Chapter 43
After crying so much, I finally calmed down.
I held the young lady’s hand and went down.
There were familiar faces waiting.
Starting with Lord Jang, the Chief, Brother Im, and Mr. Hwang.
Then I remembered that Lord Jang had said he would finish his work before coming up. Yet he hadn’t, and he was here waiting for me…
“Uh…”
My face turned red, and I felt embarrassed, but Lord Jang said nothing. He just gave a small smile, noticing my fidgeting, and said simply,
“Let’s go back.”
A strange feeling rose in me.
I had thought I was alone. I thought I had nowhere to return to.
But hearing him say we would go back together…
“…Yes!”
I answered firmly and secretly wiped my tears. It was dark, so no one could see.
The preparations to go to the Namgung estate were almost done.
Even though one person wouldn’t go, it didn’t affect the schedule. Most things were ready perfectly, and we could leave immediately if needed.
But there was one problem for someone.
“Why am I the only one not going?”
It was Aso, crying right beside me.
“Why can’t I go? Why can you go but I can’t?”
“Hey, kid. Come when you’re older.”
“I want to go toooo!”
In the end, Aso couldn’t go to the Namgung estate.
I hadn’t expected that. The Chief wanted only experienced servants to go, and naturally, the younger Aso was excluded.
When Aso heard this, he was so surprised. I couldn’t complain either. Honestly, I was going along mainly because of the young lady…
“What’s wrong with me? I can do as much as the older girls. Laundry, cleaning, anything! Why am I the only one who can’t go? I want to see the Namgung estate and eat Osan Geese too…!”
But seeing Aso cry so loudly made me feel uneasy. I tried to smile and gently comforted him.
“We’re not really going there to have fun. We won’t have time to sightsee. And carrying the young lady all that way… would that really be easy? Staying here is probably more comfortable than following her all day.”
“Grr…”
“And we’re not leaving forever. If the young lady feels uncomfortable, we might return soon… Okay, then I’ll bring a gift. Anything you want, just tell me and I’ll….”
“What money do you have?”
“I have plenty. I have nowhere else to spend it now.”
Hearing that, Aso pressed his lips tight. An awkward silence fell. I scratched my head nervously. I hadn’t meant it like that… had I made him uncomfortable?
Just then, Aso shouted angrily,
“Fine! If you have so much money, buy delicious food for yourself! You’re so thin, anyone would think you’re not a servant from a noble family but some cruel merchant’s slave!”
“That’s harsh…”
“Buy pretty clothes, travel to beautiful places! Since you said you have nowhere to spend it, spend it for me. I have to enjoy it for myself too so it won’t feel unfair.”
“Mm.”
“And do you think I’m saying this because I want those things? I’m just… just…”
Aso pouted and muttered,
“I’m upset because I can’t go with you…”
I smiled silently, thinking, We haven’t been close that long.
Yes, Aso was my first friend.
The first friend I made in this strange place.
Like my mother, Aso helped me endure life here. When I was struggling, Aso listened, advised, and supported me in many ways.
Thinking of that, I felt a pang of sadness again. I hadn’t expected to part this way… I really wish he could have gone with me.
I looked up at the sky and said suddenly,
“Alright, I’ve made a decision.”
“What?”
“Aso says he likes me so much he can’t stand it. I can’t just stay still either.”
“What nonsense are you saying?”
“You remember when I carried the dung, right?”
Aso frowned but answered obediently,
“Yes.”
“Well, think about it. Where would people go to relieve themselves while traveling? People like us could go in the bushes, but nobles can’t just go anywhere, right?”
“So?”
“We’re making a portable toilet.”
“….”
“Get in there.”
I said seriously,
“If you hide in the dung bucket, no one will notice.”
Aso was amazed.
“Nooo!”
He kicked and hit my back in a tantrum. I pretended to moan and laughed. After a while, Aso stopped and shouted brightly,
“Have a safe trip!”
Aso wasn’t the only one staying behind.
The Chief and Mr. Hwang stayed too. I expected the Chief to stay to manage the estate, but I didn’t expect Mr. Hwang to stay as well. I said,
“I didn’t expect you to stay too. There’s no one better than you…”
Mr. Hwang laughed loudly.
“That’s why I stay. Managing the servants isn’t simple. I have to check the supplies, watch for slackers… there’s a lot to do.”
“Ah…”
“And we need someone for the dung duty. The last one ran away. No one lasts a month!”
Listening to his grumbling, I swallowed the thought, Honestly, I would’ve run away too. Mr. Hwang looked at me and smiled.
“Your perseverance was amazing.”
“Ah, not really. I would’ve run in a month too if it weren’t necessary.”
“You see, enduring in that situation is admirable. Caring for sick parents is so hard. Nine out of ten would run away instead of helping.”
“Maybe not nine out of ten…”
“Eh, fine! The point is, it’s difficult. Sacrificing for others is hard.”
“….”
“You did it anyway.”
Suddenly, Mr. Hwang reached out and placed his large hand on my head. Warmth spread from my head to my chest.
“You’re persistent and amazing. I guarantee it.”
“….”
“So always hold your head high and be confident. You’ll do well wherever you go, got it?”
I looked at Mr. Hwang. Stern when needed, but kind at heart.
If Aso and my mother gave me comfort, Mr. Hwang made me capable. He taught me, protected me when I made mistakes… I owe my presence here to all these people.
I said sincerely,
“Thank you always.”
Mr. Hwang just laughed.
Time passed quickly.
The day to leave for the Namgung estate was tomorrow.
I pulled the blanket up to my nose. Since my mother passed, I had been staying in the servant quarters of the So estate.
As a servant, I was supposed to stay in the servants’ room, but the Chief insisted I stay in the guest room. Since it would only be a few days, he told me to stay comfortably.
I doubted, Really, the young lady? but then I understood. I remembered being with the young lady at the grave.
“I… will be your family.”
The young lady had said it clearly.
She would stay by my side and not leave me lonely.
It felt strange. We had fought so much before, and now we were giving each other comfort.
Thinking back, I was embarrassed at how I had cried so much, but at the same time, it felt reassuring. Her strong embrace was so comforting.
She’s surprisingly strong.
Later, seeing my clothes wrinkled made me a little surprised, but at the same time, I imagined the future. After the young lady recovered from her illness, she would master martial arts from Lord Jang, become a great hero, and make a name for herself.
Would I be beside her then? Assisting her, teasing her, spending time with her…
If we became sworn sisters someday…
I can’t wait.
I imagined the story of a legendary heroine and her sworn sister, closing my eyes.
Then suddenly,
“AAAAHH!”
I woke from my dream with someone’s piercing scream.
