“Have I only seen you for a day or two? You don’t have to do that to be beautiful.”

Geon chuckled at Yeonwoo’s serious demeanor.

Even when sweating from training and wearing a uniform like a man, Yeonwoo sparkled in Geon’s eyes.

“Beautiful even covered in dirt.”

“Ugh…”

Yeonwoo blushed, not knowing how to handle Geon’s sweet voice, which was as sweet as candy inside her mouth. Geon had advised her to be cautious outside, but with such a affectionate voice, what was she supposed to do?

Every day, Geon’s expressions of affection were increasing, and there wasn’t a day when Yeonwoo didn’t blush at Geon’s sweet words.

In the courtyard of Biyeong’s mansion, a pleasant gayageum performance had been going on for a while.

His graceful and slender fingers plucked the gayageum strings, creating a beautiful melody.

However, the melodic rhythm carried a faint sense of sadness, making the listener’s heart feel poignant.

The reason Biyeong started playing the gayageum was simple: Yeonwoo liked the sound of the gayageum.

To be able to play for Yeonwoo anytime, Biyeong learned the gayageum, occasionally playing it in front of her.

His performance, filled with a sense of loss due to the absence of someone to play for, was reaching its climax, and beads of sweat began to form on Biyeong’s forehead.

Then, one of the strings snapped.

―Ting!

At the same time the gayageum performance stopped, Biyeong, who had been plucking the strings, also ceased.

“…….”

Normally, he would have replaced the string and continued playing, but he didn’t feel like doing that today.

Biyeong eventually set the gayageum aside and leaned against a pillar on the veranda.

As the pain rushed in like being hit on the head with a sledgehammer, he raised his sleeve to cover his forehead.

Then, he let out a deep sigh.

“Phew…”

Every day felt like hell.

Nothing brought joy, and everything seemed futile.

He hoped time would act as medicine and pass quickly, but each day felt painfully slow.
During the meaningless and barely bearable days, Soonduk appeared in front of Biyeong.

“Young Master, a guest has arrived.”

“I’m not in a state to meet anyone now. Tell them to come later.”

Seeing the listless appearance of Biyeong, which had never been seen before, Soonduk was worried about her master.

However, she hesitated to speak but eventually opened her mouth because there was something she needed to convey.

“That… Someone who resembles the person Young Master has been looking for has come.”

“…!”

Biyeong sat up abruptly.

He had been inquiring about his lost younger brother, Makgeum, for a long time.

Despite mobilizing all resources and efforts to find Makgeum, there was no sign of information, let alone someone meeting the conditions Biyeong was looking for.

Biyeong’s voice subtly trembled.

“Is it true?”

“Yes, it is. The conditions you mentioned before all match.”

Biyeong’s heart, thought to have stopped, started pounding again, and his breathing became rapid.

Makgeum, his younger brother lost for 20 years.

Could it be possible to finally meet the sibling he thought was dead?

Biyeong steadied his trembling hands and spoke to Soonduk.

“…Bring them in.”