Even My Life Is Yours Chapter 57

These were the busiest days she had ever experienced.

Her daily routine used to be waking up every morning, eating, going out to hunt, or heading to the marketplace to sell trimmed meat and hides. After Gamyoung introduced her to the dojang, she found the joy of learning in that monotonous life, but it was not enough to quench her thirst.

But life at the Hwayeonggyeong was different. Although waking up early every morning to prepare was the same, the time that followed was different. She studied military strategy for the first time in her life and was able to receive more systematic training. Moreover, the masters who taught them were active-duty military officers and scholars, all excellent in both academics and martial arts, lacking in nothing.

Of course, the master who ran the dojang she previously attended was said to have once been a master swordsman second to none, so studying under him was an unbelievable stroke of luck, even thinking back on it now. However, the classes taught by active-duty officers here were more technical, as their purpose was to nurture those who already possessed a basic level of skill.

The training in handling weapons like swords was a given, but the training sessions that applied actual tactics were incredibly interesting. It was astonishing to realize how much she still had yet to learn, especially when learning spear techniques or defensive arts, which she had never handled besides the sword and bow, or horsemanship, where she learned to wield weapons while actually riding a horse.

In the meantime, as Hongyo gradually got to know not only Yeoryeong but others as well, she tasted frustration upon realizing that this was truly not a place just anyone could enter. However, when she showed her talent in the swordsmanship and archery classes and was praised by the master, she thought that maybe Gamyoung didn’t bring her here for no reason. It was Gamyoung who had persistently persuaded her to learn, saying she had talent even before she entered the dojang, so all she could do was trust those eyes and work hard not to become a burden.

In any case, Hongyo was satisfied with her current life. It was fascinating to learn new things and meet people every day. As befitting the precious scions of noble families, there were some who were arrogant and looked down on those less fortunate than themselves, but perhaps because they were young, there were more who mingled freely regardless of their family background. Even now, seeing several recruits flocking around a single ball to play gyeokgu (soccer), it seemed that even in the Hwayeonggyeong, where only the scions of nobles gathered, there was little weighing and judging of one another within.

“Oh? It went in!”

When the ball Hongyo kicked went into the goal, the boys on her team cheered and came over, patting her shoulder. The scene made Hongyo feel as if she had returned to the dojang. Gamyoung hated it, saying she would get sweaty, but Hongyo would sometimes participate in the small gyeokgu competitions held at the dojang.

‘Come to think of it, where is that guy Gamyoung?’

Since that day, Gamyoung had vanished without a trace. Then again, he wasn’t a Gamhwi like them but the Hwayeonggyeongjang responsible for this place, so he must be busy with public and private affairs, but it was harder to see him now than when he was outside. The thought that they might run into each other coming and going since they were in the same space was shattered after learning that Gamyoung’s quarters were not in the same dormitory as theirs, but in the palace where Gamyoung had lived since he was a prince. After that, she even gave up the hope of a chance encounter.

Anyway, Gamyoung was Gamyoung, and she herself was here. Hongyo, who was savoring the joy of scoring a goal, froze awkwardly when she saw Jeonghwan approaching them.

“There are less than six days left until the Sigyeonghap, and you want to play gyeokgu that badly?”

His gaze, as if they were utterly pathetic, was sharp as he looked at Hongyo and the other recruits. As everyone just watched him cautiously, one guy cluelessly chimed in.

“Aren’t you not training either, Gamgyeong?”

At that, the guy next to him rebuked him in Jeonghwan’s stead.

“Is our situation the same as the Gamgyeong’s? Why would the person who teaches us need to train?”

It was literally true. Being appointed Gamgyeong generally meant that, unlike other Gamhwis who would be commissioned to other departments after leaving the Hwayeonggyeong, they were commissioned to the Hwayeonggyeong from the start, so it was as if they had already received an official post. Thus, not only were they the most skilled within the Hwayeonggyeong, but they were also given the authority to teach others. Therefore, it was customary that even if the preceding Gamgyeong left, a new one was not selected from the class immediately below, but if there was someone outstanding among all in the Hwayeonggyeong from the new class, that person would be appointed Gamgyeong. So, even as a new recruit, the Gamgyeong would judge the Sigyeonghap, but could not participate.

Jeonghwan looked at them one by one and spoke.

“Yoo Deoksu. You’re already skipping classes and wasting your energy elsewhere. A fine job indeed. Choi Hyangbang, I hear you still drop your sword from time to time, correct? Why don’t you fix your grip on your sword before you go around making bets on which of your peers will become the jangwon? That is, if you don’t want to be kicked out of the Hwayeonggyeong.”

At those words, Choi Hyangbang’s eyes widened, and he explained as if he had been wronged.

“No, listen. Isn’t it obvious to anyone that Jang Daeho will be the jangwon anyway? Who would even place a bet in that situation?”

Seeing Jeonghwan’s expression turn even colder, Choi Hyangbang quickly shut his mouth.

“I was wrong, Gamgyeong-nauri.”

But Jeonghwan’s expression did not soften easily.

“I don’t even know where to begin.”

Then, as if he didn’t want to speak further, he turned his head. But Choi Hyangbang still pouted his lips as if he felt wronged. Seeing this, Yeoryeong answered in his place.

“The Gamgyeong is right. But that guy is no ordinary fellow. When we spar, I get so scared my legs tremble. It’s like hitting a rock with an egg, I suppose.”

“You’d do well to discard the attitude of thinking of giving up before you even fight. Who knows? A clever fellow like you might find another way.”

At that, Yeoryeong looked at Jeonghwan with surprise. Regardless, the arrow was now aimed at Hongyo.

“And Yeo Hongyo. Did a little praise make you complacent already? At best, you’ve only just shed the appearance of a complete novice holding a sword. Your spear technique, in particular, is unbearable to watch.”

At those words, Hongyo’s face burned with shame. But she couldn’t say anything to Jeonghwan, who had pointed out her condition so accurately.

“I am not asking you to win. I just hope you will do your best, as much as you can.”

After saying a few more words to everyone there following Hongyo, he finally left. As if on cue, Choi Hyangbang burst out in complaint.

“He only says that because he’s the Gamgyeong. How are we supposed to beat Jang Daeho?”

Those who agreed with him nodded their heads. Yeoryeong also nodded and said.

“That’s true. But since the Gamgyeong said so, let’s at least make a show of it.”

“Damn it! We were winning, now it’s all ruined, ruined!”

Then, smacking his lips in disappointment, Choi Hyangbang started pestering Hongyo’s opponents to pay at least half of the bet. Hongyo watched her peers return to the dormitory one by one and then spoke.

“Is no one going to train?”

“Train? What training! The mood is totally ruined!”

When Hongyo looked at Yeoryeong, Yeoryeong also shrugged and followed Choi Hyangbang. Eventually left all alone, Hongyo headed to the training grounds. To be honest, she didn’t think she could win against Jang Daeho either, but she couldn’t just let those words pass.

And when she arrived at the training grounds, Hongyo was a little surprised. There were quite a lot of people training there. Among them, the ones who stood out were those who had already lost in the first round of competitions held during class. Even though they couldn’t compete in the Sigyeonghap anymore because they had lost, seeing them remain to train until this hour, a wave of shame greater than before washed over her.

Hongyo picked up a spear. It was a wooden spear used for training, so it was different from a real one, but for Hongyo, who was handling a spear for the first time since coming to the Hwayeonggyeong, even holding the heavy thing properly was difficult. But she had to get used to it someday. Recalling what she had learned in class, Hongyo began by practicing thrusts into the air. In the meantime, torches were lit in the training grounds, which had already grown dark.

˖°⛩️⋆˙️

When Gamyoung got up from his seat, it was already Sul-si (戌時: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.). When Kyungrak had entrusted this position to him, he had said that it didn’t have as much work compared to other agencies, so he would be able to adapt quickly. But once he actually took the seat of the Hwayeonggyeongjang, what awaited Gamyoung was a mountain of work.

He had been working from the very first day of his appointment, so he couldn’t even go find Hongyo, who had been summoned by Kyungrak. The days were even more anxious because he knew that if he didn’t explain himself right away, the misunderstanding would deepen. He still couldn’t understand how he had managed all that work. By the time he had barely finished the urgent tasks and rushed over, Hongyo had almost gotten stranded in the snowy mountains.

He hadn’t told Hongyo, but ever since then, anxiety would creep in whenever Hongyo was out of his sight. That was also why he had called Hongyo to the Hwayeonggyeong. It was customary for new recruits to stay within the Hwayeonggyeong anyway, so as long as Hongyo didn’t resign, she would surely come. He had a few methods in mind to bring Hongyo to the Hwayeonggyeong, but if Hongyo wanted to resign, he was also willing to let her do so. Of course, persuading Kyungrak wouldn’t be easy, but if he insisted on remaining as the Hwayeonggyeongjang, Kyungrak would have nothing to lose.

But thankfully, Hongyo did not resign and arrived safely at the Hwayeonggyeong. Although he hadn’t intended to involve the Mugwanjang and Hongyo’s grandmother, he felt uneasy because it seemed he had ended up using them to bring Hongyo here. But he didn’t regret what he did. Separate from the anxiety he felt when Hongyo was out of his sight, his wish for Hongyo to be free was sincere.

Gamyoung was incredulous with himself for thinking of Hongyo until the very last moment even as he was leaving the Hwayeonggyeong. How many times had he tried to bury this heart? But from the moment Hongyo set foot in the Hwayeonggyeong, he couldn’t help but be on edge. This was especially true after hearing that she had almost been grabbed by the scruff of her neck by Jang Daeho during the hazing. Of course, Hongyo’s skills weren’t so weak that she would be easily beaten, so he had let Hongyo go through the hazing like her peers, but if he had had his way, the urge to pull her out had been overwhelming.

‘At this point, isn’t this a sickness?’

Lovesickness was a sickness in a sense, so it wasn’t wrong. But even if he admitted his feelings, a man liking a woman, and moreover, being in love with a friend he had known for a long time, was still a difficult problem for him to accept. So, while he was busy with work, he had also deliberately avoided going to see Hongyo.

Lost in his thoughts, Gamyoung headed to the training grounds. At times like this, swinging a sword was the best remedy. But had Hongyo ever moved according to his will? Gamyoung stopped in his tracks.

“Ha…”

A hollow laugh scattered into the air. It was the same this time.