Chapter 16
Chapter 16
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: My Name is Han-seo
-----------------------------------------------------------------
My name is Han-seo
Since it cut off right at the flashback to the scene from six years ago, Su-ryeon surely wouldn't die here.
Even knowing that, the heavy tension of that final moment was more than enough to leave viewers thirsty for the next episode.
"Haa... They ended it so perfectly. Overall, Yoon Tae-young and Ha Yu-ra seem to be the male and female leads, and the Queen Consort with the veil... I think the Queen Dowager in this time slot is probably the final boss. Han-seo seems like a male lead too, but his screen time is still low, so I'll have to watch a bit more."
Oh Young-ae neatly summarized the first episode like that.
Though she couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed about the Severing Divine Art, something greater than that—an expectation—filled her heart at this moment.
"It's too early to judge hastily, but the vibe of episode one is solid overall. If I may say so cautiously... this drama could hit over 10% ratings if it plays its cards right."
Most subscribers reacted negatively to Oh Young-ae's words.
However, even as they denied it, they couldn't help but wonder deep down, What if?
Excluding the fact that it was a fusion historical drama from a small broadcaster, honestly, it had been a long time since a drama hooked them this much.
Compared to the endless trashy melodramas or fake historicals that weren't even proper sagas, this felt way better.
In any case, having decided to at least watch the next episode, Oh Young-ae and the other viewers began waiting for tomorrow's episode two.
"Hm..."
The drama ended right at the part I knew about.
I'd been inwardly worried, but fortunately, the overall feel wasn't bad, so I felt a bit relieved.
However, my interest was solely in the drama itself.
Honestly, watching my own acting didn't stir much in me.
This was no different from my past life—just a grading based on my own standards of good or bad performance, nothing that moved me emotionally or anything.
Some actors marvel at their own performances, but for me, watching mine just made me feel awkwardly embarrassed.
Even now, feeling that strange mix of shyness,
I carefully asked my daughter, who was still glued to the screen with sparkling eyes as the ending credits rolled.
"How was it, sweetie? Fun?"
"It was fun! Especially since Mommy was in it a lot!"
"Haha, really? You like seeing Mommy on TV that much?"
"Yeah, I love seeing cool Mommy."
Our lovely little princess chattered with a beaming smile.
I didn't care what others thought—at least my daughter liked it, and that was a huge joy for me.
"I wanna be on TV soon too... How many nights until I can come out?"
"Hmm... Let's see. You'll probably appear after sleeping about twenty more times, Seon-hwa."
"Hiiing... I wanna come out sooner."
At my daughter's adorable whine laced with disappointment, my lips curved up automatically.
A future world star, indeed.
She was already enjoying the spotlight, a glimpse of her talent.
"You like being on TV that much, Seon-hwa?"
"No, that's not it."
"Huh?"
Her unexpected answer made me blink.
Watching me, my daughter flashed a big grin.
"I told you before. I wanna be on TV with Mommy. I wanna hold Mommy's hand."
"Ah..."
It wasn't just being on TV—she wanted to be on it with me.
It might not seem like a big difference, but to my young daughter, it felt important somehow.
Or maybe it was simply that she loved her mommy so, so much.
Though it does feel a bit overly intense for that.
Of course, there was no problem with a daughter loving her mom—especially since the opposite would be concerning.
They say for a young child, mom is their whole world.
With that, for the sake of my daughter who adored me so, I headed to the kitchen to make dinner.
An assassin approached, blue blade gleaming.
Overwhelmed by the murderous intent, Su-ryeon trembled in terror.
Then.
"My lord!"
"..."
A group of soldiers rushed toward them.
The assassin turned to them and spoke in a quiet voice.
"...What is it?"
"You need to return at once."
"Word has come that His Highness is gravely ill."
"..."
At those words, the assassin sheathed her sword.
Glancing one last time at the tree where Su-ryeon hid, she turned and left.
That brush with terror and despair barely averted.
Su-ryeon staggered to her knees before her father's corpse.
And she swore revenge.
Against those who ruined her house and killed her father.
Against the Queen Consort—she would have her revenge, no matter what.
Four years passed swiftly.
The world changed once more.
"All pay homage to His Majesty the King!"
"Long live His Majesty!"
"Long live!"
Amid cheers, a child king sat on an oversized throne.
The ailing king had met an early end,
leaving the pre-designated crown prince—just four years old—to ascend the throne.
A boy who could barely control his bowels and inherited his father's frailty became king.
Naturally, power flowed to the Queen Consort handling regency...
Now the Queen Dowager, Su-ryeon's sworn enemy.
Meanwhile,
as the kingdom fell into the Queen Dowager's grasp,
Lee Su-ryeon, once a nobleman's daughter, survived as a courtesan in a brothel, hiding her identity using her father's remaining connections.
Even as a courtesan, Su-ryeon never forgot her revenge, honing her resolve inwardly.
It wasn't just emotion.
Using her father's hidden wealth and networks, she secretly trained soldiers,
and as a courtesan, gathered nobles who could aid her vengeance.
And before her now sat that man.
Seong-ryong.
Once her fiancé, he cautiously offered a letter from his bosom.
"It's the letter from Grand Secretary Na you requested. He'll visit the Blue-Red Brothel in the north in two days—prepare accordingly."
"Thank you. I keep owing you."
"If you're grateful, buy me a drink next time. Even if you're a fake courtesan..."
"My apologies."
Su-ryeon tucked the letter away with a flat voice and stood.
At her rigidly formal demeanor, Seong-ryong let out a small sigh.
Unlike the past, she showed only businesslike detachment.
But by the door after leaving, Su-ryeon leaned against the wall, not departing.
Her slightly trembling hand bore a jade ring he'd given her long ago.
Proof her heart wasn't fully settled.
But soon, she schooled her complicated expression and walked away.
She knew she, now branded a traitor's daughter, could no longer be with him.
With that bitter feeling, Su-ryeon traversed the dark marketplace back to the brothel alone.
Then.
"Heh heh, miss. Where you headed so late?"
"! Who are you thugs?"
Three or four men blocked her path.
Obvious street ruffians, they leered with sloppy grins, closing in slowly.
"What'd I tell ya, bro? She's a fine piece, huh?"
"Man, jackpot. Time for some fun tonight."
They advanced as she backed away.
Su-ryeon turned to flee, but another blocked that way too.
Terror gripped her; unconsciously, she clenched her fist with the jade ring.
The ruffian grabbed her wrist, yanking at her clothes.
Then.
"Gahk!"
"!?"
A ruffian collapsed with a scream.
Shocked, the others saw a man standing before them.
A figure in black martial robes.
Backlit by the moon, an extraordinary aura emanated from him.
"Get him!"
They charged together.
But despite their numbers, they fell like autumn leaves.
The man dispatched them in an instant, sword still sheathed.
Then, he extended a hand slowly to Su-ryeon on the ground.
"Are you hurt?"
"Ah..."
His voice was androgynous, sweetly melodic.
Moonlight revealed a stunningly beautiful young man's face.
The tense atmosphere vanished like a lie.
A radiant, subtle charm filled the air.
Like cherry blossoms drifting in spring breeze, his warm allure captivated.
Su-ryeon stared blankly, cheeks flushing.
"Th-thank you for saving me. M-may I know your benefactor's name?"
Her voice trembled as she asked.
The young man smiled picturesquely, his tone gentle.
"My name is... Han-seo."
"Wow..."
Oh Young-ae let out an involuntary gasp at the final scene.
Han-seo appearing like a fairy-tale prince to rescue the damsel.
It was a simple, clichéd development.
Yet, his flawless acting as a handsome man made her heart race unwittingly.
And she wasn't the only one feeling it.
This sweet, captivating scene devoured all the prior buildup.
The chat flooded with talk of Han-seo.