It was the same at Wang Cheol-go’s place. Several laborers were busy rebuilding the collapsed barn.

Wang Cheol-go, who had been waiting in front of the house, rushed over.

“Master Kwak, I don’t know what’s going on. People showed up early this morning and started working.”

Hearing that, Joo Yeo-ryeong looked at Kwak Yeon with clear certainty in her eyes.

“All of this... was you...?”

At that moment, someone hurriedly approached Kwak Yeon.

“You’ve arrived.”

It was the constable, Gu Chun-yang, his right hand wrapped in a white cloth.

“I brought all the carpenters and stonemasons from Deokseon County, just as you instructed. I’ve ordered them to rebuild everything even sturdier than before.”

Joo Yeo-ryeong was shocked, but Wang Cheol-go’s astonishment was several times greater.

He couldn’t believe the fearsome constable was bowing his head so repeatedly.

Kwak Yeon spoke toward Gu Chun-yang.

“Make sure the construction doesn’t inconvenience the villagers.”

“Of course. The advance payment has been taken care of, and I’ve arranged for all expenses to be charged to us. I’ve also warned them not to so much as ask for a sip of water from the villagers.”

“Not even a sip of water? That’s a bit excessive.”

“Ah... understood. Thank you for the advice.”

“Regardless, make sure every single damaged structure is repaired.”

“I’ll personally check each site, one by one.”

Kwak Yeon didn’t consider it excessive to have the constables spend their ill-gotten wealth repairing the barns destroyed by this incident.

They weren’t just rebuilding barns — they were rebuilding hope for the villagers.

And there was no better use for wealth amassed through corruption.

“Then, I’ll get back to the work now.”

“Hold on. I need a word with you in private.”

Gu Chun-yang, who had been bowing and ready to leave, flinched in surprise.

“Ah... about what, sir?”

“I just have some questions, since I heard the branch administrator is attending the birthday banquet along with the county magistrate. Nothing to be nervous about.”

“If that’s all, ask whatever you need.”

Kwak Yeon took Gu Chun-yang into an alleyway. A short while later, he returned alone.

Wang Cheol-go, who had been waiting anxiously, spoke with red-rimmed eyes.

“Master Kwak, truly... thank you.”

“Brother Wang, there’s no need to thank me. We’re just making up for the wrongdoing they caused.”

“Even so...”

Joo Yeo-ryeong jabbed Kwak Yeon lightly in the side with her elbow.

“Why are you so stiff about it? Just accept the thanks. It’s obvious to everyone.”

For a brief moment, Kwak Yeon recalled an old piece of advice from Maejangso.

“Stop acting like some aloof noble. It comes off as arrogance to people.”

Turning to Wang Cheol-go, Kwak Yeon spoke,

“Then I’ll gratefully accept your thanks.”

Wang Cheol-go’s face lit up.

“All I can do is offer my gratitude, but I will never forget your kindness, Master Kwak.”

He hadn’t done this for recognition, but receiving sincere thanks still filled him with quiet satisfaction.

As the emotions began to stir, Kwak Yeon quickly asked,

“Brother Wang, how is So-cheong doing?”

“She’s still inside the house. But she’s eating by herself now... playing with marbles, too.”

Kwak Yeon looked toward the house.

Through the crack of the door, he saw So-cheong peeking out. Their eyes met, and she quickly disappeared back inside.

‘Of course... it’s not easy to step back into the world.’

Kwak Yeon already knew she had begun to gather her courage, so there was no need to rush her.

‘First, we create a safe place for her to return to.’

With that thought, he turned his gaze from the house and spoke to Wang Cheol-go.

“Brother Wang, please oversee the repairs with the other villagers. I have to head to Deokseonjang.”

“Of course. It’s our responsibility, after all.”

Kwak Yeon then turned to Joo Yeo-ryeong.

“Miss Joo, you seemed tense earlier. Why not take a break from being the thread tied to the needle for today?”

“Why would I?”

Joo Yeo-ryeong flared up, shaking her head.

“Today, I’m not your thread — I’m an honored guest invited by the Grand Scholar.”

****

The guests gathered at the birthday banquet for Grand Scholar Seol Jung-hyu at Deokseonjang’s courtyard were nothing short of astounding.

The head of the Sang Gwan family was there, as well as the Grand Elder of the Danmok family. From the authorities, not only the county magistrate of Deokseon County but even the branch administrator from the Zhang Administrative Bureau had come. It was a grand occasion.

Yet Seol Jung-hyu’s expression remained uneasy.

Even as the guests exchanged greetings and pleasantries, the shadow over the Grand Scholar’s face did not lift.

“Grand Scholar, are you unwell?”

The branch administrator, unable to bear the worry, finally asked.

“Administrator, my body is fine.”

“Then why such a troubled expression?”

“I feel ashamed, inviting such esteemed guests when my mind is heavy with concerns.”

Hearing that, the administrator shifted awkwardly.

“If this is about establishing a defense post, I sincerely apologize. Our bureau has been submitting requests, but the Honam Regional Commander keeps saying there are no resources.”

Seol Jung-hyu had long hoped to establish a military post at Sangjeon Village. The village had met the requirements for such a post long ago.

“I know the efforts your bureau has made. But please, continue pushing for it. The Deokseon County office is far, and the villagers struggle to maintain security alone.”

“I understand Sangjeon’s struggles, but the costs of establishing and maintaining a post are considerable, as you know.”

Having served as an official for decades, Seol Jung-hyu understood the hidden meaning behind those words.

It was a request for a bribe to the regional commander overseeing Honam.

But Seol Jung-hyu had neither the means nor the desire to compromise in that way.

If a post were built through bribery, future extortion would be inevitable.

“Administrator, at the very least, could you establish a fifty-man post? That much is within your bureau’s authority, isn’t it?”

“I’m sorry, Grand Scholar. The bureau’s budget is stretched thin.”

Knowing it was a polite refusal, Seol Jung-hyu nodded faintly.

“Then I hope your bureau’s finances improve soon.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Grand Scholar.”

“But truthfully, my concerns aren’t about the defense post, so there’s no need to feel pressured.”

As Seol Jung-hyu sighed heavily, Danmok Seong spoke up.

“Grand Scholar, if it’s not about the authorities, it must be those martial rabble causing trouble. But there’s no need to worry. I have a fair name in the martial world. Besides, this is Sang Gwan territory. No one would dare cause problems.”

Danmok Seong turned to Sang Gwan Eung and asked bluntly,

“Isn’t that right, Clan Lord Sang Gwan?”

Sang Gwan Eung, head of the Sang Gwan family, answered without hesitation.

“Grand Elder Danmok speaks the truth. Grand Scholar, please share your concerns.”

“It’s nothing like that.”

Seol Jung-hyu shook his head and explained,

“Sangjeon Village has never been threatened by any martial sect. That’s thanks to the Sang Gwan family’s protection. I’m always grateful for that.”

Sang Gwan Eung laughed heartily and said,

“This is the homeland of the Sang Gwan family, passed down for generations. Protecting it is our duty — no thanks needed.”

Danmok Seong let out a note of admiration.

“Clan Lord Sang Gwan, they say the virtues of the Sang Gwan lineage have lasted a thousand years. Truly, you possess the greatest honor in all of Jiangnan.”

The phrase “Sang Gwan Dafu” was both an honorific and the plaque name of the Sang Gwan estate, denoting their noble status.

Receiving such public praise, Sang Gwan Eung naturally returned the compliment.

“I appreciate your words, Grand Elder, but the Danmok family’s prestige is beyond compare.”

While the Sang Gwan line began with officials, the Danmok lineage traced back to royalty — a humble acknowledgment of that history.

“Hah, Clan Lord Sang Gwan, that was ages ago. You flatter us beyond what we deserve.”

Sang Gwan Eung felt slightly annoyed. It was just a polite compliment — why respond so seriously?

‘That stubborn temper hasn’t mellowed with age, I see.’

As old memories of a bitter duel resurfaced, Danmok Seong spoke again to Seol Jung-hyu.

“Grand Scholar, tell us what troubles you. With officials, martial masters, and scholars all gathered, surely we can solve it together.”

Still, Seol Jung-hyu hesitated, prompting Sang Gwan Eung to chime in.

“Grand Scholar, your worries are spoiling the mood. We can’t enjoy the drinks like this.”

When even that didn’t loosen his tongue, Danmok Seong pressed on.

“Grand Scholar, I may be an old woodsman now, but Clan Lord Sang Gwan is the ruler of this territory. Nothing happens here without his say. Isn’t that right, Clan Lord?”

Sang Gwan Eung nodded.

“If it’s within my power, I’ll ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ help however I can. Please, Grand Scholar, speak freely.”

With difficulty, Seol Jung-hyu opened his mouth.

“Hearing it from you gives me courage. I was agonizing over whether I could even make such a request.”

Danmok Seong slammed the table.

“Ah! So your troubles were about asking Clan Lord Sang Gwan for help?”

“......That’s right.”

“In that case, what is there to worry about? Surely Clan Lord Sang Gwan wouldn’t refuse the Grand Scholar’s request. Isn’t that so, Clan Lord?”

Knowing exactly what the request was, Sang Gwan Eung nodded without hesitation.

“Grand Elder Danmok is right. How could I turn away from the Grand Scholar’s hardship?”

All eyes turned to Seol Jung-hyu.

What kind of request was so daunting that it took this long to voice?

Only Sang Gwan Jin-ho, head of the Sang Gwan estate, was secretly thrilled.

It would’ve been awkward for them to raise the matter first — they had been waiting for Seol Jung-hyu to bring it up.

And Danmok Seong’s timely intervention smoothed the path.

‘Breaking the dam is the hard part. Once the waters flow, everything falls into place.’

Wearing a pleased smile, Sang Gwan Jin-ho casually scanned the banquet hall.

That’s when his eyes landed on a young man and woman seated at the farthest table.

‘Hm?’

The two youths staring at him looked oddly familiar.