The star of East Ocean, Taiyang, was sinking beyond the horizon. The sky gradually darkened, marking Eda's first dinner time by the East Ocean.
It was an East Ocean-style feast, but in consideration of Eda, there were also Thousand Peaks dishes served. Seated next to Jun at the large round table, Eda was accompanied by Zhen and several elders and high-ranking members of the Lee Clan. After a brief introduction of the people to Eda, the meal began.
In the midst of a conversation between Zhen and others, Jun's attention was momentarily caught by Eda. Seeing Eda attempting to eat Soup dumpling directly, Jun intervened.
"Wait. Eda, if you eat it like that, your mouth will get burned."
"Huh? It's not hot..."
"The dumpling skin on the outside may be cold, but there's hot broth inside. Let me show you."
Jun demonstrated the eating technique by placing the Soup dumpling on the spoon and piercing a hole to sip the broth first.
"See? This is how you eat it."
"Ah... I see. That's interesting."
"Let me do it for you."
Jun placed a Soup dumpling on Eda's spoon and used chopsticks to poke a hole. Neither Eda nor Jun noticed the focused attention of everyone around the table.
"Mmm, delicious!"
"Isn't it? This is what I missed the most."
Listening to the conversation between the two siblings, Zhen nodded quietly. Having resolved to unconditionally support his younger brother, he believed that whoever his brother chose to marry was not something he should interfere with. Whether the partner was a witch or anyone else, it was a matter for his younger brother, the future clan master, to decide. If Jun had decided, Zhen would simply support it. After all, it would be stranger if affection didn't develop when a man and a woman spent three years together during their prime.
Zhen murmured quietly, "Yes, Jun is at that age. Then, should I offer her that room...?"
Not only Zhen but also other elders and high-level members of the Lee Clan began to exchange whispers among themselves.
"The captain of the Red Chamber... I was wondering why she came all the way here to stay, but it seems it's because of the young clan master."
"Didn't you hear them mention family earlier? You should have noticed."
"But... I heard she's a witch. Is that okay...? She's a war machine."
"Whether she's a witch or not, that person is a benefactor of the Lee Clan. Be careful with your words. Besides, if she's the woman personally chosen by the young clan master, can we really object from our position?"
"...Hmm. Anyway, I'm concerned. A witch... originally, our plan was to arrange marriages with lady from the aristocracy of other star systems or from interstellar corporations."
"If the young clan master didn't like that plan from the start, there's no point. Don't speak thoughtlessly in front of the young clan master and the benefactor."
/
Late at night, guided by the Lee Clan maids, Eda moved to a room where she might stay for a while, perhaps even a long time. The maids were dressed in soft fabrics. The oriental classical-style maid uniforms wrapped around their bodies, giving an elegant feel. Harmonious embroidery in red and gray adorned the entire outfit, and delicate embroidery adorned the sleeves' ends. A richly styled waistband with neatly arranged makeup was tied around their waists. On their heads, small hairpins with the Lee Clan symbol securely held their hair in place.
Born as maids of the clan's main house, they were individuals who shared both the clan and fate. This was a memory Jun had shared with Eda, passing through her mind.
As the maids moved, they occasionally provided brief explanations about peculiar things, but Eda didn't pay much attention. The surroundings felt very unfamiliar to her. It was her first time entering an East Ocean-style building. When the maids opened the intricately painted door with courtesy, a spacious, warm ondol floor welcomed Eda.
It was an extremely spacious room. The first thing that caught her eye was a large bed that occupied an entire wall. The bed was large enough for five people to lie comfortably, and its corner pillar extended to the ceiling, allowing curtains to be drawn down, separating the bed from the rest of the room.
The walls of the room were adorned with rich traditional decorations of East Ocean. Lumen pottery, symbols of Taiyang, and characters intertwined with shadows adorned the walls, creating a serene atmosphere. In the center, a small wooden box was placed, showcasing sophisticated East Ocean traditional shadow play items. Around the wooden box, calligraphy with simple characters on white paper was laid out.
On one side of the room, a small tea set was arranged. Elaborately decorated traditional East Ocean teacups were neatly lined up. There was a small wooden table in another corner of the room, adorned with vibrant ceramics, flower vases, and sophisticated stationery items. However, it was noticeable that there were many empty spaces in between, indicating, as Eda unintentionally overheard during the move, that the clan's situation was not favorable.
"This is your room. Feel free to use anything inside comfortably. Originally, we should have detailed the facilities for the benefactor, but due to the late hour, we have no choice but to postpone it until tomorrow. Please forgive us for that."
"Oh, no... It's okay. Thank you for guiding me."
The male servant who followed placed Eda's crossbag down and stepped back. Eda took a step into the room, glanced around once more, and then asked,
"But it doesn't seem like a room suitable for one person. What kind of room is this?"
"This was the bedroom used by the previous Ladies of the House of the Lee Clan."
Bang!
Impulsively, Eda forcefully closed the door. Her face turned red, and she stood still for a moment in a daze. Soon, she regained her composure, opened the door slightly, and spoke to the maids who were waiting outside.
"Uh, I'm sorry... I'll take a rest alone for a bit."
"Yes, understood. We will attend to your bath and change of attire shortly."
Eda felt extremely overwhelmed and confused in the current situation. From being sold to the Witching Tower, facing the disdain of peers, and eventually being adopted by her master, to wandering the Thousand Peaks with the Red Chamber. Her living standards had never surpassed the average in Thousand Peaks. Despite discovering the Lumen Ziggurat and acquiring ownership of numerous caves, accumulating significant wealth, she had never spent much money and hadn't found a reason to elevate her lifestyle beyond necessity.
Already feeling uncertain about what to expect in this seemingly luxurious room, she secretly worried if they would break anything or make a mess. Now, being told that they would attend to her bath and change of attire, Eda felt an overwhelming sense of burden as being treated like a noble.
"Uh, I can bath by myself... Why are you doing this?"
"Honored Lady, Lord Zhen has instructed us to treat you with the same respect as the previous Ladies of the House of the Lee Clan. Beyond being a benefactor of the clan, you may eventually become the Lady of the House of the clan, so we were told to serve you without any inadequacy..."
Upon hearing those words, Eda felt an instant surge of embarrassment that seemed to reach to the tips of her hair. Still constrained by the limitations of the vocalizer clinging to her throat, she let out a scream.
"Get out, get out!"
Then, realizing what she had done, she immediately lowered her head and apologized.
"S-Sorry for screaming. Just give me the clothes to change, please..."
"Honored Lady, we..."
"Y-Yes, okay. I'm still not used to it here. So, for now, I want to be alone. It shouldn't be difficult for you if I'm left alone."
"...Yes, understood. If you need anything, please ring the bell in the room. We'll provide a brief overview of the room and then withdraw."
A maid who served as a representative explained to Eda how to use the wardrobe, turn the ondol floor on and off, and the layout of the bathroom. After placing down various clothing items, including sleepwear, she concluded with a farewell, saying, "I hope you have a comfortable night," and then stepped back.
"It seems like everyone here steps back..." Eda remarked to herself.
/
Splash. Eda's white hand rose above the water and then dropped back down. Along with the small ripples created by her hand, white flower petals swayed up and down. Simultaneously, a gentle fragrance wafted through the air. The sensory comfort stimulated Eda's tiredness to gradually dissipate.
Having entered the large bathtub alone, which was spacious enough for two people and appropriately sized for the room, Eda splashed water onto her face. The maids' words about it being the room used by the Lady of the House echoed in her mind. Eda's face grew increasingly red, not just because of the water temperature.
Memories continued to resurface. She recalled the events at the drinking party with Bones, something about marriage. Eda's face submerged beneath the water. Bubbling up, foam generated from her nose burst forth onto the surface. Her brain began to fiercely churn to understand her own situation.
'Yes, their reaction is expected. The heir of the clan, who was expelled and returned after three years, bringing a woman along—of course, they would think that way. Would it have been less awkward if I had come with Remi? And... though it's embarrassing, I didn't dislike it. Anyway, I may have to stay here for a while, so I should adapt to their ways while I'm here. It's still embarrassing, though... Hmm. My head feels foggy. Did I bathe for too long? Let's slowly get out. I need to sleep.'
After drying off and putting on the soft material of the nightgown, Eda didn't feel the usual sensation of wearing because it was so light and airy. She had been curious about sleeping in such attire, but surprisingly, the set that wrapped around her body like wings was quite comfortable. Moreover, after a day filled with unfamiliar experiences, Eda quickly succumbed to drowsiness.
At that moment, Jun was confirming his ownership of caves. Although he would need to talk to the clan's high-tier members the next day, he couldn't help but think that with this, he might be able to restore the clan's honor and prosperity. Jun checked the partial rights of cave lists and the associated profits several times.
Jun rubbed his forehead. His head hurt. Perhaps it was due to some slight anxiety.
Taking out the recorder from his crossbag, Jun played Eda's Starsong, the melody she had recorded. Then, he played the Wispy witch's satasong who had saved him several times.
Feeling somewhat uplifted just by listening, Jun chuckled lightly and prepared to go to bed. Tomorrow was going to be very busy.
/
Before dawn, Jun knelt at the Lee Clan's burial site, lighting a match. Then, lit a incense containing a trace amount of Lumen.
Inside the burial site were stone seats and altars prepared to honor the ancestors. The exquisite stone seats made of Lumen-infused marble displayed the names of the ancestors. Around the seats were photos of the ancestors and preparations for the ritual. However, in front of Jun now was just a simple incense burner. It seemed that there was no electricity connected, and everything was illuminated by candlelight.
The incense burner, containing the traditional fragrance of the East Ocean, caught fire. As the incense burned, a fragrance reminiscent of tobacco or perfume diffused into the air. Although the deceased's body and remains had returned to the star of the East Ocean, Taiyang. According to the belief in the East Ocean, they believed that they could be connected to their ancestors and themselves through the ancestors' stone seats and Lumen incense burner during the funeral ceremony.
Behind Jun, including Zhen, everyone residing in the mansion had their hands on their navels, eyes closed. Eda, still a guest, was waiting outside the burial site. Everyone was dressed in white, and although Eda did not enter the burial site, she wore a white funeral dress as a courtesy.
Jun looked at the newly inscribed name at the bottom of the stone seat. Shen Lee. His father's name. After a moment of silence, Jun closed his eyes and spoke calmly.
"Could you all step outside for a moment? And please call Eda from outside. When she comes in, close the door."
Some members looked at Jun suddenly as if in protest, but as Zhen lowered his head and silently left, the others followed suit and exited the burial site.
Tick-tock, tick-tock.
Thud.
As the careful footsteps and the sound of the door closing were heard, Jun opened his eyes and turned his head. Eda, standing five steps behind, had an expression as if asking if it was okay for her to be here.
"Eda, you know the funeral eulogy for Taiyang, right? Like you did during the Kay's ceremony. It would be nice if you could do it once again."
"Me? Well, I certainly know how, but is it okay?"
"Yeah. The official funeral procedures should have already been completed, but it would still be nice if you do it again."
Eda nodded at his words, then approached Jun and closed her eyes, starting to chant.
After quietly singing the starsong, Eda began the funeral eulogy. The ancient melodies in her voice spread throughout every corner of Lee Clan's burial site.
"By Taiyang's mercy, the casket is sealed and now returning to the star."
As he listened attentively to her words, Jun recalled the moment when he escaped from East Ocean with Kay. Back then, trying to flee, they were obstructed by Jun's father, Shen.
"May Lumen guide the spirit of Shen Lee, to be greeted by the radiance of East Ocean upon his return."
Despite coming to prevent their escape, Shen was alone, with no one accompanying him. Was he confident that they wouldn't resort to violence or simply just run for their life? Or perhaps, did he want to see his son one more time before Jun left on a journey to reclaim honor? Despite Shen's attempts to persuade Kay with words, he eventually just let the two of them go.
In response to Eda's starsong, the small Lumen in the vicinity seemed to react. Floating gently in the air, the Lumen emitted a soft glow, briefly illuminating the room before dissipating into the atmosphere.
'Clan Master.'
Jun silently vowed.
'I will definitely revive the clan.'
At that moment, outside among the waiting Lee Clan members, various murmurs and discussions were taking place.
The Lee Clan elder and the young administrator were engaged in a quiet conversation.
"You weren't present at the dinner last night, were you?"
"Yes, sir. But I heard about it. The next clan master and the Red Chamber's captain seemed quite close..."
"The next clan master took that person into the burial ground. Do you understand the significance of that?"
"Hmm. Indeed, Lee Clan owes her an immeasurable debt. However... it bothers me that she is a witch."
"I'm not ignorant of what you're saying, but she couldn't have participated in the war at her age. She said she's 24 now, and as far as I know, by the time she could have officially become a witch and joined the United Mining support vessel, the war was already over. I'm well aware of the resentment towards witches among the Oceaners, but let's not make hasty generalizations. Also, as you know, she is our benefactor before she is a witch. Don't spread unnecessary rumors elsewhere. "
The middle-aged man with a shaved head, who had expressed reluctance about the witch during the dinner the night before, engaged in a small conversation with a woman who seemed to be of a similar age.
"Bringing a witch into that sacred place is hard to accept."
"That's right. I mean, why did she follow the young clan master here all of a sudden?"
"What are you talking about?"
"She does have a fair appearance. You never know, luring our young clan master, who had no experience with women..."
At that moment, Zhen, who had approached unnoticed, opened his eyes wide and stared at the two.
"What are you two muttering about? Don't you know that even though it's informal, the funeral is underway right now?"
"What, uh. Lord Zhen, we were just..."
"And, if I hear any more insults toward the guest, I won't stay quiet."
The middle-aged man and the woman closed their mouths instantly. Zhen returned to his place, keeping those two in his memory.
/
The meeting hall of the Lee Clan headquarters, where the clan's direction is determined. The spacious hall, capable of accommodating numerous individuals, had the symbol of Taiyang prominently engraved on the ceiling, with bright white lights embedded in the eye section. This served as a symbol that everything under Taiyang's gaze was proceeding honorably. Taiyang's gaze overlooked both the hoof-shaped table and the rectangular table.
Seated closely together around the large hoof-shaped table were the high-ranking members of the Lee Clan, their faces displaying tension. Some wiped away cold sweat with handkerchiefs, while others drank water continuously, their throats parched from nervousness. Lower-ranking officials who couldn't find seats stood anxiously, gulping down saliva. Most had furrowed brows as they fixed their gaze on the central part of the hoof-shaped table.
Even Jun, seated at the head of the hoof-shaped table, was not exempt from the general atmosphere. With folded hands before his mouth, he stared straight ahead. However, compared to other clan members, Jun didn't show visible signs of agitation. Knowing that if the leader showed anxiety, the followers would follow suit, Jun kept his tension concealed.
In front of Jun, at the central part of the hoof-shaped table, a large screen was suspended from the ceiling. The screen displayed rapidly changing content, including numbers, graphs, tables, stock prices, and various other data, fiercely asserting its presence second by second.
Administrators were seated around the rectangular table, separate from the hoof-shaped table. Leaning over their computers, they furiously typed away, their hands moving at an invisible speed as they ran various programs. The white light from the monitor screens illuminated their faces.
Currently, they were estimating the value of the mining rights that Jun had acquired and finding the optimal solution for how quickly and how much they could recover the clan. Considering factors such as the influences of various factions in Thousand Peaks and East Ocean, market fluctuations, the clan's debt situation, interest rates, and accounting for all possible errors, the calculation time was longer than initially thought.
While it might be suggested to gradually revive everything, the Lee Clan was dangerously close to an irrecoverable threshold. As a result, everyone was striving to find faster results even for the same level of recovery. Given that the clan's top minds were involved in the task, there was no room for haste, and everyone quietly observed. The sound of rapid typing echoed incessantly from the rectangular table, drowning out any other noise. In the stillness, only the rhythmic tapping of keys filled the meeting room.
One of the officials standing glanced at the clock. It felt like an hour had passed since the last check, but only 5 minutes had gone by. The official, monitoring information updated in seconds, felt an unusually slow passage of time today.
Then, the last sound of the "Enter" key echoed, and the administrators in front of their computers wiped away sweat. Simultaneously, the results appeared on the screen in front of Jun. Expectations and anxieties crossed paths as the administrators' eyes moved towards the results, maintaining silence until the very end.
The comprehensive result displayed, taking all the data into account, was fortunately optimistic. It was just barely enough to revert the clan to its state two years ago before crossing the irrecoverable threshold. This held true even with considerations for possible errors. A collective sigh of relief escaped from everyone. While there was no guarantee of absolute accuracy in the calculations, it still brought significant comfort to all.
Jun shared a similar sentiment. In truth, he harbored some anxiety deep within. What if it falls short? However, even with the results being a bit precarious, he believed that the effort could overcome that challenge.
At that moment, Eda, who had been quietly observing from a distance, stood up. As a guest, she refrained from interfering in the affairs, but in her view, introducing just one more variable could significantly improve the situation. Eda took a step forward, feeling a slight tremor.
Amidst the clan members sighing in relief, Eda quietly walked to Jun's side and whispered into his ear.
"What?!"
Startled, Jun turned to look, and in that brief moment, Eda swiftly moved towards the rectangular table. She politely excused herself to the woman sitting in front of the computer, who was catching her breath.
"Just a moment, I'll add one more variable."
"Pardon?"
As the administrative woman pondered what this mysterious benefactor was suddenly saying to her, Eda quickly entered a simple additional variable.
Thunk.
As Eda pressed the Enter key, the screen in front of Jun, which had been still, started to fiercely update again, revealing an entirely different outcome. It was still optimistic, but unlike the precarious result a moment ago, this one was remarkably generous.
"...?"
Everyone in the meeting room, except for Jun and Eda, couldn't follow the sudden change and stared dumbfoundedly at the screen. The variable Eda added was simple: she multiplied Jun's mining rights by 2. With resources doubled, all calculations proceeded much more generously.
"Eda, what are you doing!"
Jun exclaimed, rising to his feet. He had heard Eda's whispered words to him just moments ago. She explained,
"Jun, we divided the rights to all the caves we found into thirds, right? Take mine. That way, your share will be twice as much, and it will be much better for you."
Amidst the confusion of everyone except Jun and Eda, Zhen vaguely sensed what was happening. He exchanged glances with his brother, and through eye contact, Jun ordered Zhen to accompany everyone outside for a moment. Zhen nodded, clapped his hands to gather attention, and addressed everyone.
"Everyone, let's take a short break. Everyone except the young clan master and our guest, please go out and have at least a drink."
Those who were quick on the uptake understood that Jun had given Zhen an order, and Zhen was carrying it out. Even those who didn't catch on were ushered out by others, and in an instant, the spacious meeting room emptied. Zhen nodded to Jun, closed the meeting room door for the last time, and left.
Thunk.
With the sound of the door closing, stillness settled in the room.