Rin the Rat: Tale of a Beloved MonsterCh56 - Disquietude

No content warning this time!! Really, it’s all just Rin and his foul mouth that generates all the CWs V_V


It’s not even sunrise when Fifth Lord Hwan Jun returns to the estate. He stalks through the grounds and into the main house with a thunderous expression, his mien so fierce not a single servant nor worker dare stand in his way. dHFB4e

Of course, there is one servant who does dare, and she brazenly follows the ill-tempered lord into his quarters without a second thought.

“Young master? You have returned early from your studies.” Mira closes the door and approaches the lord.

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

He’s standing at his desk, palms flat upon the surface as he glares out the window. It’s going to be a dreary day. Hot and humid without a sliver of blue.

“Young master?” Mira frowns, touching the man lightly on his arm. ESXIHa

He stiffens and pushes himself from the desk to stand upright. His spine is ramrod straight. His golden eyes, cold and angry. It’s a disorienting moment, when the maidservant sees Hwan Sun before her, even for but an illusory moment.

“What is it, Mira?” he says, shortly. His words are full of thorns. “Am I not able to return by my own prerogative? Must I consult you and father for every decision I make?”

The Nix narrows her eyes, expression cooling rapidly. “I assume something has happened. Would you care to speak on it?”

“Nothing has happened. What could have possibly happened in that isolated house?” Jun sighs and throws down his bag upon the desk, unpacking his books and notebooks.

61hVkc

Mira folds her arms, brows pinched together. “Hm. Although, you were not in the Lakehouse the entire time.”

The lord falters. He sideglances his maidservant before resuming his actions.

“Cook prepared snacks for you especially and requested I bring them to the Lakehouse,” she explains in a near monotone. “You were in the Slums again, weren’t you?”

“I must have been taking a constitution by the lake,” Jun replies, calmly. He flips through a notebook, though he doesn’t register his own writing. O0dATP

“You had not.”

“You are very thorough, Mira.”

“I must be if I am to be your maidservant, young master.”

Jun sets down his notebook and hangs his head, leaning a hand against the edge of his desk. All the energy and anger drains from him. He’s tired. And sad. And disappointed beyond words. YhHB1C

“Master Jun?” The maidservant probes in a gentler tone. Concern flutters, taking precedence over her anger.

“…I have been in the Slums,” Jun confirms, quietly. He stares blankly at his messy desk. At all the books and notes, the accumulation of his studies in preparation for his role as Governor. Suddenly, it all seems rather meaningless. “I have joined a group that has intentions of improving the conditions of the Slums.”

“A group?” Mira raises a brow. “What kind of group?”

So Jun explains to his maidservant the events of the past fortnight. He tells her about the Marquis and his Hounds, including the battle and Crow’s assassination. Though he protects the identity of said assassin, of course. oxBzYr

Mira’s expression remains even throughout. When he finishes relaying the events, she narrows her eyes at her young, foolish master. Fingers twitch, as if she were stifling the urge to strike the back of his head.

“The rising violence in the Slums as of late – you were involved with this.” The accusation is thick. “Not only that, but you are confessing to me of a murder you have failed to report to the Silverswords.”

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“The murder is…regrettable, yes,” Jun frowns, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “I believe punishment must be dealt, however I do not believe the state is fit to do so.”

“Oh?” She raises a brow. “That is an odd thing to say for a future Governor.” EYXNfB

“You know as well as I that the current system is shambolic.” Guilt weighs his words however. In truth, he is still grappling with how to reconcile his moral values and his fierce loyalty to Rin, who threatens such values on a near constant basis.

And–” Mira continues, emphatically, “–you have placed yourself in great danger, young master. I cannot allow this to continue.”

“This is important, Mira. Not only do I have fresh insight, but I am working, hand to dirt, truly helping my people. Something that my father has continuously failed to do.”

The Nix leans against the desk, arms crossed and one ankle slung over the other. Her visage is crumpled in deep contemplation, not prone is she to take her lord’s words lightly. No matter how misguided they may be. NteZwV

“…The Lakehouse is a cover?” she says, a faint smile dancing on her lips.

“A poor one at that, evidently.” Jun gestures to his thorough maidservant who huffs a laugh.

We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.

“Evidently. So why have you returned? Has your true identity been discovered?”

“Rb. Pa’r cba atja.” Aec ibkfgr tlwrfio lcab tlr mtjlg jcv qjiwr tlr obgftfjv. “Pa’r Elcclf. Elc, P wfjc. Lf…tf’r j qjga bo atlr abb.” xDBy8m

“Ct. Ljr rbwfatlcu tjqqfcfv ab tlw?” Vtf’r cba regqglrfv atja tfg sbecu wjrafg lr ralii rfflcu atf Viewwfg lc rfmgfa. Ktflg joofmalbc obg fjmt batfg tjv yffc gjatfg ugfja, fnlvfca ab fnfc atbrf wbra rtbgarlutafv.

“No, he is well. I think.” He locks his jaw and grimaces. “I saw him kissing the Marquis.”

Mira intakes as her confusion sluices away. “I see.”

The short silence that follows is tense and awkward. Mira, unable to offer any solace. And Jun, unsure how to continue following his sudden confession. ashp3y

“…Regardless,” he finally says, voice cracking. He clears his throat before continuing. “Now you know what I have been doing. Will you be reporting my whereabouts to my father?”

Those cold goldens are like pieces of flint.

It’s his sheer disregard of their history that frustrates the Nix. Though she understands that her oblivious young master is suffering from some kind of heartache, it’s moments like these that remind her of his true age. He is still but a child.

“I am your maidservant, young master,” she says, coolly. Her gaze is sliced in half, turned apathetic. “Not your father’s. My loyalty lies with you. Need I remind you of all your other activities gone unreported?” cQ1bdP

Jun pauses, as if he had indeed forgotten such other times had occurred. At least he has the courtesy to blush in shame. “…But yes. Of course. Please forgive me, Mira. I seem to have…forgotten a great many things.”

“You would do well to remember. I am sure by now your father has received word of your return. He has been in a mood as of late.”

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As if summoned by their words alone, there’s a polite yet sharp rap at the door. Without waiting for a response, it swings open to reveal the first lord himself and his ever present manservant.

Zev gives a shallow bow to Jun and steps aside, giving his lord space to enter. 8BrxDA

Jun automatically bows and greets his father expressionlessly. “Good morning, father. What brings you to my quarters at such early hours?”

The frail first lord glares down his nose at his youngest son. By the dark shadows under his eyes and his crumpled Northern suit, it’s safe to assume that Hwan Sun had been working all night. It’s not a rare occurrence.

Jun ensures that his own gaze meets his father’s. Even and cold. Not an ounce of give can be seen.

Something in his son’s determination perplexes the Governor. Sun narrows his eyes and pushes out a sigh through his nose. 6dWLZQ

“You were not due back until the end of the week,” Sun says, detachedly. “Or had I been misinformed?”

“I saw no more need to isolate myself.”

“You have deemed your studies to have been sufficient?”

“Yes, father.” zkvMFU

“Your teacher believes otherwise.”

Jun gives his father a brittle smile. “Teacher Hak enjoys challenging me.”

“It seems that your interest in your studies has been waning for quite some time now.” Hwan Sun tiredly unclips his collar and strides to the laden desk. He picks up one of the notebooks and flips through it. Nothing he sees impresses him. He tosses it down carelessly. “You have also been shirking your administrative duties and training. Do you no longer have interest in becoming Governor?”

“Whatever study or training I undertake now will have no impact upon my abilities as Governor,” Jun bites back. He curls his hands into white knuckled fists. 5TBdve

“Your hubris never fails to astound.”

“I have been ready for many months now, father. My confidence is not unwarranted.”

“It is entirely unwarranted. In fact, it is your biggest flaw, Hwan Jun. One that you and your brothers have unfortunately inherited from your mother.” Sun’s glare is cutting, his words moreso.

Jun tries to hide the sudden tremble in his hands. “Oh, so you do remember my brothers,” he says, borrowing Rin’s sarcasm and wearing it like a shield. “Then perhaps you also remember that I am the only one you have left. I am the only one who can inherit the Governance of Hanjuyang. Without me, you will lose this city and surely, the Mother’s favour.” aluXEV

His heart is pounding a mile a minute, and he’s sure on the verge of hyperventilating – but the look of silent rage upon his father’s face is worth his rebellion.

The current Governor of Hanjuyang turns to face his son head on, goldens glittering in arctic wrath. He smiles thinly at the bellicose lad, having experienced this scene a great many times with his other sons.

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

For the first time in years, his stability is threatened.

“You have changed,” Sun acknowledges. The hint of disdain in his tone negates any illusion of admiration. “Do you intend on running away like your brothers? Abandoning the House of Hwan?” MhTO5n

“I will not run from my responsibilities,” Jun counters, evenly. “But I will also not run from you, father. When you drove my brothers and my mother away, did you not realise what the common denominator is?”

Zev bristles at the youngest lord words and he visibly tenses. Sun’s sharp look stays any further action as effectively as a physical bind.

“I am disappointed to hear such…acrimony,” the Governor says, sounding not at all sorry. “What is it you propose? Since you clearly do not need my guidance in any capacity.”

Jun grits his teeth. “I never said I did not want you as my father.” zNqaW8

“I am a politician, Jun. I am fluent in subtext.”

“For one so versed in nuance you are so incredibly obtuse.”

“I will not stand to be insulted.”

“Very well. You want a proposition, then I shall offer you this.” Jun draws himself up to his full height. His visage takes on an austerity that ages him. “Make me Governor and step away from this city. Immerse yourself in your duties as Ministry of Military Affairs – I am sure it will keep you plenty occupied. I am more than ready for this position. Dare I say that I am even capable in areas that you may lack. Give me this, and in return, you will see this region prosper as you never have before. The House of Hwan will reach new heights. And I will become a son to be proud of.” rUzCjs

Hwan Sun pushes out a long breath, deflating before Jun’s very eyes. In place of the prickly politician, stands a weary old man. For the first time in his life, the little lord sees his father for who he really is. Just another person. Not a god. Not an unrivalled power. Just a lonely old man who is slowly withering away. 

Jun’s anger dwindles and in its place, something akin to pity takes hold.

Hwan Sun gives a subtle nod, his gaze softened. “…When you have returned from your campaign to Reshun, I will make you Governor. Do not let me down, Jun. I shall be watching you from the sidelines. Remember, your decisions will shape the future of this Empire.”

Jun blinks wide-eyed as his father and Zev leave his quarters. His lips part, a myriad of responses teeming on the tip of his tongue. But he says nothing. Or rather, he is unable to say anything. And silence settles once more. pPfGiW

“Well done,” Mira grins, her Swordsmaster’s mirth seeping through her stoicism. “I have never seen you hold your own like that. Not against the Governor.”

The little lord slumps against the wall, trying to calm his frenetic heart. “Oh gods, Mira,” he croaks, goldens as round as saucers. “I cannot believe that worked.”

“It did more than work,” Mira chuckles, clapping the shaky man’s shoulder. “Stand tall, young master.”

“Thank you, Mira,” Jun says, faintly. He rubs his forehead as he slowly calms. His thoughts keep turning to a certain raven, and how he might have flashed him a beautific grin. Would Rin be proud of me? he silently wonders. “At least now I can divert my focus to the matter at hand.” bdENAm

“The Slums? Or do you mean Rin?” The maidservant adjusts the level of her mirth, reverting to that cold mask.

“…Both, I suppose.” Jun groans and scrubs his face in both hands. When he raises his head, he looks dishevelled and slightly unhinged. “What do I do, Mira? The longer we remain with the Marquis, the more I feel like…I feel like…”

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“You mentioned that they have a history?” Mira couldn’t care less about petty relationship issues. However, she has never seen her young master in such a tailspin over another. It’s the least she can do to attempt to help. “Were they lovers?”

“Yes. At least, it appears so.” He starts pacing restlessly, raking his hands through his hair until he starts to resemble a hedgehog. “I am overreacting. Surely. Was it not I who had convinced him to trust the Marquis?” jPfHlA

“Trusting the Marquis and sharing intimacy with him are two very different things, young master. I do believe your response is justified. How long have you been lovers?”

“I…” Jun hesitates, turning a deep tomato red. He rubs his nape and mutters, “Since we returned from the Blue Plains.”

“Shared scars make the heart grow fonder. Is that it?”

“Mira, please.” If his face were any hotter, he would surely erupt like a heaving volcano. “Not much has changed between us, save for the promise for commitment. Which…means little to him, apparently.” KkrcT8

Commitment? The woman purses her lips, brows knitting in worry. Just how deeply has her young master entangled himself in this walking embodiment of trouble? “Perhaps he doesn’t understand what commitment means?” she offers, half-heartedly. “He was a Rose, after all. I’d imagine monogamy is a foreign concept to a person in such a profession.”

“He is not a Rose,” Jun says, quickly. “Not anymore. But…you could have a point, Mira. I do not think we stipulated exactly what commitment would look like.”

“As it is so oft repeated to me by those in relationships, communication is everything, young master.” Mira can’t help but narrow her eyes in disdain.

This catches the lord’s interest and he stops pacing mid-step. “Have you never been in a relationship, Mira?” SpVAwq

“No,” she says, curtly. “And I do not intend to.”

“…Have you…I mean you must have been with people–”

“Yes. Many times. How is this relevant to our current conversation?”

Jun coughs into a fist and continues pacing. His ears burn a bright red. “I will take your advice, then. You have my gratitude for your counsel.” 19P0ut

“The campaign for Reshun may not be for weeks yet. What will you do in the meantime?”

“I will continue as I have been, working with the Marquis to improve the conditions of the Slums. It is a truly social endeavour, Mira. Because of his vision, I could never challenge the man…”

“You could and you should,” the Nix says, raising a brow. “You are adept at diplomacy. Utilise your skills, young master.”

Jun sighs and drops onto his bed, stretching out with a low groan. “Why must this be so complicated?” Fd9jaO

Mira gives him a wry smile and fusses about his messy desk. “This is why I will protect my independence until the day I die.”

“You are indeed the wisest one I know, Mira.”

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The woman hums in agreement. She slows in her actions, glancing over the prone lord with a worried gaze. “…How did you find it?”

“Hm?” Q8kmZP

“The gang violence. Or battle, as you described it. You do not seem greatly affected by it.” She sets down the neatened pile of documents and straightens up, staring at him head on. “You, a Healer, who had so vowed to never enact violence against another.”

Jun avoids her penetrating look, opting instead to inspect the ceiling with great interest. After a time, he answers, his voice serious and quiet. “I think. Out of all kinds of violence. I understand the kind on the battlefield moreso.”

Mira smiles grimly, sweeping an unruly lock of hair from her face. “So you have come to learn of this.”

“Yes. To defend Rin. To defend my friends. My brethren. I found it…disturbingly easy to draw my weapon.” 1a6Yy0

“Violence without reason makes little sense to anyone, young master. You simply had to discover your own reason.”

“I am ashamed to have found my reason.”

“I daresay you had already found it a long time ago.”

Jun thinks back to the alleyway, where he had first met Rin. The sight of the raven falling, blood pooling around his body, his beautiful face pallid in blood loss. The cold terror that gripped his heart. And the cool silence that followed as he dispatched Tiger and his men. 9TgcL7

He had felt no guilt then for his actions. Not a second thought had been spared for his victims. For the violence he had caused. It had been all too easy.

“Wanting to protect the ones you love. It is nothing to be ashamed of.” Mira comes to sit on the edge of the bed, beside Jun. She gives his arm a sympathetic pat. “You have a good heart. A good and pure heart. But you also have a warrior’s spirit. Do not stifle yourself for the sake of propriety, young master. You do yourself, and the world, a disservice.”

“A disservice? How so?” The youth sits upright, stirred by his maidservant’s touch. “Is more violence in this world the answer?”

“Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, violence is required to maintain peace.” xQGLKi

“If no-one enacted violence, then there would be no need for such actions.”

“If no-one enacted violence, we would not be human,” Mira points out, wryly.

“You mean to say that humanity is inherently violent.”

“Of course. We are natural aggressors, young master. And as long as we are the aggressive, greedy, flawed humans we are, there will always be violence. The key is to wield violence for the right cause. One must not blame the sword for the wielder’s will.” vgmI4s

The tired adage draws a faint smile from Jun. “…I do feel that it is righteous,” he admits, nodding, “to wield my sword in defense of those who cannot defend themselves. That is why I had always had an interest in swordplay.”

“Instinctively, you know that this kind of violence is different.”

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“Yes. I suppose I did not understand the true nuance of intent.”

“Intent is important, young master. But know that to take a life, whatever your intent, the burden you bear will always be the same. It will be lifelong and crippling. But it is your responsibility to endure the punishment. Know this.” dUsrgN

“I do,” Jun nods, suddenly reticent. “Thank you, Mira.”

The Nix huffs. “I don’t think it’s something to be thanked for.” She rises to her feet and quickly stretches out her limbs. “And something else you should know. When you return to the Slums, I will be accompanying you.”

The little lord furrows his brows. “Mira–”

“I will not impede your efforts, young master,” she interjects, raising her finger. “I will remain unseen and unheard. I am your maidservant and there is little I can do for you from here.” Kfbxyh

Seeing the hard, obstinate glint in his maidservant’s eyes, Jun sighs and nods in reluctant acquiescence. “Very well. I would welcome your presence.”

“Unseen and unheard,” Mira promises, the corners of her mouth twitching.

“…Somehow, this is not assuring to me, Mira.”

Zdrl5M

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4 comments

  1. MIRA OMG THANK YOU?! She’ll for sure notice the problems with marquis, right?! And please although he’s your liege, scold this damn idiot a little!!

  2. GO KING also hopefully Mira will be able to help.

    Now, Jun, why don’t you go talk with Rin while i kil- have a good talk with the marquis?

    Thank you for the chapter!! ❤️❤️