I opened my mouth, but no words came out. I couldn’t even answer that cryptic question. So Sahyeon added helpfully,
“You said it when you were talking with Moyong Sohae earlier today.”
“With Sohae? Wait—how’d you hear about that? From Jaeyu…? No, more importantly, I never said anything like that to Sohae.”
Pretty sure I didn’t?
‘If you want something that belongs to someone else, you better be prepared to die for it.’
Oh. Maybe I did?
“Granted, your words probably riled Moyong Sohae up pretty good… but if someone who swore off marriage is going around saying things like that, wouldn’t Dang Iheon get the wrong idea?”
Sahyeon’s tone wasn’t much different from usual—casual, sly, and low—but for some reason, he looked a bit more annoyed than normal.
“Well, whatever. Moyong Yeonhwa is his fiancée after all, not Moyong Sohae’s.”
“Sure, you’re not wrong. But I want to ask one thing.”
“What is it?”
Something about that made me nervous, but I forced myself to ask anyway. Sahyeon stared right at me and said,
“What about me?”
For a second, I didn’t get what he meant. When I didn’t answer, he spelled it out for me—nicely.
“Do I count as one of your ‘possessions’ too, my lady?”
Seriously, what the hell kind of question is that? The bastard’s definitely unhinged.
But… it was hard to flat-out say no. If I really thought about it—he was the only one I’d personally brought in myself.
Not my family, not Hyangah, not even Dang Iheon. All of them belonged to the real Moyong Yeonhwa. But Sahyeon? I’d chosen him. I’d called him to my side myself. Sure, the whole point was to keep an eye on him…
“Take your time. I’ve got all night.”
He crossed his arms, totally relaxed. I stared at that cocky face, then gave in and said it straight.
“Yeah. You’re mine.”
“Because I serve you?”
“Well, that too. But I brought you here myself. You’re also the only one who knows most of my dirty secrets.”
I let out a sigh I didn’t mean to. Honestly, if it weren’t for this guy, I’d never have survived among all these uptight orthodox bastards in the Moyong Clan with my sanity intact.
Thinking that the one in front of me was both the most dangerous person around and the only one who truly belonged to me made me feel weird.
Sahyeon blinked, then broke into a bright grin. For a second I wondered if he was actually sick. No one should look that happy.
“So you’ve finally accepted me.”
“You—are you fucking insane? What do you mean ‘accepted’?!”
I couldn’t not curse. I’d been trying to cut him some slack since he was supposedly sick.
“Now get lost! I have training at dawn.”
“Kinda harsh, considering how long I waited.”
“Well, you’re clearly not dying, so that’s enough for me.”
I could count the number of times I’d felt truly embarrassed in both my lives on one hand—but this was top-tier. I stomped over to the bed and threw myself onto it, yanking the blanket over my head.
I heard Sahyeon walking over, but I kept my eyes shut and ignored him. His quiet chuckle somehow rang loud in my ears.
He pulled a chair up to the bedside and sat next to me. I thought he’d start teasing me again, but instead he brought up something completely different.
“Since the engagement’s official now, sounds like they’re planning a pretty big birthday celebration for Moyong Muhyeok this year. He’s the type who dotes on his little sister, so he’s probably looking forward to your gift. You got anything ready?”
“A gift?”
That one word hit me like a slap. My embarrassment vanished. I shot upright.
Wait—why the hell had no one told me about this? Even Hyangah hadn’t said a thing!
“From that face, I’m guessing this is news to you.”
“…Oh, shit.”
I raked my hands through my hair in frustration.
It’d be way easier picking a gift for someone poor. But what do you give someone who already has everything?
And it’s not like I knew that much about Moyong Muhyeok either.
While I sat there blankly stewing, Sahyeon suddenly tapped my shoulder. I turned to see him smiling.
“I think I can help.”
“You?”
“Isn’t it easier for a guy to pick a gift for another guy?”
“Is it?”
But I was a woman, and Sohae was a woman too—and she clearly hadn’t liked my last gift. Though… Hyangah had liked hers, I guess?
After a moment of thought, I nodded.
“Alright. Let’s ask some people who know Moyong Muhyeok well and then head out together.”
“Sounds good. I’ll take good care of you.”
Sahyeon smiled again.
* * *
The whole room turned into a circus the moment I walked in.
I wasn’t here to smack rats or terrify the place like Seol Danhae, but somehow just my appearance sent everything into chaos. It felt… weird.
A brand-new cushion for me to sit on, trays of fruit, snacks, tea—they rushed around setting it all out. Seriously, the Moyong brothers have no idea how to dial it down.
“You really don’t need to go this far.”
I muttered as dryly as possible, but Moyong Cheon just smiled and gently pushed me into a chair. Moyong Ha sat opposite me and poured tea with practiced grace.
“Ahwa, try this. It’s a new blend we just brought in. The aroma’s refined and light—you’ll like it.”
“…Oh…”
I couldn’t exactly say that tea wasn’t my thing. It all tasted the same to me anyway. I just took a random sip. Moyong Cheon settled in next to me, watching my face for a reaction.
“How is it, Ahwa?”
“…Well, it’s… fine.”
A vague, awkward answer. But the twins exchanged proud looks like they’d just won a medal. Whatever. If it makes you happy.
I put the cup down and asked,
“So is it okay for you to just ditch the training grounds like this?”
They both waved their hands, babbling at the same time. I didn’t catch the details, but the gist was probably “don’t worry about it.”
“So what brings you all the way out here? You missed your brothers that badly?”
“Had something to ask.”
Said it plainly. Definitely not here for some heartwarming family visit—but they just kept smiling.
Between the two, Moyong Cheon was the chattier one. But if you watched closely, Moyong Ha was the clingier one. He kept stuffing grapes into my mouth, which meant I had to keep spitting out seeds mid-sentence.
“Ugh, stop it already! I can feed myself. Talk first.”
“Ah, sorry, little sister. It’s just—you’ve been looking a bit thinner lately.”
Moyong Ha, with his perpetually droopy eyes, looked genuinely dejected as he set the grapes down. I wasn’t thinner. I was healthier than ever—working out more, eating well. Ignoring that, I got to the point.
“Isn’t our eldest brother’s birthday coming up? I’ve no clue what to get him, so I came for some advice.”
Shockingly, their faces immediately fell.
Moyong Ha spoke first, looking worried.
“Don’t stress about something like that, Ahwa. Stress is bad for your health.”
“Yeah, honestly, he’d be happy even if you just handed him a bunch of weeds from the garden. He’d put them in his fanciest vase.”
Moyong Cheon chimed in enthusiastically.
…Okay, wow. Even an unorthodox sect would think that was a bit much.
“Are you two even his brothers? That’s your eldest brother we’re talking about.”
“That’s exactly why we’re being honest. If it’s from you, even a simple letter would make him happy. Really, don’t worry.”
As Moyong Cheon spoke, Moyong Ha snuck another grape toward my mouth. God, I’m so done with this. I reluctantly took the damn thing and chewed.
My face must’ve shown my mood, because the twins started rattling off other ideas, clearly panicking.
Draw him a picture. Hand-stitch a belt. Actually, we’d like one too. Make him a snack. Hey, while you’re at it, could you make us some too…?
I listened in silence and drained the rest of my tea in one go. Then I stood.
“Coming here was a fucking mistake.”
Not even worth listening to anymore. They tried to stop me, suggesting we eat together later, but I shook them off. When they both wilted at once, it really was hard to tell them apart.
“Ahwa, seriously, he’ll love anything you give him.”
“Yeah. We weren’t trying to make fun of you, we just…”
“I know.”
I cut them off.
But as soon as I said it, I felt a little sheepish. I was acting like it was obvious he’d be happy with anything from me. I’d never been treated like that as Seol Danhae, but I’d already gotten used to it here.
“Ahem. Anyway, I’ll figure it out. Thanks for your time.”
I cleared my throat and turned to leave. But then I remembered something and spun back around.
“Oh—if you’ve got any money, hand it over?”
The twins’ faces went totally blank.
* * *
No good would come from being recognized, so Sahyeon and I decided on the night market. I didn’t tell Hyangah—she’d have drowned me in nagging.
Sahyeon looked a bit better than last night. Still, I wasn’t sure he was up for walking around, so I double-checked.
“You sure you’re okay to be out and about?”
“I told you I’m fine. I am a martial artist. And from the way you’re fussing, I’m guessing you’ve already picked out a gift?”
“Not yet.”
Tonight, instead of his usual disguise mask, Sahyeon wore a veil hat*. The fabric was thick enough that you had to get real close to see his features. He was dressed in plain black martial attire, looking more like an assassin or bodyguard than anything else.
Me, I wasn’t looking to fuel any more rumors about sneaking around with a man, so I wore a simple blue martial robe with no clan crest, and a soft veil of my own. I tied my hair up high.
Together, we probably just looked like two random night-walking martial artists. Definitely not someone precious from a prestigious clan.
Oddly enough, I felt… free. People used to pick fights with me for no reason. Lately, everyone wanted something. But now? Everyone was leaving me alone!
“You look pretty happy, my lady.”
“Well, yeah. I hardly ever get to just walk around in peace like this.”
“Huh.”
Sahyeon looked at me like he was thinking something over. I couldn’t quite see his eyes under the veil, but he was probably still trying to puzzle out who I really was.
We strolled slowly toward the start of the night market. We kept a modest half-hand’s distance, but I kept getting this weird tingle on the back of my hand. Was there already a bug crawling on me?
Then, out of nowhere, Sahyeon spoke.
“Did you hear about that maid, Jaeyu? Apparently she’s disappeared.”
“Huh? No, I just found out now.”
“Pretty chill reaction for hearing it just now.”
“I figured as much.”
I shrugged. Honestly, I’d have been more surprised if Jaeyu was still around. After getting humiliated like that, there’s no way Sohae would’ve let her off.
No clue if she was murdered or just crippled and tossed out. Either way…
It was probably time to get Soowa out of the prison cell. I’d start moving as soon as the sun came up.
Lost in thought, I barely noticed when we stepped into the lantern glow. The market was flooded with golden and red lights from street stalls. People laughed and strolled along, chatting in little groups.
I’d wandered countless night markets before—but for some reason, it had never looked this beautiful. My chest felt oddly tight.
I turned to Sahyeon, caught off guard. He’d also stopped walking. Even with the veil, I could make out his expression this close.
He looked down at me, dead serious.
I had no idea what to say. Somehow, everything I could think of felt wrong.
The chatter of vendors and passersby felt like it had drifted a handspan away. Then, from beneath his veil, Sahyeon quietly said,
“Just beautiful.”
“…What?”
I was literally speechless. He wasn’t even smiling. Just… said it.
My whole body itched. I wanted to vanish. Or maybe freeze the moment.
While I stood there like an idiot, Sahyeon finally let out a small laugh.
“I heard this night market was beautiful, and it is. What do you think, my lady?”
“Oh…”
He meant the market.
All the tension drained out of me. The noise rushed back into my ears. Feeling a little embarrassed, maybe even annoyed, I stomped ahead.
“Night markets all look the same! Hurry up!”
“Wait for me, Yeah?”
Weirdly enough, I was kind of pissed. I didn’t look at him at all as we passed the first stalls.
💟 Translator Notes 💟
*Veil Hat: here’s an example from 산하령 (山河令) = “Word of Honor” (a BL C-Drama)
🫰🏼🍓🍓🍓💜🍓🍓🍓🫰🏼
Hey All! I hope you like this translation!
My updates may be slow, but I do read/edit my chapters!
If you’re enjoying it, show me some love?
💕💗 https://ko-fi.com/stanrofanscans💗💕
✨Wanna read more of my translations?✨
💖https://linktr.ee/stanrofanscans💖
