As True as a Dream

Since Yi Ho became unwell, he rarely went out.

 

His skin had become increasingly transparent, and he had a languid air about him that made him look pale and decadent.

 

It was hard to find a trace of the spirit, acuity, and musicality that he once exuded in the prime of his life.

 

But today, seeing him in his nightclothes brought back memories.

 

Hongo wondered if he could return to those days.

 

His thoughts were interrupted by the sensation of something hitting the wall inside the jar.

 

He looked down at the moon jar in his hand.

 

The sea serpent is not a single creature.

 

They come in flocks or clusters.

 

This jar is probably full of them.

 

He doesn’t want to see that.

 

Hongo carefully placed the moon jar with the hagiography on the table and stepped back.

 “I couldn’t open it four days ago because I had a lot of work to do. How did your conversation with Ms. Yeon Hae-Joo go?” “Huh?” 

Yi Ho opened his eyes, his head leaning tiredly against the windowsill.

 “And Guishan Dao, too.” “Ah. Has it been four days already?” 

If they had searched the entire mountain for that sea serpent, they would have lost track of time.

 

Fortunately, Mt. Jobi was located in Yongyin, relatively close to Gyeongseong.

 “I’m going to the village.” “Gongju? You’re going there yourself?” “Yes. It’s one thing for her to listen and pass it on, it’s another for me to go and listen.” 

That’s true. Who says old foxes are scary?

 

Whatever he sees, he has a broader perspective and more insight than a young man who has only been alive for 20 years.

 “Do you think we’ll find it this time?” “If I’m lucky.” “It must be good.” 

Instead of answering, Yi Ho just pulled up the corners of his mouth in a meaningless pout.

 “When do you think the princess will leave?” 

Yi Ho tilted his head and counted the days, trying to figure out when the best time to leave would be.

 “What day is today?” “Tuesday.” “When I leave, it will be five to six days.” 

Hongo, who had nodded his head in agreement, suddenly raised an eyebrow.

 “Didn’t you say you were going to Governor Saito’s birthday party this Saturday?” 

Yi Ho’s eyes fell on the birthday party invitation on the corner of Hongo’s desk.

 “I can’t tear myself away from the Song Yue Pavilion, so would you like to attend by yourself or would you like me to choose one of the crows to accompany you?” “Your crows are sincere, but they are clueless, and they are birds of prey.” 

Hongo’s eyes widened.

 

It’s forgetful, so it’s another birdcatcher.

 

Meanwhile, Lee Ho, who swallowed a low laugh at Hong O’s reaction, lowered his eyelids.

 

Meanwhile, Yi Ho, who swallowed a deep laugh at Hongo’s reaction, lowered his eyelids.

 

It had been a long time since he had been in a formal setting, be it a party or a banquet.

 

Just the thought of standing there makes him tired and irritable.

 

So, it would be nice to be accompanied by someone who is sharp, well presented, and can take care of all the hassles.

 

As he thought about it, he could only think of one person.

 

Hae-Joo.

 

She’s doughy, airy, good on her knees, and quick on her feet.

 

Yi Ho ran his hand over the already healed wound on his neck.

 

He wonders how much more careful he’ll be this time.

 “Why are you smiling?” 

Hongo asks and Yi Ho lifts his eyes.

 “I’m taking Hae-Joo to the party.” “What?” “Hae-Joo.” 

After saying that, Yi Ho grabs the moon jar on his desk and leans out of the window.

 

His body, dressed in black night clothes, melted into the darkness in an instant.

 

The night was deep.

 

***

 

Hae-Joo rubbed her bleary eyes and stomped through the alleys of Iksunjeong.

 

The occasional stagger showed how tired she was.

 

She had visited a shaman yesterday, but as expected, it hadn’t done her much good.

 

If she slept for more than three or four hours, nightmares would inevitably take over her dreams.

 

After so many days of sleeping on her side, she was in terrible shape.

 

Now she would fall asleep wherever she put her head.

 

Her co-workers at the car company asked her if she had narcolepsy.

 

Hae-Joo has been crying lately and has cut down on the number of taxi rides she takes.

 

At the Iori Automobile Association, two drivers take turns driving each cab, and fortunately, as long as she pays her bills on time, she doesn’t mind doing whatever she has to do during her allotted driving time.

 

As long as the car doesn’t break down.

 

It was better to pay the fare out of her own pocket than to push herself too hard and have an accident.

 “Ouch, I’m tired.” 

Hae-Joo yawned and rubbed the back of her stiff neck.

 

The sound slowed down.

 

It was the long shadow standing in front of the building.

 

Who could it be at this late hour?

 

Someone from the other room?

 

There were four families in the old wooden building she rented.

 

An old couple living in a single room with no kitchen.

 

A newly married couple.

 

A widow with a son in high school.

 

And herself, a taxi driver.

 

The residential alley was not as well-lit as a busy street, so she could only make out the shape of a standing figure.

 

The other person’s head moved, thin and tall.

 

As if it saw her, it turned and stood still.

 

She slowly approached the house, wary of what might happen.

 

No one but Eun-sil can find her.

 

‘Is someone looking for her? Who is it?’

 

Hae-Joo didn’t come any closer but raised her voice and asked.

 “Who is it?” “Do you finish work at this time every day? It’s 11 o’clock.” 

Hae-Joo was stunned.

 

The low, soft voice with a hint of laughter in it was familiar.

 

The object in the other man’s hand, gleaming in the dim light, was also familiar.

 

A platinum pocket watch.

 “Mr…. Ban?” 

Hae-Joo took a quick step toward the shadow.

 

It had been a long five days.

 

When she hoped she wouldn’t see him, she kept seeing him, and now that she thought she would see him often, she found it hard to look away.

 “I thought you would call me at Song Yue Pavilion. What brings you here?” “I didn’t have much time, so I came right away.” “What time?” 

Puzzled by the sudden question, a thought flashed through Hae-Joo’s mind.

 

‘Is this about going down to the village?’

 

She told herself that she would bring it up the next time she saw Yi Ho.

 

It was very disappointing to give up her taxi job right away, but Yi Ho was right.

 

She said that she would actively help, but she hesitated because she was afraid of getting involved.

 

The problem is that if Ban Yi Ho doesn’t change his mind, she will end up doing his bidding.

 

Just like she had done so many times before.

 

It was more economical to give in quickly than to make a fuss about it.

 “Do you have a dress to wear?” 

The words she wanted to ask about going to the village were swallowed back in her mouth.

 

Hae-Joo raised an eyebrow, unsure of his sudden need for a dress.

 “A dress?” “Not the one you wore last time, but something you’d wear to a formal occasion.” “No, I don’t. I don’t have any occasion to ever wear something like that.” “Then go to the department store tomorrow, get one, and charge it to Song Yue.” 

Hae-Joo was even more confused, so she asked again patiently.

 “Why do you say that?” “This Saturday is Governor Saito’s birthday party and you should go.” 

Doubting what she had just heard, Hae-Joo’s eyes narrowed.

 

Hae-Joo squeezed her eyelids shut.

 “Governor Saito’s birthday party…? Why should I be there…?” “As my escort.” “Your escort…?” “There are certain occasions that I must attend as the master of Song Yue Pavilion, and the birthday party is one of them. It’s the first official event I’ve attended in a long time, and I’m sure I won’t be bothered.” 

As he finished speaking, the explanation for his late night visit finally clicked.

 “Does that mean you’re taking me on as the person to deal with these annoyances?” “Yes. You said you would help me.” 

That was for Guishan Dao!

 

Hae-Joo pursed her lips for a moment, but then nodded resolutely.

 

That’s right. Wasn’t it her own mouth that had said that she would actively help him and serve him with care!

 

She would show this man, who often treated her like a liar, that this time she would do what she said.

 “I’d like to go, but I’m sure there will be many people from other provinces who know me, and I’ve never been to such an event before, so I might not be as cultured and polite as I should be.” 

When Hae-Joo expressed her concern, Yi Ho laughed.

 “What’s the matter, you’re very perceptive, you just need to be in moderation. And in your eyes, do I look cultured and polite?” 

Hae-Joo was immediately convinced.

 

Yi Ho was a person who looked very elegant and dignified at first glance, but when you listened to his behavior and words, he was far from being cultured and polite.

 

If Yi Ho could get there, she would have no problem getting there herself.

 “Then get ready. Saturday, six pm, arcade.”Visit my Ko-fi for discounted advance chapters!!