Chapter 9
After riding nonstop for two days, Hong Sogyo dismounted as she entered the heart of Wuhan.
“You must be tired. You’ve worked hard. We’re going to rest now. Just a bit more. Let’s go.”
She stroked the mane of the snorting horse and took its reins, beginning to walk.
— You know how to ride, right? Tell the stablemaster to give you a horse. If you say I sent you, they’ll give you a good one.
Sogyo recalled Unyeong’s serious expression as she gave that order, her face still youthful and round.
Sogyo’s steps came to a halt in front of a small inn, but she soon kept moving.
— I gave you enough money, so stay at the nicest and most expensive inn in Wuhan. Eat good food too. Make sure you try some meat dishes—at least three! Then tell me all about the taste when you return.
It was because she had to fulfill her lady’s order to eat meat dishes.
A smile crept onto Sogyo’s face as she remembered Unyeong devouring a massive amount of meat. But her expression quickly turned serious.
‘What is she thinking? No, what happened to her?’
After her illness, Unyeong had become more enigmatic, raising endless questions.
But Sogyo shook her head.
There must be a reason. No, even if there wasn’t, it didn’t matter.
She would follow her, regardless.
To find a good inn, she turned toward Dongho.
She used the distant view of Huanghelou (Yellow Crane Tower) as her guide. If it was near the famous Huanghelou, there would surely be good inns nearby.
— Is Wuhan really that great? I heard Dongho is huge and beautiful. How big do you think it is?
Sogyo chuckled, remembering Hyang-ah chattering on endlessly about Wuhan.
She looked around, recalling Hyang-ah’s words.
‘This place is too noisy and crowded. I still prefer quiet Honganhyeon.’
The streets were wide, filled with many shops, and the bustling crowd made it even more chaotic.
— They say Huayeong Inn has amazing food. Sure, the food at Seol household is good, but famous places are famous for a reason, right?
She had arrived in front of the Huayeong Inn, which Hyang-ah had recommended.
A worker ran out and took the horse’s reins, handing them off to the stableboy nearby and asked,
“Are you planning to stay the night, warrior?”
His attitude was very polite.
“Yes. Give me a room first. I’ll eat after I finish some business.”
Sogyo handed over a few coins, and the clerk’s nose twitched with excitement.
“Of course! I’ll give you our cleanest room. Right this way, please follow me.”
After checking the room for safety and changing clothes, Sogyo pulled her bamboo hat low over her face, tucked the letter into her robe, and left.
Unyeong had said the dangerous matter involved Manggeumjeonjang. That meant she should deal with Deungcheon Escort Bureau first.
Fortunately, the branch of the escort bureau was close to the inn, and she arrived quickly. A frail-looking clerk was handling packages.
Several people with luggage stood in line. Sogyo took her place at the end, and soon it was her turn.
“I have a delivery—”
Just as she started to speak, a man came running in, panting.
“Hey, you there! The escort chief is looking for you. I’ll take over here. Go on.”
“Escort chief? Oh! Yes, yes, thank you!”
The flustered clerk spoke and hurried off. The man who replaced him sat down and turned to Sogyo.
“Sorry about that. Ahem, I’ll process your delivery.”
“…Alright.”
“Okay, let’s see. Where’s the delivery going? Ah, a letter?”
Sogyo studied the man.
He didn’t seem like a clerk. He appeared to be a martial artist—but that wasn’t unusual in an escort bureau. And since the original clerk had left willingly, he must be a legitimate employee.
Deciding it was safe, Sogyo handed over Unyeong’s letter.
“Yes. It’s going to Yangyang County, to the Jegal family.”
“Oh? To whom in the family… Ah, the eldest young master? Hmm, do you know him personally?”
As soon as she mentioned the Jegal family, the man’s tone grew polite.
Sogyo knew well how powerful the Jegal family was, but his sudden change in attitude made her frown.
“…I don’t believe we’re acquainted.”
“Ahem. Very well then. I’ll take care of it. Registering: Miss Seol Unyeong. Registered. Here’s your receipt.”
Whatever the man’s attitude, as long as the letter was sent properly, that was all that mattered. Sogyo paid the fee, received the receipt, and turned to leave.
But the man suddenly called her back.
“Wait, one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“Will you be returning today?”
“…Why are you asking?”
“Ahem. A member of the Jegal family is currently staying in Wuhan. I could get this to him right away, if you’d like…”
His sly grin made it obvious he was hinting for a bribe.
‘Even someone like this works for the Jegal family’s escort bureau? What a waste of a noble name.’
But if it meant Unyeong’s letter would be delivered faster, she could let it slide.
She placed a few more coins in his hand.
“Handle it swiftly. I’m staying at the Huayeong Inn. I’ll be here for about two days.”
“Huayeong Inn, huh? Nice place. Got it. I’ll make sure it’s delivered safely and quickly.”
He replied with a greedy smile that never left his face.
Sogyo shook her head and returned to the inn. The same clerk scurried over.
“Oh, you’re back! Would you like to eat now?”
“Yes, get me a table.”
“Perfect timing! We just got a fantastic seat—on the fourth floor, with a great view of Dongho. Shall I take you there?”
It would probably be expensive to eat on the fourth floor of such a famous inn.
The clerk’s intention was clear, but Sogyo replied casually,
“Sure, let’s go.”
As she followed him floor by floor, the decorations became increasingly luxurious.
Unlike the crowded lower floors, it was quieter upstairs with fewer guests, all adorned in expensive attire.
“Here we are. How do you like it?”
The clerk proudly guided her to a window seat.
From there, the view of Dongho was breathtaking. The sun was slowly setting, bathing the lake in crimson.
Though Sogyo wasn’t one to show emotion, she couldn’t help but let out a quiet gasp.
“You were right. This is wonderful. Thank you.”
She handed the clerk two more coins, making his face light up.
“Hehe! I’m glad you’re pleased. What would you like to eat?”
“I want some meat dishes. Bring two or three—whatever you recommend.”
“Yes, ma’am! And would you like any alcohol?”
“No, just the food.”
Sogyo sat and admired the view.
The dishes soon arrived.
She ate slowly, carefully memorizing the names and flavors of each dish.
As the sun set and night fell, lanterns lit up the buildings around Dongho.
Their reflections shimmered on the water, creating a magical, sparkling view. She sipped her tea quietly.
“…Are you the one?”
Sogyo lowered her cup and looked up. A boy around sixteen or seventeen was standing there.
“Are you from the Seol household?”
Sogyo was taken aback. The boy’s face was as flawless as carved jade.
Though she lived in the small town of Honganhyeon, she’d seen her share of handsome people—especially the striking features of the Seol family.
But this boy… had an aura unlike any she’d ever seen.
He was a dazzlingly beautiful youth.
At first glance, one might mistake him for a girl, but his sharply defined features revealed he was a boy.
“Yes. I’m Hong Sogyo from the Seol household.”
“Then I’ve found the right person.”
“…May I ask why you were looking for me?”
“I’ve brought a reply to the letter.”
“…I’m sorry? What do you mean…?”
Sogyo couldn’t quite grasp his sudden statement.
“I’m from the Jegal family.”
“Ah…”
“I am…”
For some reason, the boy trailed off. After a brief pause, he finally revealed his name.
“I’m Jegal Dam.”
And with that, he gently curled his eyes into a bright, radiant smile.
