In the depths of the palace, in a room shrouded in darkness, a solitary figure sat at a small, worn desk. The only light came from a flickering candle, casting long, ominous shadows on the walls. The figure's face remained hidden, obscured by the hood of a cloak. The sound of a quill scratching against parchment broke the silence.
The spy paused, listening for any sounds from the hallway. Assured of their solitude, they resumed writing, the urgency of their message evident in the hurried strokes of the quill.
******
To BM
The target, Ji-hoon, has returned to the Kwon sect. The reception was overwhelming, indicating her strong influence and the deep affection the people hold for her. She is currently residing within the palace, under the watchful eye of Master Hae Tae-kwon.
The plan to proceed with her assassination needs careful reconsideration. Ji-hoon is not only beloved but also well-guarded. Any attempt on her life will undoubtedly lead to severe repercussions and potentially expose our network.
However, her presence here poses a significant threat to our objectives. She is highly respected, and her influence could rally the Kwon sect against us. Delaying her elimination could allow her to fortify her position, making it even more challenging to achieve our goals.
I seek your guidance on how to proceed. Should we continue with the assassination as planned, despite the heightened risks? Or do we alter our strategy, perhaps finding a way to undermine her influence before striking?
Your swift response is crucial. The longer we wait, the more time she has to strengthen her ties with the Kwon sect. I will remain embedded within her entourage, gathering more information and awaiting your instructions.
Yours faithfully
******
The spy carefully folded the letter, sealing it with wax imprinted with a discreet, unassuming emblem. They extinguished the candle, plunging the room back into complete darkness. Silently, they moved to a hidden compartment in the wall, placing the letter inside.
As the figure slipped out of the room, they vanished into the shadows, leaving no trace of their presence. The fate of Ji-hoon now rested in the hands of a distant, unseen master.
******
Days later, under the cover of night, the spy received the anticipated reply. Slipping away from the bustling activities of the palace, they retreated to the same dark room where they had penned their initial letter. The room was as still and silent as before, a sanctuary for their clandestine activities.
With deliberate, cautious movements, the spy retrieved the letter from its hidden compartment. The seal was unmistakable—BM's insignia, a cryptic mark only recognized by those within the inner circle. The spy broke the seal and unfolded the parchment, holding it close to the dim light of a newly lit candle.
******
The situation is understood, but the directive remains unchanged. The target, Ji-hoon, must be eliminated as planned. Her influence and potential to disrupt our objectives are too great to ignore. Delaying will only strengthen her position, making our task more difficult.
Proceed with the assassination. Ensure it is done discreetly to avoid immediate suspicion and retaliation. We cannot afford failure.
BM
******
The spy's heart raced as they read the brief but decisive instructions. There was no room for hesitation or doubt—failure was not an option. They had a duty to fulfill, one that could change the course of events drastically.
Carefully, the spy burned the letter, watching the flames consume the parchment until nothing but ashes remained. The die was cast. They extinguished the candle and exited the room, their mind already calculating the next steps.
In the dead of night, as the palace slept, the wheels of fate turned ever so quietly. The mission to eliminate Ji-hoon would proceed, and the spy steeled themselves for the task ahead, knowing that the future of their cause depended on their success.
******
The moon hung low in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the bustling party below. Laughter and music filled the air as the guests of the palace reveled in celebration. Amid the lively festivities, a shadow moved silently across the rooftops, blending seamlessly with the night. The spy, dressed in all black, found his vantage point and settled on the edge of the roof, surveying the scene below with keen eyes.
He pulled out an old-fashioned pair of binoculars, their worn edges a testament to their frequent use. He adjusted the focus, zeroing in on his target. Ji-hoon, the Crown Princess of Arandal, was the center of attention, her radiant smile masking the turmoil and danger that surrounded her.
The spy's gaze shifted to a maid weaving her way through the crowd, a tray in hand. The maid approached Ji-hoon, her movements deliberate yet unobtrusive. On the tray was a cup of wine, its contents tainted with a deadly poison. The spy watched intently as the maid reached Ji-hoon and offered the drink. Ji-hoon, however, didn't immediately drink it. Instead, she picked at the side dishes on the table, prolonging the moment of suspense.
The spy's hand moved to the bow strapped to his back, fingers brushing against the quiver of arrows. If the poisoning failed, he was the backup plan. He would have to shoot Ji-hoon from his rooftop perch, a task requiring both precision and stealth. As he prepared his bow, he glanced through the binoculars once more to check her position.
Just as Ji-hoon lifted the cup to her lips, she was jostled by a passing guest. The wine spilled, splashing across the table and onto the floor. The spy cursed under his breath, his plan thwarted for the moment. He nocked an arrow, drawing it back smoothly as he adjusted his aim.
Before releasing, he decided to check her position one last time with the binoculars. To his shock, he found Ji-hoon staring straight at him. Her eyes, sharp and unyielding, met his through the lenses. A chill ran down his spine; she had seen him. How had she known?
"Abort mission," he whispered urgently into the small communication device attached to his collar. Two shadows behind him, his accomplices, nodded and began to retreat, their movements swift and silent.
The spy remained still for a moment longer, his mind racing. Ji-hoon continued to watch him, her expression unreadable. He knew that his cover was blown and that lingering any longer would mean capture or death.
With a final glance at Ji-hoon, he melted back into the darkness, his form disappearing from the rooftop. The mission had failed, but the game was far from over. Ji-hoon was more formidable than he had anticipated, and now, he had to report this back to BM and await further instructions.
As the spy vanished into the night, Ji-hoon lowered her gaze, a slight smile playing on her lips. She had been aware of the threat and had deftly turned the tables. The party continued, oblivious to the deadly dance that had just unfolded above their heads.