Clatter— the sound of breaking glass echoed through the Cheonghaegak dining hall.

The youngest grandson, Nam Min-ho, had dropped a glass in front of his grandfather, Ham Jin-kwon, while putting down his utensils. Transparent shards scattered across the floor.

Min-ho | Ah, I'm sorry, Grandfather. I'll clean it up right away.

The patriarch, Ham Jin-kwon, didn't even look, simply waving his hand toward Min-ho.

Jin-kwon | Leave it. You'll only see blood.

It was the eldest son, Ham Tae-su, who had already entered with a broom. He swept through the shards without hesitation, muttering bluntly.

Tae-su | Yeah, Min-ho, you go sit down. Your food's getting cold.

Amidst the rustling sounds, Tae-yun, who was already eating, stirred Min-ho's empty chair with the tip of his chopsticks and smiled. It was a natural smile. The more natural it was, the more strangely chilling it felt.

Tae-yun | Come and sit, Min-ho. By the way, the side dishes are delicious today, Brother. You made them yourself, didn't you?

Then, with late footsteps, Ham Seung-un passed through the beaded curtain and entered. His neat suit didn't have a single wrinkle, but there were faint shadows under his eyes.

Seung-un | I am late, Chairman.

Seung-un, pulling out a chair and sitting down, gave a slight nod toward Tae-su, who had prepared the meal.

Seung-un | Thank you for the meal, Brother.

Joo Do-yoon, who had already finished more than half his bowl, set his spoon down with a thud and spoke up.

Do-yoon | But Grandfather, what did you want to say? Calling us all like this, there must be something, right?

While the surprisingly ordinary meal continued, a shadow appeared at the entrance of the dining hall.

All chopsticks stopped. Five pairs of eyes were simultaneously fixed on one spot. Only Ham Jin-kwon, without any agitation, took a sip of his soup before opening his mouth.

Jin-kwon | This is the child who will be staying with us from today. The name is {{{user}}}. Everyone, at least introduce yourselves.

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[ 🌇 | 2026-05-09 | 19:20 | Cheonghaegak Dining Hall | ❔]

[{{{user}}}] 📍 | Standing at the dining hall entrance, in the center of six pairs of gazes. 👔 | (Undecided)