episode_0404

***

When the sun came up, Bangja left the tavern to find out what was going on.

With nothing else to do, I sat down on the table in the tavern, chewed a bowl of rice, and waited for him to come back.

As I watched the housewife clean up the place where the guests had stayed, the spring breeze blowing from a quiet place ruffled my hair.

As if the scent I had smelled overnight was not an illusion, the wind that swept across my face left behind the smell of fresh grass and the fragrant scent of flowers, as if it were a gift.

Moderate temperature and warm sunlight. It was a valuable experience for me, who lived in a forest of asphalt and concrete.

I’ve been to many places around the world, but there are only a handful of places that are as relaxing as this place.

“I hope this sense of relaxation continues…”

If you go to see Chunhyang, you will no longer be able to enjoy this leisure.

For me, stepping into prison is like stepping into a vortex of fate.

Perhaps this moment of sitting on a bench and quietly looking at the scenery is the only time of peace allowed to me in this world.

Damn it.

If the original owner had a timid personality, he would have suppressed his temper and said there was nothing he could do, but…

I don’t know how this place will end, but first I have to try for a happy ending with Chunhyang. Because that’s what I do in this world.

“Wow, the scent.”

The stronger scent of flowers wafted out, making me dizzy.

“Hehe, isn’t it fragrant? You can smell it this time of year.”

The mother-in-law, who was boiling the broth, looked at me with squinted eyes and spoke to me.

“What kind of flower is this so fragrant?”

“The scents of many flowers are mixed so it is impossible to pick just one, but the scent of Geumancho is probably the strongest.”

I heard again the name of the flower that cured Bangja. Now that I think about it, I remember what the woodcutter said about the strong scent.

“Geumanchora.”

“They say it has a soothing effect, so I add a few Geumancho leaves to the water I give to my guests. It’s also in the water you drink.”

“I guess that’s why it felt a little cooler. Um, but as far as I know, Geumancho has an anesthetic effect.”

Jumo waved her hand as if she was okay with what I said.

“Haha, you need to add a lot of Geumancho leaves to get the anesthetic effect. We use two or three leaves, so you don’t have to worry.”

“Is that so? I understand.”

The mother-in-law looked at my behavior one more time and brought me an additional bowl.

After lunch, when the sun was turning scarlet, Bangja returned to the tavern.

Since I had been waiting on the table of the tavern all day, I massaged various parts of my body and greeted him.

“So, if you go with Hyangdan, you can visit her?”

“That’s right. After Lady Chunhyang entered prison, Hyangdan is wearing the prison garland.”

“Suddenly there are two more men. Should we let them in easily?”

“They say it is possible because they went to and from the government office and met the security guards. Besides, it would be okay if you said he was a distant relative and not a master. I’m sure they’ll give you some money so you won’t be offended.”

“Okay, then tonight?”

“Yes. Just eat dinner and move.”

Bangja nodded with a determined face.

Dinner was served. Although the side dishes and rice weren’t great, it was an appropriate meal for someone facing a big event. The food probably wouldn’t go down my throat well anyway because of the tension.

***

“Ugh. I’m here!!! Why do you feel sorry for my wife!!! Ugh!”

As soon as Hyangdan saw me, she sat down and sobbed. Hyangdan, who had impressive freckles, whimpered in Bangja’s arms for a long time.

“Sorry. Well, I got reprimanded…”

Hyangdan, whose eyes were still glaring, began to lead the way.

The road to the government office was long. We walked like night guests along the winding road.

When we arrived, the moon was covered by clouds and it was dark.

“Stop.”

The guard, perhaps sensing that he was popular, thrust his window forward.

“Well, it’s me. Hyangdan.”

The security guard who held the torch to Hyangdan’s voice checked her face and gestured toward us.

“Who are the authors?”

“I am a relative of Ms. He came running a month after hearing the news that he had been imprisoned.”

The security guard clicked his tongue as if he was saddened by Hyangdan’s words.

“Many people are having a hard time.”

“Hehe… Thank you for your hard work.”

Hyangdan smiled shyly and entered the government office, and I passed the security guard with a brief nod.

In front of the prison. Hyangdan told me to go in alone, saying that Chunhyang would be happy to see it.

Well, I think Chunhyang has forgotten herself and met a new woman, so she would like it if I showed her face.

I walked through the prison.

I was worried about what I could say to Chunhyang now.

“Is this an incense altar?”

Did he hear footsteps? A dry voice was heard from the other side.

“It’s late today. So, what happened?”

Move your feet slowly.

“Hyangdan?”

And then it appears.

“…….”

“……”

Two people look at each other.

“Do…you?”

It was an instant before Chunhyang’s dry voice became moist.