Kim Man Shik's pov
"I'm sorry if I failed you, my master." the servant said while kneeling in front of me.
"How come someone knew about our plan, huh?" the king is really getting in my nerves.
"The cousin of Min Yun fought him. He told me everything when I went to the jail."
"That lady too is getting on my nerves. She really pisses me off."
"Should I kill her?"
I laughed sarcastically. "Kill her? You can't even kill that court lady."
"We will not let you down again, my master."
"You said a while ago that I-jun is currently in the clinic. "
"Yes."
"Is she a warrior? An army? She's starting to make me curious about her. Did you visit Min Yun's father?"
"Unfortunately, the time we came was the time he went to another town to visit his relative."
I closed my fist because of anger. They really wanted war. Then, I give them what they want.
"Gather all the warriors. I need to talk to them personally."
"Yes, your master." then he left.
I drink my tea while looking at nowhere. I needed a plan. A concrete plan that they can never escape.
"Father... "
I looked on my side where my daughter was standing. I raised my left eyebrow.
"I'm going to the palace."
My face changed. " Have you change your mind?"
"I made up my mind. I will get the throne."
I stood up and confront her. " That's what I am asking for. A brave daughter." I told her while patting her head.
"I will make you proud, father. This time I will not cry."
****
I-jun's POV
"I-jun!!!"
I looked at the door where Ji Han was standing. He ran towards me and hugged me tight.
"I'm sorry if I am too late." he cried.
"It is not your fault, Ji Han"
"If I was there the time you needed me, this will not happen."
"I'm okay now. Don't worry."
"How can you be okay if there is wound in your hand?"
"The doctor already gave me the medicine. It will start healing."
"I promise I will never leave your side."
"You don't have to do that."
Our conversation were interrupted when Min Yun coughed.
"You are being touchy. " Min Yun said and pulled Ji Han away from me.
I laughed. "I don't know what will happen to me if you were not here guys. I owe you a lot. " I appreciate the things that they do to me. Especially Min Yun for being so understanding and caring.
"Where is the king?" Ji Han asked.
"He left. He needs to rest." Min Yun answered.
"I want to visit him later if I am allowed to go out the clinic. I want to personally thank him."
"He will surely ask you about the incident."
"I know."
"That's what I am curious about. How come you were there during the incident?" Ji Han asked.
I looked at Min Yun. "It was just a coincidence." I said.
"Since you came here in the palace, you always involve yourself with the king. "
"Maybe it is my calling."
"Right. It is our calling to protect the king. "Ji Han said.
"The king only have us. We should help him fight Kim Man Shik at all cost."
"Do you think this incident was Kim Man Shik's plan?"- Ji Han
"Yes. By the way Min Yun, did the culprit already tell something?" I looked at Min Yun.
"I just came there. The soldier told me that he was not talking."-Ji Han
"He is suppose to be our evidence to turn down Kim Man Shik."
"A loyal dog will never talk even if you kill him." -Min Yun.
He is right. Kim Man Shik will do whatever he wants. He has power. He has everything. While the king is all alone by himself. He took advantage of the situation. He fought while his opponent is weak.
"Can I visit the jail? I will talk to him. "
"In your condition? I will not let you." Min Yun disagree.
"This is an opportunity. We can have him as our witness. What if he will change his mind?"
"You don't know how cruel the world is. He killed so many innocent. He did it without remorse. Do you think in just a simple talk he will talk?"
"Let's interrogate him while punishing him. That's the way he will talk. I have already read this in the book."
"It is against the law."
"Kim Man Shik never think about the law. We have the king. He has the power to do what he wants. I'll talk to the king."
"You are not that fine." Min Yun's face show how worried he is.
"It is for the king's sake. "
He didn't respond. I get up on the bed.
"What are you doing?"-Min Yun.
"I need to go to the King's quarter."
"I will go and talk to him."-Min Yun.
"I will also explain to him about what had happened. "
"You can do that tomorrow. Your wound is still fresh." Min Yun insisted.
"Just let me go to him, please."
He didn't respond again. "Let's meet in my quarter again. Ji han please wait for me too."
Ji han just nodded. I walked fast to make sure Min Yun would not stop me. I know I have so many things to explain to the king but I have to ask him a favor to do what I am thinking. What if my way is effective? Atleast we tried.
I inhaled deeply when I arrived in the king's quarter. The head eunuch noticed me and he shouted to the king that I am here.
"Let her in." the king said.
The eunuch opened the door and I saw the king sitting while sipping his tea.
I bowed down to show respect to him. "Why are you here all of the sudden? Is your wound okay now?" he looked worried.
I sat on the floor while facing the king. "What happened yesterday might be Kim Man Shik's doing. The culprit is on the jail but he doesn't want to talk. I need your help."
"You've become interested in him."
"I think this is the opportunity to gather evidence to catch Kim Man Shik."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Let's punish him the hard way until he will talk."
"Where did you get that idea?"
"Min Yun told me that he will not just simply talk. Then I thought that he should be punish the hard way."
He nodded. "When should we do that?"
"Tonight. In an abandon area where no one will notice."
"Okay, but in one condition."
I nodded.
"Answer everything I will asked. "
There is a hesitation on my face but I know this moment will come.
I nodded.
"You lied to me yesterday that you don't want to go to the lake."
"Did you follow me?"
"Yes."
I sighed. " I'm sorry."
"Did you know that incident would happen?"
I shrugged. " I am not a fortune teller" I lied.
"How come you know what will happen on the lake? Did you purposely tell me that you will not go just for me not to be involved in the incident?"
"I really don't know that it will happen."
"But why did you lie to me?"
"I just wanted to be alone."
"Since when we were at the library, you were bothered. "
"I can't even say no to you that's why."
"Is it just really a coincidence?"
I didn't respond. Looking at him now made me nervous a bit. I don't know what to tell and how to explain it. Every reason I have has blackhole.
"Thank you for saving me yesterday." I changed the topic.
"If I didn't follow you, I won't be able to save you. "
"I'm sorry again, your majesty."
"I won't let the future Queen die."
I looked at his eyes. It is full of hope. A hope that should never fade.
I sighed. Now I know the reason why I am here. I need to help the king. I need to protect him from the people who wished his death.