Daldal: Main story

Chapter 33

Chae Ga-won day begins with the resonating sound of the morning bell.

However, Kang-hee woke up even earlier. It wasn't just today; every day, he moved faster than anyone else. It had become a habit ingrained in his body.

Without fully opening his eyes, Kang-hee, who had already risen, reached out and opened the door. Outside still held a deep-blue hue, but the hint of the sun was visible above the octagonal roof.

As the seasons progressed toward spring, the time for sunrise would naturally become earlier.

After neatly braiding his long hair with skilled hands, Kang-hee stepped onto the veranda. The confident gaze filled with the brisk air was as lively as the hands that caressed his head.

It was now the time to become an diligent steward.

"Have you arrived? Good morning."

Spotting Kang-hee, Yohwan, who had been lingering in front of the main house, greeted him first.

"Did you sleep well, Sir Yohwan? Good morning."

"I always eat well and sleep well. But you, on the other hand..."

Yohwan exuded an air of caution today, his demeanor noticeably guarded. Kang-hee, attuned to the subtle shifts in mood, detected a sense of wariness. He pondered whether Yohwan harbored concerns about potential harm stemming from the young master's actions.

"I slept well too. Don't worry; I'm fine."

"Good. That's a relief."

Yohwan nonchalantly averted his gaze, as if covertly stealing a glance. Sustaining eye contact with Kang-hee proved elusive for him; a challenge not mirrored in his interactions with others. In the presence of Kang-hee, composure slipped through his fingers, leaving behind a subtle fluster.

Of course, Kang-hee knew the reason behind this behavior. How could he not? It was the unrequited love that man harbored. He was so transparent about it. Yet, Kang-hee chose to feign ignorance. He had no intention of reciprocating. While he might use it to his advantage, that was as far as it went.

"I'll go prepare the bathwater for the young master now."

The partition that had been closed all night was already neatly arranged. The seasonal partition, used only in cold weather, is hung on the latch of the door when not in use. Originally, the task of lowering and putting away the partition fell to Kang-hee. However, at some point, Yohwan volunteered to take care of it, not just to welcome the Young master early but also to lighten Kang-hee's workload.

With a warm blanket and a basin of water heated in the adjacent kitchen, Kang-hee stood at the door of the Young master's room, seeking permission to enter. Usually, the response to his request is an immediate invitation. Unless something unusual happened, Chae Yoon-sa would always be up at this hour. However, this time, there was an unusual silence.

While waiting, Yohwan approached discreetly and remarked

"It seems he hasn't started waking up yet. No signs."

It was strange for Chae Yoon-sa not to wake up until this time. In other words, it's rare, but it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. There were times, especially when his health wasn't at its best due to the aftermath of poisoning, that he would lay in bed.

"I'm sorry, but could you please check on him in my stead?"

Kang-hee, lifting the basin slightly, made a request with a troubled expression.

What could a man harboring unrequited love not do? Yohwan willingly accepted the request. He opened the door to the Young master's room just a crack and peered inside. As expected, the situation matched his anticipation. Chae Yoon-sa was still asleep.
The room was so dimly lit that even his complexion couldn't be discerned. However, there was something odd-an unfamiliarity.

There were two people lying on the bed.

"Haah..." Yohwan sighed softly. He wasn't greatly surprised; it wasn't the first time.

Chae Yoon-sa had allowed Eun-oh to occupy the inner room on previous occasions, spanning even two days. What had once piqued curiosity now felt uncomfortably close, all due to Kang-hee's wounded feelings.

Yohwan comprehended Kang-hee's sentiments toward Chae Yoon-sa with a keen awareness. Within the main courtyard, if anyone were questioned about the most fervent admirer of the young master, the unanimous response would be Kang-hee.
Perhaps rumors might circulate about
Kang-hee's desperate attempt to secure a position as the young master's concubine.

For now, let's keep it vague. Having made this decision, Yohwan carefully closed the door and turned to Kang-hee.

"He's still sleeping. It might be better to wait a bit longer before going in with the basin."

"Is there something wrong with his health?"

Kang-hee's gentle face quickly became tinged with concern.

"Well, it's dark in there, making it hard to see..."

Yohwan's words trailed off, but the ambiguous report, contrary to his intentions, intensified Kang-hee's worries.

"I can't let him be. I'll go in and check."

With a deepening frown, Kang-hee placed the basin on the floor. Yohwan, with a puzzled expression, blocked the doorway.

"Don't. It might be better to come back later."

Yohwan's action was an attempt to consider the feelings of the one he cherished. Unfortunately, Kang-hee, astute in picking up cues, quickly sensed that something unpleasant might be happening inside.

"Is there someone inside?"

"Well..."

"...Is it Eun-oh?"

Yohwan's expression contorted as if he had tasted something bitter.

Could there be a clearer answer than this?

Kang-hee, letting out a disappointed smile, cast his gaze downward. His face clearly bore the marks of someone wounded, evoking pity and sorrow.

Wanting to offer words of comfort to Kang-hee, Yohwan pursed his lips. However, despite the desire to console, the right words eluded him.

It's not a minor matter, is it? No, it was quite significant. The young master had never shown such interest in anyone before. He was typically a cold person, never expressing interest in others without a clear purpose.

Will he recover soon? No, if that were the case, there wouldn't be a need to bring someone from the outer courtyard.

Wouldn't Kang-hee know about this? Well, perhaps Kang-hee knew better. After all, he dedicated himself to serving Chae Yoon-sa throughout the day.

Yohwan's lips, which had been pursed in silence, ultimately yielded no fruitful words. Meanwhile, Kang-hee quietly picked up the basin he had placed on the floor.

"Indeed, it might be better to come back later"

Kang-hee said as he turned away. His usual straight and composed posture, however, made Yohwan feel that today Kang-hee seemed more vulnerable. Yohwan sighed, scratching his forehead, lamenting the unrequited feelings between him and
Kang-hee.

Meanwhile, as Kang-hee returned to the kitchen, he poured the water from the basin into the pot and leaned against the wall.

"Young Master... Master Yoon-sa..."

Closing his eyes, his pretty face reflected a mix of pity and concern.

"If he acts like this suddenly, what am I supposed to do now..."

There was a vaguely eerie aura.