Surviving as the Villainess’s Servant in a Martial Arts Novel - Chapter 43
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 43
After crying my heart out.
Having finally calmed down, I took Young Miss’s hand and came down below.
There were familiar faces there.
Starting with the Master, then Chief Steward, Brother Im, and Uncle Hwang.
Only then did I remember that the Master had said he would come up after finishing his business. But instead of coming up, he waited here, which meant…
“Uh…”
My face instantly turned red and I felt at a loss, but the Master said nothing. He just looked at my restless state with a gentle smile and said one thing.
“Let’s go home.”
Suddenly, a strange emotion surged up.
I had thought I was alone now, that I had nowhere left to return to.
But when I actually heard him say let’s go home together…
“…Yes!”
I answered vigorously while secretly crying. Fortunately, it was dark around us.
Preparations for going to the Namgung Family Estate were almost complete.
Although we were down one person, it didn’t affect the schedule. Most of what we needed was perfectly prepared, and we could depart immediately without any problems.
However, it was a problem for one person.
“Why are only you going?”
It was A-so, who was crying right beside me.
“Why, why can’t I go? Why can you go but I can’t?”
“Hey, little one. Come back when you’re bigger.”
“I want to go too!”
In the end, A-so couldn’t go to the Namgung Family Estate.
That was something I hadn’t expected either. Since Chief Steward wanted to go with only a small number of people, he wished to bring only skilled maids and servants, and naturally young A-so was excluded.
How flustered I was when I heard that fact. But I couldn’t protest. Honestly, I was practically tagging along with Young Miss myself…
“What, what am I lacking? I can do as much as any of the Elder Sisters. Whether it’s laundry or cleaning, I can do whatever I’m told. So why can’t only I go? I want to go to Hefei and eat Wushan Roast Goose and see the Namgung Family Manor Grounds too…!”
However, seeing A-so crying her heart out, I couldn’t help but feel bad. I tried to smile and gently comforted A-so.
“We’re not going to have fun, you know? We have to go quickly so there won’t be time for sightseeing. And having to serve Young Miss on that long journey, do you think that would be comfortable? Rather than being stuck to her all day matching Young Miss’s moods, wouldn’t it actually be more comfortable to stay here?”
“Hmph…”
“And it’s not like we’re going forever. Young Miss might find it uncomfortable and we could return quickly… Yes, then I’ll buy you gifts. Is there anything you want? Whatever it is, just say it and I’ll…”
“What money do you have?”
“I have lots of money. Now I have nowhere to spend it.”
At my words, A-so pressed her lips tightly together. An awkward silence fell for a moment. I scratched my head awkwardly. I hadn’t meant it that way, but maybe it made her uncomfortable…?
Just as I was about to casually change the subject, A-so shouted in an angry tone.
“Forget it! If you have so much money, then buy lots of delicious food for yourself. You’re so skinny that people might think you’re a slave of some cruel merchant rather than a servant of a Noble Family.”
“That’s… rather harsh…”
“Buy lots of pretty clothes to wear, and go sightseeing in many scenic places! Like you said, now you have nowhere else to spend it, so spend it on yourself. You have to have fun for my share too, or I’ll feel less wronged.”
“Mmm.”
“And do you think I’m doing this because I want that kind of thing? I’m just, just…”
A-so pouted and grumbled.
“I’m upset because I can’t go with you…”
Watching A-so quietly mutter ‘We haven’t even been friends that long,’ I smiled silently.
Yes, A-so was my first friend.
The first friend I made in this unfamiliar place.
Like Mother, A-so was a big reason I could endure here. Whenever I was struggling, A-so would listen to my stories, give me advice, and help me in various ways.
Thinking about it that way, feelings of regret washed over me again. I didn’t know we’d have to part like this, it really would have been nice if we could go together…
“Eh, well that’s how it is! Anyway, it’s difficult. Sacrificing for others.”
“….”
“And you managed to do that difficult thing.”
Suddenly Uncle Hwang reached out and placed his hand on top of my head. His hand, as large as a pot lid, enveloped my head. The warmth that started from my head spread down to my chest.
“You’re a kid with grit and you’re amazing. I guarantee it.”
“….”
“So always live with your chest out and with confidence. You’ll do well wherever you go. Got it?”
I stared intently at Uncle Hwang. An uncle who was strict when he needed to be, but had more affection than anyone.
If A-so and Mother had been my comfort, Uncle was the person who made it possible for me to pull my own weight.
Teaching me work, protecting me to the end even when I caused trouble… Perhaps I’m here thanks to receiving help from so many people like this.
I spoke with all my heart.
“I’m always grateful.”
Uncle Hwang just laughed heartily.
Time passed quickly.
Before I knew it, tomorrow was the day to depart for the Namgung Family Estate.
I pulled the blanket up to just under my nose. Ever since Mother passed away, I had been staying in the Guest Hall of the Seo Family Estate.
Still, since I was a servant, I naturally tried to stay in the Servants’ Quarters, but the Chief Steward adamantly stopped me. He said I wouldn’t be staying for many days anyway, and that Young Miss had earnestly requested that they look after me so I could stay comfortably.
The habitual suspicion of ‘Really, Young Miss did?’ arose, but I soon accepted it. Because I remembered what happened with Young Miss at the grave.
“I’ll… become your family.”
Young Miss had definitely said that to me.
That she would stay by my side. That she wouldn’t leave me lonely.
I felt strange. It seemed like just yesterday that Young Miss and I were fighting tooth and nail, but we’d already become close enough to give and receive such comfort.
Thinking about it now, crying my eyes out while even dripping snot was embarrassing beyond words, but it was also strangely reassuring. The hands that held me tightly couldn’t have been more reliable.
‘She’s actually quite strong.’
I was a bit surprised later when I saw my mercilessly wrinkled clothes, but at the same time I pictured such a future. A future after Young Miss’s illness was completely cured.
Young Miss, with her body healthy, would receive instruction in the Family Martial Arts from the Master, become a master, and become a renowned female warrior traversing Jianghu.
I’d be by Young Miss’s side then too, right? Supporting Young Miss while living it up beside her, and also bickering with Young Miss.
Someday, if the two of us were to become sworn sisters….</
‘I’m looking forward to it.’
I closed my eyes while imagining the story of a female warrior who became a legend of Jianghu and her sworn sister.
Just as I was drowsily falling asleep like that.
“Kyaaaah!”
I woke from my dream to someone’s piercing scream.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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