7

Eunha, after leaving the estate, glanced back with a puzzled expression. The events that had transpired inside felt unreal, as if it was all a dream.

It wasn't just a mere hundred nyang or a thousand nyang, but an exorbitant sum beyond imagination. Who knows, perhaps those who had it in for her were testing how much money she would reveal. It was possible they might change their tune and speak differently if she returned tomorrow.

She slapped her flushed cheek with both hands. Startled, the bookstore owner walking beside her turned around.

"Have you lost your mind? Why are you hitting your cheek?"

"I'm trying to snap out of it because it doesn't feel real."

"Heh, why? Have you fallen for the master's charms too?"

"What? Charms? It's not that, it's because of the money. I'm charging too much, I can't believe it."

Eunha rubbed her stinging cheek and walked on, looking troubled. Seeing her expression, the owner nodded sympathetically.

"So that's how it is? Well, I've received my fair share as well. But let's not blindly trust. It's not good for the body even if the hand holds too much sweetness."

"Yes, you're right. That's why I'm trying to snap out of it. I'm afraid of going too far."

Her resigned smile was as soft as winter snowflakes. Mr. Song, the owner, glanced back at the estate and mulled over the words he had heard in the hallway.

"The owner of that house must have had his reasons for abdicating."

Indeed, though now he was a retired prince, Seo Ji-hak, as the only son among four born to a concubine, had received ample favor from the king as a legitimate heir.

But after the concubine's death and his wife became the mistress of the household, the royal court was in turmoil. It was a long and arduous struggle. As the factional disputes grew, it was the ordinary people who bore the brunt of the suffering.

However, everyone thought the prince would hold his position and ascend to the throne. But to become a retired prince and retire to the countryside without a whisper of rumor... They hadn't even imagined such a thing would happen.

Having a keen interest in politics and debates, Mr. Song was well-versed in the ways of the world thanks to his attention to the news spreading in the capital.

To think such a fearsome figure desires Eunha...

The owner couldn't shake off a sense of impending danger, as if he had been entangled in something perilous. Yet, it seemed he couldn't bring himself to tell Eunha about this fact.

If she were to miss the opportunity to rescue his sister from the miracle with unwarranted interference, how could she bear the resentment?

With lowered head, Mr. Song extended a pouch of colorful medicine he had picked up while waiting in the hallway to Eunha.

"It's incredibly sweet, with a taste you've never experienced before. You should try some too."

Eunha's face lit up instantly upon seeing the delicacy wrapped in a cloth.

"Thank you, sir. If things go well, I'll be sure to repay your kindness generously. I won't ever forget your help. I'm really, really grateful."

Though touched by the affectionate and lovely smile of the child, the owner brushed it off with a laugh.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

When Eunha returned to the sickroom with the medicine, Yongi's fever had somewhat subsided. Despite all efforts, the fever wouldn't go down, so Chunhee carried Yongi, cooling her body in a tub to lower the temperature. Everyone was relieved to see her, who had been wandering in a daze, finally coming to her senses after receiving the baptism of water.

Eunha gently placed the medicine and sweet treats she had brought in front of her weak sister.

"Sister, this medicine was personally prepared by Doctor Seo. He said you seemed quite dizzy. Let's take the medicine quickly and have some treats too. Oh, this one is from the bookstore owner."

"They look exquisite... Thank you, Eunha."

"Are you feeling better?"

Eunha expressed concern as she touched Yongi's forehead. Yongi swallowed the medicine and shared the treats with Eunha. Chewing on the treats her sister offered, Eunha pondered where to begin explaining today's events.

She was afraid that telling about her job as jongisu would only make her sister feel worse, yet she worried that not speaking up might lead to disappointment and anger later on.

As she mulled over it until the sweet and savory taste disappeared from her mouth, Eunha decided it was better to deal with the consequences later.

"Sister, I'm working with the bookstore owner."

At her words, Yongi's long eyelashes fluttered, and Eunha's face reflected in her clear eyes. Their attire differed, but they truly shared a similar face.

"What kind of work are you doing with Mr. Song?"

"Mr. Song's relative from afar transcribes books written in western language. That's why there were so many transcribed copies of ancient books at his place. But lately, they've been short of hands. Since the originals are so valuable and can't be taken out, they asked for someone to come in person. People who can read and write the western language aren't common, you know."

Eunha was surprised at how smoothly the lies flowed. Moreover, seeing Yongi's pleased expression instead of suspicion, she gently stroked Eunha's cheek, perhaps because she didn't shake or tremble.

"Thank goodness, that's fortunate. It seems the owner holds you in high regard."

"Well, I'm good at what I do."

"That's true. You're quite clever. Now I feel a bit relieved. Ah, I can finally relax."

Yongi sighed with relief and brushed off her chest. Eunha, seeing Young's relieved expression, also felt a sense of relief. Although she had lied, thinking it was for her sister's sake brought her some comfort.

Perhaps it would be better to visit once every two weeks instead...

Since most of her attire consisted of men's clothing, her luggage was minimal. After packing her cherished inkstone, brushes, and paper, she felt an empty feeling in the room.

Lastly, she took out the money box hidden in the wardrobe and sealed it with wax to prevent anyone from opening it. Satisfied, Eunha finally lay down next to her tired sister.

Tomorrow, she would have to face the frightening master again. But they say that even frightening things become familiar if you see them often. So if she saw the master's face more frequently, she might become less afraid.

With a determined heart, Eunha slipped into the warm embrace of the blankets and hugged the warm Yongi. Belatedly, she felt a pang of sadness at the thought of being separated for a while.

Usually fearless like a forest ranger, but standing in front of her sister, she felt like a child. Eunha nestled into Yongi's arms, closing her eyes tightly.

Tonight, the night felt unusually short.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

"You can't. Madame didn't allow it, so you can't leave the quarters from today onwards."

Early in the morning, as Eunha attempted to leave the quarters with the bookstore owner who had come to fetch her, the guards blocked her way. Mr. Song, with a bewildered expression, scanned the guards up and down, his face contorted.

"What's the matter with you all? She's not a kisaeng. Why are you acting like this?"

"Old man, don't interfere. We only follow Madame orders."

"Oh, come on, something must have gone wrong. It doesn't make sense! How can you treat this child like a kisaeng?"

Eunha, usually intimidating the guards with just a look, pondered deeply how things had come to this.

Unless there's a special reason, Madame has never even spared her a glance. Naturally, she's never scolded Eunha for anything she has done. Except for when she returned late from studying western language with Yoon Doryeong. Then, Eunha had to endure Madame's piercing gaze. She knew the reason, but she didn't want to stop studying just because Madame was intimidating. So, she never flinched.

But why suddenly deploy guards to block her way like this?

"Sir, please just go back for now. Could you ask the master for a little more time? At least until tomorrow."

"W-well then. I-I've never encountered such rudeness in all my life! You'll regret this!"

The guards blocking the way seemed uninterested in Mr. Song's outburst, staring into the distance as if they had no care. After an uncomfortable pause, Mr. Song left first, and not long after, Yongi appeared.

With a stern expression upon belatedly learning the situation, Yongi approached and addressed the guards blocking Eunha.

"What is the meaning of this? How dare you stop my sister. Did Madame order this?"

"Yes. It's Madame's order. So if you have any complaints, take them up with Madame."

"Huh, acting like a bunch of thugs. Eunha, just wait here for a moment. I'll go see Madame."

Somehow, it seemed best to remain silent for now. Yongi might have a bit of insight into why her sister suddenly tried to send her away, or why she cried so much every night.

Perhaps Madame had ordered the guards to block her path because she was displeased with something. There could only be one reason.

"No need to search hard. I'm right here."

Just as Yongi was about to turn away, Simdeok's voice rang out. The guards bowed at his command, and Eunha and Yongi faced Madame with stern faces.

"How can you do this, Madame! Are you really going to go this far?"

Yongi's sharp jab made Simdeok smirk as she approached and stood before Eunha. Eunha didn't avoid his scrutinizing gaze. A faint glint of disdain flickered in Simdeok's eyes. Despite not having ascended to the position of a magistrate and still living as a commoner, Simdeok's power and wealth were no less than any nobleman's.

"Even if you wear men's clothes, that delicate face of yours can't be hidden."

Eunha bit her lip and retorted coldly.

"Thank you for your words, but I don't plan on living off my looks."

"Living off your looks... Eunha, your sister is a commoner, but how is it that you're not? Are there any non-commoners here? Do you think it's just your fortune to eat warm meals and live comfortably with the support of your quarters?"

Eunha tightened her gaze without responding to the chillingly elegant tone. Simdeok, with a calm smile, turned to the guards and said.

"She's a stubborn one, it might be best to detain her for a while. I can't just let her meet Yoon Doryeong on a day like today."

As Yongi, about to shout, stopped, Eunha spoke imploringly.

"Madame, you seem to have misunderstood. I'm not going to see Doryeong. I'm going far away for work!"

Madame snorted, her expression disdainful at the mention of work.

"I'm tired of your lies. If Yoon Doryeong can't be detained, then you will be. Since your sister stubbornly refused my proposal, I have no other choice. If you're a child who feels no shame in front of men, you'll adapt quickly. Now, what are you waiting for? Take her away immediately."