NABC Book 5: Chapter 4
Book 5: Chapter 4
Book 5: Chapter 4
The office, designed to let in only the bare minimum of natural light, was surprisingly neat and tidy.
Not a single piece of calligraphy or painting was hung on the walls, nor were there any luxurious crafts or even silk decorations intended to adorn the room.
The space, utterly practical and business-like, was almost empty, not allowing even a guess at the owners temperament.
Yeom Baek-ha bit her lip.
No, perhaps this very scenery is a reflection of the owners inner world.
Black marble from Yunnan covered the entire floor, creating an imposing atmosphere, while the pillars were made of precious black ironwood, and the heavy, massive desk was a work of art made from a whole cypress tree of indeterminable age, lacquered with ot.
A clear dignity exists within extreme restraint.
As her keen eyes speculated the intent behind the interior decoration, Elder Yeom greeted Yeon So-hyeon with all due respect.
Elder Yeom of the family greets the Eldest Young Master.
Yeom Baek-ha also carefully controlled the tremble in her voice as she sought understanding.
As the familys law enforcer and the daughter of Elder Yeom, I greet the Eldest Young Master. Please forgive and understand that my physical condition prevents me from showing full respect.
Understand? Of course, I dont mind at all.
Yeon So-hyeon smiled warmly and gestured towards the chairs prepared for the Yeom family members.
Please, this way.
He rose from his chair to welcome them, but rather than approaching them overly eagerly, he elegantly extended his hand to guide them without disturbing a single fold of his garment.
His every movement was graceful and dignified, perfectly matching his origins, showcasing a high level of culture and strict upbringing.
Such a different person from before.
In that moment, Yeom Baek-ha realized.
The boy in plain clothes, a physician she had met in Hodu Village, was completely different from the figure before her now.
The person before her and her father was none other than Yeon So-hyeon, the Eldest Young Master of the Great Luoyang Sword House.
The conversation flowed smoothly.
Elder Yeom congratulated the Eldest Young Master on the end of his seclusion.
The Eldest Young Master, having personally received the gift brought by Elder Yeom, expressed his joy and gratitude, and Elder Yeom wished him strength and success.
There were sensitive and potentially explicit topics lurking within the conversation, but both parties skillfully avoided such subjects.
The discussion remained strictly social, and when necessary, it was conducted gently through political and diplomatic rhetoric.
The atmosphere was much more amiable than Yeom Baek-ha had anticipated.
She listened intently to every word of their conversation, delighted inwardly. This experience was invaluable, something that couldnt be exchanged for anything else, and it would surely shine when she succeeded her father as the head of the Yeom family.
Speaking of which, how is Elder Yeoms work going?
The Eldest Young Master continued the conversation smoothly, savoring the aroma of the tea prepared by the maid, in a dignified manner.
Ive heard that you are on a very important mission related to the north?
Elder Yeom, also enjoying his tea, replied nonchalantly.
If it were a personal matter, I might dismiss it as trivial, but since it involves the familys affairs, I consider every task important and approach it as such.
Have you encountered any difficulties?
No matter the importance, all tasks inevitably come with their own set of challenges, large or small. I simply do my best.
The Eldest Young Master nodded, his response brief yet sincere.
With Elder Yeom like you, the future of our family is indeed bright.
You flatter me.
Perhaps the conversation was a bit out of place for an Eldest Young Master who yet held no real power.
However, Elder Yeom smoothly bypassed the remark with an appropriate response.
But the Eldest Young Master pressed on.
Why not share what the mission entails? While I may not have much power, I am curious about any issues related to our family in the north.
Although no force was exerted, the tension in the office was more lethal than a direct swordfight.
After a moment of facing Elder Yeoms solemn expression, the Eldest Young Master spoke.
Ill help you.
What.
Elder Yeom began to speak but then swallowed his words, unable to decide if it was safe to respond.
Yeom Baek-has mind raced as if sparks were flying from her eyes.
I mean, Ill help you, the Eldest Young Master reiterated, lifting his long, straight fingers to point at himself.
This Eldest Young Master will
He then pointed at Elder Yeom.
Help you.
It took a while before Elder Yeom could moisten his dry lips enough to speak.
What do you want in return, Eldest Young Master?
Without a moments hesitation, the Eldest Young Master replied.
No compensation is necessary.
The Eldest Young Master leaned back in his chair, interlocking his fingers.
After all, wasnt Elder Yeom the first among the elders to personally come and congratulate me upon the end of my seclusion?
A long curve formed at the corners of the Eldest Young Masters mouth.
Consider it a token of my gratitude, a sort of thank-you in my own way as the Eldest Young Master.
Caught off guard by the unexpected response, Elder Yeom tried to buy some time.
That would be too much.
But the Eldest Young Master didnt seem to listen and called out towards the door.
Is anyone there?!
A maid immediately appeared.
Bring me the list of those currently at the Wongak Pavilion waiting area.
Understood, my lord.
Eldest Young Master.
Elder Yeom attempted to interject, but the Eldest Young Master pulled towards him the four treasures of the study and began to write without hesitation.
General Kwak Kyu is the eldest son of the Kwak family, currently in charge of the defense of four northern regions. Hes a figure who has risen exceptionally within his family.
The Eldest Young Master demonstrated the remarkable skill of writing and speaking simultaneously.
However, the head of the Kwak family is still General Kwaks father, who has retired from the political scene of the imperial capital after gaining the emperors favor by successfully developing the plains of the northern autonomous region, a task thought impossible by many.
Elder Yeom responded, somewhat bewildered.
I am aware of that, but.
The Eldest Young Master cut him off.
Are you about to say that since his retirement from politics, the father has refrained from involving himself in the familys affairs to secure the position of his eldest son, the next head?
Yes, thats correct.
Yeon So-hyeon smiled and stamped his seal on the document he had finished writing.
But the story might change if he receives a letter from me.
Yeom Baek-ha, without realizing, found herself joining the conversation.
A letter from the Eldest Young Master?
Though it was not her place to interject, the Eldest Young Master didnt seem to mind and answered.
When the development project faced difficulties in the past, he exchanged many letters with me for the systematic and comprehensive development of the northern plains. It was a productive and excellent time.