Childhood Friend of the Zenith Novel MTL - Chapter 1111
Chapter 1111
My gaze met that of Namgung Hyung, who was seated on the ground chewing a carrot. His striking blue eyes and fine features were unmistakable.
He was undeniably handsome, with the signature white hair common to the Namgung lineage—but—
What was that expression?
Witnessing such a distinguished-looking man cross-legged on the floor, munching on a carrot, was a sight that defied easy description.
He carried an air of nobility, yet in this moment, it felt almost… undignified? It was difficult to articulate, but that was the impression I got.
«Ahem.»
Caught off guard by our sudden encounter, Namgung Hyung let out an uncomfortable cough. As he did, a small piece of carrot flew from his mouth.
«Hack, cough… wait, ahem…»
It appeared he was struggling to clear his throat, as if something was lodged there.
«……»
«Cough, cough… I need water, please.»
At his request, I picked up a water container nearby and passed it to him. He accepted it and drank deeply before finally—
«Whew…»
He released a long, relieved sigh, as though he’d narrowly escaped disaster.
«Ugh, that was too close. Ha ha ha.»
Scratching the back of his head, he looked genuinely embarrassed. A strained silence lingered until Hyun Soyeon broke it.
«It’s been some time, Young Master.»
«Young Master.» The address sounded oddly formal. Namgung Hyung rubbed his cheek as though it were a commonplace greeting.
«Indeed. How have you been, Sister?»
So, they were acquainted. They clearly shared some history.
«I’ve been well. But… it seems things may not be going as smoothly for you?»
The Namgung bloodline. What was a direct descendant doing in a place like this?
Seeing him on the floor, snacking on carrots, suggested his circumstances were less than ideal, and Hyun Soyeon had clearly noticed.
«Hahaha. Well, you know how it is—nighttime hunger is common, right? I just found my way here. You must be here for the same reason?»
«I suppose so.»
Hyun Soyeon nodded as if it were perfectly reasonable. What? How could she accept that so easily? I didn’t understand, but I chose not to question it further.
«So, Sister. Are you sneaking in again?»
At Namgung Hyung’s words, Hyun Soyeon cleared her throat softly.
The crucial detail was—
“Again?”
Namgung Hyung had said “again” when addressing Hyun Soyeon. That could only mean—
This wasn’t her first time.
I finally understood why Hyun Soyeon seemed so comfortable with the surroundings and the situation. She must have done this frequently.
What exactly had she been doing?
What kind of life was she leading?
The more I discovered, the more confused I became.
«Anyway…»
Hyun Soyeon swiftly attempted to steer the conversation away from the awkwardness.
«……It appears we’re both here for similar reasons. How shall we handle this?»
«Hahaha. Ah, no, no. That won’t be possible.»
In response to her question, Namgung Hyung slowly got to his feet.
Thud. Several bits of food fell from his clothing as he stood. At first, I assumed they were carrot pieces, but other things were mixed in as well.
What in the world had he been eating?
It wasn’t just carrots.
«Ah, damn…»
Namgung Hyung hurriedly brushed off his clothes. With every movement, more scraps tumbled to the floor.
How does one even eat so messily?
«Why won’t it work?»
Hyun Soyeon asked, completely ignoring Namgung Hyung’ disheveled state. He finished dusting himself off and answered.
«Well, as a direct descendant of the Namgung family, it’s natural I’d come to satisfy my hunger. But you aren’t, are you? There’s a slight issue of legitimacy.»
«Why not? I am also part of the Namgung family.»
«Heh, not officially, you’re not. Besides, our foolish older brother is pulling every string to ensure it stays that way.»
«His efforts don’t guarantee success.»
«True, but…»
Namgung Hyung offered a faint smile.
«It hasn’t happened yet, has it?»
«……»
«And besides, it isn’t only you here. Those two over there…»
Namgung Hyung hesitated briefly as he looked at me, then paused even longer upon seeing my mother standing beside me.
«……They aren’t tied to us by blood, are they?»
Tsk.
Hyun Soyeon clicked her tongue, momentarily speechless.
It seemed the discussion had reached a standstill. I was curious how Hyun Soyeon would respond.
«……What do you want?»
She finally asked with a sigh. At her words, Namgung Hyung’s smile widened, as if he’d been anticipating this.
«Ah, just as I thought. My future sister-in-law. You really do catch on quickly, don’t you?»
So, he wanted something.
What could it be? The moment I wondered, Namgung Hyung suddenly walked over to us. Then, without any hesitation—
«I’m certain you already know what I desire, future sister-in-law.»
«……»
«Don’t you?»
He spoke in a low, weighty tone, standing so close to Hyun Soyeon that their faces were nearly touching.
Huh?
What was this tension? Could it be…?
Forbidden love? Something along those lines?
The idea shot through my mind. Was this why Namgung Hyung had left the Namgung family and joined the Wudang Sect? Could it have been because of something like this?
Had he fallen for his brother’s woman? My attention locked onto him completely.
«……Oh.»
My mother, intrigued, let out a soft exclamation, but I quickly motioned for her to be silent.
Just then—
«Anyway…»
Hyun Soyeon shook her head, as if surrendering.
Then—
«I understand.»
This time, Hyun Soyeon stepped closer to Namgung Hyung and spoke.
«I’ll do as you wish. This time, as well.»
With a deft motion, she took hold of Namgung Hyung’s collar and uttered those words.
Wow.
Unconsciously, I covered my mouth in astonishment and watched.
Then, the outcome Namgung Hyung had been hoping for unfolded with Hyun Soyeon.
And, to my surprise, it actually happened.
**********
Sizzle.
The persistent heat. In a room growing steadily warmer, I sat at a table, my chin propped in my hand.
For some reason, I was observing someone with mild disapproval.
The person in question was Namgung Hyung, brimming with anticipation. He was staring toward the kitchen area, his eyes shining brightly.
Wondering what had him so excited, I followed his gaze to the kitchen.
Whoosh—!! Sizzle!
There, Hyun Soyeon was vigorously shaking a cast-iron pan over a roaring flame.
The heat was so intense that sweat beaded on her forehead, yet she paid it no mind, using her skilled hands to continue cooking.
«Oooh! Ooooh!»
«…….»
Meanwhile, my mother was watching with rapt admiration. I observed the scene with a sense of bewilderment.
What is this?
What kind of situation is this? Namgung Hyung said he wanted something, and Hyun Soyeon agreed.
Then, she immediately took up a pot and ingredients and began to cook.
She moved with such confidence, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
That was the current state of affairs.
«Here. It’s finished.»
It hadn’t taken long before a perfectly prepared dish was set before us.
«Let’s eat.»
The scent of the food filled the air. What kind of dish was this? It was unlike anything I’d seen before.
«Ugh…»
Namgung Hyung let out a contented groan as he dug in, spoon already in hand, eating with fervor.
His expression was one of pure bliss.
«This… this is it. This is what I’ve been craving…»
«…….»
He looked on the verge of tears. Just how good could it be?
I didn’t fully grasp the situation, but I took a bite.
Huh?
I was taken aback.
It’s good?
The taste was far better than I’d anticipated. The flavors spread across my palate as I chewed slowly, savoring each mouthful.
«It’s good, isn’t it?»
Hyun Soyeon remarked with a light smile.
«Yes. It’s truly delicious. But how is it so good…?»
I answered honestly. It was exceptionally tasty.
It might even rival dumplings.
«It’s a personal hobby. I enjoy creating and tasting various dishes… and the Young Master appears particularly fond of this one.»
«Thanks to you, I’m managing just fine.»
«……If I hadn’t been caught preparing it last time, it wouldn’t have caused such trouble.»
«Heh. It turned out beneficially for both of us, didn’t it?»
Hyun Soyeon laughed, brushing off the matter with a casual remark.
From their exchange, it was clear something similar had occurred before.
Namgung Hyung had secretly come here to eat, and on that prior occasion, Hyun Soyeon had also been covertly using another’s kitchen.
What strange individuals.
One was pilfering food from his own home, and the other was cooking in a kitchen that wasn’t hers.
A truly peculiar pair.
«See? People are meant to eat properly, after all.»
Namgung Hyung seemed utterly pleased, continuing to eat with great enthusiasm.
Had he been starving all day? Why would he need to sneak food like this?
He is a blood relative, after all.
I began to suspect he might not have been fed, but then—
Plop.
Something landed on my spoon.
«……?»
«This is also good. Try it.»
It was my mother. She had placed a side dish that Hyun Soyeon had brought for herself onto my spoon.
«Ah… Thank you. But, you really don’t have to—.»
«Quick, eat it.»
«…….»
I was momentarily taken aback, but my mother insisted I eat right away.
So, I did.
«Is it good?»
«Yes.»
«Really? Then try this as well.»
«…….»
Another morsel was placed on my spoon.
And then another.
This repeated four or five times.
«……I’m alright. You should have some instead. You mentioned you were hungry earlier.»
Noticing my mother hadn’t eaten much herself, I said this, and her eyes widened.
«Oh! You’re right? I should have eaten too.»
It seemed she had only just remembered she hadn’t eaten.
«What is it? Why? This is enjoyable.»
She chuckled softly and smiled, almost as if she hadn’t noticed.
«Still, watching you eat brings me joy. So, have a little more.»
«…….»
She said something peculiar.
Once again, food was placed on my spoon. I had little choice but to comply and eat.
Is this acceptable?
My mind was flooded with anxiety. I was worried.
Both Hyun Soyeon and Namgung Hyung… I hadn’t properly detected their presence earlier.
It seems my perception is dulled when I’m with my mother.
Because of that, I was concerned about whether it was safe to behave like this.
What if someone were to burst in, and I failed to sense them in time?
That could lead to serious trouble.
Lost in these thoughts, yet more food was placed on my spoon.
This time, I assumed it was my mother again.
Clack—!!
Abruptly, the door to the building swung open.
Everyone inside froze, becoming as still as statues.
The first thing to appear through the doorway was a pair of bloodshot eyes.
Eyes that seemed ready to burst into flame.
Hoo— Hoo—
Labored breathing echoed, and those crimson eyes scanned the room before settling on us.
Whoosh.
A wave of heat gently swept through the room, and with it, the owner of those eyes stepped into view.
Creeeak.
The person who entered the room was—
Father…?
It was my father.
His face was contorted in a grimace, his ragged breath seeking something until his focus landed squarely on my mother.
Ah.
He must have come searching for my mother.
«Cheolwoon?»
My mother spoke as their eyes met. In that instant, my father’s gaze sharpened and shifted to something else.
It was—
Hmm?
It was the spot where my mother had been feeding me.
«…….»
My father’s eyebrows twitched violently upon seeing that.
Comments for chapter "Chapter 1111"
MANGA DISCUSSION
Madara Info
Madara stands as a beacon for those desiring to craft a captivating online comic and manga reading platform on WordPress
For custom work request, please send email to wpstylish(at)gmail(dot)com