Chapter 8: A Generous Reward

“My lord, that person is…?”

The clerk trailed off.

Just as before, Song Seol replied casually.

“He’s my concubine.”

For a fleeting moment, a dark expression crossed Moon Hee-yul’s face.

It vanished in the blink of an eye, yet it lingered as a question in Song Seol’s mind.

Why did Moon Hee-yul dislike being called his concubine?

It wasn’t entirely incomprehensible.

Song Seol had taken Moon Hee-yul as a concubine solely to humiliate Minister Moon.

Even Moon Hee-yul himself would naturally despise such a role.

So it was understandable that he disliked being called a concubine.

Understandable, yes…

But for some reason, it seemed Moon Hee-yul wasn’t truly bothered by being called a concubine, but by being called his concubine.

And if it was the latter, that was rather unreasonable.

In truth, whichever it was didn’t matter much to Song Seol.

What mattered was Moon Hee-yul’s role and ability.

Why should such trivial sentiments concern him?

Yet despite knowing that, an inexplicable irritation rose within him like hair bristling after being licked by a cow.

It felt as though a kitten that had been purring obediently in his palm had suddenly bitten his finger and run away.

****

Song Seol had been right.

‘Seeing in person what one has only encountered in documents must feel different.’

Just as he had said, Moon Hae-min returned having thoroughly enjoyed that new sensation.

The sea and ships, rare goods unseen even in markets, and unfamiliar professions…

The world he had glimpsed only through books unfolded before him when he followed Song Seol.

Only then did he truly understand what the numbers he had once handled represented.

There was only one complaint.

Every time someone asked his identity, Song Seol answered, “He’s my concubine.”

But since that was technically the truth, Moon Hae-min had no right to complain.

Still, after hearing it several times, and sensing that Song Seol seemed faintly teasing each time, he wondered if he was simply being oversensitive.

‘Even if that’s the case, there’s nothing I can do.’

Letting that small grievance go, Moon Hae-min returned home holding only good memories.

And the next day.

Early in the morning, Song Seol summoned him.

“Take it.”

“Pardon?”

Without explanation, Song Seol held out a pouch of coins.

When Hae-min accepted it reflexively, he felt its heavy weight.

“This is….”

“Your pay. Didn’t I say I would give you twice what the book-rental shop pays?”

“I remember you saying that. But this isn’t merely double, is it?”

Embarrassed to speak about money, Hae-min’s voice softened.

Song Seol answered calmly.

“If it isn’t double, you may say how much more it should be.”

“N-no, I meant it’s too much.”

Song Seol raised an eyebrow.

“Did you not work yesterday as well?”

“Well… that is true.”

He had overseen whether any items listed in his documents had been left off the ship.

Technically, that counted as work, though whether it had truly helped was another matter.

“Count it. If it’s lacking, tell me.”

“It shouldn’t be lacking…”

“You need not say anything if it’s excessive.”

“…”

“Go on.”

Urged by Song Seol, Hae-min reluctantly began counting the coins.

But the calculations he normally excelled at refused to come easily now.

His thoughts were tangled.

‘Is it really alright for me to receive this much?’

It was nice, certainly, but puzzling too.

Though it concerned state affairs, the tasks he handled were trivial.

Tasks any of Song Seol’s many subordinates could accomplish.

So why entrust them to him?

And why pay him so generously?

In short, Moon Hae-min could not understand anything about Song Seol.

‘Does he have some hidden motive? Or is this some kind of trap…?’

But why would Song Seol bother laying a trap for him?

Compared to a royal like Prince Byeokran, both he and Moon Hee-yul were insignificant.

If Song Seol wished to harm him, he could simply do so.

So why…?

“Now you’ll finally be able to buy a padded winter coat.”

Lost in thought, Hae-min failed to hear Song Seol’s quiet murmur.

“Moon Hee-yul.”

“…”

“Moon Hee-yul.”

“Yes?”

When Song Seol raised his voice, Moon Hae-min startled like someone pricked by a needle.

In truth, he had heard the first call, he had simply forgotten that he was supposed to be Moon Hee-yul.

“My lord, did you wish to say something?”

“No. Have you finished counting your pay?”

“Ah, yes. But my lord, it still seems excessive…”

“As long as it isn’t lacking, it’s fine. You may leave.”

“…Yes.”

Moon Hae-min stood.

Song Seol always dismissed him like this as soon as business concluded.

Was that a complaint?

Of course not.

Though he was grateful, Song Seol remained a difficult person for him to face.

“I shall take my leave.”

After bowing, Hae-min stepped out of the reception room.

The crisp yet refreshing outdoor air greeted him.

****

Moon Hae-min walked briskly toward Namdaemun Market.

He had more to do today than usual.

Thanks to the pay he received from Song Seol, he suddenly had money to spare.

He planned to buy paper, brushes, and ink, and also have a padded winter coat made.

But first, he decided to visit the book-rental shop.

“Hello.”

“Welcome.”

The shop owner greeted him warmly.

Moon Hae-min handed over the completed copy manuscript.

“Here it is.”

“Mm, good work. You’ve written it nicely.”

The owner handed him his pay.

Hae-min put it carefully into his pocket.

Clink.

The sound of coins striking each other rang pleasantly.

Even after starting work for Song Seol, Moon Hae-min had not stopped copying books.

It wasn’t just about the money.

He enjoyed the work itself, the shop owner had asked him to continue, and it was something he could do easily whenever he had spare time.

“This time, please copy this one. It’s the most popular novel these days…”

The owner leaned close and whispered.

“It’s very vulgar.”

“…”

“That means it’s entertaining.”

A satisfied grin spread across his face.

Judging by that expression, the novel must have earned him quite a bit of money.

“…Understood.”

What kind of story could be both vulgar and wildly popular?

Hae-min was curious, and not curious at the same time.

Still, he took the book.

“Ah! Look at me. I nearly forgot to tell you something important.”

“Something important?”

“Do you remember that young master who came here last time? The one who asked to buy your calligraphy scroll?”

“Ah…”

Hae-min nodded slowly.

“I remember.”

The shop owner had told him before.

A distinguished guest had seen the manuscript Hae-min copied and immediately said he wanted to buy the calligrapher’s scroll.

“That young master made the same offer again.”

“Even after you refused?”

“That’s right.  politely declined several times, yet he insists on buying it. So I was wondering… do you truly have no intention of selling?”

“No.”

Hae-min answered without the slightest hesitation.

The shop owner smacked his lips in disappointment.

“Do you know who that young master is? He’s the grandson of old Master Yoon, one of the three wealthiest men in Songdo. He collects fine calligraphy. If something suits his taste, he’ll buy it regardless of the price.”

“…”

“Frankly, you’d earn far more from that than from copying dozens of these cheap books. Still not interested?”

“No.”

“Why on earth not? This could make your name famous.”

“I have no interest in that.”

“Is that so…”

After such a firm answer, the shop owner didn’t press further.

He only muttered to himself.

“Sometimes you seem almost enlightened. You show no interest in worldly matters. Like some immortal sage who might just ride a cloud away.”

“Haha, surely not.”

“In any case, I understand. I’ll refuse the offer politely again, so don’t worry.”

“Thank you.”

With the matter settled, it was time to go.

Moon Hae-min said goodbye and left the shop.

The moment he stepped outside, the smile he had been forcing faded.

His face turned as gloomy as a gray sky before snowfall.

‘So people think I look enlightened.’

In truth, it was the opposite.

Moon Hae-min had not attained enlightenment, he had simply given up.

He did possess the desire to make his name known.

That was precisely why he refused the offer to sell the scroll, even knowing it could bring great wealth.

‘If I sold the scroll, Moon Hee-yul’s seal would have to be stamped beside my writing.’

He hated that thought.

Because no matter what he did, his own name would never shine.

Born as an illegitimate son, Moon Hae-min could never truly receive recognition.

All the glory would go to Moon Hee-yul.

As for himself…

Living like this was enough.

It had to be enough.