The Ignored Granddaughter of a Murim Family - Chapter 103

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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 103
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So Bu-in spoke in a melancholic tone as she watched the carriage disappear into the distance.
“Yalyu never came in the end.”
“That’s how children are. I’m utterly bewildered that Yalyu would sulk like this.”
Namgung Wan spoke while gazing at So Bu-in’s wrist.
“But isn’t that bracelet a bit excessive? I heard it was a treasure you received after saving the imperial family in the past.”
“…I’m apologizing for it.”
“For what?”
“For the thoughts I had back then… when you told me not to match Baek Li-yeon with Yalyu.”
So Bu-in had believed that Yalyu would never take interest in a child whose inner energy had been crippled.
“Before I knew it, I found myself evaluating the child’s worth solely by her martial prowess.”
“….”
Namgung Wan too had been dissatisfied with his wife’s attitude at that time. However, she had not treated Baek Li-yeon coldly. Rather, she had cared for her diligently and attentively. Her conduct itself was beyond reproach.
So Bu-in sighed and continued speaking.
“But how could one not love a child who tries so hard to be loved?”
“Tries so hard to be loved?”
So Bu-in, who had been staring intently at Namgung Wan, let out a soft laugh and shook her head as if it were nothing.
So Bu-in touched her empty wrist and continued.
“And… Baek Li-yeon could very well become our daughter-in-law, could she not?”
Namgung Wan froze, his eyes blinking slowly.
“That… isn’t it too early?”
“But think about it. What if Baek Li-yeon grows up and marries into another family?”
“…!”
“The Baek Li bloodline would continue, but we would become strangers.”
Though technically they were already strangers, Namgung Wan’s eyes widened as if struck by a profound shock. His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles whitened as he muttered.
“But Yeon… to Yeon… Yalyu… I… I… he is my son, but… don’t you find it a pity? Such a kind, thoughtful child, from such a good family….”
“Still, Yalyu was born between you and me, so his appearance shouldn’t be lacking, would it?”
“Of course not. But what does that have to do with our conversation?”
“Baek Li-yeon seems quite susceptible to handsome appearances.”
“Hmm?”
“And with Baek Li-hyung as her biological father, wouldn’t an ordinary appearance fail to catch her eye? Where could we find a family better than ours?”
Namgung Wan fell silent, stroking his chin thoughtfully. So Bu-in smiled softly and spoke.
“Of course, even if they get along well now, we can’t know what will happen as they grow, so we should observe for a while longer.”
“That’s right. You speak wisely.”
“Baek Li-yeon’s own feelings would be most important. Oh, but why did Baek Li-yeon give you that sachet earlier?”
Namgung Wan held up the sachet proudly.
“Yeon made it herself.”
So Bu-in took the sachet and inhaled its fragrance.
“Dried sweet osmanthus, mugwort, white sandalwood… I can smell peony as well.”
“Can you tell the difference?”
“Of course. Then is this one embroidered with peonies?”
“Perhaps not.”
So Bu-in examined the sachet with a puzzled expression.
Namgung Wan asked.
“Why do you say that?”
“It seems like two people made this. Though it doesn’t appear that a female servant or seamstress helped….”
Namgung Wan exclaimed in surprise.
“You can tell that too?”
“Of course. You can identify which martial sect someone belongs to just by watching their sword technique, can’t you?”
Namgung Wan nodded and spoke.
“True. According to Yeon… *cough*, *cough*, she said Ryu Cheong helped when her hand was injured.”
“…Ryu Cheong d-did the embroidery, d-did she?”
So Bu-in’s voice trembled. Soon both of them clenched their teeth and their faces flushed red as they stifled their laughter.
So Bu-in carefully traced the embroidery on the sachet and spoke.
“So that’s why the flower portion looks like this. It seems Ryu Cheong did the flowers and Yeon did the branches and leaves.”
It was actually the opposite.
So Bu-in lifted her head.
“I’ll take this one.”
“What are you saying!”
“You can’t use it anyway, can you?”
“Why couldn’t I use it!”
So Bu-in tilted her head slightly as if it were obvious.
“Because you must use the sachet I made for you. Surely… you’re not throwing away the sachet I made for you?”
“Ah, well, that’s not it, but….”
So Bu-in laughed softly.
“Then I shall use it well.”
“My lady!”
Within the household, Namgung Wan had nowhere to air his grievances.
* * *
In the past, there were no particular incidents on the journey from the Namgung Clan back to the Baek Li Estate. Just some mindless bandits being caught extorting common folk in front of Father?
I wondered if I’d encounter those bandits again this time, and remarkably, I met the exact same person! The result was even the same as before. That bandit would never wield a weapon again.
After traveling for several days, the boat finally reached the Ferry Landing. I set foot on solid ground for the first time in ages. Having spent so long on the water, the moment my feet touched the ground, it felt as though the floor itself was swaying.
As I stumbled, a firm hand steadied me.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes. I’m fine. It’s much better than the carriage.”
Most of the journey from the Baek Li Estate to Palgwae Village, and from Palgwae Village to the Namgung Clan, was made by carriage.
Father patted my head and gave my back a gentle push.
“You must be exhausted. Go rest at the inn first.”
I nodded.
‘Well, there shouldn’t be any more trouble now.’
Having arrived at the Inn first, I ate dinner and, unable to resist my exhaustion, fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, I descended to the first floor of the Inn to find Father, but instead of him, I sensed a peculiar, murmuring atmosphere.
“Is that really true? The Murim Alliance took action?”
“Yes, it’s true. They say the Black Sword Association was completely annihilated—all the survivors were captured too. Serves them right!”
Overnight, one of the Black Sword Association’s criminal operations in the area had been destroyed.
Even as they spoke, they kept scanning the Inn as if searching for something.
‘What is this about? The Black Sword Association collapsed? That’s strange.’
This hadn’t happened the last time.
‘Well, since my journey has changed this time, different events could unfold.’
Still, the fact that something I knew nothing about had occurred left me slightly unsettled.
“Oh, there he is! That’s him! The Great Master Baek Li!”
At that cry, I looked toward the Inn entrance, spotted Father, started to rush toward him, then stopped short with my mouth agape.
“Father… who are all these children?”
Father had brought along a considerable number of children.
Their ages ranged from very young to around sixteen, and all of them looked terrified.
“They’re children I rescued from a human trafficking operation run by the Black Sword Association in the area.”
Father explained what had happened.
There had been a black market operated by the Black Sword Association in the region—a place where illegal goods were traded: poisons, stolen or looted items, and people brought through illicit channels.
Recently, the damage caused by this black market to the surrounding area had grown increasingly severe. Unable to ignore it any longer, the righteous forces of the region had requested the Murim Alliance’s intervention.
Father had helped the Murim Alliance dismantle the black market.
‘So why did he bring these children along?’
As if reading my question, Father continued.
“They have nowhere to go. I’m thinking of bringing them to the Baek Li Estate.”
My mouth fell open.
‘Is Father planning to establish an orphanage at the Baek Li Estate?’
I examined the children, trying to appear composed.
“They’re all boys?”
“There are girls as well.”
The visibly younger children were mostly girls. The older girls had been taken by the Murim Alliance, which promised to find them suitable work.
Father continued.
“For now, I’ll teach them swordsmanship, and if it doesn’t suit them, I’ll gradually have them do other work.”
The family probably wouldn’t approve… though honestly, when have they ever approved of us? They won’t like us any better for not bringing these children along.
With that thought, my heart suddenly felt much lighter.
“That’s a wonderful idea!”
I nodded enthusiastically and greeted the children.
“Hello, I’m Yeon of the Baek Family. This is my father.”
“…”
The terrified children kept their mouths firmly shut. Their appearance suddenly reminded me of Yalyu.
‘Yes. This is usually how they look. I wonder how he’s doing…?’
I picked up the wooden bowl on the table. Inside were boiled peanuts I’d been nibbling on while waiting for Father—salted just enough to be delicious.
“Would you like some?”
No one stepped forward. As I was about to set it back on the table, the youngest-looking child hurried over and took the bowl from my hands.
“Thank you, sister.”
Geum-swe, who had been standing behind me, stepped forward and gently wiped the child’s nose, saying softly:
“You should say ‘thank you’ properly. Since you’ll be serving the young lady from now on.”
The child sniffled and bowed their head.
“Sister, thank you very much.”
Without thinking, I bit my lip.
That’s right. I couldn’t save everyone in this world, but I could still do what I was able to do.
In any case, aside from this trivial incident, the journey proceeded smoothly. We rode in the carriage for several more days. In just a few more days, we would enter the territory controlled by the Baek Li Estate. From there, after parting with the Changhung Piao Bureau, we could rely on the family’s support.
Time passed, and it was the last day with the Changhung Piao Bureau. The carriage, which had been running without issue all morning, suddenly came to a halt.
Geum-swe lifted her head in confusion.
“What’s the matter? Is it already time for lunch?”
Geum-swe opened the window and carefully poked her head out. I followed suit, peering through the window. Father, mounted on his horse, was speaking with Pyo, the head of the escort, who was leading the convoy.
Soon after, Father approached and explained the situation.
“There’s a large carriage blocking the road ahead. It seems we’ll need to wait a moment.”
“I see. Um, may I step out for a bit? It’s so stuffy in here.”
“Very well. But don’t stray far from my side.”
“Yes!”
Just as I was stretching after stepping down from the carriage, the escort members soon approached with a young man in tow.
The young man cried out upon seeing Father.
“Great Master Baek Li!”
My eyes widened in surprise.
Father looked bewildered.
“Have we met before?”
The young man shook his head.
“No. You wouldn’t know me, of course. We merely crossed paths once at the Alliance.”
With those words, the young man suddenly dropped to his knees.
“Please, help me!”
What now? Please, can’t we just go home?

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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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