“In a gesture of encouragement for the regular tests, we’ve decided to reward the highest-scoring trainees with leave. The selection was based on the highest scores from the supervisors’ evaluations.”

The trainees buzzed with excitement, as a leave from the confined military life was a coveted opportunity.

“The top scorer is―.”

Everyone’s gaze fixated on Biyeong, hoping to hear their name.

“Hong Yeonwoo, the trainee.”

“Yay!”

Yeonwoo jumped with joy, her hard work during sleepless nights and restless days finally bearing fruit. Not only was the reward of leave sweet, but attaining her coveted top position was even more satisfying.

Yeonwoo looked towards Biyeong, who silently mouthed to her.

―Well done.

Her heart swelled with pride and emotion at his simple words.

Another observer did not miss this exchange either.
Gun witnessed Yeon-woo and Bi-yeong’s warm exchange of glances again.

“…They’re at it again.”

Initially, he doubted whether the frail and weak Yeon-woo could endure life in the military.

Yeon-woo only got into Kwang-ho’s unit because of her exceptional archery scores; the rest were poor.

He had ordered Bi-yeong to train her just to make her somewhat competent, not expecting such remarkable progress.

Both Yeon-woo for her rapid improvement, and Bi-yeong for teaching her, deserved praise.

However, for some reason, Gun found the sight of the two together irritating.

Individually they were fine, but seeing Yeon-woo and Bi-yeong together was unpleasant.

Why did these two, previously strangers, seem so close? It was curious.

After joining Kwang-ho’s unit, Yeon-woo’s first day out arrived.

Bi-yeong wanted to go with her but was too busy.

After a reluctant farewell, Yeon-woo left the unit for the village.

At first, her heart and steps were light.

But as home neared, her heart felt as heavy as waterlogged cotton.

Wandering aimlessly, Yeon-woo found herself at her thatched house.

“Phew…”

Standing at the threshold, she sighed deeply.

It was her first visit home in a month.

Yeon-woo had left only a letter before leaving for the unit.

Uncertain how her mother and brother, Yeon-ho, would react, she dreaded entering.

“I don’t want to go in…”

The unit felt more comfortable than home.

But she had nowhere else to go.

Stepping into the yard, a heavy air pressed on her.

“Mother! Brother!”

She called out, but luckily they seemed to be out.

There was no benefit in showing her disguised self to her family.

Quickly, Yeon-woo changed, feeling a liberating relief as she loosened her tightly bound chest binder.

“Aah…! Finally, I can breathe!”

After removing her headgear, letting down her hair, and neatly braiding it, Yeon-woo felt physically comfortable but mentally uneasy.

As trainee Hong Yeon-woo, her body was confined, but her mind was at ease.

Nevertheless, she preferred physical discomfort over mental unease, yet this time, she chose to enjoy the rare leisure.

Then, her mother’s voice came from outside.

“Yeon-woo?”

The inevitable had happened.

Hiding in this small house was impossible.

Seeing Yeon-woo’s shoes in the yard, her mother barged into the room.

The door swung open, revealing a flushed Mrs. Park striding towards Yeon-woo.

“Mother…”

―Slap!

Before she could speak, the sound of a slap echoed in the empty room.

Mrs. Park, panting heavily, began speaking.

“Do you know how much trouble your disappearance caused, right before your wedding?!”

Again, a fruitless conversation.

Why must they repeat this pointless dialogue?
Yeon-woo, her cheek swollen red from the slap, bit her lip hard.

“Stop talking about the wedding! How many times must I say I won’t marry?”

“You must marry to ease our family’s burden!”

She was tired of hearing about marriage and weddings.

Yeon-woo handed Mrs. Park a sack of rice and one nyang, her pay from Kwang-ho’s unit.

She planned to send one nyang home and save the other for herself.

“I’ll send one nyang home each month, so please stop talking about marriage.”

As Yeon-woo offered the money, Mrs. Park scoffed as if it were nothing.

“Had you married Master Bae earlier, this would be mere pocket change.”

“Isn’t this enough for two people to live decently? We must live within our means!”

“Not enough for your brother Yeon-ho’s civil service exam preparations!”

Their conversation was futile.

“Enough with the civil service exam! Brother has no intention to study. He’s probably at the brothel now!”

“Go apologize to Master Bae and proceed with the wedding!”

Yeon-woo preferred to escape this.

Stepping outside, Mrs. Park grabbed her sleeve.

“Where are you going?”

“Let go!”

―Rip!

Their struggle tore Yeon-woo’s sleeve.

Surprised, Mrs. Park froze, staring at the torn fabric.

Yeon-woo, looking at her ripped sleeve, sighed deeply.

“…I’ll send the living expenses, but don’t look for me. Forget about marrying me off to Master Bae.”

She felt she had done enough.

She couldn’t waste her life caring for her irresponsible brother.

Having said her piece, Yeon-woo left coldly.

“You ungrateful girl! So selfish!”