Chapter 17
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: A Wife is as Her Husband Makes Her (1)
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Despite an unintended disturbance along the way, they arrived safely at the wife's family home.
It was a merchant group on the scale of a large manor. The name Baemun Merchant Group was boldly emblazoned on the plaque above the main gate in a brush style as grand as a Yongbi stele. Judging by the majestic calligraphy, they must have hired a fairly renowned calligrapher.
Not far away by any means, yet he hadn't visited often enough—his wife felt a fresh wave of emotion. Even so, there was a hint of hesitation, as if she worried things might be just as they were back then. His wife, who had always been poised and unflappable no matter the time or place, was trembling a little too.
Click!
Mujin placed a hand on his wife's shoulder.
"Honey."
More than words, his smile reassured her. Infused with the certainty that nothing would go wrong.
"That woman back there... she was something, wasn't she?"
"What?"
"Nothing?"
"You're right."
Why ask about that now? Even with sound blocked out, a woman's intuition was terrifying. How could her instincts be this sharp? His wife truly was remarkable. And with that, she strode toward the main gate as if it were no big deal.
A gatekeeper from the Baemun Merchant Group was always stationed at the entrance. One shouldn't dismiss a gatekeeper. Figuring out who someone was—that was crucial, and the gatekeeper was practically the face of the household.
"Who... no way?"
"It's me, Uncle."
Kim Mun-pyeong, who had served as gatekeeper for decades, was stunned to see Baek Yujin—but joy and longing overtook his surprise. It had already been ten years since the girl who used to follow him around called him "Uncle." Now, he should be called an old man instead.
"Miss Yujin, how long has it been?"
"You're the same as ever, Uncle."
"The same? Look at these wrinkles of mine. But you—you haven't changed a bit from back then."
"I'm a mom now. Hohoho."
Even after ten years, Yujin was as beautiful as ever. That alone filled Mujin with pride. It was a heavy sense of responsibility as the head of the household—proof that he'd lived diligently for his wife and would continue to do so.
His wife was buzzing with excitement now, like she'd gone back ten years. Who knew she had this side to her? It was a fresh discovery.
"Kids, say hello. This is the man Mom relied on since she was little."
"Hello, I'm Kang Taejin."
"I'm Kang Mijoo."
Mun-pyeong looked at the young lady's son and daughter, reminiscing about her own childhood. It felt like he was seeing that spirited little girl all over again.
"My goodness, young master, young miss! I'm the one who's delighted! Come on in."
Wait, just the wife and kids? What about me?
They entered the house under Mun-pyeong's guidance, but not to the old room she used before. Instead, they were led to a guest chamber in the annex where the Baemun Merchant Group received visitors.
"Sorry, it's because of me."
Quite some time had passed since Mun-pyeong left. Yujin felt deeply apologetic for making them wait without any word. In truth, she'd sent a message a few days before arriving.
"Everything I am now is thanks to you. So don't ever apologize. No matter what happens, you're the treasure of my life."
"Honey!"
"You can't get all emotional over something like this. You're not crying, are you?"
"I'm not."
She must be nervous.
Blinded by love for that wastrel, she'd ignored her family's wishes. What she needed now was conviction. Assurance that the choice she'd made was absolutely right.
'You've got me, so no need to feel down.'
To protect the wife who'd always been so confident, he could dive into hellfire itself. It was necessary for Taejin and Mijoo too. He couldn't tolerate his wife being mistreated—it went against his pride. The in-laws might deserve pity, but the family existed because of his wife.
Pretty solid, right?
-Smooth talker.
'I told her she's the best, the pinnacle of my life!'
-First time hearing such nonsense.
'You wouldn't get it till you marry and have kids, Demon King.'
-I've got kids too.
'They probably died trying to see your face.'
-......Kuh!
This counter hit home—Cheon-gyeong shut his mouth. Why was the Demon King so sensitive? Mujin wished he'd revert to his old self.
Human weapon... hmph, trash incarnate.
He understood Cheon-gyeong's feelings. Bred like livestock, fulfilling every desire. Women sacrificed to the Demon King might have borne children.
But those kids likely never saw their father's face—gifted ones bred further, others killed. In truth, even if the Demon King saw them, he had no say. It was all up to the breeders.
'Hey, sulking? Man up.'
-You carved out my heart and rubbed salt in it! And you call that 'sulking'? You cruel bastard!
'The cruel one's the Demon King.'
-You've killed more people than me!
'It's not about numbers. They all deserved it!'
The spat with the Demon King ended there. One crack from him, and emotions spiked—embarrassing for an ex-Demon King. A Demon King should be dignified, bloodthirsty, reveling in slaughter. Picky about who to kill? That was wrong from the start. It didn't match the first impression.
"Dad, can't I look around?"
"You haven't seen Grandpa and Grandma yet. Let's wait, greet them, then tour together."
"When are they coming? We've been waiting. Don't they want to see me?"
"Who wouldn't want to see Mijoo? Trust your dad."
"Yeah, okay."
Well now.
He expected a no. Sometimes Mijoo felt so grown-up despite her age. Modern kids might mature mentally faster than before. As the world changed, parents had to adapt. That was the essence of eye-level parenting.
'Can't let her wander alone.'
Roaming solo could spark a quarrel, escalating from kids' spat to full-blown adult brawl—irreversible trouble. Strangers warily or hostilely eyed kids or adults alike.
Of course, it might be an overreaction. But he got the hint. What else could the long wait in the guest room mean? Better not create any pretext for conflict from the outset.
'I won't let my daughter get hurt.'
What about the son?
Whatever.
Beyond that, arriving at Mom's house and getting poor treatment—the shock to the kids was worrying enough. He couldn't bear seeing that.
'They're coming now.'
Movement registered in his senses.
Soon.
The door opened.
Tense Yujin rose to greet her parents. The long-awaited reunion had her more nervous than usual.
"I hope you've been well!"
"It's been a while."
Her father-in-law exuded merchant dignity mixed with unyielding integrity. Her mother-in-law, though gaunt, bore a striking resemblance to Yujin.
A chill laced his tone.
Ahem.
She'd defied his expectations, marrying on her own whim. Lingering resentment kept him at a distance, unwilling to approach.
"So, what brings you here?"
"What do you mean? You invited us! And it's not like Yujin came somewhere she shouldn't! If you keep this up..."
Unable to hold back her longing for the daughter she hadn't seen in ten years, her mother-in-law pulled Yujin into an embrace. Then she noticed the kids standing awkwardly.
"Oh my! Look at me. You must be Taejin and Mijoo. I'm your grandma—come here!"
"I'm Kang Taejin, Grandma!"
"I'm Mijoo!"
Only then did Taejin and Mijoo relax, taking their grandmother's outstretched hands. But Yujin eyed her still-rigid father warily. Even she hesitated now. No words could easily soothe his anger.
Mujin stepped forward.
"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law! Sorry for being late. We'll visit often from now on and pay our respects!"
"No need."
"Come on, don't be like that—let go of your anger. It's all my fault. But what can be done? You raised such a beautiful, clever, wise, and charming wife. That's entirely on you two. I couldn't hold back. Who in the world could refuse Yujin? Anyone who does has broken eyes—no need to keep 'em. The continent's top ten beauties? Yujin outshines them. She's the fairest of them all."
Baek Woong-cheol and Jang Hwa-ran were momentarily speechless at Mujin's brazen flattery. They'd never imagined he'd come at them like this. To spout such embarrassingly overt praise without hesitation. Even if true, it was peak doting-father brag.
'What the...!'
Woong-cheol had declared he'd cut ties over his daughter's antics, but he'd heard the news. Trade with the sect and merchant group continued. Word was the utter wastrel had changed—but not like this.
Fine, whatever.
Who wouldn't be pleased hearing their daughter praised? Despite himself, his cheeks twitched.
His steadfast nature forced him to rein in the emotion.
'Flattery won't get you a single coin.'
Woong-cheol figured Mujin had ulterior motives, hence the act. Otherwise, how could someone change overnight? People don't change easily. He's just hiding his desperation.
In business, he'd seen plenty—those pretending to be good while rotten inside were far scarier than the obviously shady.
'Not a chance.'
Mujin knew his father-in-law's mind well. People change when desperate. As a merchant who'd met all sorts, his insight rivaled any physiognomist.
But Mujin was the same.
Once called the War King, he'd always sized up foes by face and aura. His eye for people was unmatched.
"Didn't bring much, but I have some wild ginseng."
"We've got plenty in the warehouse."
"It's not much to look at, but good for the body—take it. If not, use it as a side dish."
"Very well. As a side dish, then."