Return of Hades - chapter 03

Return of Hades

Episode 3

“I greet you, Uncle.”

Upon seeing Wi Ji-yeon, Wi Ji-yeon immediately bowed his head.

A sturdy body.

Calloused hands, evidence of hard work.

A subtle aura and a gentle smile.

It was unmistakable.

Though slightly younger, he was just as he remembered his uncle.

“It feels like it’s been a while since we last met. I heard you almost faced a big incident this time. Are you feeling better?”

He asked with a worried expression.

To anyone else, it would look like he was genuinely concerned for his nephew.

Wi Ji-yeon hid his true feelings and nodded with a bitter smile.

“I’m fine. I didn’t take the poison pill in the first place.”

“That’s a relief. More than anything, I’m glad you weren’t harmed.”

“Are you alright, Uncle?”

“Me?”

“Yes. There should have been a few more Cheongha pills left.”

“Oh, don’t worry. Fortunately, I and the other kids heard about your situation and immediately disposed of those Cheongha pills. We avoided trouble thanks to you.”

He said this with a gentle smile.

Wi Ji-yeon also smiled back at him.

‘Indeed, this is how it turned out.’

It was a standard reaction.

If they knew their Cheongha pills were safe, they could have been suspected.

They had acted preemptively by disposing of the pills.

While they might raise suspicions, without evidence, it was meaningless, so it was an excellent response.

“I hope we can uncover the mastermind soon.”

“What do you think? Who do you suspect?”

“I suspect it might be the Iron Sword Sect or the Black Snake Gang. Their movements have been unusual lately.”

He naturally diverted suspicion to other factions.

It was a response that could only be seen as admirable. In fact, at this time, Wi Ji-yeon believed that the culprit was one of those two factions.

‘At that time, I didn’t suspect my uncle.’

Moreover, those two factions were indeed likely culprits.

The Iron Sword Sect and the Black Snake Gang.

Both had been clashing with the Wi family over expanding their influence in the province of Shanxi.

Thus, either side had sufficient motive. It was no wonder he would fall for such words initially.

“We must formally organize an investigation team to uncover this matter. To dare target the heir of the Wi family is a provocation we cannot overlook. If we find the mastermind, we will take revenge.”

“There’s no need for that, Uncle.”

“What?”

Wi Ji-yeon’s eyes widened.

He looked puzzled.

But Wi Ji-seon continued speaking regardless.

“Whether it’s the Iron Sword Sect or the Black Snake Gang, I think it’s unwise to rush into revenge.”

“Why is that?”

“Because the Wi Ji family currently cannot wage war.”

“……!”

He could hear murmurs from the surrounding martial artists.

They were pretending not to listen but were eavesdropping on the conversation between Wi Ji-seon and Wi Ji-Yeon.

They looked confused.

It was understandable.

What Wi Ji-yeon had just said was tantamount to saying that the Wi family was weak.

For the martial artists of the Wi family, it was hard to swallow such words, even if they came from the sole heir.

Wi Ji-seon frowned.

“That’s a harsh statement. Our Wi family is not as weak as you think.”

“Yes, we are not weak. We have enough strength to be called a family. But the same goes for our enemies.”

Wi Ji-yeon took a moment to breathe and spoke clearly.

“The Iron Sword Sect has a long history spanning seven generations, and the Black Snake Gang has the vast power of the Black Dragon Society backing them. Either side is formidable. If we were to wage war, we would suffer significant losses, even if we win.”

“Then are you saying we should just sit back after this incident?”

“I’m not saying to sit back; I’m saying we should build our strength.”

Wi Ji-seon said this while looking around. The martial artists who had gathered in the training hall had all stopped their training and were now looking at him.

“There’s an old saying: ‘A gentleman’s revenge takes ten years, and patience is for the sake of retribution, not humiliation.’ So, is there a need to rush?”

“Don’t you think the enemies will grow stronger in ten years as well?”

“Of course. But that doesn’t matter. Because I believe in the martial artists of the Wi family present here.”

“……!”

With that one sentence, the expressions of the martial artists changed.

They looked surprised, as if they never expected to hear such words.

Wi Ji-yeon smiled brightly and continued.

“All of you are loyal, skilled, and have bright futures. These martial artists will protect our Wi family, and while it might be a different story right now, in ten years, neither the Iron Sword Sect nor the Black Snake Gang will be frightening. That’s what I believe.”

“……”

Wi Ji-seon slightly furrowed his brow.

He realized that if he continued to speak, the support of the martial artists would shift to Wi Ji-Yeon.

Wi Ji-yeon simply smiled.

This was probably not the atmosphere his uncle had intended.

His uncle likely wanted to solidify his power by rallying the martial artists with talk of revenge.

‘On top of that, he probably wanted to investigate how I figured out about the poison.’

But his plans had gone awry from the start.

The very person who had almost been poisoned was saying that it was unnecessary.

Moreover, he had subtly elevated the martial artists of the family, gaining their favor.

It was not the right time to bring up other matters, so Wi Ji-seon chose to withdraw for now.

“Yeon, I didn’t know your thoughts ran so deep. If your brother had known, he would have been pleased. Is that why you started your martial arts training?”

“Yes. I need to be able to protect myself no matter what happens. Besides…”

Wi Ji-yeon paused for a moment before continuing.

“I will have to lead the family in the future, so I can’t be ignorant of martial arts, can I?”

“Are you saying…”

“Yes.”

He looked directly at Wi Ji-seon and declared.

“From now on, I intend to participate in the family meetings.”

* *

Family meetings.

These are gatherings where the members of the Wi family come together to decide on family matters.

Naturally, participants include the head of the family and senior members.

However, the current family meeting felt uneasy.

It was only natural.

The head of the family’s seat was vacant.

‘For a full ten years.’

Such a thing would be unheard of in a typical family.

But there were unavoidable circumstances.

The previous head of the family had passed away suddenly, and his successor, Wi Ji-yeon, was too young to govern the family.

‘That’s why my uncle took on the role of acting head.’

Initially, there was much resistance.

At that time, Wi Ji-seon had just come down from the mountains as the youngest son of the collateral branch.

But he managed the family surprisingly well.

He was able to build a following within the family.

‘And that has continued until now.’

Wi Ji-yeon had not shown interest in family matters until he turned fifteen.

He had lived as if he had no interest in the family’s affairs or martial arts, which were essential for the heir of a martial family.

Naturally, many in the family did not look kindly upon him.

It was akin to completely abandoning the responsibilities of the heir.

But now.

The situation had changed.

Wi Ji-yeon had declared his intention to attend the family meeting.

Naturally, chaos ensued within the family.

“Has the young master finally changed his mind?”

“I heard he’s started his martial arts training.”

“Why has the usually quiet young master suddenly changed?”

“Having almost faced a great incident must have changed his perspective. Truly a blessing in disguise.”

Of course, the reactions from the regular martial artists and servants were positive.

They had no grudges against Wi Ji-yeon, and they were pleased to see the previously naive heir finally come to his senses.

But those a bit higher up had different thoughts.

While some were happy about Wi Ji-yeon’s change

Many among them held other thoughts.

Especially those who supported Wi Ji-seon.

“It seems the young master is starting to become active.”

“Tsk, what has he been doing until now, and why is he starting now?”

“Isn’t this going to disrupt the family’s future?”

“Stay calm. Nothing has changed yet. Most importantly, half of the participants in the family meeting are on our side.”

“But if this continues, our plan to strip the young master of his heir position.”

“Shh. Keep your voice down. What if someone hears you speaking so openly? I’ve told you repeatedly to watch your mouth.”

“……I apologize.”

“Just remember that. And don’t worry too much; just wait quietly. He must have some thoughts of his own.”

“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Naturally, everyone’s attention turned to the family meeting.

Some were filled with anticipation.

Others felt anxious.

And so time continued to pass.

Finally, the day of the family meeting arrived.

* *

‘It’s heavy.’

As soon as Wi Ji-yeon entered the meeting room, that was his thought.

The atmosphere was heavy and unstable.

The reason was obvious: it was because of him.

‘Are they watching my reactions, or rather, my uncle’s?’

He greeted his uncle, who was sitting in the main seat as the acting head, and then took his place in the next highest position.

Originally, this was the seat meant for the family’s treasurer.

But no one raised any objections.

Although the formal appointment ceremony for the sub-head had not yet taken place, the heir’s position was traditionally beside the head of the family.

“Cough, cough. Now, let’s begin the meeting.”

The chief officer cleared his throat a couple of times to break the awkward atmosphere.

“The first agenda item. The Inspection Department has submitted a report on the recent assassination attempt, and it states that ”

The chief officer glanced around.

It was a sensitive topic to bring up in front of the person who had almost been poisoned.

However, Wi Ji-yeon remained calm.

Even upon hearing the report that they had not uncovered any traces of the culprit, he remained unperturbed.

“That’s all. Therefore, I think it’s better to redirect our manpower to other matters rather than conducting additional investigations.”

“B-but, young master.”

“Regardless, I’m still fine, aren’t I? I think that’s what matters. I don’t know who the culprit is, but after failing once, they should remain quiet for a while, don’t you think, Uncle?”

“…… That’s true. I think so too.”

Wi Ji-seon nodded gravely.

Anyone would think it was a decision made after careful consideration.

But Wi Ji-yeon had to suppress a smile at that expression. Wi Ji-seon was flustered by the arrows flying toward him.

‘He probably doesn’t have confidence yet.’

Whether Wi Ji-yeon knows the identity of the culprit or not.

The lack of solid evidence was mutual. Thus, Wi Ji-seon would be cautious in his actions for a while.

‘Let him remain cautious for now.’

In the meantime, he would gradually take over the family.

He could afford to cut off the rotten parts.

Wi Ji-yeon thought this while focusing on the meeting.

Fortunately for everyone else, after the first agenda item, he hardly voiced his opinions.

However…

“Now, for the final agenda item.”

As he turned to the last page of the prepared documents, the corners of Wi Ji-yeon’s mouth twisted.

He raised his hand before the chief officer could introduce the agenda.

“May I take charge of this matter?”