The return of the granddaughter of the Namgoong family

This was no ordinary task—they were searching for a child of the Namgung family.

Even though they had deliberately announced a male child to create confusion, countless people approached, lured by the Namgung name and the enormous reward that came with it.

Some even went as far as to pretend to be insane, bringing forth girls or even their own children, a testament to the absurd lengths people would go.

But could the Namgung family have failed to foresee such a situation when they made the public announcement?

Not a chance.

They weren’t fools. Namgung must have anticipated such chaos.

And yet, they offered a massive reward. This could only mean they had a definitive method to distinguish the real child from any pretenders.

“I thought there’d be a way to verify my identity here in Namgung. Am I wrong?”

At Ilhwa’s words, Namgung Mucheon’s gaze grew even more fearsome, exuding an almost tangible intimidation.

His piercing stare was enough to send chills down anyone’s spine.

For a moment, Ilhwa held his gaze, until his lips curved slightly into a faint smile, and then Namgung Mucheon let out a hearty laugh.

“Hahaha!”

His laughter echoed throughout the hall of Cheonhojeon.

Even the chief steward and Seop Mugwang couldn’t help but smile faintly.

“You’re right! The means to prove your identity as a Namgung child indeed exist here.”

Still smiling, Namgung Mucheon propped his chin on his hand and looked at her.

“But not right now. The one who can confirm your identity is on their way, but it will take a few days. Will you wait until then?”

There was no reason to refuse.

“Yes, I’ll wait,” she replied.

“Good.”

Namgung Mucheon gestured to the chief steward.

“Prepare a room in the inner quarters for the child.”

The steward stepped forward in shock.

“Lord Patriarch, the inner quarters would be excessive.”

The inner quarters were reserved solely for Namgung’s direct descendants.

Allowing someone whose identity had yet to be confirmed to stay there could provoke complaints from other family members.

Recognizing the patriarch’s intent, the steward carefully suggested an alternative.

“The outer quarters’ guest accommodations—specifically, the upper guest rooms—would be more appropriate, wouldn’t they?”

The upper guest rooms were for receiving distinguished visitors among the guests.

It was a suggestion made out of consideration for Namgung Mucheon’s desire to treat the girl with respect.

“Hm.”

Namgung Mucheon didn’t seem pleased.

As the steward hesitated, Ilhwa stepped in to help.

“I’d prefer the guest accommodations as well.”

Namgung Mucheon’s gaze darkened.

“The guest accommodations are for visitors to Namgung. You wish to stay there?”

Ilhwa understood the implication in his question.

“Are you a guest of Namgung?”

It must have bothered him that someone who claimed to be a Namgung child would settle for a guest’s quarters.

He was, after all, someone who placed immense pride in Namgung’s legacy.

Yet staying in the inner quarters without full acknowledgment felt burdensome to Ilhwa.

There’s no benefit in causing a stir as soon as I arrive.

Considering the future, it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble and focus on gaining recognition as a member of Namgung.

“I’ll eventually reside in the inner quarters anyway, so I’d like to experience the guest accommodations first. I’ve heard the Namgung guest rooms are excellent, and I’m curious to see how true that is.”

Her words carried an undercurrent of confidence that she would be recognized as part of Namgung, causing Namgung Mucheon’s lips to curve again into a faint smile.

“If that’s your wish. Then, let it be Cheongakwon.”

“…!”

The steward was once again flabbergasted.

“Ch-Cheongakwon? Lord Patriarch, Cheongakwon is…”

Cheongakwon was reserved for the most esteemed guests of Namgung and was rarely opened, even for them.

For this mere child?

“Is anyone currently staying in Cheongakwon?”

“No, but…”

The opening of Cheongakwon would undoubtedly cause a stir within the family.

“Prepare Cheongakwon for her.”

Namgung Mucheon’s unwavering tone left no room for argument, and the steward could only bow his head in reluctant agreement.

To Ilhwa, it didn’t matter whether it was the inner quarters or Cheongakwon. To her, it was just a slightly more comfortable guest room.

“Thank you for your consideration, Lord Patriarch.”

“You may leave now.”

After bowing to him, Ilhwa turned and left Cheonhojeon.

Unaware of the waves Namgung Mucheon’s decision would cause within the family, she walked briskly away as the steward followed in a flustered state.

“Isn’t this excessive? Nothing is certain yet,” Seop Mugwang commented quietly, watching them leave.

Namgung Mucheon’s lips curved into a deep smile.

“People may form lifelong bonds over a single shared drink. How could I fail to recognize someone bound by blood?”

Seop Mugwang turned to Namgung Mucheon in astonishment.

In the past eight years, Namgung Mucheon had met hundreds of children. Never once had he spoken with such certainty.

“Then…”

“It is not excessive to assign Cheongakwon,” Namgung Mucheon said, clenching and unclenching his hand as if recalling an unforgettable sensation from long ago. His gaze took on a wistful quality.

“If anything, it is woefully insufficient.”

***

“What did you just say?”

Namgung Yeom, the head of the Outer Quarters, asked in disbelief, staring at the steward as though he had misheard.

“The order was to prepare Cheongakwon,” the steward replied.

“Cheongakwon? Are you certain the Patriarch himself gave that instruction?”

“Yes, without a doubt.”

“Could it have anything to do with his abrupt conclusion of this morning’s meeting?”

“Precisely.”

So, the hastily ended meeting was due to an urgent matter…

Could it be that a guest of such high stature had arrived at Namgung that Cheongakwon—closed for almost a year—would be reopened?

The Outer Quarters of Namgung were always prepared for unexpected visits, ready to welcome guests with the utmost hospitality.

“I understand. I’ll ensure preparations are made immediately. Where is the esteemed guest now?”

“Before that, there are additional instructions to relay.”

“Additional instructions?”

***

Namgung Yeom stood before the child, his expression betraying his confusion as he tried to reconcile the Patriarch’s words.

“Do not inquire about the guest’s identity or purpose for visiting Namgung. Never pry into their background. Simply ensure they are comfortable, and inform the attendants of this as well.”

He had anticipated someone extraordinary but…

A child?

The idea of the honored guest being a mere child was so unexpected that Namgung Yeom struggled to keep his expression neutral. Quickly composing himself, he offered a formal greeting.

“Welcome, esteemed guest. I am Namgung Yeom, head of the Outer Quarters of Namgung.”

In response, Ilhwa offered a polite bow.

“Avoid using your name unless absolutely necessary if you want to steer clear of trouble,” the steward had advised while escorting her to Cheongakwon.

Understanding this as caution due to her yet-unproven identity as a Namgung, Ilhwa had readily agreed.

After all, it never hurt to be careful.

“Please, follow me. I will guide you to Cheongakwon.”

Thankfully, Namgung Yeom refrained from asking her name or status, and Ilhwa followed him silently.

“Cheongakwon is one of our family’s greatest prides. Even when it is unoccupied, it is cleaned five times a day, and the bedding is changed daily.”

In other words, it was immaculate.

“If you require anything, attendants are on standby to assist you at all times. Furthermore, Cheongakwon is guarded by the most skilled inner-circle warriors of Namgung, ensuring—”

“Excuse me…”

“Yes, is there something you need?”

“Could I take a look around on my own?”

“Ah.”

Namgung Yeom was perceptive.

His role required him to interact with visitors to Namgung, so he was skilled at reading the room.

“I see my presence may disrupt your rest. I shall take my leave. Should you need anything, do not hesitate to call upon the attendants.”

Namgung Yeom bowed courteously and exited Cheongakwon, leaving Ilhwa alone except for the silent attendants stationed throughout the expansive residence.

Though Ilhwa already knew the layout from her past life, she deliberately wandered through the entire space, pretending to take everything in.

From the small pond housing golden carp to the pavilion where warm tea was always available, and even the private hot spring that ensured absolute solitude—she explored it all as if it were new.

Only after completing this faux tour did she return to her assigned room.

The reason for this act was simple: to mislead any potential observers.

They’ll undoubtedly report everything I do, everything I eat, back to the Patriarch.

From the moment she stepped into Namgung territory, she had known she could not escape Namgung’s watchful eyes.

This was a fact she had prepared herself for before crossing the threshold.

Once inside her room, Ilhwa closed the door and collapsed onto the bed.

“Ha…”

It was still morning, the sun not yet reaching its peak.

And yet, so much had already happened in just half a day.

So, I’ve finally returned to Namgung.

Though she had expected it, the feeling of reentering Namgung—an entity she had once opposed—was stranger than she anticipated.

What was most unsettling was encountering those she had killed with her own hands in her past life.

The Patriarch, Namgung Mucheon, and the Wind Blade, Seop Mugwang, had not died by her hand.

In her previous life, they had been masters beyond her ability to contend with, and their deaths were orchestrated by the Blood Demon and the Six Blood Lords. However…

Namgung Moon. Namgung Yeom.

Namgung’s chief steward and the head of the Outer Quarters.

Particularly Namgung Moon, whom she had tortured herself to obtain Namgung’s secret martial texts.

Whenever she closed her eyes, the memories of that moment came vividly alive.

His eyes had burned with fury and desperation, his final words ringing with defiance as he faced his cruel death—a futile roar of resistance from the weak.