Chapter 47
When Yuseol showed interest, Myoyeon’s gentle voice gained more strength.
“The thanksgiving ritual is an annual event that will be held in two or three months. It’s a ceremony where everyone makes new clothes to wear, redecorates the village, and offers prayers of gratitude to the gods with one heart. We plan to hold a market next week to gather funds for that purpose and promote harmony.”
Before she knew it, Jiwoon was standing beside Myoyeon with his arms crossed. Myoyeon stood on tiptoes as if to draw Yuseol’s attention that was shifting, then stood properly and continued.
“Anyone can put out items at the market. Half of the profits earned that way will be returned to the owner and half will be used as funds.”
Jiwoon, who had been quietly listening to the story, scratched his cheek in dissatisfaction.
“Taking half as tax—that’s nothing but illegal.”
Myoyeon’s face, which had always been gentle toward Yuseol, took on a cold light.
“Lord Jiwoon’s climbing to high places to secretly observe people is clearly illegal, but the market is legal unlike that.”
Yuseol watched Myoyeon’s cheek that slightly puffed up and then deflated. It was like a growing wolf getting angry. Though she felt sorry for Myoyeon, she felt more like comforting and soothing him than feeling intimidated.
Jiwoon seemed to feel the same and lightly curved his eyes.
“With that face getting angry, I have nothing to say.”
Myoyeon pressed his forehead with his pale hand and looked at Yuseol again.
“Since many people put out small works at the market, it would be good if you could participate without burden as well.”
Soon he glanced at a servant who had been waiting for him at the gate with both hands politely clasped.
“I should be going now.”
Myoyeon left through the gate with the servant and went down to the lower village.
Jiwoon muttered to himself as if displeased.
“Thanksgiving ritual…. I don’t know what there is to be so grateful to the gods for.”
Yuseol’s expression was dark as she empathized with Jiwoon’s words. However, the light in her pupils sparkled while holding onto thread-like hope.
“Well… wouldn’t it be gratitude for allowing us to live on this land?”
She answered and lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed. Did someone who had voluntarily drunk poison to leave this world have the right to say such things?
Jiwoon uncrossed his arms to straighten his wrinkled sleeves and sat beside Yuseol.
“Are you truly grateful for being allowed to live on this land?”
Yuseol couldn’t answer immediately and only nibbled her lower lip with her front teeth. Time passed slowly like that.
Her eyes swept over the fresh wildflowers and soil beside the gate, and the forest beyond the wall. They were beautiful and precious scenery that she wouldn’t want to lose.
She who had been hesitating carefully opened her mouth.
“Thinking about it… I think so.”
Jiwoon admired the scenery following her gaze, then spoke as if to himself.
“Then we should add someone to whom gratitude should be offered.”
“…….”
“At least you should do that much.”
Jiwoon seemed to intend to end the conversation and stood up, checking his appearance. Yuseol, who had been looking up at him, hurriedly stood and blocked his path.
“Wait a moment, I have something to ask.”
“What is it?”
“You often say things that are difficult to understand…. Do you perhaps know something?”
Expectation appeared in Yuseol’s pupils. He who looked down at those eyes seemed troubled as he looked around, then answered quietly.
“Of course I know more than you do.”
Yuseol’s eyes widened. When conversing with Jiwoon, she felt a vague expectation that she could learn about Geon’s mysterious whereabouts and about the man called Mu-yeong.
“Please tell me too.”
Jiwoon answered defensively while crossing his arms.
“Finding the answer is your responsibility.”
This time Yuseol had no intention of backing down.
“But if you’re a gentleman, you should share wisdom.”
Desperation appeared in her deer-like eyes. Jiwoon, who had been clasping his hands behind his back, seemed troubled as he touched his cheek and slightly lowered his head.
“If you’re that curious, go find Sahwa.”
“Sahwa…?”
“Yes, it’s a pretty name, isn’t it? It’s also what he hasn’t been able to let go of until now.”
When their gazes intertwined for a moment, she didn’t avoid it and faced Jiwoon. Her pupils sparkled with the desire to discover the hidden story.
A voice rang in her head. She unconsciously bit her lower lip.
“Are you inside? I’ve finished preparations for going to see Sahwa now.”
Jiwoon tilted his head sideways and changed the subject.
“Well, now you should share in my difficult task too.”
“…….”
“The market for the thanksgiving ritual. Since I don’t have anything worth putting out, I’d like you to prepare something together. Please make it something splendid that would suit a great gentleman like me.”
He didn’t give her a chance to refuse and turned around, leaving through the gate.
“Wait a moment, Lord Jiwoon!”
Yuseol, who had been following urgently, limped and then stopped. She bit her lips hard to swallow the scream that was about to burst out from the sudden ankle pain that felt like it would break.
Since she couldn’t walk right now, she pressed her palm against the nearby camellia tree and took deep breaths. How long did she calm the pain while savoring the camellia flower fragrance mixed in the humid air like a painkiller?
Heavy footsteps were heard from somewhere. Yuseol, who was looking for the owner of the sound, looked toward the path leading to the inner quarters.
Mu-yeong was walking over. He was leisurely and utterly relaxed.
The more relaxed he became, the smaller Yuseol felt. She couldn’t find a place to direct her gaze and lowered her head.
Then Mu-yeong’s indifferent gaze found her standing by the tree.
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