As a Househusband, Awareness is Required (1.2)

As a Househusband, Awareness is Required (1.2)

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Sponsored by Ichypa

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Yeah, I thought that with the warm-welcome that the Namgoong clan gave I was going to be able to relax a little

Then, I started reading into things and found that lazing around and relaxing wasn’t on the table.

The Namgoong clan has had husband-consorts before. It was a way of making sure that the Namgoong head was actually from the clan, even if the Namgoong head in question was a woman. Much like the Demonic Sect, in fact.

When you have enough power in this world, gender equality becomes standard.

Anyway, from my research, the ‘famed’ husband-consorts of the Namgoong clan’s long history had certain traits. They advanced the Namgoong clan by ensuring good relations between the Namgoong and their familial clan. They also were decent martial artists that can be relied upon to fight alongside the clan head. Finally, because the Namgoong clan was the head of the entire clan, they were in charge of the household.

I was already shit out of luck in two categories, since the Demonic Sect sent me in as a ‘humbling’ and there was no way I could fight alongside my wife-to-be.

If father said someone’s the ‘greatest talent’ of their clan, that means I have no chance of fighting alongside them.

So, I only had one method available to me in order to be acknowledged as a good husband-consort of the Namgoong’s future head.

Being the absolute best at managing the household.

Thankfully, for the first time, having lived two lives is useful.

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Interlude: The 7th Sword Saint of the Namgoong Clan, Seol

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A mere season has passed, but my fiancé has brought change to the clan.

None of the changes were what we expected of the ‘traitor’ sent to our territory.

“Lady Seol, your water basin is ready as are your clothes.”

“Thank you, you may attend to me.”

I had servants now.

My whole family and many of the branch families did, in fact.

I moved off my bed, followed by young ladies in simple robes, and sat on a stool of lacquered one before a lacquered desk where a bronze mirror and basin of water awaited. In mere moments, my robes were undone, and cool, moist towels were upon my body, while my hair was carefully combed. Their hands were gentle, calming, and after a few breaths I looked into the mirror and beheld my features… practically glow with restfulness, but perfectly tidy after leaving slumber.

This new wealth was thanks to my betrothed.

It did not come from the methods of the Unorthodox Sects. Instead, he gave those who clamored for glory the chance to gain honor by taking on escorts given to warriors, and warriors the chance for more accolades in nearby regions. With the Demonic Sect upholding the ceasefire, the council of elders agreed… and they say now the Namgoong was returning to its height when they were children.

I could hardly believe that my grandmother and her generation saw these luxuries as the norm.

My feet took me to the dining room, and I paused for a moment before reaching for the door.

Lin, one my attendants, whispered to me.

“You look beautiful, my lady. Please have confidence in yourself.”

Her words made my cheeks flush, and my other retainers tittered, but I gave a nod and entered the small dining area. There was a slight chill in the room, as the sliding doors were open to look upon the garden outside. Breakfast was upon a small, intimate table with two seats. None were occupied.

My husband waited at the back of my seat and had it ready for me.

“My lady, please.” Rui of the Demonic Sect was clad in simple, blue robes with his family’s seal at his waist. The sash at his waist was also a deep black instead of white. “Take your seat.”

I noted that he did not have any attendants of his own for a moment, before taking my seat, which he pushed in.

“I had the chef prepare some foods from my region. If we are to meet with my father, these foods will be the ones shared.” I nodded at his words, while committing myself to keeping my features calm and controlled. It was common practice. “We will, of course, meet in the city most central between Namgoong and Demon Sect lands.”

“I see.” It was a blessing. To walk in in the Demonic Sect’s estate would be foolish as one of the Orthodox Sect, after all. If the Heavenly Demon demanded it, then I would have no choice. “When shall that be?”

“With our courting progressing smoothly, and my proper assumption of my duties, we can send for the meeting within two weeks to meet on the eight months of our relations.” The number was an auspicious one. His attention to detail has never been lacking. Even now, despite the foods arrayed before me being different, I took note that the servings were what I was used to and the vegetables and meats still familiar. Only the spices were different. “I will prepare a gift for him on behalf of the Namgoong clan and will be away for a month.”

I almost nodded thoughtlessly at his words, before recalling my grandmother’s words.

If we continue to do nothing, we will be shaming ourselves. In Rui’s next project, you must take part or we risk dishonoring the Heavenly Demon!

“I shall aid you in finding an appropriate gift for the Heavenly Demon.” I spoke with absolute sincerity, which I was pleased to find him respond to with a nod of acceptance without hesitation. “What shall suffice as a gift to him?”

“From myself, several fine pelts of predatory Demonic Beasts would do. A unified gift from both myself and you require a singular pelt from a powerful creature. Nothing that can be faulted.” I understood the hidden meaning in his words. This was now a gift from both the Namgoong clan and Rui. An insufficient gift would shame us and the Demonic Sect. The Demonic Sect would show that it chose a poor family for one the children of its leader. The Namgoong would be seen as weak. “The only Demonic Beast that comes to mind is the False Dragon of Prosperity Lake. It’s hide would be a sufficient gift, the horns and talons can remain with the Namgoong, and the Namgoong will also see a rise in reputation.”

And, though he did not say it, such a feat would showcase the Namgoong’s strength and ability, as none of the current heirs of the Heavenly Demon has killed such a powerful creature.

I closed my eyes and did my utmost to contain the budding blush on my face.

Everything that he did for the Namgoong clan was for the sake of my hand in marriage.

Knowing that made dealing with him so much more difficult!

…

Interlude: Feng, the Eighteen Daughter of the Heavenly Demon, Slayer of Demonic Beasts

…

“Ha.” A single chuckle resonated through the throne room and all present turned their gaze towards my father.

He stroked his beard, while holding a letter in his hand, which bore the Namgoong clan’s seal upon it.

He addressed his chief advisor immediately, but his words were for all to hear.

“The False Dragon is dead by the hand of the Namgoong’s newest sword saint. They offer me the entirety of its hide as a gift and invite me to meet with my new daughter-in-law.” Impudent. That was the first word that nearly rose to my lips. However, the words died before I could speak, as father’s gaze swept across the long hall and silenced even our thoughts. “Impudent? Is that what you all believe? They have offered me a worthwhile gift as thanks for my own flesh and blood and you believe that impudence?”

I did not hesitate to get on my knees and place my head against the floor in a bow of apology.

So did all the others who had the thought cross their mind.

“Hmph. You forget yourselves. This peace was won by my hand. None of you lived, while I defeated all of the Orthodox Sects. Against their finest, warriors finer than you perished, and even I nearly died a dozen times over… and you all dare to think them impudent for offering me a righteous tithe.” My blood felt like it was boiling in my veins, my heart was rushing through beats so swiftly that I could barely breathe. Despite remaining seated, it was like my father was right before me, looming over me, and ready to crush my skull beneath his foot. I have insulted him. “And, even now, I feel no doubt from you all. Only indignity or the desire for more power until I am kneeling and you are on the throne.”

I felt it.

The pressure of something on the back of my head. I felt my forehead and skull pressing more deeply against the smooth floor of the long hall.

Gritting my teeth, I forced myself to stay silent, as others cried out in pain or begged for mercy.

“Ah!”

“S-stop!”

“Mercy, f-father!”

I withstood it, as I felt skin break and blood to pool between my head and the tiles, and then the pressure stopped.

At least for a handful of us.

Some cried out or screamed, before being cut silent.

I did not feel their life fade, but they were on the verge of death.

“Tend to them. Send them off to the Demonic Beast Corps.” Father ordered, and his shadows moved to do as he bid. Even some of those who were not harmed were taken away. By the end of it, only a dozen of us remained. “Feng, come forward.”

Ignoring the pain, I swiftly appeared in the center of hall’s aisle and knelt before him.

“It seems that you and the others who did not harm to Rui have a more even temperament.” I confessed to him in my mind. It was true that I did no harm to my 44th brother, but neither did I do anything to aid him. Father waved his hand to dismiss my thoughts. “You will come with me to meet with the Namgoong clan. You have two months to kill and bring a Demonic Beast as grand as the False Dragon.”

“This one obeys the Heavenly Demon!” I nodded whilst bowed and accepted his words whilst clasping a fist in my hands to make my intent to not fail clear. My mind was already awhirl with potential prey.

Then, my father addressed me.

“Ask your question, daughter.”

Keeping my head bowed, and ensuring that I obfuscated nothing and told the entirety of the truth, I spoke.

“This one does not understand the consideration offered to the Namgoong Clan. They are our foes who even now work to match our strength.” I examined my words, searching them myself for any falsehood and concern, before speaking once more. “May this one ask why the Heavenly Demon seeks to converse with them amicably?”

Father answered simply.

“Because after winning the war, I intend to also to win the peace.” For the first time, in father’s voice, I heard the sound of eagerness. “Indeed. I aspire to greater heights. Other Heavenly Demons have arisen, but all become indolent in the peace. They were defeated by the next generation of the Orthodox Sects. Such will not be the case for my rule.”

Father stood and made a declaration.

“The Demonic Sect will be akin to the heavens under my rule! Its superiority in all things assured and without question. Just as the sun rises, it shall be known that the Demonic Sect is unquestionably eminent in Murim.” I trembled beneath the weight of his declaration. Not because it was impossible, but because everything fell into place after it was said. My life and all that of my brothers and sisters, the support we gave to all the other Unorthodox Sects, and even the peace we now had with the Orthodox Sects. All of it was for being victorious even in during peace… something no other Heavenly Demon was able to achieve. “I have reached the pinnacle all the Heavenly Demons did, but now I reach for the Heavens that they could never reach!”

Father’s declaration resounded throughout the throne room.

None opposed him

None cheered.

But all present knew their place.

It was our duty to support him and see him rise past all our ancestors.

That was our purpose and none of us questioned it.

Father retook his seat and addressed me directly once more.

“They hunted a powerful, potent Demonic Beast that threatened their territory. You must do the same. Go to the southern desert. There is a beast there that plagues the spice merchants and has killed hundreds of capable warriors. Kill it and bring it to me.” I bowed my head and gave thanks for the information. When I rose to my feet, my forehead slick with blood, I felt something approaching me and I caught it swiftly. I almost knelt again when I found it to be an official seal of the Demonic Sect upon it. “Speak with the transportation corps. Coordinate with your allies to reach the southern desert, kill the creature by yourself, and return here within six weeks.”

“This one hears and obeys.” This was an honor. An honor that would normally earn me many glares from my siblings. They were all absent. I bowed to my father once again and for the briefest moment I thought that he deigned to nod at my words. “This one will do everything in her power to do as commanded.”

With those words, father reached his hand out towards his chief advisor, and took another letter.

I left with my mind awhirl.

The Demonic Sect will change with such a proclamation. About half of my brothers and sisters were marked already. They were strong, yes, but their strength was not needed on the path that father now pursued. Many of them will follow those sent to fight Demonic Beasts and never know anything more than that.

They will do everything in their power to avoid such a fate, including taking from those who father saw as integral to the future he envisioned.

I will need allies from my family and outside of it, if I am to weather this storm.

Most importantly, however, I needed to find someone who knew my 44th brother and could contact him.

He is now the most central piece at play.