Chapter: 199
Chapter Title: Servant of the Tang Clan of Sichuan (1)
I followed the servant's guidance into a small room.
There, an elderly woman I had briefly crossed paths with before was quietly waiting.
Heo Okryeon.
She was the woman who had tended to me when I straightened my appearance at the Clan Leader's invitation, a figure respected even within the Tang Clan of Sichuan.
It was only natural.
She was the wetnurse who had personally raised everyone from Clan Leader Dang Jeokcheon to Dang Soran and her younger siblings. Calling her one of the pillars of the family was no exaggeration.
I met with her alone in the room.
I returned the bow with full propriety.
"We meet again, Young Master."
"It's been a while."
"I clearly helped you get properly dressed back then, yet you show up looking this disheveled again. Was maintaining your dignity really that difficult? Habits ingrained in the body must be hard to break."
It was a sharp criticism, but surprisingly, it didn't bother me.
I just needed to understand that we were different species, so to speak.
Heo Okryeon must have been just as strict and prim since her youth.
Even now, her neatly pinned-up white hair showed no disarray, and her upright posture, clear pronunciation, and restrained gaze all spoke volumes about the woman she was.
She could never understand me.
To be honest, the fact that it ended with just that scolding was fortunate enough.
I gave a light laugh and replied.
"You're right. But getting all dressed up every time is just such a hassle."
"I understand. However, I hear you've come to temporarily seek shelter under our Tang Clan's wing. This is the Tang Clan of Sichuan. Once you've become one of the Clan's retainers, you must not go against the Clan's rules. Like this..."
Heo Okryeon scanned me from head to toe and continued.
"...wandering around in such a filthy state lowers the dignity of the Tang Clan of Sichuan. Dignity crumbles in the small things and is built in the small things. From now on, keep that shaggy hair and beard neatly trimmed. Anyone bearing the Tang Clan name must do so."
"I will."
"If you dressed properly, your build and features would shine through, so why walk around like a beggar..."
Heo Okryeon clicked her tongue in pity.
I was about to say it was just a habit I couldn't shake.
Back in my poor days, no matter how much I dressed up, no one gave me a second glance.
That futility built up into annoyance, and the annoyance turned into habit.
Still, I wasn't foolish enough to cause trouble for those who had taken me in.
That much was clear.
Heo Okryeon glanced at my expression, then continued softly.
"Still, in a way, it might be fortunate. Since you're always like that, if you clean up neatly, it won't draw attention. Who would imagine a beggar showing up in proper attire?"
I couldn't tell if it was an insult or a compliment.
"Young Master, there are already quite a few in the Clan who know your face. But many don't. I've been ordered to keep you hidden, so I've strictly silenced those who know. However, those who don't will treat you carelessly. You'll have to endure that yourself."
I nodded.
"I've always been ignored, so it's no issue."
"And." Heo Okryeon's voice lowered.
"My speaking respectfully to you ends today. From the moment we leave this room, I'll speak casually. Elevating you would only draw eyes."
"Feel free anytime. It would've been fine from the start. It makes me uncomfortable when someone older speaks formally to me."
Heo Okryeon smiled quietly.
"Alright, then let's do that from now on."
...Quick change.
Not just her speech, but her demeanor felt more relaxed.
Still, it oddly put my mind at ease.
Like stepping back into someone's rules after so long.
"By the way, I don't need to pay respects to the Clan Leader since I'm in his debt?"
"The Clan Leader isn't in Chengdu right now. He went north of Sichuan to mediate a dispute between two factions. He'll return tomorrow or the day after."
...Huh?
So I'm here without permission?
Sensing my doubt, Heo Okryeon said.
"All the family's decisions have been delegated to Young Lady Jiun. No issue, so don't worry."
...That didn't ease my anxiety, but there was nothing for it.
It felt like a startlingly new daily life was beginning.
Even if uncomfortable... well, how long would it be?
At most, hide for a few months and head back.
Dokgo Jinmok buried me and fled, so he probably doesn't know if I'm alive or dead.
If I hide well, he might think I'm dead.
Who knows. Think on it later. For now, it's time to hide.
"Understood."
"Good. Then clean yourself up again and don the Clan's attire. Someone else will tell you your duties. I hope you settle in comfortably."
At Heo Okryeon's words, I nodded.
"You're the new guy?"
After neatly trimming my hair and beard, and donning the Tang Clan's attire—which felt somewhat stiff and uncomfortable—I encountered a woman in the servants' quarters.
She looked a couple years younger than me, a complete stranger.
She must have been seeing me for the first time too.
"I'm Yeoseo. Your direct senior. Call me Senior from now on."
Yeoseo's face held a strange excitement and thrill.
Probably because, after being at the bottom rung for so long, a newbie like me had arrived.
"I'm Han Seojin."
"Wow, look at that build. You look like you can handle some heavy work. I'll teach you the ropes well, so let's get along."
"Sounds good."
"Come on, follow me. We've got a mountain of work today. The other seniors dumped a lot on me..."
"_"
The bold Yeoseo led me out of the servants' quarters.
"Today we're heading to the stables to tend the horses. Feed them, brush them... They must be exhausted from the hard journey back from Mount Song. I heard you came from there too?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Then you saw the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly too?"
"I did."
Yeoseo's eyes widened.
"You must've seen our young lady's exploits then. Wasn't she amazing... How is someone like that the one I serve?"
Her chest swelled with pride. I just nodded.
As Yeoseo was about to ask more about the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly, a man with a furrowed brow spotted her from afar and shouted.
"Yeoseo! I assume you've finished your tasks before chatting like that!"
Yeoseo jumped in fright and bowed her head.
"G-going to the stables now!"
"And the water? You've drawn it?"
"...Ah."
At Yeoseo's dazed reply, the man flew into a greater rage.
"You idiot! How many times do I have to tell you to get your head straight! The workshop and kitchen are probably short on water right now too! It's daily work—when will you get used to it!"
"I'll do it quick!"
The man huffed and walked away.
I looked at Yeoseo.
She kept bowing until he was gone, then slyly lifted her head.
"...Such a temper."
Moments ago trembling in fear, Yeoseo now put on a tough front as he departed.
"Hey, newbie. I'll let that slide. If I push back, he gets even more annoying... You get it, right?"
"...Yes."
"W-well... let's go draw that water first. Gotta avoid more nitpicking."
We turned from our path.
We hadn't gone far when the man who'd yelled at us earlier was now getting chewed out by another woman.
"...I get you're busy, but you can't neglect the basics. Why must I worry about such trifles?"
"Sorry! It's all my fault!"
Seeing this, Yeoseo's face paled further.
It seemed like the man was getting scolded because of Yeoseo's mistake.
Curious, I had no choice but to ask.
"I'd like to get familiar with people's faces. Could you introduce them, even roughly?"
Yeoseo explained, trembling slightly.
"Th-the man who scolded me earlier is our Overseer. Call him Overseer Yeop Jeong. There are ten Overseers total, each managing ten people. We just do as the Overseer says. And the one scolding our Overseer now is the Hall Overseer. She handles the kitchen hall. Sh-she's mad about the water not being drawn..."
"...Then let's hurry."
Yeoseo nodded and quickened her pace.
Just then, Overseer Yeop Jeong spotted her and shot a sharp glare while bowing his head.
The ire splashed onto me too. He glared at me like an enemy.
"...Eek!"
Yeoseo pretended not to see and hurried on.
We quickly drew water from the well inside the Tang Clan of Sichuan.
We hung multiple water buckets on long poles and began carrying them.
Yeoseo hung two buckets on her pole, while I hung six.
Forgetting her earlier fright, Yeoseo nodded pleasedly.
"As expected. You earn your size! Thanks to you, we can move faster. Follow me. I'll show you around the Tang Clan of Sichuan."
We went back and forth between the Tang Clan's halls, carrying water.
At the kitchen hall, we got an earful for being late.
The medical hall had more people who knew my face, so less cursing.
In the defense hall, many men stared at me intently—didn't feel good.
That unique male posturing? As the new guy, they saw me like a recruit to haze. Something to sort out as I lived here.
Among them, what caught my eye most was the Tang Clan's workshop.
The Tang Clan of Sichuan was famous not just for poison but for crafting intricate iron tools like hidden weapons, needles, and daggers.
Sulfur stench wafted from afar, accompanied by the clang of hammering iron.
Up close, the heat was intense, and inside, dark-skinned muscular men hammered away.
An older man dripping sweat spotted Yeoseo and called out.
"Hey, Yeoseo. Hurry up. We've been waiting all day. Thirsty as hell."
"S-sorry! Newbie! Water, quick!"
I set down a bucket, grabbed a nearby cup, scooped water, and brought it to him.
While the man wiped sweat and cooled off, I eyed the workshop interior.
"_"
Honestly, a corner of my heart fluttered a bit.
Making SM gear often requires metal...
Leather has its limits.
A ring gag in metal would be good, locks to prevent release...
"Interested?"
The man who'd drunk the water asked me.
"Pardon?"
"You're big and look strong. If interested, transfer to our workshop. Your hands look rough—you must've made things before."
Hearing this, Yeoseo fidgeted anxiously.
"Huh?, Oh?, What?—worried she'd be demoted back to the bottom.
But it was just the man's joke, as he turned to Yeoseo.
"Yeoseo, relax. Just kidding. How could we let a newbie into our secret-laden workshop right away?"
"Ah, ahaha... I wasn't tense."
Yeoseo whispered unconvincingly.
The man before me looked at me again.
"What's your name."
"Han Seojin."
"Right. Nice to meet you. I'm Dang Pa, head of this workshop. It's tough now, but earn our trust and behave properly later, and you could transfer. Do well."
Bearing the Dang surname, he seemed to carry Tang Clan of Sichuan blood.
I nodded to Dang Pa.
Dang Pa, drinking water again, suddenly spotted something and coughed, spitting a bit.
He shot up, and the entire workshop stopped work, eyes turning one way.
I turned too, seeing Heo Okryeon approaching.
Dang Pa bowed and said.
"Grandmother, what brings you here..."
Unfamiliar with the place, I lifted my head, but Dang Pa pressed it down with a thick hand.
"You fool, mind your manners...!"
He whispered.
Looking back while bowed, the whole workshop had heads down.
A chill ran through me.
"Raise your heads."
Heo Okryeon said calmly.
They lifted their faces then.
"Just stopped by out of curiosity. To see if our new family member is adapting well."
Her eyes briefly scanned me, then moved away.
Soon, she turned to Yeoseo.
"Don't overdo it. Teach him properly."
"Y-yes!"
Yeoseo replied in her stiffest tone yet. Her voice seemed to tremble slightly.
As I was getting used to the Tang Clan of Sichuan, everyone bowed their heads to the ground again.
Surprisingly, even Heo Okryeon was no exception.
Dang Pa's grip on my head tightened roughly, forcing me to bow again without knowing why.
Everyone fell utterly silent, as expected.
.Tap... tap... tap...
Small footsteps echoed.
The sound felt familiar. I slyly lifted my head to peek.
Dang Soran passed by, surrounded by numerous servants.
With calm, elegant steps, she strolled the Tang Clan of Sichuan as she pleased.
Seeing her like this, Dang Soran felt so distant.
Beneath me was Yeoseo. Above her, the Overseers. Above them, Hall Overseers. Above them, Heo Okryeon. Above her, Dang Soran...
Plus, having surpassed the Wall of Ultimate Peak, her presence weighed even heavier.
The distance she'd kept from me these past twenty days made it feel even farther.
Like the distance when we first met.
As Dang Soran walked, she turned her head, and for a fleeting moment, our eyes met.
In that instant, she scanned my face and clothes, stiffened, blinked, and looked away.
She moved on.
Looking indifferent to me.
Heo Okryeon watched the departing Dang Soran with deep pride in her eyes.
Not just Heo Okryeon—everyone here revered her.
I scratched my head.
It hit me anew.
In this suddenly changed world of mine, the queen reigning supreme was none other than Dang Soran.