The Youngest Son of the Eunhae Merchant Group - Chapter 758

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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 Eun Hae Trading Company Chapter 758

Chapter 758. Happiness Is All That Matters (3)

The audience seating stirred at Jin Bok-ju Young Master’s declaration.
Some nodded with satisfaction at his boldness, while others delighted in the spectacle unfolding before them.
And Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master… she was pleased.
Her eyes glistened with tears as she gazed upon Jin Bok-ju Young Master, though a hint of resentment seemed to linger in that gaze.
As if asking why he hadn’t revealed his heart sooner.
“Ahem.”
“Hmm.”
But the Grand Patriarch and the House Master seemed somewhat taken aback.
It was likely that neither of them knew of the relationship between those two.
Whether to speak of what happened during the Zamryong Journey or not was the choice of those involved.
“I reveal my heart only now thanks to the teachings of a certain noble person, who instructed me that conviction must be given.”
Ah…
I hadn’t expected it, but was he really doing this because of something I said?
Even so, making such a declaration in such a public setting all of a sudden…
“He does have a certain audacity to him.”
At Seo-woo Warrior’s words, I nodded in agreement.
“Indeed he does.”
Jegal Go Grand Master approached Jin Bok-ju Young Master.
“We must proceed with the next match, so please step down.”
“Ah, my apologies.”
With that, Jin Bok-ju Young Master descended from the Martial Arts Arena, and the next match began shortly after.
.
.
.
It wasn’t until the sun had set and darkness fell that today’s martial tournament came to an end.
Yet it was hardly surprising that the first preliminary round hadn’t concluded today.
The first preliminaries alone seemed to require about three or four days.
While matches ended quickly since there weren’t many truly skilled competitors, an unexpectedly massive number of participants had gathered.
There was good reason for the mountain of application letters that had accumulated.
“Shall we go have dinner then?”
“Yes.”
Though the tournament had ended, the judges’ schedule was far from over.
After dinner, we had to hold a meeting to discuss today’s matches.
As we entered the dining hall and took our seats, the handmaidens began bringing out the food.
“We were able to complete today without incident thanks entirely to all of you esteemed judges. Please, enjoy your meal.”
As I listened to the House Master’s words of gratitude, we began our meal.
Mmm, delicious.
The dumplings placed in the center were a dish honoring the family’s ancestors. As such, the Jegal Family’s dumplings were renowned for their remarkable variety and exquisite taste.
After finishing our meal and sipping tea, we proceeded with the meeting. Naturally, the most important topic of today’s discussion was Jin Bok-ju Young Master’s declaration.
“Heh heh, such a bold confession!”
“I was deeply moved.”
“Didn’t the Jegal So-gaju seem displeased either?”
At this, the Jegal Family’s Grand Patriarch and House Master both cleared their throats.
“Ahem, well said indeed.”
“I intend to learn more about that young man.”
“However, it would seem we must prohibit any private conversations conveyed to the So-gaju going forward.”
“I share that view. Allowing such would risk misuse for other purposes.”

As I made my way back to my quarters after the meeting ended.
That was when I spotted someone sitting upon a rock by the pond in the distance.
I didn’t need to sense their energy to know who it was.
It was Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master.
I had been curious about something anyway, so this worked out well.
I couldn’t entirely guess her feelings, but still, there was something I needed to discuss with her.
“Are you not tired?”
“Ah, Small Guild Master.”
She looked at me and shook her head.
“I’ve only been sitting all day—what could I possibly be tired about? You and the other judges must have been exhausted.”
“It’s fine. The compensation was generous enough.”
I said so and quietly sat down before her.
“You seem to have much on your mind.”
“Yes….”
“Is it because of Jin Bok-ju Young Master?”
“…!”
Seeing her flinch, my suspicion was confirmed.
“How did you know?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m aware of the relationship between Jin Bok-ju Young Master and the So-gaju.”
“I see….”
“So then, what are your true feelings?”
“I….”
“Did the So-gaju harbor no feelings whatsoever for Jin Young Master?”
She bit her lip.
“The truth is… well, yes. I too harbored affection for him. But when I returned to the family after completing the Zamryong Journey, I couldn’t tell him my true identity or what I truly desired. I didn’t want to burden him with such a heavy weight.”
So their mutual consideration had only served to complicate matters further.
“If I had confirmed his heart….”
“Then I wouldn’t have had to go through all this troublesome business just to accept the Alliance Leader’s proposal.”
I spoke with conviction. It was the truth, after all.
“I have nothing to say to that.”
Jegal Yu-ah pouted her lips.
“Still, couldn’t you offer me some comfort?”
“I can offer comfort. But comfort doesn’t solve the problem at hand, does it?”
“That’s true enough.”
If she were the type to be hurt by my bluntness, I wouldn’t speak this way.
But she was a rational person who could face reality head-on.
That’s why I spoke so directly.
She lifted her head and gazed at the sky.
“What should I do…? If I stop this martial tournament for his sake, it would be a betrayal of those who gathered trusting the Main House. But if I continue the tournament….”
“You lack faith in Jin Young Master.”
“Pardon?”
“How did Jin Young Master perform today?”
“He fought better than I expected. I could tell he’s been training very hard all this time.”
That statement meant she truly didn’t know Jin Young Master’s real abilities.
“But Jin Young Master’s skills don’t even reach the first-rate level. With that level of ability, he can’t win against others. He’ll certainly suffer greatly.”
She really didn’t know, that was certain.
“Jin Young Master will definitely win the championship.”
My conviction in those words startled her for a moment, but she soon nodded.
“I don’t know what happened in the meantime, but if the Small Guild Master says so, then it must be true.”
“And there’s no need to feel sorry about deceiving the tournament participants. To be honest, did they really come out of admiration for the Minor Clan Master? Didn’t they come hoping for rewards?”
I continued.
“If you provide prize money and appropriate compensation to those who achieve high rankings aside from the champion, they’ll have no complaints.”
“…That’s probably right.”
“And since we’re on the subject, I must ask—is there anyone from the Suak Jin Family who might try to hinder Jin Young Master?”
“Hinder him? Who would try to hinder a young master from a family where talented hands are precious?”
“Is that so?”
“Hmm….”
Yet there remained a hint of unease in her expression.
“Even if it’s vague, if there’s anything that feels off, please tell me.”
“…It’s the Family Head’s Wife.”
“What?”
The Family Head’s Wife would be Jin Young Master’s mother, yet she said the Family Head’s Wife?
“Jin Young Master’s biological mother passed away early, and the Family Head’s Second Wife became the official lady of the house. But she takes care of Jin Young Master as well as his biological mother did, so he follows her willingly.”
“But?”
“However, her true nature isn’t very good. She lacks compassion and is cruel. Ah, this isn’t just because she once tried to brand my face with a hot iron.”
What? She tried to brand her face with a hot iron?
“I managed to avoid that fate through some quick thinking, but barely.”
“Please explain in detail. It makes no sense to brand someone with a hot iron simply because they’re an eyesore.”
“Well, I’m rather attractive, you see. I think she feared I might catch the Family Head’s eye and become his new wife.”
“….”
“In fact, she slapped me across the face multiple times.”
“I see.”
My hands clenched involuntarily.
Fury surged through me at the thought of someone I cherished suffering such treatment.
Breathe. Calm yourself.
“It seems the Jin Young Master was largely unaware of her true nature.”
“But couldn’t she still care for the Jin Young Master despite her poor character?”
“One might think so, seeing how she attended to his sickbed daily and personally brewed his medicine. However….”
“…?”
“When she looked at her own biological son, the Second Young Master, her eyes held a subtly different light. It was as though she wore a mask.”
“I see.”
I nodded slowly.
“You served as a warrior for the Suak Jin Family during the Zamryong Journey.”
“…!”
“There’s no need to be surprised. Your account just now made it perfectly clear.”
“…That’s true enough.”
“But does the Family Head or the Grand Patriarch know of this mistreatment?”
“Of course not. I never told them.”
“I see.”
Given the nature of the Zamryong Journey, it was quite likely they remained genuinely ignorant.
“What of the Jin Young Master?”
“How could he know? She’s far too cunning and meticulous in her performance as a virtuous woman.”
This one requires some proper education on the matter.
Whether cunning or careless, a successor to a great family must develop the ability to perceive even the smallest details.
Does martial training alone suffice?
Soon enough, when the Jin Young Master advances to the main tournament, word will reach the Suak Jin Family.
Then the Family Head and his wife will come here personally.
How would they feel upon learning that the warrior who served in their own household was actually the Jegal Family’s most precious jewel, now risen to become a Minor Clan Master?
Especially that wife—the one who had slapped me repeatedly and nearly pressed a hot iron to my face—I found myself smiling at the thought of her expression.
“W-why did you suddenly look so frightening?”
“Pardon?”
“Your expression looked like you were plotting to send someone to their doom.”
Ah, this one has keen instincts.
“Haha. Not at all. I simply recalled something that pleased me.”
“In any case, I’ll proceed with the tournament as planned.”
“Very well. Then I have one more thing to add.”
“What is it?”
“Until the martial tournament concludes, you must not meet with Jin Young Master privately. If anyone were to see you, this would no longer be an official matter. Furthermore, the Jegal Family would bear the shame.”
“I understand what you mean. I’ll be careful.”

After speaking with Jegal Yu-ah Minor Clan Master, I returned to my quarters.
“You’re back?”
“Ah, my lady. You’ve returned earlier than expected.”
“Yes. You must have had a difficult day?”
“It’s manageable. Compared to other matters, it’s hardly taxing.”
“That’s true enough.”
She continued with a smile.
“Today at the ladies’ gathering, the main topic of conversation was Jin Young Master’s confession of affection. Everyone found it terribly romantic.”
“Is that so? Actually, I encountered Jegal So-gaju on my way back just now. She harbors the same feelings for Jin Young Master.”
“My goodness.”
“However, please keep this confidential.”
“Of course. I will.”
“Kwui! Kwu!”
Then came the voice of Geum-ryeong.
I quickly rose and opened the window.
Geum-ryeong fluttered through the window and landed with a soft thud upon my hand.
“You’re back?”
“Kwui!”
“So, did you see where he went?”
“Kwui! Kwu! Kwukwui!”
Geum-ryeong spoke with evident pride.
He had watched that man enter a forest densely planted with cypress trees.
“Well done.”
“Kwui! Kwui!”
What? He ventured inside and returned safely?
How reckless…
“Kwui!”
It’s fine? You concealed yourself so thoroughly that no one could sense your presence?
Then I’m relieved, but…
“Kwui! Kwu!”
So they’ve officially acknowledged Yu Cheol Warrior’s death. All that effort spreading rumors has borne fruit.
“Kwuiit!”
What? They’re planning to approach promising participants in the tournament using that method?
This is truly critical information.
Geum-ryeong has accomplished something remarkable.
“Kwuit! Kwu.”
Do you see how thin you’ve become? You’ve lost weight from all your hardship?
Wait… Geum-ryeong.
You’re just as round and plump now as you were before you went on that errand.
“Squeak squeak…”
At my words, Geum-ryeong suddenly turned his head and burrowed into the Lady’s embrace.
Then he squeaked pitifully.
“Is Geum-ryeong saying he’s hungry right now?”
“Well, something like that.”
I smiled and pulled out a Gold Coin from my pocket.
“Here, Geum-ryeong. This is your payment for the errand.”
“Squeak! Squeak squeak!”
Seeing the Gold Coin I offered, Geum-ryeong leaped with joy.
I flicked the Gold Coin with my finger, and Geum-ryeong jumped up and caught it in his mouth with a snap.
Then he wiggled his hindquarters, licking the Gold Coin and rolling around with it in his grasp.
Was he really that happy?

* * *

Hubei Province Yichang.
The Suak Jin Family, which had established itself there, was once a prestigious clan of considerable renown, but by now had fallen into considerable decline.
Jin Seo, the current Family Head, was displeased with this reality.
Yet he harbored no resentment toward his ancestor’s choice to send the family’s warriors to aid during the Blood Sect conflict.
It was an obligation that any family belonging to the Orthodox Sect should have fulfilled.
“I wonder if that fellow is doing well?”
He had ordered his eldest son, Jin Bok-ju, to represent the family and participate in the Jegal Family’s Tamseo Martial Arts Tournament.
He had expected his eldest son to show reluctance, but Jin Bok-ju had readily agreed.
If he achieved good results, it would be an opportunity to forge ties with the Jegal Family and expand their influence, but truthfully, he held little expectation.
He had issued the order simply because the Jegal Family was hosting such a grand event, and as a martial family in Hubei Province, they could not afford to abstain.
‘That boy was quite a prodigy in his youth… Sigh.’
At that moment, his attendant came rushing in breathlessly.
“Huff huff! F-Family Head! Family Head!”
“Why such a commotion?”
“The First Young Master has advanced to the main tournament of the Martial Arts Tournament!”
.
.
.
Meanwhile, upon hearing this news, the Family Head’s Wife of the Suak Jin Family clutched the back of her neck.
“How can this be! That’s… impossible!”
Creak.
At that moment, the door opened and the Jin Family Head entered.
“What do you mean by that?”

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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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