“Master, give that bag to me.” Obviously, Dolsok was concerned that Kanghyok was holding a bag. It was natural that Dolsok asked to carry it because he didn't hold anything. As it looked heavy, Dolsok felt a bit uncomfortable and felt the urge to carry it.

“I'm alright,” said Kanghyok, showing no sign of handing it to him.

‘I know you're a loyal servant, but…'

He looked at Dolsok, who kept insisting that he carry the bag. He felt that he could trust this servant. Anyway, Kanghyok saved his younger brother Oksok's life.

‘But this bag is too important.'

Kanghyok didn't know what would happen if he lost that bag. This was the only thing he had from his original world, namely modern Korea.

When he thought as far as that, he held the bag more firmly. Fortunately, n.o.body thought of approaching him.

Kanghyok was wearing a traditional Korean hat, shoes, and a nice overcoat, and was even accompanied by a servant. In short, he was obviously a n.o.ble man in old Korea, where he was now.

“Masked dancing over there,” said Dolsok. He pointed at the place where people gathered. There were so many crowds there that it was hard to get in.

“They must have had breakfast a moment ago. How come there are so many people there?”

“As you know, the masked acrobatic team doesn't come here often. I guess they're going to the official residence of Suwon pusa tomorrow.”

‘Pusa…'

That term was new to Kanghyok, and was embarra.s.sed about not immediately knowing what it meant.

But then he recalled what he learned in high school.

“Pusa? You mean mayor?”

“Yes, sir.”

“By the way, we've come as far as here, but it looks like we can't enjoy the dance.”

“What are you talking about?”

With his eyes opened wide with surprise, Dolsok blinked his eyes.

“How about we break through the throng of people to look at the dance?”

“Oh, no, don't worry.”

With a cunning smile, Dolsok rolled up his sleeves quickly.

Then he raised his voice, “You guys, make a path! Our n.o.ble man is marching your way.” Though he acted funny, many people at the place began to step back. Dolsok then pointed at the open road that suddenly appeared.

“Come this way, master.”

“Okay.”

Concealing his perplexion, Kanghyok walked among the people.

“This looks like a good spot,” said Dolsok, pointing to the forefront. Of course, it was crowded there, too. Some of the people there must have skipped breakfast to claim that spot.

“Get out of here!” shouted Dolsok.

At his threatening words the people there made way for him.

Looking at them slowly moving back, Kanghyok made a bitter smile.

“Oh, come on, man.” Nonetheless, he sat down on a good spot thanks to Dolsok's efforts.

‘I'm so relieved that I am not a commoner!'

Kanghyok found that he was sitting at the best spot. He could even pick out the wrinkles of the masked dancers on their faces.

“Dolsok, come here and sit down next to me.”

“No thanks, sir.” Then, he insisted on standing behind his master.

‘If he stood behind me like that, he could block others' view as he is tall and heavy…'

When he examined the crowds, Kanghyok saw lots of women gathered, too.

Some of them had their hair up, indicating that they were from n.o.ble families.

‘Are women coming out here to see the dance?'

Kanghyok tried to recall what he memorized during high school days.

‘I remember the Koryo customs were still alive in the early period of Joseon Dynasty…'

Given that they're here to see the masked dancers, it was not the middle or later period of Joseon.

‘There are no beautiful women among them.' Kanghyok let out a big sigh of disappointment.

It was natural that he couldn't find a beautiful woman to his liking in Joseon, as he couldn't find one even in modern Korea.

‘Oh, they're going to walk on the tightrope.' The masked dancing team were busy preparing for the show. They installed swings and sorted out masks. What stood out among them was the tightrope. It was as high as ten meters.

Kanghyok felt dazzled as he saw that.

“Master, they're going to start now.”

“Oh, I see.”

As soon as Dolsok mentioned it, the masked dancers came out in droves. They cheerfully played on swings and hurled abuses to excite the crowds.

Kanghyok, who was exposed to all kinds of sensational contents, felt very excited.

Some of them ran up and down, as if they're experienced in martial arts. However, it was too much for old dancers. One of the men, who looked like a chief, ran into a guy playing on the swing.

“Oh my G.o.d, was he hurt?” asked Kanghyok.

“Really? He can't be. Look at that man. He's alright.”

As Dolsok said, the chief smoothed down his chest and partic.i.p.ated in the show again.

“Oh, you're right. He looks alright.”

“Yes, master. They must have lots of experience anyway.”

“Wow, they are really great.”

They did show all kinds of acrobatics, but the most stunning show was walking on the tightrope.

Dolsok shouted in an excited voice, “Master, look at that famous Orumsani (tightrope walker)!”

Kanghyok had no idea who Orumsani was.

But he could see one of the team members riding high in the air.

“Oh!”

Orumsani stood on one foot and ran on the tightrope, freely moving back and forth.

“I've never seen Orumsani jumping so high in my life. I hear this acrobatic team called Aeogae is the best. I know!”

“I think so too. Simply awesome.” As he was basically a studious guy, it was the first time Kanghyok witnessed this kind of performance.

Suddenly, he noticed something strange.

‘It's strange. I can't see his uvula.”

The fact that he had no uvula meant Orumsani was a woman.

‘Female? Can a female perform, too?'

Kanghyok had no idea.

The Aeogae team's performance was over, and they began to take off their masks.

Except for Orumsani. When he came near, Kanghyok could confirm Orumsani was a woman.

While Kanghyok was distracted by Orumsani, an old man, who seemed to be the head of the team, came out. Though he had grey hair, his voice was strong.

“Did you enjoy the show today? If you did, donate some pennies!”

When he said that, his team members moved around to collect bra.s.s coins.

It was Orumsani who stood before Kanghyok.

“n.o.ble man, give me some pennies!”

Though Orumsani intentionally spoke in a thick voice, Kanghyok felt it strange because he suspected Orumsani was a female.

‘It's none of my business anyway.' It didn't matter to him whether Orumsani was a man or a woman.

‘By the way, how much do I need to give her?'

Kanghyok put his hand into the sleeves, hesitating. What he happened to get his hands on was a fan. Though it didn't mean anything to Kanghyok, it was a luxury item in Joseon.

Dolsok, who was right next to him, whispered into his ear, “Put the fan away. Let me give some pennies.”

“Oh, that sounds good.”

Dolsok unpacked a bundle of rice on his back and gave Orumsani some.

“Thanks,” said Orumsani, bowing to him.

Aeogae disappeared soon after collecting some coins and food.

The previously crowded market street became quiet once again.

With lingering excitement on his face, Dolsok said, “Wasn't it wonderful?”

“Yeah, it was.”

“Master, as the show is over, let me take you to a nice place.”

“Nice place?”

“You know that already, don't you?”

The place Dolsok took him to was a kisaeng* house.

Given the boisterous noise coming from inside, it seemed there were already some clients having fun with the kisaeng.

One of the women with her hair put up held Kanghyok's arm naturally.

“Master, it's been a while. Let me show you into the room.”

Dolsok made a hearty laugh at that.

“How come an ugly woman like you is holding my master's arm? By the way, why is it so noisy here?”

“Aeogae is here. They just got here…”

Some of them were already drunk. High-pitched voices could be heard coming from the inside.

Shaking his head, Dolsok shouted, “Hey, escort my master into a room deep inside. Why the heck is there noise when our master is here?”

“Oh, yes, yes. Please follow me.”

An old kisaeng escorted Kanghyok and Dolsok into a room inside.

There seemed to clients next to it, but the noise there was not as loud.

When Kanghyok looked into it quickly, there were the head of the team, Orumsani, and a couple of men.

“Let me bring you drinks and food quickly.”

“Yeah, hurry up!”

At Dolsok's bluffing the kisaeng went out with a smile.

After she disappeared, Dolsok said to Kanghyok, “Master, it's only you that could do so.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I mean, no other n.o.ble man come to a kisaeng house with his servant like you.”

“I thought it was something serious,” said Kanghyok with a smile.

“I mean it, sir. There is n.o.body like you. You saved my brother's life. Today, I would like to treat you.”

“Really? Do you have money?”

“Of course, I do. The madam in your house gave me two large pieces of silk.”

“Great.”

Kanghyok had no reason to discourage him. Sitting quietly, Kanghyok leaned against the wall.

As the floor was warm, he felt sleepy. ‘I got up early this morning…'

He felt like he would fall asleep immediately if he had a drink.

Thump!

When Kanghyok was halfway to closing his eyes completely, a loud noise sounded from the next room.

Suddenly the door was flung open, and someone shouted urgently,

“Pyonsu*… Pyonsu collapsed!”

TL Notes:

Orumsani is a tightrope walker in old Joseon.

Kisaeng is the Korean equivalent to the j.a.panese geisha.

Pyonsu means head of the team.