SCANDAL - yoon seungho

CHAPTER 13

The birds chirped freely, flying away into the clear morning sky that looked over the street market.

—I don't understand why you would need that Lord's sponsorship... You've already passed the primary state examinations, haven't you sir?— Asked the merchant.

He laughed, —Only the top-ranking government positions matter to me. — He turned to give the man a passive smile. — And that is why I need Master Yoon's help. —

—Then why do you ask me to do this favor? What good is it to you, to make an enemy of Lord Yoon Seungho? — Questioned the man.

—I have no desire to make an enemy of him, — Sir In-Hun grabbed the book the little girl sitting in his lap had been reading, holding it in place. — but one cannot rely on a man of dwindling influence indefinitely. — He spoke what he believed was the truth. — My connection to Yoon Seungho will ultimately hold me back.

—When I reach first place in the civil service examination, and assume a major post in government... — He smirked unconsciously. — I need a card to play when that time comes, that is all. I have no ulterior motives. —

—Well... since you asked me, Sir, I will look into it... but this household is so hush-hush that I won't be able to guarantee anything. — The merchant grabbed a basket of clothing and carried it to the porch.

—Rumors do not arise out of nothing. They may be exaggerations, fleshed out for dramatic effect, but somewhere, there exists a kernel of truth. — The "clank" of the coins in the bag Sir In-Hun was carrying made the merchant's eyes fill with greed. —So I ask you to do as I say. —

Sir In-Hun began walking and admiring the landscape, how rural everything was. It made him feel nostalgic, in a sense, since he spent so much time teaching farmer's children. But, alas, that was a thing of his past.

He was so distracted he didn't realize he was about to bump into someone, until he did. He looked down at the person, and his eyes widened when he realized it was [Y/N]

—[Y/N]? How did you know to come here? —

She panted, her voice breathy. — The servant... told... me. — She composed herself and looked him in the eyes. — Learned Sir... Let us... Let us run away, Sir... — She panted even more, her breathing uneven. — We must escape Sir In-Hun! —

—[Y/N], you are sweating profusely... — Then he thought about the last part of her argument. — Escape? Have you caused an accident? — He grabbed her shoulders. — Before all else, you must explain yourself, so I can understand... Did something happen in the pavilion yesterday? —

A wave of memories washed over her.

—Pavilion... —

How Lord Seungho had tried to...

—In the pavilion... —

Tears streamed down her face, and her breathing became even heavier. — Hngh... Sir In-Hun... I cannot bear it. I will die, Sir... So please... let us run away, you and I. You said you didn't need help from the likes of Yoon Seungho. We might both end up dead, sir, if we go on as is. — Sir In-Hun looked around at the people from the market, some of them were staring at them, which made him feel self-conscious, something he despised.

—[Y/N], come this way... — He guided her to a secluded area near the docks.

She squeezed him tightly, and he hugged her against his chest, providing the comfort she so desired. The sounds of the ocean rocked her to a small trance, as if she were in a dream.

—...Have you calmed down a bit? — He asked, she continued sobbing as an answer. — [Y/N]... Just paint. —

Her face was drained of all color.