Head Mistress Had Served Her Purpose

The Last Imoogi
Please Subscribe to read the full chapter

 

Anyone who passed by the Cherry Blossoms House would instantly be enthralled by the view and scent of soft pink and fragrant petals showering the entire premises. Entering the main gates, a long uphill path lined with plum and cherry blossom trees would take you to the main receiving hall of the institution. The plains on each side were lush with green, soft grass, with tiny colorful buds and flowers accentuating it. 

In short, it seems that it had always been spring at the Cherry Blossoms House.

As the group went past the picturesque view, Sandara couldn't help but boast it to her husband who had his one hand securely holding her by her waist, the other holding the reins of the horse. Kwon Jiyong would only nod as she told him stories about her stay at the place. Despite his cold and stern look, he at least returned her energetic story telling by paying attention and listening closely.

"Daegam, it's so beautiful here, isn't it?"

"Do you see that tree over there? I used to read books under that tree a lot!"

"Daegam, do you know that former royal concubine Sun Hee used to study here as well? Fortunately, she only stayed for a year. She'd always bully me back then just because she's from the capital and I'm only a country bumpkin."

Kwon Jiyong let out a half suppressed laugh. Of course he knew about it. The tension between the two women were quite obvious. As always, Kwon Jiyong had his means to find out.

"Daegam... Do you know, I tried several times to run away from here? I felt like a prisoner. Imagine staying here for six long years like a captive. While women my age were getting married, I spent all my youth in this place. I used to feel lonely being separated from my parents. But Head Mistress treated me really nicely. I learned to truly like this place in the end."

But Sandara only felt like the iceberg behind him wasn't interested in her stories after gaining no reaction from him at all. She wished he would at least voice out his thoughts.

But what's really new with that? Kwon Jiyong had always been a man of few words except when he's mad. She could only be thankful that somehow, Kwon Jiyong accepted Head Mistress' invitation.

When they reached the main hall, the servants and the two assistant mentors all lined up to welcome His Excellency and of course, their pride, Park Sandara. Kwon Jiyong swiftly went down the horse then lifted Sandara down. As the latter greeted everyone with her sweetest smile, the former stood loftily, cold and distant as he's always been.

Kwon Jiyong came here with a purpose and not just to mingle with these unfamiliar faces. Taking Sandara's hand into his, he strode towards the woman at the seat of honor. 

The two parties were separated by a black screen curtain that concealed Head Mistress' features, but still allowed her movements and gestures to be seen.

Sandara broke free from Kwon Jiyong's grasp and was about to pay her respect when Head Mistress stood up and lowered herself on her knees, bowing deeply until her forehead reached the cold marble floor.

"This humble one greets His Excellency and Manim. It is this one's honor to welcome you in my humble abode,"

This!

How could her well respected mentor bow like this before her?

Sandara immediately fell down to her knees as graceful as she could, not wanting to disappoint her former mentor. But even before she could lower her head, Head Mistress spoke in a low voice.

"Didn't this mentor teach you about order and hierarchy?"

Sandara froze to her spot. What was her status again?

Ah, she's only the wife of the last elder in the royal family, Kwon Jiyong. Despite living outside the palace, His Excellency was someone whom everyone respected and feared. Since she was the official and righteous wife of this royalty, that puts her up in the ranks next to the queen and the king's concubines, higher than any woman outside the palace.

Well, it was not that Sandara didn't know about this. It was just that she was used to paying respect to Head Mistress. Awkwardly, Sandara tried to regain her wits and stood up. So much for wanting to please Head Mistress, now she even put herself in an embarrassing situation!

Meanwhile, Kwon Jiyong remained standing behind her like the cold and uncaring immortal that he is. 

 

"Arise," he said, his eyes still directed to the woman behind the screen curtains. Somehow, something about the woman felt familiar to him, only that he couldn't really fully grasp what made him think so. Her voice was low and raspy, somewhat cold and imploring, yet with a tinge of doting on Sandara.

While Head Mistress sat on her seat, an old woman approached behind her. Kwon Jiyong's senses were on full alert. His eyes now narrowed at the old woman, whose appearance made the temperature in the room drop rapidly. Kwon Jiyong turned to Sandara. Why does she seem unbothered?

"Who is that old lady?" Kwon Jiyong held Sandara's hand and asked through his thoughts.

"Ah, we only call her halmeoni. She rarely shows up and only talks to Head Mistress." Sandara whispered back.

Kwon Jiyong nodded. When he looked back at where the two women were, Kwon Jiyong's brows furrowed. Why do they both feel familiar? Despite the fiercer aura of Head Mistress, why does the old lady had a stronger presence that could make anyone feel inferior to her?

He felt the same with Lee Donghae. He didn't expect the man to reveal himself easily to him but his reason for doing so seemed plausible. Still, he couldn't help but harbor doubts. Despite how weak and delicate the gentleman looked, there was something unexplainably different and grand about him.

Speaking of the man, where did he go? Kwon Jiyong looked around only to find not even a trace of Lee Donghae and Ryung. Was he trying to avoid something?

Relying on his senses, he finally came to a conclusion.

These people weren't someone to mess with. He wasn't sure if he should be thankful or ungrateful to have crossed paths with these people. But definitely, he needed to be on full alert and keep his guards up.

If his hunch was correct, what does Sandara had to do with them? These people had known Sandara before him. Did they know about Ara too? If so, then they naturally know the similarities between the two women. He refused to believe everything was purely coincidental.

"Daegam? Are you alright?" Sandara looked up to him with a worried expression. It turned out, she had been calling him a few times now. Realizing this, he forced a smile and tightened his grip around her hand.

"I'm fine. Just a bit tired."

Hearing this, Head Mistress stood up and ordered Seol and Byeol.

"Seol, Byeol, why don't you take our guests to your lady's former residence?" Head Mistress said and the two familiar servants stepped forward, ready to guide their way.

"Daegam, Manim... The journey must have drained you a lot. Please take some rest first. I'll see you by supper," Head Mistress spoke to her honorable guests. 

Kwon Jiyong only nodded while Sandara almost bowed again, thankfully, she remembered she shouldn't right away. She smiled widely at her mentor.

"It was nice to see you again, Head Mistress! This student missed you and everyone here!"

"Please stay for as long as you want," Head Mistress said but Kwon Jiyong retorted sternly.

"We will be staying for only two days. This Lord still has some other matters to attend to,"

Head Mistress' lips curved to nostalgic smile but unfortunately, Kwon Jiyong and Sandara failed to see it. Once the couple were gone, she sat back down and sighed.

"Who would've thought that we'll be seeing them together this soon?"

"The heavens must have pitied them so much. I hope this time, I didn't waste my energy and youth for nothing," The old woman spoke behind Head Mistress. "You prepare yourself too. It would be nicer to face them without this dark screen in between."

 

-----------

 

Ryung woke up alone in an unfamiliar room. A five year old child should be agitated and scared, but surprisingly, he only stood up from bed and looked around curiously. When he opened the door, he found his favorite gentleman decocting some medicine just outside the room.

"Doctor!"

Lee Donghae smiled warmly as he stood up. He patted Ryung's head, his other hand still holding his fan.

"Where are we?"

"In my home." Lee Donghae answered.

"Where are Manim and Daegam?"

"They went to meet someone,"

Ryung pouted. He was expecting he would be staying with his master for the rest of the journe

Please Subscribe to read the full chapter
Like this story? Give it an Upvote!
Thank you!
silentapathy
If you like this story, maybe you can click the little upvote button on the top. Thank you! It would mean a lot to me.

Comments

You must be logged in to comment
jo_eynnxxi #1
Chapter 104: Hi author! I'm new here but I'm your fan in wattpad. So happy that your amazing works were also here😍 fighting authornim!!!
ryannekish06 #2
Chapter 104: hi!!! authornim how are you? i hope your fine now its been a long time since i read all your stories and i am hopeful that you will be comeback to us we will be waiting for you hwaiting!!!😊
Vayn229 #3
Chapter 104: My deepest condolences ms. author...stay strong...God is always with us to help overcome the trials in our life.
PinkySwear90117
#4
Chapter 104: Condolence authornim ♥️♥️♥️
xxmaydz #5
Chapter 104: Stay strong authornim, and condolence
amleht #6
Chapter 104: Virtual hugs authornim... Be strong. May her soul rest in peace..
VIIXVII
#7
Chapter 104: May her soul rest peacefully. Prayers for her and your family. 🙏🏻
Hanazaka
#8
Chapter 104: Stay strong authornim. May she rest in peace.
Mifftaa #9
Chapter 104: My deepest condolences. My prayers to you and your family. Stay strong authornim 🙂
Tagasulat
#10
Chapter 104: Thank your time authornim. God bless you. Stay strong