Weapon-Eating Bastard [EN]: Chapter 331

Weapon-Eating Bastard – Episode 331

The office in my mansion.

Several people gathered and sat facing me.

On the right side of the long table were my fourth and fifth brothers, Lee Seo-hyun, and my seventh brother, while on the left side were the Elder Council Head, Uncle Lee Tae-hong, and several other elders.

In effect, it was a gathering of all the key figures in the current Soongmoo Lee family.

“Nanny, if anyone comes looking for me, please turn them away. I’d appreciate it.”

I spoke to the nanny who brought tea and refreshments for everyone, and she seemed to have guessed the situation, nodding and stepping back.

As winter fully arrived, the air inside the office was chilly.

Although no one present would feel the cold in this weather, the heavy silence made the chill feel even more intense.

“……Young Master Lee Cheol.”

Clatter.

The Elder Council Head, Lee Dong-young, put down his teacup, from which steam was rising, and looked at me.

“The main family needs a Family Head. Especially in times like these.”

“Yes, Cheol. I know we haven’t confirmed your brother’s fate yet, but the more chaotic the situation, the more we need a Family Head.”

The Elder Council Head and my uncle, who could be considered the most senior figures here, spoke first.

“Isn’t the Elder Council Head already handling the duties of the Family Head?”

I looked at the Elder Council Head.

I was somewhat surprised that he, of all people, was leading this meeting.

He was known for being impartial and valuing principles above all else.

So, I didn’t expect him to make such a sudden proposal.

“In terms of duties alone, there’s no urgent need for a Family Head.”

Lee Dong-young agreed with my words.

Although there were aftereffects from the civil war and continuous turmoil in international affairs, the Family Head proxy could handle that much.

“However, didn’t you mention the upcoming great war, Young Master? And the main family has always exerted stronger power under the authority of an absolute figure, the Family Head.”

The authority of the Family Head is absolute.

The Family Head exists above the family laws and has been revered by all warriors.

The Elder Council, the administration, and each warrior division are merely means to help the Family Head make the right choices.

Only the Family Head exists alone at the head of this vast organization.

There were cases where this caused problems, as it did during the time of the previous Family Head, Lee Cheong-mu.

But conversely, the absolute power of the Family Head could also serve as a guiding light, preventing the family from straying and leading it forward.

“Now is the time when such a guiding light is needed. No matter how much we say that the Family Head’s death is uncertain, there will inevitably be those within and outside the family who believe it. Secretly, they will believe that all of this is due to the absence of Family Head Lee Tae-shin.”

Lee Tae-shin. The shadow of that formidable figure was so deep that his death was even more shocking.

“Following the civil war and the disappearance of the trusted Grand Son [referring to the heir apparent], the main family is in chaos, and the international situation is like a pile of dry firewood. In situations like these, we need a Family Head to lead the family.”

“That’s right, Young Master Lee Cheol. Ultimately, without a Family Head, any preparations or work will inevitably require time to persuade those who oppose or to coordinate opinions.”

“The main family needs a Family Head. A leader who will lead us with absolute authority.”

“Young Master Lee Cheol.”

Following Elder Lee Dong-young’s words, the elders continued to speak.

I shook my head and looked around at them.

“I am a bastard [illegitimate son]. The main family is a collection of countless direct lines, branch families, and vassal families. Moreover, there are many, from retired elders to current elders……”

“Is that what you’re worried about?”

“Are you worried about something like that?”

The twin brothers answered with a hollow laugh.

“There isn’t a single person in this family who would belittle you anymore.”

“The elders are supporting you too. Look over here.”

Lee Hyun-jae and Lee Hyun-chan, the twins, said with a grin.

With a reluctant expression, I looked at the people seated to my right.

It was a gathering of the main elders, led by the Elder Council Head.

Moreover, even the chief manager, Uncle Lee Tae-hong, was present.

“…….”

I looked at them and remained silent for a moment.

The Family Head of Soongmoo Lee.

How much had I yearned for that position until now?

All the time I was born, raised, struggled, and fought for was for this position.

But why?

I felt a churning deep inside my heart.

“Please, give me some time to think.”

With those words, I left the meeting.

* * *

After the internal affairs of the family were somewhat settled, I went outside the family.

The aftermath of the civil war was not limited to the main family’s grounds.

Outside the main family.

Nearby cities, government officials, the main family’s cooperative forces, and even branch and vassal families.

A massive power like Soongmoo Lee had a considerable number of interconnected organizations.

Not only me but also the direct lines and elders were directly going around outside to appease them.

“……So, that’s why you came out here?”

“Yes, I felt like I hadn’t properly expressed my gratitude.”

And among those cooperative forces, of course, was the Black Serpent Society.

Anastasia turned her head away with a sulky expression.

“Lee Cheol seems to only look for me for work.”

“No, not at all. I came to express my gratitude, I tell you?”

“Tch, that’s also work. You only say that. Every time you contact me or come to see me, you bring a whole bunch of requests or incidents.”

Anastasia leaned back against the chair.

‘……Was that so?’

I couldn’t quite remember.

I’ve been living so busy…….

“You know there’s a problem from the point you’re even considering it, right?”

“…….”

“Never mind. Do you have any work this time? You came to find me in person…… I’m honestly a bit nervous.”

Anastasia glanced at me, gauging my reaction.

I chuckled and shook my head.

“There’s really nothing special. The family’s internal affairs are almost settled, so what could be wrong?”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

Only then did Anastasia relax and take a sip of her tea.

The place we were in was one of the Black Serpent Society’s hideouts that Lee Gun-seong had temporarily vacated when he became the Family Head.

After the battle, Anastasia had remained in Korea to manage internal affairs, and I had come to see her before she left.

“By the way, what happened to the mobile fortress?”

“We’re secretly contacting engineers from the Eiffel Magic Tower [a fictional organization]. Gathering the wreckage shouldn’t take long…… Fortunately, Chairman Jung Jin-soo is helping a lot, so it won’t take long. I’ll contact Soongmoo Lee as soon as it’s sorted out.”

“Yes, Valerie will be waiting too.”

Currently, the mobile fortress used in the civil war had been recovered by the Black Serpent Society.

Soongmoo Lee’s technological prowess was also considerable, but the Black Serpent Society was ahead in terms of magic engineering and general engineering technology.

The mobile fortress was expected to be a great asset to the Black Serpent Society.

Valerie was also planning to help with this for the time being.

“That’s a relief. If you have any separate issues, please contact me. We’ll help as much as the main family can.”

“Ah, then the European lines that Lee Gun-seong was in charge of…….”

After that, a period of opinion coordination went back and forth.

Some of the conditions were somewhat disappointing from Soongmoo Lee’s perspective, but conversely, it was something that I could sufficiently do for the Black Serpent Society, which had helped me this much.

At that moment, Anastasia suddenly sighed deeply and said.

“……Come to think of it, didn’t you say you didn’t come here for work?”

“Ah.”

Anastasia muttered in a barely audible voice, resting her chin on her hand.

“What do you mean, ‘Ah.’ Am I just someone Lee Cheol looks for when he needs something?”

“What are you saying? There’s no way that’s true.”

“Never mind. I’m already sulking. More than that, you seem to have some worries, so stop talking about work and tell me about it.”

At those words, I widened my eyes and looked at Anastasia.

“How did you know?”

“I just thought so. Wait…… Lee Cheol is asking for advice. Now that I think about it, I’m getting really excited.”

Anastasia’s eyes sparkled as she spoke.

I chuckled and opened my mouth.

It was about the succession to the Family Head position.

In fact, it was a story that should never be leaked outside the family, but I thought it was okay to tell her.

“Hmm…… Still, this Elder is quick. I was wondering when such an offer would come.”

“You expected it.”

“Is it just me? Anyone with even a little bit of ears and eyes would have expected it.”

Anastasia glanced at Lee Cheol.

Soongmoo Lee, Lee Cheol.

The only people who don’t know the meaning of these two names are fools.

Most of the recent incidents starting with the name of Soongmoo Lee originated from Lee Cheol.

With Lee Myung-jung missing, Lee Gun-seong dead, and Lee Jin-yoon not showing his face outside…… there is only one talent left in Soongmoo Lee.

“Lee Cheol was expecting it too. That such words would come out.”

“That’s…… Yes, that’s right.”

“You’re not saying no. But looking at your expression, it seems like your worries aren’t because of that.”

Anastasia smiled gently.

“Lee Cheol is a bit bothered. About becoming the Family Head in this way.”

“……Yes?”

“Lee Cheol has always fought. He’s been running non-stop. And Lee Cheol still has doubts about the life and death of Family Head Lee Tae-shin. Besides, Lee Hyul…… no, the Grand Son also disappeared too weakly.”

Anastasia looked at Lee Cheol.

It’s already been over 10 years since she met Lee Cheol.

She thought she knew Lee Cheol as well as anyone else, maybe even better.

“Lee Cheol is thinking. That it’s not enough yet, and that he feels something is lacking in ascending to the Family Head position in this way.”

“…….”

“Am I right?”

It was a direct hit.

At Anastasia’s words, which pinpointed my heart more accurately than I did, I could only chuckle and nod.

“I didn’t even say anything…… Anastasia really knows me well.”

“Are you surprised? That someone who only looks for you when they need something knows so much about Lee Cheol?”

“……I was wrong, so please stop now.”

“Hmm, okay.”

Anastasia grinned, and I smiled bitterly and fell into thought for a moment.

The Family Head of Soongmoo Lee.

I’ve been running while only looking at that until now.

I wanted to fight in my own way, overcoming all obstacles and obtaining that position.

Lee Gun-seong was defeated, but my father’s life and death are unclear, my second sister was defeated by my first brother, and my first brother, who I thought would be my biggest rival, was also eliminated from this competition by Lee Hyul-hyun.

In the victory I gained, I was feeling a lack.

“I’m not worried about ascending to the Family Head position itself. It’s something I wanted, and it’s necessary.”

“Yes, everyone will think so.”

But I hesitate.

Because it was something I wanted so much.

Because I’ve been fighting while only looking at that.

Perhaps I’m feeling a sense of powerlessness in obtaining it so easily.

“If you’re worried, you should just do what Lee Cheol wants to do, right?”

“Yes?”

“Why? Lee Cheol has always done what he thinks, right? Is there anything different? If there’s a problem, you can always solve it by showing your amazing wit, as always.”

I was momentarily stunned by those words.

Anastasia smiled brightly.

“Worrying is not like Lee Cheol. Lee Cheol is someone who acts rather than worries.”

Those words rode the steam flowing from the teacup and flowed into the room.

A moment of silence.

I gave a weak smile.

“Thank you, Anastasia.”

“Hmm, I think Lee Cheol should be grateful to me.”

“Really.”

All I did was help her recover with a few lines of knowledge I knew from the future.

Since then, the Black Serpent Society has given me too much help every time.

“I feel like I’m only accumulating debt every time. It’s to the point where I can’t repay it even if I dedicate my whole life.”

“……Yes?”

Clang!

At my words, Anastasia momentarily dropped the teacup she had half-lifted.

Fortunately, it didn’t break. Only a few drops of tea splashed on the saucer.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes? Ah, yes. I’m okay.”

“I should get up now. Thank you, Anastasia.”

“Yes, yes. No, thank you for coming.”

Anastasia was somehow nervous.

I politely greeted her and turned around.

* * *

Soongmoo Lee main family.

The Elder Council meeting was held.

Many seats in the meeting room were empty.

Although a considerable number of vacancies were filled through appointments, the situation still felt lacking.

I looked around at them.

Everyone present was paying attention to what would come out of my mouth.

They must also know.

What kind of story came to my ears yesterday by the Elder Council Head.

Perhaps, without knowing, the opinion coordination has already been completed behind the scenes.

‘Really…… It’s new every time I see it.’

The people sitting in those seats always rejected me, so I had to fight them every time I stood here.

But now, they are looking at me with something they want.

That wish is, for me to ascend to the Family Head position.

“……Then, from now on, we will discuss the next Family Head.”

The Elder Council Head opened his mouth in a dignified voice.

And his gaze turned to me.

“Young Master Lee Cheol! Please ascend to the Family Head position!”

“It’s only Young Master Lee Cheol. I hope Young Master Lee Cheol will lead Soongmoo Lee!”

Several elders raised their voices and called my name.

The Elder Council Head’s gaze turned to me.

He was demanding an answer from me.

I nodded and stood up from my seat.

“Yes, I understand. Although I am still lacking, I will do my best in the position of Family Head.”

“Ooooooh!”

Clap clap clap!

People’s exclamations and applause.

Even the twin brothers and Lee Seo-hyun were applauding.

When I regressed, I couldn’t even imagine that such a moment would come.

And soon, I felt sorry.

Because I hadn’t finished speaking yet.

“Young Master Lee Cheol?”

It was Lee Dong-young, who was closest to the platform, who noticed that.

I continued to speak immediately.

“I will accept the Family Head position. But…….”

Silence fell in the hall at my words that followed.