Daldal: Main story

Chapter 94

Lying flat on the ground, Yeoul growled at Dongseok, warning him not to come closer. With tail raised and fangs bared, Yeoul made it clear to refrain from further advances.

Though Yeoul was only the size of an arm, the fierceness of a beast was evident, causing Dongseok to step back, visibly shaken.

"Yeoul, calm down. Stop it and come here. Quickly."

Eun-oh, who had witnessed Dongseok's aggression yesterday, pleaded with Yeoul, afraid that Yeoul might get kicked if he did something like that, so he comforted him.
Despite the entreaties, Yeoul remained cautious, hesitating before finally pressing against Eun-oh's side.

A tense silence settled for a moment.

Eun-oh took advantage of the pause to steady his trembling heart. While unsure of the details, he realized he was currently being accused of being a thief.

Now was the time to explain himself.

"There seems to be a misunderstanding. It wasn't me. I didn't steal anything."

This was the only thing he could say. He couldn't help it. Because it was the truth.

However, a straightforward explanation did not satisfy the people. The atmosphere had already tilted in one direction, and such atmospheres were difficult to change.

"Then why did those items come out of your room? Isn't that the room Young Master gave you?"

Dongseok interrogated fiercely, dismissing any possibility of innocence. Eun-oh responded honestly, "I don't know."

"What? Why don't you know?"

"Because I didn't steal anything."

For a moment, Dongseok was speechless, making a choking sound. It was challenging to counter such an answer, as it seemed there was no reasonable response.

"Stop it."

Taking advantage of the brief lull, Kang-hee stepped in.

"Hongju, you found the lost money, isn't that enough? Mr. Dongseok, too. The items are found, let's calm down."

Kang-hee subtly suggested that they let this issue pass smoothly. However, Dongseok didn't agree and vehemently resisted.

"Kang-hee, are you suggesting we pretend not to know what this guy did? Is that it?"

"Mr. Dongseok, you know too. Eun-oh is a cherished one for the Young Master. We can't treat him recklessly."

"Even so!"

"I understand your feelings, sir. But..."

"I can't overlook it like this. Did this guy touch only Hongju and my belongings? He even touched Madam's heirloom!"

Meanwhile, Eun-oh couldn't let the insults go unanswered and interjected.

"I already said I didn't do anything."

"Shut up, you Bastard!"

However, with Dongseok raising his voice, Eun-oh, shoulders hunched, closed his mouth. Being accused of being a thief was unfair, but facing a physically imposing man made him fearful.

Kang-hee signaled with his hand to Eun-oh to stay quiet, urging a resolution to the tension.

"What do you expect me to do, then? Should I whip Eun-oh? Act on our own without Young Master's permission?"

"I'm not hoping for that. But isn't it a matter Young Master should be aware of? If Young Master knows everything and still allows this guy to go free, then I won't stay silent."

"Understood. I'll talk to Young Master."

"And one more thing. Until Young Master arrives, shouldn't we keep this guy confined? What if he tries to escape? Even with his actions exposed, he might find a way."

"No, there's no need to confine..."

Eun-oh, who thought the man was worrying unnecessarily, pursed his lips.

Kang-hee, showing a moment of contemplation, nodded in agreement.

"You're right. Let's do that. I believe Young Master will understand up to that point."

Eun-oh was quietly surprised by Kang-hee's decision. It was the right decision, but he naturally expected Kang-hee to trust him. Yet, Kang-hee seemed to be aligning with the notion of treating him like a thief.

Conversely, the tense expression on Dongseok's face eased. His anger subsided a bit as his intentions were acknowledged.

"Then I'll take this guy and put him in the shed."

As Dongseok said this, he grabbed Eun-oh by the collar, causing Yeoul to jump up, growling in protest.

"This little rat!"

Unlike before, Dongseok wasn't flustered. Instead, he squinted his eyes and slammed the ground with the sole of his foot, making a thud sound. Immediately, Yeoul's tail trembled.

Though he had gained some attention recently and felt a bit proud, Yeoul was originally scared of larger men. Knowing this well,
Eun-oh comforted Yeoul.

"Yeoul, I'm okay. Don't worry. Go to Seo Hwa noona. Quickly."

Yeoul looked up at Eun-oh with a whimper. Eun-oh tried to smile, conveying that everything was okay. Seo Hwa hugged the now calmer Yeoul.

Phew. Eun-oh took a long breath and looked straight at Dongseok.

"Excuse me, sir. If you could tell me where the shed is, I'll go there myself. My legs are perfectly fine."

This was meant to mean that you don't have to use any effort. So, he would say it is a consideration in its own way.

However, Dong-seok interpreted it differently, exclaiming

"Huh! This little bastard is acting arrogantly because Young Master favors him!"

"Don't be ridiculous. I'll personally toss you in and keep an eye on you!"

Dongseok asserted, dragging Eun-oh along, and Kang-hee made no attempt to intervene.