Chapter 42 It was not only Namgung Hui-myeong. The once noisy banquet hall suddenly fell silent, as if doused with cold water.
Only after Yeo Il sat down with Namgung Hui-myeong's help did another voice finally break the quiet.
"You look especially lovely today, Soyo! Haha. For a moment, I thought a celestial maiden had descended upon the clan in broad daylight."
"Calling me a celestial maiden is praise far beyond what I deserve, Lord Chu-myeong."
"Far beyond? Does it not look that way even to you, Elder Brother? Even Cho-hong of Giyeonru wouldn't compare."
At the mention of Cho-hong, the already quiet hall seemed to grow even colder.
Unbothered, Yeo Il lowered her head while facing toward Namgung Jeok-myeong, who sat several seats beside her.
"Thank you always for looking after me, Elder Brother Jeok-myeong. The clothes as well as the accessories—these gifts are far too generous for me."
Already seeming to have had a drink, Namgung Jeok-myeong replied in an extremely light and cheerful tone.
"No need for thanks. Had I known they would suit you this well, I would've gifted them sooner. I knew that color would look good on you. Yes, indeed. I do have a good eye."
"Yes. I didn't realize this was your kind of taste."
"...And what is that supposed to mean?"
At that moment, Danri Muk-ran cleared her throat loudly.
"Ahem."
She sat at the seat of honor just below Namgung Pae, attended by several maids.
"Since everyone has arrived, bring out the food."
As the servants entered one after another carrying wine tables, conversation gradually resumed throughout the banquet hall.
"It has been four years since the martial competition. You must be very proud, Brother Pae—having two, no, three rising stars within the Namgung Clan."
"One is always proud of the children. I hear the Go family has produced a talented youth as well. The area has been quite lively because of it."
"Haha, no matter how capable my child may be, could he compare to the Namgung Clan's Sogaju (Clan Heir)? How is it, Jeok-myeong? Are preparations for this year's martial competition going smoothly?"
At the question from an elder outside the clan, Namgung Jeok-myeong burst into loud laughter, his voice tinged with drunkenness.
"As a matter of fact, I was just about to apologize to Uncle in advance. It seems this year I may end up tarnishing the name of the Namgung Clan! Hahaha."
It could have passed as a joke, yet awkward laughter broke out here and there. Because it was Namgung Jeok-myeong speaking, people were unsure whether it truly was a joke.
"...Do not say such things, Jeok-myeong. As long as the clan's Sogaju (Clan Heir) remains healthy and produces a proper heir, would that not already fulfill your duty?"
As if waiting for the moment, Danri Muk-ran stepped forward.
"It is time you began considering marriage. You cannot continue swinging a sword so dangerously forever. Since the topic has come up, why not begin preparations? It would be easier for you if matters were arranged while I can still assist—"
"Sword King Namgung Je."
"..."
"My father, the Gaju of the Namgung Clan, is still alive and well. How could marriage discussions be held with outsiders while he yet lives?"
"Jeok-myeong."
"Please do not feel slighted, Aunt. I have always been grateful for your care and affection. You have always looked after my brothers and me, who grew up without a mother."
A brief silence settled.
"Then what do you think, Chu-myeong?"
With attention suddenly turning toward him, Namgung Chu-myeong waved his hands in embarrassment.
"How could I hold a wedding before Elder Brother has yet to marry?"
"At this rate, the clan's bloodline may end entirely."
At the sharp remark that slipped out, the elders began adding their own comments.
"Ahem. Think carefully, Chu-myeong. When Brother Namgung Je recovers his health—if neither of you has a partner by then, he will surely feel great guilt."
"At least the younger brother should marry as preparation for unforeseen circumstances. How long do you intend to delay? The elders speak this much, yet you pretend not to hear. Is this gathering not called the Namgung Assembly?"
By now, Namgung Hui-myeong—seated beside Yeo Il—was probably suppressing boiling anger.
What do you mean by unforeseen circumstances? Are you saying Elder Brother Jeok-myeong might die away from home? Or that you wish for it?
He likely wanted to shout such words but endured with all his strength.
Namgung Jeok-myeong showed no particular reaction despite the subtle criticism directed at him.
Most likely, it was a ploy to identify Namgung Chu-myeong's collaborators. Since this was the first Namgung Assembly in two years, he would want to secure definite gains.
Unaware that extermination stands right before them.
That was how it always was. Those with something to protect were weak.
They carefully tested every stepping stone before crossing, yet the moment they slipped even once, they would be swept helplessly into the distant sea.
"Rumors shameful enough to embarrass the clan have circulated for years already! Since the eldest son refuses to heed the elders' advice, should not the second son at least fulfill his duty?"
"There is reason in that. Blindly trusting and waiting also has its limits."
As the remarks grew increasingly blatant, Namgung Chu-myeong raised both hands to calm the heated atmosphere.
"Haha… To be scolded endlessly at such a pleasant gathering—I suppose I must console myself with fragrant wine. Did we not receive an excellent batch of Shaoxing wine this time? Uncle, perhaps you could offer a toast to ease the mood."
At Chu-myeong's words, Yeo Il quietly smiled.
So it begins.
She calmly imagined the appearance of the wine bottle placed before her. Inside it, several drops of Hongyu had already been mixed.
Just as Yeo Il herself once did in the past.
Hongyu—the extreme poison.
A toxin used by Salmak assassins for suicide.
Only three drops were enough to melt the internal organs and cause death. No further explanation was needed to describe how vicious the poison was—its only drawback being its vivid red color.
That was why, the moment Shaoxing wine was mentioned, Yeo Il became certain.
So this poisoned wine is what Namgung Chu-myeong prepared.
Shaoxing wine possessed a faint reddish-yellow hue. It was perfect for concealing Hongyu, a poison of similar color.
When a maid approached and poured Shaoxing wine into Yeo Il's cup, Namgung Hui-myeong's whisper came from her right.
"Hey, Soyo. Don't overdo it. Just drink one or two cups at most. If you get carried away by the atmosphere and drink too much, you'll end up embarrassing yourself."
"Thank you for your concern."
"This isn't something that ends with simple concern. You don't know yet, but Aunt can be incredibly ruthless… Haah, never mind."
"Why stop there? Did she perhaps secretly bring women into Elder Brother Jeok-myeong's bedroom while he was drunk?"
"..."
"I must have struck the mark."
A common tactic.
"How can you so casually speak of such crude schemes? Hm?"
Clicking his tongue, Namgung Hui-myeong warned her again.
"Anyway, they keep trying to attach some man to you as well, so be careful. I'll escort you back to your room myself, so don't wander alone no matter what. Understood?"
"I'll remember."
"Now, raise your cup."
The first cup was shared by all.
Following that unspoken rule, Yeo Il lifted the cup containing poisoned wine to chin level.
Namgung Jeok-myeong rose and delivered the toast as the Namgung Clan's Sogaju (Clan Heir), but the familiar words barely registered in her ears.
"Then… to the peace and well-being of everyone present here—no, of all those brought together by fate."
Just before the cups tilted in the slightly solemn atmosphere—
"Elder Brother Hui-myeong."
At Yeo Il's call, Namgung Hui-myeong paused just as he was about to drink and turned toward her.
"...You called me?"
"Yes, Elder Brother. May I check your wine cup for a moment?"
"My cup? All of a sudden?"
"Please let me smell it. Just for a moment."
Though puzzled, Namgung Hui-myeong glanced around before secretly bringing the cup near her nose and fanning the scent toward her.
After confirming the aroma, Yeo Il pulled back with an uncertain expression.
"The scent feels slightly different… Perhaps it's because this is my first time drinking?"
"What? It's your first time? Then just drink the first cup. Some people react strangely to alcohol, so if your stomach feels off, tell me immediately."
"You're very kind."
The moment she smiled and brought the cup to her lips—
Namgung Hui-myeong, who had been silent for a while, seemed to realize something and suddenly shouted urgently.
"…Wait. Stop, Soyo. Spit it out right now!"
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