Ga Ram scanned the area, unable to spot his father. Turning to Hyun Jung, he inquired, "Where's Father? I can't find him."
With a puzzled expression, Hyun Jung responded, "I've been trying to put out the fire. I haven't seen the Master."
Worried, Ga Ram headed to Park Ga Eun's room, wondering if his father had already left for home. Entering, he called out, "Father." His heart sank when he found his father lying on the ground, covered in blood. Shocked, he urgently shouted for help, "Someone, help Father! Call the physician!"
He rushed to his father. His hands trembled as he cradled his father's large form, tears streaming down his face. Unaware of his father's death, he desperately called for him to open his eyes.
Others entered the room, they were met with a shocking scene. Hyun Jung quickly assessed his condition, sinking back in despair. He exchanged a solemn look with Ga Ram, who continued to plead for his father to awaken.
The entire nation was abuzz with shock following the murder of the Minister of Defence. People pondered who would dare to commit such a crime.
The next morning, In Hyuk and Jiho assisted Him Chan with farming, preparing soil for sowing crops. Seulgi, too, lent a hand to her grandfather.
Exhausted, Seulgi sat down and, while gently brushing soil off her hand, mused, "Who could have killed him? He was a state minister."
Him Chan, gathering garbage from the soil, responded, "He was ruthless; he must have had many enemies."
In Hyuk added calmly, "His rivals must have murdered him. Power struggles are common among them."
Although In Hyuk's observation was accurate, openly killing a powerful figure like the minister seemed unlikely. Jiho, not paying much attention, interrupted excitedly, "Look, I found another beautiful stone!" and showed it to them.
In Hyuk smiled, saying, "Ji Sung, focus on the work instead of searching for stones."
Seulgi teased, "It's as if he's never seen stones like these before."
In Hyuk and Jiho exchanged a denying glance. In Hyuk explained, "It's our first time farming."
Seulgi, impressed by their skills, remarked, "Then why are you so adept at it?"
Jiho, collecting his stones, dismissed it, saying, "It's not a big deal."
Seulgi, with a little frame, asked "Are you laughing at me?"
Jiho nodded playfully, and she grabbed a stick, chasing him while laughing. In Hyuk and Him Chan chuckled at the playful scene, with In Hyuk shaking his head at their childish antics.
Ga Ram, looking pale and lost, entered the inspection room.
"Have you arrived, young master?" inquired Royal Investigator Jong Dae, sporting long curly hair and brown eyes while clad in the uniform of royal investigators.
Sitting down, Ga Ram asked in a solemn voice, "Did you find out something?"
"Unfortunately, we still have not obtained anything. All the maids and servants deny seeing anyone suspicious. If someone in power ordered this murder, they would have erased all traces and clues," replied Investigator Jong Dae, taking a seat in front of Ga Ram.
A messenger entered, bowing, "Young Master, His Majesty has requested your visit," informing Ga Ram, who stood up, exited, and headed to the Palace.
Entering the court alone, Hyun Jung and other servants waited outside. King Park Dae Jung, adorned in the crown and regal attire with an embroidered dragon, symbolizing the King's robe, sat on the throne. A Royal Eunuch stood by his side.
Kneeling and bowing, Ga Ram asked, "Your Majesty, have you called for me?"
The King, in his grace, responded, "I have investigated your father's death but couldn't find the culprit. I can't guess who dared to harm my people and for what purpose. Regardless, you should take over your father's seat, so no one else tries to seize it. Don't worry I will continue investigating your father's death."
Gesturing to Ga Ram, the King continued, "You need more power to look into this matter, don't you agree?"
"You are right, Your Majesty," Ga Ram replied, bowing to the King.
In the next court session, officials stood before the King, who was seated on the throne. After discussing matters, a messenger stepped forward.
"Park Ga Ram, accept the Royal Decree," directed the messenger. Ga Ram, instructed to attend court matters, stepped forward.
"I will accept the Royal Decree," affirmed Ga Ram.
The messenger read the decree: " Park Ga Ram, you are appointed as the next Defence Minister of Baekje. Accept the Royal command and serve the nation with all your might."
Ga Ram took the decree, bowed, and knelt in front of the King, saying, "I am grateful, Your Majesty."
Despite the displeasure among officials for appointing Ga Ram as defence minister at such a young age, none dared to speak against it, fearing the label of traitors in this delicate situation.
Ga Ram's face wore a blank expression, his psyche haunted by the tragic demise of his father. Accustomed to his father's guidance, he now found himself grappling to make sense of situations, merely following others' lead for the time being.
Jiho and Seulgi strolled through the market.
"Slow down," Jiho urged Seulgi, who briskly walked ahead.
"Come quickly," Seulgi replied, forging ahead. They noticed a gathering around the market bulletin board, and Seulgi navigated through the crowd, with Jiho following.
"The test for the Prison Guards job is in two days at Muran Pavilion. Bring your name tags to participate," Seulgi read aloud before swiftly leaving the crowd. Jiho, however, got caught in the commotion and stumbled.
"Thud," Seulgi looked back, chuckled at Jiho, and teased, "Are you a kid?"
Brushing off the dust, Jiho stood up with a sulky expression. "I'll apply to be a guard," he declared.
Seulgi glanced at him sceptically. "With this? You think you can apply for the job?"
"Why not? I'm physically fit," Jiho argued.
"Having good physique isn't enough. You need the spirit to be a prison guard," Seulgi explained, walking ahead. "You're too soft; you won't make it."
"Are you looking down on me? Just wait; I'll complain to Uncle Him Chan," Jiho retorted.
Seulgi clicked her tongue and continued walking.
At night, In Hyuk was writing appeals for villagers whose lands were confiscated by royals. Jiho entered the room with a food tray; his hands slipped, causing a bowl to fall.
In Hyuk looked at Jiho, smiling warmly. "Why am I like that?" Jiho said frustrated. "today I fell in the market too."
"Did you get hurt?" In Hyuk asked worriedly, setting aside papers and brushes.
"I'm not hurt, just fell in the crowd," Jiho replied, arranging the meal. "Oh right, I want to participate in the prison guard jobs test."
"Prison guards?" In Hyuk asked curiously, spoon in hand.
"Yes, they're holding a test," Jiho explained, taking the first bite. "I'll participate."
"Don't," In Hyuk said decisively. "I'll participate instead."
Jiho questioned, "Why? You can find work in the market. I'll take the test."
In Hyuk explained, "You know the nature of the job. It's dangerous for you, and finding work in the market isn't easy nowadays."
"And it's not dangerous for you?" Jiho retorted.
"Of course, it is," In Hyuk admitted. "But I've been working in the market. I have a vague idea of how things work."
Jiho, sulking, said, "Why do I feel like you're looking down at me?"
In Hyuk put down his spoon, patting Jiho. "I'm not looking down at you; I'm just worried about you."
Next day, In Hyuk registered his name in the office for the test. He was not worried about his fake identity because, due to famine, there were a lot of people whose names were not registered.
After one day, In Hyuk walked to Muran Pavilion where the test was held. All the participants stood in line and waited for their turns.
"Participant Number twenty," called the officer to confirm In Hyuk's number. He was standing in front of the line and received his name tag made of wood with his name carved on it. In Hyuk promisingly took first place in almost all of the tests.
"You've been chosen as a prison guard! Head to Ungjin Prison tomorrow , get your uniform, and we'll explain your duties," announced the officer to the final group of selected guards, including In Hyuk, who stood in a straight line before him.
Once In Hyuk returned home, Jiho eagerly awaited him.
Bursting with curiosity, Jiho bombarded In Hyuk with questions. "How was the test? Did you pass? Was it tough?"
In Hyuk grinned warmly and shared the good news, "Yes, I got the job. I'll be working at Ungjin Prison."
Jiho couldn't contain his excitement and hugged In Hyuk, who responded with a reassuring pat and a bright smile.
Jiho, still wrapped up in the thrill of the moment, exclaimed, "Now we can enjoy more meals, buy more clothes, and get ourselves more things!" Jiho's slightly immature side showed, but it didn't matter much because In Hyuk was always there to take care of him.