Chaotic Nights (Wild Night)

CHAPTER 12

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They were quite distant, but Eun Ha was still happy.

To be honest, if it wasn't for her lord...
if her lord wasn't such a scary person, she wouldn't have had the competence or courage to be in that spot. And so, Eun Ha stayed far from them and had more reassurance on her face than before. A servant who saw Eun Ha's fascinated look, asked,

"Why do you keep dressing in men's clothing? Your face is quite beautiful, and you seem well."

"It's just... a habit of mine. My first name is Eun Ha. And you?"

"Mine is Ga Ri. I do not have a last name and have been called Ga Ri since birth."

"Ga Ri. I don't know what it means but it's a pretty name."

When told her name was pretty, Ga Ri's cheeks reddened immediately. She turned her head away, and muttered awkwardly, 'No way,' as she rubbed at her fingertips.

"Anyways, just know that I'll be the one attending to my lord."

"Okay."

Eun Ha looked around Ji Hak's room with a light heart. Perhaps, because she was nervous, she never had the chance to look around whenever she was there, but there were a lot of fascinating and eye-catching items.

There were precious glasses used on telescopes, and unusual varieties of tobacco pipe arranged uniformly.

Ga Ri, who found Eun Ha to be even more peculiar, clicked her tongue and swung her head around, moving the side dishes that were on the table, all over the place.

Eun Ha, who was searching around in wonder, flinched out of her seat as she heard a noise come from outside. The door opened wide, and Ga Ri stood up. Seo Ji Hak's shadow was accompanied by the scent of heavy perfume. Perhaps he had taken a bath without a handmaid as Ji Hak's long hair was wet and hung low. He frowned as if he had expected to see Eun Ha next to the door. For whatever reason, his steel cold eyes were like sharp blades.

"My lord, it is Eun Ha."

Frightened, Eun Ha made sure to make her name known. Then, he turned towards Ga Ri's direction and reached out a hand to Eun Ha. Eun Ha understood his need for support and held onto his hand. But Ga Ri also hurried over to his other side and put his hand around her waist.

"My lord, it is Ga Ri. I shall assist you. I brought barley gulbi and hobak-goji1 today. Before the meal, may I comb your hair for you?"

Ga Ri stepped forward in a bid to support Ji Hak words without being asked while muttering. He let her do so silently before letting out a snort. Then he stopped and grabbed Ga Ri's wrist forcefully.

"Ack!"

"I told you not to ask questions unless I allow it. You always make me repeat myself."

"M-My lord, I'm sorry. I've committed a deadly sin."

"Deadly sin... Do you want to die that badly?"

"My lord, please spare me."

"Eun Ha."
Eun Ha looked up at Ji Hak who twisted Ga Ri's wrist without hesitation, his steel eyes looking in her direction.
"Yes..."

"From now on, you shall be my caretaker."

"What? But a handmaid is..."

"Don't worry. I will pay you enough."
Ji Hak let go of Ga Ri's hand which was trembling from the pain and turned back sideways.