Chapter 121: Writing-2
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 121: Writing-2
[The target of possession is overwritten by the existence of Kang In-ho.]
This is one of the rules of dimensional travel.
Since he is overwritten with the name Kang In-ho every time, he doesn't suffer the inconvenience of having to memorize a new name, but it isn't always a good thing.
In-ho can never know the name of the person who came before him.
He has no choice but to refer to them as the 'previous owner' or the 'person before possession.'
Some might think it’s no big deal, but for In-ho, it is a significant detail.
To In-ho, a name is what represents the essence of a person.
Just as he could refer to the elderly man who was kind to his subordinates, wrote beautifully, and suffered from dementia as 'Evan Dale.'
At any rate, because he doesn't know their names, he feels a sense of distance from the person who occupied the body before him.
To understand that individual, he has to gather information from small clues in his surroundings, leaving him with only a fragmentary understanding.
This is why he often struggles to comprehend the things the previous owner set in motion.
In that regard, his current situation could be considered slightly better.
Because the previous owner had written books, In-ho could clearly discern the man's values.
As he listened to Emma read the man's novels to him, In-ho realized something.
‘A Hymn to Humanity.’
If one were to collect his numerous novels and boil them down to their absolute essence, that is the phrase that would emerge.
A steadfast will.
The hope that one will overcome.
Happiness.
The bonds between people.
These were the messages the novels preached incessantly.
The previous owner must have had an incredibly firm belief in humanity.
‘Perhaps that’s why he was so loved.’
The period when he was most active was a time of rapid social change.
In-ho didn't even need to think deeply to realize how much comfort his writing must have provided to a nation in turmoil.
Having grasped the author's message to some extent, In-ho had approached the interview with the mindset of a job candidate, only to be left disappointed.
The interviewers didn't ask a single thing about the content of the novels—so much so that his diligent preparation felt embarrassing.
He had even expected them to ask about the ending of the novel he had recently stopped serializing, but there was none of that.
They only asked cautiously about his physical condition and his plans for retirement.
And finally, a message for the readers.
[Thank you for loving my stories.]
In-ho offered that brief sentiment, and the reporter simply jotted it down and left.
The interview had lasted less than an hour.
"I feel like a fool for preparing so hard," In-ho said, his voice drained of energy after seeing the reporter off.
"I agree," Emma replied, watching the reporter’s back as it shrank into a distant dot.
"They had less interest in the work than I expected."
The reporter had only been interested in the achievements he had attained and the revenue he had earned.
"I believe it’s a natural result, as those people didn't come for your writing, Master, but for your name."
"Well, I suppose not everyone can like my writing. I wasn't planning on saying anything grand anyway, and I got paid, so that's enough."
In-ho spoke while looking at the bag of silver coins Emma was holding.
"Those who cannot understand your writing are all fools, Master, so please don't pay them any mind," Emma said as they headed back to the mansion.
"I won't be writing anymore, so it's not a problem, but you should be careful with that kind of thinking."
In-ho chided her gently.
"Pardon?"
"Of course, it’s a problem to be swayed by every nonsensical reaction, but when someone evaluates your work, it’s important to look at those opinions with at least a somewhat open mind."
This wasn't just a rule for writers; it was a rule for living in society.
"I see. Thank you for the lesson."
Emma nodded as if she had realized something from In-ho’s words.
"Well, it is true that the writing is good. It’s warm."
In-ho spoke playfully as he climbed the stairs to the second floor.
"That is true. Even an uneducated person like me can read it and be moved."
"You, uneducated? You can read, and you handle your work so efficiently."
"...That is..."
Emma’s face flushed at In-ho’s praise.
They returned to the room, and Emma prepared some light refreshments.
In-ho sat in an armchair, eating the snacks and watching the sunset over the street through the window as if it were a television.
A comfortable silence filled the room.
"Emma."
In the midst of the soft atmosphere, In-ho spoke, calling her name.
"Shall I bring more refreshments?"
She asked, wondering if her master, whose appetite had improved lately, wanted more.
"No, I'm fine. I just had something I wanted to ask."
"Yes, please go ahead."
"How did you and I meet?"
"Ah..."
Emma’s expression darkened slightly.
"If it’s hard to talk about, it’s okay. I shouldn't have asked."
"No, it’s alright. It’s not something I need to hide."
When In-ho looked away after checking her expression, Emma spoke up hurriedly.
Through the window, the light of the setting sun spilled in without permission.
Feeling the last warmth of today’s sun, In-ho pointed to the chair across from him.
"You can sit."
At his consideration, Emma hesitated before sitting down across from him.
She had always been behind him or beside him.
It felt awkward to face her master so comfortably like this.
"Will you tell me when you're ready?"
Emma smiled slightly at her master’s words, which were still full of consideration for her.
And she thought:
Ah, I am truly fortunate to serve such a considerate person as my master.
My choice was not wrong.