[✔️] Across The Years | Seulrene

Ch. 16 - Knock knock

No One's POV

Seulgi's heart dropped instantly when she saw the tall form of Mr. Ferrer standing on her doorstep.

"May I come in?" He said quickly.

"Please do," she said with a nod of her head.

Mr. Ferrer walked in and turned around, waiting for Seulgi to close the door. As soon as she did, he began to speak.

"I heard what happened tonight. Both from Irene and one of our regulars, Shamus McMaster. He witnessed the whole thing."

Seulgi found herself unable to look at Irene's father in the eyes. Instead, she lowered her head so she was looking at his shoes. Seulgi knew she was dead.

"I take it I'm discharged," Seulgi said, wanting to get it over with.

"Is that what you think I'm here for?" Mr. Ferrer answered, sounding a bit surprised.

Slightly confused, the Korean rebel looked up at Mr. Ferrer. "Frankly Sir, yes. I treated that sergeant rather roughly, not to mention I pretty much humiliated him by doing it in front of his men. My father taught me how to fight. He wanted his girl to be able to handle herself."

He smiled slightly and shook his head. "No Seulgi, you are not discharged. In fact I wanted to thank you."

"What?"

"I know Irene wanted to handle things her way, but these soldiers from the sound of it just arrived back from somewhere. I've seen men like that, especially after a long posting overseas. Men like that are capable of nearly anything. You performed above and beyond your duty as a servant."

"Thank you," Seulgi mumbled quietly.

Though the last part of what he said, stuck in her mind. As if he were somehow reminding Seulgi of her place.

"In gratitude, I will increase your salary by 2 pence a week. You've done very well so far."

Seulgi bowed slightly, "Thank you ever so much Sir. How is Irene?"

"She's a bit upset, but will recover. Thank you for your concern," he said in his usual polite, but military like manner.

"You're welcome Sir."

Mr. Ferrer moved to the door, "Well, I have to attend some business before I turn in. I will leave you alone for this evening. Good night, Seulgi."

"Thank you Sir, have a good night." Seulgi responded as she walked him to the door and closed it behind him.

A few moments later, Seulgi was alone. While she had kept her job, Irene probably was still mad at her. Plus there was no telling when and if Irene would ever talk to her again. Seulgi felt about as defeated as before. Sighing, she sat down and tried to figure how to get back into Irene's good graces.

Seulgi was still sitting there a half an hour later when there was another knock at the door, "What the hell?"

Puzzled as to who is it now on the door, Seulgi pulled it open to see Irene standing on her doorstep. Unlike before, she did not look angry; in fact she looked somewhat humbled.

"Can I please come in, Seulgi? I'd like to speak with you if I could."

Not quite sure what this was about, Seulgi gestured for her to come in. As before, she waited until her guest was inside and shut the door.