TYMIR Ch 40

Even though the uniquely long and hot summer passed and the season of high skies and plump horses arrived, the servants were still endlessly busy. This was no different for Makgae.

“Makgae, Makgae. Come over here.”

Makgae, who had just returned from reaping a load of ripe rice from the paddies and was finally catching his breath on the narrow wooden porch, heard a whispering sound in his ear.

When he turned his gaze, he saw Yeonim’s dark eyes stuck fast between the crimson and yellow autumn leaves, like a pine caterpillar.

“Aish, what is it now.”

“What is it now? What an insolent brat. How much silver have you taken from the Madam?”

Makgae’s expression crumpled like a piece of paper that had been shoved in an old cabinet. At his ungrateful and insolent behavior, Yeonim’s anger flared up as intensely as the midsummer sun.

“Alright, alright. I’m going, okay?”

After confirming there was no one around, Makgae quickly approached the wall of the inner quarters.

“It’s because you’ve been a complete no-show since then. Is anything unusual happening in the small master’s quarters?”

“Unusual? On the contrary, I think both the Lord and I might have gotten it wrong…”

After a long pause, Makgae finally answered, his lower lip twitching. It had already been well over a month since he started sticking to the two of them like glue, his eyes peeled. But forget about any homosexual relations; instead, a cold wind blew between them, so much so that even the head-melting midsummer heat seemed to retreat from the small master’s quarters.

“What? What are you talking about?”

Yeonim pulled her eyebrows together tightly as if she couldn’t believe it. Her already sharp and fierce impression became even more pronounced.

“It’s more like they’re distant, I’d say.”

“…Y-You, you idiot!”

Makgae rolled his eyes upwards and quietly mulled over the events of the past. As expected, no matter how many times he chewed it over like a cow chewing its cud, there was nothing that bothered him. He couldn’t make something up to report, so the words that eventually came out were not just vague but downright foolish. At that, Yeonim raised her bony fingers, which had no flesh on them, and smacked Makgae hard on the head.

“Ah! Why’d you hit me all of a sudden!”

She hit him so hard that a sparrow, which had been resting on a branch, flew up into the sky with a loud thwack. Makgae clutched his stinging head and raised his voice in protest.

“All the more reason to watch them more closely. Are you sure you didn’t miss anything?”

“I told you I didn’t! Aish, really. I shouldn’t have taken the money.”

Makgae grumbled openly, his face covered in irritation.

“What?”

“Getting pushed around here, getting pushed around there.”

“So that’s how you’re going to be? I’ll report it to the Madam and tell her to have you severely punished right away.”

As Makgae turned his back, unable to contain his anger, Yeonim’s harsh voice clawed at the back of his head. Heedless, Makgae walked on diligently.

“Everyone in the world knows Master Seunghun is an idiot anyway, so should I just stick to Master Hyowon’s side?”

That Yeonim, despite being a commoner herself, had always been openly condescending just because she served the Madam, was truly insolent.

The Lord had long since become an old man in the back room, and while the Madam’s influence was still strong, it seemed it wouldn’t last long since the younger master was so incompetent. Come to think of it, he had taken the Madam’s side because of that Yoonyi fellow. As the autumn sun hit the spot where he’d been struck, a heat rose so intensely it put the midsummer sun to shame.

“No. No.”

Still, if he could just find one thing, he might be able to get ahead of that wench Yeonim. One way or another, it wasn’t the time to move rashly. Makgae let out a deep sigh and turned his body toward the small master’s quarters.

🎐⋆｡🍥

The breeze brushing against the clear sky had become noticeably cooler. Unenthusiastic about Lord Kim’s unwelcome summons, Hyowon dawdled on his way to the main master’s quarters.

“Master, please don’t be so displeased.”

As wrinkles, like the folds of a voluminous skirt, gathered between his brows, Yoonyi murmured beside him in a whisper.

“The morning is the only time I have with you, and even that is being interrupted, so how can I be in a good mood?”

“Please stop, someone might hear.”

“Hear what? There’s no one here but us.”

Hyowon pouted his lips and let out a stream of complaints. Yoonyi, who was watching him quietly, checked the surroundings and, confirming no one was there, gently took and then released the calloused hand. A momentary warmth spread a serene smile across Hyowon’s face.

“Still, there really isn’t much time left now. I’m so looking forward to the day we can leave together.”

“Me too.”

How each day felt as long as a hundred years. The unusually hot summer had passed, and finally, Hyowon’s preliminary examination was just around the corner. Yoonyi, taking in his handsome face, shyly added his words.

As they reached the courtyard of the main master’s quarters, female servants were rushing in and out breathlessly, even at this early hour, as if something major had happened.

“What is all this about?”

“What do you mean? The Madam insisted that you must eat heartily to take the military exam. It’s been chaos since the crack of dawn.”

When Hyowon stopped a passing girl and spoke to her, she replied with a bright smile.

“My mother, you say?”

For the one who had been so hostile to suddenly prepare a feast, Hyowon’s expression turned strange.

“Master, you’re here. Everyone is waiting for you inside.”

Just as he was about to ask more, a girl who came running out from inside breathlessly urged him on. Reluctantly, Hyowon stepped up onto the stone stoop.

🎐⋆｡🍥

“You’re here.”

“Hyungnim.”

As he crossed the threshold, Seunghun, who had been sitting timidly next to Lord Kim, ran up to him and hugged him.

“Seunghun.”

“Th-Thanks to hyungnim, I get to eat so much delicious food, I’m so happy.”

“Yes, eat a lot.”

His pale cheeks were already puffed out like a squirrel’s. Hyowon, gently stroking his round forehead, walked with Seunghun clinging to his leg like a vine.

On the wide dining table, three or four meat dishes, colorful vegetable sides, and even braised fish were laid out without a single gap. It looked more like a banquet table than a breakfast spread.

“However, isn’t this a bit excessive for breakfast?”

“I heard you always return home late. If not now, when else could I arrange such a meal?”

“My foolish self failed to grasp your deep intentions, Mother.”

Madam Han replied with a smile, her demeanor much softer. At that, Hyowon also bowed his head respectfully. Seeing the subtle atmosphere between the two, who usually sparked frost just by facing each other, the corners of Lord Kim’s mouth lifted in a pleased smile.

“That’s enough, stop that and sit down.”

As soon as Hyowon’s bottom touched the cushion, Seunghun stuck to his side like glue. When he glanced at Madam Han, she would simply curve her eyes into a smile whenever their gazes met, no longer showing any hostility.

“I heard from Master Choi that you are so exceptionally skilled in archery that passing the preliminary exam is a sure thing. Is that true?”

Lord Kim’s eyelids drooped halfway, and his piercing gaze narrowed.

“My Lord, really, he’s just about to take a bite. If you say such things, how can he eat under such pressure?”

“Is it because of my age? Why do I feel so impatient about everything?”

“I will do my best not to bring disgrace upon the family.”

Lord Kim’s voice trailed off, as if he couldn’t bear the disgrace should Hyowon fail the military exam that even emancipated commoners passed. At this, Hyowon replied with a firm expression.

“Right, right. That’s enough. A man should have that much spirit.”

As if quite pleased with the spirited answer, Lord Kim’s face, which had been clouded with worry, instantly brightened. Seunghun, still clumsy with his chopsticks, kept trying to pick up the bulgogi in front of him and dropped a piece on the table. Without a hint of displeasure, Madam Han quietly placed the meat on Seunghun’s rice spoon.

“I hear the exam will be held in the town over the mountain. What are you going to do for porters?”

Madam Han’s gaze, with a faint smile, turned to Hyowon who was sitting across from her.

“I plan to take about three strong men who are good with physical labor.”

Unlike the civil service exam held in Hanyang, the preliminary military exam was supervised by an official dispatched to each town. It was fortunate that he didn’t have to travel far, but in any case, he had a lot of luggage, and a rough mountain trek was a given. And then there were the rumors about Yoonyi and himself that were circulating discreetly. There was no need to stir up trouble for a trip that would last a fortnight at most.

“Alright, I will pick out a few sturdy men and send them with you. Is there anything else you need?”

“I’m fine.”

Madam Han nodded slowly and asked again. The continuous offers of goodwill were not entirely welcome. So he was about to give a vague answer.

“Your mother is insisting this much. If not now, when will you get another chance? Don’t mind it and just say what you want.”

Lord Kim added, taking a bite. Madam Han’s pitch-black eyes glittered strangely. Hyowon, who had been biting his lip, finding it difficult to refuse any longer, reluctantly opened his mouth.

“…Then I would appreciate it if you could prepare a fast horse for me.”

“Alright, I understand. It seems we’ll soon have a general from our Kim clan.”

“Indeed, my Lord.”

As the atmosphere finally warmed, gentle smiles bloomed on the faces of the servants standing by. However, Hyowon felt a strange tightness in a corner of his chest.

🎐⋆｡🍥

“Master, are you feeling unwell again?”

Hyowon’s complexion was gloomy after he finished breakfast. Yoonyi, who had been hovering nearby, asked cautiously, watching his expression. He always showed his displeasure on days he came back from a meal, but today his spirits seemed strangely subdued as well.

“There’s something that’s been bothering me.”

Hyowon’s gaze turned once again toward the inner quarters. The frosty glare that always met him was nowhere to be seen; today, she looked, for all the world, like a perfectly ordinary mother.

“Something bothering you?”

“No, it’s nothing. I think I’m just nervous.”

As his long fingertips touched his gat, his dark eyes followed the movement. There was no need to instill anxiety in Yoonyi over something that would be over soon, and suddenly, the benevolent image of Madam Han diligently taking care of Seunghun flickered before his eyes. So, Hyowon skillfully changed the subject.

“You, Master?”

Yoonyi’s eyes widened as if he’d misheard, and he asked again.

“Of course. All the most renowned men will be gathered there. How could I not be nervous?”

“I do not doubt for a moment that you will be the most outstanding, Master.”

Yoonyi quickly scanned the surroundings. Perhaps because it was already well past noon, there were few people left in the mansion. So he gently approached and caressed the large hand. The once smooth hand had become rough from constantly drawing the bowstring.

“Thank you.”

The worry that had been constricting his heart melted away without a trace at the small gesture. Hyowon’s stiff expression softened considerably.

“Well then, I’ll be off for today as well.”

“It would be good for you to rest for a day…”

As Hyowon took the reins, Yoonyi’s expression quickly darkened. Dressed in a light vest and holding a bow in one hand, he looked every bit the part of a dignified military officer. However, as the arduous training continued for months, Yoonyi’s worries were immense.

“This will be the last day of training. I need to start preparing to leave.”

The face, as white and slender as a grain of rice, tilted limply. At that, Hyowon poked Yoonyi’s cheek with his index finger.

“And I have to pass quickly so I can take you and leave, Yoonyi, don’t I?”

“M-Master.”

As their eyes met, Hyowon moved closer and whispered in his ear. It felt as if his warm breath still lingered along the shell of his ear. At this, Yoonyi flinched back.

“I’ll be back, Yoonyi.”

Seeing Yoonyi’s startled, rabbit-like eyes, Hyowon gave a clear smile.

“I might be a little late, so stay put in the small master’s quarters.”

“As if I have anywhere else to go.”

“Every time I cross this threshold, your face, Yoonyi, flickers in my mind, making it hard to leave.”

His once firm tone was now thoroughly laced with playfulness.

“Are you teasing me again?”

Yoonyi’s gaze immediately turned askew. At this, Hyowon, who had been keenly observing the surroundings, came closer, kissed him on the cheek, and then, as if fleeing, stepped on the stirrup and mounted the horse.

“R-Really, you’re incorrigible.”

Yoonyi touched the cheek where the moist sensation lingered, muttering to himself, before finally turning away.

🎐⋆｡🍥

Hearing the sound of something sweeping the ground from beyond the side gate, Makgae stopped in his tracks and peeked through a slight gap in the gate.

“Why is he doing that?”

A complaint immediately popped out of his plump mouth. Yoonyi was diligently sweeping the yard with a broom. For the past few days, due to the dry spell, a fine layer of dust had settled on everything—jeogori, skin, and all—wherever the rain had passed, leaving everything spotty.

“Give it here. Do you want the master to say something to you?”

Makgae threw the gate open, went inside, and snatched the broom from Yoonyi’s hands.

“It’s alright, hyungnim. I felt bad that you always have to do it.”

“Aish, it’s fine. You’re the master’s body servant, so you just need to serve the master well.”

“…Still.”

As the days Hyowon left the quarters to go to the mountains increased, Yoonyi’s work decreased in tandem, and the idle days grew longer. So, it was extremely embarrassing to just sit around. Yoonyi’s slender fingers still gripped the broom, unable to let it go easily.

“Pick your battles!”

Seeing him struggling with the broom, he felt inexplicably frustrated. Makgae raised one eyebrow sharply and shouted.

“For heaven’s sake! Why are you two fighting again!”

As a sudden commotion erupted in the quiet quarters where even the sound of the passing wind was clear, Suni, who had been working in the kitchen, came rushing out.

“Sister, this guy Yoonyi is being stubborn.”

“Huh?”

“It’s not that…”

Seeing the two grown men, both holding the handle, pushing and pulling in a tug-of-war-like struggle, Suni just blinked her eyes blankly.

“What are you doing now?”

“That’s what I’m saying! Give it here!”

Suni, unable to grasp the situation, asked again with a blank face. Only then did Makgae shove Yoonyi hard with his shoulder and yank the broom from his hands. Simultaneously, the slender body tumbled onto the dry yard like a falling leaf.

“Ah, geez, I told you to let go.”

Even Makgae seemed quite surprised, not expecting him to fall so limply. He rubbed his sweat-drenched nose with his hand and avoided eye contact.

“Oh please! Yoonyi!”

“I-It’s okay, sister. This happened because I was being stubborn.”

As the startled Suni quickly approached, Yoonyi crinkled the corners of his eyes and gave an awkward smile.

“I’m sorry, hyungnim. I just wanted to help you.”

“Forget it. What help can a weakling like you be?”

Yoonyi, still sitting on the dirt floor, scratched the back of his head. At that, Makgae clicked his tongue and retorted in a gruff tone.

“You stop it too. He meant well. You too, Yoonyi… huh? What’s this?”

Suni, who had been sighing repeatedly, suddenly looked down at the ground and picked something up. The beautiful norigae, resembling a violet, looked even more prominent held in her rough fingertips. In that moment, Yoonyi’s complexion turned as pale as ice, and he frantically rummaged inside his clothes like a madman.

“What is it?”

Only then did Makgae, who had been staring blankly elsewhere, turn to look at Yoonyi. The way he was dripping with cold sweat, like someone who had been pulled out of water, was extremely unfamiliar.

“That’s, that’s mine.”

A pale hand snatched the norigae like a hawk’s talon and shoved it deep into his clothes. Seeing Yoonyi act in a way he never had before, Suni stood there stunned, like a person who had lost their mind.

“…S-Sorry, sister.”

As if he had come to his senses, Yoonyi belatedly brushed himself off, stood up, and bowed repeatedly.

“It’s okay. But it was incredibly pretty, where did you get it?”

Suni, as if not minding at all, put on a good-natured face and tapped his arm as she asked. Her tone was laced with a subtle playfulness.

“It seemed too precious for you to have?”

“…T-That is. I saved up penny by penny and bought it.”

The two eyes on Makgae’s round, wide face narrowed into long slits like a snake’s. It felt as if he were seeing right through him, so Yoonyi clutched the hem of his pants, composed his breathing, and answered.

“You saved up and bought that?”

A question immediately came back, sounding like an interrogation. The short phrase was thick with suspicion. Makgae’s thick eyebrows twisted upwards.

“Makgae, what’s with you all of a sudden? Yoonyi’s of age now, maybe he has a woman he fancies somewhere. Right?”

In the tense atmosphere, like a mouse being cornered, Suni pushed her way between the two and looked Yoonyi straight in the face. Out of gratitude, Yoonyi nodded his head like crazy.

“So who is she? The lucky lady?”

“…Pardon?”