Chapter 2

At the unexpected words of the master, Seol-Ah was startled but replied honestly.

No matter what, would someone without connections be able to live by paying such a hefty sum?

As if paralyzed by fear, unable to ask for the reason, Seol-Ah froze in place like a child scolded for no reason.

"If you're my servant..."

Her hand, hidden beneath her long sleeves, trembled slightly.

The moonlight simply illuminated her as she stood there.

"Yes, just as you say."

She had always been a servant, used to submitting to orders, but the command to obey this master struck her with a wave of shock and disbelief.

"When have I ever not answered when you called, offering my body and soul to your service?"

The word "servant" felt too sharp, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

Seol-Ah bit her lip.

However, the master, seemingly indifferent, didn't say anything while gazing at her face.

As if this was none of his concern, his expression remained indifferent.

But she couldn't believe that he would spend such an amount just to keep her as a servant to deal with trivial tasks.

She hesitated.

The idea that there might be some sinister or impure intent behind his actions caused her heart to waver.

Steeling herself, Seol-Ah hesitantly asked him.

"Master, could you please clarify what kind of servitude you are referring to?"

"..."

"If there's something you desire from me that I can't do, please let me know in advance so I can avoid it. I'll do my best otherwise."

Saying this, Seol-Ah took a step back from him.

But the master, having gotten as close as she had stepped away, didn't seem to care in the slightest.

He approached her again.

"Who said you could do as you please?"

As if he had no intention of letting her go, he spoke.

"Do you think I paid that hefty amount to make you do such trivial tasks?"

At Seol-Ah's words, the master smirked.

A light tap on her shoulder from his fingertip sent a shiver down her spine.

"What if I told you I might even covet your body?"

Seol-Ah's lips quivered as she tried to respond, but before she could manage to say anything, the master spoke again.

"If that's what you think…"

"There's no such thing. What do you even take me for?"

With those curt words, he turned away. There was an indescribable sense of arrogance in the air as he did so.

Seol-Ah stood frozen, watching his back as he walked ahead. Then, hesitating, she followed after him.

As they ventured deeper into the mountains, the master didn't say another word.

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"Here it is."

After wandering through the rugged terrain, a grand, otherworldly structure appeared amidst the dense mountain forest.

It was like a palace in the middle of the mountains.

Seol-Ah, her face full of surprise, looked up at the expansive scenery before her.

A place like this, hidden deep in the mountains…

Facing the unexpected sight, she couldn't hide her astonishment.

The guards saw the master approach and adjusted their postures cautiously, bowing with reverence as he passed.

Though it was still early morning and silence lingered outside, the palace inside was abuzz with life, as if it had just woken up.

"This place is..."

Seol-Ah cautiously turned to look at him.

"This is where you'll be working from now on."

With those words, the master moved deeper into the grand and mysterious building. The light from the building illuminated his retreating figure, giving him an imposing aura even in the shadows.

Even amidst the gloom, his presence was overwhelming, and his gaze held an unshakable authority.

She couldn't take her eyes off him, as if he belonged perfectly to this strange and magnificent place, seamlessly fitting into its grandeur and traditions.

The place where I'll work.

What kind of work will I be doing here?

Seol-Ah glanced around at the breathtaking scenery within. Then, when he paused and looked back over his broad shoulders, Seol-Ah turned her gaze toward him.

"Come closer."

The master spoke curtly, his lips barely moving as he glanced at her hesitant face.

"Yes."

At his command, she stepped forward cautiously, unsure of what to expect.

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As they walked, Seol-Ah noticed people bowing and calling him "Lord Hyeongsoora" with great respect.

Judging from their tone, wealth and power clearly radiated from him.

Her curiosity about his true identity grew.

It seemed that strangers didn't often visit this place. People glanced at Seol-Ah, noting her unfamiliar face, but didn't react much beyond curiosity.

Seol-Ah instinctively followed him closer, like a moth drawn to the light, not wanting to fall behind.

How long had she been following him like this?

Another part of the building came into view, and he opened a firmly closed door without hesitation.

When he opened the door, yet another lavish and dazzling scene unfolded.

Seol-Ah's jaw dropped as her eyes took in the sight before her.

"Wow…"

She knew he was wealthy, but she hadn't imagined it was to this extent.

Even a palace where royalty resided couldn't be this lavish and grand.

"This is where you'll be staying from now on."

He spoke as if it were only natural for a servant to live in their master's home. However, the luxuriousness of the place was overwhelming for someone like her, who wasn't used to such grandeur.

Seol-Ah tightened her grip on the belongings she carried as she glanced around the garden. Although it seemed as if no one had tended to it for a long time, the blooming flowers and meticulously arranged corners made it look unexpectedly beautiful.

It had been her dream to live in such a house with her mother and younger siblings again someday.

As she stared at the garden, she recalled her mother's face—worn with worry but filled with love as she asked whether Seol-Ah was doing well before she left. The memory of standing by the creaking gate to say goodbye resurfaced, filling her chest with a dull ache.

Having left her family without even saying a proper farewell, she had ended up here. The worry in her mother's eyes was seared into her mind.

The master, noticing her expression, broke her reverie with a curt remark.

"It's late. Go straight to your room and rest for the night."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving only his chilly demeanor behind.

Seol-Ah stood frozen, murmuring softly to herself as if to fill the emptiness.

"...Even my body belongs to him now. If only my mother knew I was here…"

Her voice trailed off as the moonlight cast shadows on the ground, her silhouette elongating with the night.