The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 40

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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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The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Trading Company – Chapter 40

Chapter 40. The Jegal Family (2)

I set aside my doubts and answered.
“By all means. However, there is something you must understand first.”
“What is it?”
“If you abandon the Jegal name, then from that moment forward, you will no longer be a member of the Jegal Family.”
“…That’s true.”
“Then who would indulge your whims? You would be cast into the harsh world outside, scrambling desperately just to survive.”
“R, really?”
To be honest, that was a leap in logic.
Even if she abandoned the Jegal name, her family would never truly cast her out.
Ah, but in her previous life, all those who could have protected her are dead.
The fact that this brainless, innocent girl standing before me became the Jade Maiden Without Smile speaks to how cruel the world has been to her.
But regardless, if I didn’t remove this girl from my presence, I felt my own frustration would burst forth.
“And if you are no longer of the Jegal Family, would these people continue to treat you so preciously? They would want to spank you immediately.”
At my words, those around us unconsciously nodded their heads.
It meant they deeply agreed with what I said.
This reckless, brainless, innocent madwoman had caused them considerable hardship.
Then I hesitated, but it was already too late.
Jegal Yu-ah had seen that expression.
“You’re being too harsh!”
It is you who is being unreasonable, is it not?
“In any case! If you are not of the Jegal Family, then I can face you in a duel without reservation. Even if I sever one of your arms during the match, I can certainly bear the consequences.”
“B, but then the Jegal Family would!”
“How paradoxical. You wish to abandon the Jegal name, yet you expect the Jegal Family to protect you? If you are not one of their own, why would they protect you? You would be a stranger to them—they would have nothing to say about it.”
“Uh…”
“What I just described, and what would befall you if the Family were to collapse, would be one and the same.”
“…”
She gazed at me in silence.
Her gaze was peculiar, yet somehow I felt I understood her emotions.
Anger?
Anger at what, exactly?
It seemed too intense to be directed at me alone.
It vanished so quickly that I wondered if I had misread it.
At this point, something is clearly amiss.
She is not truly a brainless, innocent madwoman.
Shall we probe a bit further?
“As one bearing the Jegal name, it should be natural to protect the Jegal Family Estate. Yet instead, you are bringing it to ruin. I must ask again.”
I cupped my fist and posed the question.
“Are you truly a member of the Jegal Family Estate?”
“….”
She trailed off as if flustered, but I could tell her confusion was not genuine.
This should suffice.
I don’t understand the situation, but shall I indulge her a bit?
“I’m not certain why you’re crying now, but isn’t there something you should do before you do?”
“What, sniff, what is it? Do you want an apology? I won’t apologize to you!”
“Why did you think I wanted an apology?”
“Huh?”
“An apology must carry sincerity. An apology without sincerity only leaves a bitter taste. So simply step aside, if you would.”
I hadn’t wanted to go this far with her, but if I wavered now, the situation could become even more awkward.
“….”
“Please move three paces to the left from where you stand.”
At my words, she unconsciously took three paces to the side.
“Thank you for moving. I apologize for the intrusion.”
I turned to the Maidservant.
“Then, please continue guiding us.”
“Ah… Yes!”
She turned her body and spoke.
“This way, please… Ah! I greet the Grand Patriarch!”
The Maidservant hastily prostrated herself.
Before her stood an elderly man dressed in fine robes.
Oh no….
The aura emanating from that old man with his long beard touching his chest was formidable.
So this is the one who invited us—the Grand Patriarch of the Jegal Family Estate!
“The Jaegyeong Pavilion Chief of the Eunhae Trading Company, Yu, pays respects to the Grand Patriarch.”
“The third son of the Eunhae Trading Company’s Merchant Guild Leader pays respects to the Grand Patriarch.”
“Rise.”
“Thank you.”
We straightened our postures.
“I heard you were coming to pay your respects, but when you didn’t arrive, I came myself. And what a rare spectacle I’ve witnessed. Hehehehe.”
So he saw everything?
Had I done anything disrespectful?
Yet I hadn’t sensed his presence at all….
Is this what a true master is?
Upon seeing the Grand Patriarch, Jegal Yu-ah came scurrying toward him.
“Grandfather!”
And I grasped her waist and lifted her up.
“She asked me to spar with her, but I refused. And then she said some harsh things to me.”
“Oh my, is that so? Our Yu-ah must have been upset.”
He pressed a piece of candy into Jegal Yu-ah’s hand and sent her away with soothing words.
Surely he wasn’t reproaching me for the harsh words I’d spoken earlier?
I cupped my fist respectfully and offered an apology.
“I apologize for displaying such poor conduct. Please forgive me.”
“Forgive? Every word you said was perfectly justified, after all.”
“…?”
The Grand Patriarch continued with a gentle smile.
“Do not blame me for raising the child without discipline. I have watched Yu-ah conduct herself with such arrogance precisely because it is a burden she must bear herself. In a few months, she will turn fifteen and depart on the Sleeping Dragon Journey.”
The Sleeping Dragon Journey?
As if reading my confusion, the Grand Patriarch continued.
“It is a tradition of our Jegal Family Estate. One is given only a weapon and writing implements. You must provide for your own food, clothing, and shelter, wandering Kangho for three years to build your reputation. The family takes no part in it whatsoever.”
“So one gains worldly experience under the family’s protection.”
“You have misunderstood my words.”
“Pardon?”
“When I say the family takes no part in it, I mean they offer no protection either.”
“….”
“Only those who complete the three-year journey through Kangho and return alive may formally bear the name of the Jegal Family Estate.”
Only then did I understand the Grand Patriarch’s meaning.
So the more arrogantly she conducted herself, the more harshly the world would treat her, and that was a burden she alone must bear.
“Is that perhaps the reason why the members of the Jegal Family Estate possess such brilliance?”
“Indeed it is.”
The Grand Patriarch nodded.
“Burying oneself in books is not true wisdom. True wisdom can only be obtained by those who have experienced the world.”
“Yet one could lose their life during such a journey.”
“If one loses their life during merely three years of the Sleeping Dragon Journey, it means they were unworthy of bearing the family name.”
Now that I thought about it, I’d heard that other martial sects and noble families had similar traditions.
There was indeed a reason why the great sects and renowned families of the Martial Arts World endured.
It was far more ruthless than I had imagined.
Only then did I understand why no one had recognized Jegal Yu-ah as the daughter of a patriarch.
The Jegal Family Estate had collapsed while she was on the Sleeping Dragon Journey.
Without public knowledge of this, she had lost her home to return to.
I knew not what fate had brought her to meet the Merchant Guild Leader of the Yu-kang Merchant Guild, but that connection had been forged.
Wait, she’s turning fifteen soon?
That means she’s currently fourteen….
So between us… there’s only a one-year difference.
The Grand Patriarch spoke to me.
“Should Yu-ah ever request to spar with you again, do not refuse her.”
“Please, withdraw your command. I cannot bear such responsibility.”
“And if we’re to have a martial contest anyway, it would be crude to sever something, but breaking an arm or two should be acceptable.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s time to prepare for the Hidden Dragon Ascension. Besides, winning every match has made him arrogant beyond measure.”
The Grand Patriarch turned to me with a question.
“When do you believe is the most dangerous moment to be vigilant?”
“That would naturally be… when one has won.”
“Precisely my point. And I must say, I’ve taken quite a liking to you.”
“…?”
The Grand Patriarch let out a soft chuckle.
“To defeat that fellow with words despite possessing the skill to win decisively in combat—remarkable indeed!”
“Ah…”
“Not drawing your blade rashly and maintaining propriety throughout—such virtues are rarely seen in one of your years.”
“You honor me far too greatly, sir.”
Even as I responded with proper courtesy, a question lingered in my mind.
What was that look in the Grand Patriarch’s eyes when he gazed upon Jegal Yu-ah?
His gaze held no trace of mockery.
Yet neither could it be called warm.
It was something peculiar.
Sorrowful, perhaps, or tinged with pity…
My musings were interrupted by the Grand Patriarch’s voice.
He turned to Yu Chief Manager with evident warmth.
“I fear I’ve been quite the imposition.”
“No, not at all, sir.”
“Your poetry moved me deeply! How is every line so exquisitely crafted?”
“You are too kind. It is merely the work of an amateur hand.”
“Excess praise is but honest measure.”
He broke into a hearty laugh.
“Should our conversation continue, you’ll grow weary. Let us save further discourse for tomorrow and retire for now.”
“I am grateful for your consideration.”
“Not at all. I should apologize instead. Until tomorrow, then.”
And so we returned to the Guest Quarters once more.
I took my evening meal and was finally ready to rest.
But then—
Why had the young lady sought me out?
.
.
.
Upon hearing from the Maidservant that Jegal Yu-ah awaited me, I made my way to where she stood.
And yet—
I flinched involuntarily at the sight of her staring blankly into the distance.
The face before me was that of the Jade Maiden Without Smile I knew.
The moment I made my presence known, the expression I had just witnessed vanished from her in an instant.
What was that just now?
Jegal Yu-ah spoke to me the moment she saw me.
“Fight me!”
“Miss, as I mentioned before….”
“I don’t care! Let’s just fight!”
I exhaled deeply.
With the Grand Patriarch’s approval, there was no need to retreat.
And driven by personal curiosity, I nodded readily.
“Very well. But I ask that you promise not to bother me further, regardless of who wins.”
“Fine. I promise.”
“Shall we go to the Training Ground?”
“There’s a better place nearby. Grab one of those wooden swords and follow me.”
Following her words, I picked up a wooden sword of appropriate weight from the rack beside me and followed her.
Palgap trailed behind me, and I whispered quietly to him.
“Try not to make a sound. Stay hidden. Understand?”
“Understood.”

The place she led me to was quite secluded even within the Jegal Family Estate.
Truly, there was no one around.
Jegal Yu-ah pointed her wooden sword at me and spoke.
“Then we begin!”
At her words, I gripped my sword and took my stance, and in that moment she rushed toward me like an arrow.
Crack!
I blocked her strike while simultaneously thrusting my sword toward her shoulder.
She twisted her body to evade my blade while slashing at my upper body.
I dodged the incoming strike using the Iron Plate Bridge technique.
The fundamental training my Master drilled into me daily was proving its worth here.
Without hesitation, I swung my sword toward her legs.
But the attack fell slightly short, and my blade seemed as though it wouldn’t reach her.
Yet her leg smoothly moved into the range of my attack.
What was that?
Had it been someone else, I might have attributed it to luck, but not her.
Something felt off.
So I decided to test it once more.
I withdrew the sword aimed at her leg and redirected it toward her shoulder.
It was a speed she could easily evade.
Yet she did not dodge; instead, she thrust her shoulder directly into the path of my blade.
It was certain.
She was deliberately giving me an opening, wanting to be wounded.
Moreover, I noticed her gaze was different from when she had turned my insides upside down moments ago.
Her eyes now bore no resemblance to that brainless, lucid madwoman from before.
They held a sharpness intent on piercing through her opponent.
And after crossing blades several times, I began to understand.
She was concealing her true strength.
Had my experience been lacking or my skills shallow, I would never have noticed her genuine abilities.
But I was no such novice.
So I retreated, exhaled a sigh, and lowered my sword.
I had indulged her somewhat, but I had no intention of continuing to play along with this charade blindly.
“What? Why are you suddenly stopping?”
“Perhaps you should stop as well, Miss?”
“What are you talking about?”
“You do wish to spar with me, don’t you? But more importantly—where does the act end and your true self begin?”
“A-Acting? What makes you think I’m acting?”
“I was uncertain before, I admit. But now I see it clearly. You are performing, Miss.”
“No, that’s not it!”
With those words, she rushed toward me.
Her eyes wavered.
She was genuinely flustered.
What on earth was she doing all this for?
I found myself genuinely curious.
I turned my body lightly and received her attack.
“After all, I am an outsider. And since I have no desire to speak of this elsewhere, wouldn’t it be best to stop?”
….
She bit her lip at my suggestion but continued unleashing her attacks.
I parried or dodged each one while my mind drifted through memories.
Now that I think about it….
Two years from now.
When I turn seventeen, the Jegal Family’s Grand Elder will die.
The Jegal Family will claim the cause was old age.
But some will question this explanation.
The Grand Elder was a supreme master.
That meant his body’s age differed from ordinary people, and his lifespan was correspondingly longer.
Yet to die of old age at merely seventy?
It was deeply suspicious.
And it would be the signal for the Jegal Family’s downfall.
Not long after, the Family Head, having entered closed-door cultivation, fell into demonic possession and went mad, slaughtering a third of the family’s members.
And half the family perished in the chaos of the secret mystical formations they had been experimenting with.
Flames erupted within the Jegal Family Estate as it continued its decline.
That was the end of the Jegal Family.
There were no survivors within the family at the time, and since such estates were inherently insular, the truth was buried.
Afterward, several individuals claiming to be descendants of the Jegal Family appeared, but none of them survived long.
They were all murdered.
Everything occurred within three years of the Grand Patriarch’s death.
No matter how significant the Grand Patriarch’s death was, the Jegal Family was one of the Eight Great Clans—a prestigious lineage that had endured for generations.
For such a family to crumble in merely three years!
It made no sense.
Which meant, in other words, that someone had orchestrated a meticulous plan to destroy the Jegal Family.
In the future I had experienced, Jade Maiden Without Smile Yu-ah had earned her name among the hundred greatest masters of the Realm because she excelled in numerical combat.
Did that stem from what she had learned and practiced over the years?
No.
The saying that one is only recognized as a member of the Jegal Family after completing the Hidden Dragon Trial and returning alive meant that before then, one could not access the family’s secrets.
So she would have been unable to access such secrets.
There is an ancient saying about the Jegal Family.
Divine Mechanism Zhuge.
It means that before venturing into the world for the Hidden Dragon Trial, one is already born as a dragon.
The same would be true for Jegal Yu-ah before me.
Which meant Jegal Yu-ah was a genius from birth.
And upon realizing that something unusual was occurring within the family, she had begun to act like a thoughtless young lady who caused nothing but trouble.
Having reached this conclusion, I ceased evading her attacks.
Instead, I drew my blade and struck the sword from her hand.
Clang—!
“Ugh!”
She grasped her numbed hand and glared at me.
I asked seriously.
“What is the purpose of your actions, young lady?”
….
Jegal Yu-ah bit her lip.
“Something is happening within your family right now, is it not? That is why you are acting this way.”
Realizing she could no longer remain silent, she sighed and asked.
“…How did you know?”
Her tone changed in an instant.

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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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