494 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Archive Room EP.494 Je Gal Hyang's Adventure - 3 “I was worried when you didn’t come back after going for coffee.” “I’m sorryyyyy.” With the arrival of the man with black hair, the situation at the forced sale site was swiftly settled. Kang Yoon-ho sat with Je Gal Hyang on a bench atop a hill with a view of Yangtze River, speaking in a voice still tinged with concern. “If you were out of coffee beans, you could have just told me.” “I didn’t want to disappoint youuuu.” It hadn't been long since Kang Yoon-ho had nearly plunged to his death in the Yangtze River during a fight with the leader of the Sect of Demons. As soon as he recovered, he faced his second test, risking his life in front of the Three-Eyed Sword, confronting not only the Inspector General but also the Zhudai-rank enemy. He claimed he was fine, but there was no way Je Gal Hyang was oblivious to how exhausted and hard it was for him. Moreover, was it not because of her that he was going through such hardships? To her, it was only natural to want to fetch the drink that Kang Yoon-ho longed to have. ‘And perhaps also to ward off this impending crisis of losing my place as main consort.’ Of course, there were some minor reasons too. “I was indeed disappointed.” “Eek!” The weight of the word 'disappointed' was so heavy that Je Gal Hyang couldn't lift her head. “If you were heading to the market, you should have called me too.” Startled by the playful tone, Je Gal Hyang lifted her head. “Huh?” “With the autumn sky so clear and the breeze so fresh, I had such a strong desire to go out with Miss Je Gal. I never expected you’d go alone. This is truly disappointing.” There was no malice in the smile that sent shivers through the silver-haired woman’s heart. “Aah.” Thank goodness. It was a joke. Je Gal Hyang felt relieved but couldn't easily continue the conversation. ‘That's quite a daunting thing, though.’ To suggest an outing to Master Kang first—it's really not easy. No, it's quite difficult. Even though it was a joke Kang Yoon-ho made to lighten the mood, Je Gal Hyang was caught in a scale weighing what was realistically possible or not, unable to decide how to respond. “Going around alone, you must have found it very tricky dealing with the merchants.” Noticing her reaction, Kang Yoon-ho smoothly shifted the topic, realizing it was a joke Je Gal Hyang found hard to handle. “That, that was……” It was very difficult. I don’t know where the courage went when stepping out the door. But if I say that, won't Master Kang think of me as pathetic? Je Gal Hyang couldn’t easily speak, wanting to make a good impression on her fiancé. “I also got tricked badly by a merchant long ago.” It was Kang Yoon-ho who brought up his own foolish past instead. “M-Master Kang, you too?” “When I lived in Joseon, there was a market selling assorted goods in Yongsan. It was known for its business tactics, so I went prepared. But the people were friendlier than I’d heard. I thought, wow, rumors are not to be trusted, and walked back cheerfully. Then!” “What happened?” “When I got home and unwrapped it, it wasn’t what I bought, but cheap goods!” “Oh my, that's unbelievableeee.” For Je Gal Hyang, it was hard to believe Master Kang could be deceived. “I trusted their smiling faces too much. I should have checked thoroughly to the end. I didn’t know what was happening behind my back. Even if I wanted to grab them by the collar, I had no evidence, and I thought I'd end up with nothing but trouble, so I had to swallow my anger for days. I still tremble when I think about it.” “Master Kang, you’ve had times like me?” “Yes. That happened when I was about Miss Je Gal’s age. That's not all; a long time ago…” Je Gal Hyang finds it difficult to converse with strangers, not the conversation itself. She hoped she wouldn’t feel down about the earlier incident. How can one be good from the start? Cheer up. She wasn’t oblivious to the considerate intention behind Kang Yoon-ho's words. His thoughtful words during a casual chat quickly calmed her heart, which had been trembling from the forced sale situation. It didn’t take long for a smile to spread on Je Gal Hyang's tense face. ‘Huh? Master Kang's pants?’ As Je Gal Hyang looked at Kang Yoon-ho with her mind at ease, she noticed something she hadn’t seen before. The hem of his pants was mud-stained. His shoes were in a mess too. Je Gal Hyang suddenly recalled Kang Yoon-ho appearing breathless behind her moments ago. ‘Master Kang was searching for me.’ She had spent too much time despite only saying she was going to buy coffee. He must have thought she suddenly disappeared. Surely Master Kang had anxiously been searching for her. “Miss Je Gal is different from me.” “Yes?” “You went boldly and succeeded, buying the items properly. That's an accomplishment.” Dazed, Je Gal Hyang stared at the fiancé who complimented her with kind eyes. Considering he came amidst his busy schedule, he had every reason to be upset. Yet, he comforted her so gently, perhaps fearing she’d feel down about what happened earlier. Instead, he looked at her with admiration and praised her. “Master Kanggg. I-I mean…” An indescribable feeling filled her heart deeply. How to respond to his heart now? “May I hear what happened today?” All she could do was nod at his words. ———— “When I said I’d make an iced Americano, the shop owner got really upset. How could I turn coffee into such dirty water, they asked.” “Dirty water! In Joseon, there’s even a saying ‘even if I freeze, it’s iced Americano’ among coffee lovers.” A slightly embarrassing story in front of the fiancé whose affection was growing day by day. The crisp autumn breeze gently brushed the cheek of the woman immersed in her explanation. “Hehe. Is that so in Joseon? The shop owner said it’s unimaginable where they’re from, Italyyy.” “Hearing their background, I guess they’d detest Sichuan’s famous cuisine too.” If her mother had heard such a story, she might have chided, "How will you ever get married acting like that?" But now, before Je Gal Hyang, stood a man listening to her story with genuine interest. He was not someone who just laughed perfunctorily at her struggles. He wasn’t giving her a contemptuous look, silently saying, "Oh, here she goes again. How pitiful." Instead, he reacted with genuine surprise and laughter, creating a comfortable atmosphere and eagerly awaiting the next part of her story. “Did the shop owner seriously teach you how to make coffee?” She thought she had grown a lot, yet she still found it hard to speak before others. Strangely, it was different in front of Master Kang. Her heart raced, but it made her want to say more. This conversation was so delightful. This moment was precious. Je Gal Hyang continued to talk, gazing into the dark eyes resembling the night sky, which seemed to pull her in. “When I left the shop, people were gossiping about something strange.” Je Gal Hyang recalled the moment her anger had surged, surpassing her rationality. How could anyone speak ill of Master Kang? It infuriated me more than when they said that Sister Ha Yeon, Sichuan’s greatest beauty, was just a concubine, while Hubei's most renowned courtesan was the main consort. I really couldn’t just stand by. “A strange story?” “N-Nothing muchhhh.” Saying it out loud felt embarrassing. It seemed odd to relay slander about Master Kang. Feeling both a little proud for defending Kang Yoon-ho and believing it was only natural for someone destined to become the lady of the house, she decided to hold back on boasting. “Since we've come out, shall we explore more places?” Seeing Je Gal Hyang seemed calmed, Kang Yoon-ho finished their talk and stood up, suggesting a new plan. “Well…” Je Gal Hyang hesitated, avoiding his gaze. “Should we sit a bit longer?” “It’s not thatttt.” “Hmm?” When faced with the puzzled look on Kang Yoon-ho, she mustered her courage and exclaimed, “I’m exhaustedddd.” I’ve spent all my energy for today. I want to go home. I enjoyed our conversation, Master Kang, but my mental strength is drained. “…Hahaha!” “Eek, sorryyyyy!” Je Gal Hyang was too embarrassed to lift her head. “There’s a place nearby known for their excellent Sichuan cuisine. You must be hungry; how about we have a meal before heading back?” “Huh? Well, I guessss.” Come to think of it, I am hungry. I must have used too much energy. Je Gal Hyang nodded. “Shall we go?” Yet, she couldn’t easily take the hand her fiancé extended so naturally. “……” Today's outing might have ended up being an embarrassing memory. It might well be an experience that would make her kick her blanket while recalling it in bed. However. ‘This hand changed it for me.’ A tiring yet enjoyable experience. He turned it into an adventure that she could share with someone. “Miss Je Gal?” “Ah! Well—when I get home, I’ll make you some delicious coffeeeee.” The autumn sky turned a glorious shade of sunset. Even the deep red on her face was not easily concealed by the twilight glow. Both knew it, but it didn’t matter. “I'll look forward to it.” The man smiled joyfully, and the woman, hopelessly in love, held onto the most reliable hand she could ever wish for. “Heehee!” ——— “Miss Je Gal! You’re alright, I hope? Master Kang, welcome!” “It was an arduous journeyyyy.” Ignoring whoever might be watching, Je Gal Hyang flopped onto the couch in the living room. It was a challenging adventure. At least I managed to get the rare coffee beans. “I-I apologize! We just got a shipment of Blue Mountain beans you had ordered, just let us know whenever you want some!” “What?” For a moment, Je Gal Hyang couldn’t believe her ears. “The merchant brought premium beans called Blue Mountain. We can brew some for you any time!” No way. Je Gal Hyang recalled the shopkeeper’s earlier claim. This batch of beans, you see, they were supposed to be delivered to a wealthy family first, but I managed to secure some for you. “Aaack! All my efforts…” “Miss? Miss Je Gal!” *** “They say they're moving Young Master Ma Yang Baek’s coffin to the burial ground tomorrow.” The day after the splendid meal with Miss Je Gal. Jeon Woon Yeob, son of the Director of Administration, visited the Peaceful Money Hall. “Tomorrow? Aren’t they holding it longer?” Funerals often last several months. This seems too soon. “They must be trying to avoid further spreading of the unfavorable rumors. The Ma family likely doesn’t want more malicious gossip about the deceased.” “I see...” Even in modern times, when the cause of death is something like suicide, funerals are held briefly. Whether it's for the Ma family's honor or the deceased, it seems to be a similar case. “The third heir selection test will be in three days.” “So that’s why you came.” I was wondering why. Jeon Woon Yeob nodded. “Yes. Also, the Owner of Peaceful Money specifically asked me to relay a message to Master Kang.” “A message?” “The next one will be the final test, so you should prepare yourself.”