The Widow Maid's Defiant Wager
Feeling thick tension, Yoo Cheon-hyang headed alone to Han Taeyang's residence. She had steeled herself as best she could, but her opponent was still the de facto head of the household, wielding real power—and a notorious wastrel to boot. Meeting him was burdensome enough for even the pettiest reason, yet this time she was going to achieve an objective that seemed utterly impossible. In the extreme, it was like walking defenseless toward a bandit brandishing a blade. Even Yoo Cheon-hyang, who knew little of the world, understood just how dangerous this was.
But even so… she had to go. As a slave from birth, she had no right to refuse. And above all, she had to save her mistress through this 'opportunity.'
They say even a tiger's den is survivable if you keep your wits… Somehow, I'll seize this chance and rescue Madam…
Steeling her anxious heart once more, Yoo Cheon-hyang cautiously approached the door.
"Young master, it's Cheon-hyang."
—"Enter."
Following his words, Yoo Cheon-hyang carefully stepped inside. Immediately, her eyes caught sight of the man sitting alone in the room, waiting for her—Han Taeyang himself.
Gulp…
Han Taeyang sat there exuding the aura of a fierce beast. Staring at his face, Yoo Cheon-hyang bowed her head cautiously, thick tension gripping her.
"…?"
A ensuing silence. Han Taeyang simply stared at her without a word, and doubt began creeping into Yoo Cheon-hyang's mind.
What… what's this? Why… isn't he saying anything?
He wouldn't even grant permission to sit, merely leaving her standing there quietly. Feeling both puzzled and an inexplicable discomfort, Yoo Cheon-hyang could only stand rigidly in place, steeped in tension. It felt like she was being punished. But she couldn't question or act on it. She was a slave. Until her master's permission came, she couldn't sit, withdraw, or even speak a single word.
For the first time so vividly in this moment, she felt the chains that had bound her since birth more sharply than ever.
"Sit."
"!..Yes."
Finally permitted, Yoo Cheon-hyang sat. But even as she did, the 'discomfort' she'd felt moments ago hadn't faded—in fact, it sharpened. Hadn't she entered boldly, resolved to stand up to this man? Yet that resolve rang hollow; even sitting required his word. That was her reality.
Tasting a faint sense of defeat from the start, Yoo Cheon-hyang couldn't even dream of speaking first. She could only steal glances at Han Taeyang's expression.
Toward her, Han Taeyang spoke in a quiet voice.
"I called you to settle yesterday's matter definitively."
"Ye… yesterday's matter… you mean…?"
"That Lee So-young has become my dog."
"!"
With utterly nonchalant composure, Han Taeyang uttered words too vile to speak. No matter that he was the family head and a wastrel who ignored propriety—there were lines no person should cross. Seeing him state this taboo so casually, without a hint of emotion, Yoo Cheon-hyang felt an indescribable rage and opened her trembling mouth.
"How… how could you do such a thing?"
"What thing?"
His question carried no emotion whatsoever. Her feelings surging further, Yoo Cheon-hyang snarled at the shameless man before her.
"No matter that you're not blood-related, isn't she still your mother? How could you do that to such a woman? Even a lowly slave like me knows it—surely the young master of a noble house swears you must too!"
"Because it was her wish."
"Don't lie!"
Yoo Cheon-hyang cut him off sharply. Interrupting her master was utterly forbidden for a slave. Raising her voice was equally taboo… Yet even as she startled herself with her own boldness, she pressed on with what she meant to say—what she believed.
"Madam… our Madam would never! She's the most noble and chaste woman in the world—how could she commit such depravity? You must have schemed something!"
Utterly insolent words. But Han Taeyang showed no anger, merely smiling quietly. As if the whole situation amused him.
And…
"…Have you said all you wanted?"
"!..Ugh…"
His calm, quiet question. Yoo Cheon-hyang, her emotions briefly flared, regained her composure too late and felt fear grip her.
I… what have I done? No matter how angry, how dare a mere slave like me to the young master…
Even in rage, her words had crossed the line far for a slave. Depending on his whim, she could die for insulting her master.
Then.
To the flustered Yoo Cheon-hyang, Han Taeyang spoke with evident interest.
"Then how about a wager?"
"A… wager, you say?"
"Yes. As you claim, I hold Lee So-young's weakness. If you win, I'll erase it and set her free."
"! Is… is that true? If this girl wins the wager, you'll really… release Madam…?"
"I swear it. On my honor as a yangban and my name as the Han family's next head."
"Ah!..."
At his declaration, color bloomed on Yoo Cheon-hyang's despair-shadowed face. She'd not only failed to save her mistress but endangered herself with a self-inflicted blunder. This one path offered by him felt like a lifeline.
Then.
"But if you lose, all your rights become mine from that moment. Do you accept?"
Han Taeyang's gaze turned serpentine and chilling for an instant. Yoo Cheon-hyang froze—but soon a faint smile curved her lips.
She was already a slave in this house. Her direct master was Lee So-young, but Han Taeyang above held her life in his hands. What more could he take when he already owned her fate?
Seeing it as utterly one-sided in his favor, Yoo Cheon-hyang replied brightly.
"Ve… very well. This girl gladly accepts the wager. If… I lose, I'll surrender all rights over myself."
"Good. Understood."
With those words, Han Taeyang flashed a thick smile. Sensing something ominous in it, Yoo Cheon-hyang felt unease, but clenched her fists and resolved herself.
I can do this… With my own hands… I'll save my mistress myself. If I can repay even a fraction of her grace!
Something she'd inwardly deemed impossible for a lowly slave. This chance to make it real filled her with deep joy.
Then.
"Then, let's discuss the wager's terms."
His voice carried an ill omen. Her excitement cooling, Yoo Cheon-hyang swallowed dryly.
And…
"!..Th… that's…"
"Don't like it? Refuse if you wish. To me, it's mere amusement. I won't force you."
"Kuh…"
His casual tone. Yoo Cheon-hyang could only grapple with deep dilemma. She'd resolved to give her life for her mistress. But even she found this 'wager' from his lips hard to accept.
To the hesitating, wordless Yoo Cheon-hyang, Han Taeyang spoke with surprising gentleness.
"I'll give you a week. Bring a firm answer on whether you'll accept."
"…Ugh."
"Withdraw."
"…Yes. Understood."
With that, Yoo Cheon-hyang slowly rose. She'd gained an unexpected opportunity, yet no joy lingered in her heart now. Only deeper anguish than before entering… and fear.
What… should I do? What… can I do…
Wearing a lost expression as she returned to her quarters, that's when she spotted someone.
"Ah… Madam…"
"…"
Yoo Cheon-hyang automatically greeted Lee So-young before her. But her mistress merely nodded curtly and headed straight to where she'd come from—Han Taeyang's residence.
Her face heavy, dressed impeccably as she walked. Yet in this moment, Yoo Cheon-hyang's eyes caught it: the collar half-hidden at her mistress's neck…