Bloodline is Everything - Chapter 170

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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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【Bloodline is a Thug Chapter 170】

170. Pandemonium (5)

After Kwon Cheon raided Aeon’s Research Laboratory, the main force arrived shortly thereafter to secure the facility.
It was certain that Aeon had been conducting some suspicious research, but we couldn’t determine what it was. The research logs were written entirely in an incomprehensible language.
-Even with a Legendary-grade decryption skill, we cannot decipher it.
Even Heukcheon’s Information Bureau had to shake their heads in defeat. In truth, it was written in the Demon tongue, which made decryption impossible, but Heukcheon’s Information Bureau hadn’t discovered that much.
Now the only lead was the girl named Lee Da-hae, whom the escaped Aeon’s mage had taken particular interest in.
-Why won’t you tell us about that child?
However, Kwon Cheon deliberately concealed Lee Da-hae. To Bae Chul-soo, who couldn’t understand, Kwon Cheon explained.
-That girl’s parents are both dead. Aeon killed them during the kidnapping.
Judging by Lee Da-hae’s reaction, she had clearly suffered a horrific death. So terrible it was difficult even to recall.
-What would happen to a child suffering like that if she went to the Information Bureau? Those people don’t know compassion.
Bae Chul-soo could only close his mouth. He knew all too well how cruel the Information Bureau could be.
If necessary, they would dissect a person’s brain to extract information. Even a young child would receive no mercy.
-But that girl definitely has some secret. The Heukcheon mage who kidnapped me only paid attention to her.
-We can uncover that gradually. Don’t you think?
At Kwon Cheon’s words, Bae Chul-soo said nothing further.
After that, Kwon Cheon pondered where to place Lee Da-hae.
Lee Da-hae’s entire family was dead. She had no relatives either. She was truly an orphan with no one in the world.
There was no one willing to take her in anywhere. Moreover, it was certain that Lee Da-hae was connected to Aeon.
-From now on, you will work for Heukcheon.
Thus, Kwon Cheon decided to keep Lee Da-hae by his side.
-If you don’t want to, tell me. I’ll find another way.
But he didn’t force her. Lee Da-hae pondered for a long while before giving a small nod.
-I will… do my best.

* * *

The work was not particularly arduous.
Despite its notorious reputation, the Kwon Family was not stingy with its employees. The workload was reasonable, and the wages were generous.
Moreover, once rumors spread that I was a child of special concern to Kwon Cheon, I received only the easiest assignments.
Yet not everything went smoothly.
-Oh, I’m sorry.
I was mopping the floor with a large mop when the bucket of water tipped over.
The water inside spilled across the floor, flooding the entire corridor.
-I didn’t notice and kicked the bucket as I was passing by?
The maid who had kicked the bucket burst into cackling laughter. The other maids with her laughed as well.
Nearly all the young maids in the mansion despised me.
The reason was simple: I monopolized Kwon Cheon’s attention. Because of this, such petty harassment continued day after day.
-This will take some time to clean up. But what should we do? The head maid will be coming for an inspection soon.
The maids passed by me with their laughter trailing behind, whispering among themselves.
-Hey, isn’t this going to get back to Kwon Cheon?
-Don’t worry. She’s too stupid to do something like that. And even if she told, so what? She’d just say it was an accident.
-It’s possible to spill a bucket while passing by. Isn’t it wrong to report someone over something like that?
Though they thought they were speaking quietly, I heard every word.
I stared silently at the water-flooded corridor. Then I let out a long sigh.
-…Ha.
Short and heavy.
The maids were mistaken about me in two ways.
First, I was not stupid.
Second, whenever something like this happened, I preferred to handle it directly rather than report it to someone else.
I threw down the mop. I grabbed the overturned bucket and began to run.
But my movements were not ordinary. They were as fast as a Hunter’s.
【The True Healthy Meridian detects vigorous movement!】
【Stamina increases by 0.03!】
The Healthy Meridian within my body responded. Over the past few months, thanks to the Healthy Meridian, I had been able to raise my stats significantly.
I, who had once been ordinary, now possessed the abilities of a second-rate Hunter.
I unleashed all the stats I had accumulated. I quickly filled the bucket with water and mixed in plenty of detergent. Then I ran toward the staircase with the bucket in hand.
-Did you hear? The Family Head is going to decide on a successor soon.
-You’ve got it wrong. It’s not about deciding on a successor. It’s about setting the date when the successor trials will begin.
-How would you know that?
The maids who had disrupted my corridor cleaning were descending the staircase.
Without hesitation, I poured the water over their heads.
-Kyaaah!
-Kieeeek!
The maids shrieked in surprise. They all looked like drowned rats as they lifted their heads. I shook out the remaining water droplets from the bucket.
-Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize and spilled the bucket.
I spoke expressionlessly and lowered the bucket. At my actions, the maids let out angry shouts. They rushed up the staircase and surrounded me.
-Are you insane? What are you doing?
-You think we’re a joke because we’re lenient with you?
The handmaidens surrounded Lee Da-hae, hurling harsh words at her. The atmosphere was decidedly hostile.
Then, suddenly, Lee Da-hae cried out and collapsed to the floor.
-I’m… I’m so sorry.
Lee Da-hae lay prostrate on the ground, apologizing profusely. Her sudden action left the handmaidens bewildered rather than satisfied.
-What on earth are you doing?
Just then, a voice echoed from the bottom of the staircase. The handmaidens stiffened, their eyes snapping toward the sound.
Kwon Cheon stood there, his eyes wide with surprise as he looked down at the scene.
-Y-Young Master… that is…
Kwon Cheon approached Lee Da-hae without a word. She remained sprawled on the floor until he reached her.
-Are you alright? Can you stand?
Only when Kwon Cheon extended his hand did Lee Da-hae rise to her feet. He brushed the dust from her skirt as he spoke.
-I had no idea ostracism among the staff had become so fashionable.
-Y-Young Master! That’s not it! She… she splashed water on us!
One of the handmaidens cried out. Their wet clothes were evidence enough.
-Is that true?
Lee Da-hae nodded. At her confirmation, the handmaidens’ faces brightened.
-B-But it was an accident… I was cleaning the floor and accidentally knocked over the bucket… I didn’t know anyone was on the stairs…
Lee Da-hae spoke as if tears were about to spill again. Kwon Cheon clicked his tongue sharply.
-It was merely an accident. Is this how you treat someone for such a mistake?
-N-No… that’s not…
-I thought family members would overlook such minor accidents. Yet you’re reporting it to me?
Kwon Cheon’s gaze turned glacial. The handmaidens felt as though the sky were collapsing.
-I won’t hold this incident against you. Instead, make sure this place is spotless.
-Understood…
-Come on, Da-hae. Let’s go.
Kwon Cheon took Lee Da-hae’s hand and walked down the corridor. The handmaidens watched them go with unmistakable envy.
Then, as their eyes met Lee Da-hae’s, she turned her head and stuck her tongue out slightly.
-That… that wench really…!
The handmaidens trembled with fury, their voices shaking.

* * *

-Why did you do that?
The moment we were far enough from the attendants, Kwon Cheon spoke. Lee Da-hae startled and looked up at him.
-There’s no point in lying. You splashed water on them.
Lee Da-hae hesitated, anxious about whether Kwon Cheon would come to hate her.
-Tell me honestly. Otherwise, I really will be angry.
-…They knocked over the water while I was cleaning first.
Unlike anyone else, she couldn’t bear the thought of Kwon Cheon disliking her. Lee Da-hae confessed without reservation.
-I see.
Yet Kwon Cheon did not reproach her. He added, turning to the bewildered Lee Da-hae.
-I already know what kind of life you’ve been living. I’m aware of that much.
The mansion’s attendants never left Lee Da-hae alone.
Reports of such incidents came up constantly. I wanted to intervene and prevent such things from happening, but if I stepped in, the attendants would likely despise Lee Da-hae even more, so I held back.
-I know you’ve endured much as well. This is nothing compared to what you could face. But those girls are ordinary people. You mustn’t use your strength against them under any circumstances. Do you understand?
Kwon Cheon turned to look at Lee Da-hae as he spoke. At his words, she felt a pang of guilt.
Indeed, Kwon Cheon knew that Lee Da-hae possessed the stats of a second-rate Hunter. He simply hadn’t asked about it.
That was what puzzled her. Why didn’t Kwon Cheon ask about what was happening to her body?
-For now, you can’t stay with those girls.
The attendants whom Lee Da-hae had pranked held considerable sway over the younger employees of this mansion.
-I need to go somewhere. Will you come with me?
Before he could finish speaking, Lee Da-hae nodded.

* * *

Kwon Cheon’s destination was Lake Cheonji, located at the summit of Baekdu Mountain.
This colossal lake, perpetually filled with water throughout the seasons, had been revered as a sacred ground of the Kwon Family since ancient times.
Of course, it possessed no genuinely special properties—merely the symbolic significance of Baekdu Mountain lent it such reverence.
-Wow.
Lee Da-hae marveled at the sight of Lake Cheonji, which she beheld for the first time.
Admittedly, she had seen countless photographs, but witnessing it in person was an entirely different experience.
-Fascinating, isn’t it? It’s a place worth seeing in its own right.
-It’s magnificent. But why have we come here?
-Father summoned me—he said he had something to discuss.
Lake Cheonji was not occupied solely by Kwon Cheon and Lee Da-hae. Heukcheon’s retainers, who had arrived first, stood in waiting. Their numbers were considerable, which struck me as peculiar, though it seemed likely due to the Family Head’s impending arrival.
-Cheon!
At that moment, someone called out to Kwon Cheon. It was a man who bore a striking resemblance to him, yet appeared older.
Lee Da-hae quickly bowed her head. She had seen him several times at the Kwon Family estate.
It was Kwon Hyuk, the eldest son of the Kwon Family and Kwon Cheon’s older brother.
-Brother! It has been far too long!
-Indeed, it has been quite some time.
Kwon Cheon’s face bloomed with a radiant smile. He spread both arms wide, intending to embrace Kwon Hyuk.
However, Kwon Hyuk extended his palm, blocking Kwon Cheon’s advance.
-Brother?
-I did not expect Father to summon you as well. What do you think it means that he called for both of us together?
Kwon Hyuk’s gaze turned glacial. The moment I witnessed that piercing stare, my body could not help but tremble.
In all my years, I had never beheld such a chilling expression.
-Father must finally be prepared to decide upon Heukcheon’s successor.
-I see.
-Given Father’s nature, he will undoubtedly impose some absurd trial. Regardless of what it may be, I have no intention of yielding to you—
-The only person worthy of being Heukcheon’s master is you, Brother.
At those words, Kwon Hyuk fell silent.
-…What are you saying?
-Exactly as I stated. I believe you alone are suited to become the Family Head.
-Are you trying to deceive me from the very start?
-Brother, you know as well as I do. I harbor no ambition for the position of Family Head. I lack the caliber to assume such a role.
Kwon Hyuk regarded Kwon Cheon with bewilderment, his eyes laden with suspicion.
-If you truly cannot believe me, I shall prove it today. When Father arrives, I will lend my support to you.
-…What in the world are you thinking?
-Because it is the right course. The position of Family Head of Heukcheon should belong to someone as capable as you. I would be content merely to assist you from the sidelines.
Kwon Hyuk regarded me in silence, his expression still one of disbelief.
-…We shall see once Father arrives.
And with that, he turned away, refusing to accept my words.
I could only offer a bitter smile in response.
-Are you sincere?
In the end, Lee Da-hae could not hold back and had no choice but to ask Kwon Cheon.
-Do you truly intend to renounce the position of Family Head?
-It was never decided that I would become Family Head in the first place. So saying I’m renouncing it doesn’t quite fit.
Kwon Cheon shrugged his shoulders.
-If you’re asking whether I genuinely intend to support my brother… I’m being sincere. No matter how much I think about it, I’m simply not the right person for the position of Family Head.
Lee Da-hae silently disagreed with those words.
In her view, Kwon Cheon was the one truly suited to be Family Head.
If one considered only achievements and ability, Kwon Hyuk certainly surpassed Kwon Cheon.
But a man who would doubt even his own blood brother could never become a proper Family Head.
-…If it were you, Kwon Cheon, you would excel at anything.
Yet Lee Da-hae did not reveal her true feelings.
It would have been far too presumptuous for a mere maidservant to speak such words.
-Thank you for saying that.
Kwon Cheon replied with a bright smile.

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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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