The task of finding the child of the Namgung Clan was indeed a monumental one.

Even if they had deliberately announced the wrong gender to create confusion, countless individuals, drawn by the Namgung name and the enormous reward accompanying it, had come forward.

There were even some who went to the extreme of presenting female children or their own offspring as candidates.

But could it be that the Namgung Clan, in its wisdom, had failed to anticipate such a situation when they issued the announcement?

‘No way.’

Unless they were fools, the Namgung Clan must have foreseen this chaos.

The fact that they still offered such a massive reward suggested that they had a definitive method to distinguish the rightful child from impostors.

“I assumed that there would be a way to prove my identity once I came to Namgung. Am I wrong?”

At Ilhwa’s words, Namgung Mu-Cheon’s gaze grew sharper, exuding an even more intimidating aura.

The penetrating stare was cold enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.

After locking eyes with her for a moment, Namgung Mu-Cheon’s lips twitched slightly before he burst into hearty laughter.

“Hahahahaha!”

His laughter echoed throughout the Cheonho Hall, reverberating loudly.

The head steward and Seop Mu-Gwang also wore faint smiles.

“You are right! The means to prove the identity of a Namgung child lies here in Namgung.”

Namgung Mu-Cheon, his laughter still lingering, rested his chin on his hand as he gazed at her.

“However, that method is currently unavailable. The person who can verify your identity is on their way, but it will take several days. Can you wait until then?”

There was no reason for her to refuse.

“Yes, I can wait.”

“Good.”

Namgung Mu-Cheon raised his hand and gave an order to the head steward.

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

The head steward was taken aback and quickly stepped forward.

“Master, the inner quarters would be too much.”

The inner quarters were reserved exclusively for the direct bloodline of Namgung.

To allow someone who had yet to be acknowledged as a Namgung child to stay there could provoke objections from other relatives.

Bound by the master’s command, the head steward cautiously proposed an alternative.

“Instead of the inner quarters, wouldn’t it be better to allocate one of the higher-class guest rooms in the outer quarters?”

The higher-class guest rooms were designated for esteemed visitors and were part of the guest accommodations in the outer quarters.

Understanding Namgung Mu-Cheon’s intent to treat the girl with importance, the steward suggested this compromise.

“Hmm.”

Namgung Mu-Cheon appeared displeased.

As the head steward stood in a quandary, Ilhwa stepped in to assist him.

“I’m fine with a guest room as well.”

Namgung Mu-Cheon’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Guest rooms are meant for visitors to Namgung. Do you wish to stay there?”

Ilhwa understood the implication behind Namgung Mu-Cheon’s question.

‘Are you a guest of Namgung?’

He was displeased with the idea of her settling into a guest room after claiming to be a child of Namgung.

It was evident that he held Namgung’s honor in the highest regard.

Even so, staying in the inner quarters without full acknowledgment was burdensome for her.

‘Causing trouble right after arriving wouldn’t be wise.’

For the sake of what lay ahead, it was better to avoid any unnecessary conflict and focus on being recognized as a member of the Namgung Clan.

“I’m sure I’ll eventually move to the inner quarters, but for now, I’d like to experience staying in the guest rooms. I’ve heard that Namgung’s guest accommodations are excellent, and I’m curious to see how good they really are.”

Her confidence in being acknowledged as a Namgung member was evident in her words, causing Namgung Mu-Cheon’s lips to curve into a smile again.

“If that’s your wish, so be it. Prepare the Cheongak Guest Room.”

“…!”

The head steward was once again flabbergasted.

“T-The Cheongak Guest Room, sir? Master, that’s….”

The Cheongak Guest Room was a suite reserved for the most distinguished guests, opened only for the rarest of visitors.

And yet, for a mere child?

“Is there currently anyone staying in the Cheongak Guest Room?”

“Well, no, but….”

Granting her the privilege of staying in such a prestigious suite would surely stir significant waves within the clan.

“Prepare the Cheongak Guest Room.”

Despite the head steward’s hesitation, Namgung Mu-Cheon remained firm in his decision.

In truth, Ilhwa was indifferent to where she stayed, as long as it wasn’t the inner quarters.

To her, the Cheongak Guest Room was just another guest room with a slightly better bed.

“Thank you for your generosity, Master.”

“Go now.”

After bowing to him, Ilhwa turned and left the Cheonho Hall.

Unaware of the storm Namgung Mu-Cheon’s decision might stir within the clan, she walked away briskly.

Watching her retreating figure, the head steward gestured in frustration before hastily following her, suddenly realizing his oversight.

“Isn’t this too much? Nothing has been confirmed yet,” murmured Seop Mu-Gwang as he watched the two disappear into the distance.

Namgung Mu-Cheon’s lips curled into a deep smile.

“Sharing a single cup of water can create a bond that lasts a hundred years. How could I fail to recognize someone who shares my blood?”

Seop Mu-Gwang looked at him with astonishment.

Over the past eight years, Namgung Mu-Cheon had met hundreds of children. Yet, he had never spoken with such certainty about any of them before.

“So, you mean….”

“The Cheongak Guest Room is not excessive.”

Namgung Mu-Cheon clenched and unclenched his hand, as though trying to recall a long-lost sensation. His gaze grew distant, filled with a nostalgic light.

“It’s far from sufficient.”

---

“What did you say?”

Namgung Yeom, the head of the outer quarters, who was processing paperwork, looked up with a dazed expression at the head steward.

“He instructed us to open the Cheongak Guest Room.”

“The Cheongak Guest Room…? Are you certain that was the master’s order?”

“Indeed.”

“Does this have anything to do with him hastily concluding the morning meeting?”

“It does.”

‘I thought he ended the meeting early because of some urgent matter, but….’

Could it be that someone so important had visited Namgung, warranting the opening of the Cheongak Guest Room?

It had been nearly a year since anyone last stayed there. While it was surprising, visitors often arrived without prior notice.

The outer house of Namgung was well-prepared to warmly welcome guests, even for such sudden visits.

“Understood. I will inform them to prepare immediately. Where is the guest currently?”

“Before that, there are specific instructions to follow.”

“Specific instructions?”

---

The outer house head of Namgung, Namgung Yeom, found himself momentarily dazed as he looked at the young child standing before him.

“Do not ask who the guest is or why they are visiting Namgung. Never try to pry into their matters. Simply ensure their comfort during their stay and pass this on to the servants as well.”

Given such instructions, Namgung Yeom had assumed the guest to be someone extraordinary.

“A child?”

The thought that the guest might be a child had not crossed his mind, leaving him surprised. Namgung Yeom hurriedly composed his expression and offered a respectful bow.

On the surface, he acted as though he knew nothing.

After all, the world of Kangho is filled with inexplicable events.

“I greet the guest. I am Namgung Yeom, the head of the outer house of Namgung.”

Ilhwa returned his bow with a polite gesture.

“Keep your name hidden as much as possible. If you don’t want to get entangled in troublesome matters….”

That was what the chief steward, who had escorted her to Cheongakwon, had advised her.

Understanding it as a precautionary warning since her identity as Namgung’s child was not yet confirmed, Ilhwa readily agreed. After all, being cautious wouldn’t hurt.

“Please, come this way. I will guide you to Cheongakwon.”

Fortunately, the outer house head did not ask for her name or identity.

Ilhwa followed behind him.

“Cheongakwon is the pride of our family. Even when it is unoccupied, we clean it five times a day and change the bedding daily.”

That was his way of saying the place was exceptionally clean.

“If you need anything, there are servants standing by at all times, so do not hesitate to ask. Moreover, Cheongakwon is especially guarded by the skilled warriors of Namgung’s inner house, so….”

“Um….”

“Yes, is there something you need?”

“Can I look around on my own?”

“Ah.”

Namgung Yeom was a quick-witted man.

Since welcoming guests to Namgung was his primary responsibility, it was only natural for him to be perceptive.

“I must have disturbed your rest. I will take my leave. Should you require anything, please call for the servants at any time.”

Namgung Yeom politely bowed and left Cheongakwon.

Left alone, except for the servants discreetly stationed like shadows, Ilhwa began exploring the spacious Cheongakwon.

From the small pond where golden carp swam to the pavilion always prepared with warm tea, and even the private hot spring that allowed one to enjoy a soak without disturbance.

After wandering and seemingly familiarizing herself with Cheongakwon’s layout, Ilhwa finally headed to her room.

Though she already knew the structure, she deliberately wandered to deceive the servants’ watchful eyes.

“Whatever I do, whatever I eat, it will all be reported to the head.”

There was no escaping the watchful eyes of Namgung as long as she stayed there.

That was something she had resolved to accept the moment she stepped into Namgung’s territory.

Returning to her room after circling Cheongakwon, Ilhwa shut the door and collapsed onto the bed.

“Ha….”

The sun hadn’t even reached its peak in the morning sky.

So much had happened in just half a day.

“Finally, Namgung.”

As much as she had expected it, returning to Namgung—the place she had once faced as an enemy in her previous life—felt stranger than anticipated.

The strangest part was meeting people she had killed with her own hands in her past life.

The head, Namgung Mucheon, and Beepung Sword Seop Mugwang had not died by Ilhwa’s hand.

In her previous life, they were masters far beyond her reach, and it was the Blood Demons and the Six Blood Lords who had killed them. However…

“Namgung Mun. Namgung Yeom.”

The chief steward and the outer house head of Namgung.

Especially Namgung Mun, whom Ilhwa had personally tortured to obtain Namgung’s secret manuals.

When she closed her eyes, the memories came vividly.

The futile roars of a weak man, glaring at her with venom-filled eyes and cursing her to the end as he died.

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