Chapter 32

"Are you really going to start the fire yourself, Sister?"

The youngest, Suryeon, watched Jeong Charyeon carrying an armful of firewood with surprise.

Charyeon placed the firewood in the middle of the yard and gave her a worried look.

"Go inside. You'll catch a cold."

"I'm fine. I even took a walk yesterday."

Despite her words, Suryeon's complexion was pale.

The incredibly adorable and youthful Suryeon was fifteen this year. Her eyes and facial features closely resembled Charyeon's.

The youngest had fallen ill seven years ago. Suryeon, who had been playing normally, suffered from a high fever all night and began to ail from the next day.

They had called in every renowned doctor and tried every medicine that was said to be effective. However, her illness showed no improvement, and they couldn't even identify the cause.

Charyeon's heart ached whenever she saw her growing thinner each year.

Charyeon arranged the firewood to make a bonfire.

"I'll do it."

Hyang Yi stepped forward, but she shook her head.

"It's okay, I'll do it."

Her touch was clumsy as it was her first time, but she concentrated on the task. After building the bonfire, she brought the grill and frame. Suryeon and Hyang Yi watched with wide eyes, finding the sight unfamiliar.

"Something's up."

At Hyang Yi's words, Suryeon smiled.

"She's doing something she's never done before. It's strange enough that she wants to eat meat, but she's even grilling it herself? Good heavens, something huge is happening. No, it already happened."

Charyeon straightened her back at Hyang Yi's exaggerated reaction.

"I can hear you. Just say it louder. What do you mean, something huge? I just thought it would be nice to grill some meat together for once."

Hyang Yi desperately shook her head and whispered something into Suryeon's ear again.

Suryeon, having received new information, asked with curious eyes,

"What's the brother who just arrived like?"

"Who? Young Master Jeok? Just some ordinary guy."

Suryeon smiled meaningfully. She and Hyang Yi looked at each other and nodded.

Charyeon paused her work for a moment and continued casually,

"I just... owe him a small favor."

Hyang Yi poked her in the side, urging her to find out more, but Suryeon didn't ask further. She knew better than anyone that Charyeon wasn't one to reveal her feelings easily.

"What about Eldest Sister?"

"I don't know."

Charyeon's curt reply conveyed a sense of resentment and distance towards Hwa Ryeon.

"Sister understands. Eldest Sister is having a hard time too."

"........"

If she had been as kind as her younger sister from the start, she wouldn't have caused such problems. Reflection is reflection, and although she understands her sister, she can't help but feel displeased.

"Do you remember when Eldest Sister announced she was going to marry Brother-in-law?"

Suryeon chuckled, finding it amusing even as she said it. It was Suryeon's attempt to reconcile Hwa Ryeon and herself.

What a kind girl.

She was the kindest and most precious sister in the world. If she could give her life to cure her sister's illness, she would do so without hesitation.

Charyeon chimed in, playing along with Suryeon's efforts.

"Father's opposition was incredible."

"It was a complete war."

Her brother-in-law, Seo Baek, was just an ordinary Martial Artist from a mediocre Clan. He was so ordinary that she wondered why her sister, who was the most ambitious of the three daughters, had chosen him.

The timid and bland Seo Baek was unlikely to be favored by Jeong I-chu.

The family watched anxiously as the two argued over the marriage, neither willing to yield. In the end, Hwa Ryeon proved that parents can't win against their children.

Suryeon, silently gazing at the swaying leaves, smiled.

"Eldest Sister was amazing back then."

Someone approached from behind her.

"Why? Not now?"

It was Hwa Ryeon when she turned around. Charyeon averted her gaze, avoiding eye contact.

Hwa Ryeon adjusted Suryeon's clothes and asked,

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah."

"Why are you out here when it's cold?"

"They say it's not good to stay inside all the time."

Hwa Ryeon said to Charyeon.

"I heard roughly what happened."

"Yeah."

Charyeon replied nonchalantly and then suddenly asked,

"Do I have to apologize for this too?"

"No. After hearing about that Spring Breeze inn incident... I've lost all affection for him. It's a good thing, rather."

"Then there's no need to attend Jang In-geol and the Dragon Phoenix Gathering?"

"No."

Hearing those words, her heart felt a little lighter.

"But it's going to be tough from now on. Very tough."

Her sister was always direct. It was mostly a disadvantage, but it also had the advantage of leaving no lingering resentment.

Not wanting to miss the atmosphere of reconciliation, Suryeon said happily,

"Wow! It's been a while since the three of us sisters have been together like this, hasn't it?"

"Yes, if only our Eldest Sister wasn't so busy."

Then Hwa Ryeon retorted.

"Yes, if only our Second Sister wasn't so busy training in Martial arts that we never see her face."

Come to think of it, she realized that they hadn't been paying enough attention to each other lately. Especially to their youngest sister, she felt very sorry.

"Let's have a drink and sort things out today."

At Charyeon's words, Hwa Ryeon responded jokingly.

"You've been drinking a lot lately, haven't you?"

Charyeon laughed. Suryeon and Hwa Ryeon followed suit.

Charyeon looked towards the gate and said,

"By the way, is that guy buying meat or hunting it!"

"Who?"

"Who else could it be?"

Then Hwa Ryeon said,

"If you mean Young Master Jeok, he was planting flowers with Mom in the backyard."

"What? Who? Our mom?"