Chapter 77
Minister Hong, judging that the Geum family alone couldn’t handle the situation, handed the investigation over to the Security Bureau.
Since it involved digging into one of the Five Great Houses—the Geum family—the head of the Security Bureau had been deeply concerned. Ordinary investigators could never handle this task.
Moreover, there had already been a previous audit within the Geum family that failed to catch the culprit.
“That’s why Seon, who’s both highly capable in combat and a direct bloodline of the Hyun family head, was chosen for long-term undercover work,” they said.
“The youngest uncle lives on Gamseok Island, so if needed, he could use the excuse of ‘visiting.’ A very suitable choice.”
“Exactly.”
Immediately after receiving the emperor’s secret orders, Seon went to Gamseok Island to meet the head of the Geum family. He received a list of suspects and began the investigation.
“There were five candidates in total. With the help of my aunt from the Geum family branch, we confirmed that two of them were not the culprit.”
“Luckily, one of the two was my relative—a silk-furred rat, after all.”
For months, Seon had been running tirelessly.
However, since most of the rat race shrinks in size when they transform, tailing and tracking them was extremely difficult. Being a race that could easily hide its movements, Seon had a hard time.
“So now there are only three candidates left.”
At my words, Seon’s expression immediately darkened.
“I have no idea.”
It was good that the suspects were narrowed down to three, but they couldn’t identify the mastermind.
“We tried everything—every trick—but couldn’t secure any evidence or witnesses. Those three… they’re formidable opponents.”
I had never seen Seon so troubled before.
Huiruk, who had been listening quietly, drew a conclusion.
“So, even after months of investigation by three people, the culprit still hasn’t been found.”
It was a little strange.
The uncle was from the military, the aunt was from the Geum family, and Seon, a competent investigator from the Security Bureau, had conducted thorough investigations—but still, no culprit had been identified.
Seeing my puzzled look, the uncle sighed.
“I realized this after marrying Nasan. The Geum family is very different from the other Five Great Houses. Compared to the Hyun family… yes, ‘complex’ is the right word.”
“Even I, who carry the Geum surname and have lived my whole life on Gamseok Island, don’t fully understand the family’s affairs,” the aunt said with a troubled expression.
Most members of the Geum family are involved in commerce. Therefore, there are more people working outside the main house than residing in it.
The internal structure was far more complex than other Great Houses; hearing my aunt describe it, it seemed like a reincarnation of a major corporation.
In simple terms, the Geum family was structured like a large corporation: numerous direct departments following the family head’s orders, closely affiliated partners, and various small outsourced companies all intertwined.
“No wonder the family head struggles to grasp the family’s major affairs. There must be more ledgers kept externally than at the main house.”
“That’s the problem. Since ledgers are held externally, investigations can’t be conducted properly,” my uncle frowned.
Unlike the Hyun family, internal cohesion was weak, he added.
“Even within the same family, they often compete in business. Cooperation can’t be expected.”
The more I listened, the more I realized just how challenging these conditions were.
That Seon was able to narrow the five suspects down to two in a few months was impressive. Without the assistance of the capable youngest aunt, this investigation could have dragged on for over a year.
Now I understood why Grandma specifically chose me to be here. The youngest uncle probably hinted that Haetae’s power would be needed. Without my ability to detect evil, the situation would have been hopeless.
“Hyeon,” my uncle called, trying to swallow a sigh.
“Did Mother leave any specific instructions?”
“She told me to take care of Seon when returning after buying all the bridal items.”
So Huiruk and I planned to buy a large wardrobe or chest, hide Seon inside, and transport him. Huiruk could suppress any aura inside, making it undetectable.
When I suggested this method for escaping Gamseok Island, Seon shook his head.
“It’s safe and a good room, but not now.”
Before I could ask why, Huiruk spoke.
“Could it be that the Security Bureau’s investigation was discovered?”
“Yes.”
Seon had been investigating by moving between the Security Bureau’s safe house and the youngest uncle’s home, but the safe house was discovered, and he was currently trapped.
Though his identity wasn’t exposed, continuing the investigation on Gamseok Island had become difficult.
“Everyone already knows about the previous audits, including the Geum family head conducting an internal audit,” Seon explained.
With rumors that the Security Bureau had also been involved, the situation worsened. Merchants who had only planned to hide the ledgers were now actively trying to root out Security Bureau personnel. Seon grimaced.
“Is it very dangerous?” I asked.
“It’s only a matter of time before we’re discovered. And my identity would spark a new conflict,” Seon admitted.
To investigate a family as large as the Geum family, it’s better to involve someone from a family of similar rank. But if it’s discovered that a Hyun family member is conducting the investigation, it could ignite a feud.
“The emperor even warned me to prioritize safety if the situation worsened,” Seon added.
“Good thing we came at full speed,” I said.
“Yeah.”
For Huiruk, a high-level spellcaster and my fiancé, secretly transporting an adult male over long distances wasn’t difficult.
Once the situation was clear, Huiruk immediately told Seon to pack.
“We can’t leave you in danger. Let’s move now.”
As Huiruk swiftly flew Seon out of Gamseok Island, my aunt’s eyes sparkled.
“So you really are a high-level spellcaster. Truly impressive.”
“I learned well from Baeksan.”
“I’ve heard. Baeksan is called a Grand Spellcaster.”
Though Gamseok and Homeok Islands are far apart, my aunt seemed well-informed about Baeksan. I was amazed, and my uncle smiled, putting his arm around her shoulders.
“A merchant’s life depends on information. They manage everything carefully, even family matters.”
“The Baek family will become in-laws of in-laws, after all. I want to help as much as I can.”
“Don’t overdo it.”
“I have to. You often prevent me from walking freely.”
Their conversation was dripping with affection. I chuckled, sipping my tea.
“But you’re expecting a fourth child, right?” I asked.
“Cough,” my aunt said, and I accidentally spat out my tea.
I glanced at her slim stomach, covered not by her own hands but by her husband’s large, rough hands.
“What… what is this?”
“We only found out five days ago. We haven’t told the family yet.”
“Good thing the house is big,” I muttered, placing my teacup down and taking a deep breath.
“Congratulations on the pregnancy, Aunt.”
“Thank you.”
“You can speak casually with me, by the way.”
“Oh, really? Then I will.”
After exchanging pleasantries, it was my uncle’s turn. His expression was like a puppy caught doing something wrong.
“A baby is a blessing, but how will it affect your health?”
“Hmm.”
Surprisingly, contraception in this world is relatively easy with safe herbal remedies. Not using them implied a planned pregnancy. Seeing Seon and his wife struggle raising one child on Seolgok Island, I was astonished.
“I suggested thinking carefully about the fourth child. Nasan is small and delicate.”
But it was my aunt who wished for a fourth. Traditionally, the rat race tends to have many children if possible.
“Your health comes first, though.”
“I agree. So, Nasan, let’s reconsider a fifth child.”
“Oh my, I wanted to give you plenty of children,” my aunt said.
“No, we already have plenty. Our kids are all strong and will soon be manageable in one hand.”
“And the other hand?”
She asked, and my uncle raised an eyebrow, resembling Grandma.
Calmly, he answered:
“The other hand is yours.”
“….”
So that’s how he succeeded in marriage. I shook my head, seeing my aunt’s cheeks flush.
A little later, Huiruk returned. He had successfully smuggled Seon off Gamseok Island.
Transforming into a beast and running, they could soon reach Seolgok Island. I hugged Huiruk for his effort.
“Hyeon?”
He was a little surprised by my clinging, so I told him about my uncle and aunt. Huiruk congratulated them on the baby, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
“I could carry you in one hand too.”
“Will that one hand be mine forever?”
“Not likely.”
He cupped my cheeks with both hands, reminding me. My vision was entirely green.
“I gave you everything, remember?”
A kiss landed on my forehead, making me giggle and grab his hands.
“I’ll give it all back,” I said.
“And then I’ll…”
But just then, three black sesame-colored little brothers, with shiny black hair, were pressed against the white wall, watching us.
I and Huiruk stepped back, laughing at their expectant eyes.
The next day, after playing with our eager little cousins, the head of the Geum family summoned us.
“Bring the secret weapon dog!”
