Daldal: Main story

Chapter 54

Today, the atmosphere in Chae Ga-won seems unusually noisy. One could describe it as chaotic or, more positively, lively.

While the main courtyard retains a serene ambiance, today, it resonates with lively laughter and persistent chatter. Not only that, but people's expressions are bright, and there's an abundance of vibrant energy filling the atmosphere.

Even Seo Hwa, whom Eun-oh met during his walk, was no exception. Unable to resist curiosity, Eun-oh asked

"Noona, is there something going on?"

With a smile on her face, Seo Hwa replied while beating laundry with a stick

"Indeed. Something very good."

"Something good?"

"Yeah."

She formed a circle with her thumb and forefinger, rubbing it vigorously.

"Money."

"Money?"

"Yep."

Certainly, it was Gyeongchip, the third of the twenty-four divisions of the solar year. On this auspicious day, the slaves in Chae Ga-won received their New Year's money, a tangible acknowledgment of their year-long service as they were compensated in cash.

"Normally, we receive it all at once, but we get it twice. Once in spring and once in autumn."

Finally, Eun-oh understood the different atmosphere in Chae Ga-won today.

It made sense that people were excited-they were receiving money.

"Oh, really?" Eun-oh exclaimed, then asked casually "Could I receive it too?"

Seo Hwa chuckled, "Well, ask the Young master. But for you... Do you really need to bother?"

Seo Hwa looked at Eun-oh with a sly look, as if saying 'You've taken the Young master's room; what do you need money for?' It was a gaze laden with sarcasm.

However, Eun-oh remained resolute.

"I really need the money."

Seo Hwa scoffed, implying that he didn't need it, but Eun-oh had reasons. He needed to reimburse the stolen item's value to the Young master and save a bit for his return to the mountain later. With nothing to begin with and the loss of his hut to the fire, he was truly penniless. It was a time when money was more urgently needed than ever.

"Oh my, look at this one. So greedy despite looking like that. Just live in the Young master's room; why bother about money?"

Seo Hwa teased.

Whispers circulated through Chae Ga-won regarding how Eun-oh, the servant, had come to occupy the Young master's inner room.
It wasn't entirely inaccurate. Eun-oh did sleep and wake up in the Young master's room every day.

Receiving meals separately in the Young Master's room, sleeping and waking up there, Eun-oh's daily routine was practically revolved around staying close to the Young master, handling chores and running errands.

Among the servants, Eun-oh had been unofficially dubbed as the Young master's concubine. Seo Hwa was no exception to this perception.

"Still, i need something to give to the Young master"

"To give money to the Young master? Why?"

"There are things to repay... and, well, it's a way to express gratitude"

Eun-oh mumbled, hesitating to share the details.

Understanding Eun-oh's reluctance, Seo Hwa paused her rhythmic beating with the stick, then resumed, suggesting