Surviving as the Sacheon Dang Clan’s Servant - Chapter 34

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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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Chapter 34
I shook my head awkwardly.
“No, it’s not like that.”
“You don’t have to lie. I’ll keep your secret.”
Namgung Hui’s eyes gleamed as he looked at me. I really wasn’t lying—that was the truth.
It wasn’t as if I were the protagonist of some boys’ manga. That made no sense.
But I couldn’t be bothered to clear up the misunderstanding. I answered half-heartedly.
“You mustn’t tell anyone, all right?”
“I won’t!”
Namgung Hui answered brightly, his delight unmistakable.
At his age, wanting to share secrets with a friend was natural. If you’re happy, that’s enough….
“You know, I understand how you feel. Bearing the weight of a family name isn’t easy.”
Was it? I’d never borne such a weight.
“There’s so much to study, I have to always appear dignified, I must excel at everything… Sometimes I wish I could act spoiled with Mother like Yeon A does.”
The boy smiled bitterly, gazing up at the sky. I’d assumed a young master of the Namgung Clan had been raised without hardship, but it seemed he carried his own burdens.
“…Still, I have to manage. To lead the Namgung Clan as Father does, I have to become an excellent person. I’m the future Head of the household.”
Namgung Hui shook off his gloom and lifted his chin with determination.
I nodded gently.
“You’ll do well, young master. I’m certain of it.”
You’ll become Head of the household one day. You’ll earn the title Sword Emperor. The Greatest master under heaven, wielding the Central Plains like clay—you needn’t worry.
“Right! …But that’s strange. I’m receiving Heir training, so why did you say I don’t know characters?”
“Ha. I suppose it’s possible.”
“You didn’t study your writing diligently?”
Namgung Hui scratched his head, finding it odd even by his own reckoning, and arrived at his own conclusion.
Well, I just said something random.
“Second watch! It is the second watch!”
Just then, a night watchman patrolling the street beat his drum to announce the hour. I quickly changed the subject.
“Shouldn’t we head back inside? You’re leaving early tomorrow, after all.”
“…I suppose so.”
The boy’s face fell like a child who’d just been told playtime was over. He was reluctant to leave.
He hesitated before speaking.
“Say…why don’t we just light a Sky lantern before we go?”
“Really? I’ve never released one.”
“Never? Then let’s do it. I’ll show you how.”
Namgung Hui brightened and gripped my hand firmly. Watching him lead the way ahead, I couldn’t help but smile.
We climbed the rise and mingled with the crowds releasing Sky lanterns.
Namgung Hui, flushed with excitement, bought a Sky lantern and deftly unfolded the paper frame, lighting the oil-soaked cotton.
But while his opened smoothly, mine was crumpled and stiff.
What is this? How am I supposed to unfold it?
As I fumbled with the frame, Namgung Hui giggled.
“You have to pull here to open it. Light goes on this side.”
He reached over and unfolded the lantern for me, positioning it so I could light the wick.
Whoosh!
The flame caught the oil-soaked cotton, and the paper ballooned suddenly. The heat against my fingertips drew an involuntary cry.
“Ow, it’s hot!”
“Careful. Can you release it?”
“Yes. Let’s do it together.”
“Now. One, two, three!”
Namgung Hui’s lantern and mine rose skyward on the wind at once.
I watched the receding light in silence. Dozens of crimson lanterns scattered like stars across the heavens, glittering. It was a beautiful sight.
Namgung Hui whispered softly.
“What did you wish for?”
I hadn’t wished for anything. Was I supposed to?
“That’s a secret. If you speak a wish aloud, it won’t come true.”
“Tch.”
“What did you wish for, young master?”
“That’s my secret too.”
Namgung Hui sealed his lips, yet his eyes plainly hoped I would keep asking.
I stifled my laughter and pressed on.
“Why? What was your wish?”
“You can’t speak a wish aloud, or it won’t come true. Mine has to come true, so I’m not telling anyone.”
“I understand. I won’t ask.”
Though I suspected I knew what it was anyway.
‘Please let me become an excellent head of household.’ That had to be it.
I answered with a slight smile, and Namgung Hui made a petulant sound.
“Why are you smiling like that?”
“Ha—well, you should head back now. Young Master. Everyone will be waiting.”
Because you’re adorable, that’s why.
I nudged him toward the path, and his expression turned pouty.
But he didn’t seem inclined to argue, and began descending the slope without protest.
When we returned to the night market, it had noticeably thinned. As we walked the lane, the boy who’d been casting anxious glances about suddenly came to a halt.
“So Hye. Wait a moment.”
“Yes? What is it?”
“Will you stay here for a bit? I need to take care of something quickly.”
Namgung Hui squirmed as he spoke, and I noticed his face had flushed slightly.
Does he need to use the privy?
I nodded readily.
“Of course. Take your time.”
“I’ll be right back!”
He called out with vigor, pushed off hard, and disappeared into the crowd. I couldn’t help but laugh at how urgently he moved.
He really must have needed to go.
When Namgung Hui returned a short while later, his hair was disheveled from his hurried rush.
“Did you wait long?”
“No. It wasn’t even a quarter of an hour.”
“Good. Let’s go then.”
Taking my hand, Namgung Hui led the way forward, speaking in an animated tone that betrayed his good spirits.
“Next time, come visit our home in Hefei. I’ll show you around the city then.”
“If the opportunity arises.”
Once you’re home, you’ll forget all about someone like me soon enough.
My half-hearted reply must have shown, for Namgung Hui’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Next year’s Gathering will be held at the Namgung Clan. You’ll have to come anyway.”
I’m sorry. I can’t attend gatherings like that.
Namgung Hui launched into an unending account of how beautiful the sunsets over Chao Lake—the lake cradled in Hefei’s bosom—were, and how magnificent Guhuashan, the mountain range on the outskirts, truly was.
“Do you like fish dishes? I know a place that makes excellent silver carp.”
He even tried to coax me into going to the restaurant with him.
It seemed he was eager to spark my curiosity about Hefei, employing a rather clever scheme. It was quite endearing, actually.
“Silver carp is wonderful. Well, here we are. Young Master.”
As we chatted pleasantly while walking, we suddenly arrived at the Tang residence. The gatekeeper recognized Namgung Hui and opened the door with courtesy.
Once inside the gate, Namgung Hui pressed close to my side and exclaimed.
“Oh, let me walk you in today!”
“No, please don’t. You must be tired. Go rest.”
“I want to see you off just once. It’s our last day, after all.”
Namgung Hui murmured with audible regret, clearly reluctant to part ways.
My heart was grateful, but I didn’t want to become fodder for the household’s gossip.
There was already talk from the Simyang faction, and if word spread that another young master from a different clan had entered the servants’ quarters, there would be no end to the rumors.
I shook my head firmly.
“I can’t. Young Master. You wouldn’t want me to be put in a difficult position, would you?”
“…All right.”
At my refusal, his shoulders sagged. Seeing his dejected expression, I felt a pang of sympathy.
He’s being particularly charming tonight.
“But we can walk together as far as that fork in the path. We’ll part ways there. Understood?”
At that, Namgung Hui straightened and his eyes brightened.
“Yes!”
We began walking down the quiet lane.
Namgung Hui took small, deliberate steps, as if trying to stretch out the time before we parted.
His transparent intention drew an involuntary smile from me.
When we finally reached the fork in the path, we stopped, and Namgung Hui—who had been fidgeting with his hands—looked directly at me.
“Today was really fun.”
“It was fun for me too. Now you should go. Young Master, sleep well tonight.”
“Mm. You sleep well too.”
Namgung Hui answered bashfully, then slowly opened his mouth.
“Well, you see… if… what if….”
“What? What if?”
“Ah, never mind! I just hope you’ll come to Hefei next year. Now hurry inside! I should go!”
The boy fumbled through his words, then spun around in a panic.
I watched Namgung Hui flee into the distance, then turned away with a quiet laugh.
* * *
The next morning, I began clearing the guest quarters as visitors departed early. The work piled high, yet my heart remained at peace.
Sim Yang and his gang were nowhere to be found.
“Have you seen Sim Yang’s lot? They’ve been gone all day.”
“If they’re gone, isn’t that good? At least we won’t have any trouble.”
“That’s true, but… something feels off.”
Song Ji trailed off, her face clouded with unease.
“They’re probably shirking their duties somewhere. Sister, let me have that rag to wash.”
“I suppose. All seven of them missing at once—that’s unusual.”
Song Ji scratched her head uncertainly and handed me the rag she’d been holding.
I carried the grimy cloth to the washing place in a basket.
The weather had turned mild, and the well water was surprisingly warm.
Lost in thought, I was wringing out the laundry when someone called to me.
“So Hye!”
I turned to see Namgung Hui standing by the side gate.
He was breathing heavily, as though he’d been running for some time.
“Head Namgung? You haven’t left yet?”
“You didn’t come out, so I couldn’t. I’ve been looking everywhere.”
Namgung Hui grumbled about my not appearing.
Well, there’d be no reason for me to show myself at a guest farewell.
After rinsing my hands, I approached Namgung Hui, who fumbled and drew something from his robe.
“Here. Take this.”
It was a bundle wrapped neatly in silk.
“What is this?”
“Read the letter inside—you’ll understand. You must read it alone, understood?”
“Excuse me, Head Namgung. You know I can’t read yet, don’t you?”
“You’re learning, aren’t you? Even if it takes a month, or more than a year, it doesn’t matter. Just promise you’ll send me a reply.”
His eyes were so earnest as he pressed the matter that I couldn’t bring myself to refuse. I nodded.
“I understand. But don’t scold me if I’m late.”
“Fine. Even if it takes time, that’s all right. You promise?”
“Yes. I will.”
“You promise?”
“I said I would.”
Only after extracting my answer several times over did Namgung Hui finally smile, satisfied.
He seemed to have more to say, his lips moving soundlessly. Then, from a distance, voices called for him.
“Head Namgung!”
“Hui!”
“Hui. Where have you gone?”
Anxiety flickered across Namgung Hui’s face as he turned to listen.
“You didn’t tell anyone you were coming here? Go quickly. They must all be waiting.”
“Right. I’m really going now. So Hye, you have to send that reply. Promise me!”
With one final plea, Namgung Hui rushed away in the opposite direction.
I stood dazed, the silk pouch clutched in my hands, watching him disappear.
On his wrist, as he ran with his sleeves flying, gleamed a red knot ornament.

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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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