A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 426

426. Homecoming

At early dawn, Hwasa opened her eyes. Although Namgung Sehwa’s presence, which she always sensed, was absent, she woke up automatically out of habit.

‘Uuung.’

She felt strangely lonely. It wasn’t just because Namgung Sehwa couldn’t come for a while.

‘It would be nice if Geui was here.’

Hwasa’s beloved Talhundo [a term of endearment] was busy with the Black Snake Mercenaries’ affairs. It was a great consideration for him to leave Hwasa here at all. Hwasa, who had been lazing around, captivated by the warmth of the blanket, sighed.

‘……I should get up.’

Hwasa got out of bed, changed her clothes, and walked through the chilly, empty garden into the kitchen.

Click.

After checking the embers in the brazier, Hwasa began preparing breakfast. She hummed as always, but strangely, only gloomy songs came out today.

‘Oh, geez.’

Hwasa tapped her cheeks. She shouldn’t be like this. The children quickly notice Hwasa’s mood, so if she’s depressed, the children also become dispirited. Hwasa never wanted to see her cute children like that.

‘Yes, I have to cheer up. Even if Teacher Sehwa isn’t here, or Uncle No-gun, or Oppa [older brother], Suyeon, Wolar, or Ice Block, I…….’

Hwasa, who was determined in her heart, ended up with a gloomy expression.

“……What is it? There are too many people missing.”

She was trying to cheer up, but instead, she became sadder. In fact, Son Bin has been away from the Seowon [private academy] more than once or twice, but this time was different. At least, there had never been a rumor that he was dead.

“Hoo.”

Hwasa sighed and started moving her hands again.

‘Come to think of it, what should I do with the letter that came for Teacher Sehwa? It seemed urgent, so maybe I should…….’

Just as Hwasa was thinking that and putting the pot on the brazier.

‘Huh?’

Something caught Hwasa’s senses. Hwasa’s expression instantly hardened.

Click.

Hwasa quietly lowered her sleeve and came out of the kitchen. She quickly walked through the garden, passed through the always-open gate, and went outside. And she carefully closed the Seowon gate.

Creak.

The Seowon gate, which she usually didn’t touch, made a sound as it closed. As expected, as soon as she closed the gate, the sound of a carriage began to be heard beyond the early morning twilight.

Clatter, clatter.

Hwasa turned around, closed her eyes, and slowly took a breath. Then she opened her eyes.

Flash.

A force began to settle in Hwasa’s eyes. With her chest out and her hands on her hips in front of the Seowon gate, she was not the Seowon children’s cheerful teacher, but Hwasa, the outer affairs master of the Gangbuk Black Snake Mercenaries.

Clatter, clatter.

Hwasa frowned as she glared at the carriage rushing towards her.

‘Who is it?’

It couldn’t be Hyeokryun Sehwa. First of all, it wasn’t her carriage, and she wasn’t in Cheongwon right now. The Dangmun’s Wolin Squad, which was monitoring the village, was quiet, probably because they judged that there was no special danger.

‘……But.’

However, Hwasa could tell. The energy emanating from that carriage was by no means ordinary. Even Hwasa couldn’t be sure, and the energy was so overwhelming that she missed the absence of Janggang Eoeong, who had gone out for early morning fishing, as the carriage rushed towards the Seowon.

Gritting.

Hwasa gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. Hwasa was conflicted about whether it would be better to attack first. That’s when it happened.

“Huh?”

Someone leaned out of the carriage and waved their hand. It was a very dangerous action, but regardless, he waved his hand vigorously. It was Seorin. For a moment, Hwasa didn’t understand what she was seeing. While she was bewildered, Seorin jumped out of the running carriage.

“Hwasa Nuna [older sister]!”

The voice was definitely Seorin’s. Behind Seorin, who was running like she was flying, the carriage stopped abruptly and people got out in droves. No-gun, Son Bin, Sa Suyeon, and Dang Wolar were there. Hyeolbong and Guigyeonsura, whom she had seen briefly, and people Hwasa didn’t know at all were also there.

“Nuna!”

Thud. Seorin ran to Hwasa and hugged her. Hwasa looked down at Seorin with a dazed expression.

“Nuna, we’re here!”

Seorin said brightly, looking up at Hwasa. Then she immediately turned her head towards the Seowon.

“Where are the kids?”

Before Hwasa could say anything, Seorin opened the Seowon gate and rushed inside.

“Hwasa Sojeo [a respectful title for a young woman].”

The voice was Son Bin’s. When Hwasa raised her head, Son Bin was standing there with his usual gentle smile.

“Hwasa Unni [older sister].”

Sa Suyeon, who got out of the carriage, also said, looking at Hwasa.

“We’re here.”

Sa Suyeon’s eyes were filled with tears as she spoke. At that sight, tears welled up in Hwasa’s eyes.

“……Ugh, uwaaaang.”

Hwasa ran towards Sa Suyeon, shedding tears. And like Seorin did earlier, she opened her arms and hugged Sa Suyeon tightly.

“You came. You finally came. Ueeeong.”

Hwasa cried loudly, as if a great wail had erupted. Sa Suyeon also shed tears and embraced Hwasa’s shaking shoulders. No-gun and Son Bin also felt a lump in their throats at Hwasa’s childlike crying. After sniffling once, No-gun cleared his throat.

“Ahem, was there anything wrong with the Seowon?”

No-gun said, glancing slightly inside the Seowon.

“What about the Yeongmae…….”

“……Ajumma [aunt/married woman] isn’t here.”

Hwasa said, wiping away her tears.

“What? She’s not here?”

No-gun, whose heart sank, widened his eyes. Hwasa, who was being held by Sa Suyeon, raised her head.

“She had something to do, sniffle, so she went to Dangmun. She’ll be back in a few days.”

No-gun sighed in relief. And soon, he asked with a worried expression.

“Um, is Yeongmae very angry…….”

But Hwasa didn’t seem to hear and turned her head to look at Dang Wolar. Looking at Dang Wolar, who was always wearing a veil, tears welled up again in Hwasa’s eyes. Dang Wolar said in a small, soft voice.

“You’ve been well……”

The slightly trembling voice couldn’t continue. Because Hwasa suddenly hugged Dang Wolar. The veil was crumpled terribly, but Dang Wolar didn’t avoid it or say anything.

“Sniffle. I really missed you.”

Hwasa hugged Dang Wolar and cried again. After hesitating for a moment, Dang Wolar gently patted Hwasa’s arm with her small hand. She probably wanted to hug her shoulder, but because she was short and her arm was held by Hwasa, she could only move her hand.

“Oh, right, where’s Ice Block…….”

Geomhui was visible in Hwasa’s eyes as she raised her head. She, who wasn’t even in the carriage, had already appeared. Hwasa’s eyes narrowed at her indifferent expression. Hwasa moved away from Dang Wolar and put one hand on her hip.

“Hmph! I didn’t miss you!”

The words spoken with a face full of tear marks were not convincing. As expected, tears began to fill Hwasa’s eyes again.

“But still, come quickly. You heartless wench.”

Hwasa lowered her head and began to cry. Geomhui slowly approached Hwasa, who was crying. And she raised one hand.

Rustle.

As if soothing a child, Geomhui gently stroked Hwasa’s head. Geomhui’s expression was still indifferent, and Hwasa lowered her head and only shed tears.

“Sniffle.”

Even Hwang Bangju, who had no acquaintance with her, turned his head and sniffled, and Sarasvati’s eyes turned red. Hyeolbong and Geumsaryeon had already wiped away the flowing tears with their sleeves. Only Guigyeonsura and Rahman seemed calm. Watching the scene, Son Bin could realize it again. That they had finally returned to the Seowon.

***

The Seowon became noisy in an instant due to Son Bin and his group returning in the early morning. Before the group even entered the Seowon, Dang Wolar’s five children appeared, and everyone had to wipe their eyes once again at the sight of the crying children and Dang Wolar hugging them. Son Bin also hugged each of the five children tightly and stroked their heads. The children’s sparkling eyes and warm warmth made him realize once again that he had returned to the Seowon.

In the meantime, Shin-ui, who had been sleeping, woke up, and Janggang Eoeong, who had gone out for early morning fishing, also returned. They also reddened their eyes as they watched Dang Wolar and the children reunite. The group had breakfast in a long time with a lively and bright mood. The rice that had been put on the brazier was a little burnt, but it was more satisfying than any delicacy. After drinking fragrant tea, everyone finally calmed their excited hearts. And they also introduced Hwang Bangju, Sarasvati, and Rahman.

“I am Hwang Macheol, the Bangju [leader] of Cheonjang Mabang [merchant guild]. The Mabang is located in Chengdu, Sichuan.”

No-gun blinked at Hwang Bangju, who bowed politely.

“Your name was Macheol? I’m hearing it for the first time?”

Hwang Bangju’s face crumpled, and Sarasvati rose from her seat and bowed with elegant and antique movements. It was a perfect etiquette here, no matter when she had practiced it.

“I am Sarasvati. Nice to meet you.”

Her exotic appearance and charming presence made a deep impression. In particular, the five children were staring at her with sparkling eyes.

“……Pretty.”

Sarasvati smiled at Cheonga’s voice, who muttered softly.

“Oh, thank you.”

Cheonga, who was a girl, was embarrassed and quickly hid behind Seorin.

“Oppa, who is this woman?”

Hwasa, who had already regained her energy, frowned and asked. She was talking to Son Bin, but her gaze was directed at Sarasvati. The person who answered was Sarasvati herself.

“Oh, I’m curious too.”

She also asked, looking at Son Bin, but with her gaze directed at Hwasa.

“Who is this rude person?”

“What? Rude?”

Hwasa’s eyes narrowed and the two women’s gazes collided sharply. As if recognizing each other’s natural enemy at a glance, the two did not back down an inch. Eventually, Hwasa, who ran out of patience first, turned her head sharply towards Son Bin.

“Oppa, can I hit her?”

“No, you can’t.”

Son Bin answered urgently. It would be a disaster if she hit her. First of all, Sarasvati was not a master of outer affairs, and if something went wrong, Hwatan might rain down on Guangzhou.

“This person is not fluent in our language. Besides, she is not familiar with the culture here, so please understand…….”

“Ah, so you mean she doesn’t know anything? Like that princess.”

Hwasa said with a smile. But her eyes as she looked back at Sarasvati were quite fierce.

“Then you can learn here. I will teach you with all my heart. Sincerity (誠心誠意) [seongsim-seongui; wholehearted sincerity], do you know?”

Despite Hwasa’s somewhat intimidating gaze, Sarasvati smiled leisurely.

“Thank you, but I don’t think I’ll bother Sojeo. I don’t learn anything from rude people.”

“What? You…….”

Sarasvati said, cutting off Hwasa’s words.

“But this place.”

“It’s a really nice place.”

The warmth of the brazier and the soft scent of tea filled the small garden. Son Bin smiled.

“Yes. It’s a very nice place.”

Sarasvati smiled. Hwasa looked quite triumphant and satisfied, and everyone silently looked at the garden again. Warmth was filling the small Seowon amidst the gradually brightening sunlight.

“But what happened to the two of them?”

Suddenly, Shin-ui asked. It was obvious who he meant by ‘the two of them’ without asking. Hwasa and Janggang Eoeong also looked at Son Bin with quite curious eyes.

Click.

Son Bin, who put down his teacup, said quietly.

“They have left.”

He was smiling gently, but Son Bin’s eyes were already moist.

“But someday.”

Son Bin continued, holding the teacup quietly with both hands.

“We will meet again.”

It was a vague statement, but no one questioned it. And after a while, Shin-ui and Janggang Eoeong finally heard the whole story from No-gun. But they still didn’t understand.

The words ‘Gate of Naraka’ and ‘End of the World’ sounded too absurd. No-gun beat his chest in frustration. But no one else came forward to explain.

***

Another sea of tears unfolded when the Seowon children came. The children widened their eyes and soon burst into tears and hugged Son Bin. No-gun and Son Bin, Sa Suyeon and Dang Wolar, and even Hwasa hugged the children and shed tears. But that was only for a moment, and the children smiled brightly and ran around the Seowon as if they had never cried. Even Hodu and Ao insisted that they didn’t cry. Even though the tear marks were still clear on their cheeks. No matter how much it was Son Bin, he couldn’t teach a class on a day like today. Sa Suyeon smoothed Soso and Aeng-aeng’s hair, and Dang Wolar sat side by side with the five children and basked in the sun. While Sarasvati, Rahman, and Hwang Bangju were touring the Seowon, Seorin ran around and played with the boys. With the Seowon full of life after a long time, Shin-ui and Janggang Eoeong also smiled contentedly as they watched the children. Son Bin, who was raising his teacup, suddenly asked Hwasa.

“How is Sehwa Sojeo doing these days?”

Hwasa, who was just smiling as she looked at the children, answered.

“She’s busy. She came every morning until recently, but she said she had something important to do and went somewhere for a few days.”

Son Bin nodded. He said that she was prominent in the Hyeokryun family, so she must not be idle.

“Ah, come to think of it……. Oppa, wait a minute!”

Hwasa jumped up and ran to the detached building. Son Bin, who was looking at Hwasa with a puzzled gaze, suddenly noticed Sarasvati, who was surrounded by children, was about to enter Son Bin’s own room.

“Um, that’s my room.”

“Yes? Ah, I see.”

Sarasvati, who widened her eyes as if she didn’t know, soon smiled awkwardly.

“It felt familiar, so I did it without realizing it…….”

Sarasvati glanced at Son Bin’s room as if she had regrets. Next to her, Ao was heard saying, ‘So you have to sneak in to see it.’

‘Familiar?’

Son Bin tilted his head. It was clear that Sarasvati, who was coming to this Seowon for the first time, couldn’t be familiar with it. In the meantime, Hwasa, who was hurrying back with something in her hand, glared at Sarasvati, whom she met in the middle, and handed Son Bin a letter.

“Um, this is for Sehwa Teacher…….”

Son Bin received the letter. Nothing was written on the thin surface of the letter. Besides, it was torn open as if it had already been read.

“The letter came on the day Sehwa Teacher left? But I don’t understand it even if I read it. Oppa, please take a look.”

Son Bin said with an awkward smile.

“Um, Hwasa Sojeo. If you open other people’s letters without permission…….”

“It’s okay. Sehwa Teacher said it’s okay to see it. She told me to let her know if it’s urgent. Anyway, hurry.”

At Hwasa’s urging, Son Bin unfolded the letter. Rustle.

‘Ah.’

Son Bin immediately recognized the neatly written handwriting. The familiar handwriting was none other than that of Namgung family’s young lady, Namgung Hyang.

“What is it?”

No-gun noticed the strange atmosphere and approached. Then he frowned and looked at the letter.

“Isn’t this the handwriting of that child from the Namgung family?”

Son Bin nodded. While Son Bin was reading the letter, No-gun asked Hwasa.

“This came for Sehwa?”

Hwasa nodded.

“Yes. It comes often. No, it came often. It’s been a bit less frequent these days.”

No-gun frowned. If Hwasa was right, it meant that Namgung Hyang and Hyeokryun Sehwa were exchanging letters regularly. After thinking for a moment, No-gun turned to look at Son Bin.

“What did she write?”

Son Bin tilted his head with a serious expression.

“It’s strange. The handwriting is definitely that of Namgung Hyang Sojeo, but the content is a bit strange. Most of it is about personal matters or impressions of the season, and the content doesn’t connect at all. I can’t tell what it means with this…….”

Rustle.

“Can I take a look for a moment?”

Son Bin raised his head at Dang Wolar’s voice. She, who had already approached, was quietly looking down at the letter. Son Bin handed over the letter. If it was the intelligent Dang Wolar, she might know something.

Rustle.

Dang Wolar quietly read the letter. She examined not only the content but also the material and the traces of the brush in detail. But there was nothing strange. It wasn’t a secret code written so that others wouldn’t know, nor did she hide the letters in any special way. It was just trivial impressions, such as that flowers were blooming in the south, but the busy people of Namchang didn’t care, or that the weather would be bad for going to see flowers tomorrow, so she would have to stay home all day, and other disjointed contents.

“……It’s definitely strange. It’s awkward that the names of the sender or receiver never appear even once. This is probably a measure to prepare for this letter being discovered later.”

It was a letter that Namgung Hyang sent while hiding her name. Considering the situation of the Namgung family that the group had heard, it must contain an important meaning, but it was impossible to know what the content was. As he was thinking, Son Bin suddenly turned to look at Hwasa and asked.

“Where did Sehwa Sojeo say she was going?”

“Oh, was it Ilsim Mugwan [One Heart Martial Hall] in a city called Gamju? She went to scold those guys who don’t listen these days, no, to persuade them.”

“If it’s Gamju…….”

No-gun said as if throwing it to Son Bin, who was asking back.

“It’s a city north of here. It’s an area where the Hyeokryun family and the Namgung family are always fighting a war of nerves.”

“North……, ah!”

Suddenly, one thought flashed through Son Bin’s mind. Dang Wolar also seemed to have realized it, and quickly examined the letter.

“I see.”

Dang Wolar said quietly.

“This letter is informing Sehwa Sojeo of the movements of the Namgung family.”

Son Bin also realized the hidden meaning of this letter. In other words, this is a description with a hidden subject, for example, with the subject or object omitted. If you don’t know what you’re talking about, you can’t guess the content, but if you’re keeping a close eye on the events between the two families, you can’t possibly not know the meaning.

“But if so…….”

Son Bin said with a hardened expression. Dang Wolar already knew what he was going to say.

“Yes, that’s right.”

Dang Wolar said in a serious voice.

“The sentence ‘The weather is bad, so I have to stay home all day’ is definitely a warning. Namgung Hyang Sojeo’s warning not to leave the road.”

“Oh? Then…….”

Hwasa blinked and asked back, but Son Bin answered in a calm voice.

“Yes, Sehwa Sojeo is in danger.”

Son Bin’s expression, who raised his head, was as stiff as ever.

(Author’s words)

It’s natural that you don’t understand what you’re saying if you interrupt in the middle of a conversation. It’s natural to be frustrated if you have to explain.