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chapter 49
The carriage carrying us did not stop until dusk. Inside, I spent the entire day staring helplessly at the ceiling.
“Shall we stop the carriage?”
“No.”
“Wouldn’t it be nice to get some fresh air for a bit?”
“Nonsense. It’s bearable.”
I wasn’t usually prone to motion sickness, but after being confined in the carriage for half a day, my stomach naturally felt queasy. Still, I couldn’t let this disrupt the schedule.
I’m already useless enough; I can’t afford to be a burden.
With that thought, I closed my eyes. I could feel Wuyue’s gaze, but I deliberately ignored it.
After what felt like an eternity, the carriage finally arrived at the village. As soon as it stopped, I hastily leaned out. The world seemed to spin.
But who was I? Concealing my true feelings was my specialty. Summoning the last of my energy, I forced a faint smile and maintained a composed posture.
I saw Anghwa and Dohwa patting the horses’ backs. I immediately went over to them.
“I’m glad we arrived safely. Right?”
“Yes!”
“Was the journey uncomfortable in any way?”
“Not at all.”
Anghwa mimed wiping her forehead.
“Riding after so long felt so refreshing.”
“…Lady, are you okay?”
“Huh?”
Dohwa suddenly looked down, startled when our eyes met. Did I really look that unwell? I forced a calm expression and said:
“A little dizzy. Is it that obvious?”
“No, no! Not at all! I’m just surprised. Everyone around me usually gets really motion sick.”
“It must be tough for them while traveling.”
“Yes.”
“….”
A brief, awkward silence followed. I realized Dohwa wanted to continue the conversation but hesitated.
“Where will we be staying tonight?”
Her expression brightened slightly.
“The staff went ahead to find the best inn in this village.”
“The best inn?”
I recalled how Wuyue had stayed at the inn our guild operated before our marriage. Surely it wasn’t because of me…
But, of course, it was.
“It seems the master really loves Lady. I’ve never seen him go to such lengths to find a good inn.”
I turned to see Wuyue talking with a returning servant.
“The inn in the center of town seems to be the best. According to Jeomsoi, there are rooms available for us and a nice one suitable for you two. Shall we go there?”
“Let’s go there directly.”
“Master, there’s no need to go that far. Any quiet and clean room will do.”
I tried to protest, but Wuyue only smiled, ignoring me. Clearly, he didn’t intend to follow my suggestion.
Wuyue knew my tastes were modest, like his own, and that I wasn’t extravagant. After all, I was still wearing the flower accessory he had chosen for me.
Yet he seemed to think I deserved luxury. Not only did he lavish me with rare gifts, but he also never meddled in household matters.
Of course, I was grateful. But sometimes, it felt a bit excessive.
“Rest comfortably.”
Even for just a single night, the room was lavish and spacious.
While organizing my luggage, I glanced at Wuyue. Considering the expenses of our wedding, he still seemed unaffected by money.
I suddenly became curious about his actual wealth. I knew from rumors that he was rich, but I hadn’t expected this level.
Wait… how did he even accumulate all this wealth?
Even accounting for rewards during trade trips, there must have been limits. But asking directly would be inappropriate; money is always a sensitive topic, even between spouses.
Besides, Wuyue doesn’t seem curious about my wealth either.
I felt a bit restless being the only one curious. Wuyue, having finished unpacking, stood up.
“I’ll go wash first.”
“Ah, okay. I’ll take a short walk meanwhile.”
“Be sure to take Anghwa and Dohwa with you.”
“Of course.”
How would anyone else handle this situation? Would they just enjoy it? Most would probably feel as burdened as I did, unable to repay such generosity.
As we descended the stairs, the twins spoke anxiously.
“Lady, sorry, but can we leave here a bit faster?”
“We’re worried about another scuffle breaking something.”
“Oh, my goodness.”
Not wanting the innkeeper to cry, I led them hurriedly outside.
“Are you two okay now?”
“Yes, we feel better.”
“I’m glad to stay in a fine inn, but I just can’t relax here.”
“We’ll eat in our room, too.”
“If you break anything in a luxurious inn, you’ll not only lose money but might go into debt.”
Anghwa glanced at a small nearby inn.
“Staying somewhere ordinary like that would feel much safer.”
“That’s true, sister.”
“…No matter the size of the inn, never break anything, understood?”
As I reminded them of this obvious fact, the door suddenly burst open. A man and woman wearing bamboo hats ran out frantically. We instinctively stopped.
An elderly man in an apron followed them, swinging a broom wildly.
“Get out of my inn, now!”
“But sir, other inns in the village were okay—”
“Other places maybe, but never in my inn!”
“Please, just one day! We’ll be careful!”
“Out! Don’t ever come back!”
After a few more broom swings, the man slammed the door shut.
“What do we do? I heard this was the cheapest place…”
“I really don’t want to sleep outside again…”
The frustrated couple froze when they saw us and flinched.
“Let’s go quickly.”
“Yes, let’s.”
To be precise, they were reacting to seeing Anghwa and Dohwa behind me. The twins ran off like they had done something wrong. Perhaps they had bad memories of martial artists.
Just as we moved forward, the door opened again. The elderly man peeked out, glancing left and right, then addressed us gruffly.
“Hey! Do you know where those two I just kicked out went?”
“Oh, they went that way.”
I pointed, and the man pursed his lips.
“Ah, so they’ve already gone.”
After silently staring at the empty side, the man turned his attention to me.
“You there, young lady. Not only are you young, but you also seem fast on your feet.”
Sudden praise?
He gently placed a small pouch in my hand.
“Give this to those two for me.”
“Huh?”
“Ouch, my back! My back pain is too severe to move!”
Before I could respond, he shut the door. An elderly person, yes, but this was a bit extreme.
“I guess I look easy to deal with.”
“What should we do, Lady? Should I say something to the old man?”
“No, it’s fine.”
I turned to Anghwa and Dohwa.
“Think you two can catch up to them?”
They nodded simultaneously.
“That won’t be hard.”
“You’ll need to carry one of us, though.”
“Then let’s deliver it. We were on a walk anyway.”
“Okay, let’s go!”
Anghwa sprang forward energetically, while Dohwa offered her hand timidly.
“Choose one of us!”
“Do we really have to choose?”
“Of course! It’s like a surprise inspection!”
A surprise inspection? I asked with my eyes, and Anghwa added an explanation.
“This way, Lady can show which of us you favor more, and who’s performing better.”
“…That makes it harder to choose. And Dohwa, why are you acting out of character?”
Dohwa spoke softly.
“Even without confidence, I have a competitive streak, sorry…”
“Still, Dohwa, you’ll always be my eternal friend and greatest rival!”
“Thanks. You’re my eternal friend and greatest rival too.”
“….”
Dohwa had a flair for the dramatic at the oddest times.
