Chapter 129: When the Flowers Bloom in Spring-1
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 129: When the Flowers Bloom in Spring-1
The winter of driving snow and biting winds was finally drawing to a close.
Though the air remained chilly, it was now bearable enough to venture out. Even those who had remained huddled indoors all season now emerged into the streets, staying out until evening to unpack the stories they had kept bottled up.
The village drunks were the first to herald winter’s end; as the boisterous sounds of their intoxicated chatter once again filled the night air, it truly felt as though the season had passed.
Four months had flown by since the festival. In-ho, having finally finished his manuscript, was now busy writing a letter to the editor of the weekly magazine.
"Master, shall I send it just like this?"
Emma, her hair—which had grown quite long over the winter—neatly tied back, spoke to In-ho.
"Yes. Please."
Having just finished, In-ho placed the letter into an envelope, sealed it with wax, and handed it to Emma.
Emma took the letter but did not leave the study immediately. It was because In-ho had called out to her.
"Aren't you curious? About what I wrote."
Throughout the entire writing process, he hadn't shown her a single word. She had been dying to know, especially since he had asked her so many questions for research, but as a servant, she couldn't dare pry into her master’s work. She had suppressed her curiosity with great effort.
"I... I am curious," Emma admitted.
Since the festival, she had become much more honest with her feelings. She spoke with a bashful smile, and In-ho, returning the grin, beckoned her to his side.
"Here, look."
"Oh... Uh..."
Emma had been ready to offer an automatic exclamation of wonder, but the words died in her throat. The manuscript was filled with characters she had never seen before. She furrowed her brow.
"Master... what is this?"
At a glance, it looked like meaningless scribbles, yet there was a clear sense of order and logic to it. It didn't seem like the product of a fevered mind or his illness.
"This?"
As if he had expected her reaction, In-ho pointed to the characters on the page.
"It’s a script I learned when I was young."
"Ah... I see. As expected, you know so much, Master."
"Yes. This work requires absolute security. I can't let just anyone read it."
In-ho spoke as he gently stroked the manuscript.
"But Master, won't you eventually have to translate it for people to read?"
"First, I’ll send the synopsis to Mr. Ricardo. Once the serialization contract is signed, I’ll have to translate it myself."
"Eh... You're starting with the weekly magazine? Surely, if it's a masterpiece, you could sign a contract for a full book publication."
In-ho wagged a finger with a triumphant expression.
"They provided me with a place to publish when things weren't going well for me. I always intended to return to the Rohid Vissen Weekly if I ever wrote again."
"I see. You truly are kind, Master."
"Ah, that reminds me. Emma."
In-ho pulled out a small scrap of paper and wrote something down. The characters looked identical to the ones in his manuscript. He handed the pen and the paper to Emma.
"This is..."
Emma took the pen and paper, looking at him for an explanation. In-ho spoke.
"The sentence written there means, 'When the flowers bloom in spring.' You might forget, so write a memo underneath it."
"Ah, yes."
Beneath the sentence In-ho had written, Emma used her own script to jot down the meaning.
"But Master, why are you giving this to me...?"
"Just keep it for now. You'll understand soon enough."
In-ho gave a cryptic answer to her question. Emma carefully tucked the note into her pocket and headed for the door.
"Master, shall I buy some snacks while I'm out?"
"Hmm, no. It's fine. We'll be having dinner soon anyway."
"Understood."
"Actually... would you mind giving me a shave after dinner tonight?"
"But you only just did it recently. It's not good for your skin to do it too often."
"It's just... I feel relaxed when you shave me, Emma. I feel like I sleep better."
"Hehe, alright. Then instead of a shave, I'll give you a massage."
"Thank you. Truly, I only have you, Emma."
"I only have you too, Master."
Emma opened the door to the study.
"Emma."
In-ho caught her attention once more as she was leaving.
"Yes?"
His face was momentarily obscured by the light streaming through the window bars. Because of the backlight, all she could see was his smile.
In-ho remained silent for a long moment.
"Master?"
Just as Emma was about to ask what was wrong, In-ho spoke.
"Take care."
Emma gave a small laugh at the sudden, formal farewell.
"Yes, I'll be back soon."
*
"Oh, Miss Emma. It’s been a while."
"Hello. Please send this to the Rohid Vissen Weekly. It’s for Mr. Ricardo in the editorial department. What’s the fastest way?"
"Express delivery will get it there today. By the way, the editorial department... is Master In-ho writing again?"
The employee, a man with a magnificent mustache, leaned forward in excitement.
"Yes."
Emma confirmed with a bright, happy smile.
"Aha! I’m so glad to hear he’s recovered his health. My heart truly ached when I heard Master In-ho wasn't doing well."
"He’s starting his serialization again, so you don't have to worry anymore."
"Of course, of course. I’ll send this via express, but I’ll only charge you the basic rate."
"Pardon?"
"How could I charge full price for such wonderful news? Come now, I’m not that heartless."
"Thank you so much."
Emma bowed deeply in gratitude.
Leaving the post office, Emma clutched the fur coat she wore over her maid uniform. Her body felt warm, heated by the kindness of her master who had bought it for her.
I’m so relieved.
Avoiding the slushy puddles formed by the melting ice on the streets, Emma thought to herself.
Master is healthy again, and he’s finished a new work...
As she passed the clothing store, someone called out to her.
"Oh? Isn't that Emma?"
"Ah, hello."
The owner of the clothing store was busy arranging merchandise.
"That fur coat is nice, isn't it? Master In-ho bought it specifically for you."
At the owner's question, Emma patted the coat twice with a proud look on her face.
"Yes. It’s very warm."
"Good. You'll be able to wear spring clothes soon, too. Drop by the shop sometime when you do. I'll give you a good deal on a pair of shoes."
"I will. But, are you already displaying spring clothes?"
"That’s right. Spring is almost here, after all. By the way, didn't Master In-ho need some spring clothes as well?"
Emma briefly recalled the state of his wardrobe and nodded.
"Yes. He does."
"I have a few men's pieces. Do you want to buy them now?"
At the owner's suggestion, Emma felt her pocket. She had only brought enough money for the postage; her pocket was empty.
"Ah... I didn't bring any money today. I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. You can just buy them next time. I'll be waiting."
"Yes, thank you."
Emma bowed and hurried on her way. It had already been thirty minutes since she left the mansion.
*
Upon returning to the mansion, Emma hurried up to the second floor.
Creeak, creeak.
Leaving the sound of the old wooden stairs behind her, Emma stood before the study.
Ever since In-ho had collapsed in the street, she couldn't shake a sense of anxiety whenever she was away from him.
See? My heart is pounding even now because I'm still worried.
That was what Emma told herself.
"Ahem, ahem."
Emma cleared her throat.
Knock, knock.
She tapped on the study door.
"Master, I'm back."
There was no answer.
Thinking he might have gone elsewhere, she opened the study door, but In-ho was nowhere to be seen.
"Did he go to his room?"
Emma turned and headed toward In-ho’s bedroom.
Knock, knock.
This time, she knocked on the bedroom door.
"Master. It’s Emma."
Still no answer.
Emma cautiously opened the door.
She poked her head through the slightly ajar door and looked around. Seeing a rounded shape beneath the blankets on the bed, she pushed the door wide and entered the room.
"You must be sleepy."
Well, he had been staying up late recently to write, so it was only natural he’d be tired. She murmured softly to herself.
When she stopped near the bed, she felt something was off.
"Uh...?"
She hurried to her master’s side.
"...Huh?"
A bewildered sound escaped her lips. Her master, who should have been sleeping, was unnervingly still.
Steadying her trembling hand, she placed a finger beneath In-ho’s nose.
She should have felt a faint breath. That was how it was supposed to be.
But she felt nothing.
"...Ugh... Eh?"
It felt as if all the blood in her body was drying up.
The strength left her legs, and she collapsed onto the floor beside the bed.
"Ma... Master?"
She called out to him with a trembling voice, but In-ho didn't move an inch.
Groping at the bed, she pulled back the duvet. She saw her master’s thin arm.
She grabbed it.
The temperature that met her fingertips was a coldness that lacked even a trace of warmth.
"Ma... Master!"
She no longer worried about waking him. No, rather, she screamed in the desperate hope that he would wake up.
Despite her cry, thick with urgency, her master showed no sign of stirring.
"Master. I’m here. Emma is here. Master, are you sleeping? Are you just in a deep sleep because you're so tired? I’m sorry. I didn't mean to disturb your sleep. But..."
She lifted herself slightly, leaning against the bed. She rested her face against In-ho’s chest.
"But... please, just wake up once. Then you can go back to sleep, okay? I’m begging you. Master. Master..."
She rubbed her face against him and cried out.
"Ha... ha... If you sleep now... I won't give you that massage tonight. So... wake up."
"Let's go... let's go buy spring clothes, Master."
It felt as if something sharp had been driven into her chest.
"Master, Emma is here. Master. Ah... Master!"
"MASTER!!!!!"
the woman’s sorrowful wail echoed hollowly through the great mansion.
Winter was coming to an end.