TYMIR Ch 15

“Yoonyi, you must always be careful. I don’t think Mother is the same as before, likely because of my younger brother’s situation.”

“Yes, I will do so.”

Hyowon ended up swallowing his words. Just seeing Yeonim’s attitude was more than enough to guess Madam Han’s inner turmoil. Seeing that worried look, the corners of Yoonyi’s lips gently formed an arc.

“Yoonyi is all grown up now, why do you fuss over him so much?”

“Fuss over him? Who said I was fussing? And where did you pop out from?”

Makgae, who had been watching the scene from a distance, suddenly stuck his head over the wall. At that, Hyowon cleared his throat with a dry cough, heum heum, and immediately scolded him.

“Where else? I was sweeping down here.”

Makgae then shuffled around the wall and quickly showed them the broom he was holding.

“Hyungnim, I’ll help too.”

At that, Yoonyi, who had been sitting on his bottom, shot to his feet. His pale complexion hadn’t returned yet, and a sigh escaped through Hyowon’s teeth. When his gaze met Yoonyi’s, Hyowon quickly averted his eyes back to his book.

“Really? Then take that and sweep the yard.”

Makgae glanced at Hyowon, then pointed to another broom leaning against a pillar.

“Yes, hyungnim.”

Yoonyi gently swept the yard, careful not to kick up dust. On that warm spring day, Hyowon, sitting on the main porch, pretended to read his book while gazing intently at Yoonyi. His fair skin was tinged with a faint red hue wherever the spring sun touched it.

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“It was so comfortable when I was the young master’s personal servant…”

A half-hearted whine escaped Makgae’s wide-open lips. Whenever Hyowon read a book, he used to lean against a pillar and nap, but this? Sweeping the yard, fetching water, even going out to the fields. He didn’t have a moment to sit his bottom down.

As if mocking Makgae’s predicament, a burst of laughter was heard from over the wall. Makgae’s gaze instinctively twisted. For whatever reason, that Yoonyi fellow was grinning at Hyowon even while sweeping the yard.

“It’s all because of that detestable brat.”

The anger he had barely suppressed surged up again. Makgae glared fiercely at Yoonyi with blazing eyes.

“Ah, whatever.”

Then he suddenly threw down the A-frame carrier on his back and plopped down at the base of the wall. Scold me if you want. As he was resting with his legs spread wide,

“Makgae, the madam wishes to see you.”

A familiar voice came from behind him. His expression immediately crumpled.

“Again?”

“What do you mean, ‘again,’ you brat!”

When Makgae asked back with his brow deeply furrowed, Chilbok’s snake-like, slanted eyes shot up as he threatened to raise a hand at any moment.

“Aish, I get it, old man. I’m going, I’m going!”

Makgae reluctantly heaved his heavy body to his feet.

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“So, is everything alright in the small detached quarters?”

Madam Han, sitting ramrod straight on a thick mattress, asked the moment Makgae crossed the threshold.

“…Yes, nothing special.”

Makgae was getting sick of the same question every time he was summoned like this, but the important thing was… no matter how he wracked his brain, he had nothing to report. Master Hyowon was always so meticulous, the only place he ever went was Master Choi’s house. And that Yoonyi brat, though a bit detestable, never slacked off. A bland answer finally escaped the lips of Makgae, who had been hesitating for a long while.

“I told you to report even the smallest things.”

When the displeased Madam Han turned her head and sighed, a frustrated Yeonim abruptly raised her voice.

“There has to be something for me to report!”

It was truly frustrating enough to kill him when they pressed him like this. He had only agreed to it lightly, thinking he’d just get Yoonyi kicked out, but he never imagined it would drag on for several years. At that, Madam Han’s jet-black eyes grew cold.

“I-I’m sorry, Madam.”

A chill ran down Makgae’s spine at her menacing aura, like that of a giant snake opening its maw to attack, and he lowered his head.

“No, one cannot fabricate things that did not happen. That will be all. You may leave.”

“…Yes.”

After staring at the top of Makgae’s head for a long time, Madam Han finally looked away. Just as Makgae was slowly getting up, for some reason, he suddenly plopped his bottom back down on the floor.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Yeonim, clearly displeased by his posture, immediately showed her annoyance.

“…Um, Madam, it’s not that this one wants anything.”

Makgae began to pick at his grimy fingernails, beating around the bush. At his shameless and absurd behavior, Madam Han let out a hollow laugh.

“Well, well, the nerve of him.”

Yeonim’s eyes bulged as if she were about to faint on the spot. Madam Han waved her elegant hand as if to stop her. Then, she took a small silk pouch from a drawer and tossed it onto the floor.

“Oh, Madam. Thank you. Next time, this one will surely bring good news. Please believe me.”

With a ddaenggeurang sound, the pouch rolled to a stop right in front of his nose. Makgae quickly snatched it up, tucked it into his clothes, and got to his feet.

“If you bring news that pleases me, I will give you something far more valuable than mere coins.”

“…If you say more valuable.”

Madam Han whispered softly, just loud enough for the greedy back turning away to hear. Makgae gulped and turned around. His dark eyes glinted with avarice.

“Madam, why would you give something so valuable to a wretched fool like him?”

“What else can I do? He is the only one we have in the small detached quarters.”

As soon as Makgae left, Yeonim hastily closed the distance and approached. With a face as dark as storm clouds, Madam Han just kept exhaling hot breaths.

“Madam, Master Seunghun has woken up.”

“Bring him in at once.”

When the maid’s voice was heard from outside the door, Madam Han’s face brightened up as if nothing had happened.

“Mother.”

A small child came running and buried himself in the folds of Madam Han’s skirt.

“Yes, yes. Seunghun. You’re awake now.”

“M-Mother, where is hyungnim?”

Madam Han, finding her young son so very lovely, patted his back and held his hand. Seunghun, who had been blinking quietly, looked around and mumbled with his small lips.

“…Why are you looking for that wretched, I mean, your hyungnim?”

Madam Han’s tone, which had sharpened for a moment, became gentle again as soon as she faced her innocent child’s face.

“I want to p-play with hyungnim, too.”

Seunghun answered innocently, his round eyes crinkling into a smile. The child’s clueless answer only deepened Madam Han’s worries.

“Instead of that, how about you study with your mother?”

“N-No!”

Madam Han, who had been sighing heavily, managed to fix her expression and looked at her child. Seunghun’s face suddenly crumpled and he shouted. He must have hated studying that much, as his eyes were already welling up with tears.

“Young Master, I will play with you. Please stop crying.”

“R-Really? Will you play horsey with me?”

Unable to watch any longer, Yeonim stepped in, and Seunghun’s lips curved into a bright smile as he looked delighted.

“Get on.”

Without a word, Yeonim bent over, got on all fours on the floor, and offered her back. Seunghun giggled, kareureu, and quickly climbed on top. Madam Han, who had been staring blankly at the bizarre sight with empty eyes, let out a deep sigh.

“How could this be.”

“M-Madam.”

Madam Han’s body swayed for a moment, and the maid beside her quickly supported her.

“Do not make a fuss. Just make sure no sound leaks outside.”

“Yes, yes, Madam.”

Madam Han fiercely shook off the approaching hands and sat back down on the mattress. At her command, the windows, through which the warm spring sun had been pouring, were all shut tight.

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“Yoonyi, we need to hurry a little.”

It was just around the time the sun was rising over the horizon. The small detached quarters were bustling more than ever. Hyowon kept his gaze fixed on the slender hands crossing his chest.

“Still, it’s been a while since you’re going to see your teacher, so you must look flawless, Young Master.”

Despite the successive urgings, Yoonyi calmly placed the kwaeja jacket on him. Then he stepped back to meticulously check for any wrinkles, again and again. Since their eye levels were now almost the same, even changing clothes took quite some time.

“Always nagging.”

Watching this, Hyowon curled the corners of his mouth into a faint smile.

“It’s almost done now.”

With a satisfied expression, Yoonyi took the dopo coat’s ties he had temporarily hung on his arm and wrapped them around Hyowon’s waist as if embracing him. At that, Hyowon forgot to breathe and dropped his gaze to the floor, afraid their eyes might meet.

“Yoonyi, tie it a bit tighter.”

As the refreshing scent began to fade, Hyowon finally managed to move his lips.

“It will be uncomfortable if I tie it tighter…”

“No, I will be riding a horse and shooting a bow today. The clothes can’t get in the way.”

“Please tell me if it’s uncomfortable.”

Yoonyi reluctantly applied pressure to his fingertips and gently pulled. At that, Hyowon nodded his head vigorously.

“Is that good?”

“Yes, it’s very comfortable.”

Hyowon, dressed in a blue kwaeja that seemed to hold the sky itself, spun around once on the spot with a very satisfied look on his face. He had grown so much, he now looked quite good in a man’s attire.

“Blue also suits you very well, Young Master.”

Yoonyi, who was staring intently, added another comment.

“…S-Suits me well? Let’s go. We’ll be really late at this rate.”

Hyowon’s pale, moon-jar-like complexion suddenly flushed red beneath his eyes, as if stained with flower water. Forgetting even the bow he loved so much, his steps were incredibly awkward, his arms swinging along with his legs. Seeing him so weak to compliments made Yoonyi recall how he was when he was little, and a smile naturally formed on his lips.

“Are you going to go without your bow?”

“Ah! Th-that is…”

Yoonyi, who was quietly watching his receding back, quickly grabbed the bow and quiver that were set in a corner and trotted after him. Only then did Hyowon turn around, his eyes wide and his mouth formed in a small ‘o’.

“Let’s go, Young Master.”

Hyowon stood frozen in place, as awkward as an unthawed spring. Yoonyi took hold of his long, trailing sleeve and gently tugged.

Beneath the eaves, the sky, holding the warmth of spring, spread out in a shade of blue as if painted. The two of them diligently passed through the side gate and walked along the stone wall leading to the main detached quarters. As they approached the main house’s courtyard, the murmur of people grew louder.

“It looks like everyone is already out. What if you get scolded because of me.”

“Judging by the atmosphere, it seems Father isn’t here yet.”

When Yoonyi’s eyes drooped sorrowfully, Hyowon gently patted his neat shoulders.

“Oh my, Young Master.”

As Hyowon approached the main gate, a male servant who recognized him first quickly bowed his head.

“Mother.”

As the gathered people gradually made way, Hyowon approached Madam Han, who was standing near the gate. Before she could say a word,

“H-Hyungnim…!”

His youngest brother Seunghun, who had been buried in her skirt, shot out before anyone could stop him and hugged Hyowon’s knees. A warm sensation spread from below, and Hyowon’s gaze slowly drifted downward.

“Hyung-nim.”

“You’ve grown more since I last saw you.”

The face, much smaller than a fist, visible beneath a lavish gold-embroidered bokgeon cap, was wreathed in a broad smile. His mouth was open so wide that his rice-grain-sized front teeth were clearly visible. At the lovely sight, a smile spread across Hyowon’s face as well.

“Why, why d-don’t you come see S-Seunghun.”

Seunghun continued to hug his leg tightly, his plump lips twitching. His lower lip jutted out like a bird’s beak, as if to show his displeasure. Looking at that innocent face, he couldn’t bring himself to speak honestly. Hyowon could only smile bitterly.

“Seunghun!”

Madam Han, who was watching, raised her voice sharply, and Seunghun quickly hid behind Hyowon’s knees. Then, he happened to make eye contact with Yoonyi behind him and grinned again.

“…My, my.”

Clearly displeased with this scene, Madam Han’s jet-black eyes flashed as she continued to sigh.

By now, Lord Kim was striding across the main porch of the main detached quarters. Attended by his servants, he put on the taesahye shoes placed on the stepping stone and slowly crossed the courtyard. His unusually white beard stood out whenever the spring sun touched it. Even from a distance, it was clear that his wrinkles had deepened even more in the past few years.

“Judging by your attire, it seems you are going for an archery match with Master Choi.”

Lord Kim, approaching the gate, glanced at Hyowon, who was standing in a corner, not at Madam Han, and spoke.

“…Yes.”

Hyowon gave a short reply, still looking at his own feet.

“A man should at least know how to handle a bow. I hear you have quite a talent for the martial arts, do you still have no thoughts of taking the military examination?”

Lord Kim’s mouth curved up in satisfaction. At that, his already deep wrinkles sank like wells. As the usually indifferent Lord Kim became unusually talkative today, Madam Han, who had been watching quietly, clutched her skirt. On the back of her hand, faint blue veins, crisscrossed with light wrinkles, bulged slightly.

“…My skills are still too humble to be shown anywhere.”

“For a young man to have so little ambition.”

Hyowon found the occasional mention of the military exam quite burdensome. As he showed a lukewarm reaction, still looking at the ground, Lord Kim, displeased, clicked his tongue and walked past.

He was now used to this indifference that vanished like a mirage. Only then did Hyowon slightly raise his head to offer a greeting. Lord Kim, having lost interest, paid him no more attention.

“My lady, I will be back soon.”

“You are getting older now, so please take care of yourself.”

Only then did his tiger-like, sharp eyes turn to the lady of the house. Madam Han finally let go of the skirt she had been clutching and crinkled her eyes into a bright smile.

“Of course, I must. Seunghun, you be sure to listen to your mother as well.”

Lord Kim replied perfunctorily and looked at his youngest son, who was still peeking out from behind Hyowon’s knees.

“…Yes, F-Father.”

The pinwheel pants he wore made his already short legs stand out even more. Unable to resist his mother’s prodding, Seunghun mumbled a reply. At that, a wrinkled hand reached out and gently stroked his small head. Finally, as Lord Kim stepped over the threshold, the gathered people began to disperse one by one.

“I will be going as well, Mother.”

Hyowon bowed his head to Madam Han, as he always did.

“H-Hyungnim, where are you going?”

At that, the child’s eyes trembled rapidly with agitation.

“I’m going to practice archery.”

At the neat reply, Seunghun reluctantly let go. His small arms drooped downward, filled with disappointment.

“I promise I’ll play with you when I get back.”

“R-Really?”

“Young Master!”

Finding the sight quite lovely, Hyowon met his eyes intently. At that, the child’s drooping lips perked up noticeably. At the same time, Madam Han’s pupils darkened like the deep sea. Sensing the unusual atmosphere, Yeonim quickly called for Seunghun.

“Well then, Yoonyi, I’ll be off.”

“Are you truly sure it’s alright for me not to accompany you?”

“You know as well as I do. The mountain hike is quite arduous.”

Hyowon had never once taken Yoonyi on a mountain hike. As if used to it, Yoonyi reluctantly handed over the bow and quiver he was holding.

“…Yes, then please be careful.”

There was no need to say how strenuous Master Choi’s training was. Even the naturally healthy Hyowon would be bedridden for half a day upon his return. Yoonyi’s head drooped. Nevertheless, his tone was thick with lingering disappointment.

“Have a safe trip, Young Master.”

“Suni, please take care of Yoonyi.”

Suni, who had been standing at a distance, rushed over and cut in. Hyowon then added, his face still worried.

“Aigoo, Young Master, do you still only know Yoonyi?”

As Suni asked back with a face full of mischief, Yoonyi also laughed awkwardly. Hyowon took in the peaceful sight before slowly stepping over the threshold.

“I guess after he lost you in the mountains that one time, he’s been quite reluctant to take you again.”

“…I suppose so.”

Suni moved closer and whispered quietly enough for only Yoonyi to hear. It was the day they ran into a mountain tiger again while gathering spring greens. He heard later that Hyowon had searched the mountain like a madman, not even realizing when he fell.

“Let’s go to the quarters. We should at least clean up before the young master returns.”

Just as they were about to turn, a faint force tugged at Yoonyi’s trouser leg. He gently lowered his gaze.

“Master Seunghun?”

Yoonyi’s chestnut-colored trouser leg was held fast in a small hand. Surprised, Yoonyi’s gentle eyes widened.

“My, my…!”

Madam Han, who had been glaring at this with great displeasure, roughly flapped the skirt she was clutching as if throwing it down and entered the inner quarters.

“M-Madam!”

Startled by her master’s blazing anger, Yeonim hurriedly followed behind her. Yoonyi, left alone with Seunghun in the confusion, couldn’t hide his extreme bewilderment.

“Sister, what should I do?”

When Yoonyi subtly sent a look to Suni, she showed him her hands as if to say there was nothing she could do.

“P-Play with me until hyungnim comes back.”

Seunghun gently shook Yoonyi’s trouser leg that he was holding.

“Yes, Young Master. What shall we play?”

Wasn’t the Young Master just like this in his childhood? For some reason, he saw an image of Hyowon overlapping with the child. Yoonyi met the child’s eye level and asked affectionately. Makgae, watching this from a distance, had the corners of his mouth twist in an unusual way.

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“Oh my, what do I do… I don’t know if we’re going to have a funeral at this rate.”

Suni’s dark complexion turned deathly white, as if she were about to faint. Her anxious footsteps couldn’t leave the main gate, and she had been pacing for hours.

“Why is he so late today of all days.”

Suni tilted her head back and looked up at the sky. The sun was already slanting along the mountain ridge. A reddish hue spread widely across the once-blue sky, as if painting over it. Suni repeatedly bit her short-cut fingernails.

“Young Master!”

It was then. From the far end of the wall, she saw a familiar figure approaching with a bow. Suni roughly wiped her blurry eyes and ran out.

“Suni?”

Startled, Hyowon faltered and stopped. Since she rarely ever showed tears, the whole situation was just bewildering.

“This is no time for this. Hurry, hurry, Yoonyi is going to die at this rate, Young Master!”

“…What?”

Frustrated by his reaction, Suni audaciously grabbed Hyowon’s sleeve and began to pull him frantically. Hyowon’s face, which had been flushed from the mountain hike just moments before, froze as cold as ice. He ran off like a madman.