Chapter 20: Call me Taerin.

“Hurt Yeon? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Baek Taehyuk let out a soft chuckle at my words.

“How much do I adore our Yeon?”

“…”

She had a point.

The cross-dressing young master genuinely cared for Baek Yeon.

Her way of showing affection was a bit mischievous, which Yeon found off-putting, but her care was undeniable.

Seeing me clam up, she continued with a slightly hurt tone.

“The reason our clan’s been so quiet lately is because I convinced my parents for Yeon’s sake. Did you not know?”

“…What do you mean?”

“You know how greedy my parents are.”

She giggled as if it were nothing.

“They’re itching to take Great Uncle’s position right now, but I told them to wait a bit longer—until I achieve something big.”

“…”

“It’ll take at least a few more years, and by then… you get it, right?”

…Oh.

I hesitated before slowly nodding at her words.

And then, I was struck with surprise again.

‘…She cares about Yeon more than I thought?’

Baek Taehyuk was deliberately buying time for Yeon’s sake.

If the battle for the Young Master’s position started while Yeon was still alive, she’d blame herself harshly, thinking her condition was a burden to the Young Master.

I’d gotten upset when Taehyuk mentioned Yeon’s death, but… I had to accept the truth.

“You know it too. Yeon doesn’t have much time left.”

Yeon was fated to die within a few years.

That’s the curse of the Nine Yin Severed Meridians.

“…I’m sorry. Lately, too many people have been poking at that.”

“It’s fine, I understand.”

She nodded at my apology and continued.

“It’s truly tragic. It pains me deeply too. She’s my precious little sister.”

“…”

“But those of us left behind have to move toward the future.”

Swish.

Her hand gently brushed through my hair.

“My proposal was about preparing for that future.”

In other words, she was asking me to join her side when the fight for the Young Master’s position begins in earnest.

I hesitated before cautiously responding.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I’m already the Young Master’s person.”

“Hm, it’ll be tricky, but I think I can pull you over.”

“…Plus, I kind of hate your parents.”

“…Hahaha!”

She burst out laughing at my blunt confession.

“I get that, but I’m not asking you to join my parents—I’m asking you to join me.”

Her hand, which had been stroking my hair, stopped.

“It’s not urgent, so just think it over seriously in the meantime.”

Thinking about it isn’t hard, so sure.

“But.”

That aside.

Since we were having a proper conversation, I had to ask.

“Why are you out here dressed like that?”

I was going to let it slide, but I couldn’t hold back my curiosity.

“From what the innkeeper said, it doesn’t sound like this is your first time. And what’s your deal with him?”

“Haha, calm down. I’ll answer everything.”

She shook her head at my barrage of questions, as if she had no choice.

“Well, why I’m out here like this…”

Yes?

She tilted her head with a smile.

“A little rebellion?”

“…?”

“And that man… let’s say he’s my employer. I occasionally perform sword dances at the inn for money.”

…Wait, what?

My jaw dropped as I stared at her.

Having lived here for years, I’d heard about the woman who performs sword dances at Cheonryonggak.

They say her movements are near divine, but I’d never seen it myself due to bad timing.

I’d always felt a bit disappointed about that…

And it was her?

“…Are you crazy?”

I asked with genuine concern.

“What if you got caught? You’re not exactly strapped for cash…”

How much could she possibly earn dancing at an inn?

For a Baek Clan young master, it’s pocket change. Why take such a risky move?

“Haha, crazy? That’s harsh, Ran.”

She laughed again at my sincere reprimand.

But then her smile turned bitter.

“…Honestly, I’m not sure why I did it either.”

“…”

“Maybe I just needed some time to be my true self.”

…Wow.

“Maybe, deep down, I wanted to get caught.”

She gave a self-deprecating laugh, shaking her head.

“That way, all of this could end.”

“…”

Silence lingered between us.

Trying to lighten the mood, she forced a smile and continued.

“But don’t worry. This was my last time.”

She was clearly smiling, but it didn’t feel like a smile.

It looked… incredibly sad.

Maybe that’s why.

“…Why not just quit everything?”

I spoke without thinking.

“Live selfishly for yourself. What’s left for you if you keep going like this?”

I knew my words were more like childish whining than helpful advice.

She’s a good person.

That’s why she can’t abandon it all.

If she ran away now, countless people on her side would lose their lives.

I knew that, but… I still wanted to say it.

Someone had to.

Her eyes widened briefly at my words.

“…Heh.”

She let out a small laugh and reached out to tousle my hair again.

“Thanks. You said that to comfort me, didn’t you?”

“…”

“I like this kind side of you.”

“…What?”

Me? Kind?

Her incomprehensible words made me scrunch up my face, and she chuckled softly.

“Don’t keep putting yourself down. You’re a really good kid.”

“No, I…”

“…I hate to say it to Yeon, but I wish I’d taken you for myself.”

…Why’s she saying such embarrassing things?

Her uncharacteristic words made my face heat up.

I pushed her back lightly.

“Ugh, whatever. There’s a banquet tonight, so go back already, Young Master Taehyuk…”

“No.”

“Huh?”

She cut me off, brushing my hair gently.

“When it’s just us, call me Tae-rin.”

Chuu.

She bent down and lightly kissed the ends of my hair.

“I’m heading out too. Pick a good gift for Yeon…”

She smiled brightly.

“And while you’re at it, maybe get something for me?”

With that, she vanished.

I stood there, dazed, for a long while.

Baek Tae-rin, Baek Yeon…

“Why do people in this clan love kissing so much…?”

This family was utterly incomprehensible.

—

After Baek Taehyuk—no, Tae-rin—left, I snapped out of my daze.

“Damn it, no time for this.”

I had to pick Yeon’s gift and get back to the estate.

Hurrying through the jewelry shop, I thankfully found a suitable accessory.

It was a bit pricey, but… whatever. I’ve got plenty saved from my wages.

Rushing back to Baekryu Hall, I reached Yeon’s door.

“Ran! Thank goodness. Hurry in—the Young Lady’s about to explode. I’ll pass this to the maids.”

Song Hwa, standing guard, lit up when she saw me and whispered urgently.

I nodded resolutely, handing her the fabric.

Slide.

The door opened.

“Why are you so late?!”

Baek Yeon shot up from the bed, her shout hitting me like a wave.

‘…Okay, anger level three out of five.’

Not exploded yet, thankfully. I switched to flattery mode.

“Sorry, I got caught up thinking about what would suit you and lost track of time.”

“Hmph, is that so?”

“…Of course!”

…My conscience stung a bit, but in this situation, conscience could get me in trouble.

To defuse things, I approached her and pulled out the gift.

“Here, take a look—”

“…Wait.”

But.

Her expression froze as she clung to my side.

She took a deep breath.

Startled by her sudden action, I froze too.

“…Why do you smell like someone else?”

Her face turned cold as she muttered.