The Last Imoogi

The Little Burglar

When Sandara, Byeol and Moo Yeon came back that afternoon, Kang Daesung gladly reminded their lady that His Excellency will be coming home tomorrow. Sandara didn't understand why, but somehow the news made her excited.

The whole night, she sat at her favorite spot and stared at the dark residence across her, wondering about the man. There were so many questions in her head. It has been almost a month since they got married, and so many things have happened during those time, but their moments as husband and wife were very limited. 

She wondered if there will come a time that Kwon Jiyong would open up to her, and share his burdens with her.

Kwon Jiyong, what's keeping you busy?

Kwon Jiyong, where do you usually go?

Kwon Jiyong, why do the servants know more about you?

Kwon Jiyong... 

She sighed as she cradled her face and rested her elbows on the window ledge. 

Kwon Jiyong, why are you so mysterious and cold?

The walls of her tea room have been pulled close, and the only left open was the window she was leaning on to. As she stared across the courtyard, she found herself getting drowsy with all the questions in her head.

The next day, Sandara decided to ask for Jo Sanggung's help in the kitchen. She wanted to prepare some dishes for Kwon Jiyong when he arrives, though she wasn't sure what time the man would come home.

Fortunately, Kang Daesung gave her a tip. He said, His Excellency might arrive after sunset. So Sandara and Jo Sanggung made sure to prepare dinner for him.

But it has been hours since dinner yet Kwon Jiyong still didn't show up. Soon, a message came in and Moo Yeon informed them that His Excellency had arrived in Hanyang but will be staying somewhere else. Of course, Kang Daesung, Jo Sanggung, and Moo Yeon knew His Excellency was pertaining to the Hidden Seclusion. But Sandara felt bad because she knew nothing about His Excellency's whereabouts. Besides, what husband would prefer sleeping in a different house than his own? 

Sandara lifelessly walked back to her quarters.

Seeing how disappointed Sandara was, Jo Sanggung nagged at Kang Daesung. The man put their lady's hopes up only to be shattered by this announcement.

Inside Sandara's room, she started to have dinner on her own. She cooked a lot of hearty dishes and sweets, but to her surprise, she had no appetite at all.

When Seol and Byeol arrived, the two urged her to eat more.

"I'm sorry, I really can't anymore. Maybe it's because I've been sampling and tasting all of these in the kitchen since earlier?" Sandara laughed but the two just pouted, feeling sorry for her.

"It's alright. As long as His Excellency is safe, it's alright. Wouldn't everyone be happy about it though? There's so much food in my kitchen for everyone to enjoy," Sandara just smiled at the two. She decided to take some rest before washing up.

After an hour, Jo Sanggung, Seol and Byeol told her that her bath was ready. She dismissed Seol and Byeol and made them have their dinner.

Jo Sanggung helped Sandara ease out of her clothes inside the bath and helped her undo her hair. 

She sighed in regret for her master. No matter how cold a man is, how could one ignore such beauty? Shouldn't he feel excited to see his beautiful wife after a long journey? 

But Sandara wanted to leave all her cares to the world. When Sandara stepped into the bath, she let out a long hum of satisfaction.

Ah, what a long day! She sighed as she scooted to the side of the tub. Too bad, all her efforts were only put to waste. Jo Sanggung was about to help her scrub her back when she suddenly remembered something. "Aigoo! Forgive this old servant! I forgot to bring some chamomile essential oil! This one shall quickly get it!"