Chapter 33
Chapter 33
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: Jo Simhyang's Request
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My iron wall was solid.
It had already been two weeks since I entered the Baekyang Unit.
Jegal Yeong tried to show her goodwill toward me whenever she got the chance. Goodwill that went beyond senior-junior relations, aiming for something more!
But who am I?
A man who would be a corpse without his wits. I thoroughly defended against her temptations. No matter what, Jegal Yeong could never fall for me any further!
"Brother-in-law, aren't you being too neglectful toward me lately?"
Yeonhui, oblivious to my blood, sweat, and tears.
She seemed to have been building up dissatisfaction ever since I joined the unit.
"You just sleep after coming back from training! I can barely remember the last time we went for a walk together!"
"Yeonhui. The training is more exhausting than I thought."
"I know you're working hard, brother-in-law. It's just... a little..."
Yeonhui trailed off and turned her head to the side.
Pretending to be upset. She kept stealing glances at me, half-closing her eyes in a way that was utterly adorable. This was a signal begging for a hug.
"I'm starting to get used to it now, so how about we go stroll through the market soon? Okay?"
"That's not enough. I demand more outings!"
I reached out my arm to Yeonhui. She pretended to resist but surrendered her body to me. As soon as she nestled into my embrace, she shyly bowed her head and trembled all over.
Hasn't she gotten used to this by now? Unlike when she boldly showered me with affection as if she were about to pounce, every time I just hugged her like this, Yeonhui acted like she didn't know what to do. Of course, my heart raced too.
"Alright, alright. There's a flower garden near the south gate that I scouted out. They say it's wonderfully romantic at night. Let's go there next time."
"Really? I'd love anywhere as long as I'm with you, brother-in-law!"
And like that, I managed to soothe Yeonhui's disappointment with some compensatory promises. Good thing I'd checked it out in advance. Then, one day, good news arrived at the Namgung Family.
"Congratulations."
"Thank you, brother-in-law! It's all thanks to you!"
"What did I even do?"
"Haha! So humble. Didn't you make me into a proper human being?"
Sanggwan Yeong was pregnant. Namgoong Hyu was getting a third child. The entire family was in a festive mood over the sudden joyous event. Namgoong Hyu, beaming with joy, went around praising me for improving their marital harmony.
I wondered what I'd really done.
I'd led the gluttonous Namgoong Hyu into the world of chicken breast, transforming him into a sculpted physique. And I'd actively recommended eel, which had been tricky to handle, to boost his vitality. Turns out, it was more than I thought.
Was it because of that?
On a rare day off.
As I was enjoying some leisure time with Yeonhui, an unexpected guest arrived.
"I came too suddenly, didn't I?"
"Not at all, madam."
"Don't lie. You two barely have enough time together as it is. I'm sorry for stealing away your time like this."
Jo Simhyang apologized, looking as if she lacked the face to do so.
Compared to before, her complexion was a bit downcast. What had happened? The last time I'd met Namgoong Jin, Jo Simhyang had lightened the stiff atmosphere. I was curious why she had come looking so full of worry.
"You've heard that Uncle has a third child on the way, right?"
"Of course. The whole family is buzzing about it."
"It's something to celebrate. But... is it because I'm so lacking? My heart feels unsettled."
Jo Simhyang spoke as if she'd committed a crime. Her heart in turmoil over the family's good fortune. Only then did I realize that she and Namgoong Jin had no children of their own.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ A political marriage.
As is common in ambitious families, Jo Simhyang had been forced to marry without regard for her own wishes. It wasn't hard to accept. Thanks to her family, she'd lived without want.
Everyone lives like this.
She didn't feel any particular shadow in her heart.
'He seems like a very strict person.'
Before the marriage, at their few meetings.
Namgoong Jin's first impression was like a solid rock. He seemed to know little about women. Their time together had more silence than conversation. Even when she tried to keep the talk going, his curt replies cut it short. It felt a bit suffocating, but she'd thought things would sort themselves out eventually. Jo Simhyang accepted it as it was.
"They say the young lady is so beautiful."
A casual remark Jo Simhyang tossed out while searching for a conversation topic. That became the turning point, and their relationship began to progress.
"Are you talking about Yeonhui?"
"Yes. The rumors say the Namgung Family's youngest daughter is incredibly cute."
"You're a person of wide knowledge, madam."
Perhaps inheriting it from his father, Namgoong Jin was an incorrigible doting brother. It was surprising. The man who barely spoke, as if he might dislike her, suddenly opened up like a market vendor once his little sister was mentioned. Starting with the youngest, he went on about the eldest, the second, and even their father and mother. If left alone, he seemed ready to recite the entire Namgung family tree. But Jo Simhyang didn't stop his torrent of family pride.
'This man will cherish me and our children.'
Jo Simhyang had been distant from her own siblings. Brothers squabbling over the family's modest wealth. Since she was to become an outsider through marriage, they didn't restrain her much, but it was far from typical family warmth. That's why Namgoong Jin's demeanor felt so novel. She thought marriage to such a man might bring happiness. And so, Jo Simhyang accepted her union with him.
'He has a warm heart. But...'
Six years as Namgoong Jin's wife. He was exceedingly devoted to her. Always putting her first, always striving for her sake. Though clumsy, she could feel his affection in his actions... but Jo Simhyang couldn't hide her lingering regret.
'Isn't he too shy?'
Her husband had never even dated once. That explained his awkward expressions of love and excessive stiffness. He was so bold and confident in his duties, yet he fidgeted like a nervous bachelor before her. At first, she found it endearing. But as time passed without change, she couldn't help feeling a bit resentful.
'Is it because I'm lacking?'
Sanggwan Yeong's third pregnancy became the trigger.
'This can't go on!'
Her husband's lack of initiative extended to their marital relations as well. She wanted to have children soon and build a happy family. Namgoong Hyu, who had tirelessly praised Yi Se-woong while pacing the house, came to mind. Yes, her brother-in-law!
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "That's why I came to see my brother-in-law."
"M-Madam. I've heard your story. But why exactly come to me...?"
My husband is too indifferent, and it upsets me.
It sounded like something from a couples' clinic. I understood Jo Simhyang's worry. Anxious because she couldn't conceive as she wished, and now hearing Sanggwan Yeong was pregnant. But shouldn't the usual remedies be tonics or visiting a shaman?
Why come to me?
"I was so frustrated that I swallowed my pride and asked my brother-in-law. How he and his wife still have such good harmony after all this time. He said it was all thanks to you."
"No, the two of you were harmonious from the start. I didn't do anything."
"Ah, yes. For a married couple, being affectionate is only natural..."
It was like walking on thin ice.
My hasty attempt to avoid flattery stabbed her like a dagger. Her spirits sank even lower, utterly dejected.
"That's not what I meant. From what I saw, you and Third Brother seem plenty harmonious. What's the problem?"
"Really? Of course, he's faithful to me, that's true. But there's just one thing lacking."
Jo Simhyang spoke with a meaningful expression.
"Tenderness."
"...?"
"I know he cherishes and loves me. I can feel it without words. But he's so lacking in tenderness!"
Her voice rose, choked with grievance. But what was this flow?
"I felt it the first time I saw you, brother-in-law. Confessing your love so boldly in front of the entire family watching! Vowing to wait through countless springs!"
"..."
Had I done something wrong to Jo Simhyang? Mentioning that the Namgoong Hyu couple was harmonious from the start might have irked her. Her emotions surged, and she began pouring out her heart.
"It was the same on the day we first dined together. To show such tenderness so casually in front of us."
"..."
"I teased you playfully, but he has no sense at all. I envied how you and Yeonhui sweetly cherished each other."
No, please stop.
I wanted to erase that day from my memory. Just thinking about it made my limbs curl up in embarrassment. To provoke Namgoong Jin, I'd...
Fed Yeonhui bites of food, or had her feed me. Putting on a show of an overly doting couple with those low acts.
I wanted to crawl into a rat hole.
"Please, can you tell me? The secret to expressing affection boldly without feeling shy!"
"Pardon?"
"The secret that let you ignore the elders of the family watching!"
Stop, stop!
I'll apologize.
So please, Madam Jo Simhyang, halt your assault on me swiftly.
"Hmm, Sister. I suppose it's time for me to step in here!"
"Yeonhui?"
"It's true that Third Brother is like a block of wood. But there's something you've overlooked, Sister."
It was then.
Unable to endure Jo Simhyang's mental assault and staying silent, Yeonhui—who had been quietly listening—suddenly joined the fray.
"A man is as a woman makes him. That's what Mother always emphasized. You need to realize that, Sister!"
"So it is because I'm lacking?"
"Hehe, don't worry. You're plenty beautiful, Sister. You just don't know the method yet. Neither Third Brother nor you."
Yeonhui was strangely composed. A dangerous glint lurked in the eyes of her refreshing smile.
"I'll teach you the secret technique to make him unable to contain his love for you!"
I felt uneasy.
Yeonhui's eyes gleamed like a strategist unveiling a trump card.
Her gaze turned to me.
"I'll show you right now. How to seduce your lover!"
"?"
"Come here, brother-in-law."
Refusal declined.
A strange pressure emanated from Yeonhui.
"Watch closely, Sister. I'll show you how I make brother-in-law squirm!"
Yeonhui showed no intention of letting this rare opportunity slip away.
From her gaze upon me, I felt the ferocity of a hawk spotting its prey.