Extended Family
After letting the two maids fuss over him for enough time, Jungkook slowly headed towards the main hall. He was late anyway, so why bother hurrying through the beautiful garden.
Eventually he did reach the main hall.
The rest of his extended family was already present, and seated in the hall. A seamstress and her apprentice stood at one side with loads of chests.
That's when Jungkook remembered that they were soon heading to the ancestral temple for their yearly visit and today they were supposed to choose their new clothes for the occasion.
Jungkook at least had the decency to look a little sheepish as he entered the main hall.
Jeon Jungkook (v7.0)
Greetings grandmother… I apologize for my late arrival…
He shot a quick apology as he took his seat. The character of 5th Young Master of Jeon was extremely arrogant and Jungkook did not want to break character so soon.
While his cousins and even the two aunts looked displeased at him, the old madam didn't seem to mind much, as she smiled genially at her grandson.
Old Madam Jeon
No need to apologize Jungkook-ah. Now let's quickly select the clothes, everyone.
Jungkook was a little surprised but didn't show much reaction on his face.
The seamstress, recognizing it was her time to shine, stepped forward and ordered her apprentice to hand out outfits one by one.
Jungkook watched with relative disinterest, sipping the warm tea and snatching more than a few pastries. The clothes were good, but the food was better.
After finishing the presentation of one chest, the seamstress paused.
Old Madam Jeon
Any of you like anything from this set?
Jeon Hoseok
I like the green and black one, grandmother. I'll have that.
Old Madam Jeon
All right then. And before you ask, yes you can go now. Honestly, this child has no patience.
Jeon Hoseok
Thank you grandmother.
The youngest Jeon, immediately ran out of the main hall. The boy who was only 15 years old, found much more interest in roaming outside than sitting in a room, choosing clothes.
Jungkook almost chuckled at the antics of the teenager. Somehow he felt that had this boy been living in his own world, Hoseok would have been a fan of pop music and escape rooms.
The seamstress gave the outfit to her apprentice to pack, while she began presenting the next chest of clothes, all for girls. So Jungkook lost even more interest and was grateful for the attendant that brought him a fresh plate of hot savory snacks.
Jeon Wonyoung
The peony pink is mine.
Jeon Da-ah
No one is snatching it sister, calm down… I'll have the sky blue with golden thread work.
The Jeon twins. Both sisters, from what Jungkook remembered, were popular beauties in the capital. But despite being 20, they were neither engaged, nor interested in looking at potential suitors. This decision of theirs was fully supported by the Lady Jeon, his own mother, and thus no one dared to do anything about it. After all, who wants a displeased military general at their back?
Jeon Wheein
The grass green for me, thank you.
Jungkook popped another fritter in his mouth.
Jeon Wheein. The eldest child of his aunt. When aunt's husband passed away, the in-laws refused to house the mother - daughter pair and chased them out. His grandfather brought them back and integrated them back into the Jeon family.
When the in-laws found out she had given birth to a son, they had tried to take her back, without the girl child. His grandfather had chased them away so bad, the entire family had to move out of capital to get away from the humiliation.
The seamstress took out the second last chest and pulled out the male outfits. Now Jungkook had no option but to watch carefully as he was the only one left to choose.
Looking at the boring colors, he longed for his all black closet back home. Finally, a gray and red outfit caught his eyes. Better than bright yellow, he thought.
Jeon Jungkook (v7.0)
I'll have that one.
Jeon Wonyoung
Why would you want such a dull color?
Jeon Jungkook (v7.0)
Isn't it a temple we are going to? I'll blend in better.
The girl gave him an incredulous look as if he was stupid, but didn't argue further.
Old Madam Jeon
All right now, choose a jewelry piece, and we can be done for today.
Jungkook looked better interested now. Accessories were his favorite part of dressing up. He looked eagerly as the seamstress pulled out the last chest.
She displayed all the pieces one by one, explaining their make and properties.
She paused only after finishing the explanation of all the items.
Jeon Wonyoung
Pearl earrings are mine.
Jeon Da-ah
I'll have the bracelet.
Jeon Wheein
Jade bangle for me. And that black pendant for Hoseok.
Jungkook vaguely heard his cousins choices. He spotted a surprising item, the phoenix tassel. He almost laughed. Of course, it was there.
Jeon Jungkook (v7.0)
I'll have that jade phoenix.
Everyone was dismissed from the hall almost immediately, old madam claiming she was too tired and wanted to rest.
Jungkook walked out leisurely and was amused to immediately find Hoseok in the garden, trying to catch something.
Jeon Jungkook (v7.0)
What are you upto now kid?
Jeon Hoseok
Hey! I'm not a kid!
Jeon Jungkook (v7.0)
All right, what are you upto small adult?
Jeon Hoseok
You're impossible! But anyway..I'm trying to catch that bunny!
Jeon Jungkook (v7.0)
Oh do you want to roast it?
Jeon Hoseok
What!?? Of course not!
Jeon Jungkook (v7.0)
Don't worry, *ruffled Hoseok's hair* I was just joking.
Jeon Wheein
Hoseok! What are you doing! Look how dirty you have gotten!
Jeon Jungkook (v7.0)
Let it be sister, he's still a kid.
Jeon Wheein
He's fifteen Jungkook. That's not a child. And you! Go finish your homework, I know you haven't done it yet.
The teenager looked betrayed but listened to his sister anyway, walking away with a wave at Jungkook.
Jeon Jungkook (v7.0)
Are you going to the restaurant now sister?
Wheein already started walking away before Jungkook could ask anything else.
Jungkook sighed. He had assumed from what he remembered happening in the game, that he didn't have a very good relationship with his cousins. Maybe that is the key to a good ending?
Thinking about a lot of nothings, Jungkook walked back to his own courtyard. He wondered when his parents and elder brother would be back from the borders. But that probably would take a few more months.
The trip to the ancestral temple would be in a week's time. And thus his parents or older brother won't be going with them of course. His uncle probably wouldn't either as he worked in the department of security and would not get a leave.
Once inside his room, Jungkook plopped on the piece of furniture he was going to call a couch. He picked up a book about the finance of the kingdom.
Always good to be aware of what place you live in.
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