After Story. 001 ― Grandson’s Wife (2)
Do Gyeonu had not only defied the patriarch’s opposition and run away from the clan, he had gone and gotten married as he pleased.
His partner was said to be Yeon Haneul, his childhood friend, the disciple of the Seven-Colored Witch and the one drawing attention under the alias Bunny….
When the people of the clan heard the news at the time, they were utterly dumbfounded.
It was unpleasant. It grated on them.
“So what if she’s a promising prospect? In the end, isn’t she still a demi-human? A lowly bloodline of unknown origins, one that can’t even bear a child who resembles its parents.”
“I knew this would happen eventually. When a man and a woman are always sticking together like that, how could something like this not happen? Ugh, what are we supposed to do about this….”
“If that boy was a member of the clan, he should have acted for the clan as a matter of course…. If he liked that child so much, wouldn’t it have been better to take her as a concubine? Is love something you prove through marriage? Of course not! So why so foolishly, why…. Did he really have to go this far? Even while bringing shame upon the clan? Insolent brat.”
“If a child is going down the wrong path, the parents should have stopped him. Honestly, what on earth were those people doing instead of stopping him?”
“In the end, it was like father, like son. Sangjun, that bastard, also talked back to Father because he wanted to marry a commoner. Who do you think Gyeonu learned it from?”
Those who belonged to the Divine Sword Do Clan, especially those of the direct line, took pride in their bloodline.
It was only natural, since they had been born into an environment blessed from birth and had lived lives of being looked up to by others.
That was why they could not possibly like Yeon Haneul, who had been born a “demi-human.”
The thought of her becoming a member of the clan made them feel as though their blood was being tainted.
Some even felt outright disgust.
And yet, today, that very woman was said to be visiting the main house to formally greet the members of the clan.
“He went so far as to return the Ultramarine Sword to the patriarch, saying he would no longer have anything to do with the clan, so I thought he had cut ties with us. And yet he’s slipped back in before we knew it…. There’s a limit to shamelessness. Why? Was life without the clan’s protection too hard for him?”
“They said it was like that with Sangjun too, but Father’s heart is surprisingly soft. He should have just thrown them out completely….”
“Hmph, she must be swollen with dreams, thinking she’s become the daughter-in-law of the Divine Sword Do Clan. Does a wench like her really think she can stand on equal footing with us?”
“Ah, this lowers our dignity. How irritating.”
Yeon Haneul of the “Divine Sword Do Clan”?
The people of the clan could not accept that modifier.
No, they did not want to accept it.
“We’ll have to put her in her place so she doesn’t even think of getting uppity.”
“Let’s see what she looks like, at least.”
“A young thing like her arriving later than us—she’s rude from the very first meeting.”
And so the people of the clan had been sharpening their blades for their meeting with Yeon Haneul like this.
“…….”
Contrary to what they had originally planned, however, they could not approach Yeon Haneul.
Because she, who had finally appeared at the main house, was being guarded by Do Gyeonu and his family.
To an almost excessive degree….
As a result, all they could do was whisper among themselves from afar, unable to even think of getting close.
“She’s Gyeonu’s wife? I can’t see her well because she’s covered up. All I can see are the rabbit ears.”
“The whole family is shielding her.”
“At this rate, we won’t even be able to approach her.”
“Why not? Just go.”
“Then you can go, Hyungnim.”
“Uh…. Hmm…. That’s a bit…. Wouldn’t it be right for you to go first, Dongseo?”
“…….”
If they carelessly touched Yeon Haneul, it felt as though it would not end with a simple war of words, but with someone’s hair being torn out.
Looking at Do Gyeonu, who had his hand on his scabbard as though ready to draw his sword at any moment, they might even end up seeing blood….
“Grrrr.”
“……”
Especially because Do Gyeonu was growling like a beast or a wild animal, as if he had gone mad.
In the end, the people who had been gauging the situation decided it would be better to simply ignore Do Gyeonu’s group and avoid any possible disgrace.
‘That bastard’s eyes look like they’ve flipped. Let’s not get involved for no reason….’
‘Do you think I’m avoiding dung because I’m scared of it? I’m avoiding it because it’s filthy.’
‘Hmph, people not worth associating with….’
They were absolutely not avoiding them because they were afraid.
Making that excuse to themselves, they sharply turned their heads away.
It was then that Do Yeik, patriarch of the Divine Sword Do Clan, entered the banquet hall.
“Everyone is gathered.”
“…….”
Do Yeik swept his gaze over those present.
Everyone in the room could not help but humble themselves before the presence he exuded.
Before long, his gaze came to rest on Do Gyeonu and Yeon Haneul.
“So, Gyeonu is here as well. And…. our grandson’s wife too.”
“…….”
Just now, Do Yeik had clearly used the term “our grandson’s wife” with a benevolent smile.
A man who was strict even with his own children had called Yeon Haneul “our grandson’s wife”….
For a moment, the people doubted their own ears, and though they could not make a sound, they had no choice but to be shocked.
“…Hello, Patriarch.”
“…Hello, Grandfather. Have you been well?”
Do Gyeonu and Yeon Haneul were the same.
The two of them felt bewildered as well.
On top of that, Yeon Haneul was so flustered that she addressed Do Yeik comfortably.
The people of the clan clicked their tongues inwardly at her mistake.
But contrary to what they expected, Do Yeik seemed pleased instead.
“Yes, Grandfather is correct now. I have been well. Has my grandson’s wife…, has my child been well all this time?”
“Yes! I’ve been well too. Thank you.”
“Hoho….”
Do Yeik chuckled.
At his attitude toward Yeon Haneul, the people present could not help but be shocked once again.
Then he opened his mouth.
“Then since everyone is here, let us eat.”
* * *
As expected, the people of the clan did look at Yeon Haneul with unwelcome gazes.
But thankfully, the thing I had worried about did not happen.
Because my family and I guarded her like an iron wall so that they could not approach her.
‘Just try saying something useless to Haneul….’
Most of all, unexpectedly, Grandfather upheld Yeon Haneul’s dignity.
He treated her in a friendly manner, as his grandson’s wife, as if acknowledging her as a member of the clan.
‘He even called her “my child.” The patriarch, who always cared about appearances…. Called Haneul “my child”….’
Yes, Yeon Haneul was a baby.
Which meant I had to protect her, for the rest of my life.
In any case.
“…….”
Thanks to that, the flustered people of the clan had no choice but to set aside their dissatisfaction with her and behave according to the situation.
It was the same at the banquet.
Grandfather sided with me and Yeon Haneul.
“To think that a mage with talent that does not yield even to the Magic Min Clan will be entering our Divine Sword Do Clan in the future—it makes me very pleased. Once again, I congratulate the two of you on your marriage.”
“Thank you, Patriarch.”
“Thank you, Grandfather. I’ll serve you well from now on.”
Of course, while Grandfather was pleased, he did not simply overlook everything generously.
He properly addressed the points that had to be addressed.
“Gyeonu.”
“Yes, Patriarch.”
“There will not be a next time. Keep that in mind.”
Grandfather, who had already wiped the smile from his face, advised me as though giving a warning.
“…….”
There would not be a next time.
It meant that if I were to defy Grandfather’s wishes like I had this time when marrying Yeon Haneul, and on top of that attempt to run away from the clan as I pleased, he would strike me from the clan without showing mercy.
Understanding Grandfather’s words, I nodded heavily.
“Yes, I will keep that in mind.”
“Good. As long as you understand.”
Grandfather did not mention it further and spoke to the others.
After that, the banquet proceeded smoothly.
Then, in the midst of it.
“Next is Yeeun.”
“Yes, Patriarch!”
Grandfather’s gaze had moved to Do Yeeun before we knew it.
When Do Yeeun answered energetically, Grandfather let out a light laugh.
Then he brought up “that topic.”
“I heard you took the exam to enter the Academy this time.”
“Yes! I already passed the written exam in first place, and next week I’m going to Academy City to take the practical exam!”
“Yes, I heard you placed first as well. That is how a member of the Divine Sword Do Clan should be. Congratulations. I am proud of you.”
Do Yeeun, who was turning fourteen this year, was originally supposed to advance to middle school as soon as she graduated from elementary school.
And like the other members of the clan, she was supposed to continue her studies at the clan’s swordsmanship hall without change….
‘Yeeun said she wouldn’t go to middle school and would go to the middle Academy instead.’
Late last year, to be precise, around October of last year.
Do Yeeun, who had come to Academy City to have fun during the Future Festival, became completely infatuated with Academy City and ended up changing her choice of school.
—I’m not going to middle school! I’m going to Academy City! To the middle Academy!
Neither Father, Mother, nor even Grandfather could stop Do Yeeun’s determination.
‘The patriarch was always weak to Yeeun. She’d been so bold since she was little…. Everyone else found the patriarch difficult, but Yeeun didn’t. Even so, how on earth did she persuade him? I should use it as a reference next time.’
At any rate, after discussion, she was ultimately permitted to enter the middle Academy.
In exchange, there were several conditions.
Before entering the middle Academy, she had to learn the sword forms of the Divine Sword Do Clan up to at least a certain point, and after entering, she would regularly receive training from the Regulus Clan in Academy City….
And.
‘She had to prove that she possessed skills the clan members would acknowledge, so as not to tarnish the clan’s honor.’
My guess was that Grandfather’s intention was surely to use this occasion to test Do Yeeun.
Sure enough, Grandfather said,
“Do you have no intention of giving up on the Academy even now and changing your mind?”
“No, I want to go to Academy City. I want to experience the wider world, even if just a little earlier.”
“The wider world…. Very well, if that is your will, Yeeun, I will sincerely support you. However, you must first show that you have the ability for it. Ability that will not shame the clan’s name.”
“…….”
“Are you prepared?”
“…Yes, Patriarch.”
“Good. Once we finish eating, let us see what your skills are like.”
* * *
Afterward, once we finished our meal, we passed through the artificial Gate.
[You have entered the Gate.]
[Gray: Uninhabited Desert II]
[This Gate has already been cleared.]
The world inside the artificial Gate was composed of desert, except for the stone floor beneath our feet.
Because of that, it was extremely hot, and the blazing sunlight was strong.
‘There’s a scorpion-type monster over there. If it’s one that appears in a Gray Gate, is it a Rank 2 Mild Scorpion? The kind without poison….’
Just then, the people who worked for the clan were making a shaded area.
They were setting up folding chairs and tables and opening parasols.
Grandfather, who had already opened a sunshade, pointed there.
“Let us go over there first.”
No one objected.
The people followed Grandfather and entered the shade.
‘What kind of test is the patriarch planning to give Yeeun here?’
I took a seat near Grandfather with Yeon Haneul and my family.
Sitting under the parasol, I felt as though the heat had eased somewhat.
Once everyone had taken their seats, Grandfather raised a finger and began speaking.
“Everyone, try sharpening your eyesight. Over there—do you see what is there?”
“…….”
“You should be able to see the clan’s flag.”
When I enhanced my eyesight with mana and checked, there really was the clan’s flag in the direction Grandfather was pointing.
The flag bearing the emblem of a lion was fluttering in the wind.
“The test is to pull out that flag and return here. What do you think? Easy, is it not?”
“…….”
“However, it will not be entirely easy. From the moment you leave this stone floor, the monsters will target you and rush in. Not only the Rank 2 monster Mild Scorpions you can see over there, but also the Rank 2 monsters that move beneath your feet, Junior Worms.”
Grandfather chuckled.
On the other hand, not only my family but also the others had no choice but to stiffen their expressions, even though it was not their own affair.
Considering Do Yeeun’s age, it was still far too much for her to face Rank 2 monsters.
‘And she has to deal with them alone. Even if the goal isn’t to defeat the monsters but to bring back the flag, this is….’
It was too dangerous.
As if reading our unease.
“Even so, will you challenge the test? It may not end with you simply getting hurt.”
Grandfather asked her intention once again.
But Do Yeeun’s answer remained the same.
“It’s okay! I’ll take the challenge!”
“Hoho, you little…. Everyone in Sangjun’s household is stubborn, every last one of you. Very well.”
As if he could not stop her, Grandfather clicked his tongue while glancing at my family.
My family smiled sheepishly.
Soon, Grandfather shrugged and added,
“Even so, I am not cruel. I cannot simply throw my granddaughter into a danger where she may clearly die. Gyeonu.”
“Yes, Patriarch.”
“You will support Yeeun. You will carry the flag in her stead, and when Yeeun is in danger, you will help her.”
“Yes, understood.”
There was no room for hesitation.
Grandfather’s proposal was, in fact, exactly what I wanted.
I nodded.
“However, the moment you save her life, the test will be stopped immediately. Naturally, the result will be failure. Yeeun, do you understand?”
“Yes, Patriarch! I’ll definitely pass, so please look forward to it!”
“Yes, I will look forward to it.”