taking in an orphan of unknown origins like a grandson?
Consideration for a broke nobody like me.
I appreciated the kindness.
But.
I can't.
"Elder, I'm thankful, but I can't accept!"
"Grandfather."
"Grandfather! I said I can't!"
"Just take it!"
One shoving, one blocking.
An epic heart-stirring battle.
"Do you think I got engaged for handouts like this?!"
"Hah, not enough? I'll throw in a few more houses!"
His sense of money—tossing houses like free soda with takeout—drove me mad.
"It's fine."
"Tch, would an inn satisfy you?"
"No need!"
"Stubborn fool. Fine, fine. I'll set aside gold too, so stop it!"
"I said it's okay!"
Someone stop this crazy old coot!
Bargaining like at the market, piling on the scale.
Accept, and I'm the Namgung Family's youngest son-in-law for good.
"With Grandfather saying this, it only deepens the worries I've had."
"What worries?"
"Since coming to the outer quarters, haven't I been imposing too much? Living off the family without working makes me uneasy."
I had to pivot fast.
"What house makes guests work?"
"Won't I soon be part of the Namgung Family? Better learn how things run beforehand."
"Hmm."
"Visiting the elders is important, of course. But just being hosted makes my body rust."
When bluffing, don't use pure lies.
Optimal ratio: 7:3.
Hide truth in lies to deceive.
Lazing blankly works for a day or two.
Working then playing is the most fun.
Constant play raises the threshold.
"Doesn't the estate have a martial hall? I'm no expert, but I can teach beginners."
"......"
"I just want to repay the family that sees good in me, even a little."
Digging into Namgung martial arts could backfire.
They wouldn't reveal core secrets to an outsider son-in-law anyway.
Teaching newbies had no risks.
"Fine. If that's your will, I'll allow it."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
"What's so hard? Now put this away quick."
Ah, not senile after all.
"I won't take it. Give it to Yeonhui instead!"
"Where are you going?!"
"Can't forget our deal? Farewell!"
I bolted out fast.