“Why is that old lady acting up again?”
I watched Muwol Satae from a distance.
She had co over, exchanged greetings with once, and then suddenly asked that.
‘Young Master Seojin. Surely you’re not thinking of finding a partner? You’re at the age to get married now.’
‘...Well, I’ve got one.’
‘Is that so. Then this old nun will have to put in so effort. I’m grateful to see you getting along so well with our Wol-i.’
And then she started wandering around Ei Mountain village, talking endlessly about .
‘Yes, don’t you worry. I’ll definitely protect Ei Mountain. By the way, how old is your second daughter again? Nineteen... She’s of marriageable age. I hear Young Master Seojin is... Yes? That’s right, the Leather Room owner. Ah, yes. Indeed. Doesn’t getting wealthy like that an he has talent?’
‘His looks are quite outstanding too, wouldn’t you say? Why dwell on the past? What sin has a growing young man committed? More than anything, isn’t it surprising that he’s been recognized by Elder Fang Biyeon for his own talents? He’s a young man who can do anything.’
‘Really? That’s great news. Then why don’t you arrange a eting by talking to Young Master Seojin. Leave the rest to the two of them...’
It went on and on.
It felt just like she was playing matchmaker.
I wondered what wind had blown through the nun’s sails to make her act like this...
“The atmosphere got heavy after the Namgung business, so maybe she’s trying to lighten it up?”
Uncle Machildeok ventured a guess.
“Any reason for that? Ei Mountain’s reaction was pretty lukewarm.”
“Eh, everyone’s probably anxious deep down.”
“...Doesn’t feel like it, though.”
I couldn’t figure out what had gotten into that old lady... but on the other hand, I didn’t exactly hate it.
Every ti Muwol Satae went from house to house, openly ntioning won who could be connected to , I spotted girls shyly hiding behind their mothers or fathers.
And whenever my eyes t those girls’, a faint, fluttering vibe arose.
Was this what a flirtation felt like?
It was a bit embarrassing, but I didn’t really dislike it.
It’s not like I hated soone quietly wiping my nose while I sat there—it just made wonder why.
Unbidden, thoughts of first nights with them crept in, nas for our kids, them as grandmothers, monts playing with our grandkids...
A sly smile crept onto my face.
“...Smiling?”
At that mont, small hands wrapped around my waist.
My body stiffened like stone.
Looking around, the uncles were already hightailing it away.
The Beggars’ Sect sure values loyalty...! Where the hell are you going without any warning...!
The only one who’d wrap around my waist in a situation without the uncles...
“Ugh, get off!”
I hurriedly pushed the hands away.
Turning around, there stood Cheongwol.
The Cheongwol who had asked if I was smiling was now smiling herself.
“You look like you’re having fun, Owner?”
“...”
I was flustered for a mont, but to maintain my dignity, I said,
“What? Do I need permission to smile now too?”
“No. Just curious what’s got you so happy.”
“When did I say I was happy?”
“Suit yourself.”
aningless banter passed between us, but I could sense it.
Sothing was off about Cheongwol’s vibe.
Her voice seed to tremble slightly, and her face was flushed overall.
“And... Is it okay for a nun to grab my waist like that in public? Don’t do it again.”
“You’re overreacting to a little joke, aren’t you? Besides, what’s grabbing a waist?”
She subtly shifted her hips and patted her own butt.
As if reminding of what we’d done.
“...”
I had nothing to say and swallowed hard.
Compared to what we’d done, it was ta, sure—but there were people around, Muwol Satae was right there ahead, and I was trying to build good vibes with these won, so this was nothing but trouble.
...Though it also sent chills down my spine just having her grab my waist like that.
If it had been in a relaxed mood, maybe different. But with that pissed-off look on her face, how could I relax?
As I started walking, Cheongwol stuck right by my side.
She leaned in close, shoulder to shoulder, and whispered,
“I told you she’s no good, right? I heard so seriously loud noises from the outhouse. Not very prim and proper.”
“Hey.”
Saying that isn’t exactly prim and proper either. I could hardly believe my ears.
“They say she’s a big eater too. If you hooked up with her, you’d go broke on food bills in no ti. Her kids would be the sa.”
“...”
“Oh, and she’s infamous among her senior brothers too. Loves picking her nose from behind, apparently. Soone that gross... no way, right?”
“Cheongwol. Cut it out—”
“—Why?”
Cheongwol stopped and asked.
I had no choice but to stop too.
The mood turned serious all of a sudden, and sweat beaded on my forehead.
“Owner. I’m putting in all this effort for you—why are you ignoring it?”
“It’s not ignoring. It just feels off hearing you badmouth them when you haven’t even t.”
“Why et them? I’m telling you, they’re just like I said.”
...Sothing.
Sothing was really off here.
Was it from overhearing the uncles’ talk, or so faint inkling of Cheongwol’s feelings?
Even as vague guesswork, a chilling sensation crawled up my back.
What if it really was true?
What if Cheongwol actually liked ?
And that’s why she was doing this?
Just that possibility terrified to death.
“What’s with you, anyway?”
“What do you an?”
“You keep saying they’re all no good.”
“You know why, Owner. Just like you ruined Dang Soran’s engagent, it’s normal to warn a close friend away from weirdos, right?”
“...Fair enough.”
“Don’t make it weird. You’re acting weird, and it’s making feel weird too.”
“...”
An SM relationship isn’t just simple play. Emotional exchange is its essence and core.
That’s why the attachnt and feelings between them run deeper than in ordinary lovers.
They bare their ugliest sides to each other, handing over their reputation and safety entirely into the other’s hands.
Things no normal relationship could dare permit—they ultimately allow for each other.
So, the betrayal that cos at the end is all the more brutal.
Whether it’s a masochist abandoned by their master, or a master abandoned by their masochist... the self-loathing and emptiness are said to be indescribable.
Because a relationship built on trust shattering ans a rift in their entire world.
Maybe I’d overlooked that fact.
From my side, I thought I’d kept things moderate, but maybe not for Cheongwol.
Perhaps, right in the middle of our play, Cheongwol had entrusted sothing to ?
Maybe our bond was deeper than I thought.
...At this point, damage control might be needed.
Suddenly, even Muwol Satae’s behavior made sense.
‘Yound Master Seojin is a fine young man. I hear he’s looking for a match—perhaps...’
I steadied myself and grabbed Cheongwol’s shoulders.
She flinched in surprise, but this was a question I had to ask clearly.
“Cheongwol.”
“...Yeah?”
“You don’t like , do you?”
Cheongwol froze for a mont, scowled, relaxed, then went icy cold as she brushed off my hands.
Tuk.
“...What are you even saying? I’m a nun. I can’t like n. If I liked you, do you think Muwol Satae would have allowed our friendship? I’m just doing this as a friend.”
“Right?”
I let out a long breath, relief washing over .
At least I wouldn’t face major backlash.
But a nagging unease lingered.
Even if not romantic feelings, it could be so other attachnt sprouted through our SM play.
If that was even a tiny spark, it needed snuffing out now.
It might be wrong, but my instincts were warning .
Move fast, or it could get really dangerous.
...Maybe it’s finally ti to get help from Brother Wicheong and the Hao Gate.
****
Gayeong-i delivered Han Seojin’s letter to a Hao Gate mber she didn’t even know by face, behind Ei Mountain.
And from him, she received a few qian worth of herbs... and the dicine Han Seojin had requested in his na.
It wasn’t for Han Seojin—it was for her father.
What would the Hao Gate do if they found out?
Han Seojin might help cover for her, but the anxiety still gnawed at her there.
But she had no choice.
If she couldn’t overco this fear, who knew what would beco of her father.
Getting tangled with the Hao Gate from the start had her trembling.
She still couldn’t get used to it.
Yet she’d been selling Ei Mountain info to them for just a few qian like this.
She didn’t care if people cursed her.
To Gayeong-i, her last remaining family mattered more.
“Next ti here too.”
“Yes.”
As Gayeong-i nodded with a slight tremble, the Hao Gate mber vanished quickly.
Only then did she sigh in relief and head down the mountain.
Her steps descending were lighter than before.
She kept staring at the herbs for decocting into dicine.
Would Father regain his strength?
She hoped so.
As she neared ho, an ominous sound reached her.
Like a pig having its throat slit.
A gurgling, desperate struggle for life.
Gayeong-i knew the voice.
“Dad!!”
Dropping the herbs, she raced ho.
It wasn’t until late that evening that her father breathed steadily again.
In that horrific nightmare, she thought of the final path given to her.
...If only she could get close to Seojin.
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