Blooming even in the mud - Chapter 84

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Blooming Even in the Mud Chapter 84

In the marketplace, a spy disguised as a peddler was stationed at the tavern. Dal-rae, who naturally stopped by the tavern on her way to do groceries, handed over the organized information.
From that day on, surveillance and tracking began at the locations Dal-rae had pointed out. As expected, they belonged to the remnants of the White Head Sect, and the news was immediately delivered to Gyeong Won-ui.

“That concludes the report this humble servant received via messenger pigeon. Due to a lack of time, we could not investigate every location, but all the places we did look into have been revealed to be connected to the White Head Sect. There are even signs that they are covertly gathering weapons and provisions.”
“Since they were a group of considerable numbers, I never thought they were completely eradicated, but this is beyond expectations.”
The Emperor’s complexion was grim.
As the Emperor, his very first political achievement and the justification for his rule had been the subjugation of the Evil Cult that threw the nation into chaos. Therefore, he could not help but feel displeased that those bastards were still tenaciously clinging to life.
“What do you think is best?”
“Striking Chu Se-gu in the Capital City and the White Head Sect in Shengguang at the same time would be one way, but your humble subject wonders how it would be if we proceeded like this.”
Gyeong Won-ui explained calmly, without losing his composure even while discussing his family’s mortal enemy. After deliberating between two strategies, the Emperor finally made his choice.
“Since they are bastards with a knack for slipping away like rats, it would be best to set a foolproof trap. I will leave it entirely to you, so ensure you achieve the eradication of those vermin.”
“I respectfully accept your command, Your Majesty.”

* * *

A child’s laughter spread through the bright sky. A ball bounced high up into the air, then rolled across the dirt ground.
“Oh dear, be careful.”
The ball, which had been bouncing here and there, finally flew toward Hong Ok-geum, who was sitting side by side with Yoo Seo-hwa, watching Dong-i.
Dong-i ran over, chasing after the ball that had bounced off Hong Ok-geum’s leg. Filled with laughter and vitality, even the beads of sweat running down her face looked incredibly healthy.
“Play ball with me!”
“I am sorry, Dong-i. My body is still a bit uncomfortable, so let us play ball next time. Just watching you play makes me truly happy.”
“You must promise to do it with me later! Pinky swear!”
Dong-i, who made Yoo Seo-hwa promise by hooking her pinky finger, pulled her nanny along and ran toward the backyard. Kkot-bun, who had inadvertently become Dong-i’s playmate, followed right behind.
“It is my first time seeing Dong-i run around and play with such joy.”
“It has been a very long time for me as well.”
Hong Ok-geum watched Dong-i playing with a gaze that was both filled with pity and happiness.
“In the past, my father-in-law would burst in at any moment and roar at us, so Dong-i was always walking on eggshells and felt very intimidated. It was all because of this mother who could not give birth to a younger brother for her.”
“How could that possibly be your fault?”
“Now that I have cooled my head, I think it was a good thing that I divorced him, even if just for Dong-i’s sake.”
“Has there been any other word from your husband?”
“He came by yesterday evening too, saying he is still trying to persuade my father-in-law, but I am not expecting much. He is a man who has never once disobeyed or won against his father-in-law’s commands.”
Hong Ok-geum waved at Dong-i, who was cheering in the distance, as she continued speaking.
“My mother inherited my maternal grandfather’s estate, and she said she would pass it all down to this humble servant. With that much of a foundation, it will not be difficult to find a small house and live quietly with just Dong-i.”
“I will also help you with whatever is within my reach.”
“Just visiting like this from time to time is more than enough. It is such a great comfort to know that there is someone who is always on my side, even during hard times.”
“To me, you are also always such a friend, Hong Ok-geum.”
Yoo Seo-hwa, smiling faintly, cast her gaze toward the yard. The child’s energetic laughter ringing in her ears felt incredibly heartwarming.
“Ah, this is something I heard from the young master, but Gyeong Won-yeong’s child is said to be very lively and not shy around strangers at all. Though the child is still young, I think they could become good friends with Dong-i.”
“If the child takes after Gyeong Won-yeong, it must be a very beautiful child.”
“Since the father is also striking, the child must be very cute. I want to meet that child soon as well.”
Yoo Seo-hwa imagined Dong-i playing together like siblings with the child named Dong-i in this very yard before her eyes. It was a sight that warmed her heart.
As they talked about the children, time flew by quickly. Even when she left the house after eating a late lunch with Hong Ok-geum and her daughter, Dong-i clung to her, reluctant to part.
“You will come back next time too, right?”
“Of course, Dong-i.”
“You must get healthy quickly so you can play ball with me.”
“I shall do so.”
Yoo Seo-hwa offered a smile to the flawlessly innocent child.
It took quite a while to send back Dong-i, who wanted to follow far behind to see her off, and to say their goodbyes once again.
As they finally parted from Dong-i and walked back, Kkot-bun asked subtly.
“But really, you are not even wearing a mongsu, so is it really okay not to ride a palanquin?”
“Am I not a slave, Kkot-bun?”
Yoo Seo-hwa declined gently. Though she was treated as a lady at the private residence, she absolutely never crossed that line.
‘If a slave who has suffered deposition to commoner status goes around putting on airs outside the private residence, it will give them a perfect pretext to reprimand Gyeong Won-ui.’
Not only that, but Yoo Seo-hwa also did not forget the fact that she was a sinner with an unrighteous father.
She walked out of Gyeong Won-yeong’s house together with Kkot-bun and Mang-a. Just as they were passing through an alleyway, Gyeong Won-ui was walking toward them from the other side.
Around the time Yoo Seo-hwa’s walking pace slowed down and came to a halt, Gyeong Won-ui also came and stood in front of her.
“You happened to be on your way out. My duties ended early today, so I was just about to come fetch you.”
“…….”
“May I accompany you on your way home?”
Yoo Seo-hwa nodded her head without a word. Gyeong Won-ui smiled faintly and stood beside her. Sensing the mood, Kkot-bun and Mang-a fell back a few paces, leaving just the two of them walking side by side.
“Are Lady Hong and Dong-i doing well? Since it is a house where only women live, it is difficult for me to visit and ask after them.”
“Dong-i has brightened up a lot. I do not think Hong Ok-geum will be shedding any more tears either. Since she decided to receive her maternal family’s inheritance, there should be no problem for the two of them to live together.”
“That is truly a relief.”
“Seeing Dong-i act like a proper child, it made me so happy. Is the child named Dong-i also lively?”
“It feels like watching Gyeong Won-yeong’s childhood. Since Dong-i is mature, won’t the two children get along well?”
“I had the exact same th—.”
Stopping mid-sentence, Yoo Seo-hwa hesitated. As they conversed, Gyeong Won-ui’s face had naturally leaned toward her side.
It was a familiar sense of distance and a familiar height. Just like the old days.
Yoo Seo-hwa gently turned her head back to the front.
“……Thank you for helping Hong Ok-geum.”
On the way home, a gentle, unawkward silence settled softly between their footsteps.
It was merely the path back to the private residence. Nothing had changed except for the person walking beside her, yet the flow of the air had subtly shifted.
Because she was not wearing a mongsu, her field of vision was wide open, and because she was not riding a palanquin, she could fully feel the vibrant noises of the marketplace.
The presence of the man walking at a distance where their sleeves might or might not brush felt heavy. Even without any particular conversation, she could feel the man’s breath, and she could feel his gaze lingering and fading on her profile.
He was a man from whom she had completely withdrawn her trust. Nevertheless, Yoo Seo-hwa trusted that beside him was the safest place of all.
‘Come to think of it, it is a strange feeling.’
She indulged in an absurd imagination.
What if a war were to break out right this moment, covering this street with blood and corpses? Even then, she would not be harmed in the slightest. Because a man who would prioritize her over his own life was by her side.
“Ouch.”
“Are you alright?”
While trying to cross the river bridge, her foot slipped. Gyeong Won-ui quickly supported her, preventing a fall, but the sole of her foot throbbed.
“Please sit here for a moment.”
Supporting the staggering Yoo Seo-hwa, Gyeong Won-ui temporarily seated her on a decorative rock adorning the bridge. Her footwear was worn out, and the sole was dangling.
“Oh dear, that is why I said earlier that I would prepare new shoes—no, that this servant would prepare them, my lady.”
Kkot-bun tried to give a slight scolding but swallowed her words while reading the room. Unbothered, Gyeong Won-ui looked down at Yoo Seo-hwa’s foot.
“Did you lose your footing or twist your ankle?”
“It does not hurt. I think I just need to change my shoes, but since I do not have new shoes right now, I can just tie the sole.”
“Please wait just a moment.”
Dissuading Yoo Seo-hwa, Gyeong Won-ui disappeared into the marketplace and soon returned, having bought a pair of new gatshin.
“Would you like to try them on?”
Gyeong Won-ui knelt on one knee and offered one of the gatshin. Yoo Seo-hwa stared blankly down at the crown of Gyeong Won-ui’s head below her.
There are moments that feel like yesterday, yet also feel like a distant past. At that time, Yoo Seo-hwa was facing death, trapped in raging flames.
Even then, Gyeong Won-ui had knelt before her. He had pleaded.
Just as he had knelt amidst the flames, he now knelt without any regard for the dirt ground. Merely to put shoes on her feet.
“Am I not burdensome and tiresome to you?”
“Pardon?”
“You are a young and renowned General. You must also be receiving His Majesty’s favor. For someone who should receive the admiration of many women, you have no need to hang on my every word, swinging between joy and sorrow, and constantly fretting over someone like me, a sinner.”
So, isn’t it time you let me go now? Can’t you just give up?
The unspoken words crumbled dryly inside her mouth.
Remaining on one knee while looking up at her, Gyeong Won-ui’s lips parted once or twice. As if he was lost, unable to easily bring out an answer, the topic he finally offered was incredibly unexpected.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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