15. Tae

Yeah at that moment she was like a leader. I could see it. I was proud.


She had asked Grandfather to step down... with respect.


He was incensed. He didn't know what to say, I bet.


Here was his most loyal student, who no matter how bad he treated her had always just taken his training in her stride. Cause she needed to. For her incompetent little brother. Me.



Here she was, asking him to step down willingly. In a way that was both civil and reasonable.


"Before you speak," she addressed him. "Think about the consequences. If you want to speak, speak at a family assembly. Next week Friday. I have an announcement to make. Think carefully."


A vague threat, go Chae.  


She maintained a calm voice, part lullaby and part melodic. As sweet and innocent as a seraph.


"For the time being, it may be best that training is done according to the usual routine, I'll ask the adults to supervise. You can rest, grandfather, you must be tired."


While still attempting to be nice. What a tactician. I tried to conceal my smile.


And before Grandfather could gather his thoughts she turned her back on him and walked slow, confident but not arrogant steps, back to our house. I followed but didn't manage to look nearly as cool.


It wasn't a discussion, it was an announcement. An announcement that said she wasn't simply going to let things be. 


We were going to build our own legacy.