In a fit of intense anger, Ga Ram exclaimed, "How could you be frightened of him? He's just a beggar!"
Hyun Jung timidly replied, "He didn't seem like someone from a lower class."
Ga Ram, struggling to control his anger, inquired, "And how do you know that?"
Hyun Jung, trembling, stammered, "His aura."
Ga Ram burst into laughter, turned his back, then abruptly spun around to deliver a hard slap to Hyun Jung. Recovering swiftly, Hyun Jung stood tall before Ga Ram.
With gritted teeth, Ga Ram brought his face close to Hyun Jung, mocking, "So you cowered because of his aura and returned without a fight? I never thought I had such a coward among my people."
Turning away, Ga Ram glanced at the intricately embroidered wall behind his bed, overlooking the table adorned with tea cups and sweets.
"Look into him" he commanded Hyun Jung, who promptly bowed and replied, "Yes." Hyun Jung then exited Ga Ram's chambers.
***o***
In Hyuk, feeling jittery, approached Him Chan, who was carefully stacking stones onto the Stone Tower under big Tree. He nervously asked, "Why did you call for me?"
Him Chan paused, gazing at the tower now standing significantly taller.
"Look at this tower. It's much higher now. That indicates Seulgi has grown stronger since we began building this Stone Tower," he explained, turning to In Hyuk after placing another stone.
As their hair swayed in the wind, In Hyuk's anxiety intensified. Worried thoughts flooded his mind, "Is he going to ask me to leave the Village?"
"Thank you," Him Chan expressed his gratitude, looking at In Hyuk, "Thank you for saving Seulgi."
In Hyuk met Him Chan's gaze, uncertain of what would come next.
Eventually, Him Chan sighed, "I appreciate that you rescued Seulgi, but," he turned to face the sea, "it wasn't the safest way to save her. It could jeopardize the safety of all the Villagers."
Understanding the gravity of the situation, In Hyuk clasped his hands behind his back and joined Him Chan in staring out at the sea. Him Chan turned to him again, and In Hyuk, lowered his head.
Him Chan said "I know there was no other option to save Seulgi. I want to be selfish and admit I'm happy you saved her. But she's not the only one who need to be saved. You understand what I mean, right?"
A guilt-laden In Hyuk replied softly, "Yes, I understand it very well."
***o***
As the dry season continued for an extended period, the famine in the area worsened. Both animals and humans in the nearby villages began dying because of hunger.
Jeong Hui urgently conveyed In Hyuk, "Please refrain from visiting the store as there are no customers. Look into another job. I'll be heading to another village to provide free medical treatment for those in need."
In Hyuk faced a dilemma, compelled to search for and sell herbs in the market alongside Jiho. The challenge lay in the scarcity of herbs in the forested mountains, exacerbated by the dry season, making these valuable resources even harder to come by. Consequently, the market witnessed a surge in herb prices.
After weeks of persistent efforts, In Hyuk finally discovered some herbs and headed to the market to sell them, accompanied by Jiho and Seulgi. Anxious to make a quick transaction, In Hyuk urged Seulgi and Jiho to focus and not dawdle in the bustling market.
Seulgi struck with a sudden realization, exclaimed, "Oh no! I need to buy medicine for Grandfather!" Her distress evident, she placed her hands on her head and turned to In Hyuk, who was on the verge of frustration.
Calmly, In Hyuk reminded her, "We already visited the medical shop earlier."
Undeterred, Seulgi grabbed Jiho's hand and hurried towards the medical store, reassuring In Hyuk, "It won't take long."
Left alone, In Hyuk strolled down a quiet alley ,seeking refuge in the shade as he patiently awaited Seulgi's return.
A whisper echoed through the dimly lit room.
"Ensure that rice bags are discreetly concealed and retrieve them punctually. If anyone knows that we are aiding Park Ga Eun in exporting rice out of the country, we face the risk of merciless execution by the King."
Upon hearing someone mention this, In Hyuk swiftly stood up, peeking through the door gap to see a person adorned in royal garments with a gat on his head. He turned away, heading towards the door. In Hyuk hurriedly left the area, taking cover at the street intersection.
Following the Royal's departure, In Hyuk discreetly trailed him to a tea house near Park Ga Eun's mansion. He entered the establishment, choosing a table opposite and at a distance from the royal figure.
He kept his eyes on the Royal continuously observing him. The Royal kept talking to others sitting beside him. Unable to notice that someone is keeping him in observation.
After night falls, the Royal gestured his mans sitting on the other tables to come out. He stood up and lead the way for his mans.
In Hyuk took his sword from table and followed them from behind. He put a cloth veil on his face in case he gets noticed by them.
In Hyuk stands far and watch them entering the Park Ga Eun mansion. In Hyuk fearlessly jumped over the wall and hid behind the plants to observe them . His heart raced as he was suspecting Park Ga Eun doing such a cruel act as a minister of defence. And his suspect came true .
"Ho Jun , Do a good job and don't get caught by anyone" said Park Ga Eun as he pated Ho Jun (The royal In Hyuk was following)
Ho Jun replied bowing " Yes , I understand. Please trust me. It's not even the first time."
Ho Jun instructed his man who were loading rice sacks on carriage " be careful with the sacks while loading it"
In Hyuk eyes got moist while witnessing this. Thousands of emotions surged through his chest.
"How could he transport the rice out of country just for a few pennies, When his own people are dying of hunger" he thought.
(As the dry season spread around the prices of rice rose hugely in foreign markets. Park Ga Eun was exporting rice to the foreign markets secretly to get more money)
"Remember we are going through The Heomhan road." Instructed Ho Jun.
In Hyuk swiftly climbed over the wall and emerged on the other side. He felt like everything was falling apart around him, like world was crumbling upon him.
His breath quickened, an involuntary response to the tumultuous surge of emotions within him. It was as if an internal tempest threatened to rupture the calm surface of his composure, each inhale a frantic attempt to contain the impending explosion of feelings.
Unable to contain his anger. He hopped on a horse, headed to Heomhan road, and concealed himself behind bushes, waiting for the carriage.
The distant sounds drew his attention, so he wore a cloth mask, focused on the approaching carriage and guards.
As it neared, In Hyuk stepped out confidently, standing tall in front of the carriage.
Ho Jun and guards took out their swords quickly. Ho Jun pointing his sword to In Hyuk taking slow step toward him asked "Who are you"
In Hyuk who was holding his sword on one side as he looked at Ho Jun said " Your Demise"
In Hyuk bending to attack Ho Jun, quickly swung his sword at Ho Jun, cutting through his chest. Ho Jun couldn't defend himself in time. Ho Jun's blood splashed on In Hyuk's face in seconds, leaving him no time to defend.
More than twenty guards, frightened, attacked simultaneously. In Hyuk, well-trained for war as the future King of Silla, skilfully defended himself by swiftly cutting through their necks and chests.
Pushing three guards aside, he sensed a sword approaching, bends down to avoid it, and in the next second, took down its owner by cutting through his flesh.
In Hyuk in the blink of an eye, took down all his opponents. He stood straight as his sword pierced through the last guard standing, his face covered with blood, Sad dazed eyes as he took down his last opponent.
In Hyuk cast a sombre glance over the lifeless forms Uttering, "It's the price you had to pay"
Returning home, weary and burdened, Jiho was sleeping already. He burned his clothes which were stained with blood. Cleaned his body.
He tried to go to sleep. However, thoughts about the mysterious person behind the sinister deal kept him wide awake.
"He wasn't in need of money, so why would he do such a thing? He's not a human; he's a monster," countless thoughts raced through In Hyuk's mind.
"I need to look into him," he thought, as the cruel smile of Park Ga Eun ran through his head.
In Hyuk couldn't help but think of killing him thousands of times. He, who had been helping others bury the bodies of people who died of hunger, felt it was unfair and ruthless.