Ch 315 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Preparing for Opening - 6 "In Ha Yeon, I can explain everything." Inside the carriage heading to the branch office of Daseogak. As soon as Im Ha Yeon read the title of the journal, she returned to the carriage with a blank expression. I asked Je Gal Hyang to take the carriage she arrived in and hurriedly joined Im Ha Yeon, but her expression remained unchanged. "......" At least say something. Or look my way. "In Ha Yeon." "......Who suggested this?" Im Ha Yeon asked in a cold voice without turning to face me. There was no need to guess what she was referring to. I quickly responded as if by reflex. "Miss Je Gal proposed it, saying she found conversing difficult and felt more comfortable expressing herself in writing. She thought it would be convenient considering this incident also involves a bit of Man Geum Jeon's trickery." I mentioned Man Geum Jeon to imply it was unavoidable. It's true that Man Geum Jeon isn't directly involved, but I often suffer unjustly, so I'm sure the old man can tolerate this much. "Why didn't you tell me?" "It's a journal. It felt disrespectful to discuss personal matters in it with Miss Je Gal." "What about me?" Finally, Im Ha Yeon turned to look at me. It's not disrespectful to you, is it? I almost blurted this out, but halted upon hearing the disappointment in her voice. A veritable minefield of a question. How should I answer? In situations like this, it's best to be straightforward. With a gaze full of trust, I spoke to Im Ha Yeon. "In Ha Yeon, are we at a stage where we need to exchange private thoughts through writing?" Aren't we closer than with Je Gal Hyang? Isn't this unnecessary between us? Taken aback by my words, the corners of Im Ha Yeon's once expressionless lips twitched slightly. Still discontent, but seemingly satisfied with the answer. Will she let it go now? "……Humph." Guess not. ----------------------------- "The items might have gotten mixed during transit, so let's first sort them into categories." "Wow, it'll take ages to fill the shelves." "It's not impossible. Start organizing while comparing with the pre-made list." "What about the used books?" "They're not as urgent as the first floor, so place them upstairs for now." "What a whirlwind." Under Im Ha Yeon's adept guidance, the branch employees began organizing the books with precision. It's a task I initially intended to manage. Clearly, developing middle management is crucial. They perform better than I do. "Manager, if you're heading upstairs, could you take some used books?" "Hand them over." No need for two leaders on the first floor. I took an armful of used books intended for the second-floor book cafe and headed up. I had been pondering how to acquire such books, but with assistance from Man Geum Jeon, obtaining quality used books became easy and affordable. "Heh heh." Upon reaching the second floor, I heard a familiar chuckle emanating from somewhere. "So, this is where you were." In a corner on the second floor, surrounded by a chaotic pile of books yet to be organized, Je Gal Hyang had created a nook for herself and was reading. I thought she hadn't arrived yet because she took another carriage. Apparently, she had arrived earlier. "Ah, it's just... it felt familiar, like my room... I'll get up now." Je Gal Hyang, hiding her face behind a book in embarrassment, hurriedly attempted to stand. "Haha. It's fine. Let's hide together." "What?" Let's leave the heavy lifting to the staff. Stepping into Je Gal Hyang's space, I sat down among the books with her. "The old book scent is delightful. It feels like being in a vintage bookstore." "Yes, it's cramped, but oddly comforting... Ah! I mean, I like open spaces too." Believing she had made a faux pas, Je Gal Hyang quickly corrected herself. "Any news on the house we're to share?" "I heard the introduction is tomorrow." "We'll get to see our future home, then." "Hehe. Yes." Quick work. Looks like Man Geum Jeon is serious about setting us up. Too bad it won't just be the two of us. "What are you doing shirking work...? What were you two up to?" While discussing future plans with Je Gal Hyang, Im Ha Yeon managed to locate us in the midst of the book chaos, akin to a radar-equipped training sergeant. "Just chatting about the house." We were just taking a break. "......" Once more, the expression faded from Im Ha Yeon's face. "Ha Yeon... Are you mad?" Covering my ear with her hand, Je Gal Hyang whispered into it nervously. Anyone would be upset seeing two people lounging around while others are busy. "Is whispering necessary when I can hear everything?" Im Ha Yeon's voice, cold enough to chill, struck Je Gal Hyang. "Heek!" Startled by Im Ha Yeon's retort, Je Gal Hyang clung to my sleeve. "Ugh!" Im Ha Yeon, don't scowl too fiercely. Miss Je Gal is fragile and could crumble at the slightest provocation. "Let's head down. There's more to discuss with the staff." If this continues, it'll escalate into a conflict. Suddenly taking on the role of diligent superior, I stood and coaxed Je Gal Hyang, who was tugging at my sleeve, towards the first floor. "Let's go together!" Why are you holding onto my sleeve too, Im Ha Yeon? -------------------------------- "Great job today. I'll ask the cook to prepare a nourishing meal, so let's eat together." After finishing the book organizing, I returned with Im Ha Yeon to the inn. "I'm exhausted. Let's eat separately today." "In Ha Yeon, wait a moment..." Despite usually preferring to dine together, she coldly retreated to her room. Is she still upset? "Exchange diary." Back in the office, I set the exchange diary on the desk. Exchange diary. I never imagined I'd find myself indulging in something so bittersweet. During my time living in the modern world, the only vaguely bittersweet note I ever received from a woman was at a university library. After returning from the restroom, I found a note adorably attached to my drink with a Post-it. ‘Wow. Am I finally going to have a crush?’ Heart racing, I eagerly read the Post-it. [Your face is making me uncomfortable. Could you please sit somewhere else?] It turned out to be a memory that was neither sweet nor bittersweet, but downright bitter. “Caught red-handed for no reason.” I sighed softly toward the exchange diary filled with elegant handwriting even before I began to read. I was far too careless. Im Ha Yeon is risking even getting caught by Do Mun while working. To her, I might seem like someone entangled in a romantic endeavor. Even though I have no such intentions, my association with Je Gal Se Ga’s youngest daughter would naturally make her suspicious of my actions. And now she’s discovered the exchange diary as further evidence. In Ha Yeon's mind, there’s the fear that perhaps this man isn’t saving her out of benevolence but aims to become Je Gal Se Ga's son-in-law. Is there a way to ease Im Ha Yeon’s concerns? As long as I continue this exchange diary arrangement, her worries will persist. I can’t break the promise with Miss Je Gal, so I must find a way to reassure Im Ha Yeon. Should I give her a gift, like last time? “Wait a second... I have an idea.” Suddenly, a brilliant thought flashed through my mind. ------------------------- In the dead of night. A figure, stealthy enough to avoid even the keenest martial artist's notice, flitted between the rooftops of the buildings. "Koo koo! Koo koo koo koo!" "Let's take it slow." On her way back from patroling the shops, Im Ha Yeon paused at the poignant cry of Gu Gu. "Koo koot? Koo koo koo koo." The female owner’s face was etched with worry. Gu Gu cried out again, seemingly concerned. “It’s nothing.” “Koo koo! Koo koo koot!” Oh dear. Gu Gu. If only I could lend an ear for your owner's troubles. Gu Gu cried again in a worried tone. "Why doesn’t that man notice?" Sitting on the roof of a tall building, where the river breeze swayed, Im Ha Yeon began to unload her frustrations to Gu Gu. “Koo koo?” “I should have suspected it from the start.” Looking at Gu Gu perched in her hand, Im Ha Yeon scowled in vexation. Je Gal Hyang. The youngest daughter of Je Gal Se Ga. Given the status of Je Gal Se Ga, she probably went along with the matchmaking due to family pressure. Misjudging her timid personality was my mistake. She likely has no interest in Kang Yoon Ho. I felt at ease, not realizing her hidden intentions. “It’s an exchange diary, an exchange diary! No woman would propose such a thing without any feelings, would she?” Je Gal Hyang feels an emotional attraction to Kang Yoon Ho. Only today did In Ha Yeon finally understand. When a shy girl bravely wishes to converse with a man, it indicates her interest in speaking with that guy, by any means necessary. “That sly fox!” The more Im Ha Yeon thought about the woman who clung to Kang Yoon Ho all day, not wanting to part from his side, the more livid she became. “Koo koo?” “Even Gu Gu should have seen it. Not even I've done such a thing!” Whispering secrets! With me watching nearby! Pretending intimacy by whispering. As if insinuating that she was closer to Kang Yoon Ho while relegating me to a bystander role. And the cheek to call me Ha Yeon unni, highlighting our age difference. Sticking close to Kang Yoon Ho acting all frail when I spoke sharply. No sly fox could’ve done better. Is she truly shy by nature, or merely feigning it to capture Kang Yoon Ho’s heart? “Does he still not know?” Im Ha Yeon couldn't bring herself to confront Kang Yoon Ho with what she realized today. He has no experience with women. Despite his adeptness at stepping into others' hearts uncannily, he's awkward and oblivious to women’s emotions. If he learns that Je Gal Se Ga's youngest daughter is interested in him romantically? "Would he still choose me...?" Cautiously, Im Ha Yeon let out the concern she'd been carrying in her heart all day. "Koo koo?" “...Let’s go." She effortlessly opened the window to Kang Yoon Ho's room, as she did daily. A routine way to end each day: to gaze upon his sleeping face. “……” Sleeping without a care in the world. If I wake him now and ask him, would he answer? And what if it’s not the answer I hope for? No. It’s not the time. Im Ha Yeon shook her head resignedly and turned to leave the room. ‘Huh?’ As she turned, on the empty desk of the office, [Exchange Diary.] One book, left conspicuously, beckoned to her.