LIGHTNOVELONLINE I Will Raise It as the Best Family in the World
Chapter 23
Woonyeong narrowed her eyes and stared fixedly at Jegal Dam.
The reason she couldn’t react right away was partly because she’s surprise, as she hadn’t expected to see him here. But what should she call the deep, rising emotion she felt even before that? It seems that the handsome appearance, which had shown signs since childhood, was indeed remarkable. Although the face was still youthful, it was undeniable that the appearance was outstanding. ‘Yeah, well, he did have a handsome face. Same goes for that Namgoong guy.’ She had anticipated meeting Jegal Dam someday while sending him a letter. She was also secretly curious about what Jegal Dam and Namgoong Hwi were like in their childhood. To Woonyeong, who had no place to call home, they were people she could call friends. They were trustworthy companions whom she could rely on, and among the few good people Woonyeong had met. Woonyeong relaxed her furrowed brow and clenched her fist. It was because she felt she might know the name of the deep, rising emotion. Displeasure. And perhaps also sorry. Is it that the past tends to become somewhat idealized? It felt even more so because she recalled the last day she met Jegal Dam. In front of her, Jegal Dam was smiling brightly, but his eyes were as cold as ice as he observed Woonyeong. After that, she saw Jegal Dam, the Chief Commander, who had recklessly blocked her path for her safety. She saw his sad eyes, always filled with concern for her. It was shocking that it had only been a few months ago. It was so vivid. ‘Yeah, this is what it feels like to be the only one who remembers…’ It was different from when she met her family and the people of Seol Family again. They had been individuals who existed only in distant memories. Woonyeong closed her eyes briefly and then opened them again, trying to erase the overlapping shadows of the past. As she shifted her gaze, she saw Head of the Household Wi Jeonggon and the escort Yang Cheolwoo next to Jegal Dam. The Head of the Household Wi was particularly restless. Seeing him like that only added to her frustration. ‘Is that something he’s born with? Back then, it was just annoying, but seeing the young man act like that now is really irritating.’ Even the always composed Head of the Household Wi seemed flustered by this situation. It was understandable. How could it be otherwise when the Young Master of the Jegal Clan visited the Seol Family without any prior notice? Moreover, given his rude behavior, it was even more so. Unfortunately, today was the birthday of the governor of Hong’an County, so a grand feast was being held at the government office. As a result, the Seol family estate was left empty with the head of the family, Seol Wonpyeong, the young head, Seol Jadan, and the eldest grandson, Seol Dojin, all absent. Seol Jadan had a face that showed reluctance until the very end. – Although it’s a feast, it won’t take long. We should be back by evening. So today, you will be in charge of taking care of the Seol family estate, Yeong-ah. Can you protect the Seol Family for us? Can you protect… Can you protect… Can you protect… Is this what it means when people say their heart drops? Seol Jadan probably said it lightly. However, for Woonyeong, the idea of protecting the Seol family estate was not something that could be taken lightly. Protecting the Seol family. These short words were like a tower built from layers of Woonyeong’s regrets over the years she had lived through. Woonyeong made a determined expression and responded in a serious tone. – Yes, Father. I will protect the Seol family. Seol Jadan seemed a bit taken aback by the determination in young Woonyeong’s expression. However, he quickly smiled warmly and ruffled her hair. – Yeah, please take good care of the Seol family. – Don’t worry. Father. Woonyeong nodded with determination. That was only four hours ago. The Head of Household Wi was leading Jegal Dam and his escort to the guest house. That meant that the Head of Household had already informed them of the adults’ absence. If he had wanted to be polite, he would have had to wait for the host at the guest house. Woonyeong’s current condition was clearly not suitable for welcoming guests. Nevertheless, approaching Woonyeong and greeting her first was quite rude. Woonyeong could roughly guess what kind of thought Jegal Dam might have had after receiving the letter. It was indeed unexpected that Jegal Dam was in Wuhan at this time, but it wasn’t entirely out of Woonyeong’s expectations. Since nothing came up when they investigated the Seol Family and Woonyeong, he must have asked Sogyo. And as soon as he realized there was nothing to gain from loyal Sogyo, he must have immediately requested to accompany her. Perhaps he also saw the absence of adults as an opportunity. There couldn’t be a better situation to find out what kind of person Woonyeong was. He must have doubted whether Woonyeong herself sent the letter. So he intentionally acted rudely and wanted to see how she would react. ‘This is why you shouldn’t hide when you have power. How dare he test me?’ However, she couldn’t immediately point out his rudeness. The Woonyeong standing here was no longer the Flower-Faced Sword Demon who acted freely in the past. ‘How should the precious lady of the Seol family behave… This is quite frustrating.’ Well, if it were in the past, Jegal Dam wouldn’t have tested people like this. “Y, Young Miss, you should greet the Young Master…” Sogyo, who had approached quietly, said softly. Woonyeong let out a small sigh and stepped forward. She slightly bowed her head in greeting. “I was flustered and couldn’t greet you immediately. I believe the merciful Young Master will understand. I am Woonyeong of the Seol family.” Woonyeong’s expression and voice carried no emotion whatsoever. Although she said was flustered, anyone could see that she wasn’t showing any signs of panic. Just as Jegal Dam stepped forward and was about to speak, Woonyeong’s gaze shifted to the Head of the Household. “Head of the Household Wi.” Woonyeong’s voice was cold but filled with strength. It was just a single word. But that small call carried a confidence that was hard to believe coming from a ten-year-old child. The Head of the Household Wi’s body tensed involuntarily. It was just like the first day he stood in front of the Head of the Family Seol Wonpyeong. The Head of the Household Wi clasped his trembling hands and answered politely. “Yes, yes. Young Miss.” “Did you tell the guest about the adults’ absence?” “Yes, Young Miss, I did.” Woonyeong, who usually spoke to the Head of the Household Wi with honorifics, lowered her tone. It seemed so natural that no one could sense any awkwardness in her demeanor. “Yeah, did the guest say they will be waiting?” “Yes, so I was in the process of escorting them to the guest house.” “You did well.” “No. I just did what I had to do.” At the Head of the Household Wi’s words, Woonyeong nodded and then turned her eyes to Jegal Dam. “At the moment, I am not in a position to meet with the Young Master. I will arrange a proper time to pay my respects later.” Woonyeong didn’t give Jegal Dam another chance to speak. She immediately turned her head and called for Head of the Household Wi. “Head of the Household. There should be no shortcomings in serving the guests.” “Yes. Young Miss, I will keep that in mind.” The Head of the Household Wi bowed politely and responded. When he straightened up again, he was no longer the anxious person he had been before. Young Woonyeong demonstrated proper manners and a dignified attitude in front of the rude guest. This made the Head of the Household Wi realize the appropriate demeanor that the Inner Court’s Head of the Household of the Seol Family should take. Woonyeong then expressed her satisfaction by slightly lifting the corners of her mouth. “Well then, I’ll take my leave.” Woonyeong gave a slight bow to the standing Jegal Dam, who looked somewhat surprised, and then immediately turned away. Woonyeong’s steps as she left showed no sign of hesitation. Jegal Dam kept his eyes fixed on Woonyeong’s retreating figure until it disappeared. “Hahaha, hahahahahahaha!” When Woonyeong was no longer in sight, Jegal Dam suddenly burst into a loud laugh. Yang Cheolwoo, who had been tense from the nerve-wracking interaction between Woonyeong and the Great Young Master, turned his head in surprise. Still, he didn’t stop laughing. Jegal Dam, who quickly erased his laughter, muttered quietly. “This… this is quite something. Did I let my guard down?” It was an extremely cold voice that only Yang Cheolwoo, who was standing right next to him, could hear. Jegal Dam’s lips twisted into a smirk. After a moment, he let the smirk fade and restored his usual relaxed expression. He turned to the Head of the Household Wi, who was waiting with a respectful but unflinching attitude, and asked. “Did you say Head of the Household Wi?” “Yes, Young Master.” “Please guide me to the guest house.” “Then, please follow me.” “Yeah.” Yang Cheolwoo shook his head as he watched his master, who was smiling like a flower. To be honest, Yang Cheolwoo had not understood Jegal Dam’s actions since the day he received the letter. Well, it wasn’t just a day or two. How could he understand someone who sees things others don’t? It was foolish to try to understand someone who was born different from others. Having experienced it for many years, he had given up on understanding. However, he couldn’t erase the constant questions that arose. ‘What on earth is in that letter that has him reacting this way? He hasn’t been this sensitive for a long time. I wonder if that young miss will be alright…’ Anyway, what worries him even more is what happens from now on. This was because he could see that the back of Jegal Dam, who was walking, was trembling slightly. ‘I hope this can pass quietly.’ Yang Cheolwoo felt like beating his chest in frustration.
Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.