Become a hero.
If you’ve decided to take responsibility for all the women, then you need to be shameless.
“Im Ha-yeon. I’ve come to return the golden needles.”
I stood in front of her room, having heard that she was entering her room.
“I will go in.”
As I opened the door and entered, there was no sign of life in the room. So she really isn’t here.
All I could see was an open window on one side. Did she jump out the moment I arrived? Is my face that unpleasant?
“Im Ha-yeon! I know you’re nearby!”
I shouted so loudly that everyone could hear, but there was no response.
“Im Ha-yeon. Don’t hide, come out.”
I searched the mansion thoroughly, but couldn’t find a trace of Im Ha-yeon.
When she awkwardly hid in the jar, she was audible, and now she’s become a talented concealer?
Fine. I’ll find her.
In concealment techniques, spreading out my senses is the best approach.
“Ughhh!”
With my eyes closed and fists clenched, I focused on my senses as if my black hair would turn into yellow wax.
Let’s feel the surroundings. I’m going to find Im Ha-yeon.
Honestly, I’m not sure how to do this, but let’s give it a try. Surely I’ll feel something.
After a moment of keeping my eyes closed…
I sense something.
Footsteps from behind. So she was right behind me!
“There you are!”
I quickly turned around, trying to catch her.
“Whoa! Master Kang Yoon-ho! What are you doing? Are you unwell?”
Oh, it was just the maid going to hang the laundry.
“It’s nothing.”
“Were you in such a hurry that you couldn’t find the restroom? Do you want me to bring you a chamber pot?”
Did I seem that awkward? I waved my hand, saying no.
“Have you seen Im Ha-yeon today?”
“She was just in front of me! But she vanished the moment you turned. Do you want me to call her?”
Gasp. She saw that ugly figure?
I didn’t even feel her presence even though she was right in front of me.
Well, a guy barely hanging on the edge like me wouldn’t be able to find a master-thief with concealment techniques like the Shadowless Thief.
“It’s fine if you call her. By the way, is there any alcohol in the mansion?”
“Yes, of course. Shall I set up a banquet table?”
“No, just bring me three bottles of the strongest stuff.”
I roamed the mansion and waited in the room, but she didn’t show herself until nightfall.
She’s definitely in the mansion, nearby even. But she has no intention of being found by me.
No choice then. I’ll stop searching for now. But I’m not giving up completely.
I want to talk to Im Ha-yeon. Is there no way?
‘If I can’t find her, I should make her come to me.’
I picked up the prepared bottles of liquor.
——————-
Will she be by my side or leave?
The choice is entirely theirs, but I won’t stand idle until every decision is made.
Im Ha-yeon is undoubtedly the heroine of this world.
If I’ve set a trap for Je-gal Hyang, then I must cast a fishing line for Im Ha-yeon. Emphasize the fishing line, and let her choose between biting the bait or speaking.
I’m using myself as the bait.
The wide rock in the mansion’s inner yard. The moonlight was brightly shining down on it.
It’s the perfect spot to sit and pretend to be in despair. I placed the bottle of liquor on the rock I took from the maid and sat on it myself.
Let’s try playing a little tune on the bottle.
“Pffft!”
I blew it out.
The liquor is way too strong! Did they mess up the medicinal dosage?
Looking at the liquor’s color, it seems well-made, but bringing my nose close, the fragrant aroma stings it. Let’s take another slow sip.
Drinking carefully, I could feel the rich aroma confirm it’s a fine liquor.
First, let’s chug one bottle down.
Perhaps I drank too fast because the tipsiness hit me all at once.
I immediately work on my internal energy. A special technique of the Tang family I learned from Hwa-rin, a way to expel alcohol poisoning. The liquor inside me quickly flows out through my pores.
If I were a martial artist, they’d probably scold me for drinking such a precious liquor and then doing this. But that’s not what I want.
The pungent smell of exited liquor wafts faintly into the air around me.
I’m drunk on liquor.
The scent of alcohol should reach the nose of the hiding Shadowless Thief.
The groundwork is done. Time to let my long hair down. I’ll loosen my clothing a bit as if feeling stifled from the liquor.
I am the seductive bait caught on a fishing hook.
I’m a defenseless meal. Someone who appears ready to pour out genuine feelings at any time.
“This liquor tastes good.”
I waited for Im Ha-yeon, sipping little by little. I should have brought some jerky. Drinking strong liquor straight might upset my stomach.
By the way, the moon is so bright.
Buying a can of beer and a thick chicken leg from the convenience store, sitting on a quiet bench gazing at the night sky was a certain charm.
Oh dear. “Oppa, don’t!” If I heard a woman’s nose-stuffed voice mixed with a dripping sincere guy’s voice, I would say being a single at home is the best thing, munching on snacks while watching esports.
As I reminisce and sip the liquor, I feel a presence behind me.
“Why are you drinking liquor you don’t usually have?”
A chilly voice laced with hidden worry reached my ears from behind.
Good. The west direction is roughly that way.
Instead of looking at Im Ha-yeon hiding behind me, I gazed toward the western sky and spoke.
“Looking at the crescent moon in the western night sky makes me feel deep in thought and compelled to drink.”
I took a sip of liquor, presenting myself as a man full of worries.
This liquor is definitely too strong.
“You’re facing east, aren’t you?”
Ah.
“……”
“What were you thinking about?”
Let’s manage my expression. I must tighten my forehead.
“I was thinking of my fiancée who worries for me while I’m unwell.”
“……”
I felt her backing away as she inhaled sharply.
No, Ha-yeon. If you can’t withstand this, we can’t have our conversation.
No, this won’t do. Mission change! Emergency plan activate!
“……And I was also thinking about myself, who is feeling unsteady even with a fiancée.”
Gaping! I’m showing her that even though I have a fiancée, there’s still room for her!
Luckily, I sensed Im Ha-yeon’s step halt.
Phew. Emergency plan success!
I shook the neck of the liquor bottle, portraying a sad expression to show my unstable feelings.
“……Is she pretty?”
Alright. Im Ha-yeon mustered up the courage to take a step forward towards me.
What should I answer?
“She’s beautiful enough to be compared to Im Ha-yeon.”
Ever since Hwa-rin fixed her complexion, she’s been revered as the most beautiful in the region. Complimenting her pure appearance is the behavior of a lowly man.
Im Ha-yeon. You’re just as beautiful.
Praising Hwa-rin’s looks while simultaneously lifting Im Ha-yeon’s should create more openings.
“What about her body?”
That’s a tricky question.
Comparing Hwa-rin’s western-model size with Im Ha-yeon’s toned lower body from her light-body movement, it’s a dilemma of who to choose.
Who should I pick?
“She has a figure as lovely as her face.”
No need to choose one of the two. I’m here to choose both.
“Ugh! M-my chest is bigger, right?”
So she feels the need to win at least one part. Im Ha-yeon didn’t back down.
“My fiancée’s chest is bigger than any woman I’ve ever seen.”
Though Im Ha-yeon has model-like height and western proportions, it’s impossible to beat Hwa-rin from the region.
“Bigger than mine? No way…….”
Despair crept into Im Ha-yeon’s voice.
No. No despair allowed.
“My fiancée owns the Tea Bookstore. Originally, we ran the bookstore together and I wrote the books. Until she got sick, on days like those when you’ve had a hard time, she was by my side.”
With emotions deepened from both undergoing similar hardship, I continue to elaborate on Hwa-rin while continuously giving her openings.
“Is your fiancée very sick?”
Another bait to drop.
“The Tang family says she has ten years until full recovery.”
“Ten years……?”
Im Ha-yeon spoke incredulously.
“I promised her, with tears, to wait for ten years and return to marry her. Yet here I am, drinking away my sorrows in a confused state.”
I’m sorry, Hwa-rin.
Laughing through the agony of feelings between my long-lost fiancée and the newly blossomed one.
“Do you love her?”
“I do. Love enough to wait ten years.”
There was not a hint of hesitation; it was a steadfast promise.
“And me?”
“……”
“What about me?!”
Im Ha-yeon’s voice, pleading for an answer, stung deeply.
“I can’t say right now.”
“What? So right now….”
I turn my body. The look on Im Ha-yeon’s face, the one I first saw today, was one that was on the brink of tears.
“It’s easy to utter those words into the air.”
I slowly rose and approached Im Ha-yeon.
“Don’t come just to comfort me! It’s just a lie!”
“How can you say that? Everything I did for you, all my actions toward Ha-yeon have always been sincere.”
I looked at her with a sincere expression, trying to ease her hurt once more.
“Then what is it……”
As Im Ha-yeon shifted her gaze, easing her mood, I inched closer to her.
“The overflowing feelings I have for you, Im Ha-yeon, it’s easy to say.”
My feelings for her are genuine.
Saying this fondness is easy, but it should not come out yet.
I placed my hand on my chest, holding onto my heart. It’s not the time for it to come out yet. I tightened my fingers.
“Then why?!”
“Because it’s irresponsible.”
“Irresponsible……?”
“The moment I express my feelings to you, you’ll stay by my side, regardless of how you feel.”
Locking my gaze with conviction upon Im Ha-yeon.
“Ugh.”
“Right now, you’re at a crossroads. To remain with me as the Shadowless Thief or to run away from being a courtesan and live a normal life far away. If I don’t say how I feel, you can still make that choice.”
“I can choose again?”
“Because of the efforts I put in in Wuhan, I’m now able to offer you two choices instead of being bound as a courtesan. Time is still on our side.”
“Did you reveal your fiancée’s existence just for that reason?”
I nodded.
Ultimately, the only line I can cast is a fishing line. The final decision lies with her.
“I have no intention of being your shackle, Im Ha-yeon. Therefore, the only words I can say now are promises.”
“Promise?”
Gently, I raised her trembling hands and held them in mine.
I don’t want to let go.
I hope she doesn’t leave. But the decision is hers to make. Hence, I could only say one thing.
“I will take responsibility. I want to take care of you for the rest of my life. The words I spoke in front of the comrades will be my unwavering promise.”
Just as I will not waver from the promise of waiting ten years for Hwa-rin,
My promise to take care of you, Im Ha-yeon, will not change.
That was all I could say for now.
“Is that what you mean when all this is over?”
With unparalleled feelings toward Im Ha-yeon, I looked at her intently.
“When your problems are resolved, when I can express my honest feelings, and when we’re no longer bound together, those words will encompass our daily struggles. At that time, whether it’s a hundred or a thousand times, I’ll say it.”
I don’t know what kind of decision will be made,
But please don’t go.
“……Please give me a little time to think.”
*
“What to do. Master Kang has a fiancée!”
Je-gal Hyang rolled around in bed, not knowing what to do.
“I don’t want to miss out.”
“Me neither.”
Suddenly, a figure appeared before Je-gal Hyang’s bed.
“Ah?! H-Ha-yeon?!”
The woman in front of her was Im Ha-yeon, whom Kang Yoon-ho had been searching for all day long.
“I just came to talk for a bit.”
Im Ha-yeon, while closing the open window, glanced at Je-gal Hyang.
“The window was locked though?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
I feel like you should worry about it. Je-gal Hyang nodded, swallowing the words that couldn’t make it past her throat.
“W-what’s the matter that you came here at this hour?”
What could possibly bring her here at this late hour? Je-gal Hyang looked at Im Ha-yeon with a tense heart.
Im Ha-yeon looked between Je-gal Hyang and the window with a small sigh before finally speaking up.
“Shall we be allies?”
