TYMIR Ch 3

“I searched the whole small sarangchae*, but he was nowhere to be found.”

“It seems he’s quite upset.”

A long, pale sigh escaped from between Hyowon’s plump lips. His gentle eyes drooped so low they became his most prominent feature. Manseok, who had been watching him quietly, cautiously added.

“Leave him be, Young Master.”

“But still…”

At the firm response from Manseok, who barely spoke a word or two a day, Hyowon’s eyes widened. How could he ignore him when he knew full well that he was upset? His heart felt heavy.

“If you worry too much about a subordinate, they will start to think of themselves as your equal. I shall attend to you today.”

In a tone that lingered, Manseok looked up at Hyowon, who was standing on the main floor.

“Would you do that for me? Thank you.”

“Young Master, I’ve brought a bowl of it, heated up.”

Just then, Suni stepped through the side door, carrying a small tray. White steam billowed up from over the cloth covering it.

🎐⋆｡🍥

Left alone in the room, Yoonyi gently stroked the clothes he was wearing. Unlike the rough fabrics he had worn until now, it was so soft and smooth, as if he were draped in silk. The blanket covering him was also stuffed full of cotton, making it plush and warm.

The heat rising from the warmest part of the floor. It was so cozy here it was hard to believe it was winter. Were there truly nobles this generous? It felt as if he were wandering through a dream. Yoonyi barely managed to lift his hand. His whole body was stiff, as if the chill that had seeped into every joint of his bones had not yet melted away, and his expression crumpled on its own. Even so, Yoonyi endured it and pinched his own cheek. Thankfully, a sharp sting of pain was clearly felt.

But being alone guarding the room felt a little frightening. The longer he was alone, the more his toes curled inward. Yoonyi just quietly darted his eyes back and forth. Beyond the paper-paned window, the fiercely scattering snowflakes were a blurry sight. His narrow shoulders involuntarily hunched inward at the sound of the angry wind.

As he listened intently, the voices of the Young Master and the others he had heard earlier occasionally drifted in on the wind. It was clear they were coming from very far away, yet the Young Master’s voice, in particular, rang clearly in his ears.

At this strange occurrence, his slender neckline swayed from side to side like a weeping willow. As he was lost in thought, the sound of light footsteps drew closer and closer. Listening carefully, he realized it was not just one set of footsteps.

“Yoonyi, may I come in?”

“…Yes, Young Master.”

Yoonyi quickly answered, looking toward the threshold. Not long after, a slight murmuring sound was heard from outside the door, and then, behind Hyowon with his plumply puffed cheeks, a woman and a man appeared.

“What are you doing? Come in.”

“Y-Young Master…”

At the unfamiliar scent, her eyes glittered pitifully as if they would spill over at any moment. At Yoonyi’s faint voice, Hyowon turned slightly and gently raised the corners of his mouth.

“This is Suni, and this is Manseok. They stay in the servants’ quarters and help with the work in the sarangchae.”

“Are you feeling a little better now?”

Suni carefully placed the small tray on the floor and abruptly closed the distance between them. Freckles were prominently scattered across her round cheeks. Yoonyi nodded his head as if bewitched.

“You have no idea how startled I was earlier. What on earth were you so scared of?”

“Th-That is…”

“He just regained consciousness, why are you interrogating him like that?”

Bombarded with ceaseless questions, Yoonyi bit his lip and hesitated. What should he say first? As he just picked at his nails, the man named Manseok interjected.

“Aren’t you curious too, brother?”

“Not really.”

“What about you, Young Master?”

The arrow was suddenly aimed at Hyowon. Hyowon, who had been quietly observing Yoonyi, blinked his large eyes. He had a look of profound difficulty on his face.

“The porridge will get cold.”

“That’s right, will you be able to eat?”

As Manseok changed the subject again, Suni finally slid the tray that had been beside her forward.

“What is this?”

“It’s rice porridge. The Young Master was so insistent that he had to find you to give it to you.”

“…W-When did I ever say that?”

Hyowon’s calm voice faltered like a small sailboat facing a storm.

“My goodness? But you were looking for him earlier, weren’t you?”

“Suni, you’re making things up.”

Hyowon, who had been sitting calmly, shot up to his feet and pointed a slender finger at Suni. His once-pale face was now flushed red all over, as if a furious, blade-like wind had passed over it. When his gaze, which had been drifting in the air, met Yoonyi’s, Hyowon fled as if running for his life.

“My word, I’ve never seen the Young Master so flustered.”

Suni stared blankly through the open doorway with a bewildered expression.

“Where are you going, brother?”

When even Manseok, who had been settled in a corner like a shadow, stood up, Suni’s eyes sparkled as she asked.

“To attend to the Young Master.”

“Where has that Makgae fellow gone off to now?”

Instead of an answer, Manseok just shook his head and left the room.

“Honestly. So selfish.”

Suni, who had been smiling brightly just a moment ago, puffed out her lips pointedly.

“It seems there is another person.”

“Ah, don’t you worry. It’s just me, my older brother Manseok whom you just saw, and Makgae here. Only the three of us.”

As Yoonyi, who had been cautiously observing, timidly spoke up, Suni seemed to think for a moment before quickly holding out a spoon. Yoonyi took it and carefully peered at the pale porridge. He had been a wanderer for whom even barley was scarce, let alone rice. Could he really eat something so precious? As he stared at it for a long while as if it were a sacrificial meal, Suni waved her hand, urging him on.

Only then did the spoon move toward Yoonyi’s mouth. The moment the savory aroma, dressed with sesame oil, spread from the tip of his tongue, the hunger he had suppressed rushed in like a tidal wave. Suni just watched Yoonyi eat with a pleased expression.

“By the way, how old are you? You look a year or two older than the Young Master? Feel free to call me sister.”

“Ah. I’m, fourteen.”

Suni’s head tilted from side to side as if trying to gauge him. Unable to bear the silence, Yoonyi was the first to part his lips.

“…What?”

He was used to this kind of reaction because he was so small, but today it felt somehow more embarrassing. So, Yoonyi dropped his head listlessly.

“Well, being small isn’t a flaw. The Young Master is also quite small for his age, so it’s fine. What’s your name?”

“It’s Yoonyi.”

“Yoonyi? Your name is as pretty as your face.”

A gaze as persistent as the scorching sun followed his skin. After staring for a long while, Suni immediately let out a stream of admiration.

“It’s not like a man is going to live off his pretty face. What good is being handsome?”

Suddenly, the closed door was thrown open fiercely, and a cold wind rushed in. The man who entered, carrying the chill, immediately glared with fierce eyes and spewed out blunt words.

“Where have you been all this time?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

At his insolent attitude, Suni’s gentle demeanor abruptly became as fierce as a tsunami. Despite this, the man grumbled back and plopped himself down in the warmest spot on the floor.

“Because of you, my brother Manseok had to go as the Young Master’s attendant instead.”

“Why is that my fault? It’s the Young Master’s fault for only caring about that little runt.”

“Are you really going to talk like that?”

The air turned so cold it made the warm floor seem pointless. It was as if a hole had been poked in the paper window, letting in all the piercing wind. As the two raised their voices, Yoonyi blinked his large eyes and curled his already small body into a ball, like a snail.

“Forget it! You don’t know anything, sister!”

The man who had taken a seat glared fiercely at Suni with eyes that were slit all the way to his temples, and then stormed out. The thumping of his heels on the wooden floor conveyed his anger perfectly.

“…I-I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. That’s the one called Makgae. He’s just a bit jealous, that’s all. Don’t worry about it.”

It felt as though he had caused the disturbance for no reason. Chased out of the place he lived, and now causing trouble here, too. He felt so ashamed that he kept shrinking into himself. At that, Suni furrowed her brow and let out a sigh-filled complaint.

“But, we might have to stay quiet for a while.”

Her voice trembled slightly. When her eyes met Yoonyi’s, Suni hastily changed the subject.

“You can hear the details from the Young Master. Ah, drink this, too.”

A bitter-smelling medicinal tonic was suddenly thrust before Yoonyi, who had just finished his rice porridge.

“My brother Manseok found it in the storehouse.”

When he hesitated, reluctant to accept it, Suni pulled his slender hand and placed the bowl in it. Her warmth was transmitted through the bowl, making it feel hot as well.

“…Thank you.”

“Well then, get some more sleep.”

It was hard to keep refusing when she was being so attentive, so Yoonyi downed the tonic in one go. The savory aroma that had lingered in his mouth was instantly replaced by a bitter taste. As his face contorted, Suni chuckled and stood up with the empty bowl.

🎐⋆｡🍥

“Yoonyi.”

A whispering voice came from between the slightly ajar door. When Yoonyi turned his head, he saw a pale face the size of a pebble.

“Young Master?”

Hyowon, who unlike before was finely dressed in a rainbow-striped jeogori, kept glancing around before quickly hopping over the threshold. His light movements were as quick as a baby rabbit’s. At that adorable motion, a gentle smile appeared on Yoonyi’s lips.

“Here, take this quickly.”

The fluffy and sweet scent of the child who came closer wafted in with his breath. As Yoonyi just blinked blankly, Hyowon quickly placed something on his palm and gently folded his open fingers over it.

“…What is this?”

“I heard you drank the tonic.”

Yoonyi slowly opened his folded palm. A sweet scent wafted through the bright yellow hanji paper. At Yoonyi’s question, Hyowon replied, rubbing the tip of his reddened nose.

“It’s what I eat when I’m having a hard time.”

His gaze flickered down to the palm. Yoonyi carefully unwrapped the fine hanji paper. A luscious-looking hangwa appeared.

“…Are you giving this to me?”

At Yoonyi’s question, Hyowon nodded his round head lightly up and down.

“Thank you, Young Master.”

He felt a truly strange sensation, as if he had received the young master’s treasure. A bright smile, like the arrival of early spring, spread across Yoonyi’s face as he fiddled with the hangwa.

“Yes. Don’t give it to anyone else, just you eat it, Yoonyi.”

Hyowon, who had been blankly taking in the sight, once again bolted without even waiting for a reply. The small young master’s movements were so swift that there was no time to stop him.

Yoonyi lowered his gaze and stared at the hangwa resting gently on his palm. The fluffy, puffed rice stuck to it made it look as if it had been rolled in softly piled snow. As he looked at it, he thought it resembled the Young Master’s plump cheeks, and a smile escaped him for no reason.

Just a short while ago, he had been startled by the word ‘Your Excellency’. It felt so unfamiliar to have melted into this cozy atmosphere in such a short time. This must all be thanks to the Young Master. Just one day. How could he treat him so kindly after such a brief encounter?

“…Come to think of it.”

Just as he was quietly mulling over his thoughts, the window frame rattled from a strong gust of wind. Although it was winter, it was too quiet, eerily so. So quiet that he could hear the rustling of every leaf. A sudden curiosity about where he was welled up, and Yoonyi put strength into his slender calves to stand, pushing firmly off the ground. But it seemed to be too much for him yet, as his gaunt ankle wobbled precariously before giving way and slumping sideways.

Regrettably, more drops of blood spread onto the innocent white pants. What was he to do about this? What’s more, blood doesn’t wash out easily. The face that had been bright just a moment ago was now clouded over.

‘How long will I be able to stay here?’

The man named Makgae had openly shown his anger toward him, a complete stranger. It was nothing new. Wherever he went, he had been disliked by other men because he was never strong enough due to his small frame. It seemed there probably wasn’t any work for him to do at this house either. A worry, once it took hold, brought forth another. His small hand clenched abruptly, and crumbs of puffed rice scattered onto the blanket. Startled, Yoonyi quickly opened his palm wide.

Only the edges had broken off a little; the main part was fine. It was a true relief. Yoonyi brought it to his mouth and took a small bite with his front teeth. A sweet taste spread meltingly across his tongue.

🎐⋆｡🍥

For some reason, Hyowon’s sarangbang, which had been quiet, was now bustling with activity. Having finished his breakfast early, Hyowon was bundled up tightly in a quilted jacket, quilted pants, and even padded socks. As thick layers of clothing were added to the small child’s body, he became so round he looked as if he might roll away at any moment.

“Young Master, are you planning to stop by the inner quarters again today before you go to your teacher’s house?”

Manseok, who was helping him into a durumagi over his firmly raised arms, managed to ask a single question.

“…I must. I can’t skip my morning greetings to my mother.”

After a brief pause, Hyowon answered calmly, as if nothing had happened. Manseok didn’t run his mouth as carelessly as Makgae, but his expression couldn’t be called bright either. A nambawi, a winter hat with fluffy fur on the inside, was placed on his neatly combed hair.

“All done, Young Master.”

The calloused, rough hands were extremely careful, as if afraid of leaving a scratch on the delicate skin.

“You go through a lot of trouble, Manseok.”

“Not at all.”

Hyowon smiled, his eyes crinkling softly.

“…Young Master.”

Just then, Makgae’s head appeared, barely peeking through the open doorway. The man who would normally stride in confidently with his thick shoulders squared seemed to know his wrongdoing, as he couldn’t bring himself to enter and just fidgeted with his knobby-knuckled hands.

“Where have you been?”

Manseok asked in his characteristically monotone voice. Makgae’s thoroughly cowed shoulders flinched slightly upwards.

“There’s no need for a commotion so early in the morning.”

Any disturbance in the small sarangchae would do no good for anyone, not for Yoonyi, and not for him. Hyowon barely suppressed his feelings and avoided Makgae’s approaching gaze. At that, Manseok understood and didn’t add another word.

“Then, Young Master, this servant will go and see to some outside matters.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

As he looked ready to leave at once, Hyowon caught his thick wrist, and Manseok bowed his head.

“What did hyungnim do?”

As Manseok’s back grew distant, Makgae, unable to wait a moment longer, moved in close. It was obvious where he had been without him saying a word. A savory aroma vibrated from his entire body. Hyowon let out a faint sigh.

“What do you mean, ‘what did he do’? Manseok simply did twice the work, including yours.”

“Aw, who would make hyungnim work?”

That Makgae fellow still had a silly grin plastered on his face.

“Shall I escort you straight to Master Choi’s house then?”

As Hyowon walked ahead, Makgae followed right behind him like a shadow. All the while, he kept peeking, craning his neck forward to study the small face half-hidden by the nambawi.

“We will stop by the inner quarters before that.”

“…There again?”

At the answer given without a hint of hesitation, Makgae’s steps came to a dead halt. Then, he let out a series of heavy sighs for all to see. He puffed out so much pale vapor that no one would have found it strange to think a cauldron was boiling vigorously nearby.

“Why are you not coming?”

Hyowon, who had shoved his feet into the leather shoes placed neatly on the stepping stone, asked with a subtle glare.

“You’re just going to get a scolding anyway, so why make the pointless trip…”

Makgae, who was running his mouth out of habit, snapped it shut as if bewitched when the jet-black eyes fixed on him. Then he shook his head vigorously, as if to say he hadn’t said a thing. He wasn’t wrong, but it truly stung when even his own servant spoke that way. A blade-like wind blowing fiercely from behind the small sarangchae grazed the tip of his nose. Hyowon turned his back and walked away.

“Y-Young Master! Let’s go together!”

Thump, thump. A loud noise, as if he were stomping on the wooden floor with his heels, was heard, soon followed by the sound of crunching on the pale, piled-up snow. It was a fair distance from Hyowon’s sarangchae, which was set apart like a solitary island, to the inner quarters.

After passing through the side gate and following the long, winding stone wall, the middle gate leading to the large sarangchae came into view. As if to reject him, he pushed open the firmly shut gate, and it was like another world. From this point on, the servants were so diligent that not a single snowflake was ever left on the ground, even in the dead of winter.

“Ah, Young Master.”

A servant who was frantically crossing the yard with a broom saw Hyowon and gave a perfunctory bow. Then he scurried off on his way.

“Honestly, what an insolent fellow. Don’t you think so, Young Master?”

Makgae, who had been watching the scene blankly, tossed out a comment. The large sarangchae and the inner quarters were overflowing with the presence of people no matter where one looked. After passing through the sarangchae and crossing the middle gate that led secretly to the inner quarters, a cozy garden unfolded. Despite being the middle of winter, the trees did not look so desolate, thanks to the many hands that had touched them.

“Go and tell my mother that I have come to pay my morning respects.”

Hyowon, standing on the stepping stone, spoke to the maidservant guarding the front. However, the maidservant, who didn’t even look to be of marriageable age, just paced back and forth with a deeply troubled expression.

“What is it?”

Unable to watch any longer, Makgae stepped forward abruptly.

“…Well, you see, Young Master. The physician is inside right now.”

The maidservant, who had been anxiously picking at her innocent fingernails, finally spoke. At that, Hyowon’s gaze naturally fell. Next to Hyowon’s feet, a pair of shoes he hadn’t seen before was sitting there.

“Are you saying my mother is unwell again today?”

“That’s not it, but…”

“My goodness, why are you being so frustrating?”

Even at Hyowon’s worried question, the maidservant could not readily give an answer. At her lukewarm attitude, Makgae pounded on his own broad chest and instantly scowled. At his threatening appearance, the maidservant flinched back and shrank into herself.

“Makgae, how could you…”

Just as he was about to say something, the door to the main room, which had been as solidly shut as a fortress wall, opened.

“My lady must be especially careful. Do you understand?”

“Yes, of course.”

Along with a wave of warmth, an elderly physician and Yeonim, who attended to Madam Han, stepped outside.

“Young Master?”

Yeonim saw Hyowon and just blinked her eyes, without even showing proper courtesy.

“Come in.”

Before Yeonim could even open her mouth to say he couldn’t, a soft voice came from the main room. At this, Makgae’s eyes widened and he looked at Hyowon.

“Wait here for a moment.”