Episode 886 Because You Are My Future In-Law
“Please give your daughter to me!”
A firm refusal came out of Geommugeuk’s words.
“I don’t want to!”
Geommugeuk asked calmly, as if he had already expected it.
“Why do you dislike it? Please tell me the reason.”
“Because you will surely make my daughter suffer.”
“I will absolutely not make her suffer.”
“I can’t believe it. It is obvious you will always be hanging out with the young leaders of the Murim Alliance and the Sadomaeng, and with the Demon Lords. You will make my daughter lonely every day.”
That problem wasn’t difficult.
“I will always take you with me whenever we go out. You saw that we went on a trip together recently, didn’t you? I enjoy going around with my daughter.”
“Still, I don’t want to!”
“Why do you not want to now?”
The reason for the rejection this time was not the sword dance.
“I don’t want to because of your father.”
“You mean you don’t want to because of my father?”
“How difficult would it be to serve the Heavenly Demon as a father-in-law? I do not want my daughter to walk such a hard path.”
“Your father truly cherishes and loves you. My father gave his permission immediately! He never opposed it like this! Besides, do you think being a father-in-law of the Heavenly Demon is an easy job?”
“So? Are you complaining that I am a father-in-law who nitpicks about this and that?”
Geommugeuk, who had suddenly choked up, waved his hand dismissively.
“No! That is not it.”
“Is it like, ‘She’s my adopted daughter, why are you being so strict?’”
“When did I ever say that?”
“No! I will never give my daughter to you, you arrogant bastard! Not until the day I die.”
Geommugeuk couldn’t hold back and shouted angrily.
“Let’s have a match like real men using our martial arts! If I win, you give me permission; otherwise, I will forfeit!”
Just then, a clicking sound was heard from the front.
“Are you really going to do that? You’re eliminated, you punk!”
The person standing in front of Geommugeuk was not Gwonma, but Hyeolcheondoma. Before going to Gwonma, he stopped by Hyeolcheondoma to practice how to obtain permission.
I sent her ahead because Ian had said she wanted to see her father first, and came to meet the Blood Heaven Demon.
The practical training was a failure.
The Blood Heaven Demon opposed it so realistically. He really turned one’s insides upside down.
“You fool, you have to endure whatever he says.”
“How can I endure it when he says he will oppose it to the death?”
“If I don’t endure it?”
“I’ll take Ian and run away in the middle of the night.”
“Your fist-fighting master will go after you to the ends of hell.”
Geommugeuk let out a long sigh and said.
“What should I do to get permission?”
Blood Heaven Demon also let out a sigh.
“You fool! How would I know when I have no children of my own?”
“But you have read a great many books.”
“How can one understand life well just because their study is spacious? Even if you read just one book, it becomes wisdom only when you live according to what you have read.”
“You said you are the smartest person around me! Please give me an answer right away!”
Then someone else said from the side.
“Young Master, I think it is important to first understand Demon Lord Kwon’s heart.”
She was Ilhwa Geomjon, tending to the flowers and trees in the garden right next to them. When Geom Mu-geuk came looking for Hyeolcheon Doma, she was tending to the garden here with Hyeolcheon Doma.
Master, you must be very upset, right?
Ilhwa Geomjon nodded at Geommugeuk’s question.
“Wouldn’t you agree? It hasn’t been that long since I adopted her as my daughter, and now a scrawny thief has come to steal her away. What would you do?”
Geommugeuk clenched his fist tightly, as if the mere thought of it was terrifying.
“If it were me, I would have beaten him half to death. No, I would have really killed him!”
“The Demon Lord Kwon’s resolve is likely even stronger, not weaker.”
Geommugeuk thought of Gwonma. Just by looking at his father, he could tell what kind of person that man of steel became once he gave his heart to someone.
“What should I do? Master, your fists have gotten stronger, so if I get hit, I could die.”
Blood Heaven Demon Slayer slyly chimed in and spoke.
“Notice the
horse doctor in advance. Tell him to prepare for when I fall into a coma.”
“This isn’t the time for jokes!” “You rascal, do you think they’d actually kill you? They’ll probably just give you a good beating and let it happen. You know, parents can’t always win against their own children.”
“It looks like I’ll have to unleash the Heavenly Demon Protection Technique to its absolute limit to survive for the first time in a while.”
Then, Ilhwa Geomjon asked discreetly.
“But why did you decide to get married?”
Blood Heaven Daoist also looked at Geom Mu-geuk with a curious expression.
Geom Mu-geuk answered honestly. What could he possibly not say to the two of them?
First of all, it’s because I like Ian.
On top of that, a decisive reason was added that made me want to try marriage itself.
“I want to become a father like yours, too.”
As the two Demon Lords had watched how the relationship between Geommugeuk and Geomwujin had evolved, they fully understood the meaning behind those words.
Ilhwa Geomjon thought of the child born to Geommugeuk and Ian.
“If it were your child, they would surely be born handsome and beautiful.”
And that’s not all. Her paternal grandfather is Cheonma, and her maternal grandfather is Gwonma. On top of that, her mother is the most beautiful woman in the world, her maternal family is the Northern Ice Palace, and to top it all off, her father is Geommugeuk?
And above all, what is waiting for that child is.
Since there are no child-bearing Demon Lords, he will grow up receiving plenty of love from them.
* * *
Ian came to his father first and told him that he had received a marriage proposal from Geom Mugeuk.
Gwonma was not particularly surprised by this astonishing news.
Did you expect this?
When she first became Gwonma’s adopted daughter, Geom Mugeuk teased her. He
said that because of that scary father-in-law, her marriage was over. At that time, Gwonma had said this.
Why don’t I just do it with you?
That seemingly joke has become reality and is now unfolding before our eyes.
After hearing the news that he had been proposed to, the first thing Gwonma asked was this.
“What is your intention?”
Ian hesitated for a moment before answering. He felt absolutely uneasy about delivering this news to his father. He had no idea how his father might be feeling right now.
I like it.
So Ian didn’t reveal even a quarter of that joy. Was that the reason?
I have only one concern.
After a brief pause, Kwonma spoke.
“Could it be that you only gave your permission because it was difficult to disobey the other person, the Young Sect Leader? Your true intentions are different.”
Ian knew exactly what his father was worried about.
“No, Father.”
She honestly expressed her feelings.
“I have liked that person for a long time, too.”
“Then that’s fine.”
“Are you giving your permission?”
Kwonma nodded.
If you like it, I like it too.
Kwon-ma was having new experiences through Ian. Although she was not a daughter he had raised from childhood, he was experiencing what it was like to be a parent. Now, he was also experiencing the gain of a son-in-law.
I know I am an unskilled father.
Kwonma conveyed his feelings to her in a way he usually did not.
“I don’t really know what to say to you at a time like this. However, I can tell you one thing for sure.”
Kwonma stared at Ian and said.
“No matter what anyone says, you are my daughter.”
Even though she was not his biological daughter and he had not raised her from a young age, Kwonma regarded Ian as his own daughter.
“If anyone makes you unhappy, I will not forgive even the Young Sect Leader. So, if you are having a hard time, tell your father anytime. Do not forget that your father is behind you.”
He was a martial arts master who could fight the entire martial arts world alone for the sake of his daughter.
Ian ran and embraced her father.
She had held back when Geom Mu-geuk proposed marriage, and she had held back when Geom Woo-jin gave his permission.
But at this moment, Ian could not hold back the tears flowing. Tears streamed down from her eyes.
“Yes, I will definitely tell my father.”
Kwonma patted his daughter’s back with his big hand.
“Daughter, never give up on your happiness, no matter the circumstances.”
* * *
Geom Mugeuk visited Donggwonmun.
Was it just my imagination? The place was empty, yet it felt heavier and more eerie than usual.
As if they had been waiting for the sword dance performance, all the Iron Fists of the Donggwon Sect had gathered in the training ground.
The way they stared at the Young Sect Leader without even greeting him was clearly hostile.
In the middle of them stood Gwonma with his arms crossed. His fearsome face was even more rigid than usual today. Ian stood a short distance away with his head bowed.
It was expected what kind of situation would unfold in the sword dance drama.
“I can’t just give my daughter away. If you beat me with your fists, I will allow the marriage.”
Will it really be possible to defeat the master with martial arts? Today, a tremendous thunderclap, never before heard, will erupt here.
Geommugeuk spoke loudly.
I would like to marry your daughter.
Geommugeuk’s voice rang out loudly.
At that, Gwonma’s stiff expression brightened up, and then…
“Has the son-in-law arrived?”
Just as the sword dance was in surprise.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Fireworks exploded from behind the building. Only
then did the Iron Fists standing all around relax their expressions and shout in unison.
“Congratulations, Young Master!”
They let out a shout of joy.
“Waaaaaaah!”
The Iron Fists rushed out at once to offer their congratulations to Geommugeuk. Since they had once been fellow students, they were on friendly terms, knowing each other’s faces and names.
“Congratulations.”
“Congratulations.”
Among them was Cheon So-hee, the next Kwonma and junior sister.
“Brother, congratulations.”
“How did this happen?”
Geom Mu-geuk asked in surprise at the situation, and Cheon So-hee was likewise shocked by the news of the marriage.
“That is what I should be asking. What happened, Brother!”
Geommugeuk looked at Gwonma and Ian far beyond the iron fists and gave a response mixed with a joke.
“All of this must be thanks to the late-night training session, right?”
Cheon So-hee smiled brightly, admitting it. After all, it was undoubtedly thanks to that group that she had become the successor to the Demon King.
After receiving congratulations from the Iron Fists, Geommugeuk walked toward Gwonma.
Master.
Gwonma strode out and patted Geommugeuk’s shoulder with his large hand.
“I’ve made a big decision.”
“Are you giving your permission?”
“Yes, I do.”
You mean Gwonma is giving his permission so readily? I even practiced in preparation for potential opposition!
My son-in-law has been living freely, but it looks like he has a road of hardship ahead of him.
“My son-in-law! That was a remark completely unbefitting of Gwonma. What on earth is wrong with you? Are you planning a surprise attack? Is this a trap?”
“Master, shouldn’t you be opposing this?”
Gwonma tilted his head and said.
“Why me? Becoming in-laws with the Cult Leader? Where else could you find such a glorious opportunity?”
That is true, though.
“Don’t you tell Ian that you’ll punish him if he misbehaves?”
This time too, Gwonma spoke with his eyes wide open.
“Are you trying to do something wrong?”
“No, it’s not that, but…”
“If you did something wrong, do you think the Cult Leader would just sit by? It wouldn’t come to me. Don’t you know the Cult Leader’s personality?”
There was one more thing Kwonma believed in.
“That turn might not even go to the Cult Leader.”
“What do you mean?”
“Even though that child looks kind and gentle, he’s not that easy to deal with. You know that, right?”
“No, I only know that he is kind and gentle.”
Geommugeuk looked at Ian along with Gwonma. Ian smiled and spoke.
I’m a soft-hearted and easygoing person.
At her words, Geom Mu-geuk flinched and looked at Gwon-ma, speaking.
“Surely there isn’t a side that I only see in houses I don’t know about, is there?”
Is there still a stage of transformation remaining, from here to Miss Lee, and then to Lady Lee?
“I don’t know why you willingly stepped onto this path of hardship, but please take good care of my daughter.”
“Now that you say that, I somehow feel like I want to back out.”
Only then did Gwonma raise his large fist in front of Geommugeuk’s face.
It’s already too late.
Gwonma and Geommugeuk smiled at each other. Geommugeuk was truly grateful that Gwonma had so readily and cheerfully given his permission.
Kwonma didn’t go out of his way to tell him to do well. He didn’t even ask him to promise to live for Ian for the rest of his life.
What use would it be to promise to do well here? If he couldn’t actually do it. If he were truly capable, he would do well even without a promise, and if he was incapable, he wouldn’t be able to do it even if he were beaten to death with this fist.
In Gwonma’s eyes, he is someone who can perform Geommugeuk better than anyone else.
In that case, it would be the wise choice for his daughter to welcome him with the utmost hospitality and rejoice in him.
Ian said to Kwonma.
“I will do better from now on.”
“I am fine, so treat your husband well.”
Kwonma looked at the two people standing side by side.
“I know that you are much smarter and wiser than I am. Don’t forget this feeling you have now, and live well.”
Geommugeuk could tell. Even if he let her go so willingly on the surface, how could his heart not be uneasy? How could he not be worried? How could he not feel regret? There must still be so many things he wanted to do with his daughter.
“Please do not think that I am letting Ian go. Just as I have gained another father, Master, you now have a son as well.”
A bright smile spread across Gwonma’s face. That fearsome face was filled with joy, at least for today.
“My daughter brought home the best son-in-law!”
At Gwonma’s resounding shout, the Iron Fists cheered. Their cheers echoed to the very end of the Heavenly Demon Cult.
* * *
That evening, Gwonma visited Geom Woo-jin’s quarters.
As if he had expected him to come, Geom Woo-jin had set a table with drinks and was waiting for him.
Take my drink first.
Geom Woo-jin poured a drink for Gwon-ma.
Please take good care of my wild son.
Gwonma, having received the drink, filled Geom Woo-jin’s glass.
I am an unworthy daughter, but I ask for your kind care.
And so, the two of them toasted and emptied their glasses.
“I gave my permission because the children liked it, but I’m not sure if this is right. How dare I become related to the Cult Leader through marriage?”
He was truly the embodiment of loyalty to Geom Woo-jin.
Geom Woo-jin smiled brightly as he looked at Gwon-ma.
I am glad that you are going to be my in-law.
Gwonma was deeply moved because he felt that it was not just empty words, but words spoken from the heart.
I am also very happy to be the cult leader.
Kwonma shared his honest feelings.
I apologize for saying this, but honestly, if the person set to be my son-in-law hadn’t been Mugeuk, I might have opposed this marriage.
Geom Woo-jin could guess how she felt. How could the position of the wife of the Young Leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult be nothing but good? She could be swept up in school politics and engulfed in all manner of conspiracies and dangers.
However, I was able to happily grant permission because of what the sword dance drama had shown so far.
Don’t you remember the old days?
Geom Woo-jin smiled at Gwon-ma’s question.
“Master, you held your wedding ceremony with such difficulty after going through that war-like ordeal; why are you granting permission so easily?”
Geom Woo-jin laughed and answered Kwon Ma’s joke.
“It would be fun to tease your son, but how could I possibly upset your daughter?”
“Thank you for granting your permission for this marriage.”
“Of course. She is your daughter.”
Geom Woo-jin did not hide his affection and trust for Gwonma.
“Here, in-law. Have another drink.”
“Thank you.”
“You should call me in-law, too.”
“Thank you… in-law.”
The two of them laughed out loud. It had been a very long time since the two of them had laughed so heartily together. It was a laugh that made them long for those days when they cried, laughed, got angry, and rejoiced, expressing their emotions to their hearts’ content.
Geom Woo-jin emptied his glass and said
I plan to hold a grand wedding this time.
