Winds of Change Amid the Gathering Crowds (2)
People's gazes toward me were filled with bewilderment.
"Doesn't that guy look just like the youngest young master?"
"Yeah, he does. But his vibe feels... a bit different, doesn't it?"
Vibe, huh... It had changed, alright.
After getting beaten to a pulp for two years straight, who'd stay the same? That wouldn't be human.
Screeech.
Ilseon Dosa and Mujikja emerged from the door a step behind me. I turned to look at them.
I wasn't the only one who'd changed.
This place, which used to be my old hall, had been completely transformed into Cheonryongjeon at Namgung Je-cheon's suggestion. A bit of expansion had gone into it too, all funded by Geum Dondong.
The building loomed larger and more splendid than I'd imagined, taking it all in at a glance. The courtyard had doubled or tripled in size, and the walls were now so long you had to crane your neck to see the ends. What was once a single-story hall had become a three-story pavilion.
Now, everyone in Cheonryongjeon had their own private rooms. Sinyejang and the occasional visiting maids had claimed the entire first floor. And the top floor? That was mine.
"How does it feel to step outside after so long?"
"I never dreamed the young master was such a stubborn survivor."
Ilseon Dosa gazed at the same spot I was, posing his question. Mujikja eyed me and let slip some honey-coated criticism that was music to my ears.
"Who do you think made me this way?"
I grumbled lightly at the two elders. Guarding a gut that might burst open any second. Tending to a noggin that could crack without warning.
The past two years had been a whirlwind of trials. That was also why I hadn't set foot outside.
Or more precisely...
'The time it took to leave my room, cross the courtyard, and reach the front gate.'
Like conquering one hurdle after another. Pushing aside the Daegalbak one by one.
When was my first victory? Around a year into training, maybe.
"Let's go."
I said to the two old men. I hadn't come out today to commemorate bringing justice to fifty Daegalbak members.
But why was the clan estate so bustling?
Prepping a celebration for me?
'Nah...'
I knew better than anyone that wasn't it. I shot a questioning look at the elders, but their responses were...
"What're you staring at?"
"Some fight break out or what?"
Zero nutritional value.
Well, I'd find out soon enough once I got where I was going. I shoved aside any misplaced expectations and turned to leave—
"Huff huff! Young master!"
"W-We made it!"
Familiar faces appeared. A smile bloomed on my face unbidden. They weren't the only ones glad to see them; smiles spread across Ilseon Dosa's and Mujikja's faces too.
The two put on their monkly airs, speaking kindly.
"Ilhyang and Ihyang, you've arrived."
"Aigoo~! Look how much thinner you've gotten—must've been through hell! You lot better turn this Namgung place upside down good and proper!"
Ilhyang and Ihyang gave short laughs at the two arm-flailing old men's attention-seeking, then bowed to me.
"Have you been well? No aches or pains?"
"Seeing the youngest young master's face heals my soul on the spot."
I made an awkward face.
'Why do they seem more alike every day?'
Ilhyang took after Yi Han. Ihyang after Namgung Je-cheon.
The bad parts, that is.
"Talk normal. This is creepy as hell."
"Ho ho, you think? I've got a bit of status in the clan now."
"Hey! Military hall folks coming through! Young master! Hide me a sec!"
'No, sisters? Don't get too casual all of a sudden!'
I was the Namgung clan's youngest young master too, you know? I decided to hold off on moving for a bit. Their reason for being here was obvious.
Partly to see me, sure. But...
'Mostly to tell them to take a break.'
Ilseon Dosa and Mujikja's fretting over them earlier wasn't just polite chit-chat. Their under-eye bags were so dark it was anyone's guess when they'd last slept. Their skin was dry and flaky, their bodies skin and bones—I wouldn't rest easy until I'd stuffed them with food.
"Let's head in! You eat first, then work."
Ilhyang perked up, though she looked a tad deflated as she asked, "Weren't you headed out? With the two elders along, it seems important."
Ihyang took it further, inferring, "Cheongpung Geomdan returned safely from the imperial palace today. And the third young master just ended his seclusion. It's exactly two years since the second young master mentioned, too."
They weren't the old herb-picking maids anymore.
—Young master! Got some deodeok today!
—Found some ferns too, swept 'em all up! We can eat our fill for a while!
A chill ran through me from some unknown source.
'A whole month of roasted deodeok, deodeok salad, deodeok juice, deodeok soup... Every deodeok dish imaginable. Then a month straight of just ferns.'
Probably the main reason I turned into such a carnivore. And it hit me why the estate was so rowdy today.
'Third brother's the one who...'
But first things first.
"Let's go! Just curious about the outside air. Grab some grub while we're at it."
For a moment, I thought maybe I didn't need to go at all.
* * *
Namgung Jung was meeting Namgung Hancheol in the family head's quarters.
"I've come to request permission for a proxy duel."
Namgung Hancheol had spent the last two years secluded in the training hall within the quarters. That was the norm for him.
Showing his face to the clan so often lately had been unprecedented. Indifferently, Namgung Hancheol spoke.
"I recall granting it long ago."
Proxy duels could begin freely anytime once the parties agreed. Namgung Jung knew that.
Yet here he was in the quarters, suggesting some other reason...
Namgung Jung opened his mouth to explain. "Word is the third just ended his seclusion today. Once he hears the full story, he'll probably..."
At that moment, the door to the quarters opened, and the third son, Namgung So, entered.
"Father!"
Namgung Jung picked up where he'd left off. "Come charging in here. He's no gentleman, after all."
Spotting Namgung Jung, Namgung So's eyes flashed with surprise.
"Unexpected. I figured you'd head straight to the youngest."
Namgung So seemed far too well-informed about recent events for someone fresh out of seclusion. Thanks to Ihyang's swift reports.
"I was going to, but held back. Figured you had business with the youngest too. And that's why you came here instead of straight to him, right?"
Namgung So showed no pretense. "Can't outmaneuver big brother's insight. You're right."
Suddenly, Namgung Jung smiled genuinely and approached Namgung So.
Namgung So looked uneasy at his brother's reaction.
Namgung Jung reached out and patted Namgung So's shoulder.
One might say what harm in brothers touching? But Namgung direct descendants weren't your average siblings. Normally, Namgung So would've swatted the hand away.
But Namgung Hancheol was right there.
"Seclusion must've paid off. Your energy feels even more refined."
"Obviously..."
Namgung So's face hardened at Namgung Jung's next words.
"At a glance, that is. But it's grown more tyrannical, sharper, heavier."
Namgung So had thought he'd fooled everyone perfectly. The fruits of his seclusion!
'Did he see through it?'
Too soon to say.
"It's like you picked up a saber instead of a sword."
In that instant, Namgung So's face went slack with defeat.
"H-How?"
Namgung Jung kept his calm expression. "Recognizing a brother's achievements is a big brother's duty, no? So, little brother."
Namgung Jung's aura surged. Namgung So felt like a massive serpent was coiling around him.
'Draw?'
There was a clear gap between him and his second brother. But two years of seclusion had narrowed it for sure.
'Could I win if I draw?'
Even if he drew here, Father wouldn't stop it. With no interest in worldly affairs, childish squabbles wouldn't catch his eye.
Namgung So let his hand fall completely from the sword hilt he'd been fidgeting with. A sign of no intent to fight.
'My mistake.'
He'd anticipated second brother being here, but excitement over the youngest had made him sloppy.
'If I'd brought a saber instead of a sword.'
He'd have drawn without hesitation.
"I'll withdraw this time. Seems you have prior commitments, brother."
"Thanks, little brother."
"But! Grant me the right to watch your duel with the youngest. You can allow that much, right?"
Namgung Jung beamed. "Of course! The more spectators, the better!"
That was when it happened.
"Me too."
Something utterly unforeseen.
For a moment, both thought they'd misheard. Their gazes snapped to Namgung Hancheol.
With his usual listless expression, Namgung Hancheol repeated himself.
"I want to watch too."
Their wits caught up, reason returning at his following words.
"Not allowed, second son?"
Namgung Jung snapped to and spun his thoughts rapidly.
'Why would Father suddenly...?'
Then it clicked.
'The youngest.'
Whenever Father acted out of character, the youngest was always involved.
"If not, no choice."
Namgung Jung jumped in hastily. "Since it's come to this, let's announce it to the whole clan."
An on-the-spot idea, backed by solid calculation.
'With Father involved, anything could happen.'
Namgung Jung continued. "Everyone will love it. We're Namgung—we chase fights like maniacs."
And he thought:
'Gather as many as possible.'
It'd minimize variables. And signal to the clan who held the edge in the looming young clan head contest.
And Namgung Jung had confidence.
'I'll win.'
He hadn't idled for two years either.
'More than enough time to prepare.'
Namgung Hancheol's flat reply came.
"Understood. Inform the military hall of the schedule. Now leave."
Sudden dismissal, but they bowed and exited the quarters.
* * *
"I'll be watching too. But don't underestimate the youngest."
Namgung So dropped that loaded line and left as soon as they were outside.
Namgung Jung watched him go wordlessly. Namgung So was smiling.
"Me, underestimate the youngest? Me? You don't know me at all."
Namgung Jung quickened his pace. Toward Namgung Daeso.
* * *
Namgung Daeso was frowning at the food laid out before his mirror.
"Why's there deodeok salad? And ferns?"
Sinyejang spoke with nostalgic eyes. "Heard Ilhyang and Ihyang were coming, so I thought I'd whip up some old memories."
On purpose? Today? Shouldn't we be having beef on a day like this? And we're loaded now!
I couldn't nitpick the side dishes anymore.
"As expected of Sinyejang! I was just missing those days."
"Me too! When we all crammed in one room with the youngest young master—that was the best."
"Ho ho, eat up. Plenty left."
"Yes~!"
"Yes~!"
'Ah...'
Before the beaming Sinyejang and maids, I had only one option.
"...Yes."