Ch#16
16
Ah, how refreshing!
I woke up feeling light and refreshed for the first time in a while.
For some reason, the blanket felt exceptionally soft today, bringing a natural smile to my lips.
But did I wash my blanket?
I’ve been so frantically busy lately that I hadn’t had the time.
Ah, Sook-i must have washed it for me!
I’m already incredibly grateful to her for packing me rice balls every day, but I really did have the best of friends.
The scent of the sun-dried, fluffy blanket was so blissful that I didn’t even want to get up.
But my job was a maid, a role that demanded diligent, constant movement.
And since yesterday, martial arts training—something completely outside my destiny—had been added to my plate, making an already grueling day even more exhausting.
‘Huh?’
Right!
What happened to me yesterday?
While circulating my qi with Jeok I-geon’s help, my head felt like it was about to explode at the very end… and then I think I fainted…!
“Gasp!”
At the sudden rush of memory, my eyes snapped open, and I bolted upright.
Oh my god.
Where on earth am I?
No way. It’s not, right? It can’t be. It absolutely must not be.
Though I knew the truth the instant I opened my eyes, I shook my head frantically in denial.
The world couldn’t do this to me.
How could I, of all people, greet the morning in Jeok I-geon’s room?
Today must be the day I die.
After all that effort, to end up with a sad ending.
‘I’m a crazy bitch, a crazy bitch!’
Anger, surpassing my fear, surged within me.
“If you are awake, come out.”
It was then that Jeok I-geon’s voice drifted in from outside the door.
Never imagining he would be so close, I let out a silent scream and scrambled off the bed.
First, let’s beg for my life.
At this point, that was the absolute best thing I could do.
Without even having time to tidy my clothes, I rushed outside.
Perhaps Jeok I-geon had been drinking tea, as a tea set was laid out on the table.
I practically dove to the floor, prostrating myself flat before him.
“This lowly servant has committed a capital offense! No matter how out of my mind I was, how could I dare sleep in your bedchamber, Young Master! I will gladly accept any punishment, so please, I beg of you, just spare my life!”
“Are you begging for your life again? I truly do not understand. Am I still that terrifying to you?”
How could I not be terrified?
I knew full well he was a germaphobe, yet I had occupied his bedroom with an unwashed body.
By Jeok I-geon’s true nature, I would have no right to complain even if I were torn limb from limb.
“How strange. I heard rumors among the maids that my character is quite excellent, but looking at you, that must not be true.”
“No, not at all! The Second Young Master is the most popular person in the entire Cult! I can personally guarantee that!”
They were all being deceived right now, but it was still a fact.
“Then why are you like this?”
“Pardon?”
“You barely make eye contact with me, and you constantly look for any excuse to run away. No matter how much I think about it, I cannot fathom the reason.”
Was it really that obvious?
“Do not use mere caution as an excuse. There is definitely a reason you avoid me.”
“…W-what reason could there possibly be? This servant is merely doing her best to serve you well as your personal maid, Young Master. Please, forget about today. I have no idea what possessed me to sleep here either.”
“I did it.”
“……?”
“I meant that I carried you here to sleep after you lost consciousness. So, do not worry about that any longer.”
“Y-you mean you personally brought me here, Young Master?”
“Is there a problem?”
Of course there is!
Are you really Jeok I-geon?
Why are you doing this to me?
“Though you succeeded in opening your Eight Extraordinary Meridians, I needed to keep watch in case of any unforeseen complications. Looking at you now, it seems the energy has settled well in your dantian without any issues.”
Jeok I-geon’s tone as he explained was suspiciously gentle.
“You… weren’t angry?”
Jeok I-geon, who never shared his bedroom with anyone due to his clean freak tendencies, had allowed a mere maid like me inside.
This was a massive, shocking event that would leave anyone who had read the novel utterly flabbergasted.
“I was actually a bit annoyed that my maid slept so late she couldn’t prepare breakfast. It didn’t taste very good.”
“Pardon? What? Breakfast?”
Only then did I hurriedly look out the window.
The sun was shining brilliantly, making it clear that it was definitely past morning.
Crazy!
Just how long did I sleep?
As I stood there in a fluster, not knowing what to do, Jeok I-geon chuckled softly and stood up.
“Would you like to try circulating your qi?”
In this situation?
“Do not you intend to check yesterday’s results?”
“Ah, well, I should check that….”
I had opened both my Governor and Conception Vessels.
Just how much experience did I have reading martial arts novels?
The opening of the Baihui acupoint at the crown of my head meant I could now join the ranks of Murim experts.
I sat in a proper posture on the cold wooden floor and immediately began to circulate my qi.
Wow, my meridians are really completely cleared!
After quickly completing a single cosmic orbit, my immediate thought was a sudden surge of confidence: ‘I probably won’t lose even if I fight most opponents now, right?’
“How does it feel to become an expert with sixty years of inner energy?”
My dantian, which used to be the size of a tiny bean, had grown to the size of a fist overnight.
Its density was also incredibly solid, making it feel as if I possessed an inexhaustible treasure trove of energy.
“I have received an immense stroke of fortune. I do not know how I can ever repay this grace….”
“Do not worry about repayment. You only need to continue training with me.”
“…More training?”
“Right now, your martial arts skills are remarkably low compared to the inner energy you possess. Since you haven’t learned proper techniques, it could be said you’ve simply become a bit stronger. Do you wish to remain that way?”
No, I didn’t want that.
If nothing else, my dream is to learn an incredible lightness technique and soar through the sky!
“Since I have ordered an increase in the number of maids at Geonyeonggak starting today, you will have plenty of time. Do not waste that time, and devote yourself to your training.”
“But my position is still a maid serving you, Young Master….”
I could always ask Grandmother to teach me martial arts.
While it wouldn’t compare to the demonic arts Jeok I-geon practiced, now that my inner energy had increased, wouldn’t I be able to manage somehow?
“From now on, you only need to concern yourself with my meals. Spend the rest of your time focusing on training. Since you’ve gained sixty years of inner energy, you should possess the skills to match it.”
Though he was ordering me around without even asking for my opinion, anyone could see this was consideration on his part.
Jeok I-geon and consideration.
Those two did not go together at all.
What on earth was he trying to raise me to be, taking care of me to this extent?
Could it be… a personal bodyguard or something?
Because of this unexpected luxury, I couldn’t even tell if this was a good thing or not.
Jeok I-geon was someone I needed to distance myself from, yet I felt an ominous sensation as we strangely kept getting closer.
“Young Master, the First Young Master is outside.”
It was then that Cheon-gang announced we had a visitor.
“Bring him in.”
The First Young Master… Jeok Wi-baek?
What kind of trick is this guy trying to pull by showing up so suddenly?
Though I tilted my head in confusion, I quickly stood up, brought another teacup, and set the table.
“I-geon.”
“You’ve arrived, Brother.”
Jeok Wi-baek entered the room, calling his younger brother’s name in a fairly friendly manner.
Unlike Jeok I-geon, who was dressed in simple training robes, he wore a white robe adorned with exquisite embroidery.
“Have you been well? Since you wouldn’t come to see me, I had no choice but to come to you.”
As expected of Jeok I-geon’s brother, Jeok Wi-baek’s appearance was quite handsome.
However, his slightly slanted eyes and overly wide grin somehow gave him a sly, despicable look.
“Please, take a seat here.”
Even though there was only a three-year age difference, Jeok I-geon spoke to his older brother with absolute politeness.
“Aha, it’s you!”
Plopping down into the seat Jeok I-geon offered, Jeok Wi-baek suddenly recognized me out of nowhere.
Since I had never even exchanged a word with him, I couldn’t help but be bewildered.
“I didn’t know my younger brother had this side to him. I wondered why you’ve been so quiet all this time, but so this is your taste?”
What is with those filthy eyes?
The way he scanned me from head to toe was incredibly slimy.
“What a pretty little thing. If she had caught my eye first, she would have been mine. What a waste, what a waste.”
Jeok Wi-baek licked his lips as if drooling over me.
“Brother, speak so I can understand.”
“Are you feeling shy now?”
Jeok Wi-baek didn’t seem to realize it, but Jeok I-geon was currently furious.
His voice had dropped to a chillingly low register, and all expression had vanished from his face.
“There’s no need to play innocent. If a man likes a woman, he can take her. Isn’t that the law of nature?”
Jeok Wi-baek chuckled, sipping his tea.
“I was so relieved to hear that you slept with a maid in your arms last night. I came here personally to congratulate you.”
What kind of bullshit is this?
Don’t tell me the maid Jeok I-geon supposedly slept with last night is me?
The rumor got distorted like that?
Oh crazy, I’m doomed.
