Chapter 129: Watching From the Gaps
2 PM. Shoes so clean they didn't have a speck of dust on them stepped onto the dirt. A large stone wall had a space in the middle, with a signboard hanging above it that says,
[Bogungmun]
Bogungmun used to be a popular route for hikers climbing Bukhansan. However, shortly after Hong Ye-seong moved into the Jang-in Village on Bukhansan, he blocked off access to the area, using restoration work as an excuse. Jung Bin took a yellow talisman out of the inside pocket of his suit. Then, without hesitation, he stepped towards the space under the stone wall.
Soon, a completely different landscape appeared. Beyond several layers of ropes with sacred charms, a courtyard with lush green grass came into view. In one corner of the yard was a large kiln, and beyond the yard stood a traditional straw-roofed house. It was the place where Hong Ye-seong, exiled to Bukhansan, was staying.
Jung Bin ducked under the sacred ropes and entered. A chicken chirped clearly.
"Hong Ye-seong-ssi. Are you here?"
"...Huh?"
A brown lump that had been lying on the porch like a blob of slime slowly lifted its head. Despite not being in exile for long, Hong Ye-seong already looked like a wreck. Dressed in a green tracksuit, he rolled over and looked at Jung Bin. His eyes, which had been hazy, began to sparkle.
"Could it be? Is the exile already over?!"
"No."
Jung Bin cut him off firmly, clasping his hands behind his back.
"I came to ask you something. Do you have a moment to talk?"