Ch.165Dinner – 3

How would someone react if a stranger suddenly called them “father-in-law”?

Some might get angry and ask if you’re crazy, while others might grumble about taking away their precious daughter.

Or, like Soohyun’s father, they might just laugh awkwardly in confusion.

“Ahaha… Well, I’m quite surprised to suddenly hear such words.”

What? Maybe he hasn’t heard any news from Korea?

If he doesn’t know how many times I’ve saved Soohyun…

“Come to think of it, I’ve heard about it. That you’re very close with Soohyun. I thought you were still getting to know each other, but seeing this, it seems things are already settled between you two.”

Settled…? To be honest, we never even had a proper conversation to begin with.

Soohyun was just extremely aggressive in her pursuit.

It would be more accurate to say I fell for it, and somehow things turned out this way.

To show that I’m half-joking and not completely serious,

I put on my brightest smile and take her father’s outstretched hand.

“Thank you, Arbiter.”

As soon as I take his hand, instead of shaking it, he bows his head deeply.

Now I’m the one who looks strange for trying to be casual. Hey! This makes the picture all wrong!

I went out of my way to call you “father-in-law” and now you do this?

“For everything, truly, thank you. As a parent, I’m only now properly greeting you.”

“Oh please. Why are you doing this? I’ve already received thanks from many people. If you keep this up, I’ll feel very uncomfortable, father-in-law.”

I joke again while glancing at Soohyun.

The reason I keep saying “father-in-law” and sabotaging myself? It’s all because of Soohyun.

Look at the strange atmosphere between father and daughter. It’s definitely not positive.

They don’t hate or despise each other, but there’s clearly an awkwardness between them.

Though the reason might be unavoidable, the result is plain to see.

In this situation, I thought it would be better to help ease Soohyun’s heart a little.

‘My openly calling him father-in-law is meant to firmly establish that he is your father. This way, Soohyun might try to repair the awkward relationship somewhat.’

If I’m calling him father-in-law, she can’t very well say “I don’t think of you as my dad.”

Unless their relationship was truly terrible—but it’s just awkward, which makes it all the more important.

My prediction wasn’t wrong. After I finished shaking hands with Soohyun’s father, she subtly approached.

“You came.”

She still isn’t making eye contact, but this is enough.

Her father seems to understand this too, as a small smile forms at the corners of his mouth.

“…Yes. I was too late again this time. I’m sorry, Soohyun.”

“It’s fine. You were always late. Dad.”

At Soohyun’s somewhat cold response, both her father and I flinched.

As expected of The Crimson Witch. Just drop the smile and lower your voice, and chills run down your spine.

“But I think you came a bit earlier this time.”

She doesn’t hide her resentment.

From her father’s perspective, it’s sad, but not incomprehensible.

When her mother passed away, when she was lonely, and through all sorts of hardships,

Soohyun’s father was never there. She was always alone.

Though Minseong Kang and other family members were there, only parents can fill the void left by parents.

However, her father—whether because of work or feeling unworthy—

kept traveling abroad, avoiding appearing before Soohyun.

Misunderstandings piled up this way, resulting in their current strained relationship.

‘Well, even so… there’s still potential for positive change.’

Even half of half the approach she shows toward me would be enough.

If Soohyun could do just that much, her father could feel less guilty.

Then their awkward father-daughter relationship would improve incomparably.

“What are you all doing there? I invited you for a meal. Everyone’s waiting.”

Hearing the voice from behind, I immediately turned and bowed.

“Chairman.”

“Welcome, Arbiter Seojin Baek. Or should I say, my granddaughter’s husband?”

“…You may call me whatever you prefer, but I would rather be called Arbiter.”

“Really? You were quick to call him father-in-law. I’m a bit hurt.”

What? Was that old man eavesdropping? I thought he just appeared.

It’s embarrassing, but not bad. Becoming part of this family is half true anyway.

Though some things still bother me, there’s no need to show it.

*

Minseong Kang, who had gone out to check on the real protagonists who hadn’t arrived yet, witnessed it all.

His still-awkward son-in-law and granddaughter.

And Seojin Baek, who read the room and suddenly called out “father-in-law!”

Seeing that scene, Minseong Kang couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

He was grateful. And quite impressed. Someone who cared about family like that.

Finding similarities to his own life philosophy, his estimation of Seojin Baek rose even higher.

‘Indeed, my judgment wasn’t wrong.’

His skills, his mindset, and even his perceptiveness in reading situations.

He recognized the strained relationship between his granddaughter and son-in-law and took action.

Deliberately calling him “father-in-law” was emphasizing their father-daughter relationship.

This gives Soohyun a reason to approach her father.

And if Kim Taejun’s daughter approaches first, he’ll find the courage to approach her too.

Even a tiny catalyst can play an important role in advancing their relationship.

‘Is it because of his background? It’s good to see how much he values family.’

With that thought, Minseong Kang led the three to the dining area.

His son and daughter-in-law, along with their children Dokyung and Jisu, were already there.

“Let me introduce you, Arbiter. These are my son and his wife, and my grandchildren, Dokyung and Jisu. You’re already acquainted with Dokyung and Jisu, right?”

“Yes. I remember them visiting me in the hospital.”

Before the meal, Seojin Baek bowed slightly and said:

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Seojin Baek.”

In response, those already seated also greeted him.

The meal continued in an excellent atmosphere.

Minseong Kang appropriately maintained the conversation, his son and daughter-in-law smoothly carried it forward,

and Seojin Baek, though a guest, responded with wit.

Meanwhile, Dokyung and Jisu suddenly asked him for a sparring match.

Their eyes sparkled so much that Seojin Baek was reminded of Hyunwoo Lee.

The fortunate difference was that they weren’t asking to do it every day like Hyunwoo?

Though the siblings’ mother tried to dissuade them during the meal, it was of little use.

Minseong Kang just smiled without seriously stopping his grandchildren.

Rather, he looked at Seojin Baek, subtly indicating that he should agree.

‘Yes. That’s what makes them true members of the Kang family. When they meet someone strong, they admire them eagerly and use it as motivation to push themselves harder.’

Originally, he or his son would be appropriate sparring partners.

But both he and his son had certain limitations.

Above all, their age meant they no longer had their prime superpowers.

In that respect, Seojin Baek was an incredibly attractive sparring partner for the two siblings.

An opponent they couldn’t defeat or even withstand despite their best efforts.

At the same time, as an Academy Arbiter, he had learned how to give opponents something to learn from—they would certainly gain much.

“Please, Arbiter.”

“Me too! I’m on leave until tomorrow, so if possible, please!”

“…Alright. Then I’ll visit again tomorrow…”

Seojin Baek was about to say, but seeing the reaction of the siblings across from him, he changed his words.

“…Rather than that, it would be better to do it today. After dinner, we’ll rest a bit and then I’ll spar with you two. Is that alright, Chairman?”

“Why are you asking me? That’s for the participants to decide. Don’t worry about the sparring. I have a training ground I always use, and it doesn’t matter if it gets damaged.”

Minseong Kang said this and then glanced at Soohyun Kim.

As he expected, his granddaughter’s expression had hardened slightly, showing displeasure.

She probably thought they were making Seojin Baek uncomfortable.

Tap tap—

He subtly tapped the table where Seojin Baek was sitting.

The perceptive Seojin Baek noticed he had something to say, and soon realized Minseong’s gaze was on Soohyun. He quickly extinguished the potential flame.

When he secretly took Soohyun’s hand to reassure her, the flame melted away completely.

As Soohyun’s expression completely relaxed, Minseong nodded, thinking, “Indeed.”

While he approved of many aspects, this was what he wanted to give the highest marks for.

His granddaughter was so happy with him—his inner wish was for their relationship to continue.

After the meal, Seojin Baek kept his promise and sparred with Dokyung and Jisu.

The result was, of course, Seojin Baek’s victory. The outcome was predetermined.

But both siblings were smiling as if they felt refreshed.

Anyone watching might have mistaken them for the winners, they were smiling so brightly.

Observing this, Minseong Kang greeted Seojin Baek as he came inside.

“You worked hard.”

“Not at all. I actually enjoyed it greatly. Your grandchildren are both exceptional talents, Chairman.”

“Of course. Whose grandchildren are they? Soohyun, Dokyung, Jisu—all of them.”

Minseong Kang, who had been laughing heartily, suddenly gave him a meaningful look.

“Who’s better?”

“Pardon?”

“Dokyung, Jisu, and Soohyun. All three are A-grade. Among them, who seems like the most outstanding A-grade? I’d like to hear Arbiter Seojin Baek’s assessment.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Seojin Baek answered:

“Soohyun is the best.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve given her the most consideration.”

His faith in Soohyun Kim, and simultaneously his confidence in himself.

Pleased with that answer, Minseong Kang decided to make another proposal.

“Listen, Arbiter Seojin Baek. Do it.”

“Do what, sir?”

“What else? Become my granddaughter’s husband.”

Though Rina Lee was a concern, he believed his granddaughter could certainly win.

With that belief, Minseong Kang once again urged Seojin Baek to accept.