492 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.492 Jegal Hyang's Adventure - Part 1 "Sojeo, could you please hand over the completed documents?" "Here you goooo." While the late Ma Yangbaek's funeral was still ongoing, I was catching up on the piled-up work with Jegal Sojeo. Normally, it is customary for relatives to keep vigil at the funeral hall, but even though my relationship with Jegal Sojeo was openly acknowledged, I was not officially recognized as a betrothed by the Jegal family, so my position was somewhat ambiguous. Moreover, since Jegal Sojeo tends to feel overwhelmed in crowded places, we were able to return to the mansion with the blessing of her great-aunt to take care of her niece. "Jegal Sojeo, is there something you wish to say?" Why was she still standing there after handing over the documents? When I glanced at Jegal Sojeo, she spoke carefully. "Wouldn't it be better for you to rest?" What was she talking about? Perhaps she thought I was working too much after finishing the second exam. "When I'm writing intensely, I sometimes sleep for only two hours. This is nothing." "Two hours?!" "Running a bookstore during the day and writing at night, you know." "I had no idea 'Dang Ga Pung Un' was such a tough novel to produce." Jegal Sojeo looked at me in astonishment. In reality, it was more akin to my experience as a part-time writer in the modern world. Even when managing the Yichang Daseogak, there were times when I didn't sleep, but I learned to compromise and rest since Hwaryin would wait and not sleep if I didn't. "You're helping out now too, Jegal Sojeo. It's fine." The business has expanded, and there is more to do, but now that tasks are well divided, I reassured her with a smile that she need not worry too much. "......" Is she still worried? In Jegal Sojeo's eyes, I could see a hint of dissatisfaction about me not resting even when told to. "Of course, when I have free time, I want to sleep in, lounge around the room after waking up, and spend the day enjoying snacks and engaging in my favorite hobbies......" "Ah!" Jegal Sojeo's eyes trembled as if perturbed. "Hm?" "I'm, I'm, I'm sorry!" "Haha! That's not what I mean. How much do you help me, Jegal Sojeo. I'm just preparing in advance to focus." I wasn't planning to criticize her over rest. Did she feel guilty for no reason? "Preparing?" "We never know what kind of test Mankeum Lord might give next. I'm trying to do everything I can in advance. So that..." So that I can pose as Jegal Sojeo's betrothed. Seeing her lips twitch, I knew she understood what I meant even though I didn't outright say it. "Ah... I-is there anything you would like to have?" Something to drink, maybe. "I'd like a refreshing iced Americano." When working hard, it's the perfect potion for a worker. "I'll get it for youuu." "Please do." Somehow, Jegal Sojeo's steps seemed lighter than usual as she walked out of the office. ** "Are we out of coffee beans?" "I'm, I'm sorry. The person in charge has been unwell and couldn't come to work, so we didn't realize it in time." The maid, feeling at a loss, kept bowing her head apologetically to Jegal Hyang. For others, it might have been a moment to reprimand the maids for negligence as the mansion's owner, but Jegal Hyang was more shocked by the news of the coffee beans being unavailable. "Out of coffee beans?" Kang Gongja is tirelessly working for us without rest. And yet, when he asks for a single iced Americano... and I can't provide it? Jegal Hyang imagined Kang Gongja's cold response with dread. — I'm working hard for you, but you couldn't even bring me a cup of coffee, Jegal Sojeo? — No, it's just that we ran out of beans... — Ha Yeon Sojeo would have effortlessly brought tea and treats, but as the lady of the house, you can't even ensure the availability of coffee beans? — I-I'm so, so sorry. — Enough. It seems Ha Yeon Sojeo would be more fitting as the main wife. I'm looking forward to her arrival. "Nooooooo." My heart feels torn. Even imagining hearing such harsh words from Gang Gongja makes my heart crumble. "I'm sorry! I'll quickly—bring—some other tea!" The maid flusteredly exclaimed in response to Jegal Hyang's lament. "It's okay." Jegal Hyang turned her body with determination. "Huh? Then, what will you do, Miss Jegal?! Where are you going?" Though the maid called out from behind, Jegal Hyang didn’t respond. The coffee beans were gone. Gang Gongja couldn't have his coffee. He might fail the grandfather's test and not be recognized as a fiancé. I cannot let such a disastrous outcome happen. Jegal Hyang made a monumental decision with burning resolve. ‘I will buy the coffee beans myself!’ ———— "Miss Jegal, we've arrived at the market... Are you really okay with this?" "I can do it alone. At least, I think so." Jegal Hyang nodded to the coachman, her voice trembling slightly. Traditionally, the matron is responsible for household affairs. I must take responsibility. To calm her nerves, she took a small deep breath. "You don't have to push yourself." "I'm well-prepared." "Prepared, how?" Jegal Hyang dislikes going out. It's not that Jegal Hyang avoids going out because she is too happy with her routine of lounging about, eating snacks, and enjoying her favorite hobbies in her room. Of course, that's a big part of it. Her striking silver hair and sapphire eyes, along with her pure and graceful demeanor, made even strangers approach her when she was outside. But today, I came fully prepared. "I brought the veil-hat Ha Yeon unni used to wear." Jegal Hyang triumphantly revealed the hat with an attached veil. Thanks to his comparable looks to Jegal Hyang, Im Ha-yeon often wore a veil hat to conceal his identity when venturing outside. Surely, it would be helpful today. "There's an inn up ahead; I'll park the carriage and wait there," said the coachman. Jegal Hyang nodded and stepped down from the carriage. People briefly turned their attention to see who would disembark from the carriage, but seeing her with a veil, they rapidly lost interest. No one is paying attention like usual. Hidden beneath the veil, a confident smile graced Jegal Hyang's lips. 'Now that I'm chatting well with Kang Gongja, shopping at a store should be simple.' Having someone outside her family and servants she could comfortably converse with was a newfound joy. Surely she could handle buying items at a store. Perhaps a bit of practice wouldn't hurt. Spying a dog tied nearby, Jegal Hyang decided on a trial interaction. "Hello there, dog." "Bark bark!" "Hehehe, that tickles." I spoke without trembling. Feeling the dog's fur with the back of her hand, Jegal Hyang sensed some success in today's endeavor. "Our Baekgu seems to like you, miss. The sight is picture-perfect." That was until the shop owner behind her decided to engage in conversation. "Uhh!" "This little one just turned three months but has never liked someone so much." 'What am I supposed to say now?' An unexpected conversational ambush, and with a stranger, no less. For Jegal Hyang, this was a challenge of the highest level. "If you find the puppy cute, come on in and have a look. Would be even better if you browse the goods." "Pardon... Ack!" "Hm? Are you unwell?" No, I simply faltered in my refusal. Jegal Hyang couldn't bring herself to explain. What should I do? To Jegal Hyang, the shop's interior looked like the entrance to a personal hell. She looked with longing at the puppy wagging its tail at her but soon bowed deeply to the owner. "I'm so sorryyyyy!" "Customer? Customer!" It was a tactical retreat. Jegal Hyang vanished from the shopkeeper's sight in an instant. ----- "It was a close call." I nearly got myself into a tight spot. Who would've thought a casual chat with a puppy would lead to a trial more daunting than purchasing items? Jegal Hyang briefly thought about the potential future that might have unfurled. Surely she would've been dragged inside and had to feel whatever the shopkeeper suggested. And if she refused, they'd probably glare. Then I'd reluctantly agree, and the shopkeeper would gleefully suggest yet another item. No. Absolutely not. Praising her quick thinking, Jegal Hyang surveyed the market. 'Thankfully, I navigated well.' Before her stretched numerous shops selling coffee beans and tea leaves. The only thing being they were so popular that people crowded around them. ‘It’s a misconception that someone like me can’t handle such crowded shops.’ With many people, there’s less time to focus on one person. It actually works in my favor. Jegal Hyang began her search for a shop to enter, keeping her presence low among the crowd. The number of people didn’t matter. Different aspects were crucial when selecting a shop. ‘I have to find one with doors that won’t creak when opened.’ The creaking door and the shopkeeper’s immediate attention spells doom. Jegal Hyang scanned the stores with a tense gaze. ‘Found one.’ Finally. "Welcome! Huh? I thought someone came in." Before the shopkeeper finished greeting, slipping unnoticed into their blind spot was key. Though Jegal Hyang moved swiftly, she realized someone was indeed standing within the shopkeeper’s blind spot. “Is there anything I can help you with?” It was a shop assistant. "Ju-just browsing." "Feel free to ask if you need anything." Jegal Hyang was secretly thrilled to hear such an indifferent response. Half of the mission was complete. Now she could comfortably check the coffee beans. As the owner of Infinite Daseogak, she knew the market value and quality of coffee well. It didn’t take her long to spot some beans of fine quality. ‘It’s between these two.’ A tough decision. Which should she go with? “Would you like a recommendation?” As Jegal Hyang pondered, a hawkish voice, sharp and ready to pounce, came from behind her. The shopkeeper approached her. What to do? Jegal Hyang remained unperturbed; she had anticipated this scenario. “It’s for entertaining guests.” Her mechanical response came immediately. ‘I'm not planning to be taken advantage of.’ Though she was awkward with people, she didn’t intend to get fleeced. Asking for something expensive would mean getting ripped off. Asking for a guest-friendly option was what Jegal Hyang had planned. “Aha! Entertaining guests, are you? How about the Blue Mountain that just arrived yesterday? It boasts a bright, clean acidity and a silky sweetness, without being too light, perfect for hosting guests. Though it’s a bit pricey... If you’d like, I could suggest something more affordable...” “I’ll take that, please.” "Pardon?" Surprised by her immediate nod, the shopkeeper asked again. “I’ll take your recommendation.” As the owner of Daseogak, she possessed an eye for top-quality goods. The choice recommended by the shopkeeper was rightly worthwhile. “Oh! Yes! I’ll pack it for you from the display! You’re purchasing something truly fit for gifts!” Almost complete, Jegal Hyang headed to the counter with a spring in her step. All that remained was to pay and then serve coffee to Kang Gongja. — Jegal Sojeo, you brought such delicious coffee! — Since Kang Gongja is working so hard. This coffee just arrived yesterday. — Taking such good care of me, Jegal Sojeo truly seems to be the perfect fit for the main wife. — No problem. Next time, I’ll add some chocolate chips to your cafe latte. — I look forward to meeting the lord of Jegal family soon. "Hehehehe." “C-customer?” “Yes? Yes?!” Jegal Hyang was startled back to reality by the shopkeeper's bewildered voice. "You recognized these beans right away! I personally went out of my way to source them, and I'm surprised you'd purchase them without a second thought. You seem knowledgeable about coffee. How do you plan to enjoy them?" How to enjoy them? Naturally, however Kang Gongja wants to drink them! "I'm planning to make iced Americano with them." Eager to end this venture and return, Jegal Hyang responded promptly. "Customer, are you intending to insult this coffee?" Unaware of the shopkeeper’s particular fondness for coffee and their intent to explain the perfect way to enjoy it, Jegal Hyang had sparked an unintended reaction.