A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 428

The Best Morning

Neither the river swollen by the heavy rain nor the relentless downpour deterred Noh Gun. Having learned that Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa had just crossed the river, Noh Gun immediately made his way there. Holding Sohn Bin securely in one arm, he fearlessly plunged into the water.

With surprising agility, Noh Gun used the debris floating in the rapid current as leverage, showcasing his ability to navigate the flooded river. Although not particularly wide, crossing it with Sohn Bin in tow was no easy feat. Sa Soo-yeon and Dang Wol-ah, following close behind, were visibly impressed.

Noh Gun and Sohn Bin were the first to reach the opposite bank. Scanning the rain-swept surroundings, Noh Gun spotted a warrior emerging from the inn. The murderous glint in the warrior’s eyes was enough for Noh Gun to understand the gravity of the situation.

Thud.

Holding Sohn Bin, Noh Gun surged forward. The warrior, caught completely off guard, crumpled to the ground, unconscious from a single, swift strike as Noh Gun brushed past him. Using that momentum, Noh Gun kicked open the inn door and charged inside.

Wham.

The inn’s doors, shut tight against the rain and wind, splintered with a deafening crash. The aged wooden doors couldn’t withstand Noh Gun’s force and shattered into pieces, scattering into the inn.

“Wh-what!”

The warriors inside the inn, startled by the sudden commotion and the shower of debris, spun around in surprise. But Noh Gun paid them no mind. Nor did Sohn Bin. Their focus was solely on Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa’s flushed, distressed face and the lecherous gaze of the strange man reaching out to her.

Crack.

In that instant, Sohn Bin felt his blood turn to ice. Noh Gun felt the same surge of fury.

“You fiend!”

Understanding the situation instantly, Noh Gun unleashed a furious roar and lunged at the man. His kick landed squarely on the man’s face, who was just turning his head toward the noise. It happened before the man could even register Noh Gun’s presence.

Snap.

“Ugh.”

The man’s nose broke and his teeth shattered from the force of the blow. He couldn’t even contemplate a counterattack or defense; he didn’t even comprehend what was happening as he spat blood and tumbled backward.

Thump.

Noh Gun landed where the man had been standing. After setting Sohn Bin down, Noh Gun quickly surveyed the inn. The sight of the Hyuk Ryun Clan warriors, bound and collapsed, and the bewildered expressions of the remaining men, told him everything he needed to know.

“How dare these bastards…”

Grind.

Noh Gun gritted his teeth, especially after learning that Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa was working so diligently and enduring hardship for the Seowon [a private Confucian academy]. He had no intention of showing even a shred of mercy to those who would harm such a commendable and pitiful young woman.

Wham.

Noh Gun charged toward the remaining men. Meanwhile, Sohn Bin rushed to Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa’s side. She was staggering, using a table for support, but it was clear she was on the verge of collapse.

“Young Lady Se-hwa!”

‘Ah.’

In her blurred vision, Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa felt as if she were hallucinating. The image of the nightmare-like man who had been leering at her vanished for a moment, and then, unexpectedly, the person she longed to see appeared before her. His expression was one of surprise and worry, rather than his usual warm smile, but she didn’t mind. Just seeing him brought a smile to her face.

‘Young Master Sohn.’

The figure before her was probably a figment of her imagination. But even knowing that, she couldn’t suppress the joy that welled up in her heart.

‘Hehe, I’m really in trouble.’

Realizing her weakened state, Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa felt a pang of embarrassment. To be hallucinating Sohn Bin in this critical situation, where she was about to lose consciousness, indicated a truly dire state.

‘If it’s like this…’

Wobble. Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa’s body, already beyond her control, began to give way. But Sohn Bin was there to catch her.

“Young Lady!”

Thud.

Sohn Bin caught her as she fell. The small and delicate Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa nestled into Sohn Bin’s arms, burying her flushed face against his chest.

“Are you alright?”

Sohn Bin asked urgently, looking down at Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa. But she didn’t even have the strength to lift her head. Hearing Sohn Bin’s voice faintly in her ear, she smiled, her face flushed.

“…I can’t give up anymore.”

“Pardon?”

Sohn Bin heard her mutter something indistinctly. But before he could ask her to repeat it, Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa lost consciousness.

“Young Lady!”

Sohn Bin held her tightly as she collapsed weakly in his arms. He quickly examined her face. Fortunately, she had simply lost consciousness. Confirming that she was breathing regularly with her eyes closed, Sohn Bin breathed a sigh of relief.

Swoosh.

Sohn Bin carefully lowered himself to his knees. Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa was now half-lying on the floor, her upper body supported by Sohn Bin’s arms. It would be better to lay her down completely, but he couldn’t bring himself to place her on the dirty floor. Sohn Bin checked her complexion once more.

Rustle.

Fortunately, she seemed comfortable. The expression on her face, even with a faint smile, resembled the peaceful faces of the Seowon children during their afternoon naps. Sohn Bin, who had been smiling softly, raised his head. A fresh wave of anger washed over his face, but Noh Gun had already finished dealing with the men in the inn.

“Ugh.”

A man groaned as he was sent flying. Crash. He lost consciousness as he slammed into a table. Noh Gun didn’t conceal his displeasure as he withdrew his hand. He had no intention of showing any mercy, but the fact that he hadn’t drawn his sword was already a significant concession. At least none of those he had sent flying had died. Of course, that didn’t mean their bodies were unscathed. After subduing the last man, Noh Gun turned to Sohn Bin.

“Are you alright?”

Sohn Bin nodded.

“Yes. She seems to be safe for now.”

Noh Gun picked up the teacup and the small porcelain bottle in front of Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa and sniffed them.

“Tsk, it’s some kind of Baekilchwi [a drug that causes temporary paralysis] or Cheonilchwi [a stronger version of Baekilchwi]. Still, it’s a relief it’s not poison.”

Sohn Bin was relieved by those words. Noh Gun’s assessment seemed more reliable than his own. Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa’s martial arts skills weren’t particularly advanced, so even a mild poison could have been fatal.

“Still, it’s fortunate we arrived just in time…”

At Noh Gun’s words, Sohn Bin felt his chest tighten with renewed anger. He didn’t even want to contemplate what might have happened if they had arrived even a little later.

“But she’s sleeping so peacefully.”

Noh Gun clicked his tongue as he looked at the sleeping Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa. Despite having been ambushed, she was sleeping soundly with a smile on her face, like a carefree young woman oblivious to the dangers of the world.

“She must have been very tired.”

Sohn Bin said, gazing down at Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa. After confirming once again that her chest was rising and falling steadily, Sohn Bin gently brushed the damp hair away from her face.

“Thank you, Young Lady Se-hwa.”

Smiling softly, Sohn Bin spoke to the sleeping Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa. She was sleeping peacefully, unaware of his words, but Sohn Bin continued with a warm smile.

“You’ve worked incredibly hard all this time. So from now on…”

With an exceedingly gentle but firm gaze, Sohn Bin said,

“Leave it to me.”

Noh Gun, who was observing the scene, clicked his tongue inwardly. If he were to recount this moment to her later, Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa would likely be upset that she hadn’t heard it herself and would end up looking tearful. At this point, it was difficult to determine whether this was a good or regrettable situation for her.

“Elder Noh Gun! Young Master Sohn!”

A familiar woman’s voice echoed from outside the shattered inn door. Sa Soo-yeon and Dang Wol-ah entered the room.

“You’re already here?”

Noh Gun was impressed. Sa Soo-yeon and Dang Wol-ah must have replicated his method of crossing the river by stepping on floating debris. It was easier said than done, and it was a skill that was difficult to imitate after seeing it only once. But Sa Soo-yeon and Dang Wol-ah were individuals who defied common sense. As soon as Sa Soo-yeon entered, she noticed the collapsed Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa and was visibly startled.

“Young Lady Se-hwa!”

Surprised, Sa Soo-yeon rushed to her side. But soon, she saw Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa’s peaceful expression and breathed a sigh of relief.

Rustle.

Dang Wol-ah also carefully checked Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa’s pulse and nodded quietly. There was no serious cause for concern. On second thought, it was only natural. Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa, lacking advanced martial arts skills, wouldn’t have been a primary target for Jang Sabum of Ilsim Martial Arts.

Sa Soo-yeon spoke to Sohn Bin, who was still supporting Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa.

“I’ll take her from here.”

Sohn Bin nodded and carefully handed Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa over. Sa Soo-yeon picked her up.

“What about Gwigyeon Sura?”

Noh Gun asked. They weren’t the only ones who had come. Hyeolbong Geumsaryeon and Gwigyeon Sura had also accompanied Sohn Bin’s group for their own reasons. Sa Soo-yeon, holding Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa, answered Noh Gun.

“They’ll be a little behind. It seems Young Lady Geumsaryeon isn’t feeling well…”

Noh Gun nodded. Considering Hyeolbong Geumsaryeon’s delicate health, acrobatic feats like leaping across the river were too risky.

“First, we need to lay Young Lady Se-hwa down in a comfortable place.”

Sa Soo-yeon and Dang Wol-ah carried Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa into an empty room in the inn. They needed to change her wet clothes into something comfortable and warm her body. As they closed the door, Sohn Bin, who had been watching them intently, finally turned his head.

“What are you going to do now?”

At Noh Gun’s question, Sohn Bin replied,

“First, we’ll have to wait for Young Lady Se-hwa to wake up.”

That was obvious without saying.

“And then?”

The reason Noh Gun bothered to ask was because he sensed the anger simmering beneath Sohn Bin’s calm demeanor.

“I will hold those who planned and executed this accountable.”

Sohn Bin’s voice was resolute. Noh Gun grinned.

“Of course, you should. Fortunately, it seems these guys have long lifespans…”

Noh Gun glanced back at the men he had sent flying. They were all lying unconscious with broken bones, but they were still alive. Considering the disparity in martial arts skills, it was clear that Noh Gun had intentionally spared their lives.

“I need to ask what kind of crazy bastard planned this and why.”

“Yes.”

Sohn Bin nodded quietly.

“I must, ask.”

After a while, Sohn Bin and Noh Gun located the middle-aged couple who owned and ran the inn, tied up in another room. They expressed their gratitude repeatedly, but they were distraught at the sight of their ruined inn. Only after freeing the Hyuk Ryun Clan warriors, binding the Ilsim Martial Arts men, and locking them in one room were Sohn Bin and Noh Gun able to take a short break. The downpour that had been raging outside the window was gradually subsiding.

***

Awakened by the cheerful chirping of birds, Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa opened her eyes. The warmth of a cozy blanket enveloped her, and a gentle breeze drifting through the window tickled her cheeks. The morning sunlight filtering through the curtains was a little dazzling, but after the prolonged cloudy weather, it was a welcome sight.

‘Ummm.’

Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa stretched her arms above her head and yawned. The fatigue had vanished, and even her mood felt refreshed. It was truly a perfect morning, the best she had experienced in a long time.

“Haaa.”

Taking a deep breath, Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa savored the warmth of the blanket, feeling completely relaxed. Later, she would realize that this feeling usually meant she was late or had overslept, but right now, she didn’t care. What finally roused her, when she felt like she could easily drift back to sleep, was a sudden, intense hunger.

Grumble.

Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa’s eyes widened at the slightly embarrassing sound emanating from her stomach. And she realized that her surroundings were completely unfamiliar.

‘Huh? Where is this…’

Rustle.

Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa sat up. The light sleeping robe she was wearing was also unfamiliar, but she didn’t dwell on that. Right now, she was more curious about her location.

‘It’s not my room; it looks like an inn somewhere?’

The place she had woken up in was an ordinary inn room, the kind you could find anywhere. It was a place she had never seen before.

‘Why am I here…’

She tilted her head, trying to piece together her memories.

Click.

The door opened without warning. And the person who entered was someone Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa hadn’t expected at all.

“Ah, you’re awake, Young Lady Se-hwa.”

Sohn Bin said with his usual warm smile. His greeting was so natural that it felt like something she had experienced just yesterday.

“There’s warm food prepared. Get dressed and come out.”

Before Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa could even respond, Sohn Bin quickly closed the door. No, even if she had had the chance, she wouldn’t have been able to say anything. The sight she had just witnessed was so unexpected that she wondered if she was still dreaming.

‘Uh…’

Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa stared blankly at the closed door.

Click.

The door opened again. And this time, it wasn’t Sohn Bin who entered.

“Young Lady Se-hwa!”

Sa Soo-yeon exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.

“…Soo-yeon, Young Lady?”

Was this still a dream? Or was she simply seeing things? How could he and she be here? They had departed for such a distant place, and people had said they might never return. As Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa stared in disbelief, tears welled up in Sa Soo-yeon’s large eyes. Sa Soo-yeon quietly approached Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa. She gently embraced her, who still thought she was dreaming.

Rustle.

“Young Lady Se-hwa.”

‘Ah.’

Sa Soo-yeon’s soft embrace enveloped Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa. That comforting embrace was definitely not a dream or an illusion.

“…Young Lady Soo-yeon.”

Whimper. Suddenly, tears began to flow. Nothing particularly sad had happened, and she had always believed they would return. But the overwhelming emotions surging within her heart poured out as tears.

Rustle.

Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa hugged Sa Soo-yeon tightly and began to sob quietly. That day was the best morning she had ever experienced, filled with more joy than anything else.

Sohn Bin, leaning against the doorframe, smiled softly. Noh Gun, who was passing by, asked casually,

“What are you doing, standing in front of the door?”

Sohn Bin looked at Noh Gun with a smile.

“It’s nothing. I was just thinking that they really came back.”

Noh Gun frowned.

“Why all of a sudden? Did something happen?”

Sohn Bin shook his head emphatically.

“No. Nothing happened.”

Noh Gun, looking suspicious, snorted.

“Let’s go; we need to eat.”

“Yes.”

Sohn Bin, following Noh Gun, suddenly turned back to look at the door.

‘Phew, that’s a relief.’

He had been surprised when he opened the door without thinking. He hadn’t expected Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa to be sitting up already, and wearing only a light sleeping robe.

In that moment of crisis, Sohn Bin had managed to offer a natural greeting and smile. After simply delivering his message, he had immediately closed the door, never revealing any sign of fluster or surprise.

As expected? As soon as he had closed the door and turned around, he had passed Sa Soo-yeon. She, who was about to enter the room, had looked puzzled for a moment, but she was soon consumed by the joy of Hyuk Ryun Se-hwa’s safe awakening. Sohn Bin, listening to the sounds from inside, could confirm the reunion of the two women, even if only through their voices.

The feeling of being touched and the thought of ‘they’re back’ were definitely genuine. Of course, there was also a sense of relief that he had smoothly navigated an unexpected situation.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you coming?”

Noh Gun’s voice snapped Sohn Bin out of his thoughts. Sohn Bin headed toward the dining room, his steps noticeably lighter. Little did he know that he would soon be receiving sharp glares from everyone in the group, including Hyeolbong Geumsaryeon, who had arrived late after crossing the river.

(Author’s words)

Poor Sohn Bin, completely oblivious to what lies ahead.