Chapter 16: The Talent He Wasn’t Allowed to Show

However, Moon Hae-min was wrong. Song Seol was clearly offering an apology.

“My thoughts were short, and that person lacks proper decorum. I have spoken to them, so something like today will not happen again.”

“Ah… I see.”

Why did it feel even more awkward and embarrassing after receiving an apology? Unable to endure the uncomfortable atmosphere, Hae-min spoke.

“Please do not trouble yourself too much. Anyone who knows why you took me in as a concubine would naturally find it difficult to welcome me.”

At that moment, Song Seol’s expression darkened.

Hae-min realized his mistake. He hadn’t meant to blame or mock him—he had simply spoken carelessly out of fluster.

“It was wrong of me to take you in as a concubine to begin with.”

“T-that’s not what I meant…”

“I understand.”

What exactly he understood, Hae-min had no idea. His heart pounded anxiously, while Song Seol appeared completely composed. That unshakable calmness only made Hae-min more uneasy.

“…My lord.”

“The night air is cold. Go inside and rest.”

Hae-min tried to say something more, but no words came to mind, so he gave up. What excuse could he offer to someone who wasn’t blaming him?

By then, Song Seol had already turned away. Hae-min stared blankly at his retreating figure. For some reason, his back looked… somewhat lonely.

‘No, that can’t be right.’

Hae-min shook his head vigorously. He must be mistaken from fatigue. Or perhaps Song Seol was the one acting strangely due to exhaustion.

Yes, that made more sense. After traveling to the capital, he must still be tired.

With that simple conclusion, Hae-min returned to his quarters.

****

The restlessness unique to the start of the year gradually subsided.

On a mild spring day, with the daylight growing longer, Moon Hae-min sat on the wooden veranda basking in the sun. It felt as though he were melting under the warm rays. His eyelids drooped, and before he knew it, he was nodding off like a drowsy cat.

“Yawn…”

Startled awake, Hae-min stretched lazily. Lately, he couldn’t understand why he felt so lethargic. It wasn’t as though he lacked sleep at night.

“Is it because it’s spring…?”

While his sleep increased, his appetite decreased. Even when delicious side dishes were placed before him, he found himself unable to reach for them. At times, he even felt sudden nausea without reason.

Though he forced himself to eat three meals a day for the sake of his health, food simply didn’t appeal to him. He figured this, too, must be due to the season.

“Feels like I’m just blaming spring for everything…”

Shaking his head to dispel the lingering drowsiness, he ended up dizzy and leaned against a pillar.

White clouds drifted lazily across the blue sky. Watching them, Hae-min began to imagine his future.

‘When I return to the capital, I should find a place to live first.’

Back at his family home, he had lived in a small side room. He had food and shelter, but he had endured plenty of humiliation as well. But that would soon be over.

Before coming to Songdo, he had secured a promise from Lord Moon: once he successfully completed his role as a concubine and returned, he would be free to live independently or marry as he pleased. That meant he could soon begin a life of his own.

With the money he had saved, he could rent a modest house. Or perhaps leave the capital altogether. He didn’t yet know what he would do, but even thinking about it brought him quiet joy.

‘Maybe I could even travel.’

Lowering his gaze, he noticed budding forsythia flowers beneath the wall. It felt like just yesterday that he had shivered in Songdo’s harsh winter, yet spring was already arriving. Even the cruelest winter eventually passed.

“Master Hee-yul.”

A servant called out to him. Hae-min roughly guessed the reason and prepared himself.

“What is it?”

“My lord is calling for you.”

As expected. Hae-min rose from the veranda.

“I understand. I’ll go now.”

“Oh, Master- there’s also a guest today.”

“A guest?”

That was unexpected. Until now, he had always met Song Seol alone.

“Did my lord say anything else?”

“No.”

“I see. Thank you for telling me.”

Though a bit puzzled, it likely wasn’t anything serious. Hae-min headed toward the main house.

The door to the study was wide open. Two men sat facing each other across a low table. One, dressed in a deep blue robe, was Song Seol. The other was a man Hae-min had never seen before.

‘What kind of man dresses so flamboyantly?’

He wore a peach-colored robe, and even his hat strings were adorned with dangling beads. Most wealthy people showed their status subtly, but this man seemed to flaunt it openly.

“Ah! So you are the young master of the Geumcheon Moon family!”

The man lit up at the sight of him. Startled, Hae-min instinctively glanced at Song Seol. Though expressionless as usual, Hae-min, having spent considerable time with him, could tell he was in a bad mood.

“Moon Hee-yul.”

“Yes.”

“This is Seunghyeok, grandson of Elder Yun.”

Song Seol introduced him. Hae-min didn’t immediately recognize the name “Elder Yun,” but it sounded oddly familiar.

“I’ve only seen your writing until now, what a pleasure to meet you in person.”

At the mention of “writing,” realization struck. This must be the man who had been pestering the bookshop owner to buy his calligraphy, the wealthy grandson of Elder Yun.

“The pleasure is mine as well.”

In truth, he felt more troubled than pleased, but he greeted him politely. Honestly, he wanted to turn around and leave. But Song Seol called him.

“Sit.”

“…”

With no choice, Hae-min stepped inside, removed his shoes, and sat on a cushion. All the while, Seunghyeok’s bright, eager gaze followed him.

‘Why is he staring like that…?’

Song Seol also stared at him sometimes, but this felt different. Seunghyeok’s gaze was like that of a puppy begging to play, perhaps because of his large, friendly eyes.

“The world is both vast and small. Who would have thought the person I’ve been searching for would be here in Lord Byeokran’s residence?”

“You were looking for me? More importantly, how did you find me?”

“I recognized it from the documents, the report on the lost trade goods.”

Lowering his voice conspiratorially, Seunghyeok continued,

“A person’s handwriting is unique. It can be imitated, but only to a point. Even when hidden, individuality seeps through.”

“…”

“The moment I read it, I knew. ‘Ah, the one who wrote this must be the hidden copyist from the bookshop!’”

It was an embarrassingly simple discovery. Hae-min hadn’t altered his handwriting when working for Song Seol, he hadn’t seen the need. Had he known, he might have made the effort, though it might not have mattered.

“So you used the documents to track me down?”

“It wasn’t difficult. Lord Byeokran told me.”

Hae-min shot a glance at Song Seol, a silent reproach in his eyes. Song Seol answered calmly.

“He said he wished to own your writing.”

“I’m afraid that is not possible.”

At Hae-min’s refusal, Seunghyeok’s eyes widened in shock.

“Why not?”

“I do not sell my writing.”

“You copy texts for a living, yet refuse to sell your calligraphy? Isn’t that contradictory?”

Hae-min pressed his lips together. Realizing his rudeness, Seunghyeok quickly apologized.

“I spoke out of turn. But I truly am curious, why won’t you sell your writing?”

“I have personal reasons.”

With that firm answer, Seunghyeok didn’t press further, assuming it must be something serious.

“If that is your will, I cannot force you… but when I first saw your writing, it felt as though my eyes had been opened. I’ve seen countless masterpieces growing up, yet never anything as beautiful as yours.”

“…”

“And yet, someone of your talent hides it instead of showcasing it.”

His words stirred something deep within Hae-min’s chest, unsettling emotions long buried.

Of course he wanted to show his talent. But as an illegitimate son, there were limits.

It wasn’t that Moon Hae-min chose not to reveal his gift.

He simply couldn’t.

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