NOVEL NEXT I Will Raise It as the Best Family in the World
Chapter 28
Woonyeong, who was sitting at the banquet, narrowed her eyes and looked at Namgoong Hwi.
He kept smiling widely, chatting continuously with Jegal Dam, seeming to find everything so delightful. ‘Is that how he grew up? The esteemed Namgoong was that kind of kid who smiled so well?’ From the young Namgoong Hwi, there was not a trace of the shadow of the past Sword King that Woonyeong knew. The Sword King Namgoong Hwi was an extremely arrogant man. He was powerful enough to be arrogant, and his arrogance even made him somewhat unpleasant. When she met Namgoong Hwi, who visited the Seol Family, she was taken aback, but she saw it as an opportunity. ‘I can solve everything at once, well. Besides, I had things to say anyway.’ Jegal Dam, who sat with Namgoong Hwi, was trying to maintain his composure, but it was evident that he was still uncomfortable. ‘That smart guy is still sulking.’ Sensing the gaze, Jegal Dam looked at Woonyeong and smiled faintly. Woonyeong suppressed a bitter smile at that sight. ‘Are you saying you won’t just take it? There’s never an easy way, right?’ The fact that he deliberately didn’t inform Woonyeong about Namgoong Hwi’s arrival made that clear. He didn’t stop observing Woonyeong’s reactions. He was indeed like the future strategist of the Jegal family. “Ahem. So, our Yeong-ah prepared this feast?” While many people exchanged glances, the female servants finished setting the table. Seol Wonpyeong, who was sitting at the head of the table, opened his mouth. “I only instructed them to prepare it; the real effort was put in by Head Cook Wang from the Red Mist quarter.” “Hoho. So, it was not you who prepared it. You must have gone through a lot of trouble.” “Not at all. Thank you.” Woonyeong smiled brightly and bowed her head. Her eyes quickly scanned the dishes, noticing that the table was filled with dishes made from the fragrant meat mushroom. Though she had already tasted them before, Woonyeong was satisfied with how appetizing the dishes looked. “It looks truly delicious. It seems the Young Miss went through a lot of trouble.” Namgoong Hwi expressed his admiration as he spoke to Woonyeong. “Thank you, Young Master. Grandfather, it would be best to start the meal now.” Woonyeong hid her awkward expression as she expressed her gratitude. “Yeah. As they say, food is heaven. You must all be hungry, so please, our esteemed guests, enjoy the meal.” “Thank you.” “I will enjoy it.” Woonyeong watched the reactions of those eating the dishes made with the fragrant meat mushrooms. Seeing their surprised expressions as they chewed the mushrooms, she smiled with satisfaction. “Is this really a mushroom? The taste is absolutely incredible. Isn’t that right, brother?” “Yeah. It tastes very good. ” The first to speak was Namgoong Hwi. Jegal Dam also agreed, nodding slightly. “Yeong-ah, what is this?” Seol Jadan, with a look of surprise, asked Woonyeong. “It’s called a fragrant meat mushroom. You might have tried it before, Father.” “Yes, I’ve had it before, but I didn’t realize it was this delicious.” That makes sense. Since it’s a common mushroom in Hong’an County, they might not have considered it something special. There likely weren’t any cooks before who specialized in preparing just the scented mushroom, like Head Cook Wang. This is why experience is important. If Woonyeong hadn’t had her time as the Sword Demon, and if Head Cook Wang hadn’t had his experience in Hefei, the special qualities of this mushroom might never have been discovered. “Head Cook Wang from Red Mist quarter is very skilled.” “Yeah, we should reward the Head Cook.” “Yes, that would be good. The Head Cook would also be happy.” Woonyeong agreed with Seol Jadan’s words and then subtly glanced at Jegal Dam. “Young Master Jegal also mentioned that he came to visit after hearing about this mushroom.” “Come to think of it, I was too busy to ask.. Is it true what our Woonyeong said, Young Master?” Seol Jadan asked Jegal Dam. His tone was polite, but a little sharp. The unexpected arrival of the Five Great Families’ young masters was unwelcome, and it was also displeasing that Jegal Dam had been at Seol Family’s residence while Woonyeong was guarding it alone. The sensitive Jegal Dam sensed Seol Jadan’s wariness. With a calm face, Jegal Dam replied. “Yes. I met with Young Master Namgoong in Wuhan and decided to accompany him to the family estate. While waiting for him in Wuhan, I heard some interesting stories.” Jegal Dam glanced at Woonyeong, narrowing his eyes. “There’s a mushroom that only grows in Hong’an, and they say it has an exceptional taste. Since I’m quite fond of mushrooms, my curiosity was piqued. So, despite my rudeness, I visited the Seol Family residence.” “Hoho, how could you be rude?” Even Seol Wonpyeong, who had lived as a merchant for many years, couldn’t find any awkwardness. “So, how did Young Master Namgoong… come to visit the Seol Family?” “I came here following the message left by my brother. I set my way from Hong’an to the Seol Family and was fortunate to encounter the Head of the Family’s party. I was lucky.” Woonyeong nodded, understanding why he came with her grandfather. “But it’s really great that I have the opportunity to eat such a precious dish. I guess I’m lucky to eat it. Isn’t that right, brother?” “That’s right.” Jegal Dam lightly answered Namgoong Hwi’s words. “There’s also red braised pork belly. It’s my favorite.” Namgoong Hwi’s eyes lit up with joy when he saw the braised pork with fragrant mushrooms in the Anhui-style dish. “I also like Anhui dishes. The cook’s skills are excellent. I hope it suits the Young Master’s taste.” “I see. Thank you for your consideration, Young Miss.” “Please enjoy it.” At Namgoong Hwi’s polite gesture, Woonyeong slightly bowed her head. “Yeong-ah did a truly great job, Grandfather.” Seol Dojin, who had been quietly observing the atmosphere, spoke up “Hoho, what was it?” “This mushroom. I didn’t know it was this delicious, but didn’t Yeong-ah find its true value? The honored guest who came to the Seol Family seems to like it too.” “That’s right, that’s right. Our Yeong-ah is very great.” Seol Wonpyeong gave a hearty laugh and looked at Woonyeong. Even Woonyeong, who usually had a thick skin, appeared somewhat embarrassed. “Grandfather, speaking of which…” “Tell me.” “How about selling the fragrant meat mushroom dishes at the Seolwon Inn? It seems too wasteful for us to enjoy such delicious food all by ourselves.” “Hoo, have you thought of that?” “Yes. I hear it’s a mushroom that only grows in Hong’an County. Wouldn’t it be nice for travelers passing through to taste it?” Seeing this as an opportunity, Woonyeong replied. With many tasks ahead, the start was crucial. She needed to win Seol Wonpyeong over while the atmosphere was favorable. Seol Wonpyeong seemed a bit surprised by Woonyeong’s words and then turned to Seol Jadan and asked. “What does the Young Lord think?” “It seems like a good idea. There are quite a few people who come and go from Hong’an County by road. Besides, according to Yeong-ah, it only grows here in Hong’an County, so it would probably be a precious dish.” “Hmm, that’s right.” Seol Wonpyeong stroked his beard and nodded. It was the face of a merchant that Woonyeong had not seen before. “Moreover, wouldn’t people who enjoy mushrooms, like Young Master Jegal, be drawn to it?” “Good. Yeong-ah.” “Yes, grandfather.” “I will send the Head of the Household within a few days, so discuss it with the cook.” “Yes. I will.” Woonyeong nodded with a bright expression as she responded. “Heh heh, our Yeong-ah is also sharp in business. Only martial arts…” “Ahem, Head of the Family.” Just as Seol Wonpyeong was about to continue bragging, Seol Jadan interrupted him, deciding it wasn’t beneficial for Woonyeong’s martial abilities to be known just yet. Regardless of how others might interpret it, Seol Jadan stood firm in his judgment. “Oh my, the old man has been talking too much. In front of the young masters of the Five Great Families.” Seol Wonpyeong’s face, while making light-hearted remarks, showed no signs of embarrassment. It was simply the face of a grandfather who wanted to boast about his granddaughter. “Did Young Miss Seol learn martial arts?” Namgoong Hwi showed interest at the mention of martial arts. “It’s just excessive praise from my grandfather. I’ve only just begun practicing what the physician recommended for my health.” Woonyeong responded with a calm expression, though she had indeed started somewhat excessively. “Considering that the Head of the Family praises your martial skills, it doesn’t seem to be excessive.” Jegal Dam persistently continued with his questions, clearly trying to learn more about Woonyeong. “In the eyes of a merchant like me, isn’t everything seen as exceptional?” “Whoo, I’m looking forward to it. I hope there will be an opportunity to observe Young Miss Seol’s martial skills someday.” Jegal Dam persisted with his questioning until the end. Woonyeong replied with a smile, raising the corners of her mouth. “There will be a chance.” Woonyeong’s eyes furrowed as she answered. ‘You speak so well. The kind of words that hit the mark.’ The long dinner ended with tea being served. “You mentioned you’re heading to Yangyang, correct? Then, what are the plans for the Young Masters?” Before leaving, Seol Wonpyeong asked. He was asking when they would leave. “I would like to ask the Head of the Family.” “What do you mean?” “I would like to stay a few more days at the Seol Family’s place and build friendships with Young Master Seol and Young Miss Seol.” “It’s a good thing, it’s a good thing.” Seol Wonpyeong, who had been observing him with a searching gaze, eventually nodded and gave his permission. “Then proceed as you wish. Dojinie and Yeong-ah, listen carefully.” “Yes.” “You two should make sure that the Young Masters have everything they need during their stay at the Seol Family.” “I will follow.” Thus, the two Young Masters found themselves in front of Woonyeong.
Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.