Daldal: Main story

Chapter 157

The world is truly vast. That was the thought that accompanied Eun-oh throughout the journey on the horse carriage.

It took a considerable six days to travel from Daizhou, the capital of Northern Province, to the Changhyun, the capital of West Province.

As the days grew colder, the weather became noticeably chillier. In the late afternoon, the carriage made its way into Changhyun, ascending the mountain where Chae Ga-won resided, passing through the river valley along the journey.

Upon arrival at the grand gate of the main estate, the sun had already begun its descent towards the horizon.

Eun-oh, stepping down from the carriage, hesitated in front of the gate for a moment. It felt strange after such a long absence. Despite the odd sense of familiarity, he knew there was no choice but to enter. After coming this far, what use would it be to turn back? Moreover, returning to Mount Moak at this hour seemed impractical, with the night growing deeper and his body weary from the journey.

Eun-oh, gathering his thoughts, took a deep breath and knocked on the gate with his fist. After a while, the side gate opened, revealing the gatekeeper.

"Who are you?"

The gatekeeper inquired.

Eun-oh tilted his waist to show his face and awkwardly greeted.

"Hello...."

Initially puzzled, the gatekeeper soon recognized Eun-oh and widened his eyes.

"Wait, it's you?"

"Yes, it's me."

"Oh my, unbelievable!"

The gatekeeper's reaction was as if he had seen a ghost in broad daylight. Perplexed by the gatekeeper's dramatic response, Eun-oh felt embarrassed.

A short while later, the massive gate swung open wide. The first to enter was Yeoul, bouncing as if he owned the place, leaping into the courtyard.

As Eun-oh passed through the gate and entered the courtyard, gazes from all directions fixated on him. No one approached to greet him; there was a curious silence.

Hmm... Did I come here for no reason?

Filled with uncertainty and curiosity, Eun-oh's head gradually lowered as the awkward atmosphere from the onlookers intensified.

Just when Eun-oh, unable to bear it any longer, took a step back towards the gate,

"Oie!"

A sharp call echoed from the main gate. It was a welcome voice; it was Seo Hwa.

"Noona...!"

"You little rascal!"

Upon spotting Seo Hwa, Eun-oh, who was about to greet her with a smile, sensed an unusual vibe. Seo Hwa abruptly crossed her arms and briskly approached, showing signs of anger. It seemed like she was ready to strike, and the tension was palpable.

It was right when Seo Hwa reached Eun-oh.

"Ugh!"

Anticipating a barrage of blows from Seo Hwa, Eun-oh tightly shut his eyes and hunched his shoulders. He had experienced being on the receiving end of her small but deadly hands before, knowing just how powerful they could be.

However, what struck Eun-oh wasn't Seo Hwa's hand.

It wasn't her hand

"Huh?"

It was a hug.

Seo Hwa had hugged Eun-oh in a tight embrace.

Well, what's this?

In a situation that seemed out of nowhere, Eun-oh glanced around in confusion. Soon, Seo Hwa scolded Eun-oh with a teary voice.

"You, why did you come back now when you were alive?"

"Uh..."

"I thought you were dead. Sob You disappeared for so long, I thought you were gone!"

You worried about me...

There was someone who cared...

A relieved smile played on Eun-oh's lips. It was a genuinely heartwarming scolding. Could there be a more touching and affectionate welcome?

"Welcome back."

Eun-oh finally felt the reality in Seo Hwa's words.

That he had come back.

To Chae Ga-won.

He also realized that, unconsciously, Chae Ga-won had become as meaningful to him as a home. He missed the life he had always shared here with the Young Master.

That's why he returned.

"Yes, I've come back."

So... I'm back.

It's good that I'm back.

Now, all that was left was to wait here for the day Young Master would come back for me.