Daldal: Main story

Chapter 15

Chae Yoon-sa stared blankly at the frightened mouse. He simply watched, neither approaching nor engaging in conversation. Yet, the mouse seemed to tremble in fear.

Strangely, the sight appealed to him. The reason behind bringing a mere servant into the main chamber was rather mundane-to derive entertainment from the amusing actions and absurd words. In truth, there was an aspect of being entangled with this servant.

The fact that Eun-oh was spared without being killed had not been a momentary whim.

The unpredictable nature of the decision stemmed from finding amusement in the mouse's fearful demeanor. Whether it was a small or significant act, he was someone who sought retribution from those who caused harm. And the form of that retribution was generally destructive. He was sincere in trying to make the mouse repay with it's hands, feet, and life. He had tried to end the hunting, which was more trivial than expected, with slaughter.

However, that wasn't the case. He spared the mouse's life. This is because he acted on a whim, thinking that it would be a waste to get rid of the instinct to hunt it. But the inclination to eliminate the mouse vanished when faced with its pathetic and frightened state. It was truly an absurd situation.

Setting aside the reasons, he now wanted to understand the nature of his generosity he had shown. Was it a one-time act or a sustained trait? To determine this, he chose not to seek the mouse after bringing him to the Chae
Ga-won. It was a sort of test-a gamble to see if he would forget about Eun-oh or continue to show interest.

The outcome of the gamble was leaning towards the former. He didn't bother looking for the mouse he had left in the outer courtyard. He had no interest in how it was living. If they hadn't met again at the pavilion, he might have forgotten about Eun-oh, even if he had escaped. In essence, that would be the usual way of Chae Yoon-sa. However, he found himself interested in Eun-oh once again.

What did he feel from the one who boldly wanted to escape? It was a bit of curiosity.

When Eun-oh displayed his body covered in wounds, what did he feel? It was a strange discomfort.

And seeing the wailing face, what did he feel? It was a strange pleasure.

So, he whimsically acted again. He prevented Eun-oh from leaving and used it as a excuse for a confrontation with stabbing attack. As a result, Chae Yoon-sa found himself curious once more.

What on earth was it that drew my interest and tolerance?

However,

"I don't know."

Even watching like this, he couldn't figure it out. There was certainly a taste in observing. Curiosity, discomfort, and pleasure. Yet, the reason for the emotions he felt during the day was not understood.

In response to the low, murmuring voice,
Eun-oh subtly raised his head. Naturally, his gaze collided with Chae Yoon-sa's, who had been watching all along. Startled, Eun-oh quickly lowered his head. However, after a short while, he raised his head again, only to bring it down abruptly. He repeated this action several times.

"Just watch. Keep your composure" Chae Yoon-sa commanded, somewhat impatient.

In response, Eun-oh hesitated before asking

"Is it okay to watch?"

Perhaps he feared Chae Yoon-sa might cut his eyes or something. Reading the fear underlying the question, Chae Yoon-sa stifled a chuckle. "Yes" he replied.

With permission granted, Eun-oh slowly lifted his head. At that moment, when Eun-oh's face was clearly exposed to the field of view, a strange look appeared in Chae Yoon-sa's eyes.