“Why is that old lady acting up again?”
I watched Muwol Satae from a distance.
She had come over, exchanged greetings with me once, and then suddenly asked that.
‘Young Master Seojin. Surely you’re not thinking of finding a partner? You’re at the age to get married now.’
‘...Well, I’ve got one.’
‘Is that so. Then this old nun will have to put in some effort. I’m grateful to see you getting along so well with our Wol-i.’
And then she started wandering around Emei Mountain village, talking endlessly about me.
‘Yes, don’t you worry. I’ll definitely protect Emei Mountain. By the way, how old is your second daughter again? Nineteen... She’s of marriageable age. I hear Young Master Seojin is... Yes? That’s right, the Leather Room owner. Ah, yes. Indeed. Doesn’t getting wealthy like that mean he has talent?’
‘His looks are quite outstanding too, wouldn’t you say? Why dwell on the past? What sin has a growing young man committed? More than anything, isn’t it surprising that he’s been recognized by Elder Fang Biyeon for his own talents? He’s a young man who can do anything.’
It went on and on.
It felt just like she was playing matchmaker.
I wondered what wind had blown through the nun’s sails to make her act like this...
“The atmosphere got heavy after the Namgung business, so maybe she’s trying to lighten it up?”
Uncle Machildeok ventured a guess.
“Any reason for that? Emei Mountain’s reaction was pretty lukewarm.”
“Eh, everyone’s probably anxious deep down.”
“...Doesn’t feel like it, though.”
I couldn’t figure out what had gotten into that old lady... but on the other hand, I didn’t exactly hate it.
Every time Muwol Satae went from house to house, openly mentioning women who could be connected to me, I spotted girls shyly hiding behind their mothers or fathers.
And whenever my eyes met those girls’, a faint, fluttering vibe arose.
Was this what a flirtation felt like?
It was a bit embarrassing, but I didn’t really dislike it.
It’s not like I hated someone quietly wiping my nose while I sat there—it just made me wonder why.
Unbidden, thoughts of first nights with them crept in, names for our kids, them as grandmothers, moments playing with our grandkids...
A sly smile crept onto my face.
“...Smiling?”
At that moment, small hands wrapped around my waist.
My body stiffened like stone.
Looking around, the uncles were already hightailing it away.
The Beggars’ Sect sure values loyalty...! Where the hell are you going without any warning...!
The only one who’d wrap around my waist in a situation without the uncles...
“Ugh, get off!”
I hurriedly pushed the hands away.
Turning around, there stood Cheongwol.
The Cheongwol who had asked if I was smiling was now smiling herself.
“You look like you’re having fun, Owner?”
“...”
I was flustered for a moment, but to maintain my dignity, I said,
“What? Do I need permission to smile now too?”
“No. Just curious what’s got you so happy.”
“When did I say I was happy?”
“Suit yourself.”
Meaningless banter passed between us, but I could sense it.
Something was off about Cheongwol’s vibe.
Her voice seemed to tremble slightly, and her face was flushed overall.
“And... Is it okay for a nun to grab my waist like that in public? Don’t do it again.”
“You’re overreacting to a little joke, aren’t you? Besides, what’s grabbing a waist?”
She subtly shifted her hips and patted her own butt.
As if reminding me of what we’d done.
“...”
I had nothing to say and swallowed hard.
Compared to what we’d done, it was tame, sure—but there were people around, Muwol Satae was right there ahead, and I was trying to build good vibes with these women, so this was nothing but trouble.
...Though it also sent chills down my spine just having her grab my waist like that.
If it had been in a relaxed mood, maybe different. But with that pissed-off look on her face, how could I relax?
As I started walking, Cheongwol stuck right by my side.
She leaned in close, shoulder to shoulder, and whispered,
“I told you she’s no good, right? I heard some seriously loud noises from the outhouse. Not very prim and proper.”
“Hey.”
Saying that isn’t exactly prim and proper either. I could hardly believe my ears.
“They say she’s a big eater too. If you hooked up with her, you’d go broke on food bills in no time. Her kids would be the same.”
“...”
“Oh, and she’s infamous among her senior brothers too. Loves picking her nose from behind, apparently. Someone that gross... no way, right?”
“Cheongwol. Cut it out—”
“—Why?”
Cheongwol stopped and asked.
I had no choice but to stop too.
The mood turned serious all of a sudden, and sweat beaded on my forehead.
“Owner. I’m putting in all this effort for you—why are you ignoring it?”
“It’s not ignoring. It just feels off hearing you badmouth them when you haven’t even met.”
“Why meet them? I’m telling you, they’re just like I said.”
...Something.
Something was really off here.
Was it from overhearing the uncles’ talk, or some faint inkling of Cheongwol’s feelings?
Even as vague guesswork, a chilling sensation crawled up my back.
What if it really was true?
What if Cheongwol actually liked me?
And that’s why she was doing this?
Just that possibility terrified me to death.
“What’s with you, anyway?”
“What do you mean?”
“You keep saying they’re all no good.”
“You know why, Owner. Just like you ruined Dang Soran’s engagement, it’s normal to warn a close friend away from weirdos, right?”
“...Fair enough.”
“Don’t make it weird. You’re acting weird, and it’s making me feel weird too.”
“...”
An SM relationship isn’t just simple play. Emotional exchange is its essence and core.
That’s why the attachment and feelings between them run deeper than in ordinary lovers.
They bare their ugliest sides to each other, handing over their reputation and safety entirely into the other’s hands.
Things no normal relationship could dare permit—they ultimately allow for each other.
So, the betrayal that comes at the end is all the more brutal.
Whether it’s a masochist abandoned by their master, or a master abandoned by their masochist... the self-loathing and emptiness are said to be indescribable.
Because a relationship built on trust shattering means a rift in their entire world.
Maybe I’d overlooked that fact.
From my side, I thought I’d kept things moderate, but maybe not for Cheongwol.
Perhaps, right in the middle of our play, Cheongwol had entrusted something to me?
Maybe our bond was deeper than I thought.
...At this point, damage control might be needed.
Suddenly, even Muwol Satae’s behavior made sense.
‘Yound Master Seojin is a fine young man. I hear he’s looking for a match—perhaps...’
I steadied myself and grabbed Cheongwol’s shoulders.
She flinched in surprise, but this was a question I had to ask clearly.
“Cheongwol.”
“...Yeah?”
“You don’t like me, do you?”
Cheongwol froze for a moment, scowled, relaxed, then went icy cold as she brushed off my hands.
“...What are you even saying? I’m a nun. I can’t like men. If I liked you, do you think Muwol Satae would have allowed our friendship? I’m just doing this as a friend.”
“Right?”
I let out a long breath, relief washing over me.
At least I wouldn’t face major backlash.
But a nagging unease lingered.
Even if not romantic feelings, it could be some other attachment sprouted through our SM play.
If that was even a tiny spark, it needed snuffing out now.
It might be wrong, but my instincts were warning me.
Move fast, or it could get really dangerous.
...Maybe it’s finally time to get help from Brother Wicheong and the Hao Gate.
****
Gayeong-i delivered Han Seojin’s letter to a Hao Gate member she didn’t even know by face, behind Emei Mountain.
And from him, she received a few qian worth of herbs... and the medicine Han Seojin had requested in his name.
It wasn’t for Han Seojin—it was for her father.
What would the Hao Gate do if they found out?
Han Seojin might help cover for her, but the anxiety still gnawed at her there.
But she had no choice.
If she couldn’t overcome this fear, who knew what would become of her father.
Getting tangled with the Hao Gate from the start had her trembling.
She still couldn’t get used to it.
Yet she’d been selling Emei Mountain info to them for just a few qian like this.
She didn’t care if people cursed her.
To Gayeong-i, her last remaining family mattered more.
“Next time here too.”
“Yes.”
As Gayeong-i nodded with a slight tremble, the Hao Gate member vanished quickly.
Only then did she sigh in relief and head down the mountain.
Her steps descending were lighter than before.
She kept staring at the herbs for decocting into medicine.
Would Father regain his strength?
She hoped so.
As she neared home, an ominous sound reached her.
Like a pig having its throat slit.
A gurgling, desperate struggle for life.
Gayeong-i knew the voice.
“Dad!!”
Dropping the herbs, she raced home.
It wasn’t until late that evening that her father breathed steadily again.
In that horrific nightmare, she thought of the final path given to her.
...If only she could get close to Seojin.