Daldal: Main story

Chapter 28

The season had reached the point of small Cold, the coldest period of the year when the ice began to thaw. The relentless bite of the cold was slowly surrendering, causing the icicles that once clung stubbornly beneath the eaves to lose their defined forms.

Nevertheless, winter was still winter.

The chill persisted in the ground, evident by the frozen red face of Seo Hwa as she entered the kitchen.

"Ah, I'm freezing to death! Why is this winter so long!"

The maid, who was in the middle of washing dishes, checked the empty plate on the tray and grumbled.

"Did he finish it all again? Looks like he's completely recovered."

"He did. The doctor came back and forth to take care of him."

"It's fortune, he has improved a bit. But what was his name again?"

"Eun-oh."

Eun-oh. It was the name that came up and down most often on the lips of people in
Chae Ga-won these days.

"Yes, indeed, Eun-oh. It's quite a scene. You have some servants diligently scrubbing dishes with their bare hands, while some servant is sitting in the inner chamber and even being served."

The servant expressed her envy toward
Eun-oh. Seo Hwa, gathering the empty dishes and placing them in the sink, sat down beside her.

"That's true. At this rate, he might as well sit in the Young master's crotch."

"Oh, come on! Surely not!"

"Look at this. What if he ends up doing that? Have you ever seen someone like that? He gets called into the master's inner room, gets fed and taken care of even diagnosed by doctor. Is that normal?"

"Well, it is, but..."

The maids vaguely agreed. In her opinion, the young master's actions were indeed a bit suspicious.

"I don't know anything else, but I don't think Kang hee is making any sense right now."

Seo Hwa said this with a sly smile. Her expression was quite mischievous.

"Really? He seemed perfectly fine to me."

"Oh, on the surface, Kang Hee really excels at putting on a show. I mean, every time he glimpses Eun-oh, you can practically feel him sheathing jealously deep, deep inside. It must be excruciatingly painful for him. After all, he's poured his heart and soul into serving the Young Master, only to watch some guy casually take a seat at the Young Master's table before him."

It was gossip veiled in concern. Of all the stories in the world, the most entertaining ones are often talking behind someone else's back.

Despite their hands turning red in the cold water, the expressions of those women engaged in gossip retained a lively brightness.

"Oh, our poor Kang Hee. He had hopes of claiming the coveted title of the Young Master's favorite, but alas, fate had other plans. Pitiful, truly pitiful."

"Well, Seo Hwa, hearing it from you does make sense. He must be so frustrated, thinking he got pushed aside by someone who knows nothing about the young master, rolling in from who knows where."

In the shadows, someone listened silently to their gossip.

"Looks like Kang Hee is in a tight spot, unable to savor the Young master's attention even once."

It was Kang Hee himself, leaning against the doorframe with crossed arms, smirking.

He thought, these gossiping women sure know how to put on a show. He let Seo Hwa chatter away, knowing it was pointless to stop her.

The story had already spread, not just from these women but throughout the entire place. The talk was all about Eun-oh these
days-whether it was about suspicions of favoritism from the Young master or how messy he looked, or even prediction about the day he would claim a spot by the Young master's side. Kang Hee, in this unfolding rumor, added an extra touch, like a dash of flavorful seasoning.

'Listen more, and pleasant sounds may not reach your ears' Disregarding the kitchen's buzz of gossip and ridicule, Kang Hee shifted his steps. It was precisely at that moment when Mrs. Ok entered the courtyard.

"Kang Hee, what brings you here at this hour? Lunch is not ready yet."

She was the housekeeper who commanded the kitchen work. For example, she could be said to be the leader of half-baked dogs.

"I had something to discuss with Seo Hwa, so I was looking for her. The sunlight is good today, thinking of sending the servants to enjoy outside."

"Is she not here?"

"She is, but..."

Kang Hee smiled vaguely at the end of his words. Mrs. Ok, who had been puzzled, soon frowned upon hearing the buzzing sounds from the kitchen.

"Those pathetic beings. Clashing heads and taunting each other voluntarily without reason. How can they gather like that and chatter away, oh well..."

Of course she knew very well what was the talk of the town these days. Even if she tried to pretend otherwise, these were stories that she couldn't help but lend an ear to.

"Don't pay attention to their talk. It's all just jealously."

"I'm fine, but if I appear now, Seo Hwa will feel quite embarrassed. If it's okay, could you please convey my message to her instead? Just in case, don't scold her because of me."

"You're quite perceptive for a kid."

Clearly, he must have heard something said about him. Yet, without any sign of displeasure, he even went as far as to consider Seo Hwa's feelings. Mrs. Ok found Kang Hee both admirable and pitiful.

"Well then, I'll go to the main house. It's about time for the young master to return."

Bowing respectfully, Kang Hee straightened up and walked towards the main house. Watching him, Mrs. Ok sighed sympathetically.

"The young master is indeed strange. Why leave someone so pretty and kind..."

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As a translator without a proofreader, I'd appreciate it if my readers could kindly point out any grammar or writing mistakes in my work. Thank you! ( ๑ ˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و ♡