Chapter 244
Chapter 244
It took me quite a while to understand Dang Gyeong-won's words.
I mulled over the word “husband” a couple of times, and the phrase “how about it?” about four times, before recoiling in horror and distancing myself from him.
“Is this guy crazy? Did you eat poison? Hey, you’re my relative.”
“Is that a problem?”
Unlike me, who was spitting out curses in disgust, Dang Gyeong-won looked like he had no idea what the problem was.
When I made a face like I was about to throw up, Dang Gyeong-won waved his hand, looking like he’d realized something.
“I, I don’t mean I want to do anything with you. I just…!”
“Just, what?”
“You’re a direct descendant, so you can’t just leave your side empty. I’m asking if I’d be okay as a nominal husband.”
“Are you crazy? No way.”
“Don’t be like that, think about it, Dang So-hye. Like you said, it’s better to have me than some unknown bastard. Our great collateral lines will support you.”
“…I’m going crazy.”
“If you’re worried about an heir because we’re blood relatives, you can bring in another man to have a child. I’m confident I won’t interfere, whether you bring in two or three men…”
“Hey, hey! Stop. Stop it. How far is he going to go?”
I cut him off, rubbed my eyes, and sighed as if the ground would cave in.
I couldn’t even guess what calculations had led him to the conclusion of marriage.
I’m going crazy. I can’t keep up with the way these family members think.
When I shuddered and said I didn’t like it, Dang Gyeong-won swallowed hard and lowered his eyes.
He moved his lips, and soon apologized sincerely.
“I apologize if my words were unpleasant. I didn’t mean to look down on you or hurt your feelings.”
He looked so sorry that I couldn’t even get angry at the intimidated guy.
I waved my hand to mean it was okay and fixed my gaze on the tip of my shoes. My head was throbbing.
“I know what you want. You want to pull another direct descendant to your side instead of Dang Hwa-yeop. You can’t go with that thug, right?”
“That’s right.”
“I don’t understand why that substitute has to be me… but it doesn’t seem like marriage is the only way to get new allies.”
“That’s true.”
Dang Gyeong-won smiled awkwardly. I also looked at the air awkwardly and opened my mouth.
“I understand that you want to get a solid connection, but marriage is really absurd, so please don’t bring it up again.”
“Okay.”
He answered calmly, stroked his chin with a troubled face, and asked again.
“If you don’t like marriage, is a master-servant relationship okay? If you need a loyal confidant later, consider me…”
“No! That’s not it either! It’s both no, so stop talking. Please.”
After husband, it’s subordinate? Why is it so extreme?
Dang Gyeong-won, who was looking at me with strange eyes as I jumped up and refused, said as if it was strange.
“You’re a unique one.”
“I don’t think someone who suddenly talks about husband without any context should be saying that.”
“I’m saying that because you don’t take what’s obvious to others for granted. You’re the only direct descendant who doesn’t wield what they have.”
“Is that so.”
“That’s not ‘is that so.’ We have to follow you unconditionally if you order us. The hierarchy is clear. But you…”
Dang Gyeong-won, who was struggling for a long time because he couldn’t think of a suitable word, muttered in a sighing voice.
“Honestly, you’re like a pushover.”
“Hey, do you want to die? Do you propose to a pushover?”
“Ah, ah, it hurts!”
When I got annoyed and slapped his arm, Dang Gyeong-won, who was laughing and pretending to be in pain, continued.
“I know it’s your nature… but be careful not to ruin things with personal sympathy. You’re a bit too soft, to the point where it’s worrying.”
“……”
“Not using the power you have properly is also a stupid thing to do. No matter what, the fact that you’re the Patriarch’s bloodline doesn’t change. Don’t hesitate to use it when you need it.”
His eyes, sincerely advising me, held a faint worry.
“Okay. I’ll take your advice.”
“I hope you do. I understand your intentions. If you don’t want a husband or a confidant… I’ll think more about what conditions you’d like.”
“Can’t you just not think about it?”
“I told you. Whether you want it or not, you’re already involved in the succession competition. It’s stupid to miss the opportunity to make me your ally when it’s obvious who the winner will be.”
He’s persistent too. I said I’m not interested in family matters.
I pressed my temples and clicked my tongue.
“Ugh, I don’t know. Think whatever you want. Anyway, this conversation is over, right?”
“Okay. I apologize again for bringing up an uncomfortable topic. I didn’t mean any harm.”
Dang Gyeong-won, who scratched the back of his neck and apologized again, lowered his voice and whispered.
“Just in case, can you keep today’s conversation a secret? I think Dang Ye-won would tease me for ten years if she found out.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t tell.”
“Thanks.”
He gave a faint smile, looked down at me quietly, and said hesitantly.
“Should I take you back?”
“It’s okay. You’d be embarrassed too, so what’s the point of sticking around? I’ll go on my own. I’ll go first.”
“…Okay.”
I patted Dang Gyeong-won on the back and turned around as if nothing was wrong.
But he didn’t move from the spot where we had the last conversation.
Why isn’t he leaving?
I awkwardly licked my lips and picked up speed as if running away only after Dang Gyeong-won was far enough away that he couldn’t feel my presence.
But even after parting with him, his serious voice was not forgotten.
‘Whether you want it or not, you’re already involved in the succession competition.’
My head was complicated and I felt nauseous.
It felt like I had tripped over an obstacle I hadn’t even thought of.
…Should I have hidden my skills appropriately like Namgung Hwi?
No. Even if I hid it, it wouldn’t have made a big difference as long as I was aiming for the championship.
If I don’t want to get involved in family matters, I have to leave Sichuan.
Even if it’s difficult to join the Devil Subjugation Unit right away, it seemed like a good idea to join the Alliance and leave the Tang Clan as soon as the Martial Arts Tournament was over.
As I frowned and entered the accommodation, I saw Grandfather and Dang-un sitting face to face in the reception room, drinking tea.
I hope that brother didn’t say anything weird.
At that moment, my heart sank and I hurriedly ran and sat next to Dang-un.
“W-What were you talking about?”
“So-hye, you’re here. Did you finish talking with Gyeong-won well? Wait a moment. I’ll get some new tea.”
“Yes.”
As I answered and glanced at the two, I felt relieved. Seeing that the atmosphere was no different from usual, it seemed that no serious conversation had taken place.
As I quietly reached out to the confectionery plate, Grandfather, who pushed the confectionery in front of me, asked casually.
“I heard Gyeong-won proposed? Did you accept?”
“Cough, cough! Cough!”
I spat out the confectionery I was putting in my mouth and coughed. Dang-un, who laughed softly, patted my back.
Grandfather also rested his chin on his hand with a playful face.
“See that. I said she would refuse, right?”
“Grandfather was right.”
“What, cough! Cough! Were you talking about me?”
“Why don’t you just meet him once? He’s smart like his father, so he’ll be good at managing the household.”
“Grandfather!”
“Why. Is Gyeong-won not good enough for you? It’s better to bring in an obedient guy than to pick up some random thug from outside, right?”
At Grandfather’s eyes, which were full of fun, I covered my face and lowered my head on the table.
Damn it. Has the rumor already spread?
Dang Gyeong-won, I didn’t say anything. It’s your fault for saying it on the street full of Martial Artists.
Dang-un also added with a voice full of laughter.
“Yes. If it’s Gyeong-won, this brother can rest assured. It’s not common to find a suitor who knows his role exactly. Give him a chance, like Grandfather said. He might be a good match.”
I paused and slowly moved my lips.
I felt a strange sense of incongruity from the attitude of the two people who were sure that Dang Gyeong-won would never cross the line.
…That guy must have grown up being discriminated against and told to be loyal to his position. Living as a collateral line must not be easy.
But the bitter feeling didn’t last long. That’s because the topic of conversation naturally shifted to my love life.
Dang-un, who poured clear water into my teacup, smiled and asked carefully.
“So-hye is already of marriageable age, isn’t there anyone you want to meet?”
“Ahaha, I don’t know… I’m too busy preparing for the competition.”
“Was there no one among the opponents you fought who you liked?”
“My competition opponents were a beggar, a Taoist, and a monk. Brother.”
“…Oh dear. That’s right.”
As Dang-un closed his mouth with regret, Grandfather also narrowed his eyes and added.
“Then, is there any man who catches your eye? Is there anyone you’re worried about?”
“Hey, how can I have time to worry about that?”
I don’t even have enough time to review the swords of the championship contenders, what are you talking about.
At my answer, Grandfather’s expression seemed a little relieved and a little disappointed, and he twitched his cheeks.
“Still, it’s a place where the Rising Stars of the Central Plains gather. You never know, so take a good look. There are many people who meet like fate in places like this. Isn’t that right, Grandfather?”
When Dang-un asked Grandfather for agreement, Grandfather’s brow furrowed.
“Un-i, are you making fun of your grandfather now that you’ve grown up a bit?”
“Of course not. I’m saying that So-hye might meet a precious relationship at the Martial Arts Tournament like Grandfather, so I hope she doesn’t miss it.”
“A precious relationship… That’s right. A precious relationship.”
Grandfather’s expression softened as he nodded.
We closed our mouths at the affectionate look in his eyes as he reminisced about someone.
He first met Ok-hwan… at the Martial Arts Tournament.
I and Dang-un quietly sipped our teacups so that Grandfather could control his emotions.
It was Uncle Geun-myeong who broke the strange silence.
“Excuse me, Elder. I’m sorry to interrupt, but a guest has arrived.”
“Send them back. I told them not to bother me anymore today, what’s the matter with them…”
Grandfather, who was annoyed, paused and sighed.
“It’s not a member of the Alliance. The news travels fast. Does he want to meet So-hye?”
“Yes.”
Huh? Me?
“Me?”
When I pointed at myself with wide eyes, Uncle Geun-myeong slowly nodded.
“Yes. Namgung Young Master has come to see you. He said he has something to tell you. Will you go out?”
