***
"How is this young master faring?"
A fortnight after the brief banquet at Seokho Pavilion.
Within the office of the Lord of Seokgajang, Chief Steward Gong Seokyong, Branch Lord Gu Donghae, and Lord Seok Duwon were conversing.
"He is merely whiling away the time. Apart from occasionally venturing into the city, he does not appear to have any noteworthy movements."
"Is that so? He isn't meeting with anyone separately?"
"Other than sharing tea and conversation with Chief Steward Gong or myself when we occasionally stop by, there is no one."
Today's topic was Yi Jeonghwan, the Third-Ranked Honored Guest of Seokgajang, who had displayed his talents at the banquet some time ago.
To Seok Duwon's inquiry about his recent circumstances, Chief Steward Gong and Branch Lord Gu answered in turn.
Having heard the final answer from Branch Lord Gu Donghae, Seok Duwon looked somewhat surprised.
"The two of you, you say? When did you grow so close?"
"This Gu has always held an interest in the Western Regions, has he not? Of course, I hadn't known Chief Steward Gong was the same, but since we kept running into each other in front of the guest hall, we have been spending time together."
"Ahem. It is not such a matter for me... It is merely that my subordinates all speak highly of this young master, so I thought I would see him for himself..."
"Aah. You were drawn to him, that is all. I fully understand what you mean. That youth possesses a certain something."
"It is difficult to put into words, but he does have such a quality, my lord. His etiquette differs from the Central Plains style, yet it is not lacking, nor does it burden the other party. He has a talent for putting people at ease. Thus, I occasionally stop by to visit him."
"Ho ho ho. This is the first time I have seen Chief Steward Gong grow so close to an honored guest."
"The Chief Steward is particularly fond of the Western Regions-style tales this young master tells. My lord, you should join us for tea next time."
The words being exchanged were hardly unflattering to him. It was inevitable. This was due to both the talent he had displayed at the previous banquet and the connections he had built within Seokgajang.
Whether with servants, hired hands, or the kitchen maids—speaking politely and treating everyone kindly, his reputation within Seokgajang was growing by the day.
This was because he had worked in the service industry. And because he had come from somewhere other than the Central Plains. Thus, though he was still unaccustomed to the local culture, they could not know that about him.
"Everyone has been spending such time without this Seok's knowledge. Heh heh. How could you leave me out?"
"You must join us next time."
"Very well. Let us do so. Then, how have things progressed at Seokho Pavilion lately?"
"As for that matter, I was just preparing to report separately, my lord."
The conversation moved from Yi Jeonghwan to Seokho Pavilion. Seok Duwon, who had declared he would wholly apply Jeonghwan's advice regarding the management of Seokho Pavilion.
Now that a fortnight had passed, it was time to check how much the sown seeds had sprouted. Anticipation bloomed across his expression as he awaited Chief Steward Gong's answer.
"This young master's words were entirely correct."
"Correct, you say?"
"Yes. Since the price tags were put up, reports say that the number of visitors to the first and second floors has increased noticeably. After having servants and employees check, we are told that those with roots in Hangzhou are also seen frequently."
"Hoh. Is that so?"
Both the one giving the report and the one receiving it wore the same expression.
It was the expression of pleased men.
Branch Lord Gu Donghae, who had been standing one step back, also added his words.
"Not long ago, I received a letter from the merchant caravans of Honam and Habuk. They had inquiries about Seokho Pavilion."
"Truly? Already?"
"They asked if they could reserve seats, saying the window ceremony of Seokho Pavilion was rumored to be so beautiful."
"Ha ha ha! Indeed! Our Seokho Pavilion's window ceremony is a famous attraction. Branch Lord Gu, take charge and make sure to reserve good seats for them."
"It shall be done."
Seok Duwon laughed heartily, looking like a man who did not dislike the praise being heaped upon Seokho Pavilion.
To the point of offering seats to those who had asked as if doing them a favor. He was clearly in a very good mood.
"However, I hear that the one who offered such a scheme has not shown his face even once at Seokho Pavilion. I would think he'd want to check the situation at least once."
"My lord. Did not this young master come to Seokgajang empty-handed? Moreover, having fulfilled his duties as an honored guest, he may be acting thus to avoid burdening Seokgajang further."
"That is correct. Whenever I visited him to share tea, he was a man who constantly expressed gratitude, saying that Seokgajang fed and housed him. He gives credit where credit is due and does not flaunt his contributions separately; one could dare call him the model of an honored guest."
The moderately good impressions he had shown during their tea conversations until now were bearing fruit.
Both Chief Steward Gong and Branch Lord Gu had nothing but good words for Jeonghwan.
It was an era where etiquette was the privilege of the educated. In such times, Jeonghwan's appearance—adjusting the pace like a bartender, matching the atmosphere of drinking gatherings and tea sessions appropriately, and treating even subordinates with courtesy—could not help but appear special to them.
"Which brings me to this. To my eyes, he seemed to wish to settle down in Hangzhou. If he wishes to settle, he will need work. If I were to offer this young master a position, would it be a great discourtesy?"
"A position, my lord? What kind of...?"
"I speak of Seokho Pavilion. I wish to entrust the management of Seokho Pavilion to this young master. His ingenuity is no ordinary matter; I dearly wish to put him to work."
"Hmm..."
"Hmm."
The two, having heard Seok Duwon's sudden proposal, fell into momentary thought. Though their relationship with Jeonghwan was a factor, they were primarily pondering how this matter would affect the interests of Seokgajang.
"He certainly did not look like one who would leave Hangzhou. Was not the place he stayed before a cottage rather than an inn? Furthermore, with the discernment this young master showed at the last banquet, there should be no difficulty in entrusting him with work."
"However?"
"The person's own will is the most important matter."
"I think the same. If he accepts, it would be a great boon for Seokgajang."
If they could entrust it to him, it would be good. The two had gathered their words in subtly the same direction.
However, this matter was unlikely to depend solely on their will. Seok Duwon, hearing the two's answers, soon gave a clear response.
"Then it is a simple matter. Summon this young master. I shall ask him myself."
***
While sharing a pleasant time with Mae Chohyeon—no, an exchange of musical knowledge.
At a voice carried over the wall from the adjacent guest hall, I could not help but move my feet.
Before the Third-Ranked Honored Guest quarters I had returned to stood Chief Steward Gong himself, smiling as he waited for me.
I followed Chief Steward Gong straight to the lord's office, known as Daeseok Hall.
The one who had called for me was Lord Seok Duwon.
"I heard you were looking for me."
"I have words to convey and questions to ask, so I called for you in haste. I hope I have not called upon one who is busy?"
"Not at all. I was merely sharing tea and conversation with Lady Mae in the guest hall."
"Hm? With Lady Mae?"
"Yes."
At the words that I had been sharing tea and conversation with Mae Chohyeon, Seok Duwon's eyes grew wide.
Had he not told the guests to get along? Now that they truly were, he looked surprised.
"Ho ho ho. It is a fine thing for guests to be close and exchange with one another. Indeed. What did you discuss?"
"Nothing of note. Lady Mae played a fine musical piece for me, so we spoke about that piece."
"Hm?"
"Pardon?"
"Truly, you say Lady Mae played a musical piece?"
"Yes. While playing the zither?"
I reported exactly what had happened, calmly. However, Seok Duwon's expression was one of gaping mouth and tilting head.
Gu Donghae and Chief Steward Gong also wore surprised expressions. Their jaws dropped.
"I have no reason to lie. But why do you react so...?"
"Hah. Have I seen such a dullard? He seems to have no idea what it means that Lady Mae played the zither for him, my lord."
"Ho ho. That is how it appears to me as well. To think this young master had such a side to him."
Chief Steward Gong, unable to endure it, added something, yet I still could not understand.
I simply watched them click their tongues for quite some time.
"Well. In any case, is it not a fine thing? Heh heh. Youth is indeed wonderful."
"Are you envious, my lord?"
"To think you have heard a performance I have only heard twice despite having her as my guest—that is somewhat enviable."
Only then could I understand the reason for their reaction. So she was the finest musician in the capital, one requested to perform even in the imperial palace.
It seemed not just anyone could hear her play.
"In any case, the reason I called for you today is none other than a matter concerning Seokho Pavilion."
At the mention of Seokho Pavilion, my eyes sharpened slightly.
'Could it be that things didn't go well?'
That anxious thought lasted but a moment. As soon as I realized that could not be, I regained my composure.
If things had not gone well, Seok Duwon would not have sought me out again.
"Ho ho. First, I wish to express my gratitude."
As expected.
Positive words emerged from Seok Duwon's mouth.
"This is already the second time I have said this to you, but once again, Seokgajang owes you a great debt. This Seok expresses his gratitude anew."
"Was there improvement?"
"Indeed. Was there merely improvement? The measures you advised were remarkably effective. They say there is barely room to stand on the first and second floors of Seokho Pavilion. Word of mouth is gradually spreading too. Letters are already flying in asking about the window ceremony!"
Seok Duwon even made a motion as though striking his knee as he relayed the reactions to Seokho Pavilion.
He was so excited that he almost looked not like the head of a great house, but merely like an ordinary neighborhood elder.
"It is the virtue of you, my lord, who heeded a small opinion and interpreted it grandly. Offering an opinion is easy, but adopting and implementing it is difficult. It is not my merit."
I hurriedly demurred, reacting as though I had not anticipated this. From what I had learned while drinking tea with Chief Steward Gong and Branch Lord Gu, such humility was considered the highest virtue in the Central Plains.
"Ho ho. Look at this man, so modest."
"That is this young master's strong point."
"I think so as well."
The two, as though proud of my well-learned appearance, made a point of adding a word each.
Seok Duwon looked at the three of us with an amused gaze.
"Which brings me to this."
"Yes, my lord."
"Would you not consider taking charge of managing Seokho Pavilion? I wish to formally offer you a position."
!
What followed was an abrupt job offer. I opened my eyes wide for a moment and looked toward Chief Steward Gong and Branch Lord Gu.
The expressions of the two, smiling softly, showed that they had already known this question would come.
"Ah. Of course, I know you are not from these parts. However, I wondered if perchance you might be considering settling down, which is why I ask."
"The lord has said he will spare no support if you wish to settle. If you wish to settle, work is essential, is it not?"
"Of course, if you express your intention to leave, the lord will treat you just as he does now for as long as you remain. This is simply Seokgajang not wishing to lose a capable man, so do not feel burdened."
They coordinated remarkably well. As if those words had been rehearsed, they took turns speaking in perfect harmony.
They poured out words rapidly, as if to leave me no room to think.
"We will adjust the conditions as much as possible. That is only right when recruiting an expert of your caliber."
"Of course, my lord. Also, if you tell me in detail what work I would be entrusted with..."
"Managing a pavilion is, as one might generally think..."
The three did not stop speaking, continuing one after another. Just as they were trying to appeal that working at Seokho Pavilion had many advantages—
"I will do it."
"Yes. Of course, time to think... what?"
"I said I will do it."
"Truly?"
I gave a simple answer, once again changing Seok Duwon's expression.
He had worn a surprised expression many times today.
"Yes, my lord. Though it is thanks to a stroke of luck that I rendered some service, I have received excessive hospitality from Seokgajang. Now that you have given me this opportunity to work, I wish to do my utmost to repay that kindness."
In truth, it was not a matter requiring much deliberation. Had it been until recently, it might have given me some pause.
But not now, at least.
I had just resolved to survive here. Though I had tried not to consider settling down while thinking of when I would return, that had been a somewhat vain notion.
Now, while living on. And while adapting here. I had resolved to wait for the day I could return.
Work was an essential element for settling down, as they had said.
From a certain perspective, they had extended this proposal at a truly necessary and opportune time.
'Of course, I must make sure to secure all the conditions I heard earlier.'
One might think of vaguely remaining as an honored guest at Seokgajang and waiting.
However, there was no telling how long Seokgajang would continue to provide me with the position of honored guest.
If so, I had to find my own livelihood somehow.
Seokho Pavilion might be the best workplace for me, who possessed but a single skill.
A place with alcohol, guests, and service.
That was precisely the kind of place where I could make the best use of the skills I had honed.
"Ho ho. Hearing such an answer, I scarce know what to do with myself. You answer so refreshingly; I am truly grateful. Is there nothing separate you would like me to accommodate?"
"There is one thing, my lord."
"What is it? Speak freely."
"First, I would like to begin by managing only the first and second floors, not the entirety of Seokho Pavilion. I am not yet confident whether the knowledge I have learned will work in the Central Plains. I wish to test this first, so I humbly ask your permission."
"Hmm. The first and second floors."
"My lord. How about entrusting him with work according to this young master's request first, then proceeding based on his results?"
"That is correct. Entrusting the management of an entire large pavilion like Seokho Pavilion to one who has only just begun working in the Central Plains could be burdensome."
"Hmm. Your words are right. I nearly burdened this young master. Young master. Do as you say. For now, please take charge of at least the first and second floors."
"Yes, my lord."
With the one condition accepted, I offered my respects to Seok Duwon once more.
This time, not in my own manner, but in the Central Plains style. There was nothing more awkward than the sight of me cupping my fists and slightly bowing my head.
This was not a greeting of gratitude for being entrusted with work.
This was a greeting signifying that from now on, I had become a man of Seokgajang.
Whether they knew it or not, the three, seeing my incomparably awkward appearance, smiled in satisfaction.