Weapon-Eating Bastard [EN]: Chapter 335

Weapon-Eating Bastard – Episode 335

The room was dimly lit, shrouded in darkness.

Sunlight streamed through a gap in the curtains, illuminating motes of dust dancing in the air.

“……”

A man slowly opened his eyes.

He rose silently, observing the dust motes as he sat up.

“You’re…… awake.”

A warrior, who had been sitting in the corner of the shadowed room, stood, his expression relieved, and approached the man.

“Are you alright, Captain?”

“Yes, I’ve recovered sufficiently. Thank you for your watch.”

“It’s nothing, Captain. Your awakening is reward enough.”

The man looked at his palm, then turned his gaze to the warrior.

“……How long has it been since the last battle?”

“A little over six months, Captain.”

The man surveyed the room.

“This is the same place where I briefly awoke before. Was there no pursuit?”

“No, fortunately. Much has transpired in the interim.”

“Report.”

The warrior paused, gathering his thoughts, and began his report.

“The Sky Fortress’s trial has concluded. Young Master Lee Cheol emerged victorious. The details of the battle remain unknown, but Kabbalah has fallen. The Masked Ones of the Demonic Sky Church have also become inactive around the same time.”

The warrior recounted events that had occurred some time ago.

Indicating the man before him had been unconscious for a considerable duration.

“The family?”

“……Young Master Lee Gun-sung’s rebellion failed. An arrest warrant has been issued for Grand Master Lee Myung-jung.”

“The youngest did that?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

The man listened silently, then waved his hand dismissively.

The curtains were drawn open, revealing the man’s face.

His features were seasoned and strong, his neatly combed hair white, betraying his age.

“Is it…… time to return?”

The man stood by the window, gazing out.

Behind him, the warrior bowed deeply at his words.

* * *

I concluded my seclusion and returned to the Soongmoo Lee Clan.

My first act was to attend the Council of Elders.

The family’s finances, which had been unstable, had recovered, but international tensions remained high.

Yet, no one seemed overly concerned.

The Soongmoo Lee Clan had always been strong, and it was only growing stronger.

There might be fluctuations, but the underlying strength would endure.

“……With that, all urgent matters are concluded. Thank you for your efforts, Young Master Lee Cheol.”

Elder Council Head Lee Dong-young nodded after approving several documents.

“Elder Council Head, thank you for safeguarding the family during my absence. Thank you too, Uncle. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity for focused training otherwise.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“No, Cheol. These are the least I can do.”

Elder Council Head Lee Dong-young and Uncle Lee Tae-hong replied simply.

“However, Young Master Lee Cheol, you must provide us with a definitive answer soon.”

The Elder Council Head spoke cautiously.

I nodded.

“Yes, I understand. You need not worry.”

I knew what he meant.

The succession to the Family Head position.

The Soongmoo Lee Clan required a Family Head, and the grace period I had been granted was nearing its end.

It was time for me to assume the mantle.

“……Have you found any further traces of Father?”

“This report was submitted by Princess Lee Jin-yoon, who was dispatched to the depths of the Northern Unexplored Zone.”

The Elder Council Head manipulated his tablet and presented an electronic report.

The report included photos and detailed explanations.

The photos depicted signs of a fierce battle.

A battle so immense it had reshaped the landscape.

A vast crater marked the plain, as if struck by a meteor, and a sword slash scarred the mountainside of a towering peak.

The scale was beyond human capabilities, yet too deliberate to be a natural disaster.

Only Father could have left such marks.

“Researchers have confirmed these as traces of the main family’s secret techniques. They also align with the Ten Swords’ final report before their deaths.”

I inhaled deeply and nodded.

‘He fought relentlessly despite his injuries, as the report indicated.’

I recalled the plan detailed in Lee Gun-sung’s notebook.

Father had ventured into the Unexplored Zone with only the Ten Swords to break the curse Lee Hyul-hyun had placed on the family, and he had defeated a Class 1 monster.

Immediately afterward, he had confronted the Wonyeong God [a manifestation of Lee Hyul-hyun’s power] in his tomb.

Upon his return, he had faced the Nine Dragons Lord and the Nameless Assassin.

Even with the Ten Swords, repeated battles would have taken their toll……

‘I’ve waited long enough.’

I pushed the report onto the desk, ending my train of thought.

One reason I had delayed the succession was Father.

Lee Tae-shin, the Family Head of the Soongmoo Lee Clan, my father.

I had many questions for him, and I desired his recognition of my martial prowess.

Even as Family Head, I wanted to earn his acknowledgment first.

That was why I had organized a search party and taken my time.

“Young Master Lee Cheol.”

The Elder Council Head’s gaze was intense.

His eyes conveyed a clear message.

That we could delay no longer.

“Didn’t I say? My decision is made.”

“……If so, that is a relief.”

“Cheol, I understand your feelings, but the family needs a Family Head, and you are the most suitable candidate.”

Lee Tae-hong stated firmly.

“Come on, Uncle. Didn’t I say I understand?”

The Elder Council Head nodded silently.

“Then, I will prepare the Family Head Inauguration Ceremony.”

He spoke with finality, as if brooking no further delay.

I paused, then nodded.

“Yes, I understand.”

“You’ve truly…… made up your mind.”

“Didn’t I say I had?”

The Elder Council Head studied me, then spoke.

“Then, I will speak plainly. Young Master Lee Cheol must make certain preparations.”

“Preparations?”

“Yes, as you likely know.”

I chuckled humorlessly.

I knew what they were referring to, but I hadn’t anticipated it.

“……That’s all. You seem somewhat troubled. If there isn’t a suitable person…….”

“No, it’s nothing. I’ll handle it.”

“That’s a relief. We will take our leave now.”

The Elder Council Head and my uncle offered brief greetings and departed.

I chuckled again.

Those preparations, though known, were unexpected.

‘Why am I so flustered by something so trivial after coming this far?’

I gathered my thoughts.

Looking out the window, the sun had set, and the night sky was overcast.

I had been so engrossed in thought that it was midnight.

If I remained in the office, the nanny wouldn’t rest, so I should leave.

The work was done, and no one would visit me privately.

I started to rise.

“……Huh?”

I saw two figures approaching the mansion.

A woman and a young child, likely too young for their naming ceremony [a traditional Korean ceremony celebrating a child’s first year].

I widened my eyes.

Knock, knock!

The nanny knocked.

“Young Master, we have guests. But…….”

“……Let them in. No, I’ll go out. Please prepare tea and refreshments in the reception room.”

I knew who they were.

My family.

People I had rarely encountered.

I hurried to the front gate.

In the humid air, the two bowed.

“Greetings, Young Master.”

“Greetings, Uncle.”

The woman and child stood confidently.

“Welcome, Sister-in-law. And…… Yeon-ah.”

The wife of the first son, Lee Myung-jung, and his son.

My sister-in-law and nephew.

* * *

My sister-in-law was not a martial artist.

She was from a powerful vassal family.

The daughter of the Gimhae Kim family; their marriage was reportedly based on genuine affection, not political maneuvering.

As the first brother’s personality suggested, their relationship was strong, and they had two children.

My sister-in-law had come with Yeon, who was nearing his naming ceremony.

“I apologize for the late visit, Youngest Young Master.”

My sister-in-law’s voice was clear, but tinged with determination and fear.

“No, I should have visited you first. I apologize, Sister-in-law.”

The nanny brought tea and refreshments.

Yeon, despite his age, didn’t touch the sweets.

A mature child, likely holding back.

I smiled and pushed the plate of cookies toward him.

“Please, enjoy them. They’re quite delicious; I like them too.”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

The child, initially stiff, carefully took a cookie.

“I regret missing your wedding and Yeon’s coming-of-age ceremony due to my warrior journey.”

“The gifts you sent were generous. That was enough.”

I ate a cookie and glanced at Yeon, sipping tea, and my sister-in-law, watching him with concern.

“……I heard you took good care of the nanny during my absence.”

“It was a small thing. No thanks are needed.”

“Still, thank you.”

We engaged in trivial conversation.

When the tea was half-finished.

My sister-in-law broached the subject.

“You will become the Family Head, Young Master.”

“…….”

I knew why she had come.

I nodded.

“Yes, I intend to.”

“I apologize for my bluntness, but I must ask: what will become of us?”

My sister-in-law and Yeon looked at me.

I smiled wryly.

“Why do you worry? You know my relationship with the eldest brother.”

“That is why I ask so wretchedly.”

My sister-in-law composed herself and met my gaze.

“My husband has become an enemy of the Soongmoo Lee Clan, and you will become the Family Head. The other young masters and ladies are married but childless. And they all support you.”

In contrast, what about the first brother?

He had been a strong candidate for Family Head.

Trusted internally and externally, he would have undoubtedly succeeded if not for this incident.

And…… his child existed.

Especially since many had disappeared because of me, but the main family also has an excessive obsession with direct descendants.

That was why my sister-in-law was asking.

What will become of us?

‘Yes, this is the Soongmoo Lee Clan.’

Called the family of struggle, it was a cold family with fierce competition.

Clang!

My sister-in-law produced a small dagger.

“Sister-in-law?”

“Young Master, this child is innocent. He hasn’t even had his naming ceremony. With this upheaval in the family, it’s uncertain if it will even occur.”

Her eyes were like ice.

Though not a martial artist, her will was palpable.

“The child is blameless. You always walk the righteous path, Young Master. Please, be satisfied with just me.”

My expression hardened.

I brushed her hand away and seized the dagger.

Crush!

Despite its quality steel, I crushed the dagger like paper, without magic.

I threw the lump of iron into the corner.

“Do you think I am capable of such an outrageous act, Sister-in-law?”

“…….”

She was silent.

Her eyes lowered.

I recalled a familiar memory.

My past life, when I was swept away by the family.

My reflection in the mirror had looked like that.

“I have no intention of harming either of you. Not just you two. I intend to bring back the eldest brother.”

“Gasp.”

My sister-in-law bit her lip, holding back tears.

Her Adam’s apple bobbed, representing the sorrow she suppressed.

“……I can’t believe it.”

She clenched her fist.

“Young Master, please, give me tangible proof, not empty promises.”

“…….”

I looked at her.

I knew how I was perceived.

A cold-blooded, resolute martial artist of the Soongmoo Lee Clan.

How did she dare say such things?

A small hand rested on her fist.

It was Yeon.

He stood close, guarding his mother, watching me with round eyes.

I looked at Yeon.

“Yeon-ah, you’ve learned magic. And swordsmanship.”

“……!”

My sister-in-law’s expression tightened.

Yeon hesitated, then answered confidently.

“Yes, Uncle.”

“Who taught you magic?”

“I learned from Elder Lee Kyung-hwa…….”

I nodded.

I knew the answer.

I recognized the flow of magic within him.

“How did you become her student?”

“Elder Lee Kyung-hwa told me to keep it a secret.”

“You can tell me. I am her disciple and companion.”

“……She said my talent was outstanding and taught me directly. I didn’t serve her as a teacher, but I received teachings and books.”

Aunt had a better eye for talent than I did.

She had evaluated me highly and approached me first.

“I see.”

“Young, Young Master…… this child is still…….”

My sister-in-law misunderstood and grabbed his hand.

I spoke before she could misunderstand further.

“I’m glad you haven’t formally served Elder Lee Kyung-hwa as a teacher. Yeon-ah, would you like to become my disciple?”

They widened their eyes.

“I am strong. Few can truly challenge me. I don’t know if I’ll be a good teacher, but I’ll try. If you wish, I want to take you as my disciple.”

“But, I know that those who haven’t had their naming ceremony can’t take in a teacher.”

The child spoke clearly.

I smiled.

“That family law applies to direct descendants. You haven’t had your naming ceremony, so formal service will be after that. What will you do?”

Yeon looked concerned.

He looked at his mother and me.

Then, he answered.

With eyes like the first brother.

“If you’re making such considerations to protect me, it’s okay. Uncle’s words are enough.”

I laughed.

He understood the meaning of a disciple raised by the Family Head.

No Family Head had taken in a disciple. They raised their children.

A disciple would complicate the Family Head competition.

He was considerate.

Was this how my uncle or father felt when they saw me?

“I’m not suggesting this rashly. I recognized your talent as my teacher did. And the more I see you, the more I think you’ll be fun to teach.”

I was serious.

He closed his mouth, took a breath, and spoke nervously.

“May I dare to serve you as my teacher, Uncle?”

“Of course. I’m suggesting it, right?”

“Then, I want to do that.”

I got the answer.

I looked at my sister-in-law.

She was speechless.

“Sister-in-law, there will be no more certain promise than this. The disciple of the next Family Head, becoming my disciple. No one will touch that child and his family.”

She burst into tears.

I looked at Yeon.

He held his mother’s hand and looked at me.

I gave them space.

‘Yes, this is right.’

I will embrace everything I want to embrace.

That was the Soongmoo Lee Clan I wanted, and the Family Head I dreamed of.

“Thank you……. Young Master.”

I looked at my sobbing sister-in-law and the resolute Yeon.

Yeon hugged her awkwardly.

I gave them space.

‘Yes, this is right.’