The Soongmu family rarely hosted banquets or participated in social events to foster friendships with outsiders.
However, rare did not mean never.
A banquet to celebrate the new blood of the Soongmu family after the Naming Ceremony.
The day when the children of the Soongmu family abandoned their childhood names and were presented to the world with their new names.
As the final event of the Naming Ceremony, the banquet was held in grand fashion.
'This is incredible.'
The vast estate of the Soongmu family, usually filled only with the sounds of sparring and training, was now bustling with visitors from all walks of life.
'That man was once the youngest Tower Master… And that's the head of the Yin-Yang Bureau… No, I suppose he's the deputy director now.'
I couldn't recognize everyone, but I could at least identify the prominent figures who remained active even in the future.
"It's amazing, isn't it, young master?"
The nanny, now standing beside me, spoke up.
She was elegantly dressed today, with delicate makeup and a splendid dress.
"Yes, it certainly shows the strength of our family."
At my response, the nanny made a slightly discontented expression.
"That's not what I meant. I was talking about how unusual it is for so many outsiders to gather here. You really are you, young master."
Our destination was the waiting area behind the banquet hall.
As the main figures of the event, we had to remain there until it was our turn.
However, someone unexpected was already waiting for me there.
"Steward Choi?"
The elderly steward, the sole aide to my father, bowed to me.
"Young master, the family head wishes to see you."
***
Behind the banquet hall, where the noise of the event echoed faintly, my father stood under the moonlight.
"You called for me, Father."
"The formal attire suits you well."
"Thank you. I wasn't sure how it would look on me, but I'm glad it suits me."
It wasn't a lie—this was my first time wearing it after my return to the past.
As he slowly observed me, my father's gaze settled on the sword at my waist.
"You brought your sword."
"I was taught that a warrior must always keep their weapon close, no matter the time or place."
"A good lesson. However, tonight, you are here to welcome our guests. Leave your sword with the guards before stepping onto the platform."
"Yes, I understand."
There was something unfamiliar about this conversation.
A father giving advice to his child—it was such a simple, ordinary thing. And yet, it felt strange because that father was none other than Lee Taeshin, the head of the Soongmu family.
'No, it's not that he never said such things. We were just too nervous to listen properly.'
In my past life, standing before my father had always made me tense and withdrawn. Even a simple remark like this would have felt like a scolding.
I was still nervous now, but it was different.
'I've changed.'
I had gained confidence.
That confidence altered my actions and widened my perspective.
Even though the atmosphere still felt awkward, it was no longer suffocating.
"What did you feel as you looked at them?"
My father asked as he gazed toward the banquet hall.
Through the window, a sea of distinguished guests could be seen—each a prominent figure shaping the world.
"Despite the delay caused by the incident during the Naming Ceremony, most of them still accepted the invitation. Even after our family assured them that their absence would be understood, they still chose to come."
Lee Taeshin waited for my response.
He always posed such questions to his children.
This time, it was the youngest son's turn.
Though he was only eleven years old, his answers had always defied expectations.
"It excites me."
Excitement.
That was an unexpected answer.
"What about it excites you?"
"One day, they won't be gathered here under the name of the Soongmu family."
I smiled and continued, exaggerating my tone just a little, as if to sound more like a child.
"They'll be gathered under my name."
Lee Taeshin's eyes gleamed slightly.
"My name, you say."
Lee Taeshin mulled over that response.
Had his son given a foolish answer like the others—saying how impressive it was or how it demonstrated the family's strength—he would have been disappointed.
"That sounds rather arrogant."
"My apologies if I overstepped."
"No need. That level of ambition is admirable for a descendant of the Lee family."
A child who could have been crushed under the weight of his status as an illegitimate son, treated as a failure from the start.
Yet, for this boy, the oppressive weight of the family had instead become nourishment.
'If he had been born in the same generation as the eldest, it would have been a spectacular rivalry.'
Just then, another presence approached from the backyard of the banquet.
"Father, you called for me?"
I widened my eyes as I turned to see my eldest brother.
'Eldest brother? Why?'
He was supposed to be handling the guests, as he had been assigned responsibility for this banquet.
There was only one reason why Father would summon us both at the same time.
'Could it be…'
As I turned to look at my father, he spoke in his usual calm tone.
"I called you to hear about this matter. This plan—it was your idea, wasn't it?"
His gaze fell upon me.
My eldest brother's expression hardened instantly.
I held my breath.
'As expected, he knew.'
I had to choose my words carefully.
Ultimately, I had deceived my father.
I decided to tell the truth.
"Yes, that's correct. May I ask how you figured it out?"
"The events unfolded in a way that Namjung wouldn't have been able to orchestrate. Moreover, the way it was executed—ensuring his younger brother received the credit—does not align with Namjung's usual methods."
Father knew about the plan.
And yet, he hadn't stopped it.
Was it harsh? Or was it simply in his nature?
"I will give you a chance. Speak the truth."
"I proposed a deal to my eldest brother. In exchange for three days of access to Jangkyunggak and his protection against any backlash from this matter."
Father studied me for a moment.
Then, as if he had reached a decision, he gave a short nod.
"I will forgive you this once, considering the merit you've earned from this matter. But if you ever lie to me again, you will have to offer up your tongue."
"Yes, I understand."
"Conversely, Namjung, you must face punishment. Given that you performed your duties as acting family head well, you will return the Celestial Armor I previously bestowed upon you and transfer ownership of a suitable business to the administration."
"I will do as you say."
My eldest brother bowed his head.
"This banquet remains your responsibility. Return to your post."
"Yes, Father."
My eldest brother glanced at me briefly.
I nodded slowly.
He returned the nod and turned to leave.
"Other than lying to me, the credit for this entire affair belongs to you. You will receive the reward Namjung promised you.
And finally, discovering the Crown of Struggle was undeniably your own achievement.
I will grant you a reward—name what you want."
My eyes gleamed as I slowly opened my mouth.
***
As my father, Hwa, and I stepped inside, every gaze in the hall turned toward my father on the stage.
"The head of the Lee family, Lord Lee Taeshin, will now give his opening remarks."
The host announced in a pleasant voice.
Silence filled the hall, and my father's voice flowed smoothly through it.
"First, I wish to express my gratitude to all who have traveled here, despite the disruptions in our schedule due to internal family matters."
The guests applauded his simple statement of thanks.
Ordinarily, such a last-minute cancellation—followed by another last-minute re-invitation—would have been a diplomatic disaster.
But with just a few words from my father, a man known as a titan of this era, such concerns seemed to vanish.
"This banquet is not about me but about these two children. I ask that you offer them your blessings as they step into the future."
Another round of applause filled the hall.
"Now, the Naming Ceremony will begin."
To the members of the family, the Naming Ceremony meant a grueling month-long trial at Jeokcheongdo.
But to outsiders, this very moment was the ceremony itself.
"The eighth child, Hwa. Step forward."
Hwa was slightly stiff, likely because it was the first time in her life she had stood before so many outsiders.
With awkward, wooden movements, she walked up to stand before Father.
"You, chosen by the Sacred Sword, have always illuminated those around you with your radiant energy. As one who walks a path under unwavering light, I bestow upon you the name Seohyeon (瑞炫), meaning 'brilliant and auspicious light.'"
On the silk-wrapped scroll, the three characters "Lee Seohyeon" were written in bold calligraphy.
"Thank you…!"
Hwa—no, Seohyeon—smiled brightly, as if she truly liked the name.
Seeing her radiant expression, I couldn't help but smile as well. It suited her perfectly.
"Next, the ninth child, Yeong. Step forward."
I slowly rose and stepped toward the light.
Countless gazes gathered on me.
"You are strong yet sharp, flexible yet unyielding. Just as a master blacksmith forges raw iron into a single refined piece, you have honed yourself. No word describes you better than this—I bestow upon you the name Cheol (鐵), meaning 'iron.'"
Lee Cheol.
My name remained unchanged.
Once, it was given to me with the wish that I live as strong as iron.
But now, it was different.
As Father said, I would continue to temper myself, shaping my existence.
Using the memories of the people I once considered family, the place where I lived, and even the past that took my life—I would forge myself even stronger.
Until I reached the pinnacle.
Until no one in this world could touch me or those I called my own.
"Thank you."
I looked around the room.
Eyes filled with doubt and curiosity.
I would turn those eyes into ones filled with reverence.
My name is Lee Cheol.
***
In a shadowy corner of the banquet hall, a lone figure leaned against the wall, watching the stage.
The dim lighting cast an even deeper darkness around them, obscuring their gender and appearance.
"A single-character name. How fittingly vulgar for a bastard child."
Lee Cheol.
They rolled the name over their tongue.
The rough consonants felt like they rattled against their teeth.
"Shall we leave now?"
A dark silhouette emerged beside them, ghost-like.
The person remained silent, their gaze fixed on the child standing on the stage.
In his eyes burned a will as unyielding as iron.
"…Yes, let's go. I've seen enough."
Turning on their heel, they walked away.
Under the moonlight outside the banquet hall, their deep black hair and pale brown eyes gleamed.
***
Judiciary Department's Isolation Chamber.
Lee Kyunghwa sat on the bed, rocking her head from side to side in boredom.
"Aaaghhhh!"
Then, without warning, she let out a scream and slammed the iron bars.
"I want out! It's suffocating! So frustrating! Aaaagh! I didn't even get to see the baby's naming! And that brat said he'd get me out—why is he taking so long?!"
The enforcers stationed at the Judiciary Department had long since equipped themselves with earplugs, having grown tired of Kyunghwa's daily outbursts.
They glanced at the direct-line phone.
They had already received an official notice. Once that phone rang, the ordeal would be over.
Ring—!
Finally, the moment arrived.
One of the enforcers picked up the call and immediately shot up from his seat.
Creak—
The iron bars slid open, and he knocked on the door.
The noises inside abruptly stopped.
"I want out… huh? What? Again? It's not mealtime, is it?"
"You are free to go."
"Huh?"
"The official order has arrived. Further disciplinary matters will be addressed later, but for now, your isolation has been lifted."
The enforcer unfastened all the restraints that had been suppressing Kyunghwa's magic.
"Yahoo!"
Bang—!
She didn't leave quietly. Kicking the door open, Kyunghwa bolted out of the Judiciary Department.
"Wait. Hold on."
A familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Oh! Baby!"
Her young nephew stood before her, letting out an incredulous chuckle.
"Don't tell me… you're the one who got me out?"
"Yes, that's right."
"H-how?!"
Even Kyunghwa, as oblivious to worldly affairs as she was, knew she had done something serious. She could even face severe punishment.
"Auntie. You owe me now."
Her nephew handed her a piece of paper.
Kyunghwa calmly read through it.
"Lee Kyunghwa is reinstated to her original post…?"
Her eyes widened at that particular line.
"That's not all."
"…Appointed as the mentor of the Ninth Young Master, Lee Cheol?"
Kyunghwa's eyes became as round as a puppy's as she looked up at her nephew.
As always, he simply smiled—a smile that concealed a hundred hidden intentions.
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