Morning came bright and restless at the Kang residence.Servants ran back and forth through the corridors, carrying wet cloths, bowls of hot water, and armfuls of herbs.
Eun-bi, who had just woken up, blinked at the commotion."Whoa, what's going on? Why does everyone look like we're running a medical drama?"
One servant rushed past."Master Min-ju is sick! He's had a high fever since dawn!"
"Min-ju?" Eun-bi frowned. "Who's that? A new character I haven't met yet?"
Another servant answered quickly, "He's Lord Jun-yeol's younger brother — the youngest in the Kang family."
Eun-bi's eyes widened."Oh... so Mr. Cold-Face actually has a little brother? I thought it was just him and his freezing aura living here."
The head maid, who happened to be passing by, glared sharply."Han Eun-bi! Mind your tongue before you lose your job!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Eun-bi zipped her mouth shut — though her eyes still gleamed with curiosity.
A few hours later, Eun-bi was asked to deliver a bowl of warm water to the small pavilion where the young master was being treated.She wasn't allowed to enter, but from the crack in the door, she could see inside.
A young man lay pale on the bed, his hair tousled, but even in his weakness, he was smiling faintly.His voice was hoarse yet playful.
"If I die young," he muttered, "please bury me near the kitchen. At least I'll still smell something delicious every day."
Eun-bi nearly dropped the bowl trying not to laugh."This kid... even half-dead, he's still got jokes."
Inside, the old physician sighed."His fever is too high. Ordinary herbs aren't helping much."
Without thinking, Eun-bi took a small step forward."Um... excuse me, Master Physician?"
Everyone turned toward the door.She quickly bowed her head. "I-I just wanted to say, if he's shivering that much, maybe don't use cold water. Try warm compresses instead — the body adjusts better."
The physician frowned slightly. "And where did you learn that?"
"Eh... personal experience, sir," Eun-bi said quickly. "I once saw a kid with a similar fever. The warm water worked faster than cold."
The physician was silent for a moment, then nodded."Hmm. Interesting. Let's try it."
By late afternoon, Min-ju's fever had begun to ease.The servants breathed in relief."His temperature is going down," said the physician.
Eun-bi stood by the doorway, smiling faintly."Thank goodness... at least I didn't mess up this time."
Just as she turned to leave, a deep voice stopped her.
"You."
She froze. Turning slowly, she found Kang Jun-yeol standing there, dressed in a simple black hanbok, his expression unreadable.
"You're the one who advised the physician?"
Eun-bi tensed. "A-ah... yes, but it was just a small suggestion, sir. I didn't mean to interfere. I was just... worried."
Jun-yeol's gaze lingered on her for several seconds — far too long for comfort.Finally, he said flatly,
"You speak without permission. But... this time, your words were useful."
Eun-bi blinked. "W–wait... was that a compliment?"
"No.""But it sounded like one."
Jun-yeol turned away before she could grin any wider.Watching his retreating back, Eun-bi whispered, "He just said my words were useful. Okay, someone write this down — historic day in Joseon!"
That night, Eun-bi sat by her window, the cool night breeze brushing her face.The scent of plum blossoms floated in the air.She unfolded the mysterious letter, now glowing faintly under the candlelight.
"The one who writes with heart... shall open the way."
She read the words softly, a small smile tugging at her lips."Maybe... it's not about going home. Maybe it's about helping people here."
Her gaze drifted toward the pavilion, where Min-ju was sleeping — and Jun-yeol still kept silent watch."Funny. All I did was give a small suggestion, but it feels like I rewrote a tiny part of someone's story."
In the pavilion, Min-ju stirred awake for a moment."Kya... that servant girl... she has a funny voice," he mumbled before dozing off again.
Jun-yeol raised an eyebrow. "Sleep."
But as the candlelight flickered beside him, an image of the clumsy girl with curious eyes slipped into his thoughts.
For some reason... the house didn't feel as cold as it used to.