The Nature of Possession

404 – EP.15 Prison

***

As day broke, Bangja left the inn to find out what was going on.

With nothing to do, I sat on the tavern table, chewed on my snack, and waited for the guy to return.

As I watched the landlady tidy up the place where the guests had stayed, a spring breeze blowing from a quiet place ruffled my hair.

The scent I had smelled during the night was not an illusion, as the wind that swept across my face left behind the fresh scent of grass and the fragrant scent of flowers as a gift.

The moderate temperature and warm sunlight were a precious experience for me, who lived in a forest of asphalt and concrete.

I’ve traveled the world and been to many places, but there are only a few places as relaxed as this one.

“I hope this kind of leisure continues…”

If you go to see Chunhyang, you will no longer be able to enjoy this leisure time.

For me, stepping into prison is like stepping into the whirlpool of fate.

Perhaps this moment of sitting on the bench and quietly looking at the scenery is the only peaceful time allowed to me in this world.

Fuck.

If the original owner of the body had a timid personality, he would have suppressed his temper and said there was nothing he could do, but of all people…

I don’t know how this place will end, but first I have to work towards a happy ending with Chunhyang. That’s what I have to do in this world.

“Oh, it smells good.”

The scent of flowers became stronger and stronger, making me dizzy.

“Huh, it smells good, right? You can smell it at this time of year.”

The hostess, who was coming out of the broth, looked at me with squinted eyes and spoke to me.

“What kind of flower is it that has such a strong fragrance?”

“It’s hard to pick just one because the scents of many flowers are all mixed together, but the scent of the goldenrod is definitely the strongest.”

I heard again the name of the flower that cured the disease. Now that I think about it, I remember what the woodcutter said about its strong fragrance.

“It’s a golden iris.”

“I put a few leaves of the golden dandelion in the water I give to my guests because it is said to have a calming effect. It is also in the water you drink.”

“I guess that’s why it felt a bit cooler. Um, but I heard that Geum-an-cho has an anesthetic effect.”

The hostess waved her hand as if to say it was okay.

“Haha, you need to put in a lot of kumquat leaves to get the anesthetic effect. We only use two or three leaves, so don’t worry.”

“I see? I see.”

The hostess took one more look at my behavior and brought out more bowls.

After lunch, when the sun was turning crimson, Bangja returned to the inn.

I had been waiting on the inn’s bed all day, so I greeted him while rubbing various parts of my body.

“So if I go with Hyangdan, I can meet her?”

“Yes. After Lady Chunhyang went into prison, Hyangdan has been taking care of her.”

“Two men suddenly appeared. Should I let them in easily?”

“They say it’s possible since I’ve been going back and forth to the government office and become acquainted with the guards. Besides, if you say that he’s not your master but a distant relative, then it’s possible. And they’ll give you money so you won’t feel bad, so I’m sure.”

“Okay, so tonight?”

“Yes. Just eat dinner and move around.”

Bangja nodded with a determined face.

Dinner was served. The side dishes and rice were not great, but it was an appropriate composition for a big event. After all, the tension made it hard to swallow the rice.

***

“Uh-huh-huh-huh. Your Majesty!!! What can I do about my poor young lady!!! Uh-huh-huh-huh!”

As soon as Hyangdan saw me, she collapsed and started to sob. Hyangdan, who had impressive freckles, cried in Bangja’s arms for a long time.

“I’m sorry. I, I’m sorry….”

Hyangdan, who was still wiping away her tearful eyes, began to lead the way.

The road to the government office was long. We walked along the winding road like night travelers.

When we arrived, the moon was hidden by clouds and the sky was dark.

“Stop.”

Sensing presence, the guard pushed the window forward.

“It’s me, it’s Hyangdan.”

The guard who had held up a torch to Hyangdan’s voice checked the face and then gestured towards us.

“Who are the authors?”

“He is your relative. He came running as soon as he heard that you were locked up in prison.”

The guard clicked his tongue in regret at Hyangdan’s words.

“You all are having a hard time.”

“Hehehe… Thank you for your hard work.”

Hyangdan entered the government office with an awkward smile, and I passed the guard with a short bow.

In front of the prison. Hyangdan told me to go in alone, saying that Chunhyang would be happy if she saw me.

Well, I think Chunhyang would like it if I showed my face, since she thought I had forgotten her and met a new woman.

I walked through the prison.

I was worried about what I could say to Chunhyang now.

“Is it Hyangdan?”

Did I hear footsteps? A dry voice came from the other side.

“You’re late today. So, what happened?”

Move your feet slowly.

“Hyangdan-ah?”

And then it shows up.

“…….”

“……”

Two people look at each other.

“Do… Lien-nim?”

It was only in an instant that Chunhyang’s dry voice became moist.