In a secluded corner of the Main House grounds, there stood a building called Yeonhwa Jeon (煙火殿).
It was a venue used during large gatherings, primarily reserved for the clan’s annual banquet that might occur once a year.
On regular days, foot traffic to Yeonhwa Jeon was rare.
Being a facility for banquets, it wasn’t like they held functions every day.
As a result, aside from the occasional maintenance staff, the place was pretty deserted.
However, today, Yeonhwa Jeon was bustling with activity.
Hong Yeon-hwa looked up.
The orange glow from the glowing stones embedded in the lanterns hanging from the ceiling illuminated the surroundings.
Blinking for a moment, she lowered her gaze.
The warm-colored floors and walls seemed to absorb the orange light, softly glowing in response.
Various decorations scattered around created a harmonious blend of lights, contributing to an overall cozy atmosphere.
Even Hong Yeon-hwa, with her lack of artistic insight, could tell the interior was meticulously designed.
Unlike usual, beneath the brightly lit lanterns, there were many elegantly dressed people.
While it wasn’t packed to the brim, it was definitely a sight where a few bobbing heads were unavoidable.
The common trait amongst them was that they generally had red hues in their hair and eyes.
They were likely members of the Gop-hwa Clan’s collateral branches or important guests associated with it.
This sight was familiar to Hong Yeon-hwa. She had been chosen as the heir right after she manifested Gop-hwa at a very young age.
Since then, she had been participating in the annual banquet alongside her father, the clan head.
“Haah…”
Though familiar, it wasn’t exactly a scene she enjoyed.
She liked the banquet itself.
Meeting up with close friends, enjoying good food, and drinking refreshing and sweet alcohol was delightful.
However, with all the intricate relationships involved, she wasn’t fond of tiptoeing around when conversing.
Exhaling a deep sigh, Hong Yeon-hwa massaged her nape and glanced down at her outfit with half-closed eyes.
She was in a plain red warrior outfit with no embellishments and a jet-black belt wrapped around her waist.
In contrast to the simple warrior attire, the outer robe was adorned with colorful patterns…
It was the clan’s traditional attire, specifically the Hwa-wan-po (火浣布) worn by the heir.
It was made from two main materials.
The fur of a fifth-tier monster, the Fire Rat (火鼠), and the leaves of an unburnable tree known as the Bujin Tree (不盡木).
While the Fire Rat itself wasn’t that strong, its fur had high responsiveness and was rare, thus raising its worth.
The Bujin Tree, which the Fire Rat inhabited, was also a rare material.
The Hwa-wan-po was a luxurious item made by adding dozens of other assorted materials.
She absentmindedly adjusted her sleeves.
The texture felt good; it wasn’t coarse or rough, and it was soft to the touch.
Its defensive capabilities weren’t bad either. Given its materials and the fact that it was crafted by Tan Hwajoo, it was superior to ordinary armor.
But it was less comfortable than casual wear.
Hong Yeon-hwa kept rubbing her sleeves and shook her head.
‘So uncomfortable.’
If only she could change into something comfortable.
“No way.”
Before she could even entertain the thought, the voice of Choi Ji-yeon, who was beside her, rang out.
“Definitely not this time.”
“I know. You don’t have to tell me.”
Hong Yeon-hwa pouted slightly and turned her head.
Yet, she still managed to stand up straight.
Unlike before, this time Hong Yeon-hwa had to hold her ground at the banquet.
Normally, it was the clan head’s role to lead the banquet.
The chief advisor would assist beside them, but it was customary for the clan head to take charge.
Current circumstances had the clan head in the African Demonic Realm.
They had crossed the front lines, leading their battle units into the interior of the Demonic Realm to determine the cause of the anomalies occurring there.
This had been the story since early this year. The clan head had yet to return.
They have been sending periodic updates, but the clan head wouldn’t be attending this year’s banquet.
Thus, the ones leading the banquet were the chief advisor Choi Ji-yeon in the clan head’s stead and the heir, Hong Yeon-hwa.
“Oh.”
As Hong Yeon-hwa reached that thought, she suddenly let out a gasp.
Her gaze turned.
In the center of the expansive Yeonhwa Hall, a pedestal was set up, with a sword stabbed into it.
It didn’t look much like a typical sword.
The blade was transparent, almost like glass, and looked fragile enough to shatter with a gentle tap.
Yet, everyone present knew.
That was no weak sword.
Even if someone were to strike it with all their might, it would barely leave a mark; it was a sword of immortality, they acknowledged.
The Bonghwa Sword (烽火劍).
A weapon used by the founder, Hong Yeon, whose crafting method had been preserved through the ages.
Though referred to as a weapon, it could essentially be classified as an artifact.
In the present day, there were two Bonghwa Swords.
One was the founder’s sword stuck in that pedestal, and the other was owned by the current clan head.
The Bonghwa Sword was crafted by the Tan Hwajoo of that generation and presented to the clan head.
As for Hong Yeon-hwa, her Bonghwa Sword was yet to be made.
It would be crafted later; presumably, it would be crafted by the renowned Tan Hwajoo Tan Hwajoo Hwa Byeok-un.
“So, am I supposed to draw the Bonghwa Sword?”
“Yeah, you’re expected to.”
At the end of the banquet, it was customary for the clan head to ascend the pedestal and infuse the Bonghwa Sword with Gop-hwa to signal the end of the banquet.
Since the clan head was absent now, that role would naturally fall to Hong Yeon-hwa.
What an annoying situation that was.
Hong Yeon-hwa couldn’t help but adjust her expression as she welcomed those who came to greet her alongside Choi Ji-yeon.
There were many reasons for holding the banquet.
It was a chance for the dispersed branches of Gop-hwa to gather and share updates, for those who had become awkward with each other to reconnect, and for the established relationships to deepen.
Also, it was a day to announce the stability of the Main House at the center of Gop-hwa, and to identify any potential threats emerging.
No matter how much of a devoted daughter Hong Yeon-hwa was, she wasn’t the type to burden Choi Ji-yeon—a chief advisor leading the banquet without a clan head—any further.
Even though some scolding was in order, the sight of Hong Yeon-hwa maintaining her posture reassured Choi Ji-yeon.
As time passed, a moment of respite appeared.
Choi Ji-yeon casually asked, “Did you tell them?”
Hong Yeon-hwa’s straightened back flinched. She could tell without needing to specify.
“…I’ll speak today.”
Her tightly shut lips opened hesitantly, drenched in tension and anxiety.
“Oh dear.”
Choi Ji-yeon’s expression turned a bit sour.
Even though she was her mother, sometimes Hong Yeon-hwa seemed awfully timid in strange ways.
“Though we’ve already arranged it, we decided to introduce Ha-yul as a descendant of someone who severed ties about a hundred years ago.”
“Got it… Ha-yul?”
Hong Yeon-hwa nodded, then paused.
This time, her expression also turned sour.
Doubting her own ears, she turned around, and Choi Ji-yeon shrugged.
“Since Ha-yul asked to be called comfortably, I made some title adjustments. Why?”
“Um… no, I just found it surprising that you summon him so casually.”
“What’s there to find surprising? I’m a person too, you know.”
Choi Ji-yeon shook her head as if it were a usual matter.
In the past few days, she had exchanged a few words with Lee Ha-yul, who was staying in the Main House.
It wouldn’t do to just insert him into the family tree without any communication, right?
In the process, she got to understand Lee Ha-yul’s personality a bit more deeply and became somewhat close.
Lee Ha-yul wasn’t just getting friendly only with Choi Ji-yeon.
He had been actively moving around during his stay.
– I liked the attitude of trying things on his own before seeking help.
He showed up early at the smithy to learn from Tan Hwajoo Hwa Byeok-un about blacksmithing, engaging in conversation and camaraderie.
– He’s a fast learner; he’s already caught up with everyone. I’ve challenged him three times, and not once did I even land a blow.
He was receiving lessons from Jeong Hwajoo Hong Jin-hyuk while getting to know the fighters he met there, building relationships through friendly matches.
– His kindness just oozes from his every gesture.
He treated every servant he encountered with respect and courtesy, making a good impression.
– Not your typical kid; he’s surprisingly polite.
What’s more, it seemed the elders he met regarding family matters had a favorable opinion of Lee Ha-yul…
‘……’
As Choi Ji-yeon thought this, a subtle expression appeared on her face.
It seemed like Lee Ha-yul had been accumulating goodwill wherever he went.
The blacksmiths, fighters, servants, and elders…
Though she didn’t think Lee Ha-yul was inherently that kind of person… something about his actions implied otherwise.
– Just then…
The closed door swung open, and a figure entered.
Everyone’s gaze shifted to one side, regardless of whether they were deep in conversation, seeking a place to rest, or munching on food.
Hong Yeon-hwa was no exception.
She knew there was a guest at this banquet, and she knew who that guest was.
So she also knew who was now stepping through the door.
Her heart raced.
Feeling the thumping of her eager heart, she turned her head.
“……”
She saw red.
Their attire was similar.
The Hwa-wan-po made from the Fire Rat’s fur and Bujin Tree’s leaves was fluttering more freely than Hong Yeon-hwa’s.
With the elegant style of the Hwa-wan-po cinched with a black belt, a luxurious outer garment draped over it.
Despite the fit being just right, the petite figure created an adorable vibe.
The elegance of the Hwa-wan-po and the flamboyance of the outer garment were contrasting, yet the shade of red united the two.
Thanks to that, the bright white skin was strikingly prominent.
Especially, her delicate features caught the eye more than usual.
With closed eyes and long lashes, she exuded grace, while her moist lips were pressed shut, sparking an inexplicable urge to challenge within Hong Yeon-hwa.
Just moments ago, the surrounding chatter had been lively, but now it plunged into deep silence.
Even the musicians playing instruments ceased their sounds.
No one dared to utter a word. It felt like their gaze was mercilessly drawn in.
“…?”
Did Lee Ha-yul find it odd?
He tilted his head slightly.
That irresistibly cute appearance was firmly imprinted on Hong Yeon-hwa’s gaze.
“……”
Hong Yeon-hwa stood there, mouth agape.
– Flare…
The suppressed desire began to rise within her.
*
[Unique ability “Jack of All Trades” is evolving.]
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