In response, In Hyuk nodded, took a deep breath, and clenched his hands with determination. He observed the men dispersing in different directions.
It brought back memories of hunting with his father, King Kim Jung Hoon. Royal guards sprinted through the forest, tracking the trail of King Kim Jung Hoon and Crown Prince In Hyuk on horseback. The horses galloped amid the trees, chasing a deer and cornering it.
In Hyuk was still thinking about that and saw a deer running toward the cave. He received the signal from Him Chan as he whistled .
Hyuk gripped his bow, dashing towards the deer. Swiftly drawing an arrow from his makeshift wooden and cloth quiver, he leaped over rocks, his hair dancing in the wind as he turned to aim at the deer weaving through the trees. With a determined pull, the arrow shot from the bow, finding its mark in the deer's neck. The leaves whispered as the hefty form of the deer crumpled to the ground with a resounding thud.
Everyone rushed to the spot where the deer had fallen. In Hyuk joined them, earning admiring glances from the others. Him Chan, however, eyed him suspiciously, a look In Hyuk skilfully evaded.
Together, they lifted the deer and retraced their steps.
"Let's go quickly before the sun sets," urged Him Chan, leading the way with the two men carrying the deer close behind.
The village buzzed with a festive spirit as they paraded the deer. Excited children cheered, and a sense of happiness filled the air. The anticipation of a meaty meal after days of hunger heightened the joy. By the time they returned, night had already fallen.
Worried about Jiho, In Hyuk swiftly entered the hut. Jiho was asleep, and Seulgi sat nearby.
In Hyuk set down his bow and arrow, then headed to Jiho's bed.
"How is he?"
"Did you catch something?"
In Hyuk and Seulgi simultaneously inquired. In Hyuk nodded and said, "Yes, but only one."
Seulgi, while rising and putting aside the clothes she was sewing and the needle, remarked, "It's better than coming back empty-handed. Ji Sung has taken medicine, and he is resting again. His fever is gone."
In Hyuk sat down beside Jiho, and Seulgi left the room. All he wished for at the moment was Jiho's well-being. As he continued to gaze at Jiho, his eyes grew drowsy. He opened his bedding and went to sleep.
Later, In Hyuk and Jiho woke up to the voices of Him Chan and Seulgi. In Hyuk got up, wrapped his bedding, and, while setting it aside, glanced at Jiho. He folded Jiho's blanket and made space for food. Da Som entered the hut with wooden spoons.
While dining, Him Chan watched In Hyuk intently, lost in contemplation.
"Thanks for capturing the deer. Your skills are impressive. We can enjoy meat thanks to you," Him Chan said, eyeing In Hyuk suspiciously.
In Hyuk dismissed his comments, saying, "Oh, it's just that I've gone hunting with my master many times." His heart raced nervously.
After finishing their meal, Da Som and Seulgi began cleaning up.
Him Chan asked In Hyuk while looking at Jiho "Lets Go for a walk"
In Hyuk felt his gaze on Jiho threatening. He was ready to take down anyone who could harm Jiho. He grabbed his sword and came out following Him Chan.
Him Chan was walking to the secluded spot with a huge tree standing in their way. There were a lot of talisman hanging from the tree. It looked like a tree used for some rituals. In Hyuk slowly followed him. Looking at Him Chan from the back he thought "What are his intentions? Do I need to go back to Jiho?"
He Whispered, " Don't make me see blood"
Him Chan turned around and asked " What? What did you say"
In Hyuk nodded his head in denial " Nothing, I was just amazed that the tree is really huge."
They have arrived under the tree . They stood beneath the tree. Him Chan gazed at its sprawling branches, feeling a sense of strength.
"I've watched this tree grow for years. Now, as we age together," he closed his eyes. Inhaling deeply, " But I can not be rest assured because of my granddaughter Seulgi. I don't want to lose her like my daughter. I just wish that she would be able to protect herself from all the dangers ."
Then he turned toward In Hyuk, who was nervously looking at him and trying to understand this situation.
"I know you're not one of us," stated Him Chan confidently.
In Hyuk took two steps back, hand moving forward, revealing the sword he was holding behind his back.
"What do you mean?" asked In Hyuk.
"You're not part of no rank Class. You're of royal descent—the way you speak and your martial arts!" Him Chan replied.
"I've explained myself," In Hyuk said briefly, trying to gauge how much Him Chan knew or if he was merely speculating.
"Just see your reaction," Him Chan said, picking up some stones to build a stone tower.
While piling up stones "I will keep it a secret, But I have a condition." He said. Then he got up and approached In Hyuk as In Hyuk increase his grip on the Sword.
"Teach Seulgi" a pause "Martial arts. To protect herself, She needs to be stronger. Teach her until this stone tower is completed" said Him Chan pointing to the Stone tower base he just made.
On this In Hyuk loosen his grip on the sword. "Are you threatening… ..
Him Chan interrupt "I am not. I'm just asking you for a favour. But if you deny , then maybe it will become a threat" said Him Chan as Smile disappeared from his face.
"Nothing good will come out of getting marked by him. For now let's figure out the depth of matter" In Hyuk thought.
"Sure, But I don't know a lot about martial arts. I will teach her whatever I know. And it's up to her if she can learn or not" said In Hyuk firmly.
"Thank you, don't be afraid, I will not get anything from disclosing your identity" Him Chan left after saying that. But In Hyuk couldn't believe him and looked at him with suspicious from behind as Him Chan headed home.
In the morning, In Hyuk bathed Jiho, gently cleaning his back with a wet cloth to avoid any irritation to his wounds. In Hyuk assisted Jiho in changing clothes, and as he tied Jiho's hair, the doctor entered the hut to examine him. The doctor applied medicine and changed the bandage, noting an improvement in Jiho's wounds.
While gathering his belongings, Jeong Hui said, "Come to the shop today. I'm heading to the market. You need to buy medicine for him. Let's go together," and closed his bag.
In Hyuk replied, "Yes."
After Jeong Hui left, Jiho asked In Hyuk, "Are you working for him?"
In Hyuk sits down near Jiho "mmm ,he offered me to work for him. We need to get our own place."
"Are you feeling better" asked In Hyuk.
Jiho "Yes , But I am tired of sleeping all day long. I want to go out"
In Hyuk suggested " how about going out for a walk"
Jiho excitedly " Yes , I want to go out."
In Hyuk supported him to get up " But are you sure, you can walk"
"Yes I can" replied Jiho. In Hyuk smile warmly at him. He took Jiho to Big tree. Jiho sat down on a big stone and looked at the sea waves in front of him. He closed his eyes and his hairs fluttered in air.
"It's so refreshing" said Jiho inhaling air as he took a deep breath.
In Hyuk looked at him warmly. "Then get better soon, So that you can come here every day and walk freely"
***o***
Jeong Hui presented In Hyuk with a new set of silk clothes, stating, "Its your uniform, Royal people hate dirty clothes. You need to wear them."
Leading the way, Jeong Hui galloped on his horse, with In Hyuk closely following on his own.
While searching for medicine in the market, they heard loud screams, indicating someone in pain. In Hyuk glanced to his right, where the voices emanated.
A young royal in his twenties in blue silk robe with prominent features and short hair tied coming down his shoulders was ruthlessly beating a merchant. After a prolonged beating, the royal turned and surveyed the onlookers, who averted their gaze, including In Hyuk.
Once everyone departed, the motionless merchant remained on the ground. In Hyuk briefly observed him before diverting his attention, joining Jeong Hui inside the shop.
Jeong Hui peered out of the window, observing the merchant. Someone pulled him aside to clear the way, prompting Jeong Hui to swiftly exit the shop. In Hyuk followed closely.
Jeong Hui took a circuitous route to approach the merchant from another street, concealing his face with a cloth that left only his eyes visible. In Hyuk mirrored his actions without hesitation.
After pulling the merchant to the side, wrapping him in a cloth, and hoisting him onto his shoulder, Jeong Hui quickly exited the area. Approaching the horses, he handed the merchant to In Hyuk, "Take him with you and go ahead. I'll search for medicine. Take him to my house," he instructed before Turning and walking away.
In Hyuk, removing his mask, watched him confidently stride towards the market.