A Baby Cat Who Commands the Dog Clan - Chapter 27

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 27
“I’ll choose the clothes after all.”
Nam Goong Mu Young’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“What, you’re choosing these worn-out rags?”
Just moments ago, she seemed completely won over!
Hong Seol’s choice left even the seasoned Nam Goong Mu Young speechless, his mouth falling open.
Nam Goong Mu Young, still clinging to hope, hurried to speak again.
“If you become my grandson’s wife, all of our family’s wealth becomes yours. Are you truly saying you’ll choose these clothes regardless?”
Hong Seol nodded firmly.
At that, Nam Goong Mu Young’s resolve crumbled. He pressed his forehead and asked.
“Is our Jong Woo not to your liking?”
Hong Seol shook her head vigorously.
There was no need to criticize Nam Goong Jong Woo in front of this doting grandfather.
Besides, his influence on my decision wasn’t particularly significant.
“Then why?”
“I… martial arts have become fun for me.”
Hong Seol continued, fidgeting with her fingers.
“Since I’ve been given this rare opportunity, I want to stay at the main family and properly learn the Nam Goong martial techniques from the Patriarch.”
And someday, just as Grandfather promised, I want to cure my illness and soar freely through the sky.
That had become Hong Seol’s dream.
Upon hearing this, Nam Goong Mu Young had nothing to say.
The Patriarch’s teachings.
That was an experience no amount of wealth, even Nam Goong Mu Young’s fortune, could ever provide.
‘She’s slipped away.’
His mouth tasted bitter, as if he’d bitten into an astringent persimmon.
He’d thought he’d discovered a remarkably clever and talented child.
‘Yet she appears so small and frail on the surface.’
Just from watching how she evaded the sword strikes, one could see that Hong Seol overflowed with talent.
But what Nam Goong Mu Young had truly noticed was her subsequent actions.
‘She requested a private audience with Jong Woo as a reward, and immediately brought the proud Jong Woo to heel.’
That surely meant she believed Nam Goong Jong Woo’s behavior toward Nam Goong Mu Young himself was improper.
Beyond her innate talent, Hong Seol possessed an upright heart that pursued righteousness and integrity.
‘She’s excellent material. With just a little push, she’ll surely become someone great.’
And if my grandson could stand beside her, it would be the perfect outcome.
But if this child wishes to learn and grow under the Patriarch’s guidance…
‘My heart aches.’
Nam Goong Mu Young realized he had no choice but to quietly step back.
He believed the Patriarch’s teachings were the only reason Hong Seol had slipped from his grasp.
But in truth, Hong Seol harbored another reason she couldn’t tell Nam Goong Mu Young.
‘Don’t I already have something like family here?’
Whether it was Grandfather Nam Goong Ho or the maidservant Mae Ran, or perhaps others as well.
They had simply wrapped me, useless as I was, in their warmth and kindness.
Yes, just as Nam Goong Jong Woo’s family does.
‘Of course, this might just be my own interpretation….’
Even as I thought this, embarrassment crept over me, and my words trailed off.
“In any case, I cannot marry Nam Goong Jong Woo….”
It was at that moment.
“Yes, well said, Seol!”
The door burst open, footsteps rushed across the floor, and suddenly Nam Goong Ho came bounding in.
Behind him stood Nam Goong Ui Gyeol, his eyes blazing with intensity.
My eyes widened like apricot pits.
“Grandfather, and… the Changcheon Master has come as well?”
Nam Goong Mu Young, upon spotting them, wore an expression of displeasure.
“Tsk, and here you are, the Former Patriarch no less, eavesdropping on others’ conversations.”
“What?”
Nam Goong Ho, his pride stung by those words, began to rage.
“You’re one to talk! You asked for an audience claiming you had a gift for the girl, and now you’re trying to push your grandson as a marriage prospect?”
Nam Goong Ho was even emanating killing intent toward Nam Goong Mu Young.
Beads of cold sweat formed visibly on Nam Goong Mu Young’s forehead—his martial cultivation was not high enough to withstand such pressure.
“G-Grandfather?”
I frantically waved my hands, trying desperately to mediate.
“The Former Patriarch’s words are correct.”
‘W-wait, even the Changcheon Master?’
Nam Goong Ui Gyeol, who had been standing quietly, added fuel to the fire.
“For Miss Hong Seol, who possesses such dazzling talent, to marry someone of such inferior standing and depart to the Branch Family Residence would constitute a serious loss of talent.”
His face, unlike usual, had flushed a deep crimson.
‘But neither I nor Nam Goong Jong Woo are quite at that level….’
I swallowed hard, attempting to intervene, but ultimately gave up.
No matter how much I protested, these two towering figures would never hear me.
Taking advantage of a lull in the Tea Room, Nam Goong Ho thundered out his words.
“Seol will absolutely not!”
Nam Goong Mu Young immediately shot back.
“Oh, do tell. Seol will absolutely not what?”
Now that the stage was set, Nam Goong Ho faltered, unable to finish his sentence.
The sharp-witted Nam Goong Mu Young caught on at once.
‘So the Former Patriarch sees this girl as a potential daughter-in-law.’
Yet he dared not voice it, fearing the girl might be startled and refuse.
As the saying goes, even enmity becomes affection over time.
Though their relationship was strained, they had known each other long enough that his intentions were transparent.
Nam Goong Mu Young smiled bitterly to himself.
‘A man who’s failed at raising his own children still has an eye for choosing a daughter-in-law. The current Medical Pharmacy Master proved it, and now this child as well….’
Nam Goong Mu Young could see it clearly.
Though she was merely a small child now, I could envision Hong Seol as a master who would one day command the Martial Arts World.
In a few years, would the tale spread through the Martial Arts World like legend—how Hong Seol had unfurled the Heavenly Thunder Divine Palm merely two months after beginning her martial training?
It seemed I would have to content myself with the role of merely applauding from the sidelines.
‘How unfortunate.’
Seeing Nam Goong Mu Young’s face as he wistfully smacked his lips, Nam Goong Ho grew even more irritated.
“In any case, I shall decide Seol-ah’s betrothal myself, so you step back!”
“If that is truly the Former Patriarch’s wish.”
Nam Goong Mu Young handed Hong Seol a jade box wrapped in silk cloth.
“Go on, take it.”
“What is it this time?”
Nam Goong Ho asked, his mouth twisted in displeasure.
“The Elder Judge said he’s giving this as a gift to express his gratitude!”
Hong Seol hurriedly interjected, fluttering her short arms eagerly. She was afraid Nam Goong Ho might unleash his killing intent again.
The moment Hong Seol took the box, Nam Goong Mu Young sent a transmission of spiritual energy.
– Hong Seol, when you’re alone, be sure to read the letter I’ve placed inside.
Their eyes met for an instant.
‘This doesn’t seem like something bad for me.’
Hong Seol bowed respectfully.
“Thank you, Elder Judge!”
Nam Goong Ho looked displeased even at Hong Seol’s expression of gratitude, but he couldn’t object to a gift.
Just then, a familiar presence was felt from outside, and Nam Goong Soo O, the Chief Steward, entered.
Upon seeing Hong Seol inside, he winked at her in greeting.
‘It’s the sunrise grass uncle!’
Recognizing him, Hong Seol’s cheeks flushed with delight.
“What is the matter?”
“Forgive the interruption while you converse….”
Nam Goong Ho, whose anger had not yet subsided, answered curtly.
“Very well. If this is not urgent and you’ve disturbed us for nothing, I shall have you punished!”
Accustomed to his threats, Nam Goong Soo O replied without changing his expression.
“The Family Head has returned.”
“Oh, is that so?”
Nam Goong Ho’s face brightened with joy. Seizing that moment, Nam Goong Soo O continued swiftly.
“And Young Master Nam Goong Yeol of the Branch Family has also arrived.”
At those words, silence fell suddenly over the Tea Room.
Only Hong Seol, unaware of the situation, gazed around cheerfully while hugging the box.
* * *
Hong Seol was watching Mae Ran embroider in her quarters.
Her eyes followed the five-colored threads moving beneath Mae Ran’s fingertips, but her mind was filled with entirely different thoughts.
It was because of what the man with the clicking sounds had told me just moments ago.
“Click (My lord! I have finally found the answer to your curiosity).”
“Really? You mean you found out who the owner of this silk robe I’m wearing is?”
“Click (Yes! That robe is… ).”
Hong Seol’s complexion darkened.
‘So the robe belonged to a child who was miscarried three years ago.’
Seeing how the Family Head Nam Goong On had commissioned so many garments of different sizes for a daughter who had never even been born…
‘He must have been waiting for her so desperately… Is it right for me to wear her clothes so carelessly?’
Merely thinking of it caused perspiration to bead across my small palms.
Though truthfully, I had no other clothes to wear.
Strangely, Grandfather Nam Goong Ho, who was generous with everything else, never commissioned new garments for me.
‘Could there be some deeper intention behind it?’
Because of this, I was still wearing one of the silk robes I had received on my first day.
It was because I would soon need to greet the returning Family Head Nam Goong On.
“Mae Ran, tell me—what kind of person is the Family Head of the Nam Goong Family?”
“Hmm.”
Mae Ran fell silent for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected question.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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