Eda, starting with attending meetings as an investor, delved deeper into the clan's affairs. Initially, she began by offering a few words in the meeting room. Although Jun had recognized her expertise during his time in Thousand Peaks, Eda was well-versed in interstellar and intra-stellar trade. Her experiences, ranging from improving existing business models to entering the black market, all gained firsthand alongside her master from Thousand Peaks to New Iran of United Mining, turned her into an expert in trade and related operations.

Of course, members of the Lee Clan were experts in their own right. However, Eda possessed various experiences not available to those who had lived confined to the East Ocean, allowing her to have a broader perspective.

"Considering sustainability, the export forecast model seems to be losing its feasibility. Not only that, given the tendencies of the veterans who participated in the Thousand Peaks War, there's a high likelihood of their opposition. They wield significant influence even within the Lumen Association, so perhaps adjusting to their preferences would be prudent. For instance..."

"United Mining is efficiently utilizing Lumen by eliminating the voice of the Lumen. Although it's a technology in the research phase that hasn't been disclosed yet, United Mining possesses it. Once that technology is unleashed, a significant shift will occur in the industrial structure. Considering this, the current investment model seems overly optimistic. How about tighten the figures a bit more..."

"The East Ocean is where resilient and honorable runners are sent to the stellar systems across the galaxy, right? We need to preserve that image. It's a kind of advertising. To illustrate..."

Initially skeptical, members of the Lee Clan gradually paid more attention to Eda's words as they began to make sense. With Jun's implicit support added to the mix, Eda, in her role as both a guest and investor of the clan, slowly became more integrated into the clan.

Some individuals, who were on the verge of going astray in their work, started to revere Lady Eda like a mentor, thanks to her guidance. This was even more pronounced in the East Ocean, where traditional mentor-mentee relationships still held significance.

A middle-aged bureaucrat approached Eda as she exited the meeting room. He was one of the individuals who had received criticism from Eda during the meeting that day. Although he outwardly appeared to be a fatherly figure to Eda, he humbly lowered his head and sought guidance.

"Lady Eda, thank you for today. I have some more questions; may I have a moment?"

"Of course. Let's talk over there."

"Thank you very much. Thanks to you, I continue to learn a lot today."

"Oh, don't mention it. I gain a lot from it too."

Regardless, there were also those who sought personal closeness with Eda. They were drawn more to her upright character than her abilities. Young individuals with fewer prejudices against witches were particularly inclined. Intrigued by the idea of being close to someone they considered ideally virtuous in the East Ocean, they approached Eda.

When Eda first entered the main residence of the Lee Clan, she observed the Lumen training facility in the garden. While she was carefully observing it, a female administrator approached her from behind and struck up a conversation. She was the owner of the computer that Eda had added twice the variables to during the clan's recovery estimation calculation task.

"Lady Eda! What are you doing here?"

"Oh, just, I was admiring these things. When will this facility be activated again? It's well-made."

"From what I've heard, they plan to resume training for young runners in three months. But more importantly, there's a new shipment of cosmetics from another stellar system that arrived at the store today. Would you like to go check it out together?"

"Huh? Cosmetics?"

"Yes. Lady Eda, your skin is beautiful, and your features are lovely. It seems like you don't wear makeup much. What a waste. I'll introduce you to my friends. Let's go together, come on!"

"Oh... I, um, I haven't really done more than basic makeup..."

"Then I'll teach you. The young clan master will probably like it too, right?"

"...Let's go."

And these women were also quite friendly with Remi. Whether Remi's small and cute appearance triggered their maternal instincts, there were times when they treated Remi like a child. They would often barge into Remi's room to vent their desires. It involved sitting Remi on their laps and playing while she grumbled about being busy studying, all while they coaxed her to take a break in their own way, with Remi in front of the computer, pondering and mumbling.

"Lady Remi, how can you be so cute?"

"Hey, I told you not to touch!"

"Look at these cheeks. They're so squishy. Lady Remi, would you try wearing these teddy bear pajamas?"

"I need to study. All of you, get out!"

Of course, Remi would protest loudly every time, expressing her annoyance. She was busy preparing for university entrance exams and found their interruptions irritating. However, she didn't seem to genuinely dislike those people. Jun, in particular, was the best at distinguishing that. He had experienced a time when Remi truly disliked him.

There were also those who found Eda challenging. Some harbored strong resentment against witches. However, the majority respected Eda as a benefactor of the clan. They understood, at least intellectually, that Eda had nothing to do with the war. Being a woman brought in by the young clan master Jun, they simply found Eda difficult to deal with, without harboring outright animosity towards her.

However, an extremely small number of individuals held dissenting opinions from the rest of the clan. While they acknowledged that Eda was a benefactor of the clan and that the clan owed her a debt, they firmly believed that they could not accept a witch as a member of the clan. Among them, Jang, a prominent figure in the clan who had shaved his head, was the vocal leader of this faction.

The second-in-command of the clan, Zhen, noticed this and continued to report to Jun.

"Jun, a group led by Jang has formed a small faction. They subtly express opposing views to what Lady Eda suggests. It's not a valid opposition; it seems to be opposition for the sake of opposition."

"...As long as they don't cross any lines, let's leave them be for now."

"Okay. I understand. I'll follow your lead."

Even with individuals like them, Jun was deeply concerned about how to handle them, given that they were members of the clan who needed to be accommodated. However, an opportunity to make a decision came surprisingly early.

After evening hours, when everyone had finished their work and it was time for relaxation, Jun sat in his chair, gazing at the evening sunset, lost in various thoughts. Suddenly, a knock on the door echoed.

"Young Clan Master, Head Officer Jang would like to have a meeting with you."

The guardian guarding the door informed Jun. Despite sensing an uneasy feeling, Jun allowed the person to enter. The door opened, and Jang walked in, bowing deeply. He held a file in his hand. As the door closed, Jang began to speak.

"Young Clan Master, I apologize for the late hour."

"It's fine. Please, have a seat. What can I help you with?"

"I would like to inquire about the upcoming marriage, Young Clan Master."

As Jang took a seat and began speaking, Jun, though maintaining a smile, raised his eyebrows imperceptibly, then calmly responded.

"The marriage?"

"Yes. Young Clan Master, as the day for you to officially become the clan master is approaching, wouldn't it be appropriate to rectify the foundation of the clan through marriage? After all, getting married is a way for a person to establish themselves and their surroundings correctly. Especially for the Young Clan Master who will lead the Lee Clan forward."

Jun responded to Jang's words with a smile that didn't falter outwardly but sighed internally, eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"Thank you for the wise suggestion. I will give that matter some careful consideration."

"I thought you might, so I've been looking for highly suitable women who would be a good match for the Young Clan Master."

Jang extended the file he was holding toward Jun. Jun accepted it and began flipping through the pages. Swish. The first thing that caught his eye was pictures of various women. Each one had a noticeable charm. Below the photos were details such as their background, age, external evaluations, and potential benefits for the Lee Clan. There were noble women from other East Ocean Clans, as well as daughters from noble families in other star systems and interstellar megacorps.

"When it comes to offer of marriage, I've selected households that would warmly receive the proposal, even if not, ones that would seriously consider it. Once the Young Clan Master gives approval, I'll do my best to push this forward. Each one comes from a prestigious family, and if the match is made, the Lee Clan will gain powerful alliances, and the Clan Master will find peace of mind."

"Haha."

Jun laughed as he closed the file.

Jun understood Jang's words. He was not wrong. However, he could never betray Eda, no matter what. No other woman could even be considered.

Jun returned the file to Jang and spoke, "I appreciate the proposal. I understand your intentions very well, and I deeply appreciate your love and dedication to our clan. However, I have my own thoughts on marriage. I would prefer not to discuss that matter further."

Jun politely refused while subtly conveying the message not to bring up this topic again. However, Jang didn't give up. Instead, he raised his voice and continued.

"Young Clan Master, if the offer of marriage is made..."

"I'm feeling a bit tired. I've planned to have a discussion with Eda shortly. Would it be alright if I take a short break alone until then?"

Even though Jun metaphorically ordered him to get out, Jang didn't back down. Instead, upon hearing the name of Eda, he pressed even harder.

"If you are concerned about Lady Eda, why not have her as a mistress? What good would it do to mix the blood of a witch into the Lee Clan's lineage? Moreover, Lady Eda is a disciple of the Red Grant, the woman who was the worst war machine. If you get involved with Lady Eda, who knows what kind of trouble we might encounter later."

At that point, Jun's face stiffened. In a voice so cold that it surprised even himself, he warned Jang.

"...Enough. Stop right there. If you insult Eda one more time, be prepared. I'll consider this the last time I heard such remarks."

Realizing what he had said, Jang was taken aback. He stood up, kneeled, and bowed his head towards Jun, apologizing.

"I, I misspoke. Young Clan Master, please forgive me..."

"Apologies should be directed to Eda, not me. And while we're at it, that little faction led by you. If you keep opposing Eda without proper reasons, I won't just stand by and watch. Leave."

Jang, bowing deeply, silently retreated from Jun's room. As the door closed, Jun placed his hand on his forehead and let out a deep sigh.

"Sorry, Eda. I didn't bring you here to hear such things..."

Jun rolled a thin recorder that recorded wispy witch's starsong in his hand. As he was about to play it, a knock echoed through the room.

"Young Clan Master. Lady Eda has arrived."

Startled, Jun raised his head. He hastily pocketed the recorder and replied with a stumbling voice, "Oh, um. You can come in."

The door opened, and Eda entered with a bottle in her hand, smiling. She gently placed a table and a chair in front of Jun, swaying her hair, and then put the bottle on the table. She took a seat and spoke to Jun while smiling, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"Jun. I bought this while hanging out with other clan members today. They said it looked of good quality. I don't know much about alcohol, but everyone said it's a precious one, so I wanted to try it with you. I also thought it would be nice if Remi could taste it, but Remi is busy with transfer preparations, so maybe later... Did something happen?"

Jun was smiling, managing his expression, but Eda sensed a subtle tension in his demeanor.

"Oh, nothing happened."

Jun tried to brush it off, but it didn't convince Eda.

"Something did happen. I saw Mr. Jang leaving your room like he was running away a while ago... If you want to talk about it, you can tell me. I'll listen to anything."

Eda relaxed the muscles around her eyes and stood up, approaching Jun. Placing her hand on his shoulder, she slightly leaned over, casting a shadow over his head. Jun avoided eye contact with her gaze.

"Ah, it's just…"

As Jun hesitated to speak, Eda continued.

"It doesn't matter if it's related to me. You can tell me. But if you still don't want to talk about it, I'll just go…"

Eda, as if respecting Jun's intentions, lifted her head, as if she would leave. However, Jun hurriedly began to speak.

"Oh, alright. It's, uh, just a moment ago..."

Eda listened to Jun's story attentively and nodded when he finished.

"I see. That explains it. No wonder some people seemed a bit strange."

Jun lowered his head, looking embarrassed.

"I'm really sorry. I promised to take care of you. I'll make sure such words won't be spoken again. And as for Jang, I'll properly punish him so that he doesn't casually make such remarks again..."

"No, it can't be like that. You've already issued a warning once as the leader. Don't easily overturn the decision you made. Besides, compared to the rumors I heard in Thousand Peaks, it's at a cute level."

Eda leaned her forehead against Jun's and spoke.

"Neverlasting paths... I'm so grateful that you brought me here, Jun. If I had stayed in Thousand Peaks, I might have become depressed all alone, stuck somewhere, and who knows what kind of trouble I would have caused by impulsively piloting a spaceship to get to the Phoenix. But thanks to you bringing me here, I was able to meet many people I wouldn't have met otherwise, help them, and become friends with them. Jun, don't belittle yourself. You've already given me so much."

As Eda finished speaking, the evening glow, which had been obscured by clouds beyond the window, began to illuminate the room as if the wind had scattered the clouds. The sunset's warm hues painted Eda's face. Looking into her brown eyes glowing in the evening color, Jun felt the thawing of the hesitation within him. Once again, he was reassured that, indeed, he couldn't imagine his life without Eda.

"...Thanks. I feel a bit better now."

Eda patted Jun's forehead and said with a wide smile, "That's a relief."

"But, the words you just said, it feels like I've heard them before..."

Eda looked momentarily embarrassed, then picked up the bottle on the table and continued, "Well... I don't know. Anyway, want to try this together?"

Jun smiled back and replied, "Sure, that sounds good."

/