Master and Maid
Ack, aaaah—!
The princess took several kicks from Ji-hyuk. Of course, as expected, she didn't land a single hit. She ended up a total mess. It was the first time in her life she'd been treated so roughly, and she couldn't bear the humiliation. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't beat him. That drove her even crazier.
"Sniff, ugh, sniff…."
Tears finally streamed down her face. She was so furious she felt like she might lose her mind, but the injustice of being powerless gnawed at her. Glaring at him with murderous intent through her tears, she wailed.
"I-I'm gonna tell Daddy! I'm telling him everything! You just wait—!"
Elizabeth jabbed her finger at the two of them wildly, throwing a full-blown tantrum.
"Sniff, I'm telling Daddy everything, and he won't let you off! Sniff, ugh, I'm telling him! He won't let you get away with this—!"
Chi-hi—.
Ji-hyuk couldn't help but chuckle. Telling on him to Daddy, of all things. He'd thought she had some grit, but noble brats like her had their limits.
Jerin hurriedly helped the princess to her feet. Let go, let me gooo—! She thrashed and screamed not to touch her. He fidgeted anxiously. The fairy looked indifferent, as if she didn't care whether they snitched or not, and just shooed the princess away.
"I don't care if you tell! You'll regret this, you… I'll make sure you pay—!"
The princess glared daggers right up to the end before stomping off in a huff. Jerin glanced awkwardly between her and his master.
At that moment, the fairy, arms crossed, crooked a finger at Jerin—come here. The hero approached her slowly. His expression was complicated.
The fairy leaned in close to his ear as he drew near.
"Disciple."
Her whispering voice was low and calm. He swallowed hard at the tone.
"…Yes, Master."
"Who you suck off is your business…, but fucking hell, have some shame. You think I raised you to be this pathetic?"
Jerin’s gaze slowly dropped.
"Then at least don't splash your shit on me, got it? …Do you know who I am? If I had my old temper, you'd all be dead already."
"…I'm sorry."
"I'm letting you off easy this once out of old times' sake. …And don't ever come back to me. This is your warning. You're no longer my disciple. …Fuck, suck the duke's dick or that bitch's pussy for all I care—your choice."
It was excessively insulting, but he took it. His guilt was clear as day. Still, resentment bubbled up. After all the ass-kissing and special treatment, this is how you repay me?
"…Understood. Sorry for the disturbance."
"Go, now."
Hero Jerin bowed curtly to his master and turned away without lingering. His face was grimly set.
The two were gone, but an uncomfortable tension lingered around Ji-hyuk and Eizel.
Hoo—.
The fairy let out a frustrated sigh. For some reason, she felt embarrassed facing Ji-hyuk.
"Kang Ji-hyuk."
"Yes."
"Go finish your meal."
"What about you, Master?"
"…I'll eat later."
Ji-hyuk obeyed his master without complaint. Once he was gone, she sat on the wooden chair.
…It was a day of unusually heavy sighs for her.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
A month flew by like an arrow since the princess's visit.
…Watching time slip away like a river, Ji-hyuk marveled again at how fast it passed.
Fairy Eizel was preparing to head to the imperial capital. There was much to do to turn Ji-hyuk into a hero. Just the recommendation letter was reason enough to go.
She'd been unusually busy lately. Training ended earlier than usual. Ji-hyuk helped with her tasks after sessions.
The night before their departure for the capital, she meticulously checked the last of their packed items. True to her strict nature, she left no gaps.
"First time in the capital, right?"
"Yes…. They say it's dazzling."
"At least flashier than this backwater."
"Then why'd you come all the way out here?"
"I was there at first. …Too many pests buzzing around, so I left."
Eizel exhaled sharply through her nose, staring out the dark window. Silver moonlight poured from the moon in the pitch-black sky.
"…Never thought I'd go back."
"Something bothering you?"
"Nah. …Just realizing you can't predict life's twists."
She sipped her cooling tea.
"Anyway, keep training on the road. No skipping days, or your skills rust fast."
"Wasn't planning to."
"I know you'll handle it. …Just grandmotherly worry."
Eizel trusted Ji-hyuk. He never acted out of line in her eyes. He tackled duties diligently. That's why she'd gladly played maidservant.
"And don't cower to anyone. You're my proud disciple. I'll always have your back. …Get what I mean?"
"Yes."
"I'm a big deal, you know. Even a duke can't mess with me."
"Of course I know."
"…Good."
Such a good kid. Sly and cunning at times, but his heart was pure. He respected his master….
She wasn't without her human prejudices, but taking Ji-hyuk as disciple had changed her views.
"Bedtime. Early start tomorrow."
"Yes. Good night."
"Sleep well."
"You too, Master."
Ji-hyuk retired to his room. Heavy silence blanketed the living room.
Eizel drained her teacup and stood. Before entering her room, she scanned the quiet space. The house had grown on her.
…When she returned, it'd be thick with dust. Her heart felt unsettled—more than when leaving the academy.
The fairy lay in bed. The blankets enveloped her warmly. In the profound quiet…, she tossed and turned, sleep evading her.
And the next day, at dawn's early light, the two slung heavy packs over their shoulders and left the cabin.
The dim forest was shrouded in thick fog. They breathed cold air, following the path.
They soon exited the woods. The misty lake created a dreamlike haze. Pebbles crunched underfoot, heightening the mystery.
They walked and walked. Then ascended a gentle slope.
Dawn broke gradually. Ji-hyuk paused atop the hill, turning back to the lake. Fog still clung despite the light.
Eizel stopped too, following his gaze. It'd been ages since she'd seen the full view. Her stomach churned oddly. She turned away.
"Let's go."
Ji-hyuk followed her slowly. Fog lifted as the rosy dawn painted the fields like a maiden's blush. A breathtaking moment.
They etched nature's beauty into their hearts, trudging the lovely dirt path.
The village they reached later erupted at the sight of the astonishing figure. Crowds lined the streets to gawk at the fairy.
"That's the cranky fairy by the lake?"
"Damn, she's gorgeous. Fairies are fairies, cranky or not."
"Who's the guy next to her?"
"Shacking up, I guess."
"A fairy and a human? No way."
"What's so impossible? That bastard must have some magic dick."
People murmured. But the pair ignored them, walking steadily. They boarded the carriage. Only they were leaving at this hour.
Iii—.
Clop-clop, the carriage pulled away from the village.
Ji-hyuk stared at the receding village long.
"How many years?"
He asked the fairy across from him, eyes fixed on the floor, body swaying with the ride. She slowly lifted her gaze.
"…Over three. Why?"
"How's it feel? Been a while."
She tsked.
"Tch, feel what? It's nothing. Indifferent."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Her eyes shifted sideways to the village—or rather, the lake beyond.
"Just… same as always."
They arrived in Milanko a day after leaving the village. There, they switched carriages again. More changes until the capital. Tedious, but necessary.
"You two lovers?"
Every carriage ride, regardless of race or gender: that question. No one traveled solo fairy-human, especially opposite sexes.
To dodge hassle, Ji-hyuk draped an arm around Eizel's shoulders and said yes.
"Lucky bastard. Fairy girlfriend…. Bet the sex is fire?"
Last question always the same: human dick fit fairy pussy?
"Mind-blowing…. Ow."
Eizel glared—why answer that crap?—and jabbed his side with her elbow. As Ji-hyuk yelped dramatically, everyone chuckled. A shy, fierce fairy.
En route to the capital, they camped often. The long road left little leisure.
They encountered roadside bandits sometimes. Mercenaries could turn bandit anytime—no witnesses, perfect crime.
Carriage drivers always hired two or three mercs before departing. Safer that way.
Bandits always targeted Eizel as hostage. No red-blooded merc would kill such a stunning fairy.
Of course, they all ended up cold corpses by the road without exception.
Seeing that, Ji-hyuk got why fairies soured. Humans eyed anything with a hole; no wonder the hate.
Anyway—.
On the road, Master Eizel supported her disciple's training devotedly, ensuring constant progress. She wanted him a perfect hero— one all admired….
Ji-hyuk trained hard too. But he didn't bore himself with training alone. In towns, he hit brothels, rolling with whores.
He wasn't some celibate saint. He loved fucking.
Eizel knew about the brothels but said nothing. Still, she advised once—as master, she couldn't ignore it.
"I get lust. It's instinct for breeding. But avoid those places if you can. There's such thing as dignity."
In short: if hero, act like one.
Ji-hyuk said sure. Next time, more discreetly. No other options now.
After two diligent months, they finally reached the imperial capital, Hacum.
Aaah.
Ji-hyuk gazed at the massive walls, lost in old memories—good and bad. All sublimated to nostalgia now.
His eyes drifted far—to a place forever out of reach.
"That's the capital."
Eizel nodded at the walls.
"Pull yourself together from here on."
Ji-hyuk met her eyes squarely. She continued.
"Blink, and they'll cut off your nose right in front of you."