NOVEL NEXT I Will Raise It as the Best Family in the World
Chapter 36
Seol Wonpyeong, Seol Jadan, and Seol Dojin, the father and his two sons, ate the porridge in front of them. It was made with the delicious powder that Woonyeong had provided.
Head of the Household Wi observed the three carefully, watching their reactions. He saw this as a good opportunity—a chance to grow the Seolwon Merchant, which had remained quietly patient until now. Although he was aware of the Seol family’s policy, Head of the Household Wi’s instincts as a merchant urged him to expand the Merchant’s influence a bit further. “Is this the delicious, ahem, powder that Yeong-ah has been pondering?” “Yes, that’s right. It’s said to have been made in collaboration with Wang Cook from the Red Mist quarter.” Seol Wonpyeong, who had put down his spoon, dipped the powder and put it in his mouth. He savored the taste and nodded in approval. “That’s a good idea, isn’t it?” “Yes. How did you come up with this? It’s amazing.” Seol Jadan, whose smile couldn’t be contained due to his daughter’s accomplishment, replied. How could it not be so? She had made it because she felt sorry for Seol Jadan, who had been on a long journey and stayed overnight. Seol Jadan was happy about that. “It seems that Yeong-ah’s business talent is outstanding,” Seol Dojin added, his tone full of pride for his younger sister. “That’s right, that’s right. It’s all because she takes after me, isn’t it?” As Seol Wonpyeong nodded and spoke, Seol Jadan frowned. “Ahem. However.” Seol Wonpyeong cleared his throat to shift the mood and continued speaking. “This cannot be sold at Seolwon Merchant.” “…Why is that?” Seol Dojin asked with an expression of frustration, and Seol Wonpyeong replied calmly. “This would be sufficient for those working with Seolwon Merchant to use within their households.” As expected, nothing had changed. If it were to change, it would have happened long ago. Seol Jadan tightly closed his eyes. Seol Dojin was still young, and at that exact age, Seol Jadan had also found the family’s tasks frustrating. “Yeong-ah… Yeong-ah has not only been working on that.” Seol Dojin’s sudden words drew the attention of both Seol Wonpyeong and Seol Jadan. Sssshk. Seol Dojin slid a small jar forward. “What is that?” “This is an ointment that Yeong-ah gave me a while ago. It’s a medicine that helps with muscle training.” “What? There’s something like that?” Seol Wonpyeong raised his voice in surprise, while Seol Jadan looked at the jar with surprised eyes. “Oho? Is there such a thing? The Young Miss didn’t show it to me…” Head of the Household Wi’s eyes sparkled. There must have been a reason for giving it only to Seol Dojin. Considering what he had seen of Woonyeong, that seemed likely. Seol Dojin calmly explained the effects of the ointment. “I’m the son of a merchant, but I’m not exceptional in business. Therefore, I don’t know well what should be bought and sold.” Seol Dojin spoke with more force than usual. “But Yeong-ah is different. You know that the child’s business talent is extraordinary. To realize Yeong-ah’s potential, we need to expand Seolwon Merchant. Please consider it.” “As expected, I share the same thoughts as the Young Master.” In response to Seol Dojin’s words, the Head of the Household Wi also expressed the same opinion. Perhaps it was the fact that it was for Woonyeong’s sake that swayed him. Seol Wonpyeong, who had been staring intently at Seol Dojin, finally spoke. “This is… not something to decide immediately. I will discuss it with Yeong-ah later.” Seol Wonpyeong slightly softened his stubborn attitude. “Head of the Household Wi, you may leave now.” “Yes, Head of Family.” With the Head of the Household Wi bowing and leaving, only the three members of the family remained in the room. Seol Wonpyeong, who looked at Seol Jadan and Seol Dojin, opened his mouth. “How are the two Young Masters doing?” What was about to be discussed now concerned the guests of the Seol family. These guests, who had shown up suddenly at the Seol Family’s residence, left everyone in confusion. “The Young Master of Namgoong is currently training. The training area has been cleared in advance for the Young Masters’ practice.” “That was well done. Dojin, you’re handling things without any shortcomings.” Seol Wonpyeong smiled with satisfaction at Seol Dojin’s sharp answer. “Young Master Jegal is…” He hesitated as he brought up Jegal Dam’s name. “He has gone up the mountain.” “Up the mountain? So… are you talking about Ancestral Mountain?” “…Yes.” Seol Wonpyeong’s complexion turned red and pale in surprise at the mention of the mountain. Ancestral Mountain, which wraps around the back of the Seol family estate, is a very important place. Given that the Central Plains are full of mountains, this particular one doesn’t have a specific name. It’s simply referred to as the Seol family’s ancestral mountain. However, since it is also the resting place of the Seol family’s ancestors and is considered a sacred site, it is specially maintained by the Seol Family. Although the ancestral mountain was open to the commoners of Hong’an County, having guests visit the mountain was an entirely different matter. “For… for what reason?” “He said he was curious about where mushrooms grow. He said he wanted to see for himself and headed to the ancestral mountain.” “Huh. Did you assign a guide or any guards to him?” Seol Wonpyeong sighed and continued asking more questions. “Well… he went with only a guard. He refused a guide…” “That guy! What on earth is he thinking?” Seol Wonpyeong clenched his teeth. “He’s rummaging through someone else’s ancestral mountain! This land, passed down by our ancestors, and he dares to do as he pleases!” Seol Wonpyeong became furious and pressed Seol Dojin with questions. “…Father.” Seol Jadan waved his hand, pushing back Seol Wonpyeong’s intense energy. “What’s important is not that, right?” “Ahem. I got too excited.” Seol Wonpyeong, who had barely calmed his anger, looked embarrassed. “Wasn’t… this something we already expected?” Seol Jadan said in a casual tone. “…Yeah, that’s right.” Seol Wonpyeong’s eyes lowered with regret. The three of them silently looked at one another, saying nothing. “Whoo.” Seol Wonpyeong opened his mouth again with a deep sigh. “But it’s not certain yet, is it?” “That’s also true.” Seol Jadan nodded. When the three members of the Seol family met Jegal Dam, they couldn’t help but be surprised. The surname ‘Jegal’ held a special meaning for the eldest sons of the Seol family. Those who protected the Seol Family followed two wills. The will of the founder, who settled in Hong’an a long time ago. – Protect Hong’an. – If Jegal asks for help, help him and protect the world. That is the promise. The words passed down through the ages had now lost their true meaning. They were simply following the path their predecessors had taken. The family’s martial arts were passed down only to the eldest son, while everything about the Seol Family was kept hidden and concealed. Keeping a promise that had no end in sight. A promise with no clear understanding of what is being protected or how long one must wait. This was something that had frustrated Seol Jadan when he was young. While hiding his identity and traveling through the martial world, Seol Jadan came to understand. The Seol Family’s martial arts were powerful. How could he not desire to soar across the world with such strength? However, he gave up on his dreams and accepted the duty of protecting the Seol Family as his fate. ‘Does Jegal even remember that promise…?’ There’s no way. Seol Jadan shook his head. Now Seol Jadan was skeptical about his ancestor’s will. The will wasn’t the problem; it was that he didn’t trust Jegal. And that’s not something to blame Jegal. The Seol Family, who has protected Hong’an for so many years to keep the promise, is old-fashioned and stubborn. “It probably wasn’t according to the promise.” Seol Jadan, who had gathered his thoughts, spoke firmly. “Why do you think that way?” Seol Wonpyeong, also observing Jegal Dam’s demeanor, reached the same conclusion. However, he couldn’t help but ask about his son’s thoughts. The fact that he had praised Woonyeong’s talent at the banquet was also a test of Jegal Dam. If he had been curious about the Seol Family’s martial arts, it would have been a perfect answer. However, Jegal Dam was only interested in Woonyeong’s achievements. “For so many years… there has been no contact from the Jegal family.” This was a story that all three of them knew. Seol Jadan paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and continued. “If the heir of the Jegal family were aware of the promise, he wouldn’t have sought out the main family so urgently. Isn’t that what he should have done?” “That’s right.” Seol Wonpyeong nodded in agreement. “Young Master Jegal is renowned for his extraordinary talent. It’s unlikely that his preparations would be so careless.” “That is also true. However, he is still young, isn’t he?” “Even considering his young age, he is still one of Jegal’s people.” “My thoughts are no different from yours.” Seol Wonpyeong nodded while stroking his beard. “But…” Seol Dojin, who had been listening to their conversation, opened his mouth. “Didn’t he go up to the ancestral mountain? I think we need to observe a bit longer. It’s hard to know what he’s thinking.” “Yeah, Dojin’s words are also right.” Seol Wonpyeong looked at Seol Dojin with an expression of admiration. “I also don’t think that Young Master Jegal knows about the promise. However, his actions are not typical, so we must keep a close watch on him.” “Yes, Head of Family.” Seol Jadan and Seol Dojin answered in unison. “However, if Jegal has not forgotten the promise.” Seol Wonpyeong’s voice, filled with majestic energy, spread out low. “We will risk everything we have to protect the world.” Seol Wonpyeong’s eyes lit up. Thump. Seol Jadan heard a sound coming from his heart. Thump, thump. It made another sound. He clenched his fist. Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and
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